Comparison of crestal bone loss and papilla fill after conventional and immediate implant placement: A 12 month clinical and radiographic prospective study

Background

The problem of missing teeth persists in all age groups. The main objective of implants in dentistry is to provide a restoration that reconstructs the shape and restores esthetics and functions of edentulous areas. The objectives of this study are to compare the crestal bone level changes and papillary fill after placement of implants in fresh extraction socket, i.e. immediate implant placement, and healed extraction socket, i.e. delayed or conventional implant placement, and to assess other clinical parameters such as modified plaque index (mPI), modified gingival index (mGI) and gingival biotype in between the groups and within the groups.

Methods

18 patients were recruited in the study out of which 9 patients received implants as per immediate implant placement protocol (group 1) and 9 patients received implants as per conventional implant placement protocol (group 2). All patients were evaluated for gingival biotype, mPI and mGI and papillary fill was assessed as per Jemt's papilla score as clinical parameters. Implant site was assessed for radiographic bone loss using Image J software. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t test, paired t test and chi square test.

Results

At the end of 1 year, results showed that crestal bone loss was seen more in the immediate group than the conventional group. Conventional implants showed better papillary fill than implants placed in fresh extraction sockets. Plaque scores were assessed as per modified plaque index, which showed better results in the conventional group. Modified gingival index was used to assess gingival status which showed better results in the immediate group one year later.

Conclusions

Findings from the study suggest that crestal bone loss was found to be increased in the immediate group than the conventional group and papillary fill was better in the conventional group than the immediate group.Registration: CTRI ( CTRI/2019/09/021340).

Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of Mulberry Lattices

In order to find the most advantageous bioactive compounds from mulberry latex for drug development in the near future, this study was conducted to characterize and evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial properties from four different mulberry lattices (BR-2, S-1, AR-14, and S-146). The characterization of the lattices was performed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further, screenings of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of selected lattices were performed in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and agar well diffusion methods, respectively. Interestingly, the outcome of the current study revealed that tested mulberry lattices contain a considerable amount of bioactive phytoconstituents, particularly antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, as revealed by chromatographic analysis. BR-2 latex was found to have significant antioxidant activity (75%) followed by S-146 (64.6%) and AR-14 (52.9%). The maximum antimicrobial activity was found in BR-2 latex compared to other tested latex varieties. The results of this investigation showed that mulberry latex from the BR-2 type may successfully control both bacterial and fungal infections, with the added benefit of having enhanced antioxidant capabilities.

Unraveling acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy in the COVID-19 era: Insights from a tribal area in Jharkhand

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is a benign and rare presentation of leukocytoclastic vasculitis that usually affects children between 4 months and 24 months of age. It is characterized by purpuric and ecchymotic lesions that mainly involve the distal extremities, the face, and the ears. It usually follows some viral or bacterial infection. Here, we report a case of a 25-month-old male child who presented with mild grade fever and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Subsequently, he developed progressive purpuric and ecchymotic lesions over his body, mainly on his lower limbs and face. Laboratory tests were done, showing elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate with rest of normal results. In view of patients having respiratory symptoms, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of a nasopharyngeal swab for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was done, which came out to be positive. The baby received supportive care only. He gradually improved and was discharged successfully. AHEI may be a possible after effect of COVID-19 infection.

23 Using visual data and teleophthalmology in paediatric ophthalmology with an app-free, browser-based, visual data platform: ISLACARE

Visual data is underutilised in ophthalmology particularly within paediatrics. Following the pandemic, virtual and remote clinics in the form of telephone and video consultations have increased but there are limitations within paediatric ophthalmology as synchronous telephone or video calls are time-consuming.Using a platform known as ISLACARE, we are able to run remote photo and video clinics that has the capability to support asynchronous or synchronous consultations. With this software, parents and clinicians do not need to create logins or download apps thus increasing compliance with the technology.In an audit of 101 consecutive cases, the following was found. Mean age: 6.67 years (0-17years). The top 4 categories used in were anterior segment (36%), Strabismus (24%), Orbit/Trauma (17%), and Oculoplastics (12%).On the use of photographs to support consultations , it was felt that 91% reduced time to treatment/supported clinical decision making and 75% improved clinician to clinician communication. We have found a 30% increase in capacity in our remote teleophthalmology clinics by utilising a pre-consultation proforma. A particular improvement has been in post-operative strabismus cases where 90% of all our first appointment checks are now done remotely.We would like to demonstrate the clinical flow of how we use ISLACARE for asynchronous consultations, remote monitoring, and visual data archiving.

Transcriptional pausing factor M1BP regulates cellular homeostasis by suppressing autophagy and apoptosis in Drosophila eye

During organogenesis cellular homeostasis plays a crucial role in patterning and growth. The role of promoter proximal pausing of RNA polymerase II, which regulates transcription of several developmental genes by GAGA factor or Motif 1 Binding Protein (M1BP), has not been fully understood in cellular homeostasis. Earlier, we reported that M1BP, a functional homolog of ZKSCAN3, regulates wingless and caspase-dependent cell death (apoptosis) in the Drosophila eye. Further, blocking apoptosis does not fully rescue the M1BPRNAi phenotype of reduced eye. Therefore, we looked for other possible mechanism(s). In a forward genetic screen, members of the Jun-amino-terminal-(NH2)-Kinase (JNK) pathway were identified. Downregulation of M1BP ectopically induces JNK, a pro-death pathway known to activate both apoptosis and caspase-independent (autophagy) cell death. Activation of JNK pathway components can enhance M1BPRNAi phenotype and vice-versa. Downregulation of M1BP ectopically induced JNK signaling, which leads to apoptosis and autophagy. Apoptosis and autophagy are regulated independently by their genetic circuitry. Here, we found that blocking either apoptosis or autophagy alone rescues the reduced eye phenotype of M1BP downregulation; whereas, blocking both apoptosis and autophagy together significantly rescues the M1BP reduced eye phenotype to near wild-type in nearly 85% progeny. This data suggests that the cellular homeostasis response demonstrated by two independent cell death mechanisms, apoptosis and autophagy, can be regulated by a common transcriptional pausing mechanism orchestrated by M1BP. Since these fundamental processes are conserved in higher organisms, this novel functional link between M1BP and regulation of both apoptosis and autophagy can be extrapolated to humans.

Choroid Plexus Calcification Correlates with Cortical Microglial Activation in Humans: A Multimodal PET, CT, MRI Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The choroid plexus (CP) within the brain ventricles is well-known to produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Recently, the CP has been recognized as critical in modulating inflammation. MRI-measured CP enlargement has been reported in neuroinflammatory disorders like MS as well as with aging and neurodegeneration. The basis of MRI-measured CP enlargement is unknown. On the basis of tissue studies demonstrating CP calcification as a common pathology associated with aging and disease, we hypothesized that previously unmeasured CP calcification contributes to MRI-measured CP volume and may be more specifically associated with neuroinflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 60 subjects (43 healthy controls and 17 subjects with Parkinson's disease) who underwent PET/CT using 11C-PK11195, a radiotracer sensitive to the translocator protein expressed by activated microglia. Cortical inflammation was quantified as nondisplaceable binding potential. Choroid plexus calcium was measured via manual tracing on low-dose CT acquired with PET and automatically using a new CT/MRI method. Linear regression assessed the contribution of choroid plexus calcium, age, diagnosis, sex, overall volume of the choroid plexus, and ventricle volume to cortical inflammation.

RESULTS

Fully automated choroid plexus calcium quantification was accurate (intraclass correlation coefficient with manual tracing = .98). Subject age and choroid plexus calcium were the only significant predictors of neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Choroid plexus calcification can be accurately and automatically quantified using low-dose CT and MRI. Choroid plexus calcification-but not choroid plexus volume-predicted cortical inflammation. Previously unmeasured choroid plexus calcium may explain recent reports of choroid plexus enlargement in human inflammatory and other diseases. Choroid plexus calcification may be a specific and relatively easily acquired biomarker for neuroinflammation and choroid plexus pathology in humans.

Advanced Catalytic Technologies for Compressed Natural Gas – Gasoline Fuelled Engines

The main challenges of the CNG engine fuelling in terms of methane abatement in the aftertreatment system are addressed in this study by using different loaded PGM catalysts. A dual-fuel injection strategy of methane-gasoline was implemented where methane gas was port-injected into the intake in stoichiometric conditions at levels corresponding to 20 and 40% energy density replacement of gasoline fuel. High, medium, and low loaded Pd/Rh catalysts were used and compared to study the effect of PGM loading on the catalyst light-off activity for methane. Results indicate that increasing the Pd loading led to significantly earlier light-off temperatures achieved at relatively lower temperatures of 340, 350 and 395oC respectively. However, the benefit diminishes above Pd loading >142.5 g ft-3. The study has also demonstrated that NH3 is formed over the CNG catalyst due to steam-reforming reactions from the increased levels of methane in the exhaust with the dual-fuelling. Hence aftertreatment technologies such as SCR should be adopted to remove them. This further highlights the need to regulate the harmful NH3 emissions from future passenger cars fuelled with CNG. In addition, the benefits of the dual-fuel system in terms of lower engine output CO2, non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) and particulate matter (PM) emissions compared to the GDI mode alone are presented.

LSPR based on-chip detection of dengue NS1 antigen in whole blood

The development of a biosensor for rapid and quantitative detection of the dengue virus continues to remain a challenge. We report a lab-on-chip device that combines membrane-based blood plasma separation and a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) based biosensor for on-chip detection of dengue NS1 antigen from a few drops of blood. The LSPR effect is realized by irradiating UV-NIR light having a spectral peak at 655 nm onto nanostructures fabricated via thermal annealing of a thin metal film. We study the effect of the resulting metal nanostructures on the LSPR performance in terms of sensitivity and limit of detection, by annealing silver films at temperatures ranging from 100 to 500 °C. The effect of annealing temperature on the nanostructure size and uniformity and the resulting optical characteristics are investigated. Further, the binding between non-targeted blood plasma proteins and NS1-antibody-functionalized nanostructures on the LSPR performance is studied by considering different blocking mechanisms. Using a nanostructure annealed at 200 °C and 2X-phosphate buffer saline with 0.05% Tween-20 as the blocking buffer, from 10 μL of whole blood, the device can detect NS1 antigen at a concentration as low as 0.047 μg mL-1 within 30 min. Finally, we demonstrate the detection of NS1 in the blood samples of dengue-infected patients and validate our results with those obtained from the gold-standard ELISA test.

Determination of safe limit for arsenic contaminated irrigation water using solubility free ion activity model (FIAM) and Tobit Regression Model

Irrigation water contaminated with arsenic acts as a potent source of contamination to humans through water-soil-crop-food transfer so quantification of safe limit for irrigation water is also critical. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the safe limit for As contaminated irrigation water with two soil types (alluvial and red) using ten levels of contaminated irrigation water (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25 mg L^-1), applied 5 times in rice (Variety: Sushak Samrat),used as a test crop. The results reveal that the different fractions of arsenic in terms of its profusion followed the order F4 > F2 > F5 > F3 > F1 and F4 > F3 > F2 > F5 > F1 across all the doses of As for alluvial soil and red soil respectively. The safe limit of irrigation water in terms of risk assessment expressed as Hazard Quotient (HQ) was at 0.75 mg L^-1 and the solubility FIAM can effectively predict the As content in rice grain in both the soils. The Tobit Regression Model in alluvial soil quantified the safe limit for As in irrigation water from 1.20 to 0.10 mg L^-1 for available soil As 0.25-3.0 mg kg^-1 and in red soil, the range was from 0.10 to 0.40 mg L^-1 for soil As 1.0 to 0.25 mg kg^-1 provided that the As content in rice grain is < 0.4 mg kg^-1. This proved to be an effective protocol for estimation of safe limits after proper validation and calibration.

Combating silver nanoparticle-mediated toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster with curcumin

Nanoscale materials display unique physical and chemical properties that enable their assimilation into a variety of industrial and consumer products. Amongst the widely used nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained tremendous recognition for various applications, owing to their extraordinary plasmonic and bactericidal properties. Despite of the extensive usage of AgNPs in various sectors, its impact on human health remains ambiguous. Several studies have established that higher doses of AgNPs are detrimental to organismal health. In order to attain the best from these versatile nanoparticles, a recent advent of green nanotechnology, that is, employment of metal nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts, has emerged. Here, using Drosophila as a model system, we tested if adding curcumin, a biologically active polyphenolic compound present in turmeric, having multitudes of therapeutic properties, could mitigate AgNP-mediated biotoxicity. We found that co-administration of AgNPs with curcumin in the fly food could alleviate several harmful effects evoked by AgNPs ingestion in Drosophila model. Addition of curcumin superseded reduction in feeding, pupation, eclosion, pigmentation, and fertility caused by AgNPs ingestion. Interestingly, impairment in ovary development observed in flies reared on AgNPs-supplemented food was also partially restored by co-administration of AgNPs with curcumin. Furthermore, substantial alleviation of reactive oxygen species level and cell death was observed in larval tissues upon co-supplementation of AgNPs with curcumin. We therefore propose that curcumin, when administered with AgNPs, can abrogate the toxic manifestations of AgNPs ingestion and hence can be incorporated in various consumer products encompassing it.

Motif 1 Binding Protein suppresses wingless to promote eye fate in Drosophila

The phenomenon of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) pausing at transcription start site (TSS) is one of the key rate-limiting steps in regulating genome-wide gene expression. In Drosophila embryo, Pol II pausing is known to regulate the developmental control genes expression, however, the functional implication of Pol II pausing during later developmental time windows remains largely unknown. A highly conserved zinc finger transcription factor, Motif 1 Binding Protein (M1BP), is known to orchestrate promoter-proximal pausing. We found a new role of M1BP in regulating Drosophila eye development. Downregulation of M1BP function suppresses eye fate resulting in a reduced eye or a "no-eye" phenotype. The eye suppression function of M1BP has no domain constraint in the developing eye. Downregulation of M1BP results in more than two-fold induction of wingless (wg) gene expression along with robust induction of Homothorax (Hth), a negative regulator of eye fate. The loss-of-eye phenotype of M1BP downregulation is dependent on Wg upregulation as downregulation of both M1BP and wg, by using wg^RNAi, shows a significant rescue of a reduced eye or a "no-eye" phenotype, which is accompanied by normalizing of wg and hth expression levels in the eye imaginal disc. Ectopic induction of Wg is known to trigger developmental cell death. We found that upregulation of wg as a result of downregulation of M1BP also induces apoptotic cell death, which can be significantly restored by blocking caspase-mediated cell death. Our data strongly imply that transcriptional regulation of wg by Pol II pausing factor M1BP may be one of the important regulatory mechanism(s) during Drosophila eye development.

Discriminatory alteration of carbohydrate homeostasis by gold nanoparticles ingestion in Drosophila

With the extensive usage of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in various industrial sectors and biomedical applications, evaluation of their possible effects on human health becomes imperative. Therefore, the present study was aimed toward assessing the dose-dependent impact of AuNPs ingestion on metabolic homeostasis using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. We found that larval ingestion of higher dose of AuNPs significantly reduced body weight. Further analysis of the crucial energy reservoir showed selective alteration in carbohydrate levels without any change in the lipid and protein levels. Transcriptional downregulation of glycogen synthase further supported impaired glycogen metabolism in flies supplemented with higher dose of AuNPs. Additionally, ingestion of higher dose of AuNPs in larvae results in significantly increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the peripheral tissues, suggestive of stress condition. Our findings clearly imply that supplementing higher doses of AuNPs at an early developmental stage can potentially cause weight loss, impair glycogen metabolism, and elevate ROS production. Therefore, determination of a biologically effective dose is critical for the safety of mankind and vulnerable populations at the workplace.

1214 Higher Bedroom Temperature Associated With Poorer Sleep: Data From Over 3.75 Million Nights

Introduction

Bedroom temperature can influence nocturnal thermoregulation and sleep. To date, limited, small experimental studies have shown that bedroom temperatures outside the recommended range of 65 and 70°F can negatively impact sleep. However, this association has not been studied in a large-scale data set. Using over 3.75 million nights of objectively measured data, we analyzed the associations between habitual bedroom temperatures and sleep.

Methods

Over 3.75 million nights of sleep and bedroom temperature data were collected using S+ by ResMed technology from 34,096 Individuals (57% male, 20-90 years, mean age 48.7 +/-14.5 years, all US residents). Multilevel regression analyses were used to analyze associations between bedroom temperature and sleep. A stricter alpha level of 0.001 was used to account for the large number of observations in the dataset.

Results

Bedroom temperature was above 70°F for 69% of nights, with the average temperature ranging between 68.8 and 76.2°F. For each 1°F increase in bedroom temperature between 60-85°F, sleep efficiency decreased by 0.06%. Likewise, higher bedroom temperatures were linked to shorter Total Sleep Time duration (-0.45 mins/°F), longer Sleep Onset Latency (+0.04 mins/°F), and longer Wake After Sleep Onset (+0.11 mins/°F), all ps&lt;0.001.

Conclusion

Analyzing data from over 3.75 million nights, we found that many people sleep in a bedroom warmer than the optimal temperature. Further, higher bedroom temperatures - even within the recommended range for optimal sleep - are associated with poorer sleep and higher wakefulness. Bedroom thermostats and cooling options should be considered to achieve optimal sleeping temperature conditions.

Support

N/A

0412 Parents Sleep Longer When School is Out for the Summer: Associations Among Parenthood, Gender, and Season

Introduction

Seasonal effects in sleep are often attributed to day length; however, change in obligatory daily activities might also have an impact on sleep behavior. Longitudinal measurement using consumer sleep technology enables the observation of patterns in sleep behavior in the home environment. We analyzed the impact of parenthood and gender on total sleep time (TST) over the summer break period using data collected in the home.

Methods

Sleep data were collected using the SleepScore mobile application from October 2018 through October 2019, with the summer break period defined as June 25th - August 5th. U.S. age and gender matched samples of parents and non-parents were selected using Mahalanobis distance from a pool of users more likely to have school-aged children. The final samples included n=345 parents (38.7 +/- 4.5 years) and n=345 non-parents (37.8 +/- 4.7 years); both groups were 46% female. Only weeknights (n=34,323) were analyzed to maximize impact of school schedule. Linear regression and independent t-tests were used to analyze main and interaction effects for gender, parenthood, and summer break.

Results

Male gender, parenthood, and summer break were associated with decreased sleep duration (ps &lt; .01). However, during summer break, parents exhibited an increase in TST, with mothers (+5.6 mins) having a greater increase than fathers (+1.1 mins). In contrast, adults without children showed a decrease in TST during summer break, with males having a greater reduction (-8.8 mins) than females (-6.5 mins).

Conclusion

These results suggest that parental status may play a part in seasonal sleep patterns. Contrary to the typical trend of shorter TST during summer, being a parent is associated with longer TST during summer break, with a greater increase for females. This change may be attributed to parents following a less rigid schedule when their children are not in school.

Support

N/A

0443 Intra Week Sleep Patterns Analyzed Using Consumer Sleep Tracker Data

Introduction

Big data collected using consumer sleep technology can provide objectively measured insights on sleep behavior in the real-life environment. It has the advantage over self-report data of being less prone to bias. Here we used a non-contact bio-motion sensor to remotely capture objective sleep data. We analyzed 168432 nights of sleep data to test if differences between weekday versus weekend sleep behavior, known from self-report, would still hold using objective data in a large population.

Methods

Sleep data was acquired using the SleepScore Max remote sleep sensor and included 168432 nights (2730 users, mean age: 46.6 +/- 11.8 years, 33% female, all resident in the USA). Analysis was restricted to those of working age; adults between 20-65. Any sleep which ended from Monday to Friday was considered weekday sleep, and any ending on Saturday or Sunday as weekend sleep. Data records were inspected and cleaned before analyzing. Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests were used to analyze the data.

Results

Total Sleep Time, Time In Bed and Sleep Onset Latencies were longer during weekend (TST: + 20.6 mins, TIB: +22.9 mins, SOL: +1.1 min, all p &lt;0.001), resulting in a slightly poorer Sleep Efficiency (-.016%, p&lt;0.01) for weekend nights. Time to bed and final awakening were both delayed in weekends as compared to weekdays (Time to bed +30.0 mins, and final awakening +53.4 mins, both p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

This big data analysis confirms the earlier observed difference in sleep and sleep behavior between weekdays and weekends. This should be considered for optimizing (automated) sleep interventions, that may not normally take the weekend effect into consideration.

Support

 

Influence of high hydrostatic pressure on solid supported DPPC bilayers with hyaluronan in the presence of Ca2+ ions

The molecular mechanisms responsible for outstanding lubrication of natural systems, like articular joints, have been the focus of scientific research for several decades. One essential aspect is the lubrication under pressure, where it is important to understand how the lubricating entities adapt under dynamic working conditions in order to fulfill their function. We made a structural investigation of a model system consisting of two of the molecules present at the cartilage interface, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and hyaluronan, at high hydrostatic pressure. Phospholipid layers are found at the cartilage surfaces and are able to considerably reduce friction. Their behavior under load and varied solution conditions is important as pressures of 180 bar are encountered during daily life activities. We focus on how divalent ions, like Ca2+, affect the interaction between DPPC and hyaluronan, as other investigations have indicated that calcium ions influence their interaction. It could be shown that already low amounts of Ca2+ strongly influence the interaction of hyaluronan with DPPC. Our results suggest that the calcium ions increase the amount of adsorbed hyaluronan indicating an increased electrostatic interaction. Most importantly, we observe a modification of the DPPC phase diagram as hyaluronan absorbs to the bilayer which results in an Lα-like structure at low temperatures and a decoupling of the leaflets forming an asymmetric bilayer structure.

Outcome of pregnancies in women with pulmonary hypertension: a single-centre experience from South India

OBJECTIVE

To study maternal complications and pregnancy outcome in women with pulmonary hypertension, attending a tertiary centre in south India.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary centre in south India.

POPULATION

Pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension.

METHOD

Data regarding demographics, clinical course, medication received, and echocardiographic diagnosis regarding pulmonary hypertension and antenatal care received were collected from the records. Details of labour and delivery, and postpartum follow up were retrieved. We compared the outcome based on the presence or absence of cyanosis and right ventricular systolic pressure levels.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Maternal mortality, occurrence of complications such as heart failure, fetal growth restriction.

RESULTS

There were 81 pregnancies in 73 women with pulmonary hypertension. The majority of them had pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease (80.8%); 17.8% had Eisenmenger syndrome. An advanced pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) medication, sildenafil, was administered in 25 (31.3%) pregnancies. There were four maternal deaths, of which three had Eisenmenger syndrome. Heart failure complicated 6.3% and fetal growth restriction 26.3% of pregnancies. Morbidity was significantly increased in women with pulmonary hypertension associated with a cyanotic cardiac lesion or with right ventricular systolic pressure >70 mmHg.

CONCLUSION

Despite advances in care, mortality in pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension is a matter of concern, especially in those with Eisenmenger syndrome. Multidisciplinary team management in tertiary centres and the use of advanced PAH medications even in low- to middle-income countries with limited resources, could lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality related to pulmonary hypertension.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Multidisciplinary care and use of new medication may improve outcomes in pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension.

Predictive model of spread of Parkinson's pathology using network diffusion

Growing evidence suggests that a "prion-like" mechanism underlies the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). We extend and tailor previously developed quantitative and predictive network diffusion model (NDM) to PD, by specifically modeling the trans-neuronal spread of alpha-synuclein outward from the substantia nigra (SN). The model demonstrated the spatial and temporal patterns of PD from neuropathological and neuroimaging studies and was statistically validated using MRI deformation of 232 Parkinson's patients. After repeated seeding simulations, the SN was found to be the most likely seed region, supporting its unique lynchpin role in Parkinson's pathology spread. Other alternative spread models were also evaluated for comparison, specifically, random spread and distance-based spread; the latter tests for Braak's original caudorostral transmission theory. We showed that the distance-based spread model is not as well supported as the connectivity-based model. Intriguingly, the temporal sequencing of affected regions predicted by the model was in close agreement with Braak stages III-VI, providing what we consider a "computational Braak" staging system. Finally, we investigated whether the regional expression patterns of implicated genes contribute to regional atrophy. Despite robust evidence for genetic factors in PD pathogenesis, NDM outperformed regional genetic expression predictors, suggesting that network processes are far stronger mediators of regional vulnerability than innate or cell-autonomous factors. This is the first finding yet of the ramification of prion-like pathology propagation in Parkinson's, as gleaned from in vivo human imaging data. The NDM is potentially a promising robust and clinically useful tool for diagnosis, prognosis and staging of PD.

Learning from UJAMBO: Perspectives on Gynecologic Care in African Immigrant and Refugee Women in Boston, Massachusetts

African-born immigrant women, and particularly refugees and asylum seekers, are at risk for reproductive health disparities but inadequately use relevant gynecologic services. We sought to elucidate perspectives on gynecologic care in a population of Congolese and Somali immigrants. We conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of focus group data using a grounded theory approach and the Integrated Behavioral Model as our theoretical framework. Thirty one women participated in six focus groups. Participant beliefs included the states of pregnancy and/or pain as triggers for care, preferences included having female providers and those with familiarity with female genital cutting. Barriers included stigma, lack of partner support, and lack of resources to access care. Experiential attitudes, normative beliefs, and environmental constraints significantly mediated care preferences for/barriers to gynecologic health service utilization in this population. Centering of patient perspectives to adapt delivery of gynecologic care to immigrants and refugees may improve utilization and reduce disparities.

Weak correlation of bleeding scores to platelet electron microscopy: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with delta-storage pool disorder

BACKGROUND

Delta granule storage pool deficiency (δ-SPD) is a rare platelet disorder in which a deficiency of platelet granules leads to poor aggregation, resulting in varying clinical bleeding phenotypes. Children with δ-SPD have variable laboratory results, making the proper diagnosis and evaluation controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the demographic and laboratory trends of this population and to assess the value of electron microscopy in diagnostic evaluation and its correlation to bleeding symptoms.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 109 pediatric patients diagnosed with δ-SPD. We collected demographic information and bleeding scores using a validated bleeding assessment tool. A descriptive and exploratory analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The majority of patients were female, with an average age at diagnosis of 11.61 years. Females were diagnosed at a significantly older age presenting most often with menorrhagia, while males presented most commonly with epistaxis. The majority showed normal lumiaggregometry, the mean platelet electron microscopy (PEM) value was 2.37, and the mean bleeding score was 6. Bleeding assessment tool and PEM had a significantly weak correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with more dense granules per platelet had higher bleeding scores than those with fewer dense granules per platelet. The current body of evidence does not favor the use of PEM in routine clinical practice, and results are difficult to interpret. In patients with severe mucocutaneous bleeding symptoms and normal platelet aggregation studies, consideration should be given to an alternative diagnosis and further evaluation is warranted.

Non-inertial lift induced migration for label-free sorting of cells in a co-flowing aqueous two-phase system

We present a novel label-free passive microfluidic technique for isolation of cancer cells (EpCAM+ and CD45−) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (CD45+ and EpCAM−) in aqueous two-phase system (ATPS).

Entry and passage behavior of biological cells in a constricted compliant microchannel

We report an experimental and theoretical investigation of the entry and passage behaviour of biological cells (HeLa and MDA-MB-231) in a constricted compliant microchannel. Entry of a cell into a micro-constriction takes place in three successive regimes: protrusion and contact (cell protrudes its leading edge and makes a contact with the channel wall), squeeze (cell deforms to enter into the constriction) and release (cell starts moving forward). While the protrusion and contact regime is insensitive to the flexibility of the channel, the squeeze zone is significantly smaller in the case of a more compliant channel. Similarly, in the release zone, the acceleration of the cells into the microconstriction is higher in the case of a more compliant channel. The results showed that for a fixed size ratio ρ and E c, the extension ratio λ decreases and transit velocity U c increases with increase in the compliance parameter f p. The variation in the cell velocity is governed by force due to the cell stiffness F s as well as that due to the viscous dampening F d, explained using the Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model. The entry time t e = m(ρ) k 1 (1 + f p) k 2 (E c) k 3 and induced hydrodynamic resistance of a cell ΔR c/R = k(ρ) a (1 + k f f p) b (k E E c) c were correlated with cell size ratio ρ, Young's modulus E c and compliance parameter f p, which showed that both entry time t e and the induced hydrodynamic resistance ΔR c are most sensitive to the change in the compliance parameter f p. This study provides understanding of the passage of cells in compliant micro-confinements that can have significant impact on mechanophenotyping of single cells.

A slow-cycling subpopulation of melanoma cells with highly invasive properties

Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor with different subpopulations showing different proliferation rates. Slow-cycling cells were previously identified in melanoma, but not fully biologically characterized. Using the label-retention method, we identified a subpopulation of slow-cycling cells, defined as label-retaining cells (LRC), with strong invasive properties. We demonstrate through live imaging that LRC are leaving the primary tumor mass at a very early stage and disseminate to peripheral organs. Through global proteome analyses, we identified the secreted protein SerpinE2/protease nexin-1 as causative for the highly invasive potential of LRC in melanomas.

Sedentary behavior and altered metabolic activity by AgNPs ingestion in Drosophila melanogaster

Among several nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively used in a wide variety of consumer products due to its unique antimicrobial property. However, dosage effect of AgNPs on behavior and metabolic activity in an in vivo condition is not well studied. Therefore, to elucidate the impact of AgNPs on behavior and metabolism, systematic and detailed dosages study of AgNPs was performed by rearing Drosophila melanogaster on food without and with AgNPs. We found that dietary intake of AgNPs at early larval stage leads to behavioral abnormalities such as poor crawling and climbing ability of larvae and adults respectively. Interestingly, intake of higher dosage of AgNPs at larval stage significantly altered metabolic activity that includes lipid, carbohydrate and protein levels in adult flies. Further, detailed analysis revealed that AgNPs causes remarkable reduction in the number of lipid droplets (LDs) which are lipid storage organelles in Drosophila. We also observed an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AgNPs ingested larval tissues. These results strongly imply that higher dosage of AgNPs ingestion from early larval stage of Drosophila is inimical and thereby draws concern towards the usage of AgNPs in consumer goods.

A combined experimental and theoretical approach towards mechanophenotyping of biological cells using a constricted microchannel

We report a combined experimental and theoretical technique that enables the characterization of various mechanical properties of biological cells. The cells were infused into a microfluidic device that comprises multiple parallel micro-constrictions to eliminate device clogging and facilitate characterization of cells of different sizes and types on a single device. The extension ratio λ and transit velocity U_c of the cells were measured using high-speed and high-resolution imaging which were then used in a theoretical model to predict the Young's modulus E_c = f(λ, U_c) of the cells. The predicted Young's modulus E_c values for three different cell lines (182 ± 34.74 Pa for MDA MB 231, 360 ± 75 Pa for MCF 10A and, 763 ± 93 Pa for HeLa) compare well with those reported in the literature from micropipette measurements and atomic force microscopy measurement within 10% and 15%, respectively. Also, the Young's modulus of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 50 μM 4-hyrdroxyacetophenone (for localization of myosin II) for 30 min was found out to be 260 ± 52 Pa. The entry time t_e of cells into the micro-constrictions was predicted using the model and validated using experimentally measured data. The entry and transit behaviors of cells in the micro-constriction including cell deformation (extension ratio λ) and velocity U_c were experimentally measured and used to predict various cell properties such as the Young's modulus, cytoplasmic viscosity and induced hydrodynamic resistance of different types of cells. The proposed combined experimental and theoretical approach leads to a new paradigm for mechanophenotyping of biological cells.

Dose-dependent effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on fertility and survival of Drosophila: An in-vivo study

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) containing consumer products have been proliferating in the market due to its unique antimicrobial property, however, lack of in-depth knowledge about their potential effect on human health in a longer run is of great concern. Therefore, we investigated dose-dependent in vivo effect of AgNPs using Drosophila as a model system. Drosophila, a genetically tractable organism with distinct developmental stages, short life cycle and significant homology with human serves as an ideal organism to study nanomaterial-mediated toxicity. Our studies suggest that ingestion of AgNPs in Drosophila during adult stage for short and long duration significantly affects egg laying capability along with impaired growth of ovary. Additionally, dietary intake of AgNPs from larval stage has more deleterious effects that result in reduced survival, longevity, ovary size and egg laying capability at a further lower dosage. Interestingly, the trans-generational effect of AgNPs was also observed without feeding progeny with AgNPs, thereby suggesting its impact from previous generation. Our results strongly imply that higher doses of AgNPs and its administration early during development is detrimental to the reproductive health and survival of Drosophila that follows in generations to come without feeding them to AgNPs.

Structure of DPPC-hyaluronan interfacial layers - effects of molecular weight and ion composition

Hyaluronan and phospholipids play an important role in lubrication in articular joints and provide in combination with glycoproteins exceptionally low friction coefficients. We have investigated the structural organization of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) Langmuir layers at the solution-air interface at different length scales with respect to the adsorption of hyaluronan (HA). This allows us to assemble a comprehensive picture of the adsorption and the resulting structures, and how they are affected by the molecular weight of HA and the presence of calcium ions. Brewster angle microscopy and grazing incident diffraction were used to determine the lateral structure at the micro- and macro scale. The data reveals an influence of HA on both the macro and micro structure of the DPPC Langmuir layer, and that the strength of this effect increases with decreasing molecular weight of HA and in presence of calcium ions. Furthermore, from X-ray reflectivity measurements we conclude that HA adsorbs to the hydrophilic part of DPPC, but data also suggest that two types of interfacial structures are formed at the interface. We argue that hydrophobic forces and electrostatic interactions play important rules for the association between DPPC and HA. Surface pressure area isotherms were used to determine the influence of HA on the phase behavior of DPPC while electrophoretic mobility measurements were used to gain insight into the binding of calcium ions to DPPC vesicles and hyaluronan.

Characterization and sorting of cells based on stiffness contrast in a microfluidic channel

This paper reports the characterization and sorting of cells based on stiffness contrast. A microfluidic device with focusing and spacing control for stiffness based sorting of cells is designed, fabricated and demonstrated.

Assessment of knowledge of medicinal plants and their use in tribal region of Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh, India

The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge of medicinal plants and their use in tribal region of Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. Under the socio-economic profile, farmers of middle age (36-55 yrs) people showed the maximum percentage (78%) distribution and frequency, 50 per cent of respondents belonged to primary to middle school level of education and 63 per cent of respondents were having medium size of family (5 to 8 members). A total number of 50 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families were recorded, in which Euphorbiaceae registered as the largest family with 4 plant species (8%). Shrub showed their maximum presence (34%) followed by tree (32%), herb (20%) and climber (14%). As per knowledge of respondents about medicinal plants Haldi and Bhui-neem is mostly use as medicinal purpose as 5.2% (n=40) followed by Harra, Munga, Karanj and Hadjod (3.9% each). This information through respondent (tribals) showed very diverse nature of medicinal flora, their usage in healing purpose with socioeconomic/ living standard upliftment. Therefore, it is needful aspect of conserving these biological resources for sustainable ecosystem.

Modeling the relationship among gray matter atrophy, abnormalities in connecting white matter, and cognitive performance in early multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Quantitative assessment of clinical and pathologic consequences of white matter abnormalities in multiple sclerosis is critical in understanding the pathways of disease. This study aimed to test whether gray matter atrophy was related to abnormalities in connecting white matter and to identify patterns of imaging biomarker abnormalities that were related to patient processing speed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Image data and Symbol Digit Modalities Test scores were collected from a cohort of patients with early multiple sclerosis. The Network Modification Tool was used to estimate connectivity irregularities by projecting white matter abnormalities onto connecting gray matter regions. Partial least-squares regression quantified the relationship between imaging biomarkers and processing speed as measured by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test.

RESULTS

Atrophy in deep gray matter structures of the thalami and putamen had moderate and significant correlations with abnormalities in connecting white matter (r = 0.39-0.41, P < .05 corrected). The 2 models of processing speed, 1 for each of the WM imaging biomarkers, had goodness-of-fit (R(2)) values of 0.42 and 0.30. A measure of the impact of white matter lesions on the connectivity of occipital and parietal areas had significant nonzero regression coefficients.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that deep gray matter regions may be susceptible to inflammation and/or demyelination in white matter, possibly having a higher sensitivity to remote degeneration, and that lesions affecting visual processing pathways were related to processing speed. The Network Modification Tool may be used to quantify the impact of early white matter abnormalities on both connecting gray matter structures and processing speed.

Factors associated with study attrition among HIV-infected risky drinkers in St. Petersburg, Russia

BACKGROUND

Participant attrition in HIV longitudinal studies may introduce bias and diminish research quality. The identification of participant characteristics that are predictive of attrition might inform retention strategies.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to identify factors associated with attrition among HIV-infected Russian risky drinkers from the secondary HIV prevention HERMITAGE trial. We examined whether current injection drug use (IDU), binge drinking, depressive symptoms, HIV status nondisclosure, stigma, and lifetime history of incarceration were predictors of study attrition. We also explored effect modification due to gender.

METHODS

Complete loss to follow-up (LTFU), defined as no follow-up visits after baseline, was the primary outcome, and time to first missed visit was the secondary outcome. We used multiple logistic regression models for the primary analysis, and Cox proportional hazards models for the secondary analysis.

RESULTS

Of 660 participants, 101 (15.3%) did not return after baseline. No significant associations between independent variables and complete LTFU were observed. Current IDU and HIV status nondisclosure were significantly associated with time to first missed visit (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.03-1.87; AHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.03-1.86, respectively). Gender stratified analyses suggested a larger impact of binge drinking among men and history of incarceration among women with time to first missed visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Although no factors were significantly associated with complete LTFU, current IDU and HIV status nondisclosure were significantly associated with time to first missed visit in HIV-infected Russian risky drinkers. An understanding of these predictors may inform retention efforts in longitudinal studies.

Reduced glucose uptake and Aβ in brain regions with hyperintensities in connected white matter

Interstitial concentration of amyloid beta (Aß) is positively related to synaptic activity in animal experiments. In humans, Aß deposition in Alzheimer's disease overlaps with cortical regions highly active earlier in life. White matter lesions (WML) disrupt connections between gray matter (GM) regions which in turn changes their activation patterns. Here, we tested if WML are related to Aß accumulation (measured with PiB-PET) and glucose uptake (measured with FDG-PET) in connected GM. WML masks from 72 cognitively normal (age 61.7 ± 9.6 years, 71% women) individuals were obtained from T2-FLAIR. MRI and PET images were normalized into common space, segmented and parcellated into gray matter (GM) regions. The effects of WML on connected GM regions were assessed using the Change in Connectivity (ChaCo) score. Defined for each GM region, ChaCo is the percentage of WM tracts connecting to that region that pass through the WML mask. The regional relationship between ChaCo, glucose uptake and Aß was explored via linear regression. Subcortical regions of the bilateral caudate, putamen, calcarine, insula, thalamus and anterior cingulum had WM connections with the most lesions, followed by frontal, occipital, temporal, parietal and cerebellar regions. Regional analysis revealed that GM with more lesions in connecting WM and thus impaired connectivity had lower FDG-PET (r = 0.20, p<0.05 corrected) and lower PiB uptake (r = 0.28, p<0.05 corrected). Regional regression also revealed that both ChaCo (β = 0.045) and FDG-PET (β = 0.089) were significant predictors of PiB. In conclusion, brain regions with more lesions in connecting WM had lower glucose metabolism and lower Aß deposition.

Inhibition of intestinal tumor formation by deletion of the DNA methyltransferase 3a

Aberrant de novo methylation of DNA is considered an important mediator of tumorigenesis. To investigate the role of de novo DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) in intestinal tumor development, we analyzed the expression of Dnmt3a in murine colon crypts, murine colon adenomas and human colorectal cancer using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), quantitative PCR and immunostaining. Following conditional deletion of Dnmt3a in the colon of APC((Min/+)) mice, we analyzed tumor numbers, genotype of macroadenomas and laser dissected microadenomas, global and regional DNA methylation and gene expression. Our results showed increased Dnmt3a expression in colon adenomas of APC((Min/+)) mice and human colorectal cancer samples when compared with control tissue. Interestingly, in tumor tissue, RNA FISH analysis showed highest Dnmt3a expression in Lgr5-positive stem/progenitor cells. Deletion of Dnmt3a in APC((Min/+)) mice reduced colon tumor numbers by ~40%. Remaining adenomas and microadenomas almost exclusively contained the non-recombined Dnmt3a allele; no tumors composed of the inactivated Dnmt3a allele were detected. DNA methylation was reduced at the Oct4, Nanog, Tff2 and Cdkn1c promoters and expression of the tumor-suppressor genes Tff2 and Cdkn1c was increased. In conclusion, our results show that Dnmt3a is predominantly expressed in the stem/progenitor cell compartment of tumors and that deletion of Dnmt3a inhibits the earliest stages of intestinal tumor development.