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Humans Are Selectively Exposed to Pneumocystis jirovecii

ABSTRACT

Environmental exposure has a significant impact on human health. While some airborne fungi can cause life-threatening infections, the impact of environment on fungal spore dispersal and transmission is poorly understood. The democratization of shotgun metagenomics allows us to explore important questions about fungal propagation. We focus on Pneumocystis, a genus of host-specific fungi that infect mammals via airborne particles. In humans, Pneumocystis jirovecii causes lethal infections in immunocompromised patients if untreated, although its environmental reservoir and transmission route remain unclear. Here, we attempt to clarify, by analyzing human exposome metagenomic data sets, whether humans are exposed to different Pneumocystis species present in the air but only P. jirovecii cells are able to replicate or whether they are selectively exposed to P. jirovecii. Our analysis supports the latter hypothesis, which is consistent with a local transmission model. These data also suggest that healthy carriers are a major driver for the transmission.




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Epstein-Barr Virus Epitope-Major Histocompatibility Complex Interaction Combined with Convergent Recombination Drives Selection of Diverse T Cell Receptor {alpha} and {beta} Repertoires

ABSTRACT

Recognition modes of individual T cell receptors (TCRs) are well studied, but factors driving the selection of TCR repertoires from primary through persistent human virus infections are less well understood. Using deep sequencing, we demonstrate a high degree of diversity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific clonotypes in acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM). Only 9% of unique clonotypes detected in AIM persisted into convalescence; the majority (91%) of unique clonotypes detected in AIM were not detected in convalescence and were seeming replaced by equally diverse "de novo" clonotypes. The persistent clonotypes had a greater probability of being generated than nonpersistent clonotypes due to convergence recombination of multiple nucleotide sequences to encode the same amino acid sequence, as well as the use of shorter complementarity-determining regions 3 (CDR3s) with fewer nucleotide additions (i.e., sequences closer to germ line). Moreover, the two most immunodominant HLA-A2-restricted EBV epitopes, BRLF1109 and BMLF1280, show highly distinct antigen-specific public (i.e., shared between individuals) features. In fact, TCRα CDR3 motifs played a dominant role, while TCRβ played a minimal role, in the selection of TCR repertoire to an immunodominant EBV epitope, BRLF1. This contrasts with the majority of previously reported repertoires, which appear to be selected either on TCRβ CDR3 interactions with peptide/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or in combination with TCRα CDR3. Understanding of how TCR-peptide-MHC complex interactions drive repertoire selection can be used to develop optimal strategies for vaccine design or generation of appropriate adoptive immunotherapies for viral infections in transplant settings or for cancer.

IMPORTANCE Several lines of evidence suggest that TCRα and TCRβ repertoires play a role in disease outcomes and treatment strategies during viral infections in transplant patients and in cancer and autoimmune disease therapy. Our data suggest that it is essential that we understand the basic principles of how to drive optimum repertoires for both TCR chains, α and β. We address this important issue by characterizing the CD8 TCR repertoire to a common persistent human viral infection (EBV), which is controlled by appropriate CD8 T cell responses. The ultimate goal would be to determine if the individuals who are infected asymptomatically develop a different TCR repertoire than those that develop the immunopathology of AIM. Here, we begin by doing an in-depth characterization of both CD8 T cell TCRα and TCRβ repertoires to two immunodominant EBV epitopes over the course of AIM, identifying potential factors that may be driving their selection.




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Structural Basis of Ca2+-Dependent Self-Processing Activity of Repeat-in-Toxin Proteins

ABSTRACT

The posttranslational Ca2+-dependent "clip-and-link" activity of large repeat-in-toxin (RTX) proteins starts by Ca2+-dependent structural rearrangement of a highly conserved self-processing module (SPM). Subsequently, an internal aspartate-proline (Asp-Pro) peptide bond at the N-terminal end of SPM breaks, and the liberated C-terminal aspartyl residue can react with a free -amino group of an adjacent lysine residue to form a new isopeptide bond. Here, we report a solution structure of the calcium-loaded SPM (Ca-SPM) derived from the FrpC protein of Neisseria meningitidis. The Ca-SPM structure defines a unique protein architecture and provides structural insight into the autocatalytic cleavage of the Asp-Pro peptide bond through a "twisted-amide" activation. Furthermore, in-frame deletion of the SPM domain from the ApxIVA protein of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae attenuated the virulence of this porcine pathogen in a pig respiratory challenge model. We hypothesize that the Ca2+-dependent clip-and-link activity represents an unconventional strategy for Gram-negative pathogens to adhere to the host target cell surface.

IMPORTANCE The Ca2+-dependent clip-and-link activity of large repeat-in-toxin (RTX) proteins is an exceptional posttranslational process in which an internal domain called a self-processing module (SPM) mediates Ca2+-dependent processing of a highly specific aspartate-proline (Asp-Pro) peptide bond and covalent linkage of the released aspartyl to an adjacent lysine residue through an isopeptide bond. Here, we report the solution structures of the Ca2+-loaded SPM (Ca-SPM) defining the mechanism of the autocatalytic cleavage of the Asp414-Pro415 peptide bond of the Neisseria meningitidis FrpC exoprotein. Moreover, deletion of the SPM domain in the ApxIVA protein, the FrpC homolog of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, resulted in attenuation of virulence of the bacterium in a pig infection model, indicating that the Ca2+-dependent clip-and-link activity plays a role in the virulence of Gram-negative pathogens.




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Multiplex Genetic Engineering Exploiting Pyrimidine Salvage Pathway-Based Endogenous Counterselectable Markers

ABSTRACT

Selectable markers are indispensable for genetic engineering, yet their number and variety are limited. Most selection procedures for prototrophic cells rely on the introduction of antibiotic resistance genes. New minimally invasive tools are needed to facilitate sophisticated genetic manipulations. Here, we characterized three endogenous genes in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus for their potential as markers for targeted genomic insertions of DNAs of interest (DOIs). Since these genes are involved in uptake and metabolization of pyrimidines, resistance to the toxic effects of prodrugs 5-fluorocytosine and 5-fluorouracil can be used to select successfully integrated DOIs. We show that DOI integration, resulting in the inactivation of these genes, caused no adverse effects with respect to nutrient requirements, stress resistance, or virulence. Beside the individual use of markers for site-directed integration of reporter cassettes, including the 17-kb penicillin biosynthetic cluster, we demonstrate their sequential use by inserting three genes encoding fluorescent proteins into a single strain for simultaneous multicolor localization microscopy. In addition to A. fumigatus, we validated the applicability of this novel toolbox in Penicillium chrysogenum and Fusarium oxysporum. Enabling multiple targeted insertions of DOIs without the necessity for exogenous markers, this technology has the potential to significantly advance genetic engineering.

IMPORTANCE This work reports the discovery of a novel genetic toolbox comprising multiple, endogenous selectable markers for targeted genomic insertions of DNAs of interest (DOIs). Marker genes encode proteins involved in 5-fluorocytosine uptake and pyrimidine salvage activities mediating 5-fluorocytosine deamination as well as 5-fluorouracil phosphoribosylation. The requirement for their genomic replacement by DOIs to confer 5-fluorocytosine or 5-fluorouracil resistance for transformation selection enforces site-specific integrations. Due to the fact that the described markers are endogenously encoded, there is no necessity for the exogenous introduction of commonly employed markers such as auxotrophy-complementing genes or antibiotic resistance cassettes. Importantly, inactivation of the described marker genes had no adverse effects on nutrient requirements, growth, or virulence of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Given the limited number and distinct types of selectable markers available for the genetic manipulation of prototrophic strains such as wild-type strains, we anticipate that the proposed methodology will significantly advance genetic as well as metabolic engineering of fungal species.




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Gathering Trauma Narratives: A Qualitative Study on the Impact of Self-Identified Traumas on People Living with HIV (PLWH)

BACKGROUND Trauma—emotional, physical, and psychological—is common and associated with increased risk behaviors, low rates of care engagement and viral suppression, and overall poor health outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH). This article presents the results of 15 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with PLWH in the Southeastern United States in which participants identified a trauma and described its long-lasting impact on their lives. Participants' trauma narratives described a wide range of traumas, including childhood sexual abuse, the loss of a loved one, and their HIV diagnosis.

METHODS Systematic qualitative analysis was used to delineate beliefs about causes, symptoms, treatments, quality of life, and health implications of trauma.

RESULTS: Fifteen participants completed semi-structured interviews that lasted on average 32 minutes. Participants described a wide spectrum of personal trauma that occurred both prior and subsequent to their HIV diagnosis. The types of trauma identified included physical, sexual, and psychological abuse inflicted by intimate partners, family members, and/or strangers.

LIMITATIONS A chief limitation of this study is selection bias. Additionally, the participant selection and content of the trauma narratives might have been affected by the surrounding context of the parent study centered on HIV, aging, and psychosocial stress. It is also difficult to interpret the distinction between discrete trauma experiences and the diagnosis of HIV, leading to potential information bias.

CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of social support in coping with trauma and the effect of trauma on health-related behaviors. It also illustrates the need for additional research on the topic of trauma and trauma-informed care for PLWH. Understanding how different types of trauma affect individuals' lives is necessary to inform recommendations to provide better care for PLWH.




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Toward an Evolutionarily Appropriate Null Model: Jointly Inferring Demography and Purifying Selection [Population and Evolutionary Genetics]

The question of the relative evolutionary roles of adaptive and nonadaptive processes has been a central debate in population genetics for nearly a century. While advances have been made in the theoretical development of the underlying models, and statistical methods for estimating their parameters from large-scale genomic data, a framework for an appropriate null model remains elusive. A model incorporating evolutionary processes known to be in constant operation, genetic drift (as modulated by the demographic history of the population) and purifying selection, is lacking. Without such a null model, the role of adaptive processes in shaping within- and between-population variation may not be accurately assessed. Here, we investigate how population size changes and the strength of purifying selection affect patterns of variation at "neutral" sites near functional genomic components. We propose a novel statistical framework for jointly inferring the contribution of the relevant selective and demographic parameters. By means of extensive performance analyses, we quantify the utility of the approach, identify the most important statistics for parameter estimation, and compare the results with existing methods. Finally, we reanalyze genome-wide population-level data from a Zambian population of Drosophila melanogaster, and find that it has experienced a much slower rate of population growth than was inferred when the effects of purifying selection were neglected. Our approach represents an appropriate null model, against which the effects of positive selection can be assessed.




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Identifying and Classifying Shared Selective Sweeps from Multilocus Data [Population and Evolutionary Genetics]

Positive selection causes beneficial alleles to rise to high frequency, resulting in a selective sweep of the diversity surrounding the selected sites. Accordingly, the signature of a selective sweep in an ancestral population may still remain in its descendants. Identifying signatures of selection in the ancestor that are shared among its descendants is important to contextualize the timing of a sweep, but few methods exist for this purpose. We introduce the statistic SS-H12, which can identify genomic regions under shared positive selection across populations and is based on the theory of the expected haplotype homozygosity statistic H12, which detects recent hard and soft sweeps from the presence of high-frequency haplotypes. SS-H12 is distinct from comparable statistics because it requires a minimum of only two populations, and properly identifies and differentiates between independent convergent sweeps and true ancestral sweeps, with high power and robustness to a variety of demographic models. Furthermore, we can apply SS-H12 in conjunction with the ratio of statistics we term and to further classify identified shared sweeps as hard or soft. Finally, we identified both previously reported and novel shared sweep candidates from human whole-genome sequences. Previously reported candidates include the well-characterized ancestral sweeps at LCT and SLC24A5 in Indo-Europeans, as well as GPHN worldwide. Novel candidates include an ancestral sweep at RGS18 in sub-Saharan Africans involved in regulating the platelet response and implicated in sudden cardiac death, and a convergent sweep at C2CD5 between European and East Asian populations that may explain their different insulin responses.




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Induction of Protective Antiplague Immune Responses by Self-Adjuvanting Bionanoparticles Derived from Engineered Yersinia pestis [Microbial Immunity and Vaccines]

A Yersinia pestis mutant synthesizing an adjuvant form of lipid A (monophosphoryl lipid A, MPLA) displayed increased biogenesis of bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). To enhance the immunogenicity of the OMVs, we constructed an Asd-based balanced-lethal host-vector system that oversynthesized the LcrV antigen of Y. pestis, raised the amounts of LcrV enclosed in OMVs by the type II secretion system, and eliminated harmful factors like plasminogen activator (Pla) and murine toxin from the OMVs. Vaccination with OMVs containing MPLA and increased amounts of LcrV with diminished toxicity afforded complete protection in mice against subcutaneous challenge with 8 x 105 CFU (80,000 50% lethal dose [LD50]) and intranasal challenge with 5 x 103 CFU (50 LD50) of virulent Y. pestis. This protection was significantly superior to that resulting from vaccination with LcrV/alhydrogel or rF1-V/alhydrogel. At week 4 postimmunization, the OMV-immunized mice showed more robust titers of antibodies against LcrV, Y. pestis whole-cell lysate (YPL), and F1 antigen and more balanced IgG1:IgG2a/IgG2b-derived Th1 and Th2 responses than LcrV-immunized mice. Moreover, potent adaptive and innate immune responses were stimulated in the OMV-immunized mice. Our findings demonstrate that self-adjuvanting Y. pestis OMVs provide a novel plague vaccine candidate and that the rational design of OMVs could serve as a robust approach for vaccine development.




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Emergence of self-organized multivortex states in flocks of active rollers [Applied Physical Sciences]

Active matter, both synthetic and biological, demonstrates complex spatiotemporal self-organization and the emergence of collective behavior. A coherent rotational motion, the vortex phase, is of great interest because of its ability to orchestrate well-organized motion of self-propelled particles over large distances. However, its generation without geometrical confinement has been a...




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Lowering Gestational Diabetes Risk by Prenatal Weight Gain Counseling

Purpose:

Excess weight gain during pregnancy is at epidemic proportions, and pregnancy complications are also on the rise. We sought to determine whether better weight gain counseling of expectant mothers will improve obstetric outcomes.

Methods:

Our historic control study design included 2 years of preintervention data, then 6 months of physician and staff training in prenatal weight gain counseling in accordance with 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines, and finally, 2 more years of data collection for postintervention outcomes. Seven family medicine residency clinics monitored 1571 continuity prenatal cases. Counseling recommendations were noted and the following outcomes were analyzed: gestational age, birth weight, route of delivery, and the incidences of hypertension and gestational diabetes. Multiple logistic regression was used to control for demographic variables and body mass index at enrollment.

Results:

Institute of Medicine congruent counseling increased from 10% to 63% (P < .01). Excess weight gain decreased from 46.4% to 41.5% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63–1.16; P = .10). Gestational diabetes decreased significantly from 11.5% to 7.3% (P = .008). The difference remained statistically significant even after adjusting for prepregnancy obesity and other clinical and demographic characteristics (AOR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32–0.91; P = .02). Differences in gestational age, birth weight, hypertension, primary cesarean, and shoulder dystocia were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Improved weight gain counseling of prenatal patients by physicians did reduce the pregnancy complication of gestational diabetes. This occurred even though the trend toward less excess weight gain was not statistically significant.




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Responses of activity rhythms to temperature cues evolve in Drosophila populations selected for divergent timing of eclosion [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Lakshman Abhilash, Arshad Kalliyil, and Vasu Sheeba

Even though the rhythm in adult emergence and rhythm in locomotor activity are two different rhythmic phenomena that occur at distinct life-stages of the fly life cycle, previous studies have hinted at similarities in certain aspects of the organisation of the circadian clock driving these two rhythms. For instance, the period gene plays an important regulatory role in both rhythms. In an earlier study, we have shown that selection on timing of adult emergence behaviour in populations of Drosophila melanogaster leads to the co-evolution of temperature sensitivity of circadian clocks driving eclosion. In this study, we were interested in asking if temperature sensitivity of the locomotor activity rhythm has evolved in our populations with divergent timing of adult emergence rhythm, with the goal of understanding the extent of similarity (or lack of it) in circadian organisation between the two rhythms. We found that in response to simulated jetlag with temperature cycles, late chronotypes (populations selected for predominant emergence during dusk) indeed re-entrain faster than early chronotypes (populations selected for predominant emergence during dawn) to 6-h phase-delays, thereby indicating enhanced sensitivity of the activity/rest clock to temperature cues in these stocks (entrainment is the synchronisation of internal rhythms to cyclic environmental time-cues). Additionally, we found that late chronotypes show higher plasticity of phases across regimes, day-to-day stability in phases and amplitude of entrainment, all indicative of enhanced temperature sensitive activity/rest rhythms. Our results highlight remarkably similar organisation principles between emergence and activity/rest rhythms.




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Renal, Cardiovascular, and Safety Outcomes of Canagliflozin by Baseline Kidney Function: A Secondary Analysis of the CREDENCE Randomized Trial

Background

Canagliflozin reduced renal and cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes in the CREDENCE trial. We assessed efficacy and safety of canagliflozin by initial estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods

CREDENCE randomly assigned 4401 participants with an eGFR of 30 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and substantial albuminuria to canagliflozin 100 mg or placebo. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to analyze effects on renal and cardiovascular efficacy and safety outcomes within screening eGFR subgroups (30 to <45, 45 to <60, and 60 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and linear mixed effects models to analyze the effects on eGFR slope.

Results

At screening, 1313 (30%), 1279 (29%), and 1809 (41%) participants had an eGFR of 30 to <45, 45 to <60, and 60 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. The relative benefits of canagliflozin for renal and cardiovascular outcomes appeared consistent among eGFR subgroups (all P interaction >0.11). Subgroups with lower eGFRs, who were at greater risk, exhibited larger absolute benefits for renal outcomes. Canagliflozin’s lack of effect on serious adverse events, amputations, and fractures appeared consistent among eGFR subgroups. In all subgroups, canagliflozin use led to an acute eGFR drop followed by relative stabilization of eGFR loss. Among those with an eGFR of 30 to <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, canagliflozin led to an initial drop of 2.03 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Thereafter, decline in eGFR was slower in the canagliflozin versus placebo group (–1.72 versus –4.33 ml/min per 1.73 m2; between-group difference 2.61 ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Conclusions

Canagliflozin safely reduced the risk of renal and cardiovascular events, with consistent results across eGFR subgroups, including the subgroup initiating treatment with an eGFR of 30 to <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Absolute benefits for renal outcomes were greatest in subgroups with lower eGFR.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number

Evaluation of the Effects of Canagliflozin on Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Participants With Diabetic Nephropathy (CREDENCE), NCT02065791.




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Effect of Low-Sodium versus Conventional Sodium Dialysate on Left Ventricular Mass in Home and Self-Care Satellite Facility Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Fluid overload in patients undergoing hemodialysis contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is a global trend to lower dialysate sodium with the goal of reducing fluid overload.

Methods

To investigate whether lower dialysate sodium during hemodialysis reduces left ventricular mass, we conducted a randomized trial in which patients received either low-sodium dialysate (135 mM) or conventional dialysate (140 mM) for 12 months. We included participants who were aged >18 years old, had a predialysis serum sodium ≥135 mM, and were receiving hemodialysis at home or a self-care satellite facility. Exclusion criteria included hemodialysis frequency >3.5 times per week and use of sodium profiling or hemodiafiltration. The main outcome was left ventricular mass index by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The 99 participants had a median age of 51 years old; 67 were men, 31 had diabetes mellitus, and 59 had left ventricular hypertrophy. Over 12 months of follow-up, relative to control, a dialysate sodium concentration of 135 mmol/L did not change the left ventricular mass index, despite significant reductions at 6 and 12 months in interdialytic weight gain, in extracellular fluid volume, and in plasma B-type natriuretic peptide concentration (ratio of intervention to control). The intervention increased intradialytic hypotension (odds ratio [OR], 7.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.1 to 49.8 at 6 months and OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 0.5 to 28.8 at 12 months). Five participants in the intervention arm could not complete the trial because of hypotension. We found no effect on health-related quality of life measures, perceived thirst or xerostomia, or dietary sodium intake.

Conclusions

Dialysate sodium of 135 mmol/L did not reduce left ventricular mass relative to control, despite improving fluid status.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:

The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12611000975998.




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In Vivo Assessment of Size-Selective Glomerular Sieving in Transplanted Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Kidney Organoids

Background

The utility of kidney organoids in regenerative medicine will rely on the functionality of the glomerular and tubular structures in these tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated the vascularization and subsequent maturation of human pluripotent stem cell–derived kidney organoids after renal subcapsular transplantation. This raises the question of whether the glomeruli also become functional upon transplantation.

Methods

We transplanted kidney organoids under the renal capsule of the left kidney in immunodeficient mice followed by the implantation of a titanium imaging window on top of the kidney organoid. To assess glomerular function in the transplanted human pluripotent stem cell–derived kidney tissue 1, 2, and 3 weeks after transplantation, we applied high-resolution intravital multiphoton imaging through the imaging window during intravenous infusion of fluorescently labeled low and high molecular mass dextran molecules or albumin.

Results

After vascularization, glomerular structures in the organoid displayed dextran and albumin size selectivity across their glomerular filtration barrier. We also observed evidence of proximal tubular dextran reuptake.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that human pluripotent stem cell–derived glomeruli can develop an appropriate barrier function and discriminate between molecules of varying size. These characteristics together with tubular presence of low molecular mass dextran provide clear evidence of functional filtration. This approach to visualizing glomerular filtration function will be instrumental for translation of organoid technology for clinical applications as well as for disease modeling.




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Interaction of the Brain-Selective Sulfotransferase SULT4A1 with Other Cytosolic Sulfotransferases: Effects on Protein Expression and Function [Articles]

Sulfotransferase (SULT) 4A1 is a brain-selective sulfotransferase-like protein that has recently been shown to be essential for normal neuronal development in mice. In the present study, SULT4A1 was found to colocalize with SULT1A1/3 in human brain neurons. Using immunoprecipitation, SULT4A1 was shown to interact with both SULT1A1 and SULT1A3 when expressed in human cells. Mutation of the conserved dimerization motif located in the C terminus of the sulfotransferases prevented this interaction. Both ectopically expressed and endogenous SULT4A1 decreased SULT1A1/3 protein levels in neuronal cells, and this was also prevented by mutation of the dimerization motif. During differentiation of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, there was a loss in SULT1A1/3 protein but an increase in SULT4A1 protein. This resulted in an increase in the toxicity of dopamine, a substrate for SULT1A3. Inhibition of SULT4A1 using small interference RNA abrogated the loss in SULT1A1/3 and reversed dopamine toxicity. These results show a reciprocal relationship between SULT4A1 and the other sulfotransferases, suggesting that it may act as a chaperone to control the expression of SULT1A1/3 in neuronal cells.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

The catalytically inactive sulfotransferase (SULT) 4A1 may regulate the function of other SULTs by interacting with them via a conserved dimerization motif. In neuron-like cells, SULT4A1 is able to modulate dopamine toxicity by interacting with SULT1A3, potentially decreasing the metabolism of dopamine.




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A kainate receptor-selective RNA aptamer [Neurobiology]

Kainate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors are two major, closely related receptor subtypes in the glutamate ion channel family. Excessive activities of these receptors have been implicated in a number of central nervous system diseases. Designing potent and selective antagonists of these receptors, especially of kainate receptors, is useful for developing potential treatment strategies for these neurological diseases. Here, we report on two RNA aptamers designed to individually inhibit kainate and AMPA receptors. To improve the biostability of these aptamers, we also chemically modified these aptamers by substituting their 2'-OH group with 2'-fluorine. These 2'-fluoro aptamers, FB9s-b and FB9s-r, were markedly resistant to RNase-catalyzed degradation, with a half-life of ∼5 days in rat cerebrospinal fluid or serum-containing medium. Furthermore, FB9s-r blocked AMPA receptor activity. Aptamer FB9s-b selectively inhibited GluK1 and GluK2 kainate receptor subunits, and also GluK1/GluK5 and GluK2/GluK5 heteromeric kainate receptors with equal potency. This inhibitory profile makes FB9s-b a powerful template for developing tool molecules and drug candidates for treatment of neurological diseases involving excessive activities of the GluK1 and GluK2 subunits.




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Article of Significant Interest Selected from This Issue by the Editors [Spotlight]




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Risk of MS relapse after yellow fever vaccination: A self-controlled case series

Objective

To determine whether live-attenuated yellow fever vaccine (YFV) was associated with MS relapse, we evaluated the clinical courses of 23 patients in the year before and the year after immunization at the university hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.

Methods

This self-controlled retrospective cohort included adult patients with MS receiving YFV between 2014 and 2018 and defined the year before vaccination, the 3 months thereafter, and the 9 months following as the pre-exposure (PEP), exposure-risk (ERP), and postrisk (PRP) periods, respectively. The primary outcome was the relative incidence of relapse in the ERP vs the PEP. Secondary end points included the presence of new T2-weighted (T2) or T1-weighted gadolinium-positive (T1Gd+) MRI lesions.

Results

Of 23 patients with MS receiving YFV (20 relapsing MS and 3 primary progressive MS), 17 (74%) were women; mean age was 34 years (SD ±10); and 10 of 23 (40%) were treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Although 9 patients experienced 12 relapses in the PEP, only one experienced a relapse in the ERP; 3 other patients experienced one relapse each in the PRP. None of the 8 patients receiving natalizumab at the time of vaccination experienced relapse thereafter. In the PEP, ERP, and PRP, 18, 2, and 9 patients had new brain and/or spinal cord lesions on T2 or T1Gd + MRI, respectively.

Conclusions

In this cohort, YF vaccination was associated with neither an increase in MS relapse nor emergence of brain and/or spinal lesions. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Classification of evidence

This study provides Class IV evidence that for persons with MS, YFV may not increase relapse risk.




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Selected Articles from This Issue




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Pharmacological Characterization of the Novel and Selective {alpha}7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Positive Allosteric Modulator BNC375 [Neuropharmacology]

Treatments for cognitive deficits associated with central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer disease and schizophrenia remain significant unmet medical needs that incur substantial pressure on the health care system. The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has garnered substantial attention as a target for cognitive deficits based on receptor localization, robust preclinical effects, genetics implicating its involvement in cognitive disorders, and encouraging, albeit mixed, clinical data with α7 nAChR orthosteric agonists. Importantly, previous orthosteric agonists at this receptor suffered from off-target activity, receptor desensitization, and an inverted U-shaped dose-effect curve in preclinical assays that limit their clinical utility. To overcome the challenges with orthosteric agonists, we have identified a novel selective α7 positive allosteric modulator (PAM), BNC375. This compound is selective over related receptors and potentiates acetylcholine-evoked α7 currents with only marginal effect on the receptor desensitization kinetics. In addition, BNC375 enhances long-term potentiation of electrically evoked synaptic responses in rat hippocampal slices and in vivo. Systemic administration of BNC375 reverses scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits in rat novel object recognition and rhesus monkey object retrieval detour (ORD) task over a wide range of exposures, showing no evidence of an inverted U-shaped dose-effect curve. The compound also improves performance in the ORD task in aged African green monkeys. Moreover, ex vivo 13C-NMR analysis indicates that BNC375 treatment can enhance neurotransmitter release in rat medial prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that α7 nAChR PAMs have multiple advantages over orthosteric α7 nAChR agonists for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction associated with CNS diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

BNC375 is a novel and selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) positive allosteric modulator (PAM) that potentiates acetylcholine-evoked α7 currents in in vitro assays with little to no effect on the desensitization kinetics. In vivo, BNC375 demonstrated robust procognitive effects in multiple preclinical models across a wide exposure range. These results suggest that α7 nAChR PAMs have therapeutic potential in central nervous system diseases with cognitive impairments.




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CXL146, a Novel 4H-Chromene Derivative, Targets GRP78 to Selectively Eliminate Multidrug-Resistant Cancer Cells [Articles]

The 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, is a master regulator of the ER stress. A number of studies revealed that high levels of GRP78 protein in cancer cells confer multidrug resistance (MDR) to therapeutic treatment. Therefore, drug candidate that reduces GRP78 may represent a novel approach to eliminate MDR cancer cells. Our earlier studies showed that a set of 4H-chromene derivatives induced selective cytotoxicity in MDR cancer cells. In the present study, we elucidated its selective mechanism in four MDR cancer cell lines with one lead candidate (CXL146). Cytotoxicity results confirmed the selective cytotoxicity of CXL146 toward the MDR cancer cell lines. We noted significant overexpression of GRP78 in all four MDR cell lines compared with the parental cell lines. Unexpectedly, CXL146 treatment rapidly and dose-dependently reduced GRP78 protein in MDR cancer cell lines. Using human leukemia (HL) 60/mitoxantrone (MX) 2 cell line as the model, we demonstrated that CXL146 treatment activated the unfolded protein response (UPR); as evidenced by the activation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α, protein kinase R–like ER kinase, and activating transcription factor 6. CXL146-induced UPR activation led to a series of downstream events, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, which contributed to CXL146-induced apoptosis. Targeted reduction in GRP78 resulted in reduced sensitivity of HL60/MX2 toward CXL146. Long-term sublethal CXL146 exposure also led to reduction in GRP78 in HL60/MX2. These data collectively support GRP78 as the target of CXL146 in MDR treatment. Interestingly, HL60/MX2 upon long-term sublethal CXL146 exposure regained sensitivity to mitoxantrone treatment. Therefore, further exploration of CXL146 as a novel therapy in treating MDR cancer cells is warranted.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Multidrug resistance is one major challenge to cancer treatment. This study provides evidence that cancer cells overexpress 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) as a mechanism to acquire resistance to standard cancer therapies. A chromene-based small molecule, CXL146, selectively eliminates cancer cells with GRP78 overexpression via activating unfolded protein response–mediated apoptosis. Further characterization indicates that CXL146 and standard therapies complementarily target different populations of cancer cells, supporting the potential of CXL146 to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer treatment.




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SNMMI Announces "Ones to Watch 2020" Selections




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Insights Into Provider Bias in Family Planning from a Novel Shared Decision Making Based Counseling Initiative in Rural, Indigenous Guatemala




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Associations Between Racial and Ethnic Groups and Foot Self-Inspection in People With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Daily foot self-inspection may permit earlier detection and treatment of a foot lesion, reducing the risk of infection and lower-limb amputation (LLA). Though race and ethnicity are strongly associated with LLA risk, with higher risk seen in African Americans (AA), American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN), and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NH/PI), associations between foot self-inspection and racial and ethnic groups are inconsistent. We aimed to assess differences in foot self-inspection among people with diabetes by race/ethnicity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using national, cross-sectional data from the 2015–2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys and including 88,424 individuals with diabetes, we estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and associated 95% CIs of daily foot checking for sores or irritation by racial and ethnic groups using log-binomial linear regression models, after accounting for survey weights.

RESULTS

Compared with whites (who had a weighted prevalence [P] of daily foot self-inspection of 57%), AA (P 67%, PR 1.18 [95% CI 1.14, 1.23]), AI/AN (P 66%, PR 1.15 [95% CI 1.07, 1.25]), and NH/PI (P 71%, PR 1.25 [95% CI 1.03, 1.52]) had higher prevalences of daily foot self-inspection. The prevalence of daily foot inspection was significantly lower among Asians (P 35%, PR 0.62 [95% CI 0.48, 0.81]) and Hispanics (P 53%, PR 0.93 [95% CI 0.88, 0.99]) compared with whites. Associations did not vary importantly by insulin use, years since diabetes diagnosis, or having received diabetes self-management education.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher frequency of foot self-inspection in racial and ethnic groups at elevated risk of diabetes-related LLA is not sufficient to eliminate LLA disparities; additional interventions are needed to achieve this aim.




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Role of Proinsulin Self-Association in Mutant INS Gene-Induced Diabetes of Youth

Abnormal interactions between misfolded mutant and wild-type (WT) proinsulin (PI) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) drive the molecular pathogenesis of mutant INS gene–induced diabetes of youth (MIDY). How these abnormal interactions are initiated remains unknown. Normally, PI-WT dimerizes in the ER. Here, we suggest that the normal PI-PI contact surface, involving the B-chain, contributes to dominant-negative effects of misfolded MIDY mutants. Specifically, we find that PI B-chain tyrosine-16 (Tyr-B16), which is a key residue in normal PI dimerization, helps confer dominant-negative behavior of MIDY mutant PI-C(A7)Y. Substitutions of Tyr-B16 with either Ala, Asp, or Pro in PI-C(A7)Y decrease the abnormal interactions between the MIDY mutant and PI-WT, rescuing PI-WT export, limiting ER stress, and increasing insulin production in β-cells and human islets. This study reveals the first evidence indicating that noncovalent PI-PI contact initiates dominant-negative behavior of misfolded PI, pointing to a novel therapeutic target to enhance PI-WT export and increase insulin production.




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Loss of cerebellar function selectively affects intrinsic rhythmicity of eupneic breathing [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Yu Liu, Shuhua Qi, Fridtjof Thomas, Brittany L. Correia, Angela P. Taylor, Roy V. Sillitoe, and Detlef H. Heck

Respiration is controlled by central pattern generating circuits in the brain stem, whose activity can be modulated by inputs from other brain areas to adapt respiration to autonomic and behavioral demands. The cerebellum is known to be part of the neuronal circuitry activated during respiratory challenges, such as hunger for air, but has not been found to be involved in the control of spontaneous, unobstructed breathing (eupnea). Here we applied a measure of intrinsic rhythmicity, the CV2, which evaluates the similarity of subsequent intervals and is thus sensitive to changes in rhythmicity at the temporal resolution of individual respiratory intervals. The variability of intrinsic respiratory rhythmicity was reduced in a mouse model of cerebellar ataxia compared to their healthy littermates. Irrespective of that difference, the average respiratory rate and the average coefficient of variation (CV) were comparable between healthy and ataxic mice. We argue that these findings are consistent with a proposed role of the cerebellum in modulating the duration of individual respiratory intervals, which could serve the purpose of coordinating respiration with other rhythmic orofacial movements, such as fluid licking and swallowing.




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Role of the GP in the management of patients with self-harm behaviour: a systematic review

BackgroundSelf-harm is a serious risk factor for suicide, a major public health concern, and a significant burden on the NHS. Rates of self-harm presentation in primary care are rising and GPs interact with patients both before and after they have self-harmed. There is significant public and political interest in reducing rates of self-harm, but there has been no robust synthesis of the existing literature on the role of GPs in the management of patients who self-harm.AimThis study aimed to explore the role of the GP in the management of patients with self-harm behaviour.Design and settingA systematic review and narrative synthesis of primary care literature.MethodThis systematic review was conducted and is reported in line with PRISMA guidance. Electronic databases systematically searched were MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and AMED. Two independent reviewers conducted study screening and selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal of all included studies. Thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsFrom 6976 unique citations, 12 studies met eligibility criteria and were included. These 12 studies, published from 1997–2016, of 789 GPs/family medicine physicians from Europe, the US, and Australia were of good methodological quality. Five themes were identified for facilitating GP management of self-harm: GP training, improved communication, service provision, clinical guidelines, and young people. Four barriers for GP management of self-harm were identified: assessment, service provision, local, and systemic factors.ConclusionGPs recognise self-harm as a serious risk factor for suicide, but some feel unprepared for managing self-harm. The role of the GP is multidimensional and includes frontline assessment and treatment, referral to specialist care, and the provision of ongoing support.




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Self-care strategies for asthma




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A Pharmacologic "Stress Test" for Assessing Select Antioxidant Defenses in Patients with CKD

Background and objectives

Oxidative stress is a hallmark and mediator of CKD. Diminished antioxidant defenses are thought to be partly responsible. However, there is currently no way to prospectively assess antioxidant defenses in humans. Tin protoporphyrin (SnPP) induces mild, transient oxidant stress in mice, triggering increased expression of select antioxidant proteins (e.g., heme oxygenase 1 [HO-1], NAD[P]H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 [NQO1], ferritin, p21). Hence, we tested the hypothesis that SnPP can also variably increase these proteins in humans and can thus serve as a pharmacologic "stress test" for gauging gene responsiveness and antioxidant reserves.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A total of 18 healthy volunteers and 24 participants with stage 3 CKD (n=12; eGFR 30–59 ml/min per 1.73 m2) or stage 4 CKD (n=12; eGFR 15–29 ml/min per 1.73 m2) were injected once with SnPP (9, 27, or 90 mg). Plasma and/or urinary antioxidant proteins were measured at baseline and for up to 4 days post-SnPP dosing. Kidney safety was gauged by serial measurements of BUN, creatinine, eGFR, albuminuria, and four urinary AKI biomarkers (kidney injury molecule 1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, cystatin C, and N-acetyl glucosaminidase).

Results

Plasma HO-1, ferritin, p21, and NQO1 were all elevated at baseline in CKD participants. Plasma HO-1 and urine NQO1 levels each inversely correlated with eGFR (r=–0.85 to –0.95). All four proteins manifested statistically significant dose- and time-dependent elevations after SnPP injection. However, marked intersubject differences were observed. p21 responses to high-dose SnPP and HO-1 responses to low-dose SnPP were significantly suppressed in participants with CKD versus healthy volunteers. SnPP was well tolerated by all participants, and no evidence of nephrotoxicity was observed.

Conclusions

SnPP can be safely administered and, after its injection, the resulting changes in plasma HO-1, NQO1, ferritin, and p21 concentrations can provide information as to antioxidant gene responsiveness/reserves in subjects with and without kidney disease.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number

A Study with RBT-1, in Healthy Volunteers and Subjects with Stage 3–4 Chronic Kidney Disease, NCT0363002 and NCT03893799




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Proportion of female recipients of resident-selected awards across Canada from 2000 to 2018: a retrospective observational study

Background:

Female physicians have been shown to receive fewer awards from medical societies than their male colleagues. We examined the sex distribution of recipients of Canadian residency association awards.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study of the sex of staff and resident physician recipients of resident-selected awards from provincial and national residency associations using data from 2000–2018. We classified awards into professionalism, advocacy and wellness awards, and education and teaching awards based on award names and descriptions, and compared the proportion of male and female recipients in these categories.

Results:

We identified 314 recipients of staff physician awards and 129 recipients of resident physician awards. Male staff and resident physicians had higher odds of receiving awards than their female counterparts (odds ratio [OR] 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.89 and OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.18–2.46, respectively). There was a reduction in the odds of male residents’ receiving an award over the study period (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90–0.98). Male physicians had higher odds of receiving education and teaching awards than female physicians as staff but not as residents (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.72–5.95 and OR 1.96, 95% CI 0.84–4.60, respectively).

Interpretation:

Male staff and resident physicians in Canada had higher odds of receiving awards from provincial and national residency associations between 2000 and 2018 than their female counterparts. Given this disparity, it would be prudent for organizations that distribute awards to physicians, residents and medical students to examine their nomination criteria and processes for potential bias.




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Detection of ctDNA from Dried Blood Spots after DNA Size Selection

Abstract
Background
Recent advances in the study and clinical applications of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are limited by practical considerations of sample collection. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly used for analysis of ctDNA, identifying copy-number alterations and fragmentation patterns. We hypothesized that low-depth/shallow WGS (sWGS) data may be generated from minute amounts of cell-free DNA, and that fragment-size selection may remove contaminating genomic DNA from small blood volumes. Dried blood spots have practical advantages for sample collection, may facilitate serial sampling, and could support novel study designs in humans and animal models.
Methods
We developed a protocol for the isolation and analysis of cell-free DNA from dried blood spots using filter paper cards and bead-based size selection. DNA extracted and size-selected from dried spots was analyzed using sWGS and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results
Analyzing a 50 μL dried blood spot from frozen whole blood of a patient with melanoma, we identified ctDNA based on the presence of tumor-specific somatic copy-number alterations, and found a fragment-size profile similar to that observed in plasma DNA. We found alterations in different chromosomes in blood spots from 2 patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Extending this approach to serial dried blood spots from mouse xenograft models, we detect tumor-derived cell-free DNA and identified ctDNA from the originally grafted ascites.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that ctDNA can be detected and monitored in dried blood spots from archived and fresh blood samples, enabling new approaches for sample collection and novel study/trial designs for both patients and in vivo models.




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Selected Articles from This Issue




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KatG as Counterselection Marker for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria [Letters]




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Selective Inhibition of BET Protein Domains Has Functional Relevance [Drug Development]

Inhibition of BET protein bromodomains BD1 and BD2 produces unique phenotypes in disease models.




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[Molecular Pathology] The Formation of Coronary Vessels in Cardiac Development and Disease

Understanding how coronary blood vessels form and regenerate during development and progression of cardiac diseases will shed light on the development of new treatment options targeting coronary artery diseases. Recent studies with the state-of-the-art technologies have identified novel origins of, as well as new, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of coronary vessels in the postnatal heart, including collateral artery formation, endocardial-to-endothelial differentiation and mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition. These new mechanisms of coronary vessel formation and regeneration open up new possibilities targeting neovascularization for promoting cardiac repair and regeneration. Here, we highlight some recent studies on cellular mechanisms of coronary vessel formation, and discuss the potential impact and significance of the findings on basic research and clinical application for treating ischemic heart disease.




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Flash Continuous Home Glucose Monitoring to Improve Adherence to Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose and Self-Efficacy in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes face self-management challenges that make it difficult for them to achieve good glycemic control. In our population of adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes, the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improved patients’ glycemic time in range (TIR) and identified hypoglycemia more frequently than with intermittent self-monitoring of blood glucose throughout a 4-week interval. However, the adolescents were unable to synthesize this information to problem-solve or reduce the frequency of hypoglycemic events. Setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) diabetes management goals and providing intensive diabetes education and support could increase adolescents’ TIR and prevent hypoglycemia.




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Accuracy of Self-reported Colonic Polyps: Results from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Screening Trial Study of Colonoscopy Utilization

Background:

Colonoscopy follow-up recommendations depend on the presence or absence of polyps, and if found, their number, size, and histology. Patients may be responsible for conveying results between primary and specialty care or providing medical information to family members; thus, accurate reporting is critical. This analysis assessed the accuracy of self-reported colonoscopy findings.

Methods:

3,986 participants from the Study of Colonoscopy Utilization, an ancillary study nested within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Screening Trial, were included. Self-reports of polyp and adenoma were compared to medical records, and measures of sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Correlates of accurate self-report of polyp were assessed using logistic regression and weighted to account for study sampling.

Results:

The sensitivity and specificity of self-reported polyp findings were 88% and 85%, respectively, and for adenoma 11% and 99%, respectively. Among participants with a polyp, older age was associated with lower likelihood while polyp severity and non-white race were associated with increased likelihood of accurate recall. Among participants without a polyp, having multiple colonoscopies was associated with lower likelihood while family history of colorectal cancer was associated with increased likelihood of accurate recall. Among both groups, longer time since colonoscopy was associated with lower likelihood of accurate recall.

Conclusions:

Participants recalled with reasonable accuracy whether they had a prior polyp; however, recall of histology, specifically adenoma, was much less accurate.

Impact:

Identification of strategies to increase accurate self-report of colonic polyps are needed, particularly for patient–provider communications and patient reporting of results to family members.




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Selected Articles from This Issue




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Assessment of Apparent Internal Carotid Tandem Occlusion on High-Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging: Comparison with Digital Subtraction Angiography [EXTRACRANIAL VASCULAR]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Not all tandem occlusions diagnosed on traditional vascular imaging modalities, such as MRA, represent actual complete ICA occlusion. This study aimed to explore the utility of high-resolution vessel wall imaging in identifying true ICA tandem occlusions and screening patients for their suitability for endovascular recanalization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Patients with no signal in the ICA on MRA were retrospectively reviewed. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed their high-resolution vessel wall images to assess whether there were true tandem occlusions and categorized all cases into intracranial ICA occlusion, extracranial ICA occlusion, tandem occlusion, or near-occlusion. DSA classified patient images into the same 4 categories, which were used as the comparison with high-resolution vessel wall imaging. The suitability for recanalization of occluded vessels was evaluated on high-resolution vessel wall imaging compared with DSA.

RESULTS:

Forty-five patients with no ICA signal on MRA who had available high-resolution vessel wall imaging and DSA images were included. Among the 34 patients (34/45, 75.6%) with tandem occlusions on DSA, 18 cases also showed tandem occlusions on high-resolution vessel wall imaging. The remaining 16 patients, intracranial ICA, extracranial ICA occlusions and near-occlusions were found in 2, 6, and 8 patients, respectively, on the basis of high-resolution vessel wall imaging. A total of 20 cases (20/45, 44.4%) were considered suitable for recanalization on the basis of both DSA and high-resolution vessel wall imaging. Among the 25 patients deemed unsuitable for recanalization by DSA, 11 were deemed suitable for recanalization by high-resolution vessel wall imaging.

CONCLUSIONS:

High-resolution vessel wall imaging could allow identification of true ICA tandem occlusion in patients with an absence of signal on MRA. Findings on high-resolution vessel wall imaging can be used to screen more suitable candidates for recanalization therapy.




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Glasgow Coma Scale on Presentation Predicts Outcome in Endovascular Treatment for Acute Posterior Large-Vessel Occlusion [INTERVENTIONAL]

SUMMARY:

Use of mechanical thrombectomy for stroke has increased since the publication of trials describing outcome improvement when used in the anterior circulation. These results, however, cannot be directly translated to the posterior circulation. While a high NIHSS score has demonstrated an association with poor outcomes in posterior stroke, the NIHSS is weighted toward hemispheric disease, and complex scores potentially delay definitive imaging diagnosis. We performed a retrospective analysis to ascertain whether any rapidly obtainable demographic or clinical and imaging data have a correlation with patient outcome postthrombectomy. Seventy-three cases were audited between September 2010 and October 2017. Presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of >13 meant that the odds of reaching the primary end point of functional independence (defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) were 5.70 times greater; similarly, presenting with a posterior circulation ASPECTS of >9 resulted in the odds of reaching the primary end point being 4.03 times greater. Older age correlated to a lower odds of independence (0.97, p = .04).




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MRI Vessel Wall Imaging after Intra-Arterial Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke [INTERVENTIONAL]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Vessel wall imaging is increasingly performed in the diagnostic work-up of patients with ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to compare vessel wall enhancement after intra-arterial thrombosuction with that in patients not treated with thrombosuction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

From 2009 to 2017, forty-nine patients with an ischemic stroke underwent 7T MR imaging within 3 months after symptom onset as part of a prospective intracranial vessel wall imaging study. Fourteen of these patients underwent intra-arterial treatment using thrombosuction (intra-arterial treatment group). In the intra-arterial treatment group, vessel walls were evaluated for major vessel wall changes. All patients underwent pre- and postcontrast vessel wall imaging to assess enhancing foci of the vessel wall using coregistered subtraction images. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to test for differences.

RESULTS:

In the intra-arterial treatment group, 11 of 14 patients (79%) showed vessel wall enhancement compared with 17 of 35 patients without intra-arterial treatment (49%). In the intra-arterial treatment group, more enhancing foci were detected on the ipsilateral side (n = 18.5) compared with the contralateral side (n = 3, P = .005). Enhancement was more often concentric on the ipsilateral side (n = 8) compared with contralateral side (n = 0, P = .01). No differences were found in the group without intra-arterial treatment between the number and configuration of ipsilateral and contralateral enhancing foci.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with intra-arterial treatment by means of thrombosuction showed more (concentric) enhancing foci of the vessel wall ipsilateral compared with contralateral to the treated artery than the patients without intra-arterial treatment, suggesting reactive changes of the vessel wall. This finding should be taken into account when assessing vessel wall MR images in patients with stroke.




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CT Angiography in Evaluating Large-Vessel Occlusion in Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke: Factors Associated with Diagnostic Error in Clinical Practice [INTERVENTIONAL]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

It is currently not completely clear how well radiologists perform in evaluating large-vessel occlusion on CTA in acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential factors associated with diagnostic error.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Five hundred twenty consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (49.4% men; mean age, 72 years) who underwent CTA to evaluate large-vessel occlusion of the proximal anterior circulation were included. CTA scans were retrospectively reviewed by a consensus panel of 2 neuroradiologists. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between several variables and missed large-vessel occlusion at the initial CTA interpretation.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of large-vessel occlusion was 16% (84/520 patients); 20% (17/84) of large-vessel occlusions were missed at the initial CTA evaluation. In multivariate analysis, non-neuroradiologists were more likely to miss large-vessel occlusion compared with neuroradiologists (OR = 5.62; 95% CI, 1.06–29.85; P = .04), and occlusions of the M2 segment were more likely to be missed compared with occlusions of the distal internal carotid artery and/or M1 segment (OR = 5.69; 95% CI, 1.44–22.57; P = .01). There were no calcified emboli in initially correctly identified large-vessel occlusions. However, calcified emboli were present in 4 of 17 (24%) initially missed or misinterpreted large-vessel occlusions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Several factors may have an association with missing a large-vessel occlusion on CTA, including the CTA interpreter (non-neuroradiologists versus neuroradiologists), large-vessel occlusion location (M2 segment versus the distal internal carotid artery and/or M1 segment), and large-vessel occlusion caused by calcified emboli. Awareness of these factors may improve the accuracy in interpreting CTA and eventually improve stroke outcome.




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Selling 5* Ho Tram beach villa by Coastar Estates-370000 USD - 600m2 - Call 0936122125

Selling 5 * Ho Tram beach villa for just 14 million VND / m2, basic handover Coaster Estates - 600m2 - 0936122125Sell beautiful, super-wide 5-star beach villas in Ho Tram, Ba Ria Vung Tau - Waterfront Phase 2 the Coaster Estates* Land area 600m2. * Using area: 531m2. * 56m2 swimm...




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Duplex penthouse for lease/ sell at Dragon Hill 2, near Vivo City, Phu My Hung - Call 0913.116841

DUPLEX PENTHOUSE FOR LEASE/ SELL At Dragon Hill 2, near Vivo City, Phu My Hung, PV Gas Tower, on Nguyen Huu Tho Street. 150m2, 4 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 3 WC, 3 balconies. Fully furnished ( 3 smart TV, 5 AC, side by side fridge, front door washing machine, full furniture,..)...




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Selling My Thai Villa In Phu My Hung- Tan Phu Ward -Dist 7- 162 sqm- The Negotiable Price

SELLING MY THAI VILLA IN PHU MY HUNG- DISTRICT 7 - Area : 9 x 18 m - Including a ground floor, 2 floors, a nice house - The house is designed 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, nice furniture - Having the garden with a fish pond inside - Location: facade on 17th street, opposite to the par...




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The Millennium Masteri - Selling luxury shophouse A

Shophouse A11 for sale: Court A. Align the residential corner and front of Ben Van Don. Area: 74m2 Price:VND 16 billion. Hotline: 0919462121 - 0933235111 Yan Lin (English, )...




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Selling hotel in busy business area of District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Sell hotel, address alley 283, Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel is in business, with modern and high-class furniture. Mainly foreign customers. - 6-storey structure + Mezzanine floor + Basement. Including 16 rooms both double and single ...




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Selling Chateau Villa In Phu My Hung- Tan Phu Ward- District 7- 612 sqm- The NegotiablePrice

FOR SALE CHATEAU VILLA IN PHU MY HUNG- TAN PHU WARD- DISTRICT 7 - Land area: 612 sqm - Floor area: 1000 sqm - Garden and riverside area: 1000 sqm - The villa is designed a basement, a ground floor, 3 floors, luxury furniture - Having 7 large bedrooms, 8 toilets - Selling price: c...




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Selling house in 9m alley, Street No. 10, KDC Ly Phuc Man, District 7

Selling house in 9m alley, Street No. 10, KDC Ly Phuc Man, District 7- Area: 4x18.5m. Accredited area: 4x16.5m (66m2). - Structure: 1 ground, 1 floor, can rebuild. - Location: House in 9m alley, street No. 10 Ly Phuc Man, 200m from Nguyen Van Linh, 500m from Huynh Tan Phat, near...