The sensor of the bacterial histidine kinase CpxA is a novel dimer of extracytoplasmic Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) domains

Histidine kinases are key bacterial sensors that recognize diverse environmental stimuli. While mechanisms of phosphorylation and phosphotransfer by cytoplasmic kinase domains are relatively well-characterized, the ways in which extracytoplasmic sensor domains regulate activation remain mysterious. The Cpx envelope stress response is a conserved Gram-negative two-component system which is controlled by the sensor kinase CpxA. We report the structure of the Escherichia coli CpxA sensor domain (CpxA-SD) as a globular Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS)-like fold highly similar to that of Vibrio parahaemolyticus CpxA as determined by X-ray crystallography. Because sensor kinase dimerization is important for signaling, we used AlphaFold2 to model CpxA-SD in the context of its connected transmembrane domains, which yielded a novel dimer of PAS domains possessing a distinct dimer organization compared to previously characterized sensor domains. Gain of function cpxA* alleles map to the dimer interface, and mutation of other residues in this region also leads to constitutive activation. CpxA activation can be suppressed by mutations that restore inter-monomer interactions, suggesting that inhibitory interactions between CpxA-SD monomers are the major point of control for CpxA activation and signaling. Searching through hundreds of structural homologues revealed the sensor domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sensor kinase PfeS as the only PAS structure in the same novel dimer orientation as CpxA, suggesting that our dimer orientation may be utilized by other extracytoplasmic PAS domains. Overall, our findings provide insight into the diversity of the organization of PAS sensory domains and how they regulate sensor kinase activation.

Long Term Patient Reported Quality of Life Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction of 1-Week Hypofractionated Whole Breast Radiation Therapy Using IMRT for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Novel whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) regimens have been recently reported with the aim of improving patient convenience while preserving local control and breast cosmesis. The UK FAST Forward trial showed that 26 Gy in 5 fx using 3D conformal WBRT was equivalent to the standard 3-week regimen. However, the use of inverse planned intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for this novel ultra-hypofractionated regimen has not been previously studied. We aim to study the patient reported quality of life (QOL) outcomes and patient satisfaction of WBRT using IMRT delivering 26 Gy in 5 fractions.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients receiving WBRT with 26 Gy in 5 fractions using IMRT at our institution from 2020 to 2022 were included. Patients were treated with 26 Gy in 5 daily fx with or without a single fx boost of 4-5.2 Gy. IMRT plans were generated using inverse planning with 2 to 3 volumetric modulated arcs (VMAT). To assess patient-reported QOL outcomes, a questionnaire was prospectively administered at 1 month post treatment and yearly thereafter including the EORTC QLQ-BR23 breast cancer module and other patient satisfaction questions. Patient assessment involved a four-point scale (not at all, a little, quite a bit, and very much; very satisfied, moderately satisfied, moderately dissatisfied, and very dissatisfied). Here, we report the 1-year patient reported acute toxicity QOL outcomes and patient satisfaction for those undergoing IMRT based WBRT. Cross-sectional analyses were used to determine the prevalence of "quite a bit" or "very much" effects versus "not at all" or "a little" effects.

RESULTS

A total of 96 patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 65 years. The most common histology was invasive ductal carcinoma (53.1%). ER-positivity was found in 75.5% patients. Oncoplastic reconstruction was used in 51.0% patients. The median tumor size was 1.5 cm. There were 4/98 (4.3%) node positive patients and 22.5% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Endocrine therapy was used in 74.5% patients. A boost fraction was delivered in 95.9% patients. At the 1-year assessment, only 1/35 (2.9%), 2/35 (5.7%), and 4/35 (11.4%) patients reported "quite a bit" or "very much" breast pain, skin problems, and changes in breast appearance respectively. Additionally, 32/35 (91.4%) patients were either "very satisfied" or "moderately satisfied" with their treatment, while 32/35 (91.4%) patients reported "excellent" (n = 12) or "good" (n = 20) physical appearance of the breast.

CONCLUSION

WBRT using inverse planned IMRT with 26 Gy in 5 fx shows excellent patient reported QOL and patient satisfaction at 1-year post RT. Longer follow up is needed to assess the long-term toxicity, normal tissue effects, and cosmetic outcomes of IMRT based delivery of this ultra-hypofractionated regimen.

Alkyne modified purines for assessment of activation of Plasmodium vivax hypnozoites and growth of pre-erythrocytic and erythrocytic stages in Plasmodium spp

Malaria is a major global health problem which predominantly afflicts developing countries. Although many antimalarial therapies are currently available, the protozoan parasite causing this disease, Plasmodium spp., continues to evade eradication efforts. One biological phenomenon hampering eradication efforts is the parasite's ability to arrest development, transform into a drug-insensitive form, and then resume growth post-therapy. Currently, the mechanisms by which the parasite enters arrested development, or dormancy, and later recrudesces or reactivates to continue development, are unknown and the malaria field lacks techniques to study these elusive mechanisms. Since Plasmodium spp. salvage purines for DNA synthesis, we hypothesised that alkyne-containing purine nucleosides could be used to develop a DNA synthesis marker which could be used to investigate mechanisms behind dormancy. Using copper-catalysed click chemistry methods, we observe incorporation of alkyne modified adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine in actively replicating asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum and incorporation of modified adenosine in actively replicating liver stage schizonts of Plasmodium vivax. Notably, these modified purines were not incorporated in dormant liver stage hypnozoites, suggesting this marker could be used as a tool to differentiate replicating and non-replicating liver forms and, more broadly, as a tool for advancing our understanding of Plasmodium dormancy mechanisms.

956 AN AUDIT CONDUCTED LOOKING INTO THE USE OF IV IRON TO TREAT IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA ON THE ELDERLY CARE WARDS

Aims

To assess whether patients on the elderly care wards at NUH (Nottingham University Hospitals) were appropriately given IV (intravenous) iron for Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). To improve our practice in the investigation and follow up of patients with IDA.

Method

Data was obtained of patients who had IV iron dispensed from June—September 2019. This totalled 146 patients. Digital medical records and Notis results. Server were reviewed and a spread sheet database compiled with patient demographics, presentation, blood results. Co-morbidities, medication, investigations and follow up.

Results

The average age of the patients receiving IV iron on the elderly care wards was 86 (range 74–106). 89 were female and 57 male. The top presenting complaints were; fall (38%), abdominal symptoms of pain, diarrhoea or vomiting (15%), SOB (12%). 30% of patient were on anti-coagulation and 27% were on an anti-platelet with 2% of patient on both. Mean female Hb was 89 (41–129) and male Hb was 91 (49–117). The data showed that 8 out of 81 female patients were given IV iron despite not being anaemic. In 7.5% of cases ferritin, TSAT, iron and transferrin had not been checked. Ferritin was not checked 16%. 82% of patients had no documentation with regards to the rationale for choosing not to proceed with invasive investigation.

Conclusion

Improvement is needed in the way we manage patients with IDA. This audit highlighted the need for continued review of medications—particularly anti-platelets and anti-coagulants. If there is a weak indication consider the risks and benefits. It is important we discuss and document the consideration or unsuitability of invasive investigations and follow up. A proforma is being written to guide clinicians with regards to the appropriate prescribing of IV iron and to guide investigation and follow up.

Covid-19 Epidemic Impact on Clinical Training in Irish GP Training

Aim To describe the effect of the Covid pandemic on the general practice workplace based learning of GP training in Ireland. Methods A prospective national survey of GP trainees who were in their GP practice placements on three separate occasions throughout the winter pandemic of 2020/2021 Results The average response rate to the three surveys was 19.4%. As the pandemic worsened, the number of face to face consultations dropped so that 51% (n=41) of trainees were seeing less than 5 patients face to face by the third survey. Conversely, the number of telephone/video consultations rose so that by the third survey 54% (n=44) of trainees were conducting more than 16 consultations per day remotely. Examinations and GP presentations expected to be daily occurrences diminished as the pandemic grew more severe, such that by the third survey 24-25% of trainees had not conducted a respiratory examination or dealt with new/unexpected hypertension in the previous month. Conclusion This study demonstrates abrupt change to the normal course of their training which was experienced by Irish GP trainees as a result of Covid, with examples from clinical practice. Adaptions of the training programme helped mitigate against the effects of the pandemic.

Co-designing a training package to promote health/oral health for people experiencing homelessness

Background

In Scotland, 31,333 households were assessed as experiencing homelessness in 2019/20. This population present high morbidity and mortality which is a public health issue. Their health needs have been identified within Scottish policy as part of the broad goal of reducing inequalities and poverty. Those experiencing homelessness face multiple exclusions that must be addressed by practitioners from all health and social care sectors. Frontline staff have identified they often do not have adequate information and/or training on wider health issues linked with their client's needs. The aim of this research is to co-produce training resources to support front-line staff to discuss and to promote health and oral health.

Methods

Community-based participatory research that used online workshops to listen to the views of people with lived experience, practitioners and students from health and third sector, and policy makers regarding accessibility of services and practitioner approach towards those experiencing homelessness. Content analysis will be used to identified recurrent themes.

Results

The preliminary findings shown that lack of empathy from practitioners, continuity of care and stigma are barriers to access services. This is informing a co-designed knowledge exchange training packaged to help practitioners to improve knowledge and ability to promote health/oral health and to engage with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Educational materials (e-book on health promotion, comics books on barriers to access services, and a guide to promote oral health) compose this training package.

Conclusions

The training package allows adaptations to different settings and contexts and will be an important resource to be used by practitioners from different fields to prevent and tackle homelessness. Participants are sharing important views related to the need of a human rights and social justice-based approach to health promotion.

Key messages

Development of a co-designed knowledge exchange training package to improve practitioners' knowledge and ability to communicate and to engage with people experiencing homelessness. To empower people experiencing homelessness regarding positive health/oral health behavior change.

The potential impact of post-COVID symptoms in the healthcare sector

BACKGROUND

The phenomenon of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is evolving from an abstract array of non-specific symptoms to an identifiable clinical entity of variable severity. Its frequency and persistence have implications for service delivery and workforce planning.

AIMS

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of symptoms consistent with PCS and the subjective degree of recovery in a cohort of healthcare workers, focusing on those who have returned to work.

METHODS

A study population of 1176 was surveyed when attending for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody testing. Two sub-groups were identified: those with known (i.e. diagnosed on PCR testing) and assumed (i.e. antibody evidence of previous infection) SARs-CoV-2 infection, at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Each group was asked about their subjective degree of recovery and the nature of their persistent symptoms. Results were analysed via excel and SPSS.

RESULTS

In total, 144 employees showed PCR evidence of previous infection, with 139 of these being infected at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Of these 139, only 19% (n = 26) reported feeling 100% recovered, and 71% reported persistent symptoms. Of those with assumed SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 78), 32 (41%) were truly asymptomatic since the commencement of the pandemic, while 46 (59%) described symptoms suggestive of possible infection at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Of this latter group, 23% (n = 18) also reported residual symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

PCS is prevalent among this group, including those not previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Its' frequency and duration present challenges to employers with regards to the management of work availability and performance.

Bridging the age gap in breast cancer: cluster randomized trial of two decision support interventions for older women with operable breast cancer on quality of life, survival, decision quality, and treatment choices

BACKGROUND

Rates of surgery and adjuvant therapy for breast cancer vary widely between breast units. This may contribute to differences in survival. This cluster RCT evaluated the impact of decision support interventions (DESIs) for older women with breast cancer, to ascertain whether DESIs influenced quality of life, survival, decision quality, and treatment choice.

METHODS

A multicentre cluster RCT compared the use of two DESIs against usual care in treatment decision-making in older women (aged at least ≥70 years) with breast cancer. Each DESI comprised an online algorithm, booklet, and brief decision aid to inform choices between surgery plus adjuvant endocrine therapy versus primary endocrine therapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy. The primary outcome was quality of life. Secondary outcomes included decision quality measures, survival, and treatment choice.

RESULTS

A total of 46 breast units were randomized (21 intervention, 25 usual care), recruiting 1339 women (670 intervention, 669 usual care). There was no significant difference in global quality of life at 6 months after the baseline assessment on intention-to-treat analysis (difference -0.20, 95 per cent confidence interval (C.I.) -2.69 to 2.29; P = 0.900). In women offered a choice of primary endocrine therapy versus surgery plus endocrine therapy, knowledge about treatments was greater in the intervention arm (94 versus 74 per cent; P = 0.003). Treatment choice was altered, with a primary endocrine therapy rate among women with oestrogen receptor-positive disease of 21.0 per cent in the intervention versus 15.4 per cent in usual-care sites (difference 5.5 (95 per cent C.I. 1.1 to 10.0) per cent; P = 0.029). The chemotherapy rate was 10.3 per cent at intervention versus 14.8 per cent at usual-care sites (difference -4.5 (C.I. -8.0 to 0) per cent; P = 0.013). Survival was similar in both arms.

CONCLUSION

The use of DESIs in older women increases knowledge of breast cancer treatment options, facilitates shared decision-making, and alters treatment selection. Trial registration numbers: EudraCT 2015-004220-61 (https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/), ISRCTN46099296 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Multidisciplinary management of locally advanced and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most prevalent form of cancer, with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cscc) being the 2nd most common type. Patients presenting with high-risk lesions associated with locally advanced or metastatic cscc face high rates of recurrence and mortality. Accurate staging and risk stratification for patients can be challenging because no system is universally accepted, and no Canadian guidelines currently exist. Patients with advanced cscc are often deemed ineligible for either or both of curative surgery and radiation therapy (rt) and, until recently, were limited to off-label systemic cisplatin-fluorouracil or cetuximab therapy, which offers modest clinical benefits and potentially severe toxicity. A new systemic therapy, cemiplimab, has been approved for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic cscc. In the present review, we provide recommendations for patient classification and staging based on current guidelines, direction for determining patient eligibility for surgery and rt, and an overview of the available systemic treatment options for advanced cscc and of the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to patient management.

The City Under COVID-19: Podcasting As Digital Methodology

This critical commentary reflects on a rapidly mobilised international podcast project, in which 25 urban scholars from around the world provided audio recordings about their cities during COVID-19. New digital tools are increasing the speeds, formats and breadth of the research and communication mediums available to researchers. Voice recorders on mobile phones and digital audio editing on laptops allows researchers to collaborate in new ways, and this podcast project pushed at the boundaries of what a research method and community might be. Many of those who provided short audio 'reports from the field' recorded on their mobile phones were struggling to make sense of their experience in their city during COVID-19. The substantive sections of this commentary discuss the digital methodology opportunities that podcasting affords geographical scholarship. In this case the methodology includes the curated production of the podcast and critical reflection on the podcast process through collaborative writing. Then putting this methodology into action some limited reflections on cities under COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing initiatives around the world are provided to demonstrate the utility and limitations of this method.

Perioperative intravenous contrast administration and the incidence of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: prospective, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast for CT and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre cohort study included adults undergoing gastrointestinal resection, stoma reversal or liver resection. Both elective and emergency procedures were included. Preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast was defined as exposure to contrast administered for the purposes of CT up to 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI within 7 days. Propensity score-matched models were adjusted for patient, disease and operative variables. In a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched model explored the association between preoperative exposure to contrast and AKI in the first 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5378 patients were included across 173 centres. Overall, 1249 patients (23·2 per cent) received intravenous contrast. The overall rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery was 13·4 per cent (718 of 5378). In the propensity score-matched model, preoperative exposure to contrast was not associated with AKI within 7 days (odds ratio (OR) 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·21; P = 0·669). The sensitivity analysis showed no association between preoperative contrast administration and AKI within 48 h after operation (OR 1·09, 0·84 to 1·41; P = 0·498).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between preoperative intravenous contrast administered for CT up to 7 days before surgery and postoperative AKI. Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy should not be used as a reason to avoid contrast-enhanced CT.

Primary excision margins, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and completion lymph node dissection in cutaneous melanoma: a clinical practice guideline

Background

For patients who are diagnosed with early-stage cutaneous melanoma, the principal therapy is wide surgical excision of the primary tumour and assessment of lymph nodes. The purpose of the present guideline was to update the 2010 Cancer Care Ontario guideline on wide local excision margins and sentinel lymph node biopsy (slnb), including treatment of the positive sentinel node, for melanomas of the trunk, extremities, and head and neck.

Methods

Using Ovid, the medline and embase electronic databases were systematically searched for systematic reviews and primary literature evaluating narrow compared with wide excision margins and the use of slnb for melanoma of the truck and extremities and of the head and neck. Search timelines ran from 2010 through week 25 of 2017.

Results

Four systematic reviews were chosen for inclusion in the evidence base. Where systematic reviews were available, the search of the primary literature was conducted starting from the end date of the search in the reviews. Where systematic reviews were absent, the search for primary literature ran from 2010 forward. Of 1213 primary studies identified, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Two randomized controlled trials were used to inform the recommendation on completion lymph node dissection.Key updated recommendations include:■ Wide local excision margins should be 2 cm for melanomas of the trunk, extremities, and head and neck that exceed 2 mm in depth.■ slnb should be offered to patients with melanomas of the trunk, extremities, and head and neck that exceed 0.8 mm in depth.■ Patients with sentinel node metastasis should be considered for nodal observation with ultrasonography rather than for completion lymph node dissection.

Conclusions

Recommendations for primary excision margins, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and completion lymph node dissection in patients with cutaneous melanoma have been updated based on the current literature.

Burden of neurodegenerative diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990-2016: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is experiencing a demographic shift towards rapid aging at a time of political unrest. We aimed to estimate the burden of neurodegenerative disorders and its relationship with sociodemographic index in the EMR countries from 1990 to 2016.

METHODS

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016, we calculated country-specific trends for prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALY), years of life lost and years lived with disability (YLD) for Alzheimer's disease/other dementias and Parkinson's disease in the EMR during 1990-2016.

RESULTS

In the EMR, the age-standardized prevalence rate of Alzheimer's disease/other dementias and Parkinson's disease was estimated at 759.8/100 000 (95% uncertainty intervals, 642.9-899.9) and 87.1/100 000 (95% uncertainty intervals, 69.8-108.2) people in 2016, demonstrating 0.01% and 42.3% change from 1990, respectively. Neurodegenerative disorders contributed to 5.4% of total DALY and 4.6% of total YLD among the older EMR population (70 years of age or older in 2016). Age-standardized DALY due to Parkinson's disease were strongly correlated with the sociodemographic index level (r = 0.823, P < 0.001). The YLD:DALY ratio of neurodegenerative diseases declined during this period in the low-income but not the high-income EMR countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated an increasing trend in the burden of dementias and Parkinson's disease in most EMR countries between 1990 and 2016. With aging of the EMR populations, countries should target the modifiable risk factors of neurodegenerative diseases to control their increasing burden.

Ethyl Glucuronide as a Long-term Alcohol Biomarker in Fingernail and Hair. Matrix Comparison and Evaluation of Gender Bias

Aims

This work aimed to assess the performance of hair and fingernail ethyl glucuronide (EtG) measurement for use as a biomarker of alcohol consumption in persons with known drinking history across a range of drinking behaviours.

Methods

EtG concentrations were assessed from the hair and fingernails of 50 study participants. Alcohol consumption of the previous 90 days was assessed by participant interview using the alcohol timeline follow-back method. EtG concentration was determined using LC–MS-MS using a method which was validated and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Results

There was significant correlation between alcohol consumption and EtG concentrations found in hair and fingernail samples across the study group (n = 50). From participants testing positive for EtG (male n = 14, female n = 13) no significant difference was found between male and female EtG levels in either hair or fingernails. Across all participants there was no significant difference in hair or fingernail EtG concentration between male (n = 23) and females (n = 27).

Conclusions

Our results support the use of EtG to indicate alcohol consumption over the previous 90 days, or ~3 months as is the normal practice in hair analysis. The results confirm that fingernails can be a useful alternative matrix where hair samples are not available.

Patient indications for Mohs micrographic surgery: a clinical practice guideline

Objective

The purpose of the present work was to develop evidence-based indications for Mohs micrographic surgery in patients with a diagnosis of skin cancer.

Methods

The guideline was developed by Cancer Care Ontario's Program in Evidence-Based Care, together with the Melanoma Disease Site Group and the Surgical Oncology Program, through a systematic review of relevant literature, patient- and caregiver-specific consultation, and internal and external reviews.

Recommendation 1

Given a lack of high-quality, comparative evidence, surgery (with postoperative or intraoperative margin assessment) or radiation (for those who are ineligible for surgery) should remain the standard of care for patients with skin cancer.

Recommendation 2

Mohs micrographic surgery is recommended for patients with histologically confirmed recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the face and is appropriate for primary basal cell carcinomas of the face that are larger than 1 cm, have aggressive histology, or are located on the H zone of the face.

Recommendation 3

Mohs micrographic surgery should be performed by physicians who have completed a degree in medicine or equivalent, including a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Specialist Certificate or equivalent, and have received advanced training in Mohs micrographic surgery.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Response to TNF Inhibition Is Gender Specific: A 6-Year Cohort Study

Aim Recent studies have suggested gender-specific differences with respect to both baseline disease activity and severity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have shown significant benefit in AS but there may be gender-specific differences regarding responses to TNFi therapy. Methods AS patients with active disease despite adequate trials of NSAIDs were commenced on TNFi and followed in a biologic clinic between 2004 and 2011. Response to treatment was measured based on clinical and serological outcomes. Baseline radiographic data were also collected where available. Results 147 AS patients commenced TNFi therapy and were followed in a biologic clinic between 2004 and 2011. One-hundred and six (72%) of the patients were male and 90 (61%) were current or ex-smokers. The specific TNFi prescribed included etanercept (74 patients, 50.3%), adalimumab (51 patients, 34.7%), infliximab (21 patients, 14.2%) and golimumab (1 patient, 0.7%). The median mSASSS score was 11 (interquartile range 5-35). At baseline, the metrology indices (BASMI) were significantly lower in women (2.6 v 4; p=0.01) but all other clinical indices were similar. At 3 months, female patients had significantly worse median disease activity and functional indices (BASDAI: 4 v 2; p<0.01; BASFI: 3 v 2; p=0.03) than male patients. In addition, females had higher median ESR (19 v 6; p<0.01) which correlated with their disease activity indices (r=0.42, p=0.02). Discussion Despite similar disease activity at baseline, post-TNFi therapy women had significantly higher disease activity. Furthermore, ESR levels in women during therapy correlated with their clinical disease activity scores. Further exploration of these gender-specific differences is crucial for a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of AS as well as development of targeted therapies.

Induction of Neointima Formation by Platelet Derived Angiogenesis Fraction in a Small Diameter, Wide Pore, PTFE Graft

Enhancement of endothelialization and patency of a small diameter (2 mm), wide pore, PTFE graft was attempted by coating the luminal surface with a platelet derived angiogenesis fraction (PDAF) and implanting it in a rat model. PDAF was delivered to the grafts by combining it with a carrier polymer. PDAF-treated grafts were initially implanted in the retroperitoneum for 21 days followed by removal of one for histology and in situ end to side bypass to the infrarenal aorta for the other. Vascularized grafts were examined at 14 days for patency and 100 days for patency and histology. Significant differences were noted in transmural ingrowth of capillaries and tissue at 21 days post implantation in PDAF-treated verses untreated grafts. Similarly, near significance was noted in capillary ingrowth and significance was noted in tissue ingrowth at 100 days in PDAF-treated grafts. Despite favorable trends particularly early in the time course, no significant differences in graft patency, endothelialization, or hydroxyproline content was demonstrated between PDAF-treated and untreated grafts. Results of this preliminary study are encouraging for further study of PDAF-treated PTFE grafts and the potential that rapid vascularized neointima formation results improved in graft patency rates.

Final year dental students in New Zealand: Self-reported confidence levels prior to BDS graduation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

It is expected that the graduating dental student will have acquired the skills and knowledge to confidently treat most circumstances that they may encounter in private practice. The aims of this study were to evaluate final year dental students' self-reported levels of confidence in expected core skills just prior to graduation and to explore their career intentions both directly after graduating as well as in the longer term.

METHODS

After ethical approval was obtained, a survey and participant information sheet was distributed to all final year undergraduate dental students in 2014. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22.0 with the alpha value set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The response rate was 69% (58/84). Most (44.8%) were going to be working in New Zealand private practices with 34.5% definitely considering specializing. The majority reported high self-confidence levels for sealant restorations (96.6%) and radiography (94.8%), while very few were confident in carrying out soft tissue biopsies (1 .8%) or restoring dental implants and treating medical emergencies (10.5%). Some gender differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The general finding was that most NZ graduates perceived themselves to be confident in managing the most fundamental aspects of general practice. Similar to their counterparts around the world, they will benefit from further mentoring and additional exposure to the more complex clinical tasks such as the restoration of implants and soft tissue biopsies.

Sociometry and Athletic Status of Adolescents, Critical Review of Research Literature

A review of literature on the relationship between measures of social acceptability and motor characteristics is presented: data inconsistencies are commented on and a plea made for further disciplined studies.

Knowledge, opinions and factors influencing practices regarding sugar in oral paediatric medications: a survey of Dunedin pharmacy staff

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Sugar, a known aetiological factor in dental decay, has been used in paediatric medications as a bulking agent, preservative and to improve taste. Although artificial sweeteners have largely replaced sugar, some prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) paediatric medications and supplements containing sugar are still available in New Zealand. Little is currently known about the knowledge, opinions and practices of staff in NZ pharmacies regarding sugar-containing paediatric medications. This study was carried out to investigate these factors.

METHODS

After ethical approval was obtained, questionnaires were delivered to all staff members at pharmacies in the greater Dunedin area. Quantitative statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22.0 with the alpha value set at 0.05. Qualitative data were analysed using a general inductive technique.

RESULTS

A total of 58 questionnaires were returned giving a pharmacy response rate of 63.0%. Some 29.9% of respondents thought the inclusion of sugar in medications necessary and 77.6% agreed that sugar in paediatric medications can contribute to dental decay. Most of the 67.2% who reported that they do not give advice to customers regarding sugar in medications and oral health, felt it was not a priority. Parental request was the main factor determining provision or recommendations regarding sugar-free options (87.9%).

CONCLUSION

Although choice of a sugar-free medication can be limited by many factors, inter-professional collaboration and knowledge sharing on this topic would be advantageous. In addition, the provision of more formalised education, either as part of undergraduate pharmacy curricula or as part of continuing education, should be considered.

Dental implant treatment following trauma: An investigation into the failure to complete Accident Compensation Corporation funded care

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Among other restorative strategies, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides benefits for dental implant treatment to replace teeth lost as a result of trauma. While ACC has funded over 15,000 dental implants since 2002, the outcomes of this treatment and patient perceptions of this treatment have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of the dental implant treatment outcomes and reasons for failure to complete restorative treatment in patients who had undergone trauma-related implant surgery funded by ACC between February 2006 and September 2009, but had not completed the prosthetic component of the treatment.

METHODS

A randomly selected sample of 399 patients, who had undergone dental implant surgery but not completed the crown restoration, was identified from the ACC database. These individuals were contacted by mail for expressions of interest and 181 clients were interviewed by telephone. Responses to open-ended questions were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed using a general inductive technique.

RESULTS

A common emergent theme was the high level of satisfaction expressed by participants with the implant process, however just under half of those responding felt they had been pushed into having implants and were given the impression that this was the only treatment ACC paid for. The cost of the prosthetic phase of the treatment and surgical complications were identified as the primary reasons why participants failed to complete the restorative phase of treatment, after completing the surgical phase.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlighted the need to better inform patients of their treatment options and to allow time for them to process this information before progressing with care. A patient decision tool may help to give greater ownership of the treatment options. Newly implemented protocols to assist dentists to better assess treatment needs may also assist in achieving improvements in perceived treatment outcomes for patients.

Choosing chemical markers for quality assurance of complex herbal medicines: Development and application of the herb MaRS criteria

With increasing use of herbal medicines for chronic or serious illness, relevant quality assurance methods are essential for making claims of therapeutic benefit. Adequate demonstration of safety and efficacy based on chemical composition and ensuring consistency between manufactured batches is critical. To date, there has been no uniform standard approach or detailed framework provided to industry for selecting relevant chemical markers used to standardize herbal products. We developed the Herbal Marker Ranking System (Herb MaRS) providing guidance on prioritizing the selection of chemical markers for quality control of complex multi-herb mixtures, while also taking into account the bioactivity in relation to the symptoms of the disease and its concentration in the formula. We apply the Herb MaRS evaluation criteria to a seven-herb formulation for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. Our ranking scale accommodates the clinical and pharmacological use of the formulation and its claimed indications.

Solving a four-destination traveling salesman problem using Escherichia coli cells as biocomputers

The Traveling Salesman Problem involves finding the shortest possible route visiting all destinations on a map only once before returning to the point of origin. The present study demonstrates a strategy for solving Traveling Salesman Problems using modified E. coli cells as processors for massively parallel computing. Sequential, combinatorial DNA assembly was used to generate routes, in the form of plasmids made up of marker genes, each representing a path between destinations, and short connecting linkers, each representing a given destination. Upon growth of the population of modified E. coli, phenotypic selection was used to eliminate invalid routes, and statistical analysis was performed to successfully identify the optimal solution. The strategy was successfully employed to solve a four-destination test problem.