Socio-economic factors and medical conditions affecting regular stomach cancer screening in Korea: a retrospective longitudinal study using national public health data for 11 years

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore socio-economic factors and medical conditions that affect regular stomach cancer (SC) screening among Korean adults.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective observational study.

METHODS

Study subjects were 5545 adults aged ≥40 years who participated in the 2007-2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and were followed up to year 2017 based on data linking to the Korean National Health Insurance Service and Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment. Socio-economic factors included sex, age, residential area, education, occupation, marital status, disability, public and private health insurance, service through local public health organizations, history of cancer except for SC, and family history of SC. Medical factors included six gastric lesions with the possibility of facilitating SC screening, including benign gastric neoplasm, chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric polyp, Helicobacter pylori infection, intestinal metaplasia, and peptic ulcers. The outcome was adherence to SC screening, which was divided into non-adherence, irregular adherence, and regular adherence.

RESULTS

After adjusting for the effects of socio-economic factors, multivariate ordinal logistic regression revealed that participants with a history of four types of gastric lesions were more likely to regularly participate in SC screening: chronic atrophic gastritis (odds ratio [OR] 1.567; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.276-1.923), gastric polyps (OR 1.565; 95% CI = 1.223-2.003), H. pylori infection (OR 1.637; 95% CI = 1.338-2.003), and peptic ulcer (OR 2.226; 95% CI 1.750-2.831).

CONCLUSIONS

To improve participation in SC screening, it is necessary to implement personalized strategies for individuals at risk for gastric cancer in addition to population-based strategies for vulnerable groups.

Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Skin Delineates Intercellular Communication and Pathogenic Cells

Epidermal homeostasis is governed by a balance between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation with contributions from cell-cell interactions, but conserved or divergent mechanisms governing this equilibrium across species and how an imbalance contributes to skin disease are largely undefined. To address these questions, human skin single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data were integrated and compared with mouse skin data. Human skin cell-type annotation was improved using matched spatial transcriptomics data, highlighting the importance of spatial context in cell-type identity, and spatial transcriptomics refined cellular communication inference. In cross-species analyses, we identified a human spinous keratinocyte subpopulation that exhibited proliferative capacity and a heavy metal processing signature, which was absent in mouse and may account for species differences in epidermal thickness. This human subpopulation was expanded in psoriasis and zinc-deficiency dermatitis, attesting to disease relevance and suggesting a paradigm of subpopulation dysfunction as a hallmark of the disease. To assess additional potential subpopulation drivers of skin diseases, we performed cell-of-origin enrichment analysis within genodermatoses, nominating pathogenic cell subpopulations and their communication pathways, which highlighted multiple potential therapeutic targets. This integrated dataset is encompassed in a publicly available web resource to aid mechanistic and translational studies of normal and diseased skin.

Measurement of proximal contact of single crowns to assess interproximal relief: A pilot study

Background

It is common for dental technicians to adjust the proximal surface of adjacent teeth on casts when fabricating single crowns. However, whether the accuracy of the proximal contact is affected if this step is eliminated is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of the proximal contact of single crowns for mandibular first molars fabricated from four different restorative materials, without adjustment of the proximal surface of the adjacent teeth by the laboratory/dental technician.

Methods

This study was in vitro; all the clinical procedures were conducted on a dentoform. The mandibular first molar tooth on the dentoform was prepared using diamond burs and a high speed handpiece. Twenty single crowns were fabricated, five for each group (monolithic zirconia, lithium disilicate, metal ceramic, and cast gold). No proximal surface adjacent to the definitive crowns was adjusted for tight contact in the dental laboratory. Both the qualitative analyses, using dental floss and shimstock, and the quantitative analyses, using a stereo microscope, were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the proximal contact of the restoration with the adjacent teeth. In the quantitative analysis, one-way analysis of variance was used to compare mean values at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

In quantitative analysis, the differences between the proximal contact tightness of the four groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.802 for mesial contacts, P = 0.354 for distal contacts). In qualitative analysis, in most crowns, dental floss passed through the contact with tight resistance and only one film of shimstock could be inserted between the adjacent teeth and the restoration. However, one specimen from the cast gold crown had open contact.

Conclusions

Even without proximal surface adjustment of the adjacent teeth during the crown fabrication process, adequate proximal contact tightness between the restoration and adjacent teeth could be achieved.

The ENCODE Uniform Analysis Pipelines

The Encyclopedia of DNA elements (ENCODE) project is a collaborative effort to create a comprehensive catalog of functional elements in the human genome. The current database comprises more than 19000 functional genomics experiments across more than 1000 cell lines and tissues using a wide array of experimental techniques to study the chromatin structure, regulatory and transcriptional landscape of the Homo sapiens and Mus musculus genomes. All experimental data, metadata, and associated computational analyses created by the ENCODE consortium are submitted to the Data Coordination Center (DCC) for validation, tracking, storage, and distribution to community resources and the scientific community. The ENCODE project has engineered and distributed uniform processing pipelines in order to promote data provenance and reproducibility as well as allow interoperability between genomic resources and other consortia. All data files, reference genome versions, software versions, and parameters used by the pipelines are captured and available via the ENCODE Portal. The pipeline code, developed using Docker and Workflow Description Language (WDL; https://openwdl.org/) is publicly available in GitHub, with images available on Dockerhub (https://hub.docker.com), enabling access to a diverse range of biomedical researchers. ENCODE pipelines maintained and used by the DCC can be installed to run on personal computers, local HPC clusters, or in cloud computing environments via Cromwell. Access to the pipelines and data via the cloud allows small labs the ability to use the data or software without access to institutional compute clusters. Standardization of the computational methodologies for analysis and quality control leads to comparable results from different ENCODE collections - a prerequisite for successful integrative analyses.

The ENCODE Uniform Analysis Pipelines

The Encyclopedia of DNA elements (ENCODE) project is a collaborative effort to create a comprehensive catalog of functional elements in the human genome. The current database comprises more than 19000 functional genomics experiments across more than 1000 cell lines and tissues using a wide array of experimental techniques to study the chromatin structure, regulatory and transcriptional landscape of the Homo sapiens and Mus musculus genomes. All experimental data, metadata, and associated computational analyses created by the ENCODE consortium are submitted to the Data Coordination Center (DCC) for validation, tracking, storage, and distribution to community resources and the scientific community. The ENCODE project has engineered and distributed uniform processing pipelines in order to promote data provenance and reproducibility as well as allow interoperability between genomic resources and other consortia. All data files, reference genome versions, software versions, and parameters used by the pipelines are captured and available via the ENCODE Portal. The pipeline code, developed using Docker and Workflow Description Language (WDL; https://openwdl.org/) is publicly available in GitHub, with images available on Dockerhub (https://hub.docker.com), enabling access to a diverse range of biomedical researchers. ENCODE pipelines maintained and used by the DCC can be installed to run on personal computers, local HPC clusters, or in cloud computing environments via Cromwell. Access to the pipelines and data via the cloud allows small labs the ability to use the data or software without access to institutional compute clusters. Standardization of the computational methodologies for analysis and quality control leads to comparable results from different ENCODE collections - a prerequisite for successful integrative analyses.

ATAC-seq Data Processing

ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing) has gained wide popularity as a fast, straightforward, and efficient way of generating genome-wide maps of open chromatin and guiding identification of active regulatory elements and inference of DNA protein binding locations. Given the ubiquity of this method, uniform and standardized methods for processing and assessing the quality of ATAC-seq datasets are needed. Here, we describe the data processing pipeline used by the ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) consortium to process ATAC-seq data into peak call sets and signal tracks and to assess the quality of these datasets.

Deep Learning on Chromatin Accessibility

DNA accessibility has been a powerful tool in locating active regulatory elements in a cell type, but dissecting the combinatorial logic within these regulatory elements has been a continued challenge in the field. Deep learning models have been shown to be highly predictive models of regulatory DNA and have led to new biological insights on regulatory syntax and logic. Here, we provide a framework for deep learning in genomics that implements best practices and focuses on ease of use, versatility, and compatibility with existing tools for inference on DNA sequence.

[Status epilepticus after brain tumor surgery]

ABTRACT

BACKGROUND

Status epilepticus (SE) is characterized by continuous course of clinical and/or electrographic epileptic seizures. There are little data on the course and outcomes of SE after resection of brain tumors.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze clinical and electrographic manifestations of SE, its course and outcomes in short-term period after resection of brain tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed medical records of 18 patients over 18 years old between 2012 and 2019. All patients underwent resection of brain tumor and developed SE after surgery. Clinical criteria were repeated epileptic seizures without interictal recovery of consciousness, stereotypical motor phenomena, impaired consciousness with continued epileptic activity according to video-EEG data. We analyzed EEG data, neurological status, CT and laboratory data.

RESULTS

Metastases (33%) and meningiomas (16%) prevailed. Supratentorial tumors were observed in 61% of patients. Two patients had preoperative seizures. Non-convulsive SE was diagnosed in 62% of patients. SE was successfully treated in 77% of cases. Mortality rate in patients with SE was 44%.

CONCLUSION

Early postoperative SE is rare after brain tumor surgery (about 0.09%). Nevertheless, this complication is associated with high mortality. Non-convulsive SE is common (62%) that should be considered in postoperative management.

Sensitized 1-Acyl-7-nitroindolines with Enhanced Two-Photon Cross Sections for Release of Neurotransmitters

Precise photochemical control, using two-photon excitation (2PE), of the timing and location of activation of glutamate is useful for studying the molecular and cellular physiology of the brain. Antenna-based light harvesting strategies represent a general method to increase the sensitivity to 2PE of otherwise insensitive photoremovable protecting groups (PPGs). This was applied to the most commonly used form of "caged" glutamate, MNI-Glu. Computational investigation showed that a four- or six-carbon linker attached between the 4-position of thioxanthone (THX) and the 4-position of the 5-methyl derivative of MNI-Glu (MMNI-Glu) would position the antenna and PPG close to one another to enable Dexter energy transfer. Nine THX-MMNI-Glu conjugates were prepared and their photochemical properties determined. Installation of the THX antenna resulted in a red shift of the absorption (λ_max = 385-405 nm) along with increased quantum yield compared to the parent compound MNI-Glu (λ_max = 347 nm). The THX-MMNI-Glu conjugate with a four-carbon linker and attachment to the 4-position of THX underwent photolysis via 1PE at 405 and 430 nm and via 2PE at 770 and 860 nm, yielding glutamate. The two-photon uncaging action cross section (δ_u) was 0.11 and 0.29 GM at 770 and 860, respectively, which was greater than for MNI-Glu (0.06 and 0.072 GM at 720 and 770 nm, respectively). The THX sensitizer harvested the light via 2PE and transferred its resulting triplet energy to MMNI-Glu. Release of glutamate through 2PE at 860 nm from the compound (100 μM) activated iGluSnFR, a genetically encoded, fluorescent glutamate sensor, on the surface of cells in culture, portending its usefulness in studies of neurophysiology in acute brain slice.

A cis-regulatory lexicon of DNA motif combinations mediating cell-type-specific gene regulation

Gene expression is controlled by transcription factors (TFs) that bind cognate DNA motif sequences in cis-regulatory elements (CREs). The combinations of DNA motifs acting within homeostasis and disease, however, are unclear. Gene expression, chromatin accessibility, TF footprinting, and H3K27ac-dependent DNA looping data were generated and a random-forest-based model was applied to identify 7,531 cell-type-specific cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) across 15 diploid human cell types. A co-enrichment framework within CRMs nominated 838 cell-type-specific, recurrent heterotypic DNA motif combinations (DMCs), which were functionally validated using massively parallel reporter assays. Cancer cells engaged DMCs linked to neoplasia-enabling processes operative in normal cells while also activating new DMCs only seen in the neoplastic state. This integrative approach identifies cell-type-specific cis-regulatory combinatorial DNA motifs in diverse normal and diseased human cells and represents a general framework for deciphering cis-regulatory sequence logic in gene regulation.

Timing of Resumption of Anticoagulation After Polypectomy and Frequency of Post-procedural Complications: A Post-hoc Analysis

BACKGROUND

Optimal timing for anticoagulation resumption after polypectomy is unclear. We explored the association between timing of anticoagulation resumption and occurrence of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (PPB) and thromboembolic (TE) events.

METHODS

We performed a post-hoc analysis of patients in an earlier study whose anticoagulants were interrupted for polypectomy. We compared rates of clinically important delayed PPB and TE events in relationship to timing of anticoagulant resumption. Late resumption was defined as > 2 days after polypectomy.

RESULTS

Among 437 patients, 351 had early and 86 late resumption. Compared to early resumers, late resumers had greater polypectomy complexity. PPB rate was higher (but not significantly) in the late versus early resumers (2.3% vs. 0.9%, 1.47% greater, 95% CI [- 2.58 to 5.52], p = 0.26). TE events were more frequent in late versus early resumers [0% vs. 1.2% at 30 days, 0% vs. 2.3%, 95% CI 0.3-8, (p = 0.04) at 90 days]. On multivariate analysis, timing of restarting anticoagulation was not a significant predictor of PPB (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.61-1.44, p = 0.897). Significant predictors were number of polyps ≥ 1 cm (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.27-13.66, p = 0.014) and use of fulguration (OR 11.43, 95% CI 1.35-80.80, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians delayed anticoagulation resumption more commonly after complex polypectomies. The timing of restarting anticoagulation was not a significant risk factor for PPB and late resumers had significantly higher rates of TE events within 90 days. Considering the potentially catastrophic consequences of TE events and the generally benign outcome of PPBs, clinicians should be cautious about delaying resumption of anticoagulation after polypectomy.

Intracellular Trafficking and Distribution of Cd and InP Quantum Dots in HeLa and ML-1 Thyroid Cancer Cells

The study of the interaction of engineered nanoparticles, including quantum dots (QDs), with cellular constituents and the kinetics of their localization and transport, has provided new insights into their biological consequences in cancers and for the development of effective cancer therapies. The present study aims to elucidate the toxicity and intracellular transport kinetics of CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS QDs in late-stage ML-1 thyroid cancer using well-tested HeLa as a control. Our XTT (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) viability assay (Cell Proliferation Kit II) showed that ML-1 cells and non-cancerous mouse fibroblast cells exhibit no viability defect in response to these QDs, whereas HeLa cell viability decreases. These results suggest that HeLa cells are more sensitive to the QDs compared to ML-1 cells. To test the possibility that transporting rates of QDs are different between HeLa and ML-1 cells, we performed a QD subcellular localization assay by determining Pearson’s Coefficient values and found that HeLa cells showed faster QDs transporting towards the lysosome. Consistently, the ICP-OES test showed the uptake of CdSe/ZnS QDs in HeLa cells was significantly higher than in ML-1 cells. Together, we conclude that high levels of toxicity in HeLa are positively correlated with the traffic rate of QDs in the treated cells.

Validation of a Korean version of the quality-of-life profile for spine deformities (QLPSD) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the adapted Korean version of the Quality-of-Life Profile for Spine Deformities (QLPSD) questionnaire.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

English version of QLPSD was translated into Korean according to previously published guidelines. The Korean version of the QLPSD questionnaire and the Korean version of the SRS-22 was sent to 120 consecutive idiopathic scoliosis patients wearing braces recruited from the outpatient clinic. Reliability assessment and construct validity were evaluated.

RESULTS

The intraobserver reliability of all items in the questionnaire had a kappa statistic of agreement greater than 0.6. The QLPSD showed good test/re-test reliability (ICC = 0.815). The internal consistency of Cronbach's α was found to be very good (α = 0.918). The Korean version of QLPSD showed a significant correlation with the SRS-22 total score (p<0.001, r=-0.811) and single SRS-22 domains scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The adapted Korean version of the QLPSD was successfully translated and showed good measurement properties. As such, it is considered suitable for outcome assessments in Korean-speaking patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

COVID-19 Prevalence and Outcomes among Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Taking Hydroxychloroquine; A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction:

The SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic has resulted in a universal search for potential treatments of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Initial reports of the therapeutic potential of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and early non-randomized non-controlled studies were followed by subsequent trials refuting such properties. The use of CQ and HCQ in diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), prompted us to examine the prevalence of COVID-19 and proposed prophylactic and therapeutic properties of HCQ in this population.

Methods:

A total of 103 patients with RA and SLE aged 18 to 75 diagnosed with COVID-19 were identified. The patients were categorized as those taking HCQ (cases) and those not on HCQ (controls) for at least 6 months. Primary (mechanical ventilation, length of stay, death) and secondary outcomes were defined, data were collected, and results were compared and statistically analyzed between cases and controls.

Results:

No statistical difference was observed in demographic features, baseline comorbidities, and medications. Primary outcomes’ statistical analysis did not reveal any differences between cases and controls. Statistical analysis of secondary outcomes revealed that cases had a statistically higher chance of being tachypneic (p 0.034). D-Dimer (p 0.017) and LDH levels (p 0.044) were found to be significantly lower in cases versus controls.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the lack of clinical prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of HCQ against COVID-19 when taken at regular doses for patients with RA and SLE. It also shows that the prevalence of COVID-19 was similar in RA and SLE patients regardless of baseline consumption of HCQ.

A Review of Parathyroid Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism from the United Kingdom Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery (UKRETS)

BACKGROUND

The United Kingdom Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons is a national database holding details on > 28,000 parathyroidectomies.

METHODS

An extract (2004-2017) of the database was analysed to investigate the reported efficacy, safety and use of intra-operative surgical adjuncts in targeted parathyroidectomy (tPTx) and bilateral neck exploration (BNE) for adult, first-time primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

RESULTS

50.9% of 21,738 cases underwent tPTx. Excellent short-term (median follow-up 35 days) post-operative normocalcaemia rates were reported overall (tPTx 96.6%, BNE 94.5%, p < 0.05) and in image-positive cases (tPTx 96.7%, BNE 96%, p < 0.05). Intra-operative PTH improved overall normocalcaemia rates (tPTx 97.8% vs 96.3%, BNE 95% vs 94.4%: both p < 0.05). Intra-operative nerve monitoring reduced vocal cord (VC) dysfunction in image-positive tPTx, but not in BNE (97.8% vs 93.2%, p < 0.05). Complications were higher following BNE (7.4% vs 3.8%, p < 0.05), especially hypocalcaemia (5.3% vs 2%, p < 0.05). There was no difference in rates of subjective dysphonia following tPTx or BNE (2.4% vs 2.3%, p > 0.05), nor any difference in VC dysfunction when formally examined (4.9% vs 4.1%, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In image-positive, first time, adult PHPT cases, tPTx is as safe and effective as BNE, with both achieving excellent short-term results with minimal complications.

Loci identified by a genome-wide association study of carotid artery stenosis in the eMERGE network

Carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (CAAD) is a risk factor for stroke. We used a genome-wide association (GWAS) approach to discover genetic variants associated with CAAD in participants in the electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network. We identified adult CAAD cases with unilateral or bilateral carotid artery stenosis and controls without evidence of stenosis from electronic health records at eight eMERGE sites. We performed GWAS with a model adjusting for age, sex, study site, and genetic principal components of ancestry. In eMERGE we found 1793 CAAD cases and 17,958 controls. Two loci reached genome-wide significance, on chr6 in LPA (rs10455872, odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 1.50 (1.30-1.73), p = 2.1 × 10^-8 ) and on chr7, an intergenic single nucleotide variant (SNV; rs6952610, OR (95% CI) = 1.25 (1.16-1.36), p = 4.3 × 10^-8 ). The chr7 association remained significant in the presence of the LPA SNV as a covariate. The LPA SNV was also associated with coronary heart disease (CHD; 4199 cases and 11,679 controls) in this study (OR (95% CI) = 1.27 (1.13-1.43), p = 5 × 10^-5 ) but the chr7 SNV was not (OR (95% CI) = 1.03 (0.97-1.09), p = .37). Both variants replicated in UK Biobank. Elevated lipoprotein(a) concentrations ([Lp(a)]) and LPA variants associated with elevated [Lp(a)] have previously been associated with CAAD and CHD, including rs10455872. With electronic health record phenotypes in eMERGE and UKB, we replicated a previously known association and identified a novel locus associated with CAAD.

Identification of different cell clusters in the endothelium of atherosclerotic vessels and determination of inter-cluster gradient of proliferative and inflammatory activity as new diagnostic markers

To characterize atherogenesis functionally, we studied the functional heterogeneity of endotheliocytes in carotid vessels with atherosclerotic plaques and identified several distinct cell clusters. We measured the Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI), percentage of Bcl-2 cells (CP) and expression of CCL5, IL 6 and VCAM1 in each cell cluster. We also investigated how these indicators change when the plaque becomes unstable and how they affect the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events in patients. We evaluated the inter-cluster gradient of marker activity and its relation to patient prognosis. We identified five endothelial clusters: the under plaque cluster (UPC), peripheral cluster (PC), marginal cluster (MC), transient cluster (TC) and outside plaque cluster (OC). The UPC exhibited the greatest proliferative, proinflammatory and adhesive activity, but low anti-apoptotic activity. The PC exhibited the second greatest proliferative, adhesive and proinflammatory activity. Progression of atherosclerosis and transition of a stable atherosclerotic plaque to an unstable one was accompanied by increased expression of nearly all markers. The proliferative activity in the UPC, PC and OC, and the pro-inflammatory activity in UPC and anti-apoptotic activity in the PC, were correlated with prognosis. Also, two gradients of proliferative activity and a gradient of pro-inflammatory activity were associated with risk of adverse events.

Morbidity and Mortality of Typhoid Intestinal Perforation Among Children in Sub-Saharan Africa 1995-2019: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Typhoid fever incidence and complications, including intestinal perforation, have declined significantly in high-income countries, with mortality rates <1%. However, an estimated 10.9 million cases still occur annually, most in low- and middle-income countries. With the availability of a new typhoid conjugate vaccine licensed for children and recommended by the World Health Organization, understanding severe complications, including associated mortality rates, is essential to inform country-level decisions on introduction of this vaccine. This scoping review summarizes over 20 years of the literature on typhoid intestinal perforation in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

We searched EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases for studies reporting mortality rates due to typhoid intestinal perforation in children, under 18 years old, in sub-Saharan Africa published from January 1995 through June 2019.

RESULTS

Twenty-four papers from six countries were included. Reported mortality rates ranged from 4.6-75%, with 16 of the 24 studies between 11 and 30%. Thirteen papers included postoperative morbidity rates, ranging from 16-100%. The most documented complications included surgical site infections, intra-abdominal abscesses, and enterocutaneous fistulas. High mortality rates can be attributed to late presentation to tertiary centers, sepsis and electrolyte abnormalities requiring preoperative resuscitation, prolonged perforation-to-surgery interval, and lack of access to critical care or an intensive care unit postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Current estimates of mortality related to typhoid intestinal perforation among children in sub-Saharan Africa remain unacceptably high. Prevention of typhoid fever is essential to reduce mortality, with the ultimate goal of a comprehensive approach that utilizes vaccination, improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene, and greater access to surgical care.

[Glioblastoma in the region of previously resected meningioma. Case report and literature review]

Combination of meningioma and glioblastoma within the same anatomical region is casuistry. We found only 13 case reports in the available literature. Some of the authors reported induced nature of the second tumor, i.e. development under the influence of the primary neoplasm. We report a patient with glioblastoma of the right frontoparietotemporal region in 3 years after previous resection of benign right-sided meningioma of sphenoid wings. Mathematical analysis of the discovered pattern resulted conclusion about its random nature, i.e. no causal relationship between both neoplasms.

1034 Should We Recommend More Sleep To Prevent Obesity?

Introduction

According to the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the national adult obesity rate was 40% with the incidence of adult obesity having increased by 70% over the last 30 years. Paralleling the obesity epidemic have been worsening sleep deprivation and eroding sleep quality. We analyzed data from a Cardiovascular Health Registry to explore a link between total sleep time and obesity.

Methods

Registry participants underwent anthropometrics and completed validated questionnaires assessing health behaviors and symptoms including total sleep time (TST), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and exercise time. Differences between subjects with sufficient (≥7 hours) and insufficient (&lt;7 hours) sleep were analyzed using T-tests.

Results

Registry participants (n=630) had mean age 55.3±9.9 years (45% men, 391W, 182B, 26H, 12A, 19O). The subgroup with sufficient sleep (n=261, 48% men), had mean BMI 29.3±5.6 while the subgroup with insufficient sleep (n=369, 44% men) had mean BMI of 30.5±5.3, p=0.008. The insufficient sleep group was noted to be sleepier (ESS 9.7±4.9 vs 7.4±4.6, p&lt;0.001), more fatigued (FSS 4.9±2.3 vs 3.5±2.4, p&lt;0.001) and have worse sleep quality (PSQI 8.6±3.7 vs 4.7±2.8, p&lt;0.001). Insufficient sleepers also perceived greater stress levels (PSS 22.2±8.4 vs 18.9±6.2, p&lt;0.001), and showed a trend toward less exercise per week (143±134 vs 163±106 minutes, p=0.13).

Conclusion

Participants with insufficient sleep were significantly more overweight on average and were more symptomatic for insufficient sleep. While current approaches to weight management focus largely on diet and physical activity, the data from this study suggest that insufficient sleep should also be considered as a risk factor for obesity and should be incorporated into management plans for obesity.

Support

 

[Breast cancer metastasis into a giant hormone-inactive pituitary adenoma adenoma. (Clinical case and literature review)]

Brain metastases of various types of cancer are diagnosed in 8-10% of all cancer patients. In the world literature, only 30 cases of cancer metastasis to the pituitary adenoma are described. This article presents yet another observation of a patient with breast cancer metastasis into the hormone-inactive pituitary adenoma at the Burdenko neurosurgical center, Russia The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid removal of the neoplasm. During microscopy and immunohistochemical studies of the biopsy, two types of tissue (pituitary adenoma and cancer metastasis) with different Ki-67 treated surgically (1% and over 40%) were found.

Clinical features and prognosis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) share common risk factors. They could therefore be expressed in a single patient. However, the prevalence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of individuals with comorbid IPF and COPD are not known. </sec> <sec> <title>METHOD</title> From 2003 to 2007, the Korean Interstitial Lung Disease Study Group created a register for idiopathic interstitial pneumonia using 2002 ATS/ERS (American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society) criteria. Of the 1546 IPF patients assessed, 143 had decreased lung function consistent with COPD (IPF-COPD). COPD was diagnosed based on age (≥40 years) and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV₁]/forced vital capacity [FVC] ratio < 0.7). </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> The median age of the IPF-COPD group was 71.0 years (interquartile range 66.0-76.0); most patients were male (88.1%). FVC (%) was significantly higher in the IPF-COPD group; however, FEV₁ (%) was significantly lower in the IPF-COPD group (P < 0.001). Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DL_CO) was not significantly different between the two groups. In survival analysis, age and FVC (%), but not COPD, were significantly associated with prognosis (respectively P = 0.003, 0.001 and 0.401). COPD severity was also not related to prognosis (P = 0.935). </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSION</title> The prevalence of IPF-COPD was estimated to be ∼9.2% among all IPF patients; prognosis of patients with IPF-COPD was not worse than those with IPF alone. </sec>.

Intrinsically p-type cuprous iodide semiconductor for hybrid light-emitting diodes

Cuprous halides, characterized by a direct wide band-gap and a good lattice matching with Si, is an intrinsic p-type I-VII compound semiconductor. It shows remarkable optoelectronic properties, including a large exciton binding energy at room temperature and a very small piezoelectric coefficient. The major obstacle to its application is the difficulty in growing a single-crystal epitaxial film of cuprous halides. We first demonstrate the single crystal epitaxy of high quality cuprous iodide (CuI) film grown on Si and sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Enhanced photoluminescence on the order of magnitude larger than that of GaN and continuous-wave optically pumped lasing were found in MBE grown CuI film. The intrinsic p-type characteristics of CuI were confirmed using an n-AlGaN/p-CuI junction that emits blue light. The discovery will provide an alternative way towards highly efficient optoelectronic devices compatible with both Si and III-nitride technologies.

DETERMINATION OF THE TOTAL EFFECTIVE DOSE OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL EXPOSURE BY DIFFERENT IONIZING RADIATION SOURCES

The purpose of the research is to develop an integrated technique for determining the effective dose (E) of external and internal exposure by different sources of ionizing radiation. The proposing technique for determining the total effective dose is based on three methods of calculation. The first one is multiplying the value of the individual dose equivalent $H_{p}(10)$ by the factor of 0.642 to account for radiation shielding by various organs and tissues and its backscattering. The second method is multiplying $H_{p}(10)$ by the conversion factor of air kerma in free air in a plate phantom, depending on the photon energy. The third method is multiplying $H_{p}(10)$ by the sum of the radiosensitivity coefficients of various organs and tissues. As a result of research, a complex method was developed for determining the total effective dose, composed of doses of cosmic radiation, external gamma-, beta- and neutron radiation, internal exposure from radionuclides, including CDP of radon and thoron, entering the body through the organs of digestion and respiration. The proposed technique for determining the total effective dose allows one to take into account the comprehensive effect of ionizing radiation sources on a person and to obtain a more accurate measure of radiation risk than the existing methods provide.

Transcriptome Profile Alteration with Cadmium Selenide/Zinc Sulfide Quantum Dots in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Quantum Dots (QDs) are becoming more prevalent in products used in our daily lives, such as TVs and laptops, due to their unique and tunable optical properties. The possibility of using QDs as fluorescent probes in applications, such as medical imaging, has been a topic of interest for some time, but their potential toxicity and long-term effects on the environment are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of yellow CdSe/ZnS-QDs on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We utilized growth assays, RNA-seq, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection assays, and cell wall stability experiments to investigate the potential toxic effects of CdSe/ZnS-QDs. We found CdSe/ZnS-QDs had no negative effects on cell viability; however, cell wall-compromised cells showed more sensitivity in the presence of 10 µg/mL CdSe/ZnS-QDs compared to non-treated cells. In CdSe/ZnS-treated and non-treated cells, no significant change in superoxide was detected, but according to our transcriptomic analysis, thousands of genes in CdSe/ZnS-treated cells became differentially expressed. Four significantly differentiated genes found, including FAF1, SDA1, DAN1, and TIR1, were validated by consistent results with RT-qPCR assays. Our transcriptome analysis led us to conclude that exposure of CdSe/ZnS-QDs on yeast significantly affected genes implicated in multiple cellular processes.

Integrating regulatory DNA sequence and gene expression to predict genome-wide chromatin accessibility across cellular contexts

MOTIVATION

Genome-wide profiles of chromatin accessibility and gene expression in diverse cellular contexts are critical to decipher the dynamics of transcriptional regulation. Recently, convolutional neural networks have been used to learn predictive cis-regulatory DNA sequence models of context-specific chromatin accessibility landscapes. However, these context-specific regulatory sequence models cannot generalize predictions across cell types.

RESULTS

We introduce multi-modal, residual neural network architectures that integrate cis-regulatory sequence and context-specific expression of trans-regulators to predict genome-wide chromatin accessibility profiles across cellular contexts. We show that the average accessibility of a genomic region across training contexts can be a surprisingly powerful predictor. We leverage this feature and employ novel strategies for training models to enhance genome-wide prediction of shared and context-specific chromatin accessible sites across cell types. We interpret the models to reveal insights into cis- and trans-regulation of chromatin dynamics across 123 diverse cellular contexts.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

The code is available at https://github.com/kundajelab/ChromDragoNN.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Long-term Follow-up of Complicated Crown Fracture With Fragment Reattachment: Two Case Reports

Two cases of complicated crown fracture of the maxillary incisors were restored using the fragment reattachment technique. Root canal treatment was performed, and the fractured fragment was bonded to the tooth structure using a dentin adhesive system and a flowable composite resin, followed by the insertion of a fiber post using dual-cured resin cement. Reattached fragments have shown reliable prognosis without inflammatory signs around bonded junctions after long-term follow-up.

Coupled Single-Cell CRISPR Screening and Epigenomic Profiling Reveals Causal Gene Regulatory Networks

Here, we present Perturb-ATAC, a method that combines multiplexed CRISPR interference or knockout with genome-wide chromatin accessibility profiling in single cells based on the simultaneous detection of CRISPR guide RNAs and open chromatin sites by assay of transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq). We applied Perturb-ATAC to transcription factors (TFs), chromatin-modifying factors, and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in ∼4,300 single cells, encompassing more than 63 genotype-phenotype relationships. Perturb-ATAC in human B lymphocytes uncovered regulators of chromatin accessibility, TF occupancy, and nucleosome positioning and identified a hierarchy of TFs that govern B cell state, variation, and disease-associated cis-regulatory elements. Perturb-ATAC in primary human epidermal cells revealed three sequential modules of cis-elements that specify keratinocyte fate. Combinatorial deletion of all pairs of these TFs uncovered their epistatic relationships and highlighted genomic co-localization as a basis for synergistic interactions. Thus, Perturb-ATAC is a powerful strategy to dissect gene regulatory networks in development and disease.

A micro-pipette thermal sensing technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of non-volatile fluids

This research work demonstrates an innovative technique to measure the thermal conductivity of a small volume of non-volatile liquids. The method utilizes a micro-pipette thermal sensor (MPTS) (tip diameter < 2 μm) and is based on laser point heating thermometry and transient heat transfer. A laser beam is irradiated at the sensor tip immersed in a few microliters of the test fluid and the transient temperature change is recorded with the sensor. This temperature change is dependent on the surrounding fluid's thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity and diffusivity. The numerical solution for transient temperature profile for a point source is obtained using the finite element method in the COMSOL software. To determine the optimizing parameters such as thermal conductivity and power absorbed at the sensor tip, the multi-parameter fitting technique is used in MATLAB, which will fit the COMSOL simulation result with the experimental data. Three liquids with known thermal conductivity were tested to verify that the technique can be used to determine the thermal conductivity with high accuracy, and in addition, the thermal conductivity of growth media and serum used for culturing cancer cells is estimated. With the sensor size of 1-2 μm, we demonstrate the possibility of using this described method as the MPTS technique for measuring the thermal properties of microfluidic samples and biological fluids.

Clinical Effectiveness of Different Polishing Systems and Self-Etch Adhesives in Class V Composite Resin Restorations: Two-Year Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the clinical effectiveness of different polishing systems and self-etch adhesives in class V composite resin restorations. A total of 164 noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) from 35 patients were randomly allocated to one of four experimental groups, each of which used a combination of polishing systems and adhesives. The two polishing systems used were Sof-Lex XT (Sof), a multistep abrasive disc, and Enhance/Pogo (EP), a simplified abrasive-impregnated rubber instrument. The adhesive systems were Clearfil SE bond (CS), a two-step self-etch adhesive, and Xeno V (XE), a one-step self-etch adhesive. All NCCLs were restored with light-cured microhybrid resin composites (Z250). Restorations were evaluated at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months by two blinded independent examiners using modified FDI criteria. The Fisher exact test and generalized estimating equation analysis considering repeated measurements were performed to compare the outcomes between the polishing systems and adhesives. Three restorations were dislodged: two in CS/Sof and one in CS/EP. None of the restorations required any repair or retreatment except those showing retention loss. Sof was superior to EP with regard to surface luster, staining, and marginal adaptation (p<0.05). CS and XE did not show differences in any criteria (p>0.05). Sof is clinically superior to EP for polishing performance in class V composite resin restoration. XE demonstrates clinically equivalent bonding performance to CS.

Single-Molecule Sequencing Reveals Patterns of Preexisting Drug Resistance That Suggest Treatment Strategies in Philadelphia-Positive Leukemias

Purpose: Sequential treatment with targeted therapies can result in complex combinations of resistance mutations in drug targets. This mutational complexity has spurred the development of pan-target inhibitors, i.e., therapies for which no single target mutation can cause resistance. Because the propensity for on- versus off-target resistance varies across cancer types, a deeper understanding of the mutational burden in drug targets could rationalize treatment outcomes and prioritize pan-target inhibitors for indications where on-target mutations are most likely.Experimental Design: To measure and model the mutational landscape of a drug target at high resolution, we integrated single-molecule Duplex Sequencing of the ABL1 gene in Philadelphia-positive (Ph⁺) leukemias with computational simulations.Results: A combination of drug target mutational burden and tumor-initiating cell fraction is sufficient to predict that most patients with chronic myeloid leukemia are unlikely to harbor ABL1 resistance mutations at the time of diagnosis, rationalizing the exceptional success of targeted therapy in this setting. In contrast, our analysis predicts that many patients with Ph⁺ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph⁺ ALL) harbor multiple preexisting resistant cells with single mutants. The emergence of compound mutations can be traced to initial use of an ABL1 inhibitor that is susceptible to resistance from single point mutations.Conclusions: These results argue that early use of therapies that achieve pan-inhibition of ABL1 resistance mutants might improve outcomes in Ph⁺ ALL. Our findings show how a deep understanding of the mutational burden in drug targets can be quantitatively coupled to phenotypic heterogeneity to rationalize clinical phenomena. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5321-34. ©2018 AACR.

Systematic review of cure and recurrence rates following minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

Background

The majority of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) have a single overactive adenoma. Advances in preoperative imaging and surgical adjuncts have given rise to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP), with lower complication rates in comparison with bilateral neck exploration. Misdiagnosis and undertreatment of multiglandular disease, leading to potentially higher recurrence rates, remains a concern. This study evaluated risks of long‐term (1 year or more) recurrence following ‘targeted’ MIP in PHPT.

Methods

Multiple databases were searched for studies published between January 2004 and March 2017, looking at long‐term outcomes (1 year or more) following targeted MIP for PHPT. English‐language studies, with at least 50 patients and a mean follow‐up of 1 year, were included.

Results

A total of 5282 patients from 14 studies were included. Overall mean recurrence and cure rates were 1·6 (range 0–3·5) and 96·9 (95·5–100) per cent respectively. Mean follow‐up was 33·5 (1–145) months. When intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements were not done, cure rates were higher (99·3 per cent versus 98·1 per cent with use of intraoperative PTH measurement; P < 0·001) and recurrence rates lower (0·2 versus 1·5 per cent respectively; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Targeted MIP for a presumed single overactive adenoma was associated with very low recurrence rates, without the need for intraoperative PTH measurement when preoperative imaging studies were concordant. Targeted MIP should be encouraged.

Nuclear quantum effect with pure anharmonicity and the anomalous thermal expansion of silicon

Despite the widespread use of silicon in modern technology, its peculiar thermal expansion is not well understood. Adapting harmonic phonons to the specific volume at temperature, the quasiharmonic approximation, has become accepted for simulating the thermal expansion, but has given ambiguous interpretations for microscopic mechanisms. To test atomistic mechanisms, we performed inelastic neutron scattering experiments from 100 K to 1,500 K on a single crystal of silicon to measure the changes in phonon frequencies. Our state-of-the-art ab initio calculations, which fully account for phonon anharmonicity and nuclear quantum effects, reproduced the measured shifts of individual phonons with temperature, whereas quasiharmonic shifts were mostly of the wrong sign. Surprisingly, the accepted quasiharmonic model was found to predict the thermal expansion owing to a large cancellation of contributions from individual phonons.

Preparation of rare earth oxides from Synchysite oxidized ore by acid leaching

Mixed rare earth oxides have been prepared from synchysite ore from the Lugiin gol rare earth deposit (Mongolia) which contains about 6% of cerium light rare earth elements. Ore powders were leached for up to 60 min using 80-120 g/l sulfuric acids at an acid to powder ratio of 20, agitation was performed by magnetic stirring followed by precipitation and calcination at 700°C for 1h. The highest leaching of REEs equal to 85% of the total REE was observed in the acid solution of 80 g/l. Obtained mixed rare earth oxides represent a layered type structure.

Lineage-specific dynamic and pre-established enhancer-promoter contacts cooperate in terminal differentiation

Chromosome conformation is an important feature of metazoan gene regulation; however, enhancer-promoter contact remodeling during cellular differentiation remains poorly understood. To address this, genome-wide promoter capture Hi-C (CHi-C) was performed during epidermal differentiation. Two classes of enhancer-promoter contacts associated with differentiation-induced genes were identified. The first class ('gained') increased in contact strength during differentiation in concert with enhancer acquisition of the H3K27ac activation mark. The second class ('stable') were pre-established in undifferentiated cells, with enhancers constitutively marked by H3K27ac. The stable class was associated with the canonical conformation regulator cohesin, whereas the gained class was not, implying distinct mechanisms of contact formation and regulation. Analysis of stable enhancers identified a new, essential role for a constitutively expressed, lineage-restricted ETS-family transcription factor, EHF, in epidermal differentiation. Furthermore, neither class of contacts was observed in pluripotent cells, suggesting that lineage-specific chromatin structure is established in tissue progenitor cells and is further remodeled in terminal differentiation.

Dynamics of analyst forecasts and emergence of complexity: Role of information disparity

We report complex phenomena arising among financial analysts, who gather information and generate investment advice, and elucidate them with the help of a theoretical model. Understanding how analysts form their forecasts is important in better understanding the financial market. Carrying out big-data analysis of the analyst forecast data from I/B/E/S for nearly thirty years, we find skew distributions as evidence for emergence of complexity, and show how information asymmetry or disparity affects financial analysts' forming their forecasts. Here regulations, information dissemination throughout a fiscal year, and interactions among financial analysts are regarded as the proxy for a lower level of information disparity. It is found that financial analysts with better access to information display contrasting behaviors: a few analysts become bolder and issue forecasts independent of other forecasts while the majority of analysts issue more accurate forecasts and flock to each other. Main body of our sample of optimistic forecasts fits a log-normal distribution, with the tail displaying a power law. Based on the Yule process, we propose a model for the dynamics of issuing forecasts, incorporating interactions between analysts. Explaining nicely empirical data on analyst forecasts, this provides an appealing instance of understanding social phenomena in the perspective of complex systems.

Donor-Derived Strongyloidiasis Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Review and Pooled Analysis

BACKGROUND

Donor-derived Strongyloides stercoralis infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is uncommon. Immunosuppressed SOT recipients are at risk of developing severe forms of strongyloidiasis infection through transmission from an infected donor allograft.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for English-written articles published up to April 2015. Articles that reported cases of donor-derived strongyloidiasis infection in SOT recipients were reviewed for a pooled analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 27 cases were identified from various SOT recipients. Donors were mostly from Strongyloides endemic regions (23 cases). No transplant recipients received prophylaxis against strongyloidiasis infection. Median age was 53 years. Median time of presenting symptoms after the solid organ transplantation was 72 days. The most common presenting symptoms were gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (19 cases; 70.4%). Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis infection was mainly made by the confirmation of Strongyloides larvae or worm in GI samples (19 cases) and respiratory samples (14 cases). Donor-derived strongyloidiasis infection was evidenced by serology test results in 17 cases and epidemiological risk assessment analysis in 10 cases. Ivermectin was the most commonly used medication with use of a combination of iverrmectin and albendazole or thiabendazole in 15 cases. Death was noted in 9 cases (34.6%) of 26 cases with known outcomes. Presence of sepsis or bacteremia was a predictor of mortality because it was seen in 9 patients who died (100.0%) and in 4 patients who survived (23.5%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Donor-derived strongyloidiasis infection in SOT recipients has high mortality. Effective donor screening and prophylaxis in high-risk SOT recipients may help to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with donor-derived strongyloidiasis.

Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of rice dwarf mutants induced by gamma irradiation

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is a powerful tool used to analyze changes in copy number, polymorphisms, and structural variations in the genome. Gene copy number variation (CNV) is a common form of natural diversity in the genome, which can create new genes and alter gene structure. Thus, CNVs may influence phenotypic variation and gene expression. In this study, to detect CNVs, we irradiated rice seeds with gamma rays (300 Gy) and selected two dwarf mutagenized plants, GA-III-189 and -1052, in the M₃ generation. These plants were subjected to CGH analysis using Agilent's RICE CGH array. Most of the CNVs identified were less than 10 kb in length. We detected 90 amplified and 18 deleted regions in GA-III-189, and 99 amplified and 11 deleted regions in GA-III-1052. Of note, CNVs were located on chromosome 12 in both GA-III-189 and -1052, which contained 39 commonly amplified regions in 29 genes. The commonly amplified genes included six genes encoding F-box domain-containing proteins. Alterations in these F-box domain-containing genes were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Integration of CGH and gene expression data identified copy number aberrations and novel genes potentially involved in the dwarf phenotype. These CGH and gene expression data may be useful for uncovering the mechanisms underlying the dwarf phenotype.

Antimelanogenic effects of luteolin 7-sulfate isolated from Phyllospadix iwatensis Makino

BACKGROUND

Abnormal deposition of melanin may cause an aesthetic skin problem; therefore, the control of unwanted excessive melanin synthesis is the major goal of cosmetic research.

OBJECTIVES

To identify novel tyrosinase (TYR) inhibitors from marine plants and examine their cellular antimelanogenic effects.

METHODS

The extracts of 50 marine plants endemic to Korea were screened against human TYR. Active constituents were then isolated from the selected plant extracts that showed potential and their chemical structures elucidated. Furthermore, their antimelanogenic effects were examined using murine melanoma B16/F10 cells and human epidermal melanocytes (HEM).

RESULTS

Among the tested extracts, that of Phyllospadix iwatensis Makino exhibited the strongest human TYR inhibitory activity. The active constituents were purified from the butanol fraction of the P. iwatensis extract and identified as hispidulin 7-sulfate and luteolin 7-sulfate. Luteolin 7-sulfate inhibited human TYR more strongly than hispidulin 7-sulfate, luteolin, hispidulin and arbutin. Furthermore, luteolin 7-sulfate showed lower cytotoxicity than luteolin in both B16/F10 cells and HEM. Luteolin 7-sulfate attenuated cellular melanin synthesis more effectively in B16/F10 cells and HEM stimulated by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and l-tyrosine than arbutin.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that luteolin 7-sulfate isolated from P. iwatensis is a human TYR inhibitor with advantageous antimelanogenic properties, and would be useful for development as a therapeutic agent for the control of unwanted skin pigmentation.

Artificial micro-swimmers in simulated natural environments

Microswimmers, such as bacteria, are known to show different behaviours depending on their local environment. They identify spatial chemical gradients to find nutrient rich areas (chemotaxis) and interact with shear flows to accumulate in high shear regions. Recently, artificial microswimmers have been developed which mimic their natural counterparts in many ways. One of the exciting topics in this field is to study these artificial motors in several natural settings like the ones bacteria interact with. In this Focus article, we summarize recent observations of artificial swimmers in chemical gradients, shear flows and other interesting natural environments simulated in the lab using microfluidics and nanotechnology.

Generation of Charged Nanoparticles During Thermal Evaporation of Silver at Atmospheric Pressure

The generation of charged silver nanoparticles in the gas phase during thermal evaporation of silver at atmospheric pressure was confirmed by the nano-differential mobility analyzer (DMA). Effects of the evaporation temperature, the nitrogen gas flow rate and the amount of silver to be evaporated on the size distribution of charged nanoparticles (CNPs) were examined. Both positively and negatively-charged nanoparticles were generated under all processing conditions adopted in this study. The deposition behavior of CNPs was affected by the gas flow, which is affected by the temperature gradient in the reactor and by the applied electric bias. The electric bias, which not only enhanced the film growth rate but also produced a much denser film surface, turned out to be an important process parameter under the condition where an appreciable amount of CNPs is generated.

Rare and Coding Region Genetic Variants Associated With Risk of Ischemic Stroke: The NHLBI Exome Sequence Project

IMPORTANCE

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of years of life lost. Genetic factors contribute to stroke prevalence, and candidate gene and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified variants associated with ischemic stroke risk. These variants often have small effects without obvious biological significance. Exome sequencing may discover predicted protein-altering variants with a potentially large effect on ischemic stroke risk.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the contribution of rare and common genetic variants to ischemic stroke risk by targeting the protein-coding regions of the human genome.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Exome Sequencing Project (ESP) analyzed approximately 6000 participants from numerous cohorts of European and African ancestry. For discovery, 365 cases of ischemic stroke (small-vessel and large-vessel subtypes) and 809 European ancestry controls were sequenced; for replication, 47 affected sibpairs concordant for stroke subtype and an African American case-control series were sequenced, with 1672 cases and 4509 European ancestry controls genotyped. The ESP's exome sequencing and genotyping started on January 1, 2010, and continued through June 30, 2012. Analyses were conducted on the full data set between July 12, 2012, and July 13, 2013.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Discovery of new variants or genes contributing to ischemic stroke risk and subtype (primary analysis) and determination of support for protein-coding variants contributing to risk in previously published candidate genes (secondary analysis).

RESULTS

We identified 2 novel genes associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke: a protein-coding variant in PDE4DIP (rs1778155; odds ratio, 2.15; P = 2.63 × 10(-8)) with an intracellular signal transduction mechanism and in ACOT4 (rs35724886; odds ratio, 2.04; P = 1.24 × 10(-7)) with a fatty acid metabolism; confirmation of PDE4DIP was observed in affected sibpair families with large-vessel stroke subtype and in African Americans. Replication of protein-coding variants in candidate genes was observed for 2 previously reported GWAS associations: ZFHX3 (cardioembolic stroke) and ABCA1 (large-vessel stroke).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Exome sequencing discovered 2 novel genes and mechanisms, PDE4DIP and ACOT4, associated with increased risk for ischemic stroke. In addition, ZFHX3 and ABCA1 were discovered to have protein-coding variants associated with ischemic stroke. These results suggest that genetic variation in novel pathways contributes to ischemic stroke risk and serves as a target for prediction, prevention, and therapy.

External validation of the prognostic index in acute paraquat poisoning

OBJECTIVE

Some studies have evaluated the prognostic indicators associated with acute paraquat (PQ) poisoning. In this study, we externally validated the Yamaguchi index, which showed a good prognostic relevance in predicting the outcome of PQ poisoning.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 297 patients was performed. The Yamaguchi index was calculated using the following equation: Eq1 = (K(+) × HCO3(-))/(Creatinine × 0.088)(mEq/L) against time from PQ ingestion (T). The patients were divided into three groups: group A: Eq1 > 1500 - 399 × log T, group B: 930 - 399 × log T < Eq1 ≤ 1500 - 399 × log T, and group C: Eq1 ≤ 930 - 399 × log T).

RESULTS

The overall mortality rate was 65.3% (194 of 297). The mortality rates of the three groups stratified by the Yamaguchi index were 7.1% (2 of 28), 22.4% (15 of 67), and 87.6% (177 of 202). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for predicting mortality from the external validation of the Yamaguchi index was 0.842 (95% confidence interval: 0.795-0.882).

CONCLUSION

The Yamaguchi index is a reliable prognostic factor and could be helpful in predicting mortality due to PQ poisoning.

Crustacean hyperglycemic hormones of two cold water crab species, Chionoecetes opilio and C. japonicus: isolation of cDNA sequences and localization of CHH neuropeptide in eyestalk ganglia

Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) is primarily known for its prototypical function in hyperglycemia which is induced by the release of CHH. The CHH release takes place as an adaptive response to the energy demands of the animals experiencing stressful environmental, physiological or behavioral conditions. Although >63 decapod CHH nucleotide sequences are known (GenBank), the majority of them is garnered from the species inhabiting shallow and warm water. In order to understand the adaptive role of CHH in Chionoecetes opilio and Chionoecetes japonicus inhabiting deep water environments, we first aimed for the isolation of the full-length cDNA sequence of CHH from the eyestalk ganglia of C. opilio (ChoCHH) and C. japonicus (ChjCHH) using degenerate PCR and 5' and 3' RACE. Cho- and ChjCHH cDNA sequences are identical in 5' UTR and ORF with 100% sequence identity of the putative 138aa of preproCHHs. The length of 3' UTR ChjCHH cDNA sequence is 39 nucleotides shorter than that of ChoCHH. This is the first report in decapod crustaceans that two different species have the identical sequence of CHH. ChoCHH expression increases during embryogenesis of C. opilio and is significantly higher in adult males and females. C. japonicus males have slightly higher ChjCHH expression than C. opilio males, but no statistical difference. In both species, the immunostaining intensity of CHH is stronger in the sinus gland than that of X-organ cells. Future studies will enable us to gain better understanding of the comparative metabolic physiology and endocrinology of cold, deep water species of Chionoecetes spp.

B7-H1 inhibits T cell proliferation through MHC class II in human mesenchymal stem cells

B7-H1 on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is known to modulate immune response. However, its expression pattern and exact immunomodulatory mechanism are unclear. In this study, we examined the immunomodulatory mechanism through the expression pattern of B7-H1 and major histocompatibility complex class II in various MSCs. Human bone marrow, adipose tissue, and cord blood MSCs were isolated and cultured. B7-H1, HLA-ABC, and HLA-DR expression on MSCs by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was detected time-dependently by flow cytometry. The inhibitory effect of MSCs on T lymphocytes was observed in phytohemagglutinin antigen-induced T cell proliferation assay. The expression of B7-H1 was rapidly induced, but the expression of HLA-DR was induced at 48 hours after IFN-γ treatment. The inhibitory effect of MSCs on T cell proliferation could be restored when the anti-B7-H1 monoclonal antibody was used to block the B7-H1, or when the HLA-DRα small interfering RNA was used to interfere with its expression. These results show that MSCs could inhibit the T cell proliferation and activation by B7-H1 depending on the presence of HLA-DR. Therefore, MSCs would have a strong effect on immune diseases such as graft-versus-host disease and autoimmune diseases when MSCs are primed with IFN-γ 48 hours before transplantation.

Fabrication and applications of complex-shaped microparticles via microfluidics

Complex-shaped microparticles (MPs) have attracted extensive interest in a myriad of scientific and engineering fields in recent years for their distinct morphology and capability in combining different functions within a single particle. Microfluidic techniques offer an intriguing method for fabricating MPs with excellent monodispersity and complex morphology in parallel while controlling their number and size precisely and independently. To date, there are two notable microfluidics approaches for the synthesis of complex-shaped MPs, namely droplet based, and flow-lithography based microfluidics approaches. It is undoubted that the application of complex-shaped MPs via microfluidic fabrication will hold great promise in a variety of fields including microfabrication, analytical chemistry and biomedicine.