Digital Commons Network^™

Associations Of Snfl With Clinico-Radiological Measures In A Large Ms Population, Elias S Sotirchos, Robert T Naismith, Min Qiao, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), measured using high-throughput assays on widely accessible platforms in large, real-world MS populations, is a critical step for sNfL to be utilized in clinical practice.

METHODS: Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) is a network of healthcare institutions in the United States and Europe collecting standardized clinical/imaging data and biospecimens during routine clinic visits. sNfL was measured in 6974 MS and 201 healthy control (HC) participants, using a high-throughput, scalable immunoassay.

RESULTS: Elevated sNfL levels for age (sNfL-E) were found in 1238 MS participants (17.8%). Factors associated with …

Updates In The Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorder Show The Role Of Osteocytic Proteins, A Potential Mechanism Of The Bone-Vascular Paradox, A Therapeutic Target, And A Biomarker, Matthew J Williams, Sarah C White, Zachary Joseph, Keith A Hruska

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a complex multi-component syndrome occurring during kidney disease and its progression. Here, we update progress in the components of the syndrome, and synthesize recent investigations, which suggest a potential mechanism of the bone-vascular paradox. The discovery that calcified arteries in chronic kidney disease inhibit bone remodeling lead to the identification of factors produced by the vasculature that inhibit the skeleton, thus providing a potential explanation for the bone-vascular paradox. Among the factors produced by calcifying arteries, sclerostin secretion is especially enlightening. Sclerostin is a potent inhibitor of bone remodeling and an osteocyte …

Characterization Of Combined Endoscopies And Aerodigestive Care: An Analysis Of Utilization And Financial Feasibility, Jennifer Brinkmeier, Noor Al-Hammadi, Sumana Shashidhar, Leslie Hinyard, Dhiren Patel

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Aerodigestive care is one model of multi-disciplinary care, which is a valuable tool for both providers and patients. Aerodigestive care models are associated with improved outcomes, reduced anesthesia exposure, reduction in hospital admissions, and fewer days of missed work or school. This is the first study to explore national usage and cost trends in combined endoscopy utilization to identify gaps in care and the potential for financial resource optimization.

METHODS: Data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kid's Inpatient Sample (KID) was used from 2016 and 2019. Diagnoses and procedures were identified using ICD-10 codes, for patients …

Genetic Variation In Environmental Enteropathy And Stunting In Zambian Children: A Pilot Genome Wide Association Study Using The H3africa Chip, Monica N. Mweetwa, Talin Haritunians, Shishir Dube, Kanta Chandwe, Beatrice Amadi, Kanekwa Zyambo, Ta-Chiang Liu, Dermot Mcgovern, Paul Kelly

2020-Current year OA Pubs

PURPOSE: Stunting is known to be heavily influenced by environmental factors, so the genetic contribution has received little attention. Here we report an exploration of genetic influences in stunted Zambian children with environmental enteropathy.

METHOD: Children with stunting (LAZ < -2) were enrolled and given nutritional therapy. Those that were non-responsive to therapy were designated as cases, and children with good growth (LAZ > -1) from the same community as controls. Blood and stool samples were taken to measure biomarkers of intestinal inflammation, epithelial damage, and microbial translocation. Single nucleotide polymorphism array genotyping was carried out on saliva samples using the H3Africa consortium array.

RESULTS: Genome wide associations were analysed in 117 cases and 41 controls. While no significant associations with stunting were observed at …

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is A Risk Factor For Thiopurine Hepatotoxicity In Crohn's Disease, Alvin T George, Matthew Glover, Quazim Alayo, Maria Zulfiqar, Daniel R Ludwig, Matthew A Ciorba, Scott Mchenry, Parakkal Deepak

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are predisposed to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). CD management often includes thiopurines which can promote hepatotoxicity. We aimed to identify the role of NAFLD on the risk of developing liver injury from thiopurines in CD.

METHODS: In this prospective cohort analysis, CD patients at a single center were recruited 6/2017-5/2018. Patients with alternative liver diseases were excluded. The primary outcome was time to elevation of liver enzymes. Patients underwent MRI with assessment of proton density fat fraction (PDFF) on enrollment, where NAFLD was defined as PDFF >5.5%. Statistical analysis was performed using a …

Nrg/Rtog 0837: Randomized, Phase Ii, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Chemoradiation With Or Without Cediranib In Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma, Tracy T Batchelor, Clifford G Robinson, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: A randomized, phase II, placebo-controlled, and blinded clinical trial (NCT01062425) was conducted to determine the efficacy of cediranib, an oral pan-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, versus placebo in combination with radiation and temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive (1) cediranib (20 mg) in combination with radiation and temozolomide; (2) placebo in combination with radiation and temozolomide. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) based on blinded, independent radiographic assessment of postcontrast T1-weighted and noncontrast T2-weighted MRI brain scans and was tested using a 1-sided …

Clinical Characteristics And Outcomes Of Infection With Human T-Lymphotropic Virus In A Non-Endemic Area: A Single Institution Study, Margery Gang, Feng Gao, Sneha Poondru, Theodore Thomas, Lee Ratner

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Understanding of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) remains largely based on epidemiologic and clinical data from endemic areas. Globalization has resulted in migration of persons living with HTLV (PLHTLV) from endemic to non-endemic areas, and a rise of HTLV infection in the United States. Yet, due to the historical rarity of this disease, affected patients are often under- and mis-diagnosed. Thus, we sought to characterize the epidemiology, clinical features, comorbidities, and survival of HTLV-1- or HTLV-2-positive individuals identified in a non-endemic area.

METHODS: Our study was a single institution, retrospective case-control analysis of HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 patients between 1998 and …

Cell Wall Composition In Cryptococcus Neoformans Is Media Dependent And Alters Host Response, Inducing Protective Immunity, Rajendra Upadhya, Woei C Lam, Camaron R Hole, Joseph G Vasselli, Jennifer K Lodge

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION:

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine how different media influenced the amount of chitin and chitosan in the cell wall, which in turn impacted the cell wall architecture and host response.

METHODS: Yeast extract, peptone, and dextrose (YPD) and yeast nitrogen base (YNB) are two commonly used media for growing Cryptococcus before use in in vitro or in vivo experiments. As a result,

RESULTS: We observed that the growth of wild-type

CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the importance of culture media and pH during growth in shaping the content and organization of the

Adapting A Mobile App To Support Patients With Anorexia Nervosa Following Post-Acute Care: Perspectives From Eating Disorder Treatment Center Stakeholders, Anneliese Haas, Agatha A Laboe, Claire G Mcginnis, Marie-Laure Firebaugh, Jillian Shah, Anna M Bardone-Cone, Kathleen M Pike, C Barr Taylor, Denise E Wilfley, Ellen E Fitzsimmons-Craft

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a harmful, life-threatening illness. Patients with severe AN often receive acute treatment but, upon discharge, experience high relapse rates. Evidence-based, outpatient treatment following acute care is critical to preventing relapse; however, numerous barriers (e.g., location, financial limitations, low availability of providers) preclude individuals from accessing treatment. mHealth technologies may help to address these barriers, but research on such digital approaches for those with AN is limited. Further, such technologies should be developed with all relevant stakeholder input considered from the outset. As such, the present study aimed to garner feedback from eating disorder (ED) treatment …

Ehealth Technology In Cardiac Exercise Therapeutics For Pediatric Patients With Congenital And Acquired Heart Conditions: A Summary Of Evidence And Future Directions, David A White, Aimee M Layton, Tracy Curran, Naomi Gauthier, William B Orr, Kendra Ward, Meg Vernon, Matthew N Martinez, Malloree C Rice, Katherine Hansen, Megan Prusi, Jesse E Hansen

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Many children and adolescents with congenital and acquired heart disease (CHD) are physically inactive and participate in an insufficient amount of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise. Although physical activity (PA) and exercise interventions are effective at improving short- and long-term physiological and psychosocial outcomes in youth with CHD, several barriers including resource limitations, financial costs, and knowledge inhibit widespread implementation and dissemination of these beneficial programs. New and developing eHealth, mHealth, and remote monitoring technologies offer a potentially transformative and cost-effective solution to increase access to PA and exercise programs for youth with CHD, yet little has been written on this topic. …

Women's Empowerment And Child Nutrition In A Context Of Shifting Livelihoods In Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia, Karah Mechlowitz, Mark J Manary, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Agriculture, and particularly livestock and animal source foods, has been closely linked to improvements in human nutrition. Production, income, and women's empowerment improve household food security and child nutritional outcomes in interacting ways. Khat production in Eastern Ethiopia is changing the economic and livelihood landscape for communities that have traditionally relied upon small-scale mixed agriculture and livestock production. How this shifting livelihood landscape and the empowerment of women in these communities are affecting nutritional outcomes has not been investigated. Using cross-sectional data collected during formative research for the Campylobacter Genomics and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (CAGED) project, we developed models to …

Vancomycin-Induced Gut Microbial Dysbiosis Alters Enteric Neuron-Macrophage Interactions During A Critical Period Of Postnatal Development, Ellen Merrick Schill, Elisabeth L Joyce, Alexandria N Floyd, Sreeram Udayan, Brigida Rusconi, Shreya Gaddipati, Bibiana E Barrios, Vini John, Mitchell E Kaye, Devesha H Kulkarni, Jocelyn T Pauta, Keely G Mcdonald, Rodney D Newberry

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Vancomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely used in cases of suspected sepsis in premature neonates. While appropriate and potentially lifesaving in this setting, early-life antibiotic exposure alters the developing microbiome and is associated with an increased risk of deadly complications, including late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Recent studies show that neonatal vancomycin treatment disrupts postnatal enteric nervous system (ENS) development in mouse pups, which is in part dependent upon neuroimmune interactions. This suggests that early-life antibiotic exposure could disrupt these interactions in the neonatal gut. Notably, a subset of tissue-resident intestinal macrophages, muscularis macrophages, has been identified as …

Gene-Educational Attainment Interactions In A Multi-Population Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis Identify Novel Lipid Loci, Lisa De Las Fuentes, Karen L. Schwander, Yun Ju Sung, Mary F. Feitosa, Ahn Do, C. Charles Gu, Treva K. Rice, Mary K. Wojczynski, Michael M. Province, Dabeeru C. Rao, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Rare Predicted Loss-Of-Function Variants Of Type I Ifn Immunity Genes Are Associated With Life-Threatening Covid-19, Daniela Matuozzo, Megan A. Cooper, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Apolipoprotein E Genetic Variation, Atherogenic Index And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment In An African Population: An Analysis Of Hiv And Malaria Patients In Ghana, Nicholas Ekow Thomford, Akwasi Anyanful, Richmond Owusu Ateko, Dee Blackhurst, Robert Peter Biney, Dennis Boadi, Samuel Badu Nyarko, Martins Ekor, George Boateng Kyei

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E is involved in lipid transport and clearance of lipoprotein through low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). ApoE variation has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There are 3 isoforms of ApoE which originate from two non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms denoted as ε2, ε3 and ε4. The ε2 isoform is implicated in higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein with the ε4 isoform causing LDLR downregulation. This leads to variable effects and differential CVD risk. Malaria and HIV are life-threatening diseases affecting several countries globally especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Parasite and viral activities have been implicated in lipid dysregulation leading to …

Microbiome-Targeting Therapies In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Safety And Efficacy, Anna Deveaux, Jian Ryou, Gautam Dantas, Barbara B Warner, Phillip I Tarr

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Microbiome-targeting therapies have received great attention as approaches to prevent disease in infants born preterm, but their safety and efficacy remain uncertain. Here we summarize the existing literature, focusing on recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews that evaluate the performance of probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics in clinical trials and studies, emphasizing interventions for which the primary or secondary outcomes were prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, feeding intolerance, and/or reduction in hospitalization length or all-cause mortality. Current evidence suggests that probiotics and prebiotics are largely safe but conclusions regarding their effectiveness in the neonatal intensive care unit have been mixed. To …

Training In Eight Low-And Middle-Income Countries: Lessons Learned From A Pilot Study Using The Who-Tdr Dissemination And Implementation Massive Open Online Course, Ashlin Rakhra, Victor Davila-Roman, Ana A Baumann, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-and middle- income countries (LMICs). Despite this, a lack of funding, training and mentorship for NCD investigators in LMICs exists. In an effort to gain knowledge and skills to address these gaps, participants from the Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT), a consortium of studies in eight LMICs and their networks, attended the dissemination and implementation (D&I) massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases at the World Health Organization to strengthen D&I capacity building. Here, …

Large-Scale Exome Array Summary Statistics Resources For Glycemic Traits To Aid Effector Gene Prioritization, Sara M. Willems, Ping An, Michael A. Province, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Bioimpedance-Derived Membrane Capacitance: Clinically Relevant Sources Of Variability, Precision, And Reliability, Valene Garr Barry, Jasmine L Chiang, Kaylan G Bowman, Kristina D Johnson, Barbara A Gower

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Membrane capacitance (C

Socioecological Predictors Of Breastfeeding Practices In Rural Eastern Ethiopia, Marina Magalhães, Amanda Ojeda, Karah Mechlowitz, Kaitlin Brittain, Jenna Daniel, Kedir Teji Roba, Jemal Yousuf Hassen, Mark J Manary, Wondwossen A Gebreyes, Arie H Havelaar, Sarah L Mckune

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Estimates by the World Health Organization indicate that over 800,000 global neonatal deaths each year are attributed to deviations from recommended best practices in infant feeding. Identifying factors promoting ideal breastfeeding practices may facilitate efforts to decrease neonatal and infant death rates and progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set for 2030. Though numerous studies have identified the benefits of breastfeeding in reducing the risk of childhood undernutrition, infection and illness, and mortality in low- and middle-income countries, no studies have explored predictors of breastfeeding practices in rural eastern Ethiopia, where undernutrition is widespread. The aim of this …

Promoting Rigor And Sustainment In Implementation Science Capacity Building Programs: A Multi-Method Study., Amy G Huebschmann, Shelly Johnston, Rachel Davis, Bethany M Kwan, Elvin Geng, Debra Haire-Joshu, Brittney Sandler, Demetria M Mcneal, Ross C Brownson, Borsika A Rabin

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: The field of Implementation science (IS) continues to evolve, and the number and type of IS capacity building Programs (ISCBPs) are in flux. These changes push the field to revisit the accepted IS competencies and to guide sustainment of ISCBPs. Our objectives were: (1) compare characteristics of current ISCBPs; (2) identify recommendations to support ISCBP sustainment; (3) measure how often ISCBPs address IS competencies; (4) identify novel and important IS competencies for the field.

METHOD: This multi-method study included ISCBPs delivering structured, longitudinal IS training, excluding single courses and brief workshops. We used three complementary methods to meet our …

Epigenetic Clock Explains White Matter Hyperintensity Burden Irrespective Of Chronological Age, Joan Jiménez-Balado, Carolina Soriano-Tárraga, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

In this manuscript we studied the relationship between WMH and biological age (B-age) in patients with acute stroke. We included in this study 247 patients with acute stroke recruited at Hospital del Mar having both epigenetic (DNA methylation) and magnetic resonance imaging data. WMH were measured using a semi-automated method. B-age was calculated using two widely used methods: the Hannum and Horvath formulas. We used multiple linear regression models to interrogate the role of B-age on WMH volume after adjusting for chronological age (C-age) and other covariables. Average C-age of the sample was 68.4 (±11.8) and we observed a relatively …

A Mobile Phone Text Messaging Intervention To Manage Fatigue For People With Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, And Stroke: Development And Usability Testing, Kerri A. Morgan, Alex W K Wong, Kim Walker, Rachel Heeb Desai, Tina M Knepper, Pamela K Newland

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Fatigue significantly affects daily functioning in persons with disabilities. Fatigue management can be challenging, and the information provided during routine physician visits to manage fatigue can be overwhelming. One way to address fatigue is to increase knowledge, skills, and confidence for self-management (ie, patient activation). Self-management programs have shown promising effects in targeting fatigue in persons with disabilities. However, satisfaction with self-management programs is low for persons with disabilities, and tailoring interventions to personalized needs has been recommended. SMS text messaging is increasingly being used to implement health behavior change interventions in a person's natural environment. Little has been …

Sodium Content And Labelling Of Packaged Foods And Beverages In Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study, Adedayo E Ojo, Mark D Huffman, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Increased consumption of unhealthy processed foods, particularly those high in sodium, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The nutrition information on packaged foods can help guide consumers toward products with less sodium and support government actions to improve the healthiness of the food supply. The aims of this study were to estimate the proportion of packaged foods displaying nutrition information for sodium and other nutrients specified by Nigerian nutrition labelling regulations and to determine the amount of sodium in packaged foods sold in Nigeria using data from the nutritional information panel. Data were collected from November 2020 to …

De Novo Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease After Pancreatectomy: A Systematic Review, Parth Shah, Vanisha Patel, Motaz Ashkar

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: As operative techniques and mortality rates of pancreatectomy have improved, there has been a shift in focus to maintaining and improving the nutritional status of these patients as we continue to learn more about post-operative complications. Although pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiencies are known complications of pancreatectomy, increased longevity of these patients has also led to a higher incidence of

AIM: To identify and summarize patterns and risk factors of post-pancreatectomy

METHODS: We performed a database search on PubMed selecting papers published between 2001 and 2022 in the English language. PubMed was last accessed 1 June 2022.

RESULTS: Various …

Mitochondrial Autophagy In Ischemic Aged Livers, Jae-Sung Kim, William C Chapman, Yiing Lin

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) is a central catabolic event for mitochondrial quality control. Defective or insufficient mitophagy, thus, can result in mitochondrial dysfunction, and ultimately cell death. There is a strong causal relationship between ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and mitochondrial dysfunction following liver resection and transplantation. Compared to young patients, elderly patients poorly tolerate I/R injury. Accumulation of abnormal mitochondria after I/R is more prominent in aged livers than in young counterparts. This review highlights how altered autophagy is mechanistically involved in age-dependent hypersensitivity to reperfusion injury.

Use Of An Interactive Obesity Treatment Approach In Individuals With Severe Mental Illness: Feasibility, Acceptability, And Proposed Engagement Criteria, Ginger Nicol, Madeline Jansen, Rita Haddad, Amanda Ricchio, Michael D Yingling, Julia A Schweiger, Katie Keenoy, Bradley A Evanoff, John W Newcomer

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Digital and mobile health interventions are increasingly being used to support healthy lifestyle change, including in certain high-risk populations such as those with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). Life expectancy in this population lags 15 years behind counterparts in the general population, primarily due to obesity-related health conditions.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the feasibility and usability of a 12-week interactive obesity treatment approach (iOTA) to adults with chronic SMIs (depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder) receiving treatment in community settings. The iOTA incorporates short message service (SMS) text messages to supplement monthly in-person health coaching.

METHODS: Factors hypothesized to be …

Zur And Zinc Increase Expression Of E. Coli Ribosomal Protein L31 Through Rna-Mediated Repression Of The Repressor L31p, Rebecca A Rasmussen, Suning Wang, Jeannie M Camarillo, Victoria Sosnowski, Byoung-Kyu Cho, Young Ah Goo, Julius B Lucks, Thomas V O'Halloran

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Bacteria can adapt in response to numerous stress conditions. One such stress condition is zinc depletion. The zinc-sensing transcription factor Zur regulates the way numerous bacterial species respond to severe changes in zinc availability. Under zinc sufficient conditions, Zn-loaded Zur (Zn2-Zur) is well-known to repress transcription of genes encoding zinc uptake transporters and paralogues of a few ribosomal proteins. Here, we report the discovery and mechanistic basis for the ability of Zur to up-regulate expression of the ribosomal protein L31 in response to zinc in E. coli. Through genetic mutations and reporter gene assays, we find that Zur achieves the …

Genetic Diversity Fuels Gene Discovery For Tobacco And Alcohol Use, Gretchen R B Saunders, Charles C Gu, John P Rice, Nancy L Saccone, Laura J Bierut, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Tobacco and alcohol use are heritable behaviours associated with 15% and 5.3% of worldwide deaths, respectively, due largely to broad increased risk for disease and injury

Future Newborns With Opioid-Induced Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Nas) Could Be Assessed With The Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (Gars) Test And Potentially Treated Using Precision Amino-Acid Enkephalinase Inhibition Therapy (Kb220) As A Frontline Modality Instead Of Potent Opioids, Mauro Ceccanti, Mark S Gold, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

In this nonsystematic review and opinion, including articles primarily selected from PubMed, we examine the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in order to craft a reasonable opinion to help forge a paradigm shift in the treatment and prevention of primarily opioid-induced NAS. Newborns of individuals who use illicit and licit substances during pregnancy are at risk for withdrawal, also known as NAS. In the US, the reported prevalence of NAS has increased from 4.0 per 1000 hospital births in 2010 to 7.3 per 1000 hospital births in 2017, which is an 82% increase. The management of …