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Background and Aim: Sexed semen (SS), a reproductive biotechnology tool, can alter the sex ratio of offspring in bovines. This study elucidates a comparative analysis of estrus-related parameters influencing conception rate and pregnancy losses under field conditions between conventional and SS. Materials and Methods: In the present study, artificial insemination with (SS; n = 143) and conventional semen (CS; n = 143) was performed at spontaneous estrus, i.e., 16-18 h after the onset of estrus signs, to analyze their comparative evaluation in terms of conception rates in crossbred cows under field conditions. Different parameters such as age, parity, body condition score (BCS), estrus duration, inter-estrus interval (IEI), diameter of pre-ovulatory follicle (DPOF) at estrus, and cervical mucus properties (pH and spinnbarkeit [SBK]) were recorded for each cow. Results: The first insemination conception rates for sexed and conventional semen were 55.24% and 63.63% whereas the overall conception rates were 49.14% and 57.37% on days 35 and 75 post-insemination, respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conception rates between sexed and CS inseminations were statistically significant (p < 0.01), whereas factors such as age, parity, BCS, DPOF, IEI, and SBK value exhibited no substantial variance (p > 0.05) for both types of semen straw. Conclusion: SS straws yielded a conception rate equivalent to CS straws, with estrus duration being the key factor affecting conception under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The risk of hydrocephalus following hemispherectomy for drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) remains high. Patients with pre-existing hydrocephalus pose a postoperative challenge, as maintaining existing shunt patency is necessary but lacks a clearly defined strategy. This study examines the incidence and predictors of shunt failure in pediatric hemispherectomy patients with pre-existing ventricular shunts. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review at our center to identify pediatric patients diagnosed with DRE who were treated with ventricular shunt prior to their first hemispherectomy surgery. Demographic and perioperative data were obtained including shunt history, hydrocephalus etiology, epilepsy duration, surgical technique, and postoperative outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and Pearson correlation, with Bonferroni correction to a = 0.00625 and a = 0.01, respectively. Results: Five of nineteen (26.3%) patients identified with ventriculoperitoneal shunting prior to hemispherectomy experienced postoperative shunt malfunction. All 5 of these patients underwent at least 1 shunt revision prior to hemispherectomy, with a significant association between pre- and post-hemispherectomy shunt revisions. There was no significant association between post-hemispherectomy shunt failure and valve type, intraoperative shunt alteration, postoperative external ventricular drain placement, hemispherectomy revision, lateralization of shunt relative to resection, postoperative complications, or postoperative aseptic meningitis. There was no significant correlation between number of post-hemispherectomy shunt revisions and age at shunt placement, age at hemispherectomy, epilepsy duration, or shunt duration prior to hemispherectomy. Conclusions: Earlier shunt revision surgery may portend a subsequent need for shunt revision following hemispherectomy. These findings may guide neurosurgeons in counseling patients with pre-existing ventricular shunts prior to hemispherectomy surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to perform a systematic review and individual participant data meta‐analysis to identify predictors of treatment response following thalamic neuromodulation in pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched, with no language or data restriction, to identify studies reporting seizure outcomes in pediatric populations following deep brain stimulation (DBS) or responsive neurostimulation (RNS) implantation in thalamic nuclei. Studies featuring individual participant data of patients with primary or secondary generalized drug‐resistant epilepsy were included. Response to therapy was defined as >50% reduction in seizure frequency from baseline. Of 417 citations, 21 articles reporting on 88 participants were eligible. Mean age at implantation was 13.07 ± 3.49 years. Fifty (57%) patients underwent DBS, and 38 (43%) RNS. Sixty (68%) patients were implanted in centromedian nucleus and 23 (26%) in anterior thalamic nucleus, and five (6%) had both targets implanted. Seventy‐four (84%) patients were implanted bilaterally. The median time to last follow‐up was 12 months (interquartile range = 6.75–26.25). Sixty‐nine percent of patients achieved response to treatment. Age, target, modality, and laterality had no significant association with response in univariate logistic regression. Until thalamic neuromodulation gains widespread approval for use in pediatric patients, data on efficacy will continue to be limited to small retrospective cohorts and case series. The inherent bias of these studies can be overcome by using individual participant data. Thalamic neuromodulation appears to be a safe and effective treatment for epilepsy. Larger, prolonged prospective, multicenter studies are warranted to further evaluate the efficacy of DBS over RNS in this patient population where resection for curative intent is not a safe option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) of the knee are mostly due to a single organism, very rarely, it is due to dual organisms, and even rarer are dual Gram-negative bacilli and fungal infections. Most fungal infections are caused by Candida albicans; however, very few case reports are available for nonalbicans Candida in immunocompetent patients. We report an unusual case of nonalbicans Candida infection with Gram-negative bacilli in the knee joint with no predisposing risk factors. A 59-year-old man reported following mild pain, swelling, and restricted knee movements in a case of a primary total knee arthroplasty. The patient had minimal symptoms but had gross lysis around implants on imaging. His inflammatory markers were significantly high and knee aspiration was turbid, with raised polymorphs without any conclusive staining result. The culture reports revealed a fungal and Gram-negative organism infection. The patient was managed by debridement, prosthesis removal and antibiotic-loaded cement spacer insertion, and culture-specific antibiotics, followed by revision TKA and oral fluconazole therapy. The patient had a good clinical performance at 3 months and 1-year follow-up visits, with a painless range of motion of 10°–90° and there was no evidence of recurrence of infection. Dual Gram-negative and fungal prosthetic joint infection is a rare but serious complication. In the presence of mild clinical symptoms, but extensive lysis around the implant, fungal pathology should be considered irrespective of the immune status of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional solar air heater (SAH) has poor performance and in this work, an initiative has been taken to improve their overall performance with the help of a combined roughness pattern over the absorber plate. The experimental setup has been designed and fabricated having a rectangular duct with one heat-absorbing side (with roughness). The combination of dimple and protrusion roughness elements are arranged alternatively over the absorber plate for performance improvement of SAH. The precise placement of these roughness elements over the heat-absorbing side has been ensured with relative roughness pitch (RRP; P/e), print diameter to hydraulic diameter (d/D), and relative roughness height (RRH, e/D) which ranged from 10 to 20, 0.025–0.045, and 0.25 to 0.5, respectively. It is discovered with the experimental results that the thermal performance increases along with the pressure loss in the roughened SAH (rSAH). The heat flow increment is comparatively higher at the trailing and the leading edge of the dimple and the protrusion because of flow separation, reattachment, and flow impingement. The thermal performance is the highest while RRP, RRH, d/D are 10, 0.036, and d/D = 0.35, respectively. The proposed roughness pattern has resulted in a 2.1 and 1.95 times higher thermal augmentation and overall performance of SAH over the conventional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal Interaction Moleculel (STIM1) is an endoplasmic reticulum membrane-localized calcium (Ca2+) sensor that plays a critical role in the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway. STIM1 regulates a variety of physiological processes and con-tributes to a plethora of pathophysiological conditions. Several disease states and enhanced biological phenomena are associated with increased STIM1 levels and activity. However, molecular mechanisms driving STIM1 expression remain largely unappreciated. We recently reported that STIM1 expression augments during pigmentation. Nonetheless, the molecular choreography regulating STIM1 expression in melanocytes is completely unexplored. Here, we characterized the molecular events that regulate STIM1 expression during pigmentation. We demonstrate that physiological melanogenic stimuli a-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) increases STIM1 mRNA and protein levels. Further, αMSH stimulates STIM1 promoter-driven luciferase activity, thereby suggesting transcriptional upregulation of STIM1. We show that downstream of αMSH, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) drives STIM1 expression. By performing knockdown and overexpression studies, we corroborated that MITF regulates STIM1 expression and SOCE. Next, we conducted extensive bioinformatics analysis and identified MITF-binding sites on the STIM1 promoter. We validated significance of the MITF-binding sites in controlling STIM1 expression by performing ChIP and luciferase assays with truncated STIM1 promoters. Moreover, we confirmed MITF's role in regulating STIM1 expression and SOCE in primary human melanocytes. Importantly, analysis of publicly available datasets substantiates a positive correlation between STIM1 and MITF expression in sun-exposed tanned human skin, thereby highlighting physiological relevance of this regulation. Taken together, we have identified a novel physiologically relevant molecular pathway that transcriptionally enhances STIM1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients face multiple complications. One of them is involvement of the auditory system and it deserves more attention than is paid by the current approaches as hearing loss has major repercussions on the quality of life. Early detection can prevent further deterioration of hearing and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from CKD. Material and methods The high frequency (8–18 kHz) audiometry with pure tones was performed in 82 patients with CKD and compared with age and sexes matched healthy control group of 90 patients. Individual ear were used for statistical calculations. Results This study clearly observed that the hearing thresholds for frequencies 8–18 kHz increased in CKD patients when compared to sex and aged matched healthy control group, the thresholds significantly increased in CKD with diabetes mellitus as compared to nondiabetic with CKD. The high frequency thresholds significantly increased in patients on hemodialysis, and were significantly correlated with age, stage of CKD and duration of CKD. Conclusion This study highlights the presence of high frequency (8–18 kHz) hearing loss in patients of CKD. The severity is significantly correlated with age, stage and duration of CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has gained popularity as an invasive monitoring modality for epileptogenic zone (EZ) localization. The need and indications for SEEG in patients with evident brain lesions or associated abnormalities on imaging is debated. We report our experience with SEEG as a presurgical evaluation tool for patients with lesional epilepsy. A retrospective cohort study was performed of 131 patients with lesional or magnetic resonance imaging abnormality–associated medically refractory focal epilepsy who underwent resections from 2010 to 2017. Seventy-one patients had SEEG followed by resection, and 60 had no invasive recordings. Volumetric analysis of resection cavities from 3T magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Mean lesion and resection volumes for SEEG and non-SEEG were 16.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 29) versus 23.7 cm3 (SD = 38.4) and 28.1 (SD = 23.2) versus 43.6 cm3 (SD = 43.5), respectively (P = 0.009). Comparing patients with seizure recurrence and patients who remained seizure free, significantly associated variables with seizure recurrence included mean number of failed antiseizure medications (6.86 [SD = 0.32] vs. 5.75 [SD = 0.32]; P = 0.01) and in SEEG patients the mean number of electrodes implanted (8.1 [SD = 0.8] vs. 5.0 [SD = 0.8]; P = 0.005). After multivariate analysis, only failed numbers of medication remained significantly associated with seizure recurrence. Seizure outcomes did not correlate with final resection volume after SEEG evaluation. SEEG evaluation presurgically can be used to maintain the efficacy of resection and decrease the volume and subsequent risk of extensive tissue removal. We believe that this technology allows resective surgery to proceed in a subpopulation of patients with lesional epilepsy who may otherwise not have been considered surgical candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia was referred to our institution for investigational therapy after disease relapse following a mismatched unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Prior to second HCT, the patient's serum was negative for antibodies to class I and class II HLA. Eight days after receiving a maternal donor haploidentical transplant, the patient became platelet refractory and highly sensitized to multiple class I HLA. Serum from the patient's mother was positive for the strongest antibodies present in the patient, suggesting the antibodies were donor-derived. Patient sera showed magnified and expanded sensitization over time in the context of 100% donor chimerism and despite undetectable circulating B cells. Escalating sensitization suggests active transfer of rituximab-resistant antibody-producing passenger lymphocytes from a haploidentical donor to a transplant recipient at the time of progenitor cell infusion. Evaluation of donor sensitization status may be a consideration prior to HLA mismatched HCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We adjusted haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) apheresis collection from patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) by targeting deep buffy coat collection using medium or low collection preference (CP), and by increasing anticoagulant–citrate–dextrose–solution A dosage. In 43 HSPC collections from plerixafor‐mobilized adult patients with SCD, we increased the collection efficiency to 35.79% using medium CP and 82.23% using low CP. Deep buffy coat collection increased red blood cell contamination of the HSPC product, the product haematocrit was 4.7% with medium CP and 6.4% with low CP. These adjustments were well‐tolerated and allowed efficient HSPC collection from SCD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imparting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) during cellular transformation, a major driving force behind tumor progression, is one of the notorious oncogenic activities of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ); however, the secretary factors released during TGFβ‐induced EMT that may have role in potentiating EMT and tumor progression are poorly known. This study was undertaken to identify such secreted protein factors from TGFβ‐induced A549 cells cultured in serum‐free chemically defined medium (FreestyleTM) using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization‐Time of flight/Time of flight (MALDI‐TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry. We identified some of the potential factors such as ESR, ANXA2, ALDH1A, TGFβ‐induced protein ig‐h3, and PAI‐1 that were not only secreted but some were also elevated in TGFβ‐induced A549 cells. Interestingly, these factors are widely reported to play crucial role in EMT induction and progression, which not only validates our findings but also opens avenues for further investigation, if upon secretion they act exogenously through certain receptors to potentiate cellular signaling involved in EMT induction and tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exposed existing stressors in the neurosurgical care infrastructure in the United States. We aimed to detail innovative technologic solutions inspired by the pandemic-related restrictions that augmented neurosurgical education and care delivery. Several digital health and audiovisual innovations were implemented, including use of remote video technology to facilitate inpatient consultations and outpatient ambulatory virtual visits, optimize regional hospital neurosurgical coverage, expand interdisciplinary patient management conferences (i.e., tumor board), and further enhance the neurosurgical resident education program. Enterprise patient experience data were queried to evaluate patient satisfaction following the switch to virtual visits. Between January 2020 and April 2021, use of virtual visits more than doubled in the Department of Neurosurgery. A survey of 10,772 patients following ambulatory visits showed that virtual visits were equal if not better in providing satisfactory patient care than in-person visits. After switching our interdisciplinary spine tumor board to a virtual meeting, we increased surgeon participation and attendance by 49.29%. Integration of remote audiovisual technology in resident didactics and clinical training improved our ability to provide comprehensive and personalized educational experiences our trainees. Digital health technology has improved neurosurgical care and comprehensive training at our institution. Investment in the technologic infrastructure required for these remote audiovisual services during the COVID-19 pandemic will facilitate the expansion of neurosurgical care provision for patients across the United States in the future. Governing bodies within organized neurosurgery should advocate for the continued financial and licensing support of these service on a national fiscal and policy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to derive the comparative quantification of various blood flow parameters in endometritic and non-endometritic dairy cows at mid-estrus. Uterine perfusion was investigated by performing the transrectal Doppler ultrasonography of both the middle uterine arteries in Jersey cows diagnosed with clear uterine discharge and clinical endometritis at mid-estrus. Pulsatility and Resistance indices (PI and RI), Time average mean velocity (TAMEAN), Time average maximum velocity (TAMAX), diameter of the artery and volume of blood flow were measured to study the waveforms. Significantly lower (p < 0.05) PI and RI were found in cows diagnosed with clinical endometritis in comparison to non-endometritic cows. There was significantly higher (p < 0.01) volume and velocity of blood flow (TAMEAN, TAMAX, Blood flow volume (BFV)-TAMEAN and BFV-TAMAX) in both the middle uterine arteries during endometritis as compared to non-endometritic cows. Also, significantly higher (p < 0.05) blood flow velocity and volume (TAMEAN, BFV-TAMEAN and BFV-TAMAX) were recorded in middle uterine artery ipsilateral to dominant follicle as compared to contralateral one in non-endometritic cows. The PI value was positively correlated with RI in endometritic (r = 0.88; p < 0.01) and non-endometritic cows (r = 0.81; p < 0.01) but negatively correlated with other parameters in all the cows irrespective of inflammatory state of uterus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe bone pain, multi-organ failure, and early mortality. Although medical progress over the past several decades has improved clinical outcomes and offered cures for many affected individuals living in high-income countries, most SCD patients still experience substantial morbidity and premature death. Emerging technologies to manipulate somatic cell genomes and insights into the mechanisms of developmental globin gene regulation are generating potentially transformative approaches to cure SCD by autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. Key components of current approaches include ethical informed consent, isolation of patient HSCs, in vitro genetic modification of HSCs to correct the SCD mutation or circumvent its damaging effects, and reinfusion of the modified HSCs following myelotoxic bone marrow conditioning. Successful integration of these components into effective therapies requires interdisciplinary collaborations between laboratory researchers, clinical caregivers, and patients. Here we summarize current knowledge and research challenges for each key component, emphasizing that the best approaches have yet to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research with male couples has focused on how sexual agreements can influence relationship dynamics, sexual risk taking, and health promoting behaviors. Little is known about the association between sexual agreements and the experience or perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) in this population. Our study sought to evaluate these associations using dyadic data from a sample of 386 male couples residing in the U.S. Both partners independently reported on their relationship characteristics, sexual agreements, and specific acts reflecting physical, emotional, controlling, and monitoring IPV in separate surveys. Participants were more likely to have experienced IPV in the past year if they were in a relationship for ≥ 3 years versus < 3 years (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.03–2.53). Among 278 couples who had formulated sexual agreements, men who concurred with their partners on being in an "open" relationship were less likely to have experienced IPV versus those in a "closed" relationship (aOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.25–0.89). However, participants were more likely to have experienced IPV if their partners believed they had previously broken their sexual agreement (aOR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.03–7.52). The verbal explicitness and duration of sexual agreements were not associated with either experiencing or perpetrating IPV in the past year. However, increasing levels of depressive symptomatology were associated with a greater likelihood of both experiencing and perpetrating IPV. Our findings highlight the need to prioritize dyadic interventions for male couples that focus on skills building around enhancing mutual communication and negotiating sexual agreements to reduce IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to study the relationship of energy reserves with occurrence of sub-clinical endometritis (SCE) and its impact on reproductive performance of postpartum dairy cows (N = 41). Based on endometrial cytology, incidence of SCE was 65.85% at 8 weeks post-partum whereas the energy reserves, i.e., body condition score (BCS) and back fat thickness (BFT), were significantly lower (p < 0.05) on weekly monitoring between days 0-56 post-partum in sub-clinical endometritis positive (SCEP) as compared with sub-clinical endometritis negative (SCEN) cows whereas serum leptin concentrations were not consistent with BCS and BFT levels. Pearson correlation analysis also revealed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between BFT and days to the first post-partum ovulation (DFPO; r = -0.4832) in SCEP and BFT and completion of uterine involution (CUIN; r = -0.5169) in SCEN cows whereas serum leptin concentrations had no significant relationship (p > 0.05) with CUIN and DFPO. In the present study, a significantly longer interval to CUIN and DFPO (p < 0.05), days to the first artificial insemination and days open (p < 0.01) was recorded in SCEP cows. The risk operator characteristics (ROC) curve was tested to find out the threshold level for occurrence of post-partum SCE via the area under the curve (AUC) i.e., = 2.25 (AUC = 0.71; p < 0.05), = 8.60 (AUC = 0.77; p < 0.01) and = 5.28 ng/mL (AUC = 0.76; p < 0.01) for BCS, BFT and serum leptin concentrations at calving, respectively. In peroration, the energy reserves, i.e., low BCS and BFT were significantly associated with the occurrence of post-partum SCE and subsequently affected the restoration of reproductive parameters, reproductive performance and milk production in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBC) are highly aggressive and drug resistant accounting for majority of cases with poor outcome. Purified natural compounds display substantial anticancer activity with reduced cytotoxicity providing a new avenue to combat TNBC. Chebulinic acid (CA), a polyphenol derived from the fruits of various medicinal plants has potent anticancer activity. Here, we demonstrate that CA shows significant cytotoxicity against triple negative MDA‐MB‐231 cells. CA exhibited cytotoxicity to MDA‐MB‐231 cells in 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Further, CA mitigated MDA‐MB‐231 cells viability and proliferation as shown by reduced live cell count, crystal violet staining, colony formation assay, soft agar assay and cell cycle analysis. Wound healing assay and trans‐well migration assay demonstrated that CA significantly inhibited migration of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Also reduced MMP9 expression was observed in CA‐treated cells by gelatin zymography. CA negatively regulated mesenchymal characteristics of MDA‐MB‐231 cells demonstrated by F‐actin staining and reduced expression of N‐cadherin by confocal microscopy and western blot analysis. Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) and active caspase‐3 staining showed that CA was able to induce apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells but did not activate caspase‐3. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis based proteomic analysis demonstrated that CA regulated proteins belonging to the oxidative stress pathway, apoptotic pathway and proteins with antiproliferative activity. Western blot analysis analysis revealed that CA negatively regulated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and enhanced oxidative stress in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. SOD1 in‐gel activity assay also showed reduced SOD1 activity upon CA treatment. Overexpression studies with GFP‐LC3 and tandem tagged RFP‐GFP‐LC‐3 also demonstrated enhanced autophagy upon CA treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on germ line gene editing for sickle cell disease. Topics discussed include Gene editing to cure several inherited diseases is quickly moving to the forefront of clinical medicine since the discovery of CRISPR-Cas technology; and patients with sickle cell disease suffer both increased medical costs and simultaneous reductions in individual productivity that together feed a cycle of health disparities.

Apoptosis is an organised ATP‐dependent programmed cell death that organisms have evolved to maintain homoeostatic cell numbers and eliminate unnecessary or unhealthy cells from the system. Dysregulation of apoptosis can have serious manifestations culminating into various diseases, especially cancer. Accurate control of apoptosis requires regulation of a wide range of growth enhancing as well as anti‐oncogenic factors. Appropriate regulation of magnitude and temporal expression of key proteins is vital to maintain functional apoptotic signalling. Controlled protein turnover is thus critical to the unhindered operation of the apoptotic machinery, disruption of which can have severe consequences, foremost being oncogenic transformation of cells. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is one such major cellular pathway that maintains homoeostatic protein levels. Recent studies have found interesting links between these two fundamental cellular processes, wherein UPS depending on the cue can either inhibit or promote apoptosis. A diverse range of E3 ligases are involved in regulating the turnover of key proteins of the apoptotic pathway. This review summarises an overview of key E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in the regulation of the fundamental proteins involved in apoptosis, linking UPS to apoptosis and attempts to emphasize the significance of this relationship in context of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E6AP (E6 associated protein) is a HECT domain containing protein having dual E3 ligase and ERα coactivation activity in breast cancer cells. Although E6AP is known to possess antitumorigenic activity, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. In the present study, we applied nano‐LC based proteomics approach to identify E6AP‐interacting proteins where we performed GST‐pull down using GST‐E6AP from whole cell extracts of MCF7 cells, resolved the differentially interacting proteins on 1D‐SDS‐PAGE, excised the gel bands that were trypsin digested followed by fractionation and spotting on MALDI‐TOF/TOF plate through Nano‐LC MALDI spotter. Subsequently, fractionated and spotted peptides were identified using MALDI‐TOF/TOF. We identified several E6AP interacting proteins including previously reported such as HSP70 and new ones such as Enolase‐1. We further confirmed that E6AP and Enolase1 interacted and colocalized more in the cytoplasmic periphery in breast cancer cells and further demonstrated that E6AP also targeted ENO1 for ubiquitin‐mediated degradation in these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allogeneic hemopoietic cell transplantation remains the goal of therapy for high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, treatment failure in the form of leukemia relapse or severe graft-versus-host disease remains a critical area of unmet need. Recently, significant progress has been made in the cell therapy-based interventions both before and after transplant. In this review, the Stem Cell Engineering Committee of the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy summarizes the literature regarding the identification of high risk in AML, treatment approaches before transplant, optimal transplant platforms and measures that may be taken after transplant to ideally prevent, or, if need be, treat AML relapse. Although some strategies remain in the early phases of clinical investigation, they are built on progress in pre-clinical research and cellular engineering techniques that are already improving outcomes for children and adults with high-risk malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The application of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement at different replacement levels for OPC has been evaluated at different temperatures under various cooling conditions. • The use of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement improves the residual strength of concrete. • The effect of various fibres on the residual strength of the concrete has been investigated in this study. • Explosive spalling of concrete reduces with the usage of fibres. • Colour change and crack width monitoring can indicate the state of concrete. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) is an emerging cement that uses reduced clinker content in production, leading to a sustainable future by reducing CO 2 emissions. Compared to OPC, LC3 has performed well under normal conditions. But the residual strength of LC3 binder concrete can differ from that of OPC-based concrete at high temperatures. This experimental study highlights the effect of elevated temperature, various cooling conditions and inclusion of fibres (PPF, SF, HF) on the physical properties such as colour change, crack width, mass loss and residual compressive strength of concrete monitored using both NDT techniques and destructive testing. NDT comprised rebound hammer and UPV test carried before and after cooling heated samples. After compression testing, X-ray diffraction was used to determine the samples' microstructure and phase shift (XRD). Test results show that the compressive strength and mass loss increased significantly after exposure to 200 °C due to further hydration of un-hydrated clinkers. The performance decreased sharply after 600 °C exposure due to the decomposition of hydration products. Steel fibre had a beneficial effect, but PP fibre, due to balling, reduced concrete compressive strength. At all exposure temperatures, water quenching significantly decreases compressive strength. This reduction can be attributed to micro-crack formation caused by high thermal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at analysing the mid‐oestrous uterine blood flow parameters during varying degree of endometritis in dairy cows. Degree of clinical endometritis was adjudged on the basis of visual examination of uterine discharge collected from cows at mid‐oestrus, that is mild (slightly turbid; n = 13), moderate (turbid with pus flakes; n = 14) and severe (milky; n = 13). Pulsatility and resistance indices (PI and RI), time average mean velocity (TAMEAN), time average maximum velocity (TAMAX), diameter of the artery, volume of blood flow, Doppler pulse duration (DPD) and systolic upstroke/acceleration time (AT) were measured to study the spectral waveforms at mid‐oestrus. Significantly higher (p < .01) PI and RI were found in cows diagnosed with mild degree in comparison with cows diagnosed with moderate and severe degrees of clinical endometritis. There was significantly higher (p < .01) velocity (TAMEAN and TAMAX), volume of blood flow (BFV‐TAMEAN, BFV‐TAMAX) and DPD in both the middle uterine arteries during moderate and severe degrees of clinical endometritis as compared to mild endometritis. However, significantly higher (p < .01) AT was recorded in cows diagnosed with mild degree as compared to moderate and severe degrees of clinical endometritis. Pearson's correlation analysis has shown that RI was positively correlated with PI and AT in all the groups under study (mild degree, r = .72 and.49; moderate degree, r = .54 and.38; severe degree, r = .90 and.42; p < .05). However, there found significantly negative correlation (p < .05) with other parameters in all the cows irrespective of degree of inflammation. Therefore, it may be deducted that assessment of uterine inflammation can be done with a non‐invasive technique known as Doppler sonography which can be useful in adjudging the hemodynamic changes inside uterus and future fertility of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male couples often formulate sexual agreements, but little is known about the extent to which partners concur about their exact terms. Disagreements, particularly with respect to sex outside the relationship, may induce stress and potentially increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Our study sought to describe concordance between male partners on several aspects of their sexual agreements, overall, as well as stratified by dyadic HIV serostatus and relationship duration. Between July 2014 and May 2016, we collected bidirectional data from 160 male couples residing in Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago. Overall, we observed weak concordance for whether or not couples had a mutual agreement about sex with outside partners. Even among 110 couples in which both partners reported having an agreement, there was weak-to-moderate concordance for general rules that might apply to having sex outside the relationship (e.g., forming emotional relationships is not allowed, outside sexual activities must be disclosed), and for specific sexual behaviors allowed or disallowed (e.g., topping without a condom, bottoming without a condom). Concordance for the type of sexual agreement was higher within HIV seroconcordant negative partnerships compared to HIV serodiscordant partnerships, and lower within relationships ≥ 5 years and 1 to < 5 years compared to those < 1 year. Dyadic interventions for male couples (e.g., couples HIV testing and counseling, relationship education programs) can offer unique opportunities for skills building around negotiating sexual agreements and might especially benefit HIV serodiscordant partnerships, and those in the formative stages of their relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article inform Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with morbidity and mortality in affected individuals and new treatments are urgently needed. Topic include advances in gene therapy allow researchers to manipulate the genes for hemoglobin production in the Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) from individuals affected with SCD.

The author considers the safety, efficacy and minimal risk associated with the use of known drugs like plerixafor for children with sickle cell disease. He points out the complexity of conducting a trial that combines two novel therapies, plerixafor based mobilization with gene therapy. He offers ways to optimize the protection of human participants, including involving parents to incorporate patient reported outcome data.

The article discusses the similar lack of ethical and moral justification for withholding bone marrow or hematopoietic cell transplantation from patients with inadequate social support. It mentions about allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation performed using hematopoietic progenitor cells from a volunteer donor for patients with high-risk relapsed or refractory leukemias or for patients with certain nonmalignant hematological disorders.

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the primary steps in the development of diabetes associated cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycemic condition in diabetes promotes accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the plasma, that interact with the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) present on the endothelial cells and negatively affect their function. Using Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in culture, the effect of glycated human serum albumin on global proteomic changes was studied by SWATH-MS, a label free quantitative proteomic approach. Out of the 1860 proteins identified, 161 showed higher abundance while 123 showed lesser abundance in cells treated with glycated HSA. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the differentially regulated proteins were involved in various processes such as apoptosis, oxidative stress etc. that are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, the iRegulon analysis and immunofuorescence studies indicated that several of the differentially regulated proteins were transcriptionally regulated by NF-κB, that is downstream to AGE-RAGE axis. Some of the important differentially regulated proteins include ICAM1, vWF, PAI-1 that affect important endothelial functions like cell adhesion and blood coagulation. qPCR analysis showed an increase in expression of the AGE receptor RAGE along with other genes involved in endothelial function. AGE treatment to HUVEC cells led to increased oxidative stress and apoptosis. This is the first proteomics study that provides insight into proteomic changes downstream to AGE-RAGE axis leading to endothelial dysfunction and predisposing to cardiovascular complications. Significance Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major pathological outcome in diabetic patients and it is important to address ways that target its development before the onset. Elevated plasma AGEs in diabetes can affect endothelial function and can continue to show their effects even after blood glucose levels are back to normal. Since endothelial dysfunction acts as one of the initiating factors for the development of CVD, understanding how AGEs affect the endothelial cell proteome to cause dysfunction will provide insight into the mechanisms involved and aid designing new therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Objective: To compare the efficacy of the use of either bisphosphonates or teriparatide on radiographic and functional outcomes of patients that had thoracolumbar spinal fusion.Summary Of Background Data: Controversy exists as to whether bisphosphonates interfere with successful spinal arthrodesis. An alternative osteoporosis medication is teriparatide, a synthetic parathyroid hormone that has an anabolic effect on osteoblast function. To date, there is limited comparative data on the influence of bisphosphonates or teriparatide on spinal fusion.Methods: A systematic search of medical reference databases was conducted for comparative studies on bisphosphonate or teriparatide use after thoracolumbar spinal fusion. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model for heterogeneity. Radiographic outcomes assessed include fusion rates, risk of screw loosening, cage subsidence, and vertebral fracture.Results: No statistically significant differences were noted between bisphosphonates and control groups regarding fusion rate and risk of screw loosening (fusion: odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87-5.56, P = 0.09; loosening: OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.14-1.48, P = 0.19). Teriparatide use was associated with higher fusion rates than bisphosphonates (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.55-3.42, P < 0.0001). However, no statistically significant difference was noted between teriparatide and bisphosphonates regarding risk of screw loosening (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.12-1.18, P = 0.09). Lastly, bisphosphonate use was associated with decreased odds of cage subsidence and vertebral fractures compared to controls (subsidence: OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.11-0.75, P = 0.01; fracture: OR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.48, P = 0.0007).Conclusion: Bisphosphonates do not appear to impair successful spinal fusion compared to controls although teriparatide use is associated with higher fusion rates than bisphosphonates. In addition, bisphosphonate use is associated with decreased odds of cage subsidence and vertebral fractures compared to controls that had spinal fusion.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Drug Induced Liver Injury Network reports dietary supplements as one of the most important causes of drug induced hepatotoxicity, yet millions of people use these supplements without being aware of their potential life-threatening side effects. Garcinia cambogia (GC) extract is an herbal weight loss supplement, reported to cause fulminant hepatic failure. We present a case of a 57-year-old female with no previous history of liver disease, who presented with acute hepatitis due to GC extract taken for weight loss, which resolved after stopping it and got reaggravated on retaking it. Obtaining a history of herbal supplement use is critical in the evaluation of acute hepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymes have been widely used in modern detergents, however, few studies deal with enzymes dosage as well as its relationship with the other. Enzyme based detergents have been used for remodeling the cleaning efficiency of detergents for many years. Enzyme amylase finds its application in all the industrial processes for the hydrolysis of starch. Amylase is also known for improving detergent efficacy especially at lower temperatures and at lower pH levels. Presence of different surfactant also plays an important role in enhancing the detergent efficacy. So, this paper investigates the physico-chemical properties to obtain the critical micellar concentration (CMC), the thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°m, ΔG°m, ΔS°m) of anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cationic surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and non-ionic surfactant TWEEN 20 in the presence of an enzyme Aspergillus oryzae originated α-amylase at varying temperatures for formulating a possible better combination of surfactant and amylase for making an eco-friendly detergent. Further surface tension studies, the kinetic studies (K m and V max values) have been carried out. Then the degradation studies have been performed to calculate the biological oxygen demand (BOD) to conduct a comparative analysis which would be helpful in potential detergent formulation and in analyzing their environmental impact as minimal the BOD, maximal the degradation of formulated detergent on dispose off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gift giving is psychologically and culturally complex. In any context, a gift can have multiple meanings. In the context of the doctor-patient relationship, the giving of gifts and decisions about whether to accept gifts raise complex ethical issues. In this essay, a number of pediatric oncologists discuss the ethical considerations that should guide physicians as they decide how to respond to an extravagant gift from a family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy cows assigned to four treatment groups were administered PGF2 analogue (Cloprostenol) on day 8 (n=5), day 25 post partum (n=5), or antibiotic from day 1 to 5 postpartum (n=5), or kept as untreated control (n=5). The monitoring of endometrial thickness of previous gravid and non-gravid uterine horn was performed by transrectal ultrasound scanning on day 43 but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) found between treatment and control group. Endometrial cytology confirmed subclinical endometritis in cows under control group based on the mean percentage of PMN cells. Similarly, PMN cells were statistically different (p<0.05) between PG8 and control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer-driven HIV prevention strategies can be effective in identifying high-risk persons with undiagnosed infections. Besides individual self-testing, other potential uses of rapid home HIV test kits include distributing them, and testing with others within one's social or sexual networks. We sought to identify factors associated with the willingness to engage in these alternative activities among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. From May to October 2014, we surveyed 828 HIV-negative or unknown status MSM about multiple aspects of rapid home HIV testing. A greater proportion indicated being likely to distribute free oral fluid (OF) tests compared to free finger-stick blood (FSB) tests (91% versus 79%), and almost three-fourths (72%) reported being likely to test with their friends or sex partners in the future. MSM not identifying as homosexual/gay were less willing to distribute OF tests, and those with lower educational attainment were more willing to distribute FSB tests. MSM unaware of their HIV status were less likely to report potentially testing with others using free rapid home HIV tests compared to those who were HIV-negative. Finally, MSM willing to self-test were more likely to report future test kit distribution, and those willing to distribute kits were more likely to report potentially testing with others. Engaging individuals with positive attitudes towards these strategies in prevention efforts could help increase HIV testing levels among MSM. A greater understanding of the potential public health impact of rapid home HIV test kits is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Postpartum uterine infections result from uterine contamination with pathogens during parturition. Most of the pathogens are environmental contaminants that are gradually eliminated during the first 6 weeks postpartum. Vaginoscopy is considered to be more accurate than rectal palpation for diagnostic purpose. Transrectal ultrasonography is helpful for the diagnosis of clinical endometrits and pyometra. Subclinical endometritis (SCE) can be detected after three weeks postpartum with the help of endometrial cytology. Administration of PGF2α or intrauterine infusion of cephapirin is the treatment of choice for chronic endometritis but in case of SCE, results are inconsistent. Immunomodulators, ozone pearls or foam have also been used for treatment of postpartum uterine infections. Economic losses associated with uterine infections in dairy cattle are due to cost of diagnosis and treatment of the infection, associated milk reduction and reduced fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Risk compensation (RC) could reduce or offset the biological prevention benefits of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among those at substantial risk of infection, including men who have sex with men (MSM). We investigated the potential extent and causal mechanisms through which RC could impact HIV transmission at the population and individual levels. Methods: Using a stochastic network-based mathematical model of HIV transmission dynamics among MSM in the United States, we simulated RC as a reduction in the probability of condom use after initiating PrEP, with heterogeneity by PrEP adherence profiles and partnership type in which RC occurred. Outcomes were changes to population-level HIV incidence and individual-level acquisition risk. Results: When RC was limited to MSM highly/moderately adherent to PrEP, 100% RC (full replacement of condoms) resulted in a 2% relative decline in incidence compared to no RC, but an 8% relative increase in infection risk for MSM on PrEP. This resulted from confounding by indication: RC increased the number of MSM indicated for PrEP as a function of more condomless anal intercourse among men otherwise not indicated for PrEP; this led to an increased PrEP uptake and subsequent decline in incidence. Conclusions: RC is unlikely to decrease the prevention impact of PrEP, and in some cases RC may be counterintuitively beneficial at the population level. This depended on PrEP uptake scaling with behavioral indications. Due to the increased acquisition risk associated with RC, however, clinicians should continue to support PrEP as a supplement rather than replacement of condoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Physicochemical studies of TEMABF 4 and TEABF 4 in different compositions of PC. • Dominance of solute -solvent interactions among the salts and the solvent systems. • Both the salts are structure breaker in pure PC and structure maker in aqueous PC. • FT-IR, CV studies to validate structural and electrochemical properties respectively. Electrolytes play a major role in electrochemical energy storage devices and specifically organic electrolytes are used predominantly over aqueous electrolytes due to wide electrochemical window, high energy density and efficiency. However, aqueous electrolytic systems for energy storage applications still need to be explored as these are non-flammable, environment friendly, non-toxic, carrying high ionic conductivity and low cost as compared to organic counterparts. In this study, an effort has been made in doing a comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties of Triethylmethylammonium Tetrafluoroborate (TEMABF 4) and Tetraethylammonium Tetrafluoroborate (TEABF 4) in pure propylene carbonate (PC) and binary aqueous mixtures of PC (0.01 &0.02 m) at different temperatures and concentrations. From this data, various volumetric, viscometric, and conductometric parameters have been calculated and the results obtained are analysed and compared in terms of solute–solute and solute–solvent interactions. From the analysis of thermo physical parameters, we have found that both the salts act as structure breaker in PC whereas structure maker in binary aqueous mixtures of PC (0.01 & 0.02 m). FTIR studies have also been done to see the intermolecular interactions and structural alterations. Furthermore, results from Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) studies suggested that a binary aqueous organic electrolytic system can also be a potential electrolytic system as its electrochemical window is comparable to that of pure electrolytic organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the dual-role consent are valid and the practice can pose significant ethical challenges. It mentions examining three main arguments against dual-role consent including physician-investigator role conflicts, patient voluntariness, and therapeutic misconception; and also mentions physician-investigators have dual-role professional obligations and their role as a physician is primarily concerned with the best interests and well-being of their patients.

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulatory network models are highly non-linear due to the negative regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by miRs and can produce interesting dynamics of the system such as bistability for miR-transcriptional factors interactions. In this article, we focus on the miR-17-92 cluster and its interaction with transcriptional factors (proteins) E2F and Myc. Environmental fluctuations (noise) and randomness in the bio-chemical reactions can be very important and change the dynamical role of miR-17-92 in the regulatory network. We have formulated a stochastically forced miR-17-92 and E2F-Myc interaction model and study the phenomena of intrinsic and extrinsic noise which can induce random switching between steady states or the destruction of the bistability. Using a method that employs stochastic sensitivity functions we have constructed confidence ellipses to determine the configurational arrangements of equilibrium and spatial arrangements of random states near stable equilibria. Simulations are carried out to numerically show the flow of the solution trajectories under noise. Finally, we summarize the simulation results and the impact of noise on the dual non-linear role of miR-17-92 cluster to act as an oncogene or as a tumour suppressor gene. • We study the noise induced transient behaviour in a cancer network model. • Critical noises are established using stochastic sensitivity analysis. • We have observed the transition between two stable equilibrium points. • We have observed the transition between an equilibrium point and a limit cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily physiological activities subject our skeletal system to cyclic loading with varying frequencies and magnitudes. These loadings interact with the microstructure of bone and create microdamage, which can cause stress-induced injuries if not repaired on the time. The early detection is required to prevent the complications associated with these fractures. In the present study, to examine fatigue loading-induced damage in cortical bone, the sensitivity of four different indentation devices was investigated. For this, cortical bone samples were fatigued in four-point bending configuration at 0.5 Hz, 2 Hz and 4 Hz frequencies. Following the fatigue loading, cyclic reference point indentation (cRPI), impact reference point indentation (iRPI), Vickers microhardness and nanoindentation tests were performed on the bone samples. Results show that indentation devices are sensitive to detect fatigue loading induced damage only in 0.5 Hz group samples on compressive region. On the other hand, the sensitivity of indentation devices for tensile stress-induced damage is not clear. Also, histological examination of fatigued bone samples shows a significant increase in the crack density and crack length with fatigue loading only for the 0.5 Hz group samples. The present study provides insight into the sensitivity of different indentation devices to fatigue loading induced damage, which could be helpful in the development of new devices for the early diagnosis of stress induced injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamoxifen-mediated endocrine therapy has been standard treatment for ER+ breast cancers; however, majority of them acquire resistance leading to disease relapse. Although numerous substrates of E3 ligase FBW7 are known, only a handful of factors that regulate FBW7 expression and function are reported. In particular, there remains a lack of in-depth understanding of FBW7 transcriptional regulation. Luciferase reporter assay was performed after cloning full length and truncated FBW7 promoters followed by Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to validate binding of SOX4 on FBW7 promoter. Transcriptional regulation of FBW7 by SOX4 and their biological consequences with respect to ER+ breast cancer was then evaluated using immunoblotting and other cell based assays. SOX4 positively regulates FBW7 at transcriptional level by binding to three putative SOX4 biding sites within 3.1 kb long FBW7 promoter. Analysis of publicly available RNAseq datasets also showed a positive correlation between SOX4 and FBW7 mRNA in cancer cell lines and patient samples. qPCR and Immunoblotting confirmed that transiently or stably expressed SOX4 induced both endogenous FBW7 mRNA and protein levels. Our findings further demonstrated that increased levels of SOX4 and FBW7 in MCF7 mammospheres promoted cancer stemness and tumor cell dormancy. We further showed that both MCF7 mammospheres and MCFTAMR cells had elevated SOX4 levels which apparently enhanced FBW7 to potentiate GATA3 degradation leading to enhanced stemness, tumor dormancy and Tamoxifen resistance in MCF7TAMR as well as patients with ER+ breast cancers. Targeting SOX4-FBW7-GATA3 axis may overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER+ breast cancers. Graphical model depicts that SOX4 positively regulates FBW7 levels in ER+ breast cancers where it promotes stemness, tumor dormancy and TAM resistance by targeting GATA3 and c-Myc. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We investigated whether eventual causes of death among a cohort of inmates imprisoned in the southeastern United States differed from those in previous prisoner studies. Methods. We matched 23 510 prisoners in Georgia, a state with historically low levels of heroin consumption but moderate amounts of injection drug use, who were incarcerated on June 30, 1991, to death registries through 2010. Main exposure was 4-year time intervals over 2 decades of observation; main outcome was mortality from liver disease, HIV, and overdose. Results. Although the HIV-related mortality rate exceeded that from liver-related conditions before 2003, liver disease subsequently surpassed HIV as a cause of death. Among 3863 deaths, 22 (0.6%) occurred within 2 weeks after release from prison. Of these, only 2 were caused by accidental poisoning (likely drug overdose). Cardiovascular disease and cancer were the most frequent causes of death in this aging cohort. Conclusions. Our study design deemphasized immediate deaths but highlighted long-term sequelae of exposure to viral hepatitis and alcohol. Treating hepatitis C and implementing interventions to manage alcohol use disorders may improve survival among prisoners in the Southeast. (Am J Public Health. 2015;105:e51–e57. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302546) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Often in public health, we are interested in promoting routine preventive screenings (e.g., blood glucose monitoring, hypertension screening, or mammography). Evaluating novel interventions to encourage frequent screenings using randomized controlled trials can help inform evidence-based health promotion programs. When the desired behavior change is a recurrent event, specifying the most meaningful study outcomes may prove challenging. Methods To understand the efficiency of multiple approaches for evaluating an intervention seeking to increase regular health screenings we (a) simulated several replications of a trial with a positive intervention effect under various censoring scenarios, (b) formulated three different analytical outcome definitions (screening a certain number of times during the entire study period versus not, screening at least once within a clinically meaningful time period versus not, “hazard” or instantaneous rate of screening), and (c) compared them with regard to interpreting results and estimating power at different sample sizes. Results Approaches which better utilize detailed prospective data, while also accounting for within-participant correlations, are less likely to miss the actual underlying benefits conferred by a new prevention strategy compared to relying on a dichotomous measure derived from aggregating events over the study duration. Such approaches are also more powerful in realistic scenarios wherein some participants are lost to follow-up over time. Conclusions Researchers should carefully consider the choice of analytical outcomes and strive to employ more efficient approaches that model comprehensive event-specific information, rather than summarizing repeated measures into less-informative dichotomous responses, while designing and conducting trials with recurrent preventive screenings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritonitis due to rupture of liver hydatid cyst secondary to blunt abdominal trauma can present with fatal consequences. Timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical management can be life saving. We report a case of ruptured liver hydatid cyst in the peritoneal cavity following trauma and its successful operative management in a preadolescent previously asymptomatic boy. Importance of detailed physical examination and early diagnosis by using appropriate radiological investigations is high-lighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bstract Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is an extremely rare diagnosis. We present a case of a 38-year-old immunocompetent female who presented with dyspnea on exertion and chest pain and the echocardiography revealed a mass in the left atrium (LA) causing moderate mitral regurgitation and mimicking a left atrial myxoma. The patient was managed with excision of the mass and mitral valve replacement followed by chemotherapy. The histopathology revealed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with tumor cells showing immunoreactivity with CD20 and negative for CD45RO. (J Card Surg 2012;27:300-303) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the microbial contamination of the currency circulating in Mangalore, Karnataka in India. The study have a total of 50 samples, composed of currency notes and coins that were collected from the general population. The samples were screened using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique, which shows that 96% of the coins and 100% of the currency notes were contaminated with bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

• The surface morphology influences the Leidenfrost temperature (LFT) of a water droplet. • The Leidenfrost temperature increases with the increase in interpillar spacing and height of the micropillars. • The effect of the surface roughness on LFT diminishes beyond a certain critical interpillar spacing. • A semi-analytical model for the Leidenfrost state of a droplet considering excess vapor gap is presented. • The excess vapor gap in the LF state is dependent on the surface morphology and influences the range of temperatures that sustain transition boiling. Leidenfrost state of droplets compromises heat dissipation in cooling applications because of the formation of a thin insulating vapor layer over which the coolant droplet levitates. Here we report on the dependence of the Leidenfrost temperature (LFT) of a deionized water droplet on the surface morphology and propose a pressure-based model to explain the associated droplet dynamics. We observe that the LFT increases with the height of micropillars and spacing between them. The LFT increases by ~ 270 °C compared to a smooth surface and reaches ~ 507 °C for a micropillar array with an interpillar spacing of 100 µ m and height of 63 µ m. The wall heat flux at the Leidenfrost state of the droplet varies between ~ 15 W cm−2 and ~ 52 W cm−2 for different microtextured surfaces. We show that irrespective of the height of the textures, the effect of surface roughness diminishes beyond a certain critical interpillar spacing. We develop a semi-analytical model to show that the excess vapor gap between the top of the pillars and the base of the droplet is dependent on the permeability of the substrate and influences the vapor pressure under the droplet. The excess vapor gap is shown to play a crucial role in determining the range of temperatures that sustain transition boiling and affects the rate of evaporation of the droplet in Leidenfrost state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The basic problem in optical and digital holography is the presence of speckle noise in the reconstruction process, which reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The presence of speckle noise is serious drawback in optical and digital holography since it substantially reduces the SNR in the reconstructed image. In this paper, we present wavelet filtering to improve SNR in the reconstructed images from digital holograms. Experimental results are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Disease relapse remains a major cause of treatment failure in pediatric patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for high-risk acute leukemias (AL) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Comprehensive data on prognostic factors and outcomes after post-transplant relapse in pediatric patients is lacking. The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with survival following post-transplant relapse. We performed a retrospective study of pediatric patients who experienced disease relapse following their 1st HCT for AL or MDS between 1990 – 2018 at our institution. Patient, disease and transplant-related characteristics were extracted from the medical record. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and compared using the log-rank test. Cox and logistic regression were performed to identify factors statistically associated with outcomes after post-transplant relapse. During the study period, 703 patients received 1st HCT, of which 221 (31%) relapsed at a median of 3.9 months after HCT. Of these relapsed patients, 60% (n = 132) received some chemotherapy or supportive care after post-transplant relapse, 13% (n = 28) received donor lymphocyte infusion only and 28% (n = 61) were able to proceed to a 2nd HCT. Patients who received a 2nd HCT were more likely to have been in first remission at the time of 1st HCT (P = 0.02), experienced relapse more than 6 months after 1st HCT (P < 0.001), experienced acute or chronic GVHD (P = 0.05 and 0.01, respectively) and relapsed in the current decade (2011 – 2018) (P = 0.001). Of the 61 patients who received a 2nd HCT, 18 (30%) were alive at last follow-up, compared to 7 (4%) of 160 patients who had received other therapies. In a multivariable model, longer interval from HCT to relapse (P < 0.001), being able to receive a 2nd HCT (P < 0.001) and receiving a HCT in the current decade (P < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with OS (Fig 1 & 2). Factors that are typically associated with poor outcomes after HCT, such as disease status or type of HCT, donor and graft source were not predictive of survival following post-transplant relapse. Duration of remission before post-transplant relapse was identified as the strongest independent predictor of a patient's ability to receive a 2nd HCT as well as survival after relapse. The 3-year OS for patients who received a 2nd HCT was 6 times higher than that for patients who did not receive a 2nd HCT. Although the outcomes after 2nd HCT are not commendable, they are improving with time. Our data supports the argument that, when feasible, pediatric patients experiencing post-transplant relapse should be considered for 2nd HCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]