Symptomatic benefit from eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

The eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection is beneficial in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers. The value of eradicating the infection in patients with dyspepsia and no evidence of ulcer disease is not known.

METHODS

We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of treatment for two weeks with 20 mg of omeprazole orally twice daily, 500 mg of amoxicillin three times daily (with 500 mg of tetracycline three times daily substituted for amoxicillin in patients allergic to penicillin), and 400 mg of metronidazole three times daily (160 patients) with that of omeprazole alone (158 patients) for resolving symptoms of dyspepsia in patients with H. pylori infection but no evidence of ulcer disease on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Symptoms were assessed with the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score, with resolution of symptoms defined as a score of 0 or 1 in the preceding six months (maximal score, 20). One year later the patients were assessed to determine the frequency of the resolution of symptoms.

RESULTS

One month after the completion of treatment, 132 of 150 patients (88 percent) in the group assigned to received omeprazole and antibiotics had a negative test for H. pylori, as compared with 7 of 152 (5 percent) in the group assigned to receive omeprazole alone. One year later, dyspepsia had resolved in 33 of 154 patients (21 percent) in the group given omeprazole and antibiotics, as compared with 11 of 154 (7 percent) in the group given omeprazole alone (95 percent confidence interval for the difference, 7 to 22 percent; P<0.001). Among the patients in the group given omeprazole and antibiotics, the symptoms resolved in 26 of the 98 patients (27 percent) who had had symptoms for five years or less, as compared with 7 of the 56 patients (12 percent) who had had symptoms for more than five years (P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with H. pylori infection and nonulcer, or functional, dyspepsia, treatment with omeprazole and antibiotics to eradicate the infection is more likely to resolve symptoms than treatment with omeprazole alone.

Randomised trial of endoscopy with testing for Helicobacter pylori compared with non-invasive H pylori testing alone in the management of dyspepsia

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of non-invasive testing for Helicobacter pylori with that of endoscopy (plus H pylori testing) in the management of patients referred for endoscopic investigation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial with follow up at 12 months.

SETTING

Hospital gastroenterology unit.

PARTICIPANTS

708 patients aged under 55 referred for endoscopic investigation of dyspepsia, randomised to non-invasive breath test for H pylori or endoscopy plus H pylori testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Glasgow dyspepsia severity score at one year. Use of medical resources, patient oriented outcomes, and safety were also assessed.

RESULTS

In 586 patients followed up at 12 months the mean change in dyspepsia score was 4.8 in the non-invasive H pylori test group and 4.6 in the endoscopy group (95% confidence interval for difference -0.7 to 0.5, P=0.69). Only 8.2% of patients followed up who were randomised to breath test alone were referred for subsequent endoscopy. The use of non-endoscopic resources was similar in the two groups. Reassurance value, concern about missed pathology, overall patient satisfaction, and quality of life were similar in the two groups. The patients found the non-invasive breath test procedure less uncomfortable and distressing than endoscopy with or without sedation. No potentially serious pathology requiring treatment other than eradication of H pylori was missed.

CONCLUSION

In this patient group, non-invasive testing for H pylori is as effective and safe as endoscopy and less uncomfortable and distressing for the patient. Non-invasive H pylori testing should be the preferred mode of investigation.

Malignant hyperthermia associated with exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis or congenital abnormalities and a novel RYR1 mutation in New Zealand and Australian pedigrees

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is rarely associated with specific myopathies or musculoskeletal abnormalities. Three clinical investigations of MH associated with either non-specific myopathies or congenital disorders in three separate families are presented. Two of these cases also show evidence of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis. In each case MH susceptibility was confirmed by in vitro contracture testing of quadriceps muscle. DNA sequence analysis of each kindred revealed the presence of a common novel mutation that results in an arginine401-cysteine substitution in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor gene (RYR1). Haplotype analysis using chromosome 19q markers indicated that the three families are likely to be unrelated, providing confirmation that the MH/central core disease region 1 of RYR1 is a mutation hot spot.

A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids does not improve or protect cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s transgenic mice

Although a number of epidemiologic studies reported that higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids (largely associated with fish consumption) is protective against Alzheimer's disease (AD), other human studies reported no such effect. Because retrospective human studies are problematic and controlled longitudinal studies over decades are impractical, the present study utilized Alzheimer's transgenic mice (Tg) in a highly controlled study to determine whether a diet high in omega-3 fatty acid, equivalent to the 13% omega-3 fatty acid diet of Greenland Eskimos, can improve cognitive performance or protect against cognitive impairment. Amyloid precursor protein (APP)-sw+PS1 double transgenic mice, as well as nontransgenic (NT) normal littermates, were given a high omega-3 supplemented diet or a standard diet from 2 through 9 months of age, with a comprehensive behavioral test battery administered during the final 6 weeks. For both Tg and NT mice, long-term n-3 supplementation resulted in cognitive performance that was no better than that of mice fed a standard diet. In NT mice, the high omega-3 diet increased cortical levels of omega-3 fatty acids while decreasing omega-6 levels. However, the high omega-3 diet had no effect on cortical fatty acid levels in Tg mice. Irrespective of diet, no correlations existed between brain omega-3 levels and cognitive performance for individual NT or Tg mice. In contrast, brain levels of omega-6 fatty acids were strongly correlated with cognitive impairment for both genotypes. Thus, elevated brain levels of omega-3 fatty acids were not relevant to cognitive function, whereas high brain levels of omega-6 were associated with impaired cognitive function. In Tg mice, the omega-3 supplemental diet did not induce significant changes in soluble/insoluble Abeta within the hippocampus, although strong correlations were evident between hippocampal Abeta(1-40) levels and cognitive impairment. While these studies involved a genetically manipulated mouse model of AD, our results suggest that diets high in omega-3 fatty acids, or use of fish oil supplements (DHA+EPA), will not protect against AD, at least in high-risk individuals. However, normal individuals conceivably could derive cognitive benefits from high omega-3 intake if it corrects an elevation in the brain level of n-6 fatty acids as a result. Alternatively, dietary fish may contain nutrients, other than DHA and EPA, that could provide some protection against AD.

The Helicobacter pylori breath test: a surrogate marker for peptic ulcer disease in dyspeptic patients

BACKGROUND

There is interest in noninvasive H pylori testing as a means of predicting diagnosis and determining management in dyspeptic patients.

AIMS

To assess the value of the 14C urea breath test as a predictor of peptic ulcer disease in patients presenting with dyspepsia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

327 consecutive patients referred for investigation of dyspepsia had a 14C urea breath test performed before endoscopy. Patients were not included if they had previously confirmed ulcer disease, previous gastric surgery, or were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

RESULTS

Of the 182 patients with a positive 14C urea breath test, duodenal and/or gastric ulcers were present in 45% and erosive duodenitis in a further 2%. Oesophagitis was present in 12% of the breath test positive patients with two thirds of the oesophagitis patients having co-existent ulcer disease. The prevalence of ulcer disease in the H pylori positive dyspeptic patients was independently related to smoking and previous investigation status. If previously uninvestigated, the prevalence of ulcers was 67% in smokers and 46% in non-smokers. If previous upper gastrointestinal investigations were negative, the prevalence of ulcers was 53% in smokers and 28% in non-smokers. Of the 136 patients with a negative breath test, only 5% had peptic ulcers. The most frequent endoscopic finding in these H pylori negative subjects was oesophagitis, being present in 17%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that a positive H pylori test is a powerful predictor of the presence of underlying ulcer disease in dyspeptic patients, especially if smokers, and that a negative H pylori test is a powerful predictor of the absence of ulcer disease. It also indicates that a negative upper gastrointestinal investigation does not preclude subsequent presentation with ulcer disease.

Plant Fibre: Molecular Structure and Biomechanical Properties, of a Complex Living Material, Influencing Its Deconstruction towards a Biobased Composite

Plant cell walls form an organic complex composite material that fulfils various functions. The hierarchical structure of this material is generated from the integration of its elementary components. This review provides an overview of wood as a composite material followed by its deconstruction into fibres that can then be incorporated into biobased composites. Firstly, the fibres are defined, and their various origins are discussed. Then, the organisation of cell walls and their components are described. The emphasis is on the molecular interactions of the cellulose microfibrils, lignin and hemicelluloses in planta. Hemicelluloses of diverse species and cell walls are described. Details of their organisation in the primary cell wall are provided, as understanding of the role of hemicellulose has recently evolved and is likely to affect our perception and future study of their secondary cell wall homologs. The importance of the presence of water on wood mechanical properties is also discussed. These sections provide the basis for understanding the molecular arrangements and interactions of the components and how they influence changes in fibre properties once isolated. A range of pulping processes can be used to individualise wood fibres, but these can cause damage to the fibres. Therefore, issues relating to fibre production are discussed along with the dispersion of wood fibres during extrusion. The final section explores various ways to improve fibres obtained from wood.

Exploring the behavioural drivers of veterinary surgeon antibiotic prescribing: a qualitative study of companion animal veterinary surgeons in the UK

Background

Multi-drug resistant bacteria are an increasing concern in both human and veterinary medicine. Inappropriate prescribing and use of antibiotics within veterinary medicine may be a contributory factor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The ‘One Health’ Initiative aims to work across species and environments to reduce AMR, however; little is currently known about the factors which influence antibiotic prescribing among veterinary surgeons in companion animal practice.

This paper reports on qualitative data analysis of interviews with veterinary surgeons whose practice partially or wholly focuses on companion animals (N = 16). The objective of the research was to explore the drivers of companion animal veterinary surgeons’ antibiotic prescribing behaviours. The veterinary surgeons interviewed were all practising within the UK (England (n = 4), Scotland (n = 11), Northern Ireland (n = 1)). A behavioural thematic analysis of the data was undertaken, which identified barriers and facilitators to specific prescribing-related behaviours.

Results

Five components of prescribing behaviours were identified: 1) confirming clinical need for antibiotics; 2) responding to clients; 3) confirming diagnosis; 4) determining dose, duration and type of antibiotic; and 5) preventing infection around surgery (with attendant appropriate and inappropriate antibiotic prescribing behaviours). Barriers to appropriate prescribing identified include: business, diagnostic, fear, habitual practice and pharmaceutical factors. Facilitators include: AMR awareness, infection prevention, professional learning and regulation and government factors.

Conclusion

This paper uses a behavioural lens to examine drivers which are an influence on veterinary surgeons’ prescribing behaviours. The paper contributes new understandings about factors which influence antibiotic prescribing behaviours among companion animal veterinary surgeons. This analysis provides evidence to inform future interventions, which are focused on changing prescribing behaviours, in order to address the pressing public health concern of AMR.

Production of IGF-I and IGF binding proteins by retinal cells in vitro

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and its associated binding proteins (IGFBPs) have been identified in retinal tissues but their precise cellular origin remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of three retinal cell types (microvascular endothelial cells, pericytes, and pigment epithelial cells) and a non-retinal cell type (Tenon's fibroblasts) to produce IGF-I and cell specific IGFBPs in vitro. Using a radioimmunoassay we demonstrated that all four cell types produce IGF-I and that this production continued over a 72 hour period. In addition, western ligand blotting revealed that each cell type produced at least one IGFBP and that each cell type produced a different IGFBP profile. Endothelial cells produced a 24 kDa band only, pericytes produced both a 24 kDa and a 34 kDa band, retinal pigment epithelial cells produced a 38-41 kDa band, while fibroblasts produced both a 24 kDa and a 30 kDa band. Laser scanning densitometry demonstrated that in the majority of experiments the IGFBPs accumulated in the culture medium over a 72 hour period. Neither IGF-I nor IGFBPs were observed in cell lysates indicating de novo synthesis and secretion in vitro. These results suggest an autocrine/paracrine function for IGF-I and its associated binding proteins which may play a significant role in both retinal physiology and disease.

Symptomatic benefit 1-3 years after H. pylori eradication in ulcer patients: impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVES

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection markedly reduces the recurrence of duodenal and gastric ulcers. However, there is little information regarding its efficacy in resolving dyspeptic symptoms in ulcer patients. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effect of eradicating H. pylori infection on dyspeptic symptoms in ulcer patients. The secondary aim was to identify predictors of symptomatic response to H. pylori eradication.

METHODS

A total of 97 dyspeptic patients with active duodenal and/or gastric ulceration associated with H. pylori infection and unrelated to NSAID use had the severity and character of their dyspeptic symptoms measured before and again 1-3 yr after H. pylori eradication therapy.

RESULTS

Pretreatment, the median dyspepsia score was 12 (4-16). Posttreatment, 55% of those eradicated of H. pylori had resolution of dyspepsia (score <2) compared with 18% of those not eradicated of the infection (95% CI for difference, 11-62%). Of the ulcer patients 31% had symptoms and/or endoscopic evidence of coexisting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at initial presentation and this influenced the symptomatic response to eradication of H. pylori. Of the 22 patients with heartburn or acid reflux as the predominant presenting symptom, but no endoscopic esophagitis, only 27% experienced resolution of dyspepsia after H. pylori eradication, compared with 68% of the 59 without those as predominant symptoms (95% CI for difference, 18-63%). Only one of the five patients with coexisting endoscopic esophagitis at initial presentation experienced resolution of dyspepsia after H. pylori eradication. Symptomatic benefit was unrelated to time lapsed since the infection was eradicated. Only three of 50 subjects developed de novo GERD symptoms after eradication of H. pylori, whereas 21 of 36 subjects experienced resolution of GERD symptoms after eradication of the infection.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of ulcer patients have symptoms and/or signs of coexisting GERD at initial presentation and this reduces the symptomatic benefit from H. pylori eradication. However, we have found no evidence that eradicating H. pylori induces de novo GERD symptoms in ulcer patients.

The relationship between intellectual ability and adult performance on the Trail Making Test and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test

Subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 were divided in groups based on their Satz-Mogel Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Full Scale IQs: (a) Borderline (70 to 79); (b) Low Average (80 to 89); (c) Average (90 to 109); (d) High Average (110 to 119); (e) Superior (120 to 129). Each subject was administered the Trail Making Test (Forms A and B) and the written version of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. A significant effect for IQ emerged. The low ability subjects were, in the main, significantly different from the higher ability subjects. No gender differences were found.

Neuropsychological functioning, illness perception, mood and quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease and healthy participants

BACKGROUND

This study attempted to longitudinally investigate neuropsychological function, illness representations, self-esteem, mood and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and compared them with both healthy participants and a clinical comparison group of individuals with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).

METHOD

Neuropsychological evaluation was administered at two time points, five weeks apart. Twenty-one individuals with CFS, 20 individuals with AITD and 21 healthy participants were matched for age, pre-morbid intelligence, education level and socio-economic status (SES). All groups also completed measures of illness perceptions, mood, self-esteem and QoL at both time points.

RESULTS

The CFS group showed significantly greater impairment on measures of immediate and delayed memory, attention and visuo-constructional ability, and reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. After controlling for the effects of mood, the CFS group still demonstrated significant impairment in attention. The CFS group also reported significantly lower self-reported QoL than the AITD and healthy participants. In terms of illness perceptions, the AITD group believed that their condition would last longer, that they had more treatment control over their condition, and reported less concern than the CFS group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the primary cognitive impairment in CFS is attention and that this is not secondary to affective status. The lower treatment control perceptions and greater illness concerns that CFS patients report may be causally related to their affective status.

Assessment of symptomatic response as predictor of Helicobacter pylori status following eradication therapy in patients with ulcer

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy is routinely used for treating patients with peptic ulcer disease.

AIMS

To assess the value of symptomatic response to H pylori eradication therapy as a marker of post-treatment H pylori status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and nine dyspeptic patients with active duodenal or gastric ulceration association with H pylori infection had their symptoms measured by a validated questionnaire before and three months following H pylori eradication therapy. The symptomatic response was compared with post-treatment H pylori status as determined by the 14C urea breath test.

RESULTS

An eradication rate of 84% was achieved. Of the 92 patients eradicated of H pylori, 47% experienced complete or near complete resolution of dyspepsia. Of the 17 patients in whom the infection was not eradicated, only one (6%) experienced resolution of dyspepsia. Resolution of dyspepsia was therefore a powerful predictor of eradication of H pylori with a predictive value of 98%. In contrast, persistence of dyspepsia was a weak predictor of persisting infection with a predictive value of only 25%. Excluding patients with endoscopic evidence of coexisting oesophagitis and/or retrosternal discomfort or reflux at initial presentation did not increase the predictive value of persisting dyspepsia for persisting infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete resolution of dyspeptic symptoms is a powerful predictor of eradication of H pylori infection in ulcer patients. Persistence of symptoms is a weak predictor of persisting infection and patients with persisting dyspepsia must have their H pylori status rechecked to guide future management.

Peptidergic sensory and parasympathetic fiber sprouting in the mucosa of the rat urinary bladder in a chronic model of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

In this study, we used a well-established animal model to investigate changes in the peptidergic and parasympathetic innervation of the bladder following chronic bladder inflammation. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with either 70 mg/kg cyclophosphamide diluted in saline, i.p., once every 3 days or saline. After 10 days, all animals were tested for urinary frequency and number of low volume voids, as well as symptoms of spontaneous pain. At the end of 12 days, all animals were perfused with histological fixatives and the urinary bladders processed for immunofluorescence using antibodies against calcitonin gene-related peptide and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter as markers, respectively, of peptidergic primary afferent fibers and parasympathetic efferent fibers. We show that animals treated with cyclophosphamide had inflamed bladders and displayed high urinary frequency as well as some indicators of spontaneous pain, such as piloerection and a rounded-back posture. Furthermore, they had a significant increase in the density of both parasympathetic and peptidergic sensory fibers in the bladder mucosa and an increase in peptidergic sensory fibers in the detrusor muscle. Based on these results, we suggest that peripheral sprouting of parasympathetic and peptidergic fibers could be a mechanism responsible for sensitization of the bladder, leading to urinary symptoms. Since we observed that the parasympathetic and peptidergic fibers often wrapped around one another and that their varicosities were very close, these two fiber populations may be interacting with each other to lead to and maintain sensitization. Future studies are required to establish the role of this fiber sprouting in bladder symptoms.

Actinomycin D downregulates Sox2 and improves survival in preclinical models of recurrent glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) has been extensively researched over the last few decades, yet despite aggressive multimodal treatment, recurrence is inevitable and second-line treatment options are limited. Here, we demonstrate how high-throughput screening (HTS) in multicellular spheroids can generate physiologically relevant patient chemosensitivity data using patient-derived cells in a rapid and cost-effective manner. Our HTS system identified actinomycin D (ACTD) to be highly cytotoxic over a panel of 12 patient-derived glioma stemlike cell (GSC) lines. ACTD is an antineoplastic antibiotic used in the treatment of childhood cancers. Here, we validate ACTD as a potential repurposed therapeutic for GBM in 3-dimensional GSC cultures and patient-derived xenograft models of recurrent glioblastoma.

METHODS

Twelve patient-derived GSC lines were screened at 10 µM, as multicellular spheroids, in a 384-well serum-free assay with 133 FDA-approved compounds. GSCs were then treated in vitro with ACTD at established half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Downregulation of sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), a stem cell transcription factor, was investigated via western blot and through immunohistological assessment of murine brain tissue.

RESULTS

Treatment with ACTD was shown to significantly reduce tumor growth in 2 recurrent GBM patient-derived models and significantly increased survival. ACTD is also shown to specifically downregulate the expression of Sox2 both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that, as predicted by our HTS, ACTD could deplete the cancer stem cell population within the tumor mass, ultimately leading to a delay in tumor progression.

KEY POINTS

1. High-throughput chemosensitivity data demonstrated the broad efficacy of actinomycin D, which was validated in 3 preclinical models of glioblastoma.2. Actinomycin D downregulated Sox2 in vitro and in vivo, indicating that this agent could target the stem cell population of GBM tumors.

The effect of luminal content and rate of occlusion on the interpretation of colonic manometry

BACKGROUND

Manometry is commonly used for diagnosis of esophageal and anorectal motility disorders. In the colon, manometry is a useful tool, but clinical application remains uncertain. This uncertainty is partly based on the belief that manometry cannot reliably detect non-occluding colonic contractions and, therefore, cannot identify reliable markers of dysmotility. This study tests the ability of manometry to record pressure signals in response to non-lumen-occluding changes in diameter, at different rates of wall movement and with content of different viscosities.

METHODS

A numerical model was built to investigate pressure changes caused by localized, non-lumen-occluding reductions in diameter, similar to those caused by contraction of the gut wall. A mechanical model, consisting of a sealed pressure vessel which could produce localized reductions in luminal diameter, was used to validate the model using luminal segments formed from; (i) natural latex; and (ii) sections of rabbit proximal colon. Fluids with viscosities ranging from 1 to 6800 mPa s(-1) and luminal contraction rates over the range 5-20 mmHg s(-1) were studied.

KEY RESULTS

Manometry recorded non-occluding reductions in diameter, provided that they occurred with sufficiently viscous content. The measured signal was linearly dependent on the rate of reduction in luminal diameter and also increased with increasing viscosity of content (R(2) = 0.62 and 0.96 for 880 and 1760 mPa s(-1), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Manometry reliably registers non-occluding contractions in the presence of viscous content, and is therefore a viable tool for measuring colonic motility. Interpretation of colonic manometric data, and definitions based on manometric results, must consider the viscosity of luminal content.

The shame of fat shaming in public health: moving past racism to embrace indigenous solutions

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to explore perceptions of weight and racism towards Māori, as an indigenous group, and the association between the two. We then propose indigenous solutions as pathways out of fat shaming.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a conceptual article supported by a review of literature in the fields of weight stigma, racism and indigenous (Māori) health.

METHODS

This article is taken from the perspective of three researchers involved in Māori health research, studies on institutional and societal racism and critical research on weight stigma and the weight loss industry. Indigenous peoples in developed nations are more likely to be overweight, obese and disproportionately affected by the comorbidities and physical disorders associated with weight when compared with their counterparts. Beyond the physical ailments are a variety of psychological, emotional and social issues, which are associated with being 'fat' and/or overweight and/or from subsequent stigmatisation.

RESULTS

Long before this world's populations reached the current alarming level of obesity, indigenous peoples in colonised countries were stigmatised because of the colour of their skin, their beliefs and their culture. Stigma is nothing new to indigenous peoples, and so when Māori, or any other indigenous groups are told they are fat and less productive (or moral) because of 'fatness', there is no surprise because they have been told the same thing (albeit for a different reason) for generations. Considering the relatively high proportion of indigenous people in New Zealand, North America and beyond who do not fit the 'recommended weight range', the justification for racist sentiment is seemingly strengthened.

CONCLUSIONS

A weight loss-centred approach to health has not improved the health of indigenous people. Initiatives that draw on, or are underpinned by local, traditional knowledge are more relevant for indigenous peoples and could lead to better health outcomes for these groups.

An automated administration of Corsi's Block-tapping Test

Corsi's Block-tapping Test has been a clinically useful test of visuospatial memory. Participants (15 men, 15 women) completed an automated and a manual version of the Block-tapping Test, the findings for which suggest that the automated and manual versions gave very similar scores.

Long-Range Changes in Neurolysin Dynamics Upon Inhibitor Binding

Crystal structures of neurolysin, a zinc metallopeptidase, do not show a significant conformational change upon the binding of an allosteric inhibitor. Neurolysin has a deep channel where it hydrolyzes a short neuropeptide neurotensin to create inactive fragments and thus controls its level in the tissue. Neurolysin is of interest as a therapeutic target since changes in neurotensin level have been implicated in cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, and cancer, and inhibitors of neurolysin have been developed. An understanding of the dynamical and structural differences between apo and inhibitor-bound neurolysin will aid in further design of potent inhibitors and activators. For this purpose, we performed several molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for both apo and inhibitor-bound neurolysin. A machine learning method (Linear Discriminant Analysis) is applied to reveal differences between the apo and inhibitor-bound ensembles in an automated way, and large differences are observed on residues that are far from both the active site and the inhibitor binding site. The effects of inhibitor binding on the collective motions of neurolysin are extensively analyzed and compared using both Principal Component Analysis and Elastic Network Model calculations. We find that inhibitor binding induces additional low-frequency motions that are not observed in the apo form. ENM also reveals changes in inter- and intradomain communication upon binding. Furthermore, differences are observed in the inhibitor-bound neurolysin contact network that are far from the active site, revealing long-range allosteric behavior. This study also provides insight into the allosteric modulation of other neuropeptidases with similar folds.

Relationship between contrived in vivo and role-play assertive behavior

Used a 2 (High or Low Assertive) x 2 (Role-Play or Contrived In Vivo) design to investigate the external validity of role-play (N = 32). The Conflict Resolution Inventory was used as the selection device. Results indicated a positive relationship between self-report scores and role-play behavior. They also indicated that self-report scores were not predictive of behavior in the contrived in vivo condition; moreover, assertion was enhanced in the role-play condition, while the converse occurred in the contrived in vivo condition. The results indicate that generalizations to more naturalistic settings based upon role-play or self-report scores must be made with caution.

Caregivers' perceptions following gastrostomy in severely disabled children with feeding problems

Feeding difficulties are common in neurologically impaired children, often leading to great distress and frustration in the child and family. A gastrostomy may be advocated if oral intake is inadequate causing poor weight gain or when there is significant aspiration during feeding, or if feeding is very distressing. To find out if caregivers were happy with the outcome of gastrostomy (with fundoplication, when indicated), a 35-item questionnaire was developed and sent to 38 of them. Twenty-nine replies were received and appeared to be representative of the whole group. Coughing, choking, and vomiting improved in most cases. Weight gain improved in all in whom it had been a problem. In the majority, it became easier to give the children their medications although control of epilepsy was unchanged overall. Time spent feeding the child was reduced and many caregivers had more time to devote to other children and themselves. Only one parent regretted the operation. In children with severe disability and feeding problems, a gastrostomy (with fundoplication if there is significant reflux) can reduce symptoms of vomiting, coughing, and choking, help growth and improve quality of life in the child, when patients are properly selected.