Dissecting the phyloepidemiology of Trypanosoma cruzi I (TcI) in Brazil by the use of high resolution genetic markers.

Background: Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, is monophyletic but genetically heterogeneous. It is currently represented by six genetic lineages (Discrete Typing Units, DTUs) designated TcI-TcVI. TcI is the most geographically widespread and genetically heterogeneous lineage, this as is evidenced by a wide range of genetic markers applied to isolates spanning a vast geographic range in Latin America.

Growth Differentiation Factor-15 as a Predictor of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy Progression: A Retrospective Study.

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is a major cause of nephrotic syndrome. No biomarker to predict the long-term prognosis of IMN is currently available. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a member of the transforming growth factor- superfamily and has been associated with chronic inflammatory disease.

Tuberculosis infection via the emergency department among inpatients in South Korea: a propensity score matched analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

Background: Emergency departments (EDs) carry a high risk of infectious disease transmission and have also been implicated in tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks.

Aim: To determine if patients who visit EDs have an increased risk of TB infection. Using South Korean inpatient sample data (2012), the risk of TB occurrence during 90 days after hospitalization for patients admitted via EDs was compared with that for patients admitted via outpatient clinics.

Clinicopathological Profiling of LC3B, an Autophagy Marker, and ESRRA (Estrogen-related Receptor-alpha) in Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer.

Background/aim: Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), an autophagy marker, has been used as a promising marker in various cancer types. However, the expression of LC3B in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and its prognostic significance have not been investigated. Recent studies pointed to the involvement of ESRRA in regulating autophagy via both transcriptional and post-translational control.

Multilocus sequence typing: genetic diversity in Trypanosoma cruzi I (TcI) isolates from Brazilian didelphids.

Background: Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite characterized by extensive genetic heterogeneity. There are currently six recognised, genetically distinct, monophyletic clades designated discrete typing units (DTUs). TcI has the broadest geographical range and most genetic diversity evidenced by a wide range of genetic markers applied to isolates spanning a vast geographical range across Latin America.

Three-Dimensional Microfibrous Bundle Structure Fabricated Using an Electric Field-Assisted/Cell Printing Process for Muscle Tissue Regeneration.

In tissue engineering, biomimetic scaffolds are developed to provide cells with a microenvironment that promotes cellular activities. In this study, we present a three-dimensional (3D) fibrous bundle structure fabricated using an electrohydrodynamic process and a cell printing process using myoblast-laden collagen bioink. An anisotropic topographical cue in a 3D structure is an important factor for muscle tissue regeneration, and therefore, the fibrous bundle structure was uniaxially stretched using optimized conditions for fiber alignment.

Trophic transfer of citrate, PVP coated silver nanomaterials, and silver ions in a paddy microcosm.

We used replicated paddy microcosm systems to estimate the tropic transfer of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNP citrate), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated AgNP (AgNP PVP), and silver ions (AgNO) for 14 days under two exposure regimes (a single high-dose exposure; 60 μg L and a sequential low-dose exposure at 1 h, 4 days and 9 days; 20 μg L × 3 = 60 μg L). Most Ag ions from AgNO had dispersed in the water and precipitated partly on the sediment, whereas the two Ag NPs rapidly coagulated and precipitated on the sediment. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of Ag from AgNPs and AgNO in Chinese muddy loaches and biofilms were higher than those of river snails in both exposure conditions.

Tussilagone Inhibits the Inflammatory Response and Improves Survival in CLP-Induced Septic Mice.

Tussilagone, extracted from is an oriental medicine used for asthma and bronchitis. We investigated its mechanism of action, its inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in macrophages, and its impact on viability in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced mouse model of sepsis. Tussilagone suppressed the expression of the inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, and the inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.

Evaluating an iPad app in measuring wound dimension: a pilot study.

Objective: This pilot study tested the reliability, validity and sensitivity of an innovative prototype iPad app, WoundAide, developed to measure wound dimension (length, width and surface area) using image analysis.

Method: A prospective evaluation was conducted comparing WoundAide (WA) with two gold standard instruments, Wound Zoom (WZ) and Visitrak (VT). The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Decreased Expression of the Polarity Regulatory PAR Complex Predicts Poor Prognosis of the Patients with Colorectal Adenocarcinoma.

Partitioning defective (Par) proteins regulate cell polarity and differentiation. Par3, Par6β, and protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ), which are PAR complex members, have been shown to be associated with oncogenesis and progression. Herein, we report the expression pattern and clinical relevance of Par3, Par6β, and PKCζ in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC).

Predictive Value of Pulse Pressure in Acute Ischemic Stroke for Future Major Vascular Events.

Background And Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether pulse pressure (PP) obtained during the acute stage of ischemic stroke can be used as a predictor for future major vascular events.

Methods: Using a multicenter prospective stroke registry database, patients who were hospitalized for ischemic stroke within 48 hours of onset were enrolled in this study. We analyzed blood pressure (BP) data measured during the first 3 days from onset.

New metabolites of hongdenafil, homosildenafil and hydroxyhomosildenafil.

Recently, illegal sildenafil analogues have emerged, causing serious social issues. In spite of the importance of sildenafil analogues, their metabolic profiles or clinical effects have not been reported yet. In this study, new metabolites of illegal sildenafil analogues such as hongdenafil, homosildenafil, and hydroxyhomosildenafil were determined using liquid chromatography quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS).

Analysis of Biosignals During Immersion in Computer Games.

The number of computer game users is increasing as computers and various IT devices in connection with the Internet are commonplace in all ages. In this research, in order to find the relevance of behavioral activity and its associated biosignal, biosignal changes before and after as well as during computer games were measured and analyzed for 31 subjects. For this purpose, a device to measure electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram and skin temperature was developed such that the effect of motion artifacts could be minimized.

Phosphorylated Protein Kinase C (Zeta/Lambda) Expression in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma and Its Correlation with Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Prognosis.

Protein kinase C zeta/lambda (PKCζ/λ) is a family of protein kinase enzymes that contributes to cell proliferation and regulation, which are important for cancer development. PKCζ/λ has been shown to be an important regulator of tumorigenesis in intestinal cancer. The phosphorylated form of PKCζ/λ, p-PKCζ/λ, is suggested as an active form of PKCζ/λ.

Development of a tannic acid cross-linking process for obtaining 3D porous cell-laden collagen structure.

Cell-printing is an emerging technique that enables to build a customized structure using biomaterials and living cells for various biomedical applications. In many biomaterials, alginate has been widely used for rapid gelation, low cost, and relatively high processability. However, biocompatibilities enhancing cell adhesion and proliferation were limited, so that, to overcome this problem, an outstanding alternative, collagen, has been extensively investigated.

Effect of statin on progression of symptomatic basilar artery stenosis and subsequent ischemic stroke.

Background And Objective: Symptomatic basilar artery stenosis (BAS) is associated with high risk of ischemic stroke recurrence. We aimed to investigate whether statin therapy might prevent the progression of symptomatic BAS and stroke recurrence.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with acute ischemia with symptomatic BAS, which was assessed using magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) imaging on admission day, and 1 year later (or the day of the clinical event).

Preparation and characterization of gelatin/α-TCP/SF biocomposite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration.

In this study, we suggest a new biocomposite scaffold composed of gelatin/α-TCP (tricalcium phosphate)/SF (silk-fibroin) (GTS) which has enhanced mechanical strength and high level of cellular activity. To fabricate GTS scaffold, a temperature-controlled 3D printing process was used and appropriate printing conditions were selected based on rheological data. To show the feasibility as a biomedical scaffold for bone tissue regeneration, the various physical and biological results, using MG63 (osteoblast-like cells), of the GTS scaffold were compared with those of a pure gelatin (G) and gelatin/α-TCP (GT) composite scaffold.

Is higher formula intake and limited dietary diversity in Australian children at 14 months of age associated with dietary quality at 24 months?

A varied and diverse diet in childhood supports optimum long-term preferences and growth. Previous analysis from 14-month-old Australian children in the NOURISH and South Australian Infants Dietary Intake (SAIDI) studies found higher formula intake was associated with lower dietary diversity. This analysis investigated whether formula intake and dietary diversity at 14 months of age is associated with dietary quality at 24 months.

Growth differentiation factor 15 as a predictor of adverse renal outcomes in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy.

Background: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF 15) has recently been reported as a useful prognostic marker in patients with chronic inflammatory disease and heart disease.

Aim: To evaluate the role of GDF 15 as a potential prognostic predictor of renal outcome in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN).

Methods: In total, 212 patients in the Chungnam National Hospital glomerulonephritis cohort, who were diagnosed as biopsy-proven IgAN between March 2010 and June 2014, were included.

Association of PD-L1 expression and PD-L1 gene polymorphism with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1)/programmed death-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) interaction has been linked to tumor immune evasion. PD-L1 expression has been indicated in identifying non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients for treatment with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic values of PD-L1 expression and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PD-L1 gene in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC).

Recurrent AA Amyloidosis Combined With Chronic Active Antibody-mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation.

Kidney transplantation for amyloidosis remains a contentious issue. Recurrence of amyloidosis is one of the risks of transplantation. Chronic active antibody-mediated rejection is an important cause of chronic allograft dysfunction.

Hippo effector YAP directly regulates the expression of PD-L1 transcripts in EGFR-TKI-resistant lung adenocarcinoma.

Developments of EGFR-TKI and immunotherapy targeting the PD1/PD-L1 pathway are considered most important medical breakthroughs in lung cancer treatment. Nowadays, 3rd generation EGFR TKI is widely used for T790M positive 1st and 2nd EGFR-TKI resistant lung cancer patients. Immunotherapy is powerful option for lung cancer patients without drug targets and chemotherapy resistant patients.