Enhanced Staphylococcus aureus protection by uncoupling of the α-toxin-ADAM10 interaction during murine neonatal vaccination.

Staphylococcus aureus remains a leading global cause of bacterial infection-associated mortality and has eluded prior vaccine development efforts. S. aureus α-toxin (Hla) is an essential virulence factor in disease, impairing the T cell response to infection.

Sexual health-a topic for cancer patients receiving oncological treatment with palliative intent.

Objectives: Sexuality is an important dimension of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer patients. Studies evidence that most patients report impairments of their sexual health related to their disease or its treatment. The Quality of Life Group of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) developed a patient reported outcome measure assessing multidimensional aspects of sexual health.

LAIR1 prevents excess inflammatory tissue damage in skin infection and Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.

Patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) experience high morbidity and mortality due to skin infections and sepsis, but the causative immune defect is unclear. We previously identified high levels of LAIR2, a decoy protein for the inhibitory receptor LAIR1, in advanced CTCL. Mice do not have a LAIR2 homolog, so we used knock-out (KO) mice to model LAIR2 overexpression.

Development and psychometric evaluation of item banks for memory and attention - supplements to the EORTC CAT Core instrument.

Background: Cancer patients may experience a decrease in cognitive functioning before, during and after cancer treatment. So far, the Quality of Life Group of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLG) developed an item bank to assess self-reported memory and attention within a single, cognitive functioning scale (CF) using computerized adaptive testing (EORTC CAT Core CF item bank). However, the distinction between different cognitive functions might be important to assess the patients' functional status appropriately and to determine treatment impact.

A meta-analysis of the accessory left atrial appendage and the left atrial diverticulum.

Left atrial (LA) structures, including the accessory left atrial appendage (aLAA) and left atrial diverticulum, have been studied based on their prevalence, shape, and association with arrhythmia and thrombi formation. A pooled prevalence with morphometric data has not been determined in previous research. Our goal is to provide structured, clinically relevant information on said structures for clinical practitioners to use in their daily work.

The meta-analysis and systematic review of prevalence and clinical anatomy of the arc of Buhler.

The arc of Buhler (AOB) is a direct anastomosis of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. This paper reviews the literature on the AOB and provides accurate and up-to-date data on its prevalence, anatomy, and clinical significance. The main scholarly online databases were carefully searched for relevant studies related to the AOB.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of the retrotransverse foramen of the atlas.

The retrotransverse foramen (RTF) is a nonmetric variant of the atlas vertebra that can accommodate an anastomotic vertebral vein and occipital nerve. An understanding of this variation and its occurrence is crucial, as it could aid in explanation of the unidentified cause of the high prevalence of variability in this region. The aim of this meta-analysis was to obtain data on the prevalence of the RTF and its variations according to anatomy, sex, and ethnicity.

Phosphorylation of PSD-95 at serine 73 in dCA1 is required for extinction of contextual fear.

The updating of contextual memories is essential for survival in a changing environment. Accumulating data indicate that the dorsal CA1 area (dCA1) contributes to this process. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of contextual fear memory updating remain poorly understood.

Strategies for Improving Access to Cancer Services in Rural Communities: A Pre-implementation Study.

Background: Implementation science is defined as the scientific study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake of evidence-based practice into regular use by practitioners. Failure of implementation is more common in resource-limited settings and may contribute to health disparities between rural and urban communities. In this pre-implementation study, we aimed to (1) evaluate barriers and facilitators for implementation of guideline-concordant healthcare services for cancer patients in rural communities in Upstate New York and (2) identify key strategies for successful implementation of cancer services and supportive programs in resource-poor settings.

Complement detection in kidney biopsies - utility and challenges.

Purpose Of Review: This review discusses the important role of staining for components of the complement cascade in both native and transplant kidney biopsies. The use of complement staining as a marker of prognosis, disease activity, and as a potential future tool in identifying patients who may benefit from complement-targeted therapies is discussed.

Recent Findings: While staining for C3, C1q and C4d can yield valuable information about complement activation in kidney biopsies, to adequately assess complement activation and potential therapeutic targets, expanded staining panels looking at multiple split products and complement regulatory proteins are needed.

Aluminum Nanoparticles Affect Human Platelet Function In Vitro.

Endoprostheses are prone to tribological wear and biological processes that lead to the release of particles, including aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs). Those particles can diffuse into circulation. However, the toxic effects of NPs on platelets have not been comprehensively analyzed.

Utility of Banff Human Organ Transplant Gene Panel in Human Kidney Transplant Biopsies.

Background: Microarray transcript analysis of human renal transplantation biopsies has successfully identified the many patterns of graft rejection. To evaluate an alternative, this report tests whether gene expression from the Banff Human Organ Transplant (B-HOT) probe set panel, derived from validated microarrays, can identify the relevant allograft diagnoses directly from archival human renal transplant formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies. To test this hypothesis, principal components (PCs) of gene expressions were used to identify allograft diagnoses, to classify diagnoses, and to determine whether the PC data were rich enough to identify diagnostic subtypes by clustering, which are all needed if the B-HOT panel can substitute for microarrays.

Defining an abnormal p53 immunohistochemical stain in Barrett's oesophagus-related dysplasia: a single-positive crypt is a sensitive and specific marker of dysplasia.

Aims: p53 is an independent risk stratification marker in Barrett's oesophagus (BE), but no universally accepted definition exists for abnormal p53 staining. Herein, we assess p53 stains in two cohorts to: (1) define abnormal p53 staining in BE-related dysplasia (BERD) and (2) assess the specificity and sensitivity of this cut-point for the diagnosis of dysplasia.

Methods: Cohort 1 (n = 313) included (1) dysplastic BE biopsies, (2) prior non-dysplastic BE (NDBE) biopsies from the same patients and (3) NDBE biopsies from patients who never progressed to dysplasia.

Banff Human Organ Transplant Transcripts Correlate with Renal Allograft Pathology and Outcome: Importance of Capillaritis and Subpathologic Rejection.

Background: To seek insights into the pathogenesis of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (CAMR), we performed mRNA analysis and correlated transcripts with pathologic component scores and graft outcomes.

Methods: We utilized the NanoString nCounter platform and the Banff Human Organ Transplant gene panel to quantify transcripts on 326 archived renal allograft biopsy samples. This system allowed correlation of transcripts with Banff pathology scores from the same tissue block and correlation with long-term outcomes.

Content validity of the EORTC quality of life questionnaire QLQ-C30 for use in cancer.

Aim: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) is among the most widely used patient-reported outcome measures in cancer research and practice. It was developed prior to guidance that content should be established directly from patients to confirm it measures concepts of interest and is appropriate and comprehensive for the intended population. This study evaluated the content validity of the QLQ-C30 for use with cancer patients.

Keratin 8 is a scaffolding and regulatory protein of ERAD complexes.

Early recognition and enhanced degradation of misfolded proteins by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control and ER-associated degradation (ERAD) cause defective protein secretion and membrane targeting, as exemplified for Z-alpha-1-antitrypsin (Z-A1AT), responsible for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) and F508del-CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF). Prompted by our previous observation that decreasing Keratin 8 (K8) expression increased trafficking of F508del-CFTR to the plasma membrane, we investigated whether K8 impacts trafficking of soluble misfolded Z-A1AT protein. The subsequent goal of this study was to elucidate the mechanism underlying the K8-dependent regulation of protein trafficking, focusing on the ERAD pathway.

Minimally important differences of EORTC QLQ-C30 scales in patients with lung cancer or malignant pleural mesothelioma - Interpretation guidance derived from two randomized EORTC trials.

Objectives: A minimally important difference (MID) is the smallest difference in quality of life (QoL) perceived as relevant by patients or clinicians. MIDs aid interpretation of QOL data in research and clinical practice. We aimed to determine MIDs for the EORTC QLQ-C30 for patients with lung cancer or malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism influence on lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a multifaceted pathology that is the main morphological cause of lower back pain. This study aimed to determine the link between the vitamin D receptor gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and degenerative processes of the lumbar spine. The complete lumbar spinal columns were collected from 100 Caucasian cadavers via ventral dissection.

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the usage of a mild electrical current through electrodes that stimulate nerves. Patients with malignancies experience pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. A systematic review was performed to find research evaluating the effect of TENS on these two common symptoms decreasing the quality of life in cancer patients.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of iliocapsularis muscle: an important landmark in orthopedic surgery.

Purpose: Iliocapsularis (IC) is a small muscle overlying the capsule of the hip joint. Although recent attention is being given to this muscle by orthopedic surgeons who encounter it during the anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty, little is known about its anatomical features. The aim of this study was to review the anatomy of IC, and describe its' origin, insertion, blood supply, innervation, muscle fiber characteristics and size.

The persistent median artery and its vascular patterns: A meta-analysis of 10,394 subjects.

The presence of a persistent median artery (PMA) has been implicated in the development of compression neuropathies and surgical complications. Due to the large variability in the prevalence of the PMA and its subtypes in the literature, more awareness of its anatomy is needed. The aim of our meta-analysis was to find the pooled prevalence of the antebrachial and palmar persistent median arteries.

Psychometric validation of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire Sexual Health (EORTC QLQ-SH22).

Background: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group developed a questionnaire to assess sexual health in patients with cancer and cancer survivors. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the questionnaire.

Methods: The 22-item EORTC sexual health questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-SH22) was administered with the EORTC QLQ-C30 to 444 patients with cancer.

Correlation of morphological and radiological characteristics of degenerative disc disease in lumbar spine: a cadaveric study.

Background: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of low back pain. Several grading systems have been developed for both morphological and radiological assessment. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological and radiological characteristics of IVD degeneration and validate popular radiological Pfirrmann scale against morphological Thompson grading system.