Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals, Volume 33, Issue 10, Page 427-437, December 2018.
from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zT8GRv
via IFTTT
Δευτέρα 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2018
Radioprotective Properties of Pterocarpus santalinus Chloroform Extract in Murine Splenic Lymphocytes and Possible Mechanism
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Potential Candidate Genes for Different Glioma Subtypes (Astrocytoma, Ependymoma, and Oligodendroglioma)
Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals, Volume 33, Issue 10, Page 478-490, December 2018.
from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PwzVWW
via IFTTT
Progression of Central Nervous System Metastases in Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Patients Effectively Treated with First-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals, Volume 33, Issue 10, Page 421-426, December 2018.
from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSODCF
via IFTTT
Mitochondrial health and muscle plasticity after spinal cord injury
Abstract
Mitochondria are responsible for aerobic respiration and large-scale ATP production in almost all cells of the body. Their function is decreased in many neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease states, in metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes and obesity, and as a normal component of aging. Disuse of skeletal muscle from immobilization or unloading triggers alterations of mitochondrial density and activity. Resultant mitochondrial dysfunction after paralysis, which precedes muscle atrophy, may augment subsequent release of reactive oxygen species leading to protein ubiquitination and degradation. Spinal cord injury is a unique form of disuse atrophy as there is a complete or partial disruption in tonic communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and skeletal muscle. Paralysis, unloading and disruption of CNS communication result in a rapid decline in skeletal muscle function and metabolic status with disruption in activity of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator 1 alpha and calcineurin, key regulators of mitochondrial health and function. External interventions, both acute and chronical with training using body-weight-assisted treadmill training or electrical stimulation have consistently demonstrated adaptations in skeletal muscle mitochondria, and expression of the genes and proteins required for mitochondrial oxidation of fats and carbohydrates to ATP, water, and carbon dioxide. The purpose of this mini-review is to highlight our current understanding as to how paralysis mechanistically triggers downstream regulation in mitochondrial density and activity and to discuss how mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to skeletal muscle atrophy.
from Physiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2EaW7Uy
via IFTTT
The Use of Codeine and Tramadol in the Pediatric Population—What is the Verdict Now?
Codeine and tramadol are opioid analgesics approved for the management of pain in the United States. Both agents are metabolized in the liver to active compounds via the cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme. Case reports of pediatric patients with overactive CYP2D6 enzymes have been reported. These ultra-rapid metabolizers experience an increase in the production of active metabolites of codeine and tramadol, which can lead to oversedation, respiratory depression, and death. In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated their warnings regarding codeine and tramadol use in the pediatric population, making their use contraindicated in patients under the age of 12 years.
from Health via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zVpnvA
via IFTTT
Nursing Now: A Global Campaign
Across the globe, examples of nursing practice illustrate the varied and diverse aspects of the professional roles and responsibilities which nurses hold. In remote parts of the world, a nurse may be the first and only health professional whom people see for their health care needs, which fosters enormous creativity and innovation in providing care. Such a nurse is usually also a part of the local community, and shares in the cultural strengths and challenges. In other parts of the world, nurses may be advanced practitioners, who practice independently but collaboratively, with the capability to diagnose and manage a range of disorders while also promoting health and positive coping among patients with chronic illness.
from Health via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSZahf
via IFTTT
NAPNAP Position Statement on Breastfeeding
The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) recognizes that optimal nutrition for newborns and infants consists of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, ideally beginning with skin-to-skin contact and early infant-led breastfeeding within the first hour of life. At about 6 months of age, with the addition of appropriate complementary solid foods, continuation of breastfeeding is recommended until at least age 1 year and longer as mutually desired by the mother and infant (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine [ABM], 2015; American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2012, 2018; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2016; American Dietetic Association, 2009; U.S.
from Health via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Pyd1hY
via IFTTT
On Looking Forward and Looking Back
The beginning of January is a special time for me. December brings Christmas, my favorite holiday, and my youngest daughter's birthday. It means lights, family, friends, and traditions. I spend the time leading up to New Year's Eve thinking about the previous year: the good and the bad, the things I improved on, and the areas where I still have room to grow. New Years is a time of hope and promise. This spurs many of us to make life changes. This may be a desire to change an unhealthy habit, to spend more time with loved ones and less time on trivial things, or to spend more time volunteering and sharing our blessings with others.
from Health via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSH3bb
via IFTTT
Recruiting Mothers of Children With Developmental Disabilities: Adaptations of the Snowball Sampling Technique Using Social Media
Mothers raising children with developmental disabilities (DDs) face many challenges. Not only do mothers of children with DDs have family and work responsibilities like other mothers, they also face the complex care of their children. DDs are lifelong mental and/or physical conditions that originate in childhood, and individuals with DDs have functional limitations in at least three major areas of life activities including physical, cognitive, speech or language, and/or self-care (Developmental Disabilities Assistance Bill of Right Act of 2000, 2000).
from Health via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zPq1L1
via IFTTT
NAPNAP Position Statement on Pediatric-Focused Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ Role in Disasters Involving Children
The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) acknowledges the central role of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) and their fellow pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in disaster preparedness to provide guidance and care before, during, and after local, national, and global disasters that affect children and families. The term disaster encompasses natural (i.e., hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides, tornadoes, tsunamis, pandemics) and man-made (i.e., active shooter, chemical, biological, radiologic, nuclear, explosive) occurrences and implies a mass casualty incident.
from Health via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSdzKw
via IFTTT
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Potential Candidate Genes for Different Glioma Subtypes (Astrocytoma, Ependymoma, and Oligodendroglioma)
Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals, Volume 33, Issue 10, Page 478-490, December 2018.
from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2GmQ16z
via IFTTT
Radioprotective Properties of Pterocarpus santalinus Chloroform Extract in Murine Splenic Lymphocytes and Possible Mechanism
Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals, Volume 33, Issue 10, Page 427-437, December 2018.
from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rv2KJO
via IFTTT
Progression of Central Nervous System Metastases in Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Patients Effectively Treated with First-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals, Volume 33, Issue 10, Page 421-426, December 2018.
from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rth3yF
via IFTTT
A Transgenic Flock House Virus Replicon Reveals an RNAi Independent Antiviral Mechanism Acting in Drosophila Follicular Somatic Cells
The small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway is the main and best studied invertebrate antiviral response. Other poorly characterized protein based antiviral mechanisms also contribute to the control of viral replication in insects. In addition, it remains unclear whether tissue specific factors contribute to RNA and protein-based antiviral immunity mechanisms. In vivo screens to identify such factors are challenging and time consuming. In addition, the scored phenotype is usually limited to survival and/or viral load. Transgenic viral replicons are valuable tools to overcome these limitations and screen for novel antiviral factors. Here we describe transgenic Drosophila melanogaster lines encoding a Flock House Virus-derived replicon (FHVB2eGFP), expressing GFP as a reporter of viral replication. This replicon is efficiently controlled by the siRNA pathway in most somatic tissues, with GFP fluorescence providing a reliable marker for the activity of antiviral RNAi. Interestingly, in follicular somatic cells (FSC) of ovaries, this replicon is still partially repressed in an siRNA independent manner. We did not detect replicon derived Piwi-interacting RNAs in FSCs and identified 31 differentially expressed genes between restrictive and permissive FSCs. Altogether, our results uncovered a yet unidentified RNAi-independent mechanism controlling FHV replication in FSCs of ovaries and validate the FHVB2eGFP replicon as a tool to screen for novel tissue specific antiviral mechanisms.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zOasU0
via IFTTT
Comprehensive Transcriptional Profiling of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Ruminants from Birth to Adulthood Reveals Strong Developmental Stage Specific Gene Expression
One of the most significant physiological challenges to neonatal and juvenile ruminants is the development and establishment of the rumen. Using a subset of RNA-Seq data from our high-resolution atlas of gene expression in sheep (Ovis aries) we have provided the first comprehensive characterisation of transcription of the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract during the transition from pre-ruminant to ruminant. The dataset comprises 164 tissue samples from sheep at four different time points (birth, one week, 8 weeks and adult). Using network cluster analysis we illustrate how the complexity of the GI tract is reflected in tissue- and developmental stage-specific differences in gene expression. The most significant transcriptional differences between neonatal and adult sheep were observed in the rumen complex. Comparative analysis of gene expression in three GI tract tissues from age-matched sheep and goats revealed species-specific differences in genes involved in immunity and metabolism. This study improves our understanding of the transcriptomic mechanisms involved in the transition from pre-ruminant to ruminant by identifying key genes involved in immunity, microbe recognition and metabolism. The results form a basis for future studies linking gene expression with microbial colonisation of the developing GI tract and provide a foundation to improve ruminant efficiency and productivity through identifying potential targets for novel therapeutics and gene editing.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Pwlour
via IFTTT
Optimizing Genomic Selection for a Sorghum Breeding Program in Haiti: A Simulation Study
Young breeding programs in developing countries, like the Chibas sorghum breeding program in Haiti, face the challenge of increasing genetic gain with limited resources. Implementing genomic selection (GS) could increase genetic gain, but optimization of GS is needed to account for these programs' unique challenges and advantages. Here, we used simulations to identify conditions under which genomic-assisted recurrent selection (GARS) would be more effective than phenotypic recurrent selection (PRS) in small new breeding programs. We compared genetic gain, cost per unit gain, genetic variance, and prediction accuracy of GARS (two or three cycles per year) versus PRS (one cycle per year) assuming various breeding population sizes and trait genetic architectures. For oligogenic architecture, the maximum relative genetic gain advantage of GARS over PRS was 12-88%, which was observed only during the first few cycles. For the polygenic architecture, GARS provided maximum relative genetic gain advantage of 26-165%, and was always superior to PRS. Average prediction accuracy declines substantially after several cycles of selection, suggesting the prediction models should be updated regularly. Updating prediction models every year increased the genetic gain by up to 33-39% compared to no-update scenarios. For small populations and oligogenic traits, cost per unit gain was lower in PRS than GARS. However, with larger populations and polygenic traits cost per unit gain was up to 67% lower in GARS than PRS. Collectively, the simulations suggest that GARS could increase the genetic gain in small young breeding programs by accelerating the breeding cycles and enabling evaluation of larger populations.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PqHL4B
via IFTTT
GAL4 Drivers Specific for Type Ib and Type Is Motor Neurons in Drosophila
The Drosophila melanogaster larval neuromuscular system is extensively used by researchers to study neuronal cell biology, and Drosophila glutamatergic motor neurons have become a major model system. There are two main Types of glutamatergic motor neurons, Ib and Is, with different structural and physiological properties at synaptic level at the neuromuscular junction. To generate genetic tools to identify and manipulate motor neurons of each Type, we screened for GAL4 driver lines for this purpose. Here we describe GAL4 drivers specific for examples of neurons within each Type, Ib or Is. These drivers showed high expression levels and were expressed in only few motor neurons, making them amenable tools for specific studies of both axonal and synapse biology in identified Type I motor neurons.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSnSOV
via IFTTT
Polaris Launches Industry-Leading Work Utility Vehicle: PRO XD™
All-new diesel UTV line-up engineered for durability, serviceability and safety with industry-leading payload and towing for any jobsite MINNEAPOLIS – Polaris® Commercial has designed a breakthrough line of utility task vehicles (UTVs) purpose-built for work: the all-new PRO XD. The PRO XD line from Polaris offers three diesel-powered models built to withstand the tough duty cycles and...
from EMS via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PxouOW
via IFTTT
Risk of advanced lesions in patients with branch-duct IPMN and relative indications for surgery according to European evidence-based guidelines
European evidence-based guidelines proposed surgery for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) based on the presence of 1–2 relative indications, depending on the comorbidity burden.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zU4alR
via IFTTT
Adherence to European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommendations of endoscopists performing small bowel capsule endoscopy in Italy
The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has recently issued a technical review focused on small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE).
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PsHheg
via IFTTT
Diagnostic yield of upper endoscopy according to appropriateness: a systematic review
Despite some official guidelines are available, a substantial rate of inappropriateness for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopies has been reported. This study aimed to estimateen the inappropriate rate of UGI in different countries, also including the diagnostic yield.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Pw7BnI
via IFTTT
A study of the association between UGT1A1*28 variant allele of UGT1A1 gene and colonic phenotype of sporadic colorectal cancer
The transcriptional activity of the UGT1A1 gene is modulated by a variable number of repetitions of the dinucleotide (TA) within its promoter region. By comparison to the most common allele (TA)6 (UGT1A1*1), decreased activity is observed with increasing TA repetitions. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of the variant allele UGT1A1*28, harbouring seven TA repetitions, (TA)7, in the homozygous state, is associated with precancerous colonic lesions and/or with specific colorectal cancer characteristics.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSLhQ9
via IFTTT
Successful outcome of the transitional process of inflammatory bowel disease from pediatric to adult age: A five years experience
The transitional process of young patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease from pediatric to adult care is a crucial step. Our study aimed to investigate the 1-year success outcome of this transitional process.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PtXsb7
via IFTTT
Successful outcome of the transitional process of inflammatory bowel disease from pediatric to adult age: A five years experience
The transitional process of young patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease from pediatric to adult care is a crucial step. Our study aimed to investigate the 1-year success outcome of this transitional process.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PtXsb7
via IFTTT
Diagnostic yield of upper endoscopy according to appropriateness: a systematic review
Despite some official guidelines are available, a substantial rate of inappropriateness for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopies has been reported. This study aimed to estimateen the inappropriate rate of UGI in different countries, also including the diagnostic yield.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Pw7BnI
via IFTTT
Adherence to European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommendations of endoscopists performing small bowel capsule endoscopy in Italy
The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has recently issued a technical review focused on small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE).
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PsHheg
via IFTTT
A study of the association between UGT1A1*28 variant allele of UGT1A1 gene and colonic phenotype of sporadic colorectal cancer
The transcriptional activity of the UGT1A1 gene is modulated by a variable number of repetitions of the dinucleotide (TA) within its promoter region. By comparison to the most common allele (TA)6 (UGT1A1*1), decreased activity is observed with increasing TA repetitions. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of the variant allele UGT1A1*28, harbouring seven TA repetitions, (TA)7, in the homozygous state, is associated with precancerous colonic lesions and/or with specific colorectal cancer characteristics.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSLhQ9
via IFTTT
Risk of advanced lesions in patients with branch-duct IPMN and relative indications for surgery according to European evidence-based guidelines
European evidence-based guidelines proposed surgery for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) based on the presence of 1–2 relative indications, depending on the comorbidity burden.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zU4alR
via IFTTT
NET Field Supervisor - GAAA
Make A Difference in your community by being a leader of our Emergency Medical Service Team! Galveston County Health District is seeking a NET Field Supervisor! This position is responsible for successfully managing daily operational aspects of non-emergency medical transport provided by the Galveston County Health District's Galveston Area Ambulance Authority (GAAA). We can offer you: • Excellent benefits; ...
from EMS via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QqCa3C
via IFTTT
Advanced EMT's Needed! - GAAA
Make A Difference in your community and join our Emergency Medical Service Team! Galveston County Health District is seeking Advanced EMT's! This position is responsible for performing responsible and technical medical work dealing with emergency or non-emergency and/or lifesaving treatment of patients who are transported via Mobile Intensive Care Unit or Basic Life Support ambulance from the scene ...
from EMS via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2UEqbxU
via IFTTT
Iowa flight paramedic marks 500th flight
LifeGuard Air Ambulance flight paramedic Terri Staner, 55, was a stay-at-home mom before she decided to get EMS training "for fun"
from EMS via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2L8UZ5o
via IFTTT
Responding to the growing number of hate crimes
Anticipating potential targets, and preplanning a coordination and communication plan are keys to an organized response
from EMS via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zQEqXC
via IFTTT
Thirty days are inadequate for assessing readmission following complex hepatopancreatobiliary procedures
Abstract
Introduction
Early readmissions (30 days) have been used as a measure of health care quality. The purpose of our study was to evaluate patterns of readmission for a longer period (up to 2 years) following Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery in the state of New York.
Methods
The State Planning and Research Cooperative System database was utilized to identify patients undergoing complex HPB procedures between 2010 and 2012. Patients were followed for 2 years following surgery to identify all-cause readmissions. Factors for readmissions included patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative complications, surgery type, and academic status. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models were performed to evaluate risk factors for readmissions.
Results
There were 6207 complex HPB procedures with 1272 (20.49%) unplanned 30-day readmissions, 816 (13.15%) unplanned 31–90-day readmissions, 1678 (27.03%) unplanned 91-day to 1-year readmissions, and 1404 (22.62%) 1–2-year readmissions. After adjusting for other possible confounding factors, risk factors for 30-day readmissions include surgery type, as pancreatectomy and gallbladder patients are more likely to have a 30-day readmission than hepatectomy patients, facility type, as academic centers are more likely to have a readmission, male gender, presence of any comorbidity, and peri-operative complications. Risk factors for 31–90-day readmissions include race, insurance group, any comorbidity or any peri-operative complication, and 30-day readmissions. Risk factors for 91-day to 1-year readmissions include male gender, race, any comorbidity, 30-day readmissions, and 31–90 days' readmissions. Risk factors for 1–2-year readmissions include presence of any comorbidity, and previous 91-day to 1-year readmissions.
Conclusion
The 30-day readmission window is an inadequate, but predictive, measure of total readmission following complex HPB procedures.
from Endoscopy via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rwpR6O
via IFTTT
Outcome of laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair in octogenarians: a registry-based, propensity score-matched comparison of 360 patients
Abstract
Background
Paraesophageal hernias (PEH) tend to occur in elderly patients and the assumed higher morbidity of PEH repair may dissuade clinicians from seeking a surgical solution. On the other hand, the mortality rate for emergency repairs shows a sevenfold increase compared to elective repairs. This analysis evaluates the complication rates after elective PEH repair in patients 80 years and older in comparison with younger patients.
Methods
In total, 3209 patients with PEH were recorded in the Herniamed Registry between September 1, 2009 and January 5, 2018. Using propensity score matching, 360 matched pairs were formed for comparative analysis of general, intraoperative, and postoperative complication rates in both groups.
Results
Our analysis revealed a disadvantage in general complications (6.7% vs. 14.2%; p = 0.002) for patients ≥ 80 years old. No significant differences were found between the two groups for intraoperative (4.7% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.627) and postoperative complications (2.2% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.815) or for complication-related reoperations (1.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.791).
Conclusions
Despite a higher risk of general complications, PEH repair in octogenarians is not in itself associated with increased rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications or associated reoperations. Therefore, PEH repair can be safely offered to elderly patients with symptomatic PEH, if general medical risk factors are controlled.
from Endoscopy via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rx0RfC
via IFTTT
Does pyloric drainage have a role in the era of minimally invasive esophagectomy?
Abstract
Introduction
Pyloric drainage during minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) may be more technically challenging than with an open approach. Alternatives to classic surgical drainage have increased in popularity; however, data are lacking to demonstrate whether one technique is superior in MIE. The purpose of this study was to compare post-operative outcomes after MIE between different pyloric drainage methods.
Methods
We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing MIE at a single academic institution. Patients were divided into three groups for analysis: no drainage, intrapyloric Botulinum Toxin injection, and surgical drainage (pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy). The primary outcome was any complication within 90 days of surgery; secondary outcomes included reported symptoms and need for pyloric dilation at 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Comparisons among groups were conducted using the Kruskal Wallis and Chi Square tests.
Results
There were 283 MIE performed between 2011 and 2017; of these, 126 (45%) had drainage (53 Botulinum injection and 73 surgical). No significant difference in the rate of post-operative complications, pneumonia, or anastomotic leak was observed between groups. At 6 and 12 months, patients that received Botulinum injection and surgical drainage had significantly more symptoms than no drainage (p < 0.0001) and higher need for pyloric dilation at 6 months (p = 0.007).
Conclusions
Pyloric drainage was not significantly associated with lower post-operative complications or long-term symptoms. While Botulinum injection appears safe post-operatively, it was associated with increased morbidity long-term. Pyloric drainage in MIE may be unnecessary.
from Endoscopy via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G7jWPG
via IFTTT
The Caenorhabditis elegans Oxidative Stress Response Requires the NHR-49 Transcription Factor
The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells can lead to the development of diseases associated with aging. We have previously shown that C. elegans BRAP-2 (Brca1 associated binding protein 2) regulates phase II detoxification genes such as gst-4, by increasing SKN-1 activity. Previously, a transcription factor (TF) RNAi screen was conducted to identify potential activators that are required to induce gst-4 expression in brap-2(ok1492) mutants. The lipid metabolism regulator NHR-49/HNF4 was among 18 TFs identified. Here, we show that knockdown of nhr-49 suppresses the activation of gst-4 caused by brap-2 inactivation and that gain-of-function alleles of nhr-49 promote gst-4 expression. We also demonstrate that nhr-49 and its cofactor mdt-15 are required to express phase II detoxification enzymes upon exposure to chemicals that induce oxidative stress. Furthermore, we show that NHR-49 and MDT-15 enhance expression of skn-1a/c. These findings identify a novel role for NHR-49 in ROS detoxification by regulating expression of SKN-1C and phase II detoxification genes.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rt00gh
via IFTTT
Phenomic Selection Is a Low-Cost and High-Throughput Method Based on Indirect Predictions: Proof of Concept on Wheat and Poplar
Genomic selection - the prediction of breeding values using DNA polymorphisms - is a disruptive method that has widely been adopted by animal and plant breeders to increase productivity. It was recently shown that other sources of molecular variations such as those resulting from transcripts or metabolites could be used to accurately predict complex traits. These endophenotypes have the advantage of capturing the expressed genotypes and consequently the complex regulatory networks that occur in the different layers between the genome and the phenotype. However, obtaining such omics data at very large scales, such as those typically experienced in breeding, remains challenging. As an alternative, we proposed using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a high-throughput, low cost and non-destructive tool to indirectly capture endophenotypic variants and compute relationship matrices for predicting complex traits, and coined this new approach "phenomic selection" (PS). We tested PS on two species of economic interest (Triticum aestivum L. and Populus nigra L.) using NIRS on various tissues (grains, leaves, wood). We showed that one could reach predictions as accurate as with molecular markers, for developmental, tolerance and productivity traits, even in environments radically different from the one in which NIRS were collected. Our work constitutes a proof of concept and provides new perspectives for the breeding community, as PS is theoretically applicable to any organism at low cost and does not require any molecular information.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2GixOHg
via IFTTT
Genotype-by-Environment-by-Environment Interactions in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Transcriptomic Response to Alcohols and Anaerobiosis
Next generation biofuels including longer-chain alcohols such as butanol are attractive as renewable, high-energy fuels. A barrier to microbial production of butanols is the increased toxicity compared to ethanol; however, the cellular targets and microbial defense mechanisms remain poorly understood, especially under anaerobic conditions used frequently in industry. Here we took a comparative approach to understand the response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to 1-butanol, isobutanol, or ethanol, across three genetic backgrounds of varying tolerance in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. We find that strains have different growth properties and alcohol tolerances with and without oxygen availability, as well as unique and common responses to each of the three alcohols. Our results provide evidence for strain-by-alcohol-by-oxygen interactions that moderate how cells respond to alcohol stress.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G52LOO
via IFTTT
Whole-Genome Analysis of Introgression Between the Spotted Owl and Barred Owl (Strix occidentalis and Strix varia, Respectively; Aves: Strigidae) in Western North America
As the barred owl (Strix varia; Aves: Strigiformes: Strigidae) expands throughout western North America, hybridization between barred and spotted owls (Strix varia and S. occidentalis, respectively), if abundant, may lead to genetic swamping of the endangered spotted owl. We analyzed low-coverage, whole-genome sequence data from fifty-one barred and spotted owls to investigate recent introgression between these two species. Although we obtained genomic confirmation that these species can and do hybridize and backcross, we found no evidence of widespread introgression. Plumage characteristics of western S. varia that suggested admixture with S. occidentalis appear unrelated to S. occidentalis ancestry and may instead reflect local selection.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Gax2M7
via IFTTT
Integrative Analysis of Transcriptomic and Methylomic Data in Photoperiod-Dependent Regulation of Cucumber Sex Expression
The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is characterized by its diversity and seasonal plasticity in sexual type. A long day length condition significantly decreased the cucumber female flower ratio by 17.7–52.9%, and the effect of photoperiod treatment is more significant under low temperature than under high temperature. Transcriptome analysis indicates that the photoperiod treatment preferentially significantly influenced flower development processes, particularly MADS-box genes in shoot apices. The long-day treatment resulted in predominantly transposable element (TE)- and gene-associated CHH-types of DNA methylation changes. Nevertheless, there was significant enrichment of CG- and CHG-types of DNA methylation changes nearing transcription start sites (TSSs)/transcription end sites (TESs) and gene bodies, respectively. Predominantly negative association between differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed which implied epiregulation of DEGs. Two MADS-box genes that were significantly downregulated by long photoperiod showed significant hypermethylation in promoter regions that is essentially TE-rich. This study indicates MADS-box genes which are partially regulated by promoter methylation state may mediate photoperiod-dependent regulation of cucumber sex expression.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2GbV75e
via IFTTT
A European Whitefish Linkage Map and Its Implications for Understanding Genome-Wide Synteny Between Salmonids Following Whole Genome Duplication
Genomic datasets continue to increase in number due to the ease of production for a wider selection of species including non-model organisms. For many of these species, especially those with large or polyploid genomes, highly contiguous and well-annotated genomes are still rare due to the complexity and cost involved in their assembly. As a result, a common starting point for genomic work in non-model species is the production of a linkage map. Dense linkage maps facilitate the analysis of genomic data in a variety of ways, from broad scale observations regarding genome structure e.g., chromosome number and type or sex-related structural differences, to fine scale patterns e.g., recombination rate variation and co-localization of differentiated regions. Here we present both sex-averaged and sex-specific linkage maps for Coregonus sp. "Albock", a member of the European whitefish lineage (C. lavaretus spp. complex), containing 5395 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci across 40 linkage groups to facilitate future investigation into the genomic basis of whitefish adaptation and speciation. The map was produced using restriction-site associated digestion (RAD) sequencing data from two wild-caught parents and 156 F1 offspring. We discuss the differences between our sex-averaged and sex-specific maps and identify genome-wide synteny between C. sp. "Albock" and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), which have diverged following the salmonid-specific whole genome duplication. Our analysis confirms that many patterns of synteny observed between Atlantic Salmon and Oncorhynchus and Salvelinus species are also shared by members of the Coregoninae subfamily. We also show that regions known for their species-specific rediploidization history can pose challenges for synteny identification since these regions have diverged independently in each salmonid species following the salmonid-specific whole genome duplication. The European whitefish map provided here will enable future studies to understand the distribution of loci of interest, e.g., FST outliers, along the whitefish genome as well as assisting with the de novo assembly of a whitefish reference genome.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rwHUtL
via IFTTT
Comparative Genomics of Aspergillus flavus S and L Morphotypes Yield Insights into Niche Adaptation
Aspergillus flavus, the primary causal agent for aflatoxin contamination on crops, consists of isolates with two distinct morphologies: isolates of the S morphotype produce numerous small sclerotia and lower numbers of conidia while isolates of the L morphotype produce fewer large sclerotia and abundant conidia. The morphotypes also differ in aflatoxin production with S isolates consistently producing high concentrations of aflatoxin, whereas L isolates range from atoxigenic to highly toxigenic. The production of abundant sclerotia by the S morphotype suggests adaptation for long-term survival in the soil, whereas the production of abundant conidia by the L morphotype suggests adaptation for aerial dispersal to the phyllosphere. To identify genomic changes that support differential niche adaption, the sequences of three S and three L morphotype isolates were compared. Differences in genome structure and gene content were identified between the morphotypes. A >530 kb inversion between the morphotypes affect a secondary metabolite gene cluster and a cutinase gene. The morphotypes also differed in proteins predicted to be involved in carbon/nitrogen metabolism, iron acquisition, antimicrobial defense, and evasion of host immunity. The S morphotype genomes contained more intact secondary metabolite clusters indicating there is higher selection pressure to maintain secondary metabolism in the soil and that it is not limited to aflatoxin production. The L morphotype genomes were enriched in amino acid transporters, suggesting efficient nitrogen transport may be critical in the nutrient limited phyllosphere. These findings indicate the genomes of the two morphotypes differ beyond developmental genes and have diverged as they adapted to their respective niches.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G8czaT
via IFTTT
Multi-environment Genomic Prediction of Plant Traits Using Deep Learners With Dense Architecture
Genomic selection is revolutionizing plant breeding and therefore methods that improve prediction accuracy are useful. For this reason, active research is being conducted to build and test methods from other areas and adapt them to the context of genomic selection. In this paper we explore the novel deep learning (DL) methodology in the context of genomic selection. We compared DL methods with densely connected network architecture to one of the most often used genome-enabled prediction models: Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP). We used nine published real genomic data sets to compare a fraction of all possible deep learning models to obtain a "meta picture" of the performance of DL methods with densely connected network architecture. In general, the best predictions were obtained with the GBLUP model when genotypexenvironment interaction (GxE) was taken into account (8 out of 9 data sets); when the interactions were ignored, the DL method was better than the GBLUP in terms of prediction accuracy in 6 out of the 9 data sets. For this reason, we believe that DL should be added to the data science toolkit of scientists working on animal and plant breeding. This study corroborates the view that there are no universally best prediction machines.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rtJj49
via IFTTT
Highly Continuous Genome Assembly of Eurasian Perch (Perca fluviatilis) Using Linked-Read Sequencing
The Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) is the most common fish of the Percidae family and is widely distributed across Eurasia. Perch is a popular target for professional and recreational fisheries, and a promising freshwater aquaculture species in Europe. However, despite its high ecological, economical and societal importance, the available genomic resources for P. fluviatilis are rather limited. In this work, we report de novo assembly and annotation of the whole genome sequence of perch. The linked-read based technology with 10X Genomics Chromium chemistry and Supernova assembler produced a draft perch genome ~1.0 Gbp assembly (scaffold N50 = 6.3 Mb; the longest individual scaffold of 29.3 Mb; BUSCO completeness of 88.0%), which included 281.6 Mb of putative repeated sequences. The perch genome assembly presented here, generated from small amount of starting material (0.75 ng) and a single linked-read library, is highly continuous and considerably more complete than the currently available draft of P. fluviatilis genome. A total of 23,397 protein-coding genes were predicted, 23,171 (99%) of which were annotated functionally from either sequence homology or protein signature searches. Linked-read technology enables fast, accurate and cost-effective de novo assembly of large non-model eukaryote genomes. The highly continuous assembly of the Eurasian perch genome presented in this study will be an invaluable resource for a range of genetic, ecological, physiological, ecotoxicological, functional and comparative genomic studies in perch and other fish species of the Percidae family.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2GlOnlF
via IFTTT
vqtl: An R Package for Mean-Variance QTL Mapping
We present vqtl, an R package for mean-variance QTL mapping. This QTL mapping approach tests for genetic loci that influence the mean of the phenotype, termed mean QTL, the variance of the phenotype, termed variance QTL, or some combination of the two, termed mean-variance QTL. It is unique in its ability to correct for variance heterogeneity arising not only from the QTL itself but also from nuisance factors, such as sex, batch, or housing. This package provides functions to conduct genome scans, run permutations to assess the statistical significance, and make informative plots to communicate results. Because it is inter-operable with the popular qtl package and uses many of the same data structures and input patterns, it will be straightforward for geneticists to analyze future experiments with vqtl as well as re-analyze past experiments, possibly discovering new QTL.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2ru5B5K
via IFTTT
The Yeast DNA Damage Checkpoint Kinase Rad53 Targets the Exoribonuclease, Xrn1
The highly conserved DNA damage response (DDR) pathway monitors the genomic integrity of the cell and protects against genotoxic stresses. The apical kinases, Mec1 and Tel1 (ATR and ATM in human, respectively), initiate the DNA damage signaling cascade through the effector kinases, Rad53 and Chk1, to regulate a variety of cellular processes including cell cycle progression, DNA damage repair, chromatin remodeling, and transcription. The DDR also regulates other cellular pathways, but direct substrates and mechanisms are still lacking. Using a mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomic screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we identified novel targets of Rad53, many of which are proteins that are involved in RNA metabolism. Of the 33 novel substrates identified, we verified that 12 are directly phosphorylated by Rad53 in vitro: Xrn1, Gcd11, Rps7b, Ded1, Cho2, Pus1, Hst1, Srv2, Set3, Snu23, Alb1, and Scp160. We further characterized Xrn1, a highly conserved 5' exoribonuclease that functions in RNA degradation and the most enriched in our phosphoproteomics screen. Phosphorylation of Xrn1 by Rad53 does not appear to affect Xrn1's intrinsic nuclease activity in vitro, but may affect its activity or specificity in vivo.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G52ueK
via IFTTT
Mean-Variance QTL Mapping Identifies Novel QTL for Circadian Activity and Exploratory Behavior in Mice
We illustrate, through two case studies, that "mean-variance QTL mapping"—QTL mapping that models effects on the mean and the variance simultaneously—can discover QTL that traditional interval mapping cannot. Mean-variance QTL mapping is based on the double generalized linear model, which extends the standard linear model used in interval mapping by incorporating not only a set of genetic and covariate effects for mean but also set of such effects for the residual variance. Its potential for use in QTL mapping has been described previously, but it remains underutilized, with certain key advantages undemonstrated until now. In the first case study, a reduced complexity intercross of C57BL/6J and C57BL/6N mice examining circadian behavior, our reanalysis detected a mean-controlling QTL for circadian wheel running activity that interval mapping did not; mean-variance QTL mapping was more powerful than interval mapping at the QTL because it accounted for the fact that mice homozygous for the C57BL/6N allele had less residual variance than other mice. In the second case study, an intercross between C57BL/6J and C58/J mice examining anxiety-like behaviors, our reanalysis detected a variance-controlling QTL for rearing behavior; interval mapping did not identify this QTL because it does not target variance QTL. We believe that the results of these reanalyses, which in other respects largely replicated the original findings, support the use of mean-variance QTL mapping as standard practice.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rt0jYt
via IFTTT
QTL Mapping on a Background of Variance Heterogeneity
Standard QTL mapping procedures seek to identify genetic loci affecting the phenotypic mean while assuming that all individuals have the same residual variance. But when the residual variance differs systematically between groups, perhaps due to a genetic or environmental factor, such standard procedures can falter: in testing for QTL associations, they attribute too much weight to observations that are noisy and too little to those that are precise, resulting in reduced power and and increased susceptibility to false positives. The negative effects of such "background variance heterogeneity" (BVH) on standard QTL mapping have received little attention until now, although the subject is closely related to work on the detection of variance-controlling genes. Here we use simulation to examine how BVH affects power and false positive rate for detecting QTL affecting the mean (mQTL), the variance (vQTL), or both (mvQTL). We compare linear regression for mQTL and Levene's test for vQTL, with tests more recently developed, including tests based on the double generalized linear model (DGLM), which can model BVH explicitly. We show that, when used in conjunction with a suitable permutation procedure, the DGLM-based tests accurately control false positive rate and are more powerful than the other tests. We also find that some adverse effects of BVH can be mitigated by applying a rank inverse normal transform. We apply our novel approach, which we term "mean-variance QTL mapping", to publicly available data on a mouse backcross and, after accommodating BVH driven by sire, detect a new mQTL for bodyweight.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rumu0r
via IFTTT
Genetic Contributions to Ectopic Sperm Cell Migration in Caenorhabditis Nematodes
Reproductive barriers involving gametic incompatibilities can act to enhance population divergence and promote the persistence of species boundaries. Observing gametic interactions in internal fertilizing organisms, however, presents a considerable practical challenge to characterizing mechanisms of such gametic isolation. Here we exploit the transparency of Caenorhabditis nematodes to investigate gametic isolation mediated by sperm that can migrate to ectopic locations, with this sperm invasion capable of inducing female sterility and premature death. As a step toward identifying genetic factors and mechanisms associated with female susceptibility to sperm invasion, we characterized a panel of 25 C. elegans genetic mutants to test for effects on the incidence and severity of sperm invasion in both conspecific and inter-species matings. We found genetic perturbations to contribute to distinct patterns of susceptibility that identify ovulation dynamics and sperm guidance cues as modulators of ectopic sperm migration incidence and severity. Genotypes confer distinctive phenotypic sensitivities to the sperm from conspecific C. elegans males vs. heterospecific C. nigoni males, implicating evolution of functional divergence in the history of these species for components of sperm-reproductive tract interactions. Sexually-antagonistic co-evolution within species that drives divergent trait and molecular evolution between species provides a working model to explain mismatched species-specific gametic interactions that promote or mitigate ectopic sperm migration.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G9EWpe
via IFTTT
PIE-1 Translation in the Germline Lineage Contributes to PIE-1 Asymmetry in the Early Caenorhabditis elegans Embryo
In the C. elegans embryo, the germline lineage is established through successive asymmetric cell divisions that each generate a somatic and a germline daughter cell. PIE-1 is an essential maternal factor that is enriched in embryonic germline cells and is required for germline specification. We estimated the absolute concentration of PIE-1::GFP in germline cells and find that PIE-1::GFP concentration increases by roughly 4.5 fold, from 92 nM to 424 nM, between the 1 and 4-cell stages. Previous studies have shown that the preferential inheritance of PIE-1 by germline daughter cells and the degradation of PIE-1 in somatic cells are important for PIE-1 enrichment in germline cells. In this study, we provide evidence that the preferential translation of maternal PIE-1::GFP transcripts in the germline also contributes to PIE-1::GFP enrichment. Through an RNAi screen, we identified Y14 and MAG-1 (Drosophila tsunagi and mago nashi) as regulators of embryonic PIE-1::GFP levels. We show that Y14 and MAG-1 do not regulate PIE-1 degradation, segregation or synthesis in the early embryo, but do regulate the concentration of maternally-deposited PIE-1::GFP. Taken together, or findings point to an important role for translational control in the regulation of PIE-1 levels in the germline lineage.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rsU1YH
via IFTTT
Evidence for Stabilizing Selection Driving Mutational Turnover of Short Motifs in the Eukaryotic Complementary Sex Determiner (Csd) Protein
Short linear motifs (SLiMs) can play pivotal functional roles in proteins, such as targeting proteins to specific subcellular localizations, modulating the efficiency of translation and tagging proteins for degradation. Until recently we had little knowledge about SLiM evolution. Only a few amino acids in these motifs are functionally important, making them likely to evolve ex nihilo and suggesting that they can play key roles in protein evolution. Several reports now suggest that these motifs can appear and disappear while their function in the protein is preserved, a process sometimes referred to as "turnover". However, there has been a lack of specific experiments to determine whether independently evolved motifs do indeed have the same function, which would conclusively determine whether the process of turnover actually occurs. In this study, we experimentally detected evidence for such a mutational turnover process for nuclear localization signals (NLS) during the post-duplication divergence of the Complementary sex determiner (Csd) and Feminizer (Fem) proteins in the honeybee (Apis mellifera) lineage. Experiments on the nuclear transport activity of protein segments and those of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) sequences revealed that three new NLS motifs evolved in the Csd protein during the post-duplication divergence while other NLS motifs were lost that existed before duplication. A screen for essential and newly evolved amino acids revealed that new motifs in the Csd protein evolved by one or two missense mutations coding for lysine. Amino acids that were predating the duplication were also essential in the acquisition of the C1 motif suggesting that the ex nihilo origin was constrained by preexisting amino acids in the physical proximity. Our data support a model in which stabilizing selection maintains the constancy of nuclear transport function but allowed mutational turnover of the encoding NLS motifs.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rvYYQy
via IFTTT
Shortened Lifespan and Other Age-Related Defects in Bang Sensitive Mutants of Drosophila melanogaster
Mitochondrial diseases are complex disorders that exhibit their primary effects in energetically active tissues. Damage generated by mitochondria is also thought to be a key component of aging and age-related disease. An important model for mitochondrial dysfunction is the bang sensitive (bs) mutants in Drosophila melanogaster. Although these mutants all show a striking seizure phenotype, several bs mutants have gene products that are involved with mitochondrial function, while others affect excitability another way. All of the bs mutants (parabss, eas, jus, ses B, tko are examined here) paralyze and seize upon challenge with a sensory stimulus, most notably mechanical stimulation. These and other excitability mutants have been linked to neurodegeneration with age. In addition to these phenotypes, we have found age-related defects for several of the bs strains. The mutants eas, ses B, and tko display shortened lifespan, an increased mean recovery time from seizure with age, and decreased climbing ability over lifespan as compared to isogenic CS or w1118 lines. Other mutants show a subset of these defects. The age-related phenotypes can be rescued by feeding melatonin, an antioxidant, in all the mutants except ses B. The age-related defects do not appear to be correlated with the seizure phenotype. Inducing seizures on a daily basis did not exacerbate the phenotypes and treatment with antiepileptic drugs did not increase lifespan. The results suggest that the excitability phenotypes and the age-related phenotypes may be somewhat independent and that these phenotypes mutants may arise from impacts on different pathways.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G8vIJH
via IFTTT
Training Population Optimization for Prediction of Cassava Brown Streak Disease Resistance in West African Clones
Cassava production in the central, southern and eastern parts of Africa is under threat by cassava brown streak virus (CBSV). Yield losses of up to 100% occur in cases of severe infections of edible roots. Easy illegal movement of planting materials across African countries, and long-range movement of the virus vector (Bemisia tabaci) may facilitate spread of CBSV to West Africa. Thus, effort to pre-emptively breed for CBSD resistance in W. Africa is critical. Genomic selection (GS) has become the main approach for cassava breeding, as costs of genotyping per sample have declined. Using phenotypic and genotypic data (genotyping-by-sequencing), followed by imputation to whole genome sequence (WGS) for 922 clones from National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge, Uganda as a training population (TP), we predicted CBSD symptoms for 35 genotyped W. African clones, evaluated in Uganda. The highest prediction accuracy (r = 0.44) was observed for cassava brown streak disease severity scored at three months (CBSD3s) in the W. African clones using WGS-imputed markers. Optimized TPs gave higher prediction accuracies for CBSD3s and CBSD6s than random TPs of the same size. Inclusion of CBSD QTL chromosome markers as kernels, increased prediction accuracies for CBSD3s and CBSD6s. Similarly, WGS imputation of markers increased prediction accuracies for CBSD3s and for cassava brown streak disease root severity (CBSDRs), but not for CBSD6s. Based on these results we recommend TP optimization, inclusion of CBSD QTL markers in genomic prediction models, and the use of high-density (WGS-imputed) markers for CBSD predictions across population.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G52DPk
via IFTTT
Multi-trait, Multi-environment Deep Learning Modeling for Genomic-Enabled Prediction of Plant Traits
Multi-trait and multi-environment data are common in animal and plant breeding programs. However, what is lacking are more powerful statistical models that can exploit the correlation between traits to improve prediction accuracy in the context of genomic selection (GS). Multi-trait models are more complex than univariate models and usually require more computational resources, but they are preferred because they can exploit the correlation between traits, which many times helps improve prediction accuracy. For this reason, in this paper we explore the power of multi-trait deep learning (MTDL) models in terms of prediction accuracy. The prediction performance of MTDL models was compared to the performance of the Bayesian multi-trait and multi-environment (BMTME) model proposed by Montesinos-López et al. (2016), which is a multi-trait version of the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) univariate model. Both models were evaluated with predictors with and without the genotypexenvironment interaction term. The prediction performance of both models was evaluated in terms of Pearson's correlation using cross-validation. We found that the best predictions in two of the three data sets were found under the BMTME model, but in general the predictions of both models, BTMTE and MTDL, were similar. Among models without the genotypexenvironment interaction, the MTDL model was the best, while among models with genotypexenvironment interaction, the BMTME model was superior. These results indicate that the MTDL model is very competitive for performing predictions in the context of GS, with the important practical advantage that it requires less computational resources than the BMTME model.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rwnvVK
via IFTTT
Regulation of Root Angle and Gravitropism
Regulation of plant root angle is critical for obtaining nutrients and water and is an important trait for plant breeding. A plant's final, long-term root angle is the net result of a complex series of decisions made by a root tip in response to changes in nutrient availability, impediments, the gravity vector and other stimuli. When a root tip is displaced from the gravity vector, the short-term process of gravitropism results in rapid reorientation of the root toward the vertical. Here, we explore both short- and long-term regulation of root growth angle, using natural variation in tomato to identify shared and separate genetic features of the two responses. Mapping of expression quantitative trait loci mapping and leveraging natural variation between and within species including Arabidopsis suggest a role for PURPLE ACID PHOSPHATASE 27 and CELL DIVISION CYCLE 73 in determining root angle.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rt0e77
via IFTTT
The contribution of parent-to-offspring transmission of telomeres to the heritability of telomere length in humans
Abstract
Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a heritable trait with two potential sources of heritability (h2): inherited variation in non-telomeric regions (e.g., SNPs that influence telomere maintenance) and variability in the lengths of telomeres in gametes that produce offspring zygotes (i.e., "direct" inheritance). Prior studies of LTL h2 have not attempted to disentangle these two sources. Here, we use a novel approach for detecting the direct inheritance of telomeres by studying the association between identity-by-descent (IBD) sharing at chromosome ends and phenotypic similarity in LTL. We measured genome-wide SNPs and LTL for a sample of 5069 Bangladeshi adults with substantial relatedness. For each of the 6318 relative pairs identified, we used SNPs near the telomeres to estimate the number of chromosome ends shared IBD, a proxy for the number of telomeres shared IBD (Tshared). We then estimated the association between Tshared and the squared pairwise difference in LTL ((ΔLTL)2) within various classes of relatives (siblings, avuncular, cousins, and distant), adjusting for overall genetic relatedness (ϕ). The association between Tshared and (ΔLTL)2 was inverse among all relative pair types. In a meta-analysis including all relative pairs (ϕ > 0.05), the association between Tshared and (ΔLTL)2 (P = 0.01) was stronger than the association between ϕ and (ΔLTL)2 (P = 0.43). Our results provide strong evidence that telomere length (TL) in parental germ cells impacts TL in offspring cells and contributes to LTL h2 despite telomere "reprogramming" during embryonic development. Applying our method to larger studies will enable robust estimation of LTL h2 attributable to direct transmission of telomeres.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2UzDP59
via IFTTT
An ERP study of cross‐modal rhyming: Influences of phonology and orthography
Abstract
In a cross‐modal rhyming study with visual pseudoword primes and auditory word targets, we found a typical ERP rhyming effect such that nonrhyming targets elicited a larger N400/N450 than rhyming targets. An orthographic effect was also apparent in the same 350‐ to 600‐ms epoch as the phonological effect: The rhyming effect for targets with rime orthography that did not match their primes' (e.g., tain‐"sane") was smaller over the left hemisphere than the rhyming effect for targets with rime orthography that did match their primes' (e.g., nain‐"gain"), although the spellings of the auditory word targets were never explicitly shown. Our results indicate that this cross‐modal ERP rhyming effect indexes both phonological and orthographic processing—for auditory stimuli for which no orthography is presented in the task. This pattern of findings is consistent with the notion of coactivation of sublexical orthography and phonology in fluent adult readers as they both read and listen.
from Physiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2ElQwvN
via IFTTT
Hepatitis C Virus Entry into Macrophages/Monocytes Mainly Depends on the Phagocytosis of Macrophages
Abstract
Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been classified as a strictly hepatotropic pathogen for a long time, and hepatocytes are target cells for HCV infection. More and more studies showed non-liver cells supported HCV entry and replication, such as macrophages. The mechanisms of HCV entry into macrophages are still not clear.
Aims
This study aims to determine the way of HCV entry into macrophages.
Methods
Cell culture-derived infectious HCV particles (HCVcc) were prepared using Huh7 cells transfected with HCV RNA. CD81-knockdown cells were obtained through siRNA transfection. HCV RNA levels were determined by RT-qPCR. Flow cytometry analyses were used to determine cell surface levels of CD11b, CD68, and CD81. ELISA and western blotting were performed to quantify the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Phagocytic ability was determined by neutral red uptake assay.
Results
CD81 knockdown could not inhibit HCVcc entry into macrophages. The entry of HCV into macrophages could not be blocked by pooled IgG from chronic hepatitis C patient's sera. Macrophages derived from THP-1 cells displayed stronger phagocytic capacity, which also swallowed more HCV RNA. Treatment of macrophages with endocytic inhibitor, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, decreased the internalization of HCV. HCV uptake by macrophages was related to the reorganization of F-actin cytoskeleton and PI3Ks activation. HCV infection significantly increased the expression of IL1β and IL6 in macrophages and promoted apoptosis of macrophages.
Conclusions
HCV entry into macrophages mainly depends on phagocytosis of macrophages.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Qnlk5M
via IFTTT
Ineffective Esophageal Motility Is Associated with Impaired Bolus Clearance but Does Not Correlate with Severity of Dysphagia
Abstract
Background
Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is defined as a distal contractile integral < 450 mmHg/s/cm in at least 50% of ten liquid swallows on high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM). Whether this latest definition correlates with degree of symptoms has not been studied.
Methods
Patients presenting for HREM prospectively rated their symptoms using the Eckardt score. Topography plots were retrospectively reviewed and classified according to the latest Chicago Classification. Patients with non-obstructive dysphagia and an Eckardt score of at least 1 were included. Patients with major motility disorders were excluded. Scores between patients with IEM (group A) and patients with normal classification (group B) were compared using two-tailed t-tests. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to determine correlation between symptoms and percent bolus clearance.
Results
A total of 241 patients were screened; 33 patients met criteria for group A and 44 patients for group B. There was no difference between the two groups in mean symptom severity for dysphagia (1.63 vs. 1.61, P = 0.89), chest pain (0.67 vs. 0.75, P = 0.64), regurgitation (1.06 vs. 0.85, P = 0.32), or weight loss (0.85 vs. 0.49, P = 0.11). The percent bolus clearance was significantly lower in group A (46.5% vs. 76.7%, P > 0.01). There was a moderate inverse correlation between dysphagia and percent bolus clearance (R = − 0.37) in group A, but none in group B (R = 0.09).
Conclusion
The classification of IEM did not discriminate from normal studies for symptom severity in our cohort. However, patients with IEM did have an inverse correlation between dysphagia score and bolus clearance, but those without IEM did not. Adding impedance information to the motor pattern classification should be considered in the symptom assessment in minor motility disorders.
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2ROABZI
via IFTTT
Generating a reporter mouse line marking medium spiny neurons in the developing striatum driven by Arpp21 cis-regulatory elements
Publication date: Available online 10 December 2018
Source: Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Pan Chen, Xiangbin Ruan, Yongqiang Chen, Shilong Chu, Kunlun Mo, Kunlun Mo, Chao Wu, Wei Liu, Bin Yin, Junjie Zhou, Liang Li, Lin Hou, Jiangang Yuan, Boqin Qiang, Pengcheng Shu, Jiekai Chen, Xiaozhong Peng
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2GbJnQc
via IFTTT
Loss of miR-83 extends lifespan and affects target gene expression in an age-dependent manner in Caenorhabditis elegans
Publication date: Available online 9 December 2018
Source: Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Emmanuel Enoch Dzakah, Ahmed Waqas, Shuai Wei, Bin Yu, Xiaolin Wang, Tao Fu, Lei Liu, Ge Shan
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of protein-coding genes. miRNAs modulate lifespan and the aging process in a variety of organisms. In this study, we identified a role of miR-83 in regulating lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. mir-83 mutants exhibited extended lifespan, and the overexpression of miR-83 was sufficient to decrease the prolonged lifespan of the mutants. We observed upregulation of the expression levels of a set of miR-83 target genes in young mir-83 mutant adults; while different sets of genes were upregulated in older mir-83 mutant adults. In vivo assays showed that miR-83 regulated expression of target genes including din-1, spp-9 and col-178, and we demonstrated that daf-16 and din-1 were required for the extension of lifespan in the mir-83 mutants. The regulation of din-1 by miR-83 during aging resulted in the differential expression of din-1 targets such as gst-4 and gst-10. In daf-2 mutants, the expression level of miR-83 was significantly reduced compared to wild-type animals. We identified a role for miR-83 in modulating lifespan in C. elegans and provided molecular insights into its functional mechanism.
from Genetics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rvOBwe
via IFTTT
Diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a multicentre study of inter-rater variation and sensitivity
Publication date: Available online 9 December 2018
Source: Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): B. Johnsen, K. Pugdahl, A. Fuglsang-Frederiksen, K. Kollewe, L. Paracka, R. Dengler, JP. Camdessanché, W. Nix, R. Liguori, I. Schofield, L. Maderna, D. Czell, C. Neuwirth, M. Weber, VE. Drory, A. Abraham, M. Swash, M. de Carvalho
Abstract
Objective
This study assesses inter-rater agreement and sensitivity of diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Methods
Clinical and electrophysiological data of 399 patients with suspected ALS were collected by eleven experienced physicians from ten different countries. Eight physicians classified patients independently and blinded according to the revised El Escorial Criteria (rEEC) and to the Awaji Criteria (AC). Inter-rater agreement was assessed by Kappa coefficients, sensitivity by majority diagnosis on 350 patients with follow-up data.
Results
Inter-rater agreement was generally low both for rEEC and AC. Agreement was best on the categories "Not-ALS", "Definite", and "Probable", and poorest for "Possible" and "Probable Laboratory-supported".
Sensitivity was equal for rEEC (64%) and AC (63%), probably due to downgrading of "Probable Laboratory-supported" patients by AC. However, AC was significantly more effective in classifying patients as "ALS" versus "Not-ALS" (p<0.0001).
Conclusions
Inter-rater variation is high both for rEEC and for AC probably due to a high complexity of the rEEC inherent in the AC.
The gain of AC on diagnostic sensitivity is reduced by the omission of the "Probable Laboratory-supported" category.
Significance
The results highlight a need for initiatives to develop simpler and more reproducible diagnostic criteria for ALS in clinical practice and research.
from Physiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2L85Exo
via IFTTT
Relations between sensory symptoms, touch sensation, and sensory neurography in the assessment of the ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
Publication date: Available online 9 December 2018
Source: Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): Federica Ginanneschi, Alessandro Aretini, Mauro Mondelli
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of sensory findings in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE), differences according to UNE localization and pathophysiology, and relation between the sites of sensory symptoms, abnormal evaluation of sensation and neurographic findings of ulnar sensory nerve.
Methods
Hand diagram and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used for clinical evaluation in four ulnar hand territories. Sensory neurography was measured in the fourth and fifth digits-wrist segments (U5) and in the dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve.
Results
We enrolled 75 idiopathic UNE cases and 180 controls. Symptoms in the fifth digit, reduction of touch sensation and U5 sensory nerve action potential amplitude (SNAPa) had the highest sensitivity, specificity and predictivity in UNE diagnosis. The normal/abnormal sensory clinical findings of the fifth digit matched with normal/abnormal U5 SNAP more than the matching of sensory parameters in the other ulnar hand sites. Sensory anomalies were more frequent in predominantly axonal than demyelinating UNE. There were no differences according to UNE location.
Conclusion
Sensory anomalies of the fifth digit are constant findings in UNE more than anomalies of the other ulnar nerve hand regions.
Significance
Probably the fascicles from fifth digit are the most liable to damage at elbow.
from Physiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2C20z6L
via IFTTT
Combined aerobic exercise and task practice improve health-related quality of life after stroke: a preliminary analysis
Publication date: Available online 10 December 2018
Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Anson B. Rosenfeldt, Susan M. Linder, Sara Davidson, Cynthia Clark, Nicole M. Zimmerman, John J. Lee, Jay L. Alberts
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this project was to determine the effects of lower extremity aerobic exercise coupled with upper extremity repetitive task practice (RTP) on health related quality of life (HRQOL) and depressive symptomology in individuals with chronic stroke.
Design
Secondary analysis of data from two randomized controlled trials.
Setting
Research laboratory.
Participants
Individuals (N=40) with chronic stroke.
Interventions
Participants received one of the following interventions: forced exercise + RTP (FE+RTP, n=16), voluntary exercise + RTP (VE+RTP, n=16), or stroke education + RTP (EDU+RTP, n=8). All groups completed 24 sessions, each session lasting 90 minutes.
Main Outcome Measure
The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were used to assess depressive symptomology and HRQOL.
Results
There were no significant group-by-time interactions for any of the SIS domains or composite scores. Examining the individual groups following the intervention, those in the FE+RTP and VE+RTP groups demonstrated significant improvements in the following SIS domains: strength, mobility, hand function, activities of daily living, and the physical composite. Additionally, the FE+RTP group demonstrated significant improvements in memory, cognitive composite, and percent recovery from stroke. The HRQOL did not change in the EDU+RTP group. While CES-D scores improved predominately for those in the FE+RTP group, these improvements were not statistically significant. Overall, results were maintained at the four week follow-up.
Conclusion
Aerobic exercise, regardless of mode, preceding motor task practice improved HRQOL in patients with stroke. The potential of aerobic exercise to improve cardiorespiratory endurance, motor outcomes, and HRQOL following stroke justifies its use to augment traditional task practice.
from Rehabilitation via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QLC6uG
via IFTTT
Case finding and therapy for chronic viral hepatitis in primary care (HepFREE): A cluster-randomized controlled trial
The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RPloHR
via IFTTT
Efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 5 or 6 infections (ENDURANCE-5,6): An open-label, multicentre, phase 3b trial
The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Qnd0my
via IFTTT
Efficacy of individual and group hypnotherapy in irritable bowel syndrome (IMAGINE): A multicentre randomized controlled trial
The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Qmz0O5
via IFTTT
Low-dose imipramine for refractory functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2ROlKi3
via IFTTT
HCV core antigen as an alternative to HCV RNA testing in the era of direct-acting antivirals: Retrospective screening and diagnostic cohort studies
The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2ROsyMK
via IFTTT
Place of death and factors associated with hospital death in patients who have died from liver disease in England: A national population-based study
The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RV2jnC
via IFTTT
Factors affecting local regrowth after watch and wait for patients with a clinical complete response following chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer (InterCoRe consortium): An individual participant data meta-analysis
The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RTqi72
via IFTTT
D-dimer plasmatic levels as a marker for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein thrombosis
Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QlrhQu
via IFTTT
Drug use is associated with lower plasma magnesium levels in geriatric outpatients; Possible clinical relevance
Clinical Nutrition
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QkJ36u
via IFTTT
Risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma after antireflux surgery in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in the Nordic countries
JAMA Oncology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Qpqtdw
via IFTTT
A composite disease activity index for early drug development in ulcerative colitis: Development and validation of the UC-100 score
The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
from Gastroenterology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RPlnDN
via IFTTT
The relationship between aerobic fitness and low-flow-mediated constriction in older adults
Abstract
Purpose
Aerobic fitness is directly related to favorable vasodilatory (i.e., flow-mediated dilation; FMD) and vasoconstrictor functions (i.e., low-flow-mediated constriction; L-FMC) in young adults. Furthermore, aerobically fit older adults (OA) have larger FMD responses than their less fit peers. However, the relationship between aerobic fitness and vasoconstrictor responsiveness is unknown in OA. We hypothesized that OA who are more aerobically fit will exhibit a greater L-FMC response than their less fit counterparts.
Methods
Forty-seven healthy OA (67 ± 5 years) were divided into less (LF; n = 27) and more aerobically fit (MF; n = 20) groups based on peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). VO2peak was determined from an incremental maximal cycle ergometer test via indirect calorimetry. FMD and L-FMC were assessed in the brachial artery via high-resolution duplex ultrasonography.
Results
VO2peak (18.3 ± 3.2 versus 29.1 ± 5.8 ml/kg/min; P < 0.001) and L-FMC were both greatest in the MF versus LF groups (–1.2 ± 0.9 vs. − 0.5 ± 0.6%; P = 0.01). Furthermore, the MF group had an enhanced FMD response (5.6 ± 1.5 versus 3.9 ± 1.2%; P < 0.001). In the pooled sample, there was a negative correlation (r = − 0.52; P < 0.001) between VO2peak (22.9 ± 7.0 ml/kg/min) and L-FMC (–0.8 ± 0.8%).
Conclusions
In an older population, greater aerobic fitness was associated with a more favorable vasoconstrictor response to low-flow conditions. Interventional or longitudinal aerobic exercise training studies are warranted in this population to determine the impact of training-induced increases in VO2peak on L-FMC.
from Physiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zU6fOF
via IFTTT
Effects of crystalloids and colloids on microcirculation, central venous oxygen saturation, and central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide gap in a rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock
Abstract
Objective
The effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on microcirculation, central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2), and the central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide gap (dCO2) are studied in a rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock for elucidating the advantages and drawbacks of resuscitation with HES compared with crystalloids.
Methods
An ear chamber and sublingual mucosa were used to examine blood vessels by intravital microscopy. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by removing nearly half of the blood volume. Twenty-two rabbits received 20 mL of HES by intravenous infusion immediately after bloodletting. Additional HES was then administered intravenously to a total volume of 100 mL. The other 22 rabbits (control) were intravenously given 40 mL of normal saline solution (NSS), followed by additional NSS to a total volume of 200 mL, administered under the same conditions as HES.
Results
After the infusion, the vessel density and perfusion rate of the sublingual microcirculation recovered in the HES group. The arteriolar diameter, blood flow velocity, and blood flow rate of the ear microcirculation were maintained in this group, and microcirculatory failure did not develop. In the NSS group, however, all 5 of the aforementioned measured variables were significantly smaller than those in the HES group after the completion of infusion. The recovery of ScvO2 and dCO2 to the respective baseline values was significantly better in the HES group than in the NSS group.
Conclusion
Intravenous infusion of HES effectively maintains adequate tissue oxygenation and perfusion in hemorrhagic shock.
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2EaA9B7
via IFTTT
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN MIDLIFE
Introduction Physical activity (PA) has been suggested to protect against old-age cognitive deficits. However, the independent role of childhood/youth PA for adulthood cognitive performance is unknown. This study investigated the association between PA from childhood to adulthood and midlife cognitive performance. Methods This study is a part of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Since 1980, a population-based cohort of 3,596 children (age 3-18 years) have been followed-up in 3-9-year intervals. PA has been queried in all study phases. Cumulative PA was determined in childhood (age 6-12 years), adolescence (age 12-18 years), young adulthood (age 18-24 years) and adulthood (age 24-37 years). Cognitive performance was assessed using computerized neuropsychological test, CANTAB®, (N=2,026, age 34-39 years) in 2011. Results High PA in childhood (β 0.119, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.055–0.182) and adolescence (β 0.125, 95% CI 0.063–0.188) were associated with better reaction time in midlife independent of PA in other age frames. Additionally, an independent association of high PA in young adulthood with better visual processing and sustained attention in midlife was observed among men (β 0.101, 95% CI 0.001–0.200). There were no associations for other cognitive domains. Conclusion Cumulative exposure to PA from childhood to adulthood was found to be associated with better midlife reaction time. Furthermore, cumulative PA exposure in young adulthood and adulthood was associated with better visual processing and sustained attention in men. All associations were independent of participants PA level in other measured age frames. Therefore, a physically active lifestyle should be adopted already in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood and continued into midlife to ensure the plausible benefits of PA on midlife cognitive performance. Corresponding author: Juuso Hakala, Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland. Email: juolhak@utu.fi, tel: +358 29 450 4373 Authors contributed equally (Juuso O. Hakala and Suvi P. Rovio) The Young Finns Study has been financially supported by the Academy of Finland: 134309 (EYE), 126925, 121584, 124282, 129378 (SALVE), 117797 (GENDI), 273971 (TULOS) and 41071 (SKIDI), the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Kuopio, Tampere and Turku University Hospital Medical Funds, Juho Vainio Foundation, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation, Paavo Nurmi Foundation, Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Tampere Tuberculosis Foundation and Emil Aaltonen Foundation. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors report no relationships with industry. The funders of the study had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, writing of the manuscript, or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. The results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by ACSM. The results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation. Accepted for publication December 2018. © 2018 American College of Sports Medicine
from Sports Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2EbmRUX
via IFTTT
from Sports Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2EbmRUX
via IFTTT
Physical Activity Is Associated with Attenuated Disease Progression in COPD
Introduction COPD progression is variable and affects several disease domains, including decline in lung function, exercise capacity, muscle strength and health status as well as changes in body composition. We aimed to assess the longitudinal association of physical activity (PA) with these a priori selected components of disease progression. Method We studied 114 COPD patients from the PAC-COPD cohort [94% male, mean (SD) 70 (8) years of age, 54 (16) FEV1 % predicted] at baseline and 2.6 (0.6) years later. Baseline PA was assessed by accelerometry. Multivariable general linear models were built to assess the association between PA and changes in lung function, functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, health status and body composition. All models were adjusted for confounders and the respective baseline value of each measure. Results Per each 1000 steps higher baseline PA, FEV1 declined 7 ml less (p
from Sports Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2EdFKa6
via IFTTT
from Sports Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2EdFKa6
via IFTTT
Acute High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis with Mobility Disability
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis(MS) is an immune-mediated, neurological disease that results in physiological deconditioning with increasing disability. High-intensity interval training exercise(HIIT) has induced significant improvements in physiological conditioning in healthy and clinical populations, and might be appropriate for persons with MS who have mobility disability. The feasibility and acute effects of HIIT using recumbent stepping in persons with MS who have mobility disability are relatively unknown. METHODS The physiological effects of single sessions of HIIT and continuous(CON), steady-state aerobic exercise using recumbent stepping were compared in 20 persons with MS with mobility disability(i.e., EDSS of 4.0-6.5). The HIIT bout included 10 cycles of one-minute intervals at the work rate associated with 90% VO2peak followed by one-minute recovery intervals at 15W, totaling 20 minutes in length. The CON bout consisted of 20 minutes at the work rate associated with 50-60% VO2peak. Physiological(i.e., power output, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide expiration, respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation, heart rate, and core temperature) and perceptual(i.e., ratings of perceived exertion) measures were collected across the acute sessions. RESULTS There were statistically significant condition × time interactions for all physiological measures and ratings of perceived exertion expressing differential patterns of change over time for HIIT versus CON(p<.05 the main effect of condition was significant for all physiological outcomes except core temperature with hiit inducing significantly higher values than con conclusions exercise taxes cardiorespiratory system more yet without deleterious effects on in persons ms. this has important implications informing an evidence-based prescription that is appropriate improving conditioning ms who have mobility disabilities. corresponding author: elizabeth a. hubbard po box mount berry ga telephone: fax: email: lhubbard authors do not any conflicts interest. there are no funding sources present study. results study constitute endorsement by acsm. presented clearly honestly and fabrication falsification or inappropriate data manipulation. accepted publication november american college sports medicine>
from Sports Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2EoAkto
via IFTTT
from Sports Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2EoAkto
via IFTTT
Validation of a Simple Tool for Electronic Documentation of Behavioral Responses to Anesthesia Induction
BACKGROUND: Anxiety and distress behaviors during anesthesia induction are associated with negative postoperative outcomes for pediatric patients. Documenting behavioral responses to induction is useful to evaluate induction quality at hospitals and to optimize future anesthetics for returning patients, but we lack a simple tool for clinical documentation. The Induction Compliance Checklist is a tool for grading induction behaviors that is well validated for research purposes, but it is not practical for routine documentation in busy clinical practice settings. The Child Induction Behavioral Assessment tool was developed to provide a simple and easy to use electronic tool for clinical documentation of induction behaviors. The aim of this study was to test the Child Induction Behavioral Assessment tool's concurrent validity with the Induction Compliance Checklist and the interrater reliability. METHODS: This prospective, observational study included 384 pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia inhalation induction. Concurrent validity with the Induction Compliance Checklist and interrater reliability of the Child Induction Behavioral Assessment were evaluated. Two researchers alternated scoring the Induction Compliance Checklist. The 2 researchers independently scored the Child Induction Behavioral Assessment. The anesthesia clinician caring for the patient also independently scored the Child Induction Behavioral Assessment by completing their routine documentation in the patient's medical record. Two age groups were evaluated (ages 1–3 and 4–12 years old). RESULTS: Clinicians' and researchers' Child Induction Behavioral Assessment scores demonstrated a strong correlation with the Induction Compliance Checklist (P
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PuSKK8
via IFTTT
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PuSKK8
via IFTTT
Impact of Anesthetics on Human Neutrophil Function
Anesthetics are widely used drugs administered in a multitude of clinical settings. Their impacts on various functions of the immune system have been studied but are still not fully understood. Neutrophil granulocytes are a critical first-line host defense mechanism against infections and contribute to the inflammatory phase of wound healing, but dysregulated neutrophil activation can also precipitate perioperative organ injury. A better understanding of the interactions between common anesthetics and neutrophils may reveal considerations toward optimizing treatment of our most vulnerable patients in the intensive care unit and in the perioperative setting. Accepted for publication October 12, 2018. Funding: A.M. is supported by the mentored research training grant of the International Anesthesia Research Society and is supported by the International Anesthesia Research Society Mentored Research Award. V.N. is supported by National Institutes of Health grant U54 HD090259. Conflicts of Interest: See Disclosures at the end of the article. Reprints will not be available from the authors. Address correspondence to Angela Meier, MD, PhD, Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care, 200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA. Address e-mail to anmeier@ucsd.edu. © 2018 International Anesthesia Research Society
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSBLwo
via IFTTT
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zSBLwo
via IFTTT
Evidence Review Conducted for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery: Focus on Anesthesiology for Hip Fracture Surgery
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols represent patient-centered, evidence-based, multidisciplinary care of the surgical patient. Although these patterns have been validated in numerous surgical specialities, ERAS has not been widely described for patients undergoing hip fracture (HFx) repair. As part of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery, we have conducted a full evidence review of interventions that form the basis of the anesthesia components of the ERAS HFx pathway. A literature search was performed for each protocol component, and the highest levels of evidence available were selected for review. Anesthesiology components of care were identified and evaluated across the perioperative continuum. For the preoperative phase, the use of regional analgesia and nonopioid multimodal analgesic agents is suggested. For the intraoperative phase, a standardized anesthetic with postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis is suggested. For the postoperative phase, a multimodal (primarily nonopioid) analgesic regimen is suggested. A summary of the best available evidence and recommendations for inclusion in ERAS protocols for HFx repair are provided. Accepted for publication September 19, 2018. Funding: This project was funded under contract number HHSP233201500020I from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, US Department of Health and Human Services. Conflicts of Interest: See Disclosures at the end of the article. The opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the US Department of Health and Human Services. Reprints will not be available from the authors. Address correspondence to Ellen M. Soffin, MD, PhD, Department of Anesthesiology, The Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021. Address e-mail to soffine@hss.edu. © 2018 International Anesthesia Research Society
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PuSWJm
via IFTTT
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2PuSWJm
via IFTTT
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life
No abstract available
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zTOhvA
via IFTTT
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zTOhvA
via IFTTT
New Strategies to Expand and Optimize Heart Donor Pool: Ex Vivo Heart Perfusion and Donation After Circulatory Death A Review of Current Research and Future Trends
Heart transplantation remains the definitive management for end-stage heart failure refractory to medical therapy. While heart transplantation cases are increasing annually worldwide, there remains a deficiency in organ availability with significant patient mortality while on the waiting list. Attempts have therefore been made to expand the donor pool and improve access to available organs by recruiting donors who may not satisfy the standard criteria for organ donation because of donor pathology, anticipated organ ischemic time, or donation after circulatory death. "Ex vivo" heart perfusion (EVHP) is an emerging technique for the procurement of heart allografts. This technique provides mechanically supported warm circulation to a beating heart once removed from the donor and before implantation into the recipient. EVHP can be sustained for several hours, facilitate extended travel time, and enable administration of pharmacological agents to optimize cardiac recovery and function, as well as allow assessment of allograft function before implantation. In this article, we review recent advances in expanding the donor pool for cardiac transplantation. Current limitations of conventional donor criteria are outlined, including the determinants of organ suitability and assessment, involving transplantation of donation after circulatory death hearts, extended criteria donors, and EVHP-associated assessment, optimization, and transportation. Finally, ongoing research relating to organ optimization and functional ex vivo allograft assessment are reviewed. Accepted for publication October 8, 2018. Funding: None. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Reprints will not be available from the authors. Address correspondence to Massimiliano Meineri, MD, FASE, Department of Anesthesia, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St, EN 3–442, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada. Address e-mail to Massimiliano.Meineri@uhn.ca. © 2018 International Anesthesia Research Society
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zPOO1P
via IFTTT
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zPOO1P
via IFTTT
Breath Sounds: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice
No abstract available
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Prghvv
via IFTTT
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Prghvv
via IFTTT
Weeding Out the Problem: The Impact of Preoperative Cannabinoid Use on Pain in the Perioperative Period
BACKGROUND: The recreational and medical use of cannabinoids has been increasing. While most studies and reviews have focused on the role of cannabinoids in the management of acute pain, no study has examined the postoperative outcomes of surgical candidates who are on cannabinoids preoperatively. This retrospective cohort study examined the impact of preoperative cannabinoid use on postoperative pain scores and pain-related outcomes in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. METHODS: Outcomes of patients who had major orthopedic surgery at our hospital between April 1, 2015 and June 30, 2017 were reviewed. Data were obtained from Networked Online Processing of Acute Pain Information, a locally developed database for our Acute Pain Service. Propensity score matching was used to balance baselines variables including age, sex, type of surgery, history of depression or anxiety, and perioperative use of regional anesthesia between patients who reported use of cannabinoids and those not on this substance. Intensity of pain with movement in the early postoperative period (defined as up to 36 hours after surgery) was the primary outcome of this study. The secondary outcomes (all in early postoperative period) were pain at rest, opioid consumption, incidence of pruritus, nausea and vomiting, sedation, delirium, constipation, impairment of sleep and physical activity, patient satisfaction with analgesia, and the length of Acute Pain Service follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 3793 patients were included in the study. Of these, 155 patients were identified as being on cannabinoids for recreational or medical indications in the preoperative period. After propensity score matching, we compared data from 155 patients who were on cannabinoids and 155 patients who were not on cannabinoids. Patients who were on preoperative cannabinoids had higher pain numerical rating score (median [25th, 75th percentiles]) at rest (5.0 [3.0, 6.1] vs 3.0 [2.0, 5.5], P = .010) and with movement (8.0 [6.0, 9.0] vs 7.0 [3.5, 8.5], P = .003), and a higher incidence of moderate-to-severe pain at rest (62.3% vs 45.5%, respectively, P = .004; odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.25–3.14) and with movement (85.7% vs 75.2% respectively, P = .021; odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.10–3.57) in the early postoperative period compared to patients who were not on cannabinoids. There was also a higher incidence of sleep interruption in the early postoperative period for patients who used cannabinoids. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study with propensity-matched cohorts showed that cannabinoid use was associated with higher pain scores and a poorer quality of sleep in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. Accepted for publication October 29, 2018. Funding: This work was supported by internal departmental funding from the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital. Conflicts of Interest: See Disclosures at the end of the article. Reprints will not be available from the authors. Address correspondence to Anuj Bhatia, MBBS, MD, FRCA, FRCPC, FIPP, FFPMRCA, EDRA, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, McL 2-405, 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada. Address e-mail to anuj.bhatia@uhn.ca. © 2018 International Anesthesia Research Society
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zMFv2w
via IFTTT
from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2zMFv2w
via IFTTT
Εγγραφή σε:
Αναρτήσεις (Atom)