Broad-scale sampling of primary freshwater fish populations reveals the role of intrinsic traits, inter-basin connectivity, drainage area and latitude on shaping contemporary patterns of genetic diversity

Background. Worldwide predictions suggest that up to 75% of the freshwater fish species occurring in rivers with reduced discharge could be extinct by 2070 due to the combined effect of climate change and water abstraction. The Mediterranean region is considered to be a hotspot of freshwater fish diversity but also one of the regions where the effects of climate change will be more severe. Iberian cyprinids are currently highly endangered, with over 68% of the species raising some level of conservation concern. Methods. During the FISHATLAS project, the Portuguese hydrographical network was extensively covered (all the 34 river basins and 47 sub-basins) in order to contribute with valuable data on the genetic diversity distribution patterns of native cyprinid species. A total of 188 populations belonging to 16 cyprinid species of Squalius, Luciobarbus, Achondrostoma, Iberochondrostoma, Anaecypris and Pseudochondrostoma were characterized, for a total of 3,678 cytochrome b gene sequences. Results. When the genetic diversity of these populations was mapped, it highlighted differences among populations from the same species and between species with identical distribution areas. Factors shaping the contemporary patterns of genetic diversity were explored and the results revealed the role of latitude, inter-basin connectivity, migratory behaviour, species maximum size, species range and other species intrinsic traits in determining the genetic diversity of sampled populations. Contrastingly, drainage area and hydrological regime (permanent vs. temporary) seem to have no significant effect on genetic diversity. Species intrinsic traits, maximum size attained, inter-basin connectivity and latitude explained over 30% of the haplotype diversity variance and, generally, the levels of diversity were significantly higher for smaller sized species, from connected and southerly river basins. Discussion. Targeting multiple co-distributed species of primary freshwater fish allowed us to assess the relative role of historical versus contemporary factors affecting genetic diversity. Since different patterns were detected for species with identical distribution areas we postulate that contemporary determinants of genetic diversity (species' intrinsic traits and landscape features) must have played a more significant role than historical factors. Implications for conservation in a context of climate change and highly disturbed habitats are detailed, namely the need to focus management and conservation actions on intraspecific genetic data and to frequently conduct combined genetic and demographic surveys.

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Potential contribution of fish restocking to the recovery of deteriorated coral reefs: an alternative restoration method?

Counteracting the worldwide trend of coral reef degeneration is a major challenge for the scientific community. A crucial management approach to minimizing stress effects on healthy reefs and helping the recovery of disturbed reefs is reef protection. However, the current rapid decline of the world's reefs suggests that protection might be insufficient as a viable stand-alone management approach for some reefs. We thus suggest that the ecological restoration of coral reefs (CRR) should be considered as a valid component of coral reef management, in addition to protection, if the applied method is economically applicable and scalable. This theoretical study examines the potential applicability and outcomes of restocking grazers as a restoration tool for coral reef recovery—a tool that has not been applied so far in reef restoration projects. We studied the effect of restocking grazing fish as a restoration method using a mathematical model of degrading reefs, and analyzed the financial outcomes of the restocking intervention. The results suggest that applying this restoration method, in addition to protection, can facilitate reef recovery. Moreover, our analysis suggests that the restocking approach almost always becomes profitable within several years. Considering the relatively low cost of this restoration approach and the feasibility of mass production of herbivorous fish, we suggest that this approach should be considered and examined as an additional viable restoration tool for coral reefs.

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Identifying key conservation threats to Alpine birds through expert knowledge

Alpine biodiversity is subject to a range of increasing threats, but the scarcity of data for many taxa means that it is difficult to assess the level and likely future impact of a given threat. Expert opinion can be a useful tool to address knowledge gaps in the absence of adequate data. Experts with experience in Alpine ecology were approached to rank threat levels for 69 Alpine bird species over the next 50 years for the whole European Alps in relation to ten categories: land abandonment, climate change, renewable energy, fire, forestry practices, grazing practices, hunting, leisure, mining and urbanization. There was a high degree of concordance in ranking of perceived threats among experts for most threat categories. The major overall perceived threats to Alpine birds identified through expert knowledge were land abandonment, urbanization, leisure and forestry, although other perceived threats were ranked highly for particular species groups (renewable energy and hunting for raptors, hunting for gamebirds). For groups of species defined according to their breeding habitat, open habitat species and treeline species were perceived as the most threatened. A spatial risk assessment tool based on summed scores for the whole community showed threat levels were highest for bird communities of the northern and western Alps. Development of the approaches given in this paper, including addressing biases in the selection of experts and adopting a more detailed ranking procedure, could prove useful in the future in identifying future threats, and in carrying out risk assessments based on levels of threat to the whole bird community.

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A hierarchical model of daily stream temperature using air-water temperature synchronization, autocorrelation, and time lags

Water temperature is a primary driver of stream ecosystems and commonly forms the basis of stream classifications. Robust models of stream temperature are critical as the climate changes, but estimating daily stream temperature poses several important challenges. We developed a statistical model that accounts for many challenges that can make stream temperature estimation difficult. Our model identifies the yearly period when air and water temperature are synchronized, accommodates hysteresis, incorporates time lags, deals with missing data and autocorrelation and can include external drivers. In a small stream network, the model performed well (RMSE = 0.59°C), identified a clear warming trend (0.63 °C decade−1) and a widening of the synchronized period (29 d decade−1). We also carefully evaluated how missing data influenced predictions. Missing data within a year had a small effect on performance (∼0.05% average drop in RMSE with 10% fewer days with data). Missing all data for a year decreased performance (∼0.6 °C jump in RMSE), but this decrease was moderated when data were available from other streams in the network.

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Long-term risk of gastrointestinal cancers in persons with gastric or duodenal ulcers

Abstract

Peptic ulcer predicts gastric cancer. It is controversial if peptic ulcers predict other gastrointestinal cancers, potentially related to Helicobacter pylori or shared lifestyle factors. We hypothesized that gastric and duodenal ulcers may have different impact on the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. In a nationwide cohort study using Danish medical databases 1994–2013, we quantified the risk of gastric and other gastrointestinal cancers among patients with duodenal ulcers (dominantly H. pylori-related) and gastric ulcers (dominantly lifestyle-related) compared with the general population. We started follow-up 1-year after ulcer diagnosis to avoid detection bias and calculated absolute risks of cancer and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). We identified 54,565 patients with gastric ulcers and 38,576 patients with duodenal ulcers. Patient characteristics were similar in the two cohorts. The 1–5-year risk of any gastrointestinal cancer was slightly higher for gastric ulcers patients (2.1%) than for duodenal ulcers patients (2.0%), and SIRs were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.31–1.44) and 1.30 (95% CI: 1.23–1.37), respectively. The SIR of gastric cancer was higher among patients with gastric ulcer than duodenal ulcer (1.92 vs. 1.38), while the SIRs for other gastrointestinal cancers were similar (1.33 vs. 1.29). Compared with gastric ulcer patients, duodenal ulcer patients were at lower risk of smoking- and alcohol-related gastrointestinal cancers. The risk of nongastric gastrointestinal cancers is increased both for patients with gastric ulcers and with duodenal ulcers, but absolute risks are low. H. pylori may be less important for the development of nongastric gastrointestinal cancer than hypothesized.

Patients with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer have an increased risk of all gastrointestinal cancers, compared with the general population. Site-specific absolute cancer risks were similarly low in both Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) cohorts, and the direction of the associations with both gastric and other GI cancers was consistent among patients with the two ulcer types.

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EphA4-deleted microenvironment regulates cancer development and leukemoid reaction of the isografted 4T1 murine breast cancer via reduction of an IGF1 signal

Abstract

EphA4 belongs to the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Although EphA4 is highly expressed in the central nervous system, EphA4 has also been implicated in cancer progression. Most of the studies focus on the expression and function in tumor cells. It is unknown whether EphA4-deleted microenvironment affects tumor progression. Some of cancers in animals and humans, such as 4T1 cancer cells, are known to produce a large amount of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF/Csf3) which can stimulate myeloproliferation, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) leading to a poor recipient prognosis. We isografted 4T1 breast cancer cells into both EphA4-knockout and control wild-type female littermate mice. The results showed that the EphA4-deleted host could inhibit primary tumor growth and tumor metastasis mainly by decreasing the amount of IGF1 synthesis in the circulation and locally tissues. The EphA4-deleted microenvironment and delayed tumor development reduced the production of G-CSF resulting in the decrease of splenomegaly and leukemoid reaction including MDSCs, which in turn inhibit the tumor progression. This inhibition can be reversed by supplying the mice with IGF1. However, an excess of IGF1 supply over demand to the control mice could not further accelerate the tumor growth and metastasis. A better understanding and re-evaluation of the main role of IGF1 in regulating tumor progression could further enhance our cognition of the tumor development niche. Our findings demonstrated that EphA4-deleted microenvironment impairs tumor-supporting conditions. Conclusion: Host EphA4 expression regulates cancer development mainly via EphA4-mediated IGF1 synthesis signal. Thus, targeting this signaling pathway may provide a potential therapeutic option for cancer treatment.

Host EphA4 expression regulates cancer development mainly via EphA4-mediated IGF1 synthesis signal. Thus, targeting this signaling pathway may provide a potential therapeutic option for cancer treatment.

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Laparoscopic surgery for patients with colorectal cancer produces better short-term outcomes with similar survival outcomes in elderly patients compared to open surgery

Abstract

The number of operations on elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has increased with the aging of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes in elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic or open surgery for CRC. We analyzed the data of 280 patients aged 80 or over who underwent surgery for CRC between January 2001 and December 2010. Seventy-one pairs were selected after propensity score matching for laparoscopic or open surgery. Operative time, return to normal bowel function, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and prognostic factors affecting survival were investigated. In matched cohorts, operative time in the laparoscopic group was longer than in the open group (P < 0.001). In the laparoscopic group, time to flatus passage (P < 0.001) and length of postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.037) were shorter than in the open group. The rate of operation-related morbidity was higher in the open group (P = 0.019). There was no difference in OS and RFS between two groups. This study suggests that laparoscopic surgery for CRC in elderly patients may be safe and feasible, with better short-term outcomes. OS and RFS, however, were not different in both groups.

In this study, laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly patients achieved better results than open surgery in terms of bowel function recovery, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Overall survival and recurrence-free survival following laparoscopic and open colorectal resections were similar in the elderly population. These findings indicate that laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly patients is safe and feasible, and should be considered as a treatment option.

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Body mass index and survival after diagnosis of invasive breast cancer: a study based on the Japanese National Clinical Database—Breast Cancer Registry

Abstract

Few studies have reported the association between body mass index (BMI) and outcome among Asian breast cancer patients. We analyzed data for 20,090 female invasive breast cancer patients who had been followed-up for a median period of 6.7 years entered in the National Clinical Database–Breast Cancer Registry between 2004 and 2006. We used mainly the WHO criteria for BMI (kg/m²) categories; <18.5 (underweight), ≥18.5–<21.8 (reference), ≥21.8–<25, ≥25–<30 (overweight), and ≥30 (obese). We divided normal weight patients into two subgroups because this category includes many patients compared to others. The timing of BMI measurement was not specified. The Cox proportional hazards model and cubic spline regression were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Smoking, alcohol, and physical activity were not controlled. A total of 1418 all-cause, 937 breast cancer–specific deaths, and 2433 recurrences were observed. Obesity was associated with an increased risk of all-cause (HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.16–1.83) and breast cancer–specific death (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.11–1.93) for all patients, and with all-cause (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.13–1.92) and breast cancer–specific death (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.13–2.20) for postmenopausal patients. Being underweight was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death for all (HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.16–1.71) and for postmenopausal patients (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.15–1.84). With regard to subtype and menopausal status, obesity was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer–specific death for all cases of luminal B tumor (HR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.51–4.43; P_{heterogeneity} of Luminal B vs. Triple negative = 0.016) and for postmenopausal patients with luminal B tumor (HR: 3.24; 95% CI: 1.71–6.17). Being obese or underweight is associated with a higher risk of death among female breast cancer patients in Japan.

Few studies have reported the association between body mass index and outcome among Asian breast cancer patients. We analyzed data for 20,090 female invasive breast cancer patients who had been followed up for a median period of 6.7 years (119,873.4 person years) entered in the National Clinical Database–Breast Cancer Registry between 2004 and 2006. The timing of body mass index (BMI) measurement was not specified. Being obese or underweight is associated with a higher risk of death among female breast cancer patients in Japan.

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MiR-24 enhances radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by targeting SP1

Abstract

Radioresistance remains a major problem in the treatment of patients suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A better understanding of the mechanisms of radioresistance may generate new strategies to improve NPC patients' responses to therapy. This study was designed to investigate the effect of microRNA on the radiosensitivity of NPC cells. A microRNA microarray indicated that miR-24 was downregulated in NPC cell lines and tissues. Furthermore, cell proliferation was suppressed and radiosensitivity increased when miR-24 was ectopically expressed in NPC cells. Specificity protein 1 (SP1) was additionally verified as a direct functional target of miR-24, which was found to be involved in cell viability as well as the radiosensitivity of NPC cells. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the miR-24/SP1 pathway contributed to the reduction in radioresistance in human NPC and that it may thus represent a therapeutic target.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of microRNA (miR)-24 on the radiosensitivity of NPC cells. The results of this study suggested that the identified miR-24/Sp1 pathway contributed to the elucidation of the mechanisms of radiosensitivity in human NPC and that it may represent a potential therapeutic target.

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The prognostic significance of monoclonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement in conjunction with histologic B-cell aggregates in the bone marrow of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Bone marrow involvement (BMI) is a well-known poor prognostic factor in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This study robustly investigated the significance of monoclonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement combined with histologic B-cell aggregates in bone marrow (BM) in the detection of a poor prognostic group. Pretreatment BM samples of 394 DLBCL patients were analyzed via the immunoglobulin gene rearrangement study and the microscopic examination. Monoclonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement was detected in 25.4% of cases. Histologic B-cell aggregates with the features of large B-cell lymphoma aggregates, small cell B-cell lymphoma aggregates, or B-cell aggregates of unknown biological potential were observed in 12% of cases (6.9%, 1.3%, and 3.8%, respectively). Histologic B-cell aggregates were more associated with monoclonality than polyclonality. Cases with both monoclonality and histologic B-cell aggregates demonstrated close association with poor prognostic factors such as a higher International Prognostic Index score and showed an inferior overall survival rate when compared to cases with only monoclonality or only histologic B-cell aggregates. From the findings, a combination of monoclonality and histologic B-cell aggregates within the bone marrow was highly associated with poor prognosis and could be used to determine high-risk DLBLC patients with greater sensitivity and specificity than conventional microscopic examination or immunoglobulin gene rearrangement study alone.

Histologic B-cell aggregates were more associated with monoclonality than polyclonality. A combination of monoclonality and histologic B-cell aggregates within the bone marrow was highly associated with poor prognosis and could be used to determine high-risk DLBLC patients with greater sensitivity and specificity than conventional microscopic examination or immunoglobulin gene rearrangement study alone.

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Association between baseline serum glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol, and prostate cancer risk categories

Abstract

Lifestyle-related risk factors such as hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia have been associated with several cancers. However, studies exploring their link with prostate cancer (PCa) clinicopathological characteristics are sparse and inconclusive. Here, we investigated the associations between serum metabolic markers and PCa clinicopathological characteristics. The study comprised 14,294 men from the Swedish Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk (AMORIS) cohort who were diagnosed with PCa between 1996 and 2011. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to investigate the relation between glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol and PCa risk categories, PSA, Gleason score, and T-stage. Mean age at time of PCa diagnosis was 69 years. Men with glucose levels >6.9 mmol/L tend to have PSA<4 μg/L, while those with glucose levels of 5.6–6.9 mmol/L had a greater odds of PSA>20 μg/L compared to PSA 4.0–9.9 μg/L. Hypertriglyceridemia was also positively associated with PSA>20 μg/L. Hyperglycemic men had a greater odds of intermediate- and high-grade PCa and advanced stage or metastatic PCa. Similarly, hypertriglyceridemia was positively associated with high-grade PCa. There was also a trend toward an increased odds of intermediate risk localized PCa and advanced stage PCa among men with hypertriglyceridemia. Total cholesterol did not have any statistically significant association with any of the outcomes studied. Our findings suggest that high serum levels of glucose and triglycerides may influence PCa aggressiveness and severity. Further investigation on the role of markers of glucose and lipid metabolism in influencing PCa aggressiveness and severity is needed as this may help define important targets for intervention.

Our findings suggest that men with glucose in the diabetic range are more likely to have lower PSA levels, but higher grade or advanced PCa. Conversely, men with glucose in the prediabetic range and those with hypertriglyceridemia tended to have higher PSA levels as well as higher grade or more advanced PCa.

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Recreational physical activity and ovarian cancer risk in African American women

Abstract

The literature on recreational physical activity (RPA) and ovarian cancer risk is inconclusive and most studies of RPA and ovarian cancer have been conducted in white populations. This study is the first to investigate the association between RPA and ovarian cancer in an exclusively African American (AA) population. We analyzed data from an ongoing U.S. population-based, case–control study of AA women, which included 393 women recently diagnosed with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (IEOC) and 611 controls. A baseline interview assessed RPA frequency, intensity, and duration. Each RPA intensity was assigned a metabolic equivalent of task (MET) value and MET-min/week were calculated. Unconditional multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate associations between RPA and IEOC risk. Compared with sedentary women, predominantly mild intensity RPA was significantly inversely associated with IEOC risk for women reporting above median (>297) MET-min/week (odds ratio [OR] = 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34, 0.78) and nonsignificantly for <297 MET-min/week (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.44, 1.12). Predominantly moderate intensity RPA was associated with significantly increased risk for women reporting above median (>540) MET-min/week (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.23). Predominantly strenuous intensity RPA was nonsignificantly associated with lower IEOC risk for women reporting above median (>1800) MET-min/week (OR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.33, 1.57). The inverse associations for mild and strenuous intensity RPA were most pronounced in obese women (body mass index >30 kg/m²). The findings that mild and strenuous RPA may reduce the risk of IEOC particularly among obese women are difficult to reconcile with the increased risk observed for moderate RPA. Further research is warranted to determine whether these findings are genuine and, if so, their mechanistic basis.

This is the first study of recreational physical activity (RPA) and ovarian cancer in an exclusively African American population, who have a higher prevalence of obesity and poorer ovarian cancer survival compared with whites. We found that mild and strenuous intensity RPA may be associated with reduced ovarian cancer risk. Further, our data suggest that these associations may be more pronounced in obese women.

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Imaging and image-based fluid transport modeling at the pore scale in geological materials: a practical introduction to the current state-of-the-art

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Estimation of the unregistered inflow of electrical and electronic equipment to a domestic market: a case study on televisions in Vietnam

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) constitutes one of the most problematic waste streams worldwide, and accurately estimating the scale of WEEE can assist in tackling its associated issues. However, obtaining an accurate estimation of WEEE remains a challenge because a share of the waste is difficult to calculate. This share stems from the administratively unregistered (so-called "invisible") in fl ow of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) into the domestic market. As a first attempt to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate this invisible inflow, this study discusses the nature of this flow in detail and proposes a calculation pathway for quantifying its magnitude. The size of the invisible inflow to a domestic market (assumed equal to invisible sales) is calculated by subtracting the registered, also called "visible", sales from the total sales. The total sales are modeled, whereas the visible sales are derived from statistical data. The method is illustrated by a case study on televisions (TVs) in Vietnam. The results show that from 2002 to 2013, the invisible TV inflow contributed, on average, 15% to the total TV sales (coefficient of variation: 0.21). This average share would increase by approximately 1.0% when the maximum number of TVs used per household increased by 1.0%. However, it would decrease by 1.7% when the visible sales increased by 1.0%. Additionally, the average share of the invisible TV in fl ow would change from 15% to 27% when an unadjusted constant instead of an adjusted time-varying lifespan is employed. This fi rst estimation of the invisible EEE in fl ow to the domestic market can be improved with additional knowledge and data in the future.

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Platinum recovery from synthetic extreme environments by halophilic bacteria

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Phytoplankton dynamics from the Cambrian Explosion to the onset of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event: a review of Cambrian acritarch diversity

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Acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of an eHealth behaviour intervention using self-regulation: 'My plan'

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The Response of Macrophages and Neutrophils to Hypoxia in the Context of Cancer and Other Inflammatory Diseases

Lack of oxygen (hypoxia) is a hallmark of a multitude of acute and chronic diseases and can be either beneficial or detrimental for organ restitution and recovery. In the context of inflammation, hypoxia is particularly important and can significantly influence the course of inflammatory diseases. Macrophages and neutrophils, the chief cellular components of innate immunity, display distinct properties when exposed to hypoxic conditions. Virtually every aspect of macrophage and neutrophil function is affected by hypoxia, amongst others, morphology, migration, chemotaxis, adherence to endothelial cells, bacterial killing, differentiation/polarization, and protumorigenic activity. Prominent arenas of macrophage and neutrophil function, for example, acute/chronic inflammation and the microenvironment of solid tumors, are characterized by low oxygen levels, demonstrating the paramount importance of the hypoxic response for proper function of these cells. Members of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF) family emerged as pivotal molecular regulators of macrophages and neutrophils. In this review, we will summarize the molecular responses of macrophages and neutrophils to hypoxia in the context of cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases and discuss the potential avenues for therapeutic intervention that arise from this knowledge.

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MIF Promotes Classical Activation and Conversion of Inflammatory Ly6Chigh Monocytes into TipDCs during Murine Toxoplasmosis

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mediates immunity against Toxoplasma gondii infection by inducing inflammatory cytokines required to control the parasite replication. However, the role of this inflammatory mediator in the cell-mediated immune response against this infection is still poorly understood. Here, we used T. gondii-infected WT and Mif−/− mice to analyze the role of MIF in the maturation of CD11b+ and CD8α+ dendritic cells (DCs). We found that MIF promotes maturation of CD11b+ but not CD8α+ DCs, by inducing IL-12p70 production and CD86 expression. Infected Mif−/− mice showed significantly lower numbers of TNF and inducible nitric oxide synthase- (iNOS-) producing DCs (TipDCs) compared to infected WT mice. The adoptive transfer of monocytes into infected WT or Mif−/− mice demonstrated that MIF participates in the differentiation of monocytes into TipDCs. In addition, infected Mif−/− mice display a lower percentage of IFN-γ-producing natural killer (NK) cells compared to WT mice, which is associated with reducing numbers of TipDCs in Mif−/− mice. Furthermore, administration of recombinant MIF (rMIF) into T. gondii-infected Mif−/− mice restored the numbers of TipDCs and reversed the susceptible phenotype of Mif−/− mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate an important role for MIF inducing cell-mediated immunity to T. gondii infection.

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An Automatic Multidocument Text Summarization Approach Based on Naïve Bayesian Classifier Using Timestamp Strategy

Nowadays, automatic multidocument text summarization systems can successfully retrieve the summary sentences from the input documents. But, it has many limitations such as inaccurate extraction to essential sentences, low coverage, poor coherence among the sentences, and redundancy. This paper introduces a new concept of timestamp approach with Naïve Bayesian Classification approach for multidocument text summarization. The timestamp provides the summary an ordered look, which achieves the coherent looking summary. It extracts the more relevant information from the multiple documents. Here, scoring strategy is also used to calculate the score for the words to obtain the word frequency. The higher linguistic quality is estimated in terms of readability and comprehensibility. In order to show the efficiency of the proposed method, this paper presents the comparison between the proposed methods with the existing MEAD algorithm. The timestamp procedure is also applied on the MEAD algorithm and the results are examined with the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method results in lesser time than the existing MEAD algorithm to execute the summarization process. Moreover, the proposed method results in better precision, recall, and -score than the existing clustering with lexical chaining approach.

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4’-THIODNA: UNEXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

2016-02-29T01-08-28Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Mohamed I. Elzagheid.
This viewpoint briefly discusses the impact of 4-thiosubstitution on oligonucleotides behaviour. The study in the reviewed articles has shown unexpected A-form formation, and unexpected RNA-like behaviour of the 4-thioDNA. This has been confirmed by the unexpected interaction of 4-thioDNA with Lividomycin A, a RNA major groove binder, and by resistance to cleavage by DNase I, which is a DNA-specific endonuclease. 4-ThioDNAwas also recognized by RNase V1 which is a RNA-specific endonuclease. These all findings will trigger the main focus of this viewpoint.


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ANIMATION TECHNIQUE: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL TO UNDERSTAND CERTAIN BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSES LIKE BIOLOGICAL OXIDATION

2016-02-29T01-08-28Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Joshi P. N..
Background: Learning or computer assisted teaching-learning is becoming popular at every stage of life. Animation is one of the computer applications and can have its impact on teaching-learning process. Aims: The present study was designed to know whether the use of animation technique, in teaching can improve the process of understanding Methods: For this a group of 50 students was selected. The objectives of the study were explained to them. Pre-test was conducted by giving questionnaire. The topic was taught to them using overhead projector slides. Post test 1 was conducted giving same questionnaire. Then same topic was taught to them using animation tool. Post test 2 was conducted. The data obtained in the form of correct answers for all the three tests was analyzed statistically. At the same time feedback forms were given to all the students for purpose of analyzing the results qualitatively. Results: The results of pretest (P= NS) and posttest1 (p


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SCIENTOMETRICS: A NEED FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY

2016-02-29T01-08-28Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Mahamed Ateef.
Due to the emergence of electronic media into science and technology, the awareness and acquaintance to scientific data has been increased during the past three decades. Internet facilities have made possible the reach of data to all the academicians/researchers. Mushrooming of publications and duplication of articles has been tremendously increased in the recent years. Due to the emergence of new science called scientometrics, the quality and quantity of scientific material is expected to be measured and analyzed on the basis of scientific measures. This modern technology measures not only the published material also the evaluation of scientists (H-index) and their role in particular field along with the ranking of field experts and expertise. These measures and analysis not only determines the impact of scientific work but also the upcoming researchers to choose particular field experts for their ongoing work to yield authenticated outcomes and validation of research performance. Scientometrics basically focuses on assessment and evaluation of scientific rigor 1.And emphasize the relative growth and scientific priority in many fields. The modern Scientometrics also means to explain the quality of work based on bibliometric analysis of scientific publications and citations. In brief Scientometrics is the study of measuring and analysis of science and its innovations


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SERUM LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE LEVELS IN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT CARCINOMA PATIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY

2016-02-29T01-08-28Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
V. Bhagyalakshmi, N. Sundara Veena, C. H. Ratna Kumar, G. V. Benerji, M. Jaiprakash Babu.
Background and Objectives: To study the role of Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) as a diagnostic parameter in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) carcinoma patients. To compare the level of serum Lactate Dehydrogenase in metastatic and non metastatic Gastrointestinal tract carcinoma patients. To evaluate preoperative and post operative serum Lactate Dehydrogenase level in Gastrointestinal tract carcinoma patients. Materials and Methods: Studied 20 patients of Gastrointestinal tract carcinoma admitted in surgical ward were selected for study group. Out of 20 patients, 15 patients were Gastrointestinal tract carcinoma without metastasis. 5 patients were Gastrointestinal tract carcinoma with metastasis. 20 healthy individuals were included in the control group. The correlation of serum Lactate Dehydrogenase levels in pre operative and post operative Gastrointestinal tract carcinoma patients were studied. Results: Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase levels were elevated in pre operative GIT carcinoma patients with and without metastasis. Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase levels were decreased in post operative patients of Gastrointestinal tract carcinoma without metastasis but elevated in postoperative patients with metastasis. Conclusion: The study showed serum Lactate Dehydrogenase as an independent diagnostic and prognostic bio marker.


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ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG THE WOMEN

2016-02-29T01-08-28Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Kumari M. J..
Introduction: The aim of study was to assess the level of knowledge on reproductive health among the women at Puducherry and find out relationship between the knowledge on reproductive health and the selected clinical variables of women. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adapted to assess the level of knowledge on reproductive health among the women in multi-specialty Hospital, Puducherry. Consecutive sampling technique was used to select 500 women who were fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The data collection was done in regional language (Tamil) by face to face interview method through using structured interview schedule. Results: The study findings revealed that the level of knowledge on reproductive health among the 500 women, 220(44%) had inadequate knowledge, 253 (50.6%) women had moderately adequate knowledge and only 27 (5.4%) women had adequate knowledge. The mean value of knowledge regarding reproductive health among the women was 6.8 with the standard deviation of 2.4. There was statistically significant relationship found between the knowledge and history of reproductive health problems, family history of reproductive illness and use of family planning methods among the women. Conclusion: The study concluded that out of 500 women, only 27 had adequate knowledge on reproductive health. It shows that they want to improve their knowledge on reproductive health to prevent reproductive disease and promote their health. The health care providers have to take right steps promptly to reduce mortality and morbidity of the women..


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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CLONIDINE VERSUS TRAMADOL AS ADDITIVE TO BUPIVACAINE IN EPIDURAL ANAESTHESIA

2016-02-29T01-08-28Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Mahesh Sutariya, Anand J. Amin, Miss Archana B. Behl.
Introduction: Pain is unpleasant sensory-emotional experience and one of the most feared symptoms experienced. Epidural anesthesia is safe, well practiced and inexpensive neuraxial block technique. Bupivacaine is commonly used for epidural anaesthesia. Researches have been conducted to identify different techniques and drugs that improve the quality of surgical anaesthesia, prolong the effect of bupivacaine and duration of postoperative analgesia. Objectives: To evaluate efficacy of epidural tramadol and clonidine used as adjuvant to bupivacaine. To compare onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, quality of anaesthesia and duration of postoperative analgesia. Methods: A prospective, randomized placebo control study was undertaken, involving 90 patients from SMIMER hospital, Surat. Three groups were allotted 30 patients each and were given, bupivacaine+saline (Group A)/ Bupivacaine+tramadol (Group B)/ bupivacaine+clonidine (Group C). Results were recorded and analyzed. Results: The onset of sensory block was fastest in Group C. Total duration of sensory blockade was longest in Group B. Total duration of analgesia was longest in Group B, followed by Group C based upon Visual Analogue Scale. Both tramadol (Group B) and clonidine (Group C) prolong duration of analgesia and decrease requirement of post-operative analgesic doses and amongst them tramadol (Group B) is superior. Conclusion: Tramadol and clonidine both are used as adjuvant to bupivacaine for epidural anaesthesia and post-operative analgesia. Tramadol provides longer duration of post-operative analgesia without sedation and requirement of analgesic is less within 24 hours. Tramadol is useful because of its cost effectiveness and easy availability.


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The pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

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Vitamin D supplementation and quality of life following diagnosis in stage II colorectal cancer patients: a 24-month prospective study

Supportive Care in Cancer

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Potential dual role of activating transcription factor 3 in colorectal cancer

Anticancer Research

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Factors associated with the success of in vitro fertilization in women with inflammatory bowel disease

Digestive Diseases and Sciences

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Patient safety during sedation by anesthesia professionals during routine upper endoscopy and colonoscopy: an analysis of 1.38 million procedures

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

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A comparison of survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein invasion treated by radioembolization or Sorafenib

Liver International

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Management of eosinophilic esophagitis during pregnancy

Digestive Diseases and Sciences

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Incorporating HIV/hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus combined testing into routine blood tests in nine UK Emergency Departments: The Going Viral campaign

HIV Medicine

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Inhibition of colon cancer growth by docosahexaenoic acid involves autocrine production of TNFα

Oncogene

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Racial disparities in treatment and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States

Hepatobiliary Surgery and Nutrition

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Preoperative low-dose weekly cisplatin and continuous infusion fluorouracil plus hyperfractionated radiotherapy in stage II–III esophageal carcinoma

Clinical and Translational Oncology

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Simeprevir and sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin to treat recurrent genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection after orthotopic liver transplantation

Liver Transplantation

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Inflammatory bowel disease affects the outcome of fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent clostridium difficile infection

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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The risk of associated diarrhea in nasogastric tube insertion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Digestive and Liver Diseases

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Designing Non-charging Surfaces from Non-conductive Polymers

Polymers that prevent the generation of static charge by contact electrification can be fabricated by copolymerizing an appropriate proportion of a molecule that has the tendency to charge positively, and a molecule that has the tendency to charge negatively, against a reference material. These non-conductive polymers resist charging by contact or rubbing, and prevent the adhesion of microscopic particles.

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Effect of Motivation by “Instagram” on Adherence to Physical Activity among Female College Students

Objective. To investigate the efficacy of using "Instagram application" with a "home-exercise program" as a motivational stimulus in improving physical activity (PA) adherence levels among female college students. Methods. Fifty-eight female undergraduate students with the mean age years participated. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention and the control group; both the groups received an exercise program and the intervention group was additionally motivated by "Instagram." Adherence to PA was measured by using an adherence sheet. The Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2) was used to assess the motivational factors. Results. The most frequent motivational factors were extrinsic as assessed using the EMI-2. "Positive health" was the most frequent factor mentioned of the two types with 47% of the sample. The intervention group adhered with 17% more to the activity program compared to the control group. Moreover, 72% of the participants in the intervention and control groups found the activity program flexible enough to be performed at home; they agreed about its effectiveness on adherence (53%). Conclusions. The use of Instagram with the home exercise program as a motivational modality could be attractive and effective to reinforce adherence and maintain an appropriate PA level.

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Update on Mechanisms of Renal Tubule Injury Caused by Advanced Glycation End Products

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) caused by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may be associated with lipid accumulation in the kidneys. This study was designed to investigate whether Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML, a member of the AGEs family) increases lipid accumulation in a human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) via increasing cholesterol synthesis and uptake and reducing cholesterol efflux through endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Our results showed that CML disrupts cholesterol metabolism in HK-2 cells by activating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) and liver X receptor (LXR), followed by an increase in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) mediated cholesterol synthesis and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) mediated cholesterol uptake and a reduction in ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediated cholesterol efflux, ultimately causing lipid accumulation in HK-2 cells. All of these responses could be suppressed by an ERS inhibitor, which suggests that CML causes lipid accumulation in renal tubule cells through ERS and that the inhibition of ERS is a potential novel approach to treating CML-induced renal tubular foam cell formation.

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Study of Valproic Acid-Enhanced Hepatocyte Steatosis

Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the most widely used antiepilepsy drugs. However, several side effects, including weight gain and fatty liver, have been reported in patients following VPA treatment. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms of VPA-induced hepatic steatosis using FL83B cell line-based in vitro model. Using fluorescent lipid staining technique, we found that VPA enhanced oleic acid- (OLA-) induced lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner in hepatocytes; this may be due to upregulated lipid uptake, triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis, and lipid droplet formation. Real-time PCR results showed that, following VPA treatment, the expression levels of genes encoding cluster of differentiation 36 (Cd36), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (Lrp1), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (Dgat2), and perilipin 2 (Plin2) were increased, that of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I a (Cpt1a) was not affected, and those of acetyl-Co A carboxylase α (Acca) and fatty acid synthase (Fasn) were decreased. Furthermore, using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analyses, we found that VPA also induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) nuclear translocation and increased levels of cell-surface CD36. Based on these results, we propose that VPA may enhance OLA-induced hepatocyte steatosis through the upregulation of PPARγ- and CD36-dependent lipid uptake, TAG synthesis, and lipid droplet formation.

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High Yielding Microbubble Production Method

Microfluidic approaches to microbubble production are generally disadvantaged by low yield and high susceptibility to (micro)channel blockages. This paper presents an alternative method of producing microbubbles of 2.6 μm mean diameter at concentrations in excess of 30 × 106 mL−1. In this method, the nitrogen gas flowing inside the liquid jet is disintegrated into spray of microbubble when air surrounding this coflowing nitrogen gas-liquid jet passes through a 100 μm orifice at high velocity. Resulting microbubble foam has the polydispersity index of 16%. Moreover, a ratio of mean microbubble diameter to channel width ratio was found to be less than 0.025, which substantially alleviates the occurrence of blockages during production.

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Does Subacromial Osteolysis Affect Shoulder Function after Clavicle Hook Plating?

Purpose. To evaluate whether subacromial osteolysis, one of the major complications of the clavicle hook plate procedure, affects shoulder function. Methods. We had performed a retrospective study of 72 patients diagnosed with a Neer II lateral clavicle fracture or Degree-III acromioclavicular joint dislocation in our hospital from July 2012 to December 2013. All these patients had undergone surgery with clavicle hook plate and were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of subacromial osteolysis. By using the Constant-Murley at the first follow-up visit after plates removal, we evaluated patients' shoulder function to judge if it has been affected by subacromial osteolysis. Results. We have analyzed clinical data for these 72 patients, which shows that there is no significant difference between group A (39 patients) and group B (33 patients) in age, gender, injury types or side, and shoulder function (the Constant-Murley scores are versus , ). Conclusion. The occurrence of subacromial osteolysis is not rare, and also it does not significantly affect shoulder function.

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The Preventive Effect of Zuogui Wan on Offspring Rats’ Impaired Glucose Tolerance Whose Mothers Had Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

In this experiment, we used streptozotocin (STZ) to establish a model of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) rats, where Zuogui Wan was given to GDM rats. After pregnancy, offspring rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, high fat and sugar as the control group, GDM group, and Zuogui Wan GDM group. Rats in high fat and sugar as the control group, GDM group, and Zuogui Wan GDM group were fed with high fat and sugar diet. Rats in control group were fed the basic diet. The means of 2hPG were higher than 7.8 mmol·L−1 and lower than 11.1 mmol·L−1 on the rats of GDM group on week 15, and IGT models were successful. Body weight, abdominal fat weight, the ratio of abdominal fat weight and body weight, fasting plasma glucose, 2hPG, insulin, leptin, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) of Zuogui Wan GDM group were significantly lower than GDM group. The level of adiponectin in Zuogui Wan GDM group was significantly higher than GDM group. And we concluded that giving Zuogui Wan to GDM rats can have a preventive effect on the offsprings' IGT induced by high fat and sugar diet.

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Recovery of Olfactory Function in Postviral Olfactory Dysfunction Patients after Acupuncture Treatment

Introduction. The aims of this study were to assess the impact of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) in postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) patients who were refractory to standardized treatment and to compare the results with the impact observed in an observation group. Methods. Fifty patients who presented to the outpatient clinic with PVOD and were refractory to standardized treatment were included: 25 were treated with TCA and 25 patients were simply observed. A subjective olfactory test was performed using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). The effects of TCA were compared with the results obtained in the observation group. Results. Improved olfactory function was observed in eleven patients treated with TCA compared with four patients in the observation group. This study revealed significantly improved olfactory function outcomes in patients who underwent acupuncture compared with the observation group. No significant differences in olfaction recovery were found according to age, gender, or duration of disease between the two groups; however, hyposmic patients recovered at a higher rate than anosmic patients. Conclusion. TCA may aid the treatment of PVOD patients who are refractory to drugs or other therapies.

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The Therapeutic Effects of the Chinese Herbal Medicine, Lang Chuang Fang Granule, on Lupus-Prone MRL/lpr Mice

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to severe multiorgan damage. Lang Chuang Fang (LCF) is a Chinese herbal medicine that is clinically prescribed for treating SLE. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of LCF granule on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. Female mice were randomly separated into six groups, and LCF treatment groups received LCF granule at the dosage of 0.97 g/kg/d, 1.95 g/kg/d, and 3.90 g/kg/d, respectively. Here, we found that, compared to the MRL/lpr mice, both the spleen coefficient and thymus coefficient were reduced in the LCF granule-treated mice. There was a marked downregulation in CRP and anti-dsDNA autoantibody and an evident upregulation of CH50 in LCF granule-treated mice. LCF granule treatment also obviously reduced the proteinuria, BUN, and SCr levels in MRL/lpr mice at the dosage of 0.97 g/kg/d, 1.95 g/kg/d, and 3.90 g/kg/d, indicating that LCF granule alleviated the renal injury of MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, LCF granule decreased p65 NF-κB levels and increased Sirt1 and Nrf2 levels in the kidney tissues of MRL/lpr mice, which might elucidate the beneficial effects of LCF on lupus nephritis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that LCF granule has therapeutic effects on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice.

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Preventive Effects of the Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription Tangkuei Decoction for Frigid Extremities on Sciatic Neuropathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Ischemia and hypoxia are important physiological changes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Chinese herbal medicine prescription Tangkuei Decoction for Frigid Extremities (TDFE) is useful for increasing blood flow. To help determine whether TDFE could protect the peripheral nerves of diabetic patients from the degeneration caused by high blood glucose, TDFE was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 6 or 12 weeks. Plantar thermal stimulation reaction time thresholds, sciatic nerve conduction velocities, and the levels of HIF-1α mRNA, HIF-1α protein, VEGF protein, and the endothelial marker vWF in sciatic nerves were measured at the end of the sixth and twelfth weeks. The thermal thresholds and sciatic nerve conduction velocities of the rats differed after 12 weeks, and the sciatic nerves of the diabetic rats that were given TDFE displayed higher levels of HIF-1α protein, VEGF protein, and HIF-1α mRNA than those of the diabetic model rats. The results at 6 weeks differed from those at 12 weeks. These results suggest that the early preventive application of TDFE effectively delayed the development of DPN and that TDFE increased HIF-1α mRNA levels in the sciatic nerves of diabetic rats through 12 weeks of treatment.

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Calcium phosphate cement cranioplasty decreases the rate of CSF leak and wound infection compared to titanium mesh cranioplasty: retrospective study of 672 patients.

Calcium phosphate cement cranioplasty decreases the rate of CSF leak and wound infection compared to titanium mesh cranioplasty: retrospective study of 672 patients.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Feb 24;

Authors: Foster KA, Shin SS, Prabhu B, Fredrickson A, Sekula RF

PMID: 26921704 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Disseminated intravascular coagulation in secondary glioblastoma due to excessive intraoperative bleeding - case report and review of the literature.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in secondary glioblastoma due to excessive intraoperative bleeding - case report and review of the literature.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Feb 24;

Authors: Pinggera D, Kerschbaumer J, Innerhofer N, Woehrer A, Freyschlag CF, Thomé C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) describes a pathological activation of coagulation mechanisms, leading to thrombi in various organs with contribution to multiple organ failure. In clinical practice, diagnosis of DIC can often be made by laboratory values, including prolonged coagulation times, thrombocytopenia or high levels of fibrin degradation products. DIC is frequently observed after neurotrauma, but rarely occurs in patients with primary brain tumors. There are only few case reports of DIC in patients with primary brain tumors, all sharing the highly elevated mortality. We report the case of a young patient presenting with secondary glioblastoma, who developed multi-organ failure induced by DIC following extensive intraoperative bleeding.
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 30-year-old patient was admitted in poor general condition with insomnia, severe headache and vomiting. She had undergone surgery for secondary glioblastoma twice. MRI revealed a left temporoparietal mass lesion with indication for resection. Surgery then was complicated by diffuse intraoperative bleeding due to a high content of microvascular proliferation as shown in the histopathological workup. Subsequently, an uncontrollable multi-organ failure developed, causing the patient`s death four days after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: Although a rare complication, in excessive intraoperative bleeding, especially in surgery for brain tumors located next to the ventricular system, disseminated intravascular coagulation should be kept in mind as a possible diagnosis.

PMID: 26921703 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Radiological surveillance of untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A single surgeon's experience.

Radiological surveillance of untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A single surgeon's experience.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Feb 24;

Authors: Teo M, St George EJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The management of untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysms remains controversial, the natural history is still not well understood and many patients are not routinely followed up. We present a single surgeon's data on radiological surveillance of these lesions.
METHODS: 94 patients with 152 unruptured intracranial aneurysms, with a mean follow up time of 3.4years from the time of diagnosis, underwent surveillance using CTA, MRA or DSA. Aneurysm growth was defined as an increase in one or more dimensions above the measurement error. Statistical analysis was performed.
RESULTS: Of 152 aneurysms, 126 (83%) were less than 7mm, 25 (16%) were 7-12mm and 1 aneurysm was 13-24mm. 18 of 152 (12%) cerebral aneurysms in 17 patients grew larger. 7% (9/126) of aneurysm <7mm, and 36% (9/25) of aneurysm 7-12mm enlarged. Spontaneous aneurysmal rupture occurred in 4 of 152 (2.6%) of aneurysms, ie 4/94 patients (4%), with an average initial aneurysm size of 5.7mm. The risk of aneurysm rupture per patient-year was 5% with growth, 0.2% without growth and there was a 24-fold increase in aneurysmal rupture risk for growing aneurysm (p=0.005). 15% (16/109) of aneurysms in group 1(no previous SAH), compared to 5% (2/43) of group 2 (previous SAH) aneurysms showed evidence of growth during the study period (p=0.0424).
CONCLUSIONS: These results support imaging follow up of patients with untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysms, including those with aneurysms smaller than the current treatment threshold of 7mm. Apart from the initial size, aneurysm growth is also associated with an increased risk of SAH and therefore growing aneurysms warrant treatment. The data also demonstrated that incidental aneurysms, in patients without previous SAH, do not behave less aggressively, contrary to current opinion.

PMID: 26921702 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) utilizing 5 Gy X 5 sessions in the management of brain metastases.

Postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) utilizing 5 Gy X 5 sessions in the management of brain metastases.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Feb 24;

Authors: Abuodeh Y, Ahmed KA, Naghavi AO, Venkat PS, Sarangkasiri S, Johnstone PA, Etame AB, Yu HM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multiple regimens for stereotactic radiosurgery to the post-operative bed have shown a high local control rate and a low toxicity profile with no decrease in overall survival with the omission of whole brain radiation therapy.
METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we evaluate our experience with post-operative SRS using a uniform regimen of 25 Gy in 5 sessions.
RESULTS: Between April 2011 to May 2014, a total of 75 patients treated to 77 metastatic brain lesions with post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery in 5 sessions. The median PTV was 13.8 cm3 (1.93-128.43 cm3) with a median follow up for all lesions of 9.5 months (range 1.2-38.2 months). Kaplan-Meier estimates of local control at 1 and 2 years were 88.8% and 83.9%, respectively. On univariate analysis, a trend in decreased survival with multiple brain lesions was noted (HR=2 (95% CI 0.87-4.53), p=0.10). There was a trend towards decreased local control with radioresistant tumors (HR=3.23 (0.7-22.6), p=0.14) and PTV volume ≥ 17 cm3 (HR= 3.07 (0.73-15.23), p=0.12). Two (3%) patients developed radionecrosis, one of them required craniotomy.
CONCLUSION: SRS with a dose of 25 Gy in 5 sessions is associated with excellent local control at the resection site with minimal toxicity in the postoperative settings in our patient population. Further investigation is required to determine if dose escalation to the post-operative cavity of radioresistant tumors improves outcomes.

PMID: 26921701 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Expandable Technology: A Clinical and Radiographic Analysis of 50 Patients.

Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Expandable Technology: A Clinical and Radiographic Analysis of 50 Patients.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Feb 24;

Authors: Kim CW, Doerr TM, Luna IY, Joshua G, Shen SR, Fu X, Wu AM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Interbody cage implantation during minimally invasive surgery for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) presents challenges. Expandable cages when collapsed facilitate insertion; subsequent expansion in situ optimizes endplate contact. This report describes clinical and radiographic outcomes of MIS TLIF with an expandable cage.
METHODS: Researchers retrospectively analyzed prospective data from 50 patients (62 operative levels) when an expandable interbody spacer was combined with transpedicular posterior stabilization. Clinical outcomes, fusion rates, incidence of reoperation, and device-related complications were obtained from clinical and radiographic records.
RESULTS: Mean patient age was 58.1 years (56.2% female). In all, 76% (38/50) underwent single-level fusion, and 24% (12/50) two-level fusion. Average operative time was 239 ± 87 minutes for single-level and 350 ± 75 minutes for two-level procedures; average hospital stay overall was 2.5 ± 1.7 days, with no intraoperative complications reported. Mean visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores decreased significantly from preoperative to all postoperative assessment times (6, 12, and 24 months) (P < 0.05). Intervertebral disc height (8 ± 3 vs 11 ± 2 mm) increased significantly, with increases sustained over 24 months (P < 0.05). Postoperative radiographs showed no evidence of cage migration, subsidence, or collapse and suggested fusion at all operative levels by 12 months and 24 months (93%, 54/58; 97%, 28/29), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: An expandable interbody cage led to significant improvement in clinical and radiographic outcomes following MIS TLIF, including intervertebral disc height restoration and high fusion rates, with no evidence of device-related complications.

PMID: 26921700 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The Efficacy of Antibacterial Prophylaxis against the Development of Meningitis after Craniotomy: a Meta-analysis.

The Efficacy of Antibacterial Prophylaxis against the Development of Meningitis after Craniotomy: a Meta-analysis.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Feb 24;

Authors: Alotaibi AF, Hulou MM, Vestal M, Alkholifi F, Asgarzadeh M, Cote DJ, Bi WL, Dunn IF, Mekary RA, Smith TR

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prophylactic antibiotics are widely used before craniotomy to prevent postoperative infections.
OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effect of prophylactic antibiotics on post-craniotomy meningitis.
METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched through October 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of prophylactic antibiotics on post-craniotomy meningitis. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using fixed- and random-effects models.
RESULTS: Seven studies with 2365 patients were included in the final analysis. All studies were randomized controlled trials with different antibiotic regimens. Prophylactic antibiotic use reduced the rate of post-neurosurgical meningitis, with a pooled Peto Odds ratio of 0.34 (95% CI: 0.18; 0.63). Cochran's Q test indicated no significant heterogeneity among studies (I(2) =0%; P-for heterogeneity =0.44). Subgroup analysis based on gram-negative coverage, blinding design, and study quality demonstrated no statistically significant difference among these groups (P > 0.05 for all). A meta-regression on surgery duration (P=0.52) and on antibiotics duration (P=0.59) did not show significant differences in the results among studies.
CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that prophylactic antibiotic use significantly decreases post-craniotomy meningitis infections.

PMID: 26921699 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The Negative Impact of Anemia on Outcome from Traumatic Brain Injury.

The Negative Impact of Anemia on Outcome from Traumatic Brain Injury.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Feb 24;

Authors: Litofsky NS, Martin S, Diaz J, Ge B, Petroski G, Miller DC, Barnes SL

PMID: 26921698 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Comparative Effectiveness of the Different Treatment Modalities for Snoring.

Comparative Effectiveness of the Different Treatment Modalities for Snoring.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Mar;154(3):577-8

Authors: Delsupehe K, Terryn S, Bouckaert B

PMID: 26921405 [PubMed - in process]

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Letter to the Editor on "Comparative Effectiveness of the Different Treatment Modalities for Snoring".

Letter to the Editor on "Comparative Effectiveness of the Different Treatment Modalities for Snoring".

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Mar;154(3):577

Authors: Ugur KS, Dağlı E, Ark N, Kurtaran H

PMID: 26921404 [PubMed - in process]

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Response to Comment on "Olfactory Function Assessment of Blind Subjects Using the Sniffin' Sticks Test".

Response to Comment on "Olfactory Function Assessment of Blind Subjects Using the Sniffin' Sticks Test".

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Mar;154(3):576-7

Authors: Çomoğlu Ş

PMID: 26921403 [PubMed - in process]

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Comment on "Olfactory Function Assessment of Blind Subjects Using the Sniffin' Sticks Test".

Comment on "Olfactory Function Assessment of Blind Subjects Using the Sniffin' Sticks Test".

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Mar;154(3):576

Authors: Kaya A, Binar M

PMID: 26921402 [PubMed - in process]

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Regarding "Does Nasal Surgery Improve OSA in Patients with Nasal Obstruction and OSA? A Meta-analysis" by Ishii et al, 2015.

Regarding "Does Nasal Surgery Improve OSA in Patients with Nasal Obstruction and OSA? A Meta-analysis" by Ishii et al, 2015.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Mar;154(3):575

Authors: Stupak HD

PMID: 26921401 [PubMed - in process]

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Highlights from the Current Issue: March 2016.

Highlights from the Current Issue: March 2016.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Mar;154(3):401-2

Authors: Krouse JH

PMID: 26921400 [PubMed - in process]

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The Correlation of Serum Myeloid-Related Protein-8/14 and Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Objective. To investigate the changes in serum Myeloid-Related Protein 8/14 (MRP8/14) and Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) levels in patients with different types of coronary artery diseases (CAD) and assess the value of MRP8/14 and ECP detection in predicting CAD. Methods. 178 patients were divided into CAD group including unstable angina pectoris (UAP), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and stable angina pectoris (SAP). Thirty-six individuals with normal coronary artery served as the control group. Serum MRP8/14 and ECP were measured by ELISA. The severity of coronary artery stenosis was assessed by the numbers of involved coronary artery branches and the sum of Gensini scores. Results. The MRP8/14 levels were significantly higher in AMI and UAP group than SAP and control group (). The levels of MRP8/14 in AMI group were also obviously higher than UAP group (). The ECP levels were obviously increased in AMI group, but there was no difference between SAP and UAP group (). The ECP was significantly increased in three impaired coronary arteries and obviously correlated with Gensini score (), whereas the MRP8/14 was obviously positively correlated with CRP (). Conclusions. Increased MRP8/14 levels suggest the instability of the atherosclerotic plaque. ECP reflects the severity of coronary arteries stenosis, predicting atherosclerosis burden. They may become the new biomarkers of CAD.

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The Effect of Two Different Cognitive Tests on Gait Parameters during Dual Tasks in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Introduction. The paper aims to evaluate the influence of two different demanding cognitive tasks on gait parameters using BTS SMART system analysis. Patients and Methods. The study comprised 53 postmenopausal women aged 64.5 ± 6.7 years (range: 47–79). For every subject, gait analysis using a BTS SMART system was performed in a dual-task study design under three conditions: (I) while walking only (single task), (II) walking while performing a simultaneous simple cognitive task (SCT) (dual task), and (III) walking while performing a simultaneous complex cognitive task (CCT) (dual task). Time-space parameters of gait pertaining to the length of a single support phase, double support phase, gait speed, step length, step width, and leg swing speed were analyzed. Results. Performance of cognitive tests during gait resulted in a statistically significant prolongation of the left (by 7%) and right (by 7%) foot gait cycle, shortening of the length of steps made with the right extremity (by 4%), reduction of speed of swings made with the left (by 11%) and right (by 8%) extremity, and reduction in gait speed (by 6%). Conclusions. Performance of cognitive tests during gait changes its individual pattern in relation to the level of the difficulty of the task.

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A Study of Using Massage Therapy Accompanied with Stretching Exercise for Rehabilitation of Mammary Gland Hyperplasia

Purpose. To apply massage therapy accompanied with stretching exercises for treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia, evaluate the clinical outcome in patients, and estimate the therapy as a novel treatment method for mammary hyperplasia. Methods. 28 adult female patients were selected and treated with massage therapy and stretching exercises focusing on skeleton muscles of chest, abdomen, and axilla. The mammary gland oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) and deoxyhemoglobin (DeoxyHb) levels were detected before and after treatment after 15, 30, and 45 days. Results. In this cohort, pretreatment OxyHb (mean ± SD) is (medium-high), and DeoxyHb is (normal). All patients were clinically diagnosed with benign mammary gland hyperplasia and mastitis. The posttreatment OxyHb levels are (normal-medium, 15-day), (normal, 30-day), and (normal, 45-day), and DeoxyHb levels are (normal, 15-day), (normal, 30-day), and (normal, 45-day). Patients were diagnosed with decreased hyperplasia 15 and 30 days after treatment and with no symptom of hyperplasia in mammary gland 45 days after treatment. Conclusion. Mammary gland hyperplasia is closely correlated with pathological changes of skeletal muscles and could be significantly improved by massage therapy and stretching exercises targeting neighboring skeletal muscles.

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Mathematical Model for an Effective Management of HIV Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus infection destroys the body immune system, increases the risk of certain pathologies, damages body organs such as the brain, kidney, and heart, and causes death. Unfortunately, this infectious disease currently has no cure; however, there are effective retroviral drugs for improving the patients' health conditions but excessive use of these drugs is not without harmful side effects. This study presents a mathematical model with two control variables, where the uninfected CD4+T cells follow the logistic growth function and the incidence term is saturated with free virions. We use the efficacy of drug therapies to block the infection of new cells and prevent the production of new free virions. Our aim is to apply optimal control approach to maximize the concentration of uninfected CD4+T cells in the body by using minimum drug therapies. We establish the existence of an optimal control pair and use Pontryagin's principle to characterize the optimal levels of the two controls. The resulting optimality system is solved numerically to obtain the optimal control pair. Finally, we discuss the numerical simulation results which confirm the effectiveness of the model.

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In vivo imaging in autoimmune diseases in the central nervous system

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2016
Source:Allergology International
Author(s): Naoto Kawakami
Intravital imaging is becoming more popular and is being used to visualize cellular motility and functions. In contrast to in vitro analysis, which resembles in vivo analysis, intravital imaging can be used to observe and analyze cells directly in vivo. In this review, I will summarize recent imaging studies of autoreactive T cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) and provide technical background. During their in vivo journey, autoreactive T cells interact with many different cells. At first, autoreactive T cells interact with endothelial cells in the airways of the lung or with splenocytes, where they acquire a migratory phenotype to infiltrate into the CNS. After arriving at the CNS, they interact with endothelial cells of the leptomeningeal vessels or the choroid plexus before passing through the blood–brain barrier. CNS-infiltrating T cells become activated by recognizing endogenous autoantigens presented by local antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This activation was visualized in vivo by using protein-based sensors. One such sensor detects changes in intracellular calcium concentration as an early marker of T cell activation. Another sensor detects translocation of Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) from cytosol to nucleus as a definitive sign of T cell activation. Importantly, intravital imaging is not just used to visualize cellular behavior. Together with precise analysis, intravital imaging deepens our knowledge of cellular functions in living organs and also provides a platform for developing therapeutic treatments.



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Anaphylaxis caused by casein used in artificially marbled beef: A case report

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2016
Source:Allergology International
Author(s): Shigeyuki Narabayashi, Ikuo Okafuji, Yuya Tanaka, Satoru Tsuruta, Nobue Takamatsu




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Effect of NSAIDs on the aminopeptidase activity of cultured human osteoblasts

Publication date: Available online 27 February 2016
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): G. Lucena, C. Reyes-Botella, O. García-Martínez, J. Ramos-Torrecillas, E. De Luna Bertos, C. Ruiz
Aminopeptidases (APs) are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. In tumor tissues the expression of APs, cyclooxygenase-2 and its metabolites are increased. The objective was to determine the effect of certain NSAIDs on the AP activity of osteoblasts. Primary cultures of osteoblast were treated with different concentrations of indomethacin, meloxicam, naproxen, nimesulide, and piroxicam. The AP activity was fluorimetrically determined using aminoacyl-β-naphthylamides (aa-βNAs) as substrates: Ala-βNA, Arg-βNA, Gly-βNA, Leu-βNA, Lys-βNA, Met-βNA, and Phe-βNA.The five NSAIDs showed an inhibitory effect of AP activity against the study substrates depending on the dose tested. Meloxicam and piroxicam had the highest inhibitory effect on enzymatic activity, with an IC50 of around 70 μM. Our results suggest that the physiological alteration of osteoblasts in the presence of NSAIDs may be a consequence of AP inhibition, suggesting a potential clinical role for these drugs against cancer in combination with chemotherapeutic agents.



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Relationship between leptin and regulatory T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: preliminary results

OBJECTIVE: Crescent literature data demonstrated a role of adipokines in immune responses, particularly leptin is involved in wide spectrum of pro-inflammatory functions. Several evidences suggested that leptin is able to inhibit T regulatory cells proliferation and function in vitro models. In the present study, we investigate the relationship between leptin and circulating T regulatory cells (Tregs) in patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 13 SLE patients and 11 healthy controls were enrolled. Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular parameters were evaluated. Serum leptin levels were detected by commercial ELISA kit and circulating regulatory T cells were determined by FACS analysis as CD4+CD25highFOP3+ lymphocytes.

RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome, defined by ATPIII criteria, was more prevalent in SLE compared to controls (38.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.04), as well as arterial hypertension (38.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.04). We did not find significant differences in mean leptin levels among SLE and controls (13.13±1.51 ng/ml vs. 9.48±8.67 ng/ml, p = 0.6). Mean Tregs percentage of total CD4 were 1.27±0.9 in SLE vs. 2.8±1.2 in healthy controls (p = 0.001). We found a negative correlation between leptin levels and Tregs percentage of total CD4 in SLE patients (r = 0.4, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results, suggest a role of leptin in the regulation of circulating T regulatory cells amount in human SLE.

L'articolo Relationship between leptin and regulatory T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: preliminary results sembra essere il primo su European Review.

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A potential clinical usefulness of measuring serum bilirubin levels in patients with polymyositis

OBJECTIVE: Accumulated data have indicated that bilirubin has antiinflammatory, antioxidative, and immunosuppressive properties. Polymyositis (PM) belongs to an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation in skeletal muscle. Until now, to the best of our knowledge, there are no literature investigating bilirubin levels in patients with PM. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to assess a relationship between bilirubin and PM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study included newly diagnosed 77 patients with PM who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities (Guangxi, China) and 108 healthy subjects as controls. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of patients were analyzed, retrospectively.

RESULTS: The serum concentrations of total bilirubin (TB), conjugate bilirubin (CB), unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) were significantly lower in patients with PM than healthy controls. Serum concentrations of TB were negatively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), creatine kinase (CK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients with PM (r=-0.494, p＜0.001; r=-0.274, p=0.017; r=-0.282, p=0.014), and serum concentrations of UCB were negatively correlated with ESR and CK in PM patients (r=-0.424, p＜0.001; r=-0.234, p=0.041). Both serum TB and UBC concentrations were positively correlated with manual muscle test (MMT) score in patients with PM (r=0.328, p=0.004; r=0.333, p=0.004). In multiple linear regression analysis, serum UBC levels were independently associated with MMT score (r=0.239, p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: We observed significantly lower serum concentrations of TB, CB and UCB in patients with PM, and suggested a potential association between serum concentrations of UBC and disease activity in PM patients.

L'articolo A potential clinical usefulness of measuring serum bilirubin levels in patients with polymyositis sembra essere il primo su European Review.

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Immune response to second vaccination series of hepatitis B virus among booster dose non-responders

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2016
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Iman I. Salama, Samia M. Sami, Somaia I. Salama, Thanaa Mahmoud Rabah, Lobna Ahmed El Etreby, Amany T. Abdel Hamid, Dalia Elmosalami, Hazem El Hariri, Zeinab N. Said
ObjectiveTo evaluate the response to second vaccination series among post-booster sero-negative children who had previously received compulsory HBV vaccination.Subjects and methodsAfter given a booster dose to 1070 children, 103 of them failed to generate anamnestic response (anti-HBs <10IU/L). Only 91/103 children received additional two doses of recombinant HBV vaccine (i.e. 2nd vaccination series) after 1 and 6 months post-booster. Blood sample was withdrawn aseptically one month later for quantitative assessment of anti-HBs to detect development of protective immune response (≥10IU/L). Immunological vaccination failure was assigned to children who did not develop protective immune response after 2nd vaccination series.ResultsProtective immune response was detected among 84/91 children (92.3%). While 7/91 (7.7%) whose age were ≥10 years did not respond and had post-booster undetectable anti-HBs. About 80% of children with post-booster detectable anti-HBs showed significant protective immune response (anti-HBs ≥100IU/L) and higher GMT (299.1±3.6IU/L) compared to those with undetectable 60% and 106.2±12.9IU/L respectively (P<0.05). No significant difference was detected as regards gender or residence, P>0.05. All children with history of rheumatic fever (7 children) or diabetes mellitus (1 child) developed immune response after 2nd vaccination series.ConclusionA booster dose of HB vaccine may be unable to induce sufficient immunological response in children who had undetectable anti-HBs titers. Revaccination for non-responders is an important procedure to increase HBV protection rate.



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Editorial Board/Aims and Scope

Publication date: 14 March 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 12





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A phase 3, randomized, active-controlled study to assess the safety and tolerability of meningococcal serogroup B vaccine bivalent rLP2086 in healthy adolescents and young adults

Publication date: 14 March 2016
Source:Vaccine, Volume 34, Issue 12
Author(s): Lars Ostergaard, Gregg H. Lucksinger, Judith Absalon, Johannes Beeslaar, Joseph Eiden, Kathrin U. Jansen, Laura J. York, Angela Quinn, Mette E. Graversen, John L. Perez
BackgroundNeisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MnB) is an important cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). A MnB vaccine (bivalent rLP2086, Trumenba^®) consisting of 2 factor H binding protein variants received accelerated approval in the United States for the prevention of IMD caused by MnB in individuals 10–25 years of age. This randomized, active-controlled, observer-blind study further assessed the safety and tolerability of bivalent rLP2086.MethodsEligible subjects ≥10 to <26 years were randomized (2:1) to receive bivalent rLP2086 at months 0, 2, and 6, or hepatitis A virus vaccine (HAV, Havrix^®) at months 0 and 6, and saline at month 2. The primary endpoints were serious adverse events (SAEs) throughout the study and medically-attended adverse events (MAEs) within 30 days after vaccination. Additional safety assessments included SAEs at other study intervals and adverse events (AEs) during the vaccination phase.ResultsOf 5712 subjects randomized, 84.6% (n=3219) of bivalent rLP2086 recipients and 87.2% (n=1663) of HAV/saline recipients completed the study. Throughout the study, SAEs were reported for 1.6% and 2.5% of bivalent rLP2086 and HAV/saline recipients, respectively. SAEs related to either vaccine were rare. MAEs occurred in 7.0% and 6.1% of subjects after vaccination 1; 5.5% and 6.1% after vaccination 2; and 5.3% and 5.5% after vaccination 3 in the bivalent rLP2086 and HAV/saline groups, respectively. A greater proportion of subjects reported AEs during the vaccination phase after bivalent rLP2086 compared with HAV/saline recipients; however, when reactogenicity events were excluded, the proportion between groups was similar.ConclusionThis safety study, the largest randomized, active-controlled trial evaluating a recombinant MnB vaccine, demonstrated that bivalent rLP2086 is safe and tolerable in healthy individuals ≥10 to <26 years of age.



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Knowledge and attitudes about Ebola vaccine among the general population in Sierra Leone

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2016
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Xiang Huo, Guoqing Shi, Xinxu Li, Xuehui Lai, Liquan Deng, Feng Xu, Mingquan Chen, Qiang Wei, Thomas Samba, Xiaofeng Liang
BackgroundClinical trials of Ebola vaccine are ongoing. Before it becomes commercially available, understanding the Ebola vaccine-related knowledge and attitude of the general population is imperative to developing an effective vaccine coverage strategy.MethodsWe conducted a survey including 400 participants from general communities of the West Area Rural District, Sierra Leone. Knowledge and attitudes about Ebola vaccine were investigated, and the determinants of having knowledge and a positive attitude toward accepting vaccination were identified.ResultsOver half (55.8%) of the participants were aware of Ebola vaccine. About 60% of the participants were willing to be study subjects if the Ebola vaccine clinical trial were conducted in their communities. Most of the participants (72.5%) were willing to take Ebola vaccination if it was free of charge. Given that the vaccination was not free, the proportion willing to pay a fee to take the vaccination declined dramatically to 26.6%. Using a forward step-wise logistic model, monthly salary was identified as the single determinant (OR for every 100,000 Leones increase: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.04–1.31) for awareness of Ebola vaccine, which was identified as the determinant (OR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.17–3.02) for free vaccination uptake willingness. The combination of monthly salary, monthly average income of family members and their interaction was found to be associated with charged vaccination uptake willingness.DiscussionMeasures are still needed to promote the Ebola vaccine awareness and knowledge updating. Free or low-priced vaccine could increase the vaccination acceptability of the general community population significantly.



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Generation and immunogenicity of porcine circovirus type 2 chimeric virus-like particles displaying porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus GP5 epitope B

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2016
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Gaowei Hu, Naidong Wang, Wanting Yu, Zhanfeng Wang, Yawen Zou, Yan Zhang, Aibing Wang, Zhibang Deng, Yi Yang
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be used as transfer vehicles carrying foreign proteins or antigen epitopes to produce chimeric VLPs for bivalent or multivalent vaccines. Based on the crystal structure of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) capsid protein (Cap), in addition to alignment of the Cap sequences collected from various isolates of PCV2 and PCV1, we predicted that Loop CD of the PCV2 Cap should tolerate insertion of foreign epitopes, and furthermore that such an insertion could be presented on the surface of PCV2 VLPs. To validate this, the GP5 epitope B of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was inserted into Loop CD of the PCV2 Cap. The 3D structure of the recombinant PCV2 Cap (rCap) was simulated by homology modeling; it appeared that the GP5 epitope B was folded as a relatively independent unit, separated from the PCV2 Cap backbone. Furthermore, based on transmission electron microscopy, the purified PCV2 rCap self-assembled into chimeric VLPs which entered PK-15 cells. In addition, PCV2 chimeric VLPs induced strong humoral (neutralizing antibodies against PCV2 and PRRSV) and cellular immune responses in mice. We concluded that the identified insertion site in the PCV2 Cap had great potential to develop PCV2 VLPs-based bivalent or multivalent vaccines; furthermore, it would also facilitate development of a nano-device to present a functional peptide on the surface of the VLPs that could be used for therapeutic purposes.



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LGBT health and vaccinations: Findings from a community health survey of Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky, USA

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2016
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Jeff Jones, Asheley Poole, Vivian Lasley-Bibbs, Mark Johnson
Data on adult immunization coverage at the state level and for LGBT Americans in particular are sparse. This study reports the results of a 2012 Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky, community health assessment's results asking about eight adult vaccinations among 218 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) respondents. Researchers collected data using an online survey distributed through LGBT social media, posters, and LGBT print media. The LGBT sample largely matches the demographics of the county as a whole except this group reports higher level of education and fewer uninsured individuals. Among LGBT respondents, immunization prevalence reaches 68.0% (annual Influenza), 65.7% (Hepatitis B), 58.8% (Chickenpox/Varicella), 55.9% (Hepatitis A), 41.2% (Smallpox), and 25.8% (Pneumonia). Among respondents who are currently within the recommended 19–26 years age range for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, the LGBT females are less likely to report receiving the vaccine (15.4%) compared to the national coverage percentage of 34.5%. Males, however, are more likely to have received the vaccine (10.3%) than the national percentage of 2.3%. The small number of LGBT seniors in the study report a much higher prevalence of the Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccines than for U.S. seniors 60 and older (71.4% compared to 20.1% nationally). LGBT respondents report higher percentages of adult vaccination.



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Evaluating the case-positive, control test-negative study design for influenza vaccine effectiveness for the frailty bias

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2016
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): H. Keipp Talbot, Hui Nian, Qingxia Chen, Yuwei Zhu, Kathryn M. Edwards, Marie R. Griffin
IntroductionPrevious influenza vaccine effectiveness studies were criticized for their failure to control for frailty. This study was designed to see if the test-negative study design overcomes this bias.MethodsAdults≥50 years of age with respiratory symptoms were enrolled from November 2006 through May 2012 during the influenza season (excluding the 2009–2010 H1N1 pandemic season) to perform yearly test-negative control influenza vaccine effectiveness studies in Nashville, TN. At enrollment, both a nasal and throat swab sample were obtained and tested for influenza by RT-PCR. Frailty was calculated using a modified Rockwood Index that included 60 variables ascertained in a retrospective chart review giving a score of 0 to 1. Subjects were divided into three strata: non frail (≤0.08), pre-frail (>0.08 to <0.25), and frail (≥0.25). Vaccine effectiveness was calculated using the formula [1-adjusted odds ratio (OR)]×100%. Adjusted ORs for individual years and all years combined were estimated by penalized multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf 1023 hospitalized adults enrolled, 866 (84.7%) participants had complete immunization status, molecular influenza testing and covariates to calculate frailty. There were 83 influenza-positive cases and 783 test-negative controls overall, who were 74% white, 25% black, and 59% female. The median frailty index was 0.167 (Interquartile: 0.117, 0.267). The frailty index was 0.167 (0.100, 0.233) for the influenza positive cases compared to 0.183 (0.133, 0.267) for influenza negative controls (p=0.07). Vaccine effectiveness estimates were 55.2% (95%CI: 30.5, 74.2), 60.4% (95%CI: 29.5, 74.4), and 54.3% (95%CI: 28.8, 74.0) without the frailty variable, including frailty as a continuous variable, and including frailty as a categorical variable, respectively.ConclusionsUsing the case positive test negative study design to assess vaccine effectiveness, our measure of frailty was not a significant confounder as inclusion of this measure did not significantly change vaccine effectiveness estimates.



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