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.

Personalized digital behaviour interventions increase short-term physical activity: a randomized control crossover trial substudy of the MyHeart Counts Cardiovascular Health Study

Aims

Physical activity is associated with decreased incidence of the chronic diseases associated with aging. We previously demonstrated that digital interventions delivered through a smartphone app can increase short-term physical activity.

Methods and results

We offered enrolment to community-living iPhone-using adults aged ≥18 years in the USA, UK, and Hong Kong who downloaded the MyHeart Counts app. After completion of a 1-week baseline period, e-consented participants were randomized to four 7-day interventions. Interventions consisted of: (i) daily personalized e-coaching based on the individual's baseline activity patterns, (ii) daily prompts to complete 10 000 steps, (iii) hourly prompts to stand following inactivity, and (iv) daily instructions to read guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) website. After completion of one 7-day intervention, participants subsequently randomized to the next intervention of the crossover trial. The trial was completed in a free-living setting, where neither the participants nor investigators were blinded to the intervention. The primary outcome was change in mean daily step count from baseline for each of the four interventions, assessed in a modified intention-to-treat analysis (modified in that participants had to complete 7 days of baseline monitoring and at least 1 day of an intervention to be included in analyses). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03090321.

Conclusion

Between 1 January 2017 and 1 April 2022, 4500 participants consented to enrol in the trial (a subset of the approximately 50 000 participants in the larger MyHeart Counts study), of whom 2458 completed 7 days of baseline monitoring (mean daily steps 4232 ± 73) and at least 1 day of one of the four interventions. Personalized e-coaching prompts, tailored to an individual based on their baseline activity, increased step count significantly (+402 ± 71 steps from baseline, P = 7.1⨯10-8). Hourly stand prompts (+292 steps from baseline, P = 0.00029) and a daily prompt to read AHA guidelines (+215 steps from baseline, P = 0.021) were significantly associated with increased mean daily step count, while a daily reminder to complete 10 000 steps was not (+170 steps from baseline, P = 0.11). Digital studies have a significant advantage over traditional clinical trials in that they can continuously recruit participants in a cost-effective manner, allowing for new insights provided by increased statistical power and refinement of prior signals. Here, we present a novel finding that digital interventions tailored to an individual are effective in increasing short-term physical activity in a free-living cohort. These data suggest that participants are more likely to react positively and increase their physical activity when prompts are personalized. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of digital interventions on long-term outcomes.

[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.

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.

The genetics of human performance

Human physiology is likely to have been selected for endurance physical activity. However, modern humans have become largely sedentary, with physical activity becoming a leisure-time pursuit for most. Whereas inactivity is a strong risk factor for disease, regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic disease and mortality. Although substantial epidemiological evidence supports the beneficial effects of exercise, comparatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms through which these effects operate. Genetic and genomic analyses have identified genetic variation associated with human performance and, together with recent proteomic, metabolomic and multi-omic analyses, are beginning to elucidate the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical activity on human health.

Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes: Opportunities for Precision Medicine: JACC Focus Seminar

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is highly prevalent and is a strong contributor for cardiovascular disease. However, there is significant heterogeneity in disease pathogenesis and the risk of complications. Enormous progress has been made in our ability to catalog genetic variation associated with T2D risk and variation in disease-relevant quantitative traits. These discoveries hold the potential to shed light on tractable targets and pathways for safe and effective therapeutic development, but the promise of precision medicine has been slow to be realized. Recent studies have identified subgroups of individuals with differential risk for intermediate phenotypes (eg, lipid levels, fasting insulin, body mass index) that contribute to T2D risk, helping to account for the observed clinical heterogeneity. These "partitioned genetic risk scores" not only have the potential to identify patients at greatest risk of cardiovascular disease and rapid disease progression, but also could aid patient stratification bridging the gap toward precision medicine for T2D.

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.

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.

[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.

Identification of seven novel loci associated with amino acid levels using single-variant and gene-based tests in 8545 Finnish men from the METSIM study

Comprehensive metabolite profiling captures many highly heritable traits, including amino acid levels, which are potentially sensitive biomarkers for disease pathogenesis. To better understand the contribution of genetic variation to amino acid levels, we performed single variant and gene-based tests of association between nine serum amino acids (alanine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and valine) and 16.6 million genotyped and imputed variants in 8545 non-diabetic Finnish men from the METabolic Syndrome In Men (METSIM) study with replication in Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC1966). We identified five novel loci associated with amino acid levels (P = < 5×10-8): LOC157273/PPP1R3B with glycine (rs9987289, P = 2.3×10-26); ZFHX3 (chr16:73326579, minor allele frequency (MAF) = 0.42%, P = 3.6×10-9), LIPC (rs10468017, P = 1.5×10-8), and WWOX (rs9937914, P = 3.8×10-8) with alanine; and TRIB1 with tyrosine (rs28601761, P = 8×10-9). Gene-based tests identified two novel genes harboring missense variants of MAF <1% that show aggregate association with amino acid levels: PYCR1 with glycine (Pgene = 1.5×10-6) and BCAT2 with valine (Pgene = 7.4×10-7); neither gene was implicated by single variant association tests. These findings are among the first applications of gene-based tests to identify new loci for amino acid levels. In addition to the seven novel gene associations, we identified five independent signals at established amino acid loci, including two rare variant signals at GLDC (rs138640017, MAF=0.95%, Pconditional = 5.8×10-40) with glycine levels and HAL (rs141635447, MAF = 0.46%, Pconditional = 9.4×10-11) with histidine levels. Examination of all single variant association results in our data revealed a strong inverse relationship between effect size and MAF (Ptrend<0.001). These novel signals provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms of amino acid metabolism and potentially, their perturbations in disease.

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.

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.

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.

Autosomal dominant mannose-binding lectin deficiency is associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes after cardiac surgery in infants

OBJECTIVES

The MBL2 gene is the major genetic determinant of mannose-binding lectin (MBL)-an acute phase reactant. Low MBL levels have been associated with adverse outcomes in preterm infants. The MBL2_Gly54Asp missense variant causes autosomal dominant MBL deficiency. We tested the hypothesis that MBL2_Gly54Asp is associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes after cardiac surgery in neonates.

METHODS

This is an analysis of a previously described cohort of patients with nonsyndromic congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass before age 6 months (n = 295). Four-year neurodevelopment was assessed in 3 domains: Full-Scale Intellectual Quotient, the Visual Motor Integration development test, and the Child Behavior Checklist to assess behavior problems. The Child Behavior Checklist measured total behavior problems, pervasive developmental problems, and internalizing/externalizing problems. A multivariable linear regression model, adjusting for confounders, was fit.

RESULTS

MBL2_Gly54Asp was associated with a significantly increased covariate-adjusted pervasive developmental problem score (β = 3.98; P = .0025). Sensitivity analyses of the interaction between age at first surgery and MBL genotype suggested effect modification for the patients with MBL2_Gly54Asp (P_interaction = .039), with the poorest neurodevelopment outcomes occurring in children who had surgery earlier in life.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the novel finding that carriers of MBL2_Gly54Asp causing autosomal dominant MBL deficiency have increased childhood pervasive developmental problems after cardiac surgery, independent of other covariates. Sensitivity analyses suggest that this effect may be larger in children who underwent surgery at earlier ages. These data support the role of nonsyndromic genetic variation in determining postsurgical neurodevelopment-related outcomes in children with congenital heart disease.

Discovery and replication of SNP-SNP interactions for quantitative lipid traits in over 60,000 individuals

BACKGROUND

The genetic etiology of human lipid quantitative traits is not fully elucidated, and interactions between variants may play a role. We performed a gene-centric interaction study for four different lipid traits: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG).

RESULTS

Our analysis consisted of a discovery phase using a merged dataset of five different cohorts (n = 12,853 to n = 16,849 depending on lipid phenotype) and a replication phase with ten independent cohorts totaling up to 36,938 additional samples. Filters are often applied before interaction testing to correct for the burden of testing all pairwise interactions. We used two different filters: 1. A filter that tested only single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a main effect of p < 0.001 in a previous association study. 2. A filter that only tested interactions identified by Biofilter 2.0. Pairwise models that reached an interaction significance level of p < 0.001 in the discovery dataset were tested for replication. We identified thirteen SNP-SNP models that were significant in more than one replication cohort after accounting for multiple testing.

CONCLUSIONS

These results may reveal novel insights into the genetic etiology of lipid levels. Furthermore, we developed a pipeline to perform a computationally efficient interaction analysis with multi-cohort replication.

Novel association of TM6SF2 rs58542926 genotype with increased serum tyrosine levels and decreased apoB-100 particles in Finns

A glutamate-to-lysine variant (rs58542926-T) in transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) is associated with increased fatty liver disease and diabetes in conjunction with decreased cardiovascular disease risk. To identify mediators of the effects of TM6SF2, we tested for associations between rs58542926-T and serum lipoprotein/metabolite measures in cross-sectional data from nondiabetic statin-naïve participants. We identified independent associations between rs58542926-T and apoB-100 particles (β = -0.057 g/l, P = 1.99 × 10-14) and tyrosine levels (β = 0.0020 mmol/l, P = 1.10 × 10-8), controlling for potential confounders, in 6,929 Finnish men. The association between rs58542926-T and apoB-100 was confirmed in an independent sample of 2,196 Finnish individuals from the FINRISK study (βreplication = -0.029, Preplication = 0.029). Secondary analyses demonstrated an rs58542926-T dose-dependent decrease in particle concentration, cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) content for VLDL and LDL particles (P < 0.001 for all). No significant associations between rs58542926-T and HDL measures were observed. TM6SF2 SNP rs58542926-T and tyrosine levels were associated with increased incident T2D risk in both METSIM and FINRISK. Decreased liver production/secretion of VLDL, decreased cholesterol and TGs in VLDL/LDL particles in serum, and increased tyrosine levels identify possible mechanisms by which rs58542926-T exerts its effects on increasing risk of fatty liver disease, decreasing cardiovascular disease, and increasing diabetes risk, respectively.

Sequencing of sporadic Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) identifies novel and potentially pathogenic de novo variants and excludes overlap with genes associated with autism spectrum disorder

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has high heritability; however, studies of common variation account for <5% of ADHD variance. Using data from affected participants without a family history of ADHD, we sought to identify de novo variants that could account for sporadic ADHD. Considering a total of 128 families, two analyses were conducted in parallel: first, in 11 unaffected parent/affected proband trios (or quads with the addition of an unaffected sibling) we completed exome sequencing. Six de novo missense variants at highly conserved bases were identified and validated from four of the 11 families: the brain-expressed genes TBC1D9, DAGLA, QARS, CSMD2, TRPM2, and WDR83. Separately, in 117 unrelated probands with sporadic ADHD, we sequenced a panel of 26 genes implicated in intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to evaluate whether variation in ASD/ID-associated genes were also present in participants with ADHD. Only one putative deleterious variant (Gln600STOP) in CHD1L was identified; this was found in a single proband. Notably, no other nonsense, splice, frameshift, or highly conserved missense variants in the 26 gene panel were identified and validated. These data suggest that de novo variant analysis in families with independently adjudicated sporadic ADHD diagnosis can identify novel genes implicated in ADHD pathogenesis. Moreover, that only one of the 128 cases (0.8%, 11 exome, and 117 MIP sequenced participants) had putative deleterious variants within our data in 26 genes related to ID and ASD suggests significant independence in the genetic pathogenesis of ADHD as compared to ASD and ID phenotypes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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.

Association Between Absolute Neutrophil Count and Variation at TCIRG1: The NHLBI Exome Sequencing Project

Neutrophils are a key component of innate immunity. Individuals with low neutrophil count are susceptible to frequent infections. Linkage and association between congenital neutropenia and a single rare missense variant in TCIRG1 have been reported in a single family. Here, we report on nine rare missense variants at evolutionarily conserved sites in TCIRG1 that are associated with lower absolute neutrophil count (ANC; p = 0.005) in 1,058 participants from three cohorts: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC), Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), and Jackson Heart Study (JHS) of the NHLBI Grand Opportunity Exome Sequencing Project (GO ESP). These results validate the effects of TCIRG1 coding variation on ANC and suggest that this gene may be associated with a spectrum of mild to severe effects on ANC.

Concentration of Smaller High-Density Lipoprotein Particle (HDL-P) Is Inversely Correlated With Carotid Intima Media Thickening After Confounder Adjustment: The Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have failed to establish a causal relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), shifting focus to other HDL measures. We previously reported that smaller/denser HDL levels are protective against cerebrovascular disease. This study sought to determine which of small+medium HDL particle concentration (HDL-P) or large HDL-P was more strongly associated with carotid intima-media thickening (cIMT) in an ethnically diverse cohort.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In cross-sectional analyses of participants from the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), we evaluated the associations of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-measured small+medium versus large HDL-P with cIMT measured in the common and internal carotid arteries, through linear regression. After adjustment for CVD confounders, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C, and small+medium HDL-P remained significantly and inversely associated with common (coefficient=-1.46 μm; P=0.00037; n=6512) and internal cIMT (coefficient=-3.82 μm; P=0.0051; n=6418) after Bonferroni correction for 4 independent tests (threshold for significance=0.0125; α=0.05/4). Large HDL-P was significantly and inversely associated with both cIMT outcomes before HDL-C adjustment; however, after adjustment for HDL-C, the association of large HDL-P with both common (coefficient=1.55 μm; P=0.30; n=6512) and internal cIMT (coefficient=4.84 μm; P=0.33; n=6418) was attenuated. In a separate sample of 126 men, small/medium HDL-P was more strongly correlated with paraoxonase 1 activity (rp=0.32; P=0.00023) as compared to both total HDL-P (rp=0.27; P=0.0024) and large HDL-P (rp=0.02; P=0.41) measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Small+medium HDL-P is significantly and inversely correlated with cIMT measurements. Correlation of small+medium HDL-P with cardioprotective paraoxonase 1 activity may reflect a functional aspect of HDL responsible for this finding.

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.

Burden of potentially pathologic copy number variants is higher in children with isolated congenital heart disease and significantly impairs covariate-adjusted transplant-free survival

OBJECTIVES

Copy number variants (CNVs) are duplications or deletions of genomic regions. Large CNVs are potentially pathogenic and are overrepresented in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). We sought to determine the frequency of large CNVs in children with isolated CHD, and to evaluate the relationship of these potentially pathogenic CNVs with transplant-free survival.

METHODS

These cases are derived from a prospective cohort of patients with nonsyndromic CHD (n = 422) identified before first surgery. Healthy pediatric controls (n = 500) were obtained from the electronic Medical Records and Genetic Epidemiology Network, and CNV frequency was contrasted for CHD cases and controls. CNVs were determined algorithmically; subsequently screened for >95% overlap between 2 methods, size (>300 kb), quality score, overlap with a gene, and novelty (absent from databases of known, benign CNVs); and separately validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Survival likelihoods for cases were calculated using Cox proportional hazards modeling to evaluate the joint effect of CNV burden and known confounders on transplant-free survival.

RESULTS

Children with nonsyndromic CHD had a higher burden of potentially pathogenic CNVs compared with pediatric controls (12.1% vs 5.0%; P = .00016). Presence of a CNV was associated with significantly decreased transplant-free survival after surgery (hazard ratio, 3.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.66-7.09; P = .00090) with confounder adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirm that children with isolated CHD have a greater burden of rare/large CNVs. We report a novel finding that these CNVs are associated with an adjusted 2.55-fold increased risk of death or transplant. These data suggest that CNV burden is an important modifier of survival after surgery for CHD.

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.

PLTP activity inversely correlates with CAAD: effects of PON1 enzyme activity and genetic variants on PLTP activity

Recent studies have failed to demonstrate a causal cardioprotective effect of HDL cholesterol levels, shifting focus to the functional aspects of HDL. Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is an HDL-associated protein involved in reverse cholesterol transport. This study sought to determine the genetic and nongenetic predictors of plasma PLTP activity (PLTPa), and separately, to determine whether PLTPa predicted carotid artery disease (CAAD). PLTPa was measured in 1,115 European ancestry participants from a case-control study of CAAD. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to elucidate the relationship between PLTPa and CAAD. Separately, a stepwise linear regression determined the nongenetic clinical and laboratory characteristics that best predicted PLTPa. A final stepwise regression considering both nongenetic and genetic variables identified the combination of covariates that explained maximal PLTPa variance. PLTPa was significantly associated with CAAD (7.90 × 10(-9)), with a 9% decrease in odds of CAAD per 1 unit increase in PLTPa (odds ratio = 0.91). Triglyceride levels (P = 0.0042), diabetes (P = 7.28 × 10(-5)), paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity (P = 0.019), statin use (P = 0.026), PLTP SNP rs4810479 (P = 6.38 × 10(-7)), and PCIF1 SNP rs181914932 (P = 0.041) were all significantly associated with PLTPa. PLTPa is significantly inversely correlated with CAAD. Furthermore, we report a novel association between PLTPa and PON1 activity, a known predictor of CAAD.

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.

Actionable exomic incidental findings in 6503 participants: challenges of variant classification

Recommendations for laboratories to report incidental findings from genomic tests have stimulated interest in such results. In order to investigate the criteria and processes for assigning the pathogenicity of specific variants and to estimate the frequency of such incidental findings in patients of European and African ancestry, we classified potentially actionable pathogenic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in all 4300 European- and 2203 African-ancestry participants sequenced by the NHLBI Exome Sequencing Project (ESP). We considered 112 gene-disease pairs selected by an expert panel as associated with medically actionable genetic disorders that may be undiagnosed in adults. The resulting classifications were compared to classifications from other clinical and research genetic testing laboratories, as well as with in silico pathogenicity scores. Among European-ancestry participants, 30 of 4300 (0.7%) had a pathogenic SNV and six (0.1%) had a disruptive variant that was expected to be pathogenic, whereas 52 (1.2%) had likely pathogenic SNVs. For African-ancestry participants, six of 2203 (0.3%) had a pathogenic SNV and six (0.3%) had an expected pathogenic disruptive variant, whereas 13 (0.6%) had likely pathogenic SNVs. Genomic Evolutionary Rate Profiling mammalian conservation score and the Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion summary score of conservation, substitution, regulation, and other evidence were compared across pathogenicity assignments and appear to have utility in variant classification. This work provides a refined estimate of the burden of adult onset, medically actionable incidental findings expected from exome sequencing, highlights challenges in variant classification, and demonstrates the need for a better curated variant interpretation knowledge base.

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.

The 'either test positive' strategy for latent tuberculous infection before anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment

SETTING

A ttertiary referral centre in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES

The 'either test positive' strategy, incorporating both the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the T-SPOT(®).TB(T-SPOT) assay, was evaluated as a novel method for diagnosing latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) before treatment with anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

DESIGN

From June 2008 to April 2012, 430 patients received anti-TNF treatment at our institution. TST and T-SPOT were performed simultaneously at baseline. LTBI was defined as a positive TST or a positive T-SPOT result.

RESULTS

The positivity rates for the TST and T-SPOT assays were respectively 19.1% (82/430) and 44.2% (190/430), yielding an LTBI-positive rate of 48.6% (209/430). LTBI treatment was initiated in 46.0% (198/430) of patients and was completed by 89.4% (177/198). During follow-up (median 884 days), 0.9% (4/430) of the patients developed active tuberculosis (TB). All four TB patients were TST-negative at baseline, although two received LTBI treatment based on the baseline positive T-SPOT assay results.

CONCLUSIONS

The either test positive strategy is a valid method for diagnosing LTBI before anti-TNF treatment, although it is not clear whether it is superior to other strategies.

Quantification of HDL particle concentration by calibrated ion mobility analysis

BACKGROUND

It is critical to develop new metrics to determine whether HDL is cardioprotective in humans. One promising approach is HDL particle concentration (HDL-P), the size and concentration of HDL in plasma. However, the 2 methods currently used to determine HDL-P yield concentrations that differ >5-fold. We therefore developed and validated an improved approach to quantify HDL-P, termed calibrated ion mobility analysis (calibrated IMA).

METHODS

HDL was isolated from plasma by ultracentrifugation, introduced into the gas phase with electrospray ionization, separated by size, and quantified by particle counting. We used a calibration curve constructed with purified proteins to correct for the ionization efficiency of HDL particles.

RESULTS

The concentrations of gold nanoparticles and reconstituted HDLs measured by calibrated IMA were indistinguishable from concentrations determined by orthogonal methods. In plasma of control (n = 40) and cerebrovascular disease (n = 40) participants, 3 subspecies of HDL were reproducibility measured, with an estimated total HDL-P of 13.4 (2.4) μmol/L. HDL-C accounted for 48% of the variance in HDL-P. HDL-P was significantly lower in participants with cerebrovascular disease (P = 0.002), and this difference remained significant after adjustment for HDL cholesterol concentrations (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Calibrated IMA accurately determined the concentration of gold nanoparticles and synthetic HDL, strongly suggesting that the method could accurately quantify HDL particle concentration. The estimated stoichiometry of apolipoprotein A-I determined by calibrated IMA was 3-4 per HDL particle, in agreement with current structural models. Furthermore, HDL-P was associated with cardiovascular disease status in a clinical population independently of HDL cholesterol.

Genetic variation in the HLA region is associated with susceptibility to herpes zoster

Herpes zoster, commonly referred to as shingles, is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). VZV initially manifests as chicken pox, most commonly in childhood, can remain asymptomatically latent in nerve tissues for many years and often re-emerges as shingles. Although reactivation may be related to immune suppression, aging and female sex, most inter-individual variability in re-emergence risk has not been explained to date. We performed a genome-wide association analyses in 22 981 participants (2280 shingles cases) from the electronic Medical Records and Genomics Network. Using Cox survival and logistic regression, we identified a genomic region in the combined and European ancestry groups that has an age of onset effect reaching genome-wide significance (P>1.0 × 10⁻⁸). This region tags the non-coding gene HCP5 (HLA Complex P5) in the major histocompatibility complex. This gene is an endogenous retrovirus and likely influences viral activity through regulatory functions. Variants in this genetic region are known to be associated with delay in development of AIDS in people infected by HIV. Our study provides further suggestion that this region may have a critical role in viral suppression and could potentially harbor a clinically actionable variant for the shingles vaccine.