Development of a Dominant Negative Competence-Stimulating Peptide (dnCSP) that Attenuates Streptococcus pneumoniae Infectivity in a Mouse Model of Acute Pneumonia.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a prevalent human pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases, including pneumonia, bacteremia, sepsis, meningitis and otitis media, with a death toll of >22 000 a year in the United States alone. Pneumococcus uses the competence regulon and its associated signaling peptide, the competence stimulating peptide (CSP), to initiate its attack on the host and establish an infection. In this work, we set out to: 1) develop a pan-group quorum sensing inhibitor that could effectively interact with both the pneumococcus ComD1 and ComD2 receptors; and 2) evaluate the utility of dominant-negative CSPs (dnCSPs) in attenuating pneumococcus infectivity.

Cellular Response to 3-D Printed Bioactive Silicate and Borosilicate Glass Scaffolds.

The repair and regeneration of loaded segmental bone defects is a challenge for both materials and biomedical science communities. Our recent work demonstrated the capability of bioactive glass in supporting bone healing and defect bridging using a rabbit femur segmental defect model without growth factors or bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Here in the current work, a comprehensive in vitro evaluation of bioactive silicate (13-93) and borosilicate (2B6Sr) glass scaffolds was conducted to provide further understanding of their biological performances and to establish a correlation between in vitro and in vivo behaviors.

Clients' Perspectives of the Effectiveness of Home Modification Recommendations by Occupational Therapists.

This study investigates the effectiveness of home modifications from clients' perspectives. Ten participants who received home assessments and modification recommendations were recruited from a rehabilitation agency. The dimension of home measure and qualitative interviews was conducted.

Current standing and future directions in pediatric oncofertility: a narrative review.

In this narrative review, we discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of infertility in childhood and adolescent cancer. We also review the current guidelines and ethical issues related to pediatric oncofertility. Finally, we present recent advances in basic science and translational research in pediatric fertility preservation (FP).

Unilateral open extravesical ureteral reimplanation with contralateral dextronomer/hyaluronic acid injection performed as an outpatient therapy.

Introduction: Historically, patients with unilateral high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and contralateral low-grade or resolved VUR have been treated with bilateral intravesical ureteral reimplantation, which requires postoperative admission. If the high-grade VUR side is treated alone, then the contralateral side is at risk of developing recurrent or worsening VUR. Bilateral subureteric injection of dextronomer/hyaluronic acid (DHA) is another option that can be performed as an outpatient therapy, but a single injection is less effective for high-grade VUR.

Abemaciclib: The Newest CDK4/6 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Breast Cancer.

Objective: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, abemaciclib, in the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Data Sources: Relevant information was identified through a MEDLINE/PubMed (January 2000 to June 2018) literature search. The new drug application, prescribing information, and abstracts and posters from scientific meetings were also reviewed.

Low-Temperature Sulfidic-Ice Microbial Communities, Borup Fiord Pass, Canadian High Arctic.

A sulfur-dominated supraglacial spring system found at Borup Fiord Pass (BFP), Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada, is a unique sulfur-on-ice system expressed along the toe of a glacier. BFP has an intermittent flowing, subsurface-derived, glacial spring that creates a large white-yellow icing (aufeis) that extends down-valley. Over field campaigns in 2014, 2016, and 2017, numerous samples were collected and analyzed for both microbial community composition and aqueous geochemistry.

Determinants of personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) in adult subjects in Hong Kong.

Personal monitoring for fine particulate matter (PM) was conducted for adults (48 subjects, 18-63years of age) in Hong Kong during the summer and winter of 2014-2015. All filters were analyzed for PM mass and constituents (including carbonaceous aerosols, water-soluble ions, and elements). We found that season (p=0.

Quantitative retinal microvasculature in children using swept-source optical coherence tomography: the Hong Kong Children Eye Study.

Aims: To evaluate the distributions of quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) metrics and its associated factors in children.

Methods: 1059 children aged 6-8 years were recruited from the Hong Kong Children Eye Study. All the participants underwent OCT-A with a swept-source OCT.

Paradoxical Examination and Imaging Findings in a Case of Paratesticular Cutaneous Angioyxoma.

Angiomyxomas are rare soft tissue neoplasms rich in myxoid matrix and blood vessels that typically present as nodules on the trunk, head, and limbs in adults. They are classified as either cutaneous or aggressive based on histological findings and extent of local growth. There are less than 150 reported cases in the literature.

E-health tools in oncology nursing: Perceptions of nurses and contributions to patient care and advanced practice.

As oncology nurses confront a rapidly evolving field with increased workplace pressure, the integration of evidence-based connected health platforms within practice presents promise. This study explores nurses' perceptions regarding the utility of e-health tools, with a focus on the Oncology Interactive Navigator (OIN), as a potential contributor to their practice and interactions with patients. Focus groups with oncology nurses were conducted at two time points: prior to exposure to the OIN (T1, n=8) and four weeks post unrestricted tool access (T2, n=7).

Bladder debris on ultrasound as a predictor for positive urine culture in a pediatric population.

Introduction: Debris within the bladder is commonly seen on ultrasound. The etiology of bladder debris is varied and the likelihood that urinary debris represents positive urine culture is under investigation. We hypothesize that bladder debris will increase the likelihood that a urine culture is positive compared to those without bladder debris.

Naked mole rat brain mitochondria electron transport system flux and H leak are reduced during acute hypoxia.

Mitochondrial respiration and ATP production are compromised by hypoxia. Naked mole rats (NMRs) are among the most hypoxia-tolerant mammals and reduce metabolic rate in hypoxic environments; however, little is known regarding mitochondrial function during hypoxia exposure in this species. To address this knowledge gap, we asked whether the function of NMR brain mitochondria exhibits metabolic plasticity during acute hypoxia.

Diverse Changes of Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Diseases.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a stress-induced hormone in the liver, has been shown the protective functions in pathological conditions. The study investigated the association of circulating FGF21 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its related diseases. Serum FGF21 levels were measured in 33 acute hepatitis B (AHB), 75 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 66 CHB patients with advanced liver diseases including liver cirrhosis, acute-on-chronic liver failure (ALCF) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) together with 200 age- and BMI-matched healthy controls.

Comparative biochemistry of cytochrome c oxidase in animals.

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the terminal enzyme of the electron transport system, is central to aerobic metabolism of animals. Many aspects of its structure and function are highly conserved, yet, paradoxically, it is also an important model for studying the evolution of the metabolic phenotype. In this review, part of a special issue honouring Peter Hochachka, we consider the biology of COX from the perspective of comparative and evolutionary biochemistry.

A case series of anophthalmic socket cysts excised utilising fibrin sealant.

Anophthalmic socket cysts are challenging to remove and incomplete excision has been shown to increase the risk of recurrence. This case series describes a novel technique utilising the fibrin sealant Tisseel (Baxter AG, Vienna, Austria) to retain the socket cyst integrity during surgical removal to facilitate its complete excision. Five patients were included and followed up for a minimum of 1 year, and there were no signs of recurrence in any of the cases.

Dermatologist and Patient Preferences in Choosing Treatments for Moderate to Severe Psoriasis.

Introduction: The objective of the study was to determine the relative importance (RI) of treatment attributes psoriasis patients and physicians consider when choosing between biologic therapies based on psoriasis severity.

Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) weighting preference for eight sets of hypothetical treatments for moderate or severe psoriasis was conducted. DCE hypothetical treatments were defined and varied on combinations of efficacy, safety, and dosing attributes [frequency/setting/route of administration (ROA)].

Comparison of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the serum of hypothyroxinemic and euthyroid dogs.

Objective: To determine the profile of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 23 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in serum of domestic canines and whether this was predictive of thyroid hormone status.

Samples: Serum samples were collected from 51 client-owned dogs visiting the University of California Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital during 2012 to 2016 for routine appointments.

Liver failure determines the outcome in patients of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF): comparison of APASL ACLF research consortium (AARC) and CLIF-SOFA models.

Background And Aims: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a progressive disease associated with rapid clinical worsening and high mortality. Early prediction of mortality and intervention can improve patient outcomes. We aimed to develop a dynamic prognostic model and compare it with the existing models.

Shortening the duration of therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection.

Combination direct-acting antiviral therapy of 8-24 weeks is highly effective for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection. However, shortening the treatment duration to less than 8 weeks could potentially reduce overall treatment costs and improve adherence. Here we explore the arguments for and against the development of short-duration regimens and existing data on treatment for 6 weeks or less among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection.