Background: Although radiofrequency (RF) has
been used to treat several types of chronic osteoarthritic
pain, the role of percutaneous thermal RF
ablation and pulsed RF in treating nonmalignant
hip pain has not been well established.
Objective: To estimate the effectiveness of thermal
and pulsed RF therapy in treating nonmalignant
hip pain and encourage further research.
Study Design: A systematic review of English
and non-English articles was performed
on 1/20/2017 using the following databases:
PubMed (1960-2017), Cochrane Controlled
Trials Register (1960-2017), and EMBASE
(1966-2017). Studies for which complete articles
were not accessible were excluded if primary
authors could not be successfully contacted
after attempts via at least 2 different mediums.
Search terms included RF, hip, and human
(“radiofrequency”[All Fields] AND (“hip”[MeSH
Terms] AND “humans”[MeSH Terms]).
Results: Two clinical trials for hip RF (n = 32)
and a collection of 7 case series or studies (n
= 25) met our inclusion criteria. Both trials used
percutaneous RF of the periarticular sensory
branches of the obturator and femoral nerves
near the hip joint. Ten studies were found to be
eligible after screening title, abstract, and full text
for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both clinical
trials saw improved post procedure pain scores
when compared with standard conservative treatment
for inoperable chronic hip pain. The overall
complication rate of pooled cohort of all cases
reviewed was 9.5% (6/57), but did not result in
any self-reported injury.
Conclusions: There is low quality evidence to
suggest that thermal or pulsed RF therapy is a
suitable option for chronic inoperable hip pain.
Higher quality trials are needed for stronger recommendations.
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and aggressive primary brain tumors. Due to their malignant growth and invasion into the brain parenchyma coupled with resistance to therapy, GBMs are among the deadliest of all cancers. GBMs are highly heterogeneous at both the molecular and histological levels. Hallmark histological structures include pseudopalisading necrosis and microvascular proliferation. In addition to high levels of intratumoral heterogeneity, GBMs also exhibit high levels of inter-tumoral heterogeneity. The major non-neoplastic cell population in the GBM microenvironment includes cells of the innate immune system called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Correlative data from the literature suggest that molecularly distinct GBM subtypes exhibit differences in their microenvironment. Data from mouse models of GBM suggest that genetic driver mutations can create unique microenvironments. Here, we review the origin, features, and functions of TAMs in distinct GBM subtypes. We also discuss their interactions with other immune cell constituents and discuss prospects of therapeutically targeting TAMs to increase the efficacy of T-cell functions.
Background: Although radiofrequency (RF) has been used to treat several types of chronic osteoarthritic pain, the role of percutaneous thermal RF ablation and pulsed RF in treating nonmalignant hip pain has not been well established.
Objective: To estimate the effectiveness of thermal and pulsed RF therapy in treating nonmalignant hip pain and encourage further research.
Study Design: A systematic review of English and non-English articles was performed on 1/20/2017 using the following databases:
PubMed (1960-2017), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1960-2017), and EMBASE (1966-2017). Studies for which complete articles were not accessible were excluded if primary authors could not be successfully contacted after attempts via at least 2 different mediums.
Search terms included RF, hip, and human (“radiofrequency”[All Fields] AND (“hip”[MeSH Terms] AND “humans”[MeSH Terms]).
Results: Two clinical trials for hip RF (n = 32) and a collection of 7 case series or studies (n = 25) met our inclusion criteria. Both trials used percutaneous RF of the periarticular sensory branches of the obturator and femoral nerves near the hip joint. Ten studies were found to be eligible after screening title, abstract, and full text for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both clinical
trials saw improved post procedure pain scores when compared with standard conservative treatment for inoperable chronic hip pain. The overall complication rate of pooled cohort of all cases reviewed was 9.5% (6/57), but did not result in any self-reported injury.
Conclusions: There is low quality evidence to suggest that thermal or pulsed RF therapy is a suitable option for chronic inoperable hip pain. Higher quality trials are needed for stronger recommendations.
Objective: To examine bacterial vaginosis as an effect modifier for the association between hormonal contraception and incident HIV infection. Design: Serodiscordant couples enrolled in an open longitudinal cohort in Lusaka, Zambia from 1994 to 2012. This analysis was restricted to couples with an HIV-positive man enrolled between1994 and 2002 when a quarterly genital tract examination and HIV testing was performed. Methods: Multivariate Cox models evaluated the association between contraceptive method and HIV-acquisition, stratified by time-varying bacterial vaginosis status. Results: Among 564 couples contributing 1137.2 couple-years of observation, bacterial vaginosis was detected at 15.5% of study visits. Twenty-two of 106 seroconversions occurred during intervals after bacterial vaginosis was detected [12 on no method/nonhormonal method (nonhormonal contraception), two on injectables, eight on oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)]. Unadjusted seroincidence rates per 100 couple-years for nonhormonal contraception, injectable, and OCP users, respectively, during intervals with bacterial vaginosis were 8.3, 20.8, and 31.0 and during intervals without bacterial vaginosis were 8.2, 9.7, and 12.3. In the bacterial vaginosis-positive model, there was a significant increase in incident HIV among those using injectables (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 6.55, 95% CI 1.14-37.77) and OCPs (aHR 5.20, 95% CI 1.68-16.06) compared with nonhormonal contraception. Hormonal contraception did not increase the hazard of HIV acquisition in bacterial vaginosis-negativ e models. These findings persisted in sensitivity analyses whenever all covariates from the nonstratified model previously published were included, whenever other genital tract findings were excluded from the model and with the addition of condom-less sex and sperm on wet-prep. Conclusion: Future research should consider a potential interaction with bacterial vaginosis whenever evaluating the impact of hormonal contraception on HIV acquisition.
by
Daniel R. Richardson;
Ying Huang;
Heather L. McGinty;
Patrick Elder;
Joanna Newlin;
Cyndi Kirkendall;
Leslie Andritsos;
Don Benson;
William Blum;
Yvonne Efebera;
Sam Penza;
Craig Hofmeister;
Samantha Jaglowski;
Rebecca Klisovic;
Sumithira Vasu;
Basem William;
Steven Devine;
Ashley E. Rosko
Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an intensive treatment resulting in disease control however subsequent psychosocial distress is common. Screening for psychosocial risk factors that contribute to morbidity is underutilized; moreover, the value in screening is uncertain. We performed a retrospective study of 395 HCT patients who were screened for psychosocial risk using the Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale (TERS). Patients were classified by psychosocial risk as no-risk (TERS = 26.5, 52%) vs. at-risk (TERS > 26.5, 48%), with at-risk patients stratified by cumulative deficits into mild risk (TERS = 27–35.5, 39%) and moderate risk (TERS > 35.5, 9%). At-risk patients were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days (mild risk HR = 1.62, p = 0.02; moderate risk HR = 2.50, p = 0.002). Prior psychiatric history (HR = 1.81, p = 0.002) and poor coping skills (HR = 1.64, p = 0.04) also influenced readmission. At-risk patients were more likely to be readmitted for infection (no-risk = 12% vs. at-risk = 25%, p = 0.002). Pre-HCT screening with the TERS did not predict survival or length of stay although at-risk patients are at a heighted risk of readmission. Implementing strategies to reduce readmission in higher risk patients is warranted.
by
Amanda R. Clark;
David Calligaris;
Michael S. Regan;
Daniel Pomeranz Krummel;
Jeffrey N. Agar;
Laura Kallay;
Tobey MacDonald;
Matthew Schniederjan;
Sandro Santagata;
Scott L. Pomeroy;
Nathalie Y. R. Agar;
Soma Sengupta
Purpose: Medulloblastoma, the most common primary pediatric malignant brain tumor, originates in the posterior fossa of the brain. Pineoblastoma, which originates within the pineal gland, is a rarer malignancy that also presents in the pediatric population. Medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma exhibit overlapping clinical features and have similar histopathological characteristics. Histopathological similarities confound rapid diagnoses of these two tumor types. We have conducted a pilot feasibility study analyzing the molecular profile of archived frozen human tumor specimens using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to identify potential biomarkers capable of classifying and distinguishing between medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma. Methods: We performed matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry imaging on eight medulloblastoma biopsy specimens and three pineoblastoma biopsy specimens. Multivariate statistical analyses were performed on the MSI dataset to generate classifiers that distinguish the two tumor types. Lastly, the molecules that were discriminative of tumor type were queried against the Lipid Maps database and identified. Results: In this pilot study we show that medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma can be discriminated using molecular profiles determined by MSI. The highest-ranking discriminating classifiers of medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma were glycerophosphoglycerols and sphingolipids, respectively. Conclusion: We demonstrate proof-of-concept that medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma can be rapidly distinguished by using MSI lipid profiles. We identified biomarker candidates capable of distinguishing these two histopathologically similar tumor types. This work expands the current molecular knowledge of medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma by characterizing their lipidomic profiles, which may be useful for developing novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic strategies.
Background: Ahmedabad implemented South Asia's first heat action plan (HAP) after a 2010 heatwave. This study evaluates the HAP's impact on all-cause mortality in 2014-2015 relative to a 2007-2010 baseline. Methods: We analyzed daily maximum temperature (Tmax)-mortality relationships before and after HAP. We estimated rate ratios (RRs) for daily mortality using distributed lag nonlinear models and mortality incidence rates (IRs) for HAP warning days, comparing pre- and post-HAP periods, and calculated incidence rate ratios (IRRs). We estimated the number of deaths avoided after HAP implementation using pre- and post-HAP IRs. Results: The maximum pre-HAP RR was 2.34 (95%CI 1.98-2.76) at 47°C (lag 0), and the maximum post-HAP RR was 1.25 (1.02-1.53) estimated at 47°C (lag 0). Post-to-pre-HAP nonlagged mortality IRR for Tmax over 40°C was 0.95 (0.73-1.22) and 0.73 (0.29-1.81) for Tmax over 45°C. An estimated 1,190 (95%CI 162-2,218) average annualized deaths were avoided in the post-HAP period. Conclusion: Extreme heat and HAP warnings after implementation were associated with decreased summertime all-cause mortality rates, with largest declines at highest temperatures. Ahmedabad's plan can serve as a guide for other cities attempting to increase resilience to extreme heat.
Background: 3q29 deletion syndrome is caused by a recurrent hemizygous 1.6Mb deletion on the long arm of chromosome 3. The syndrome is rare (1 in 30,000 individuals) and is associated with mild to moderate intellectual disability, increased risk for autism and anxiety, and a 40-fold increased risk for schizophrenia, along with a host of physical manifestations. However, the disorder is poorly characterized, the range of manifestations is not well described, and the underlying molecular mechanism is not understood. We designed the Emory 3q29 Project to document the range of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric manifestations associated with 3q29 deletion syndrome. We will also create a biobank of samples from our 3q29 deletion carriers for mechanistic studies, which will be a publicly-available resource for qualified investigators. The ultimate goals of our study are three-fold: first, to improve management and treatment of 3q29 deletion syndrome. Second, to uncover the molecular mechanism of the disorder. Third, to enable cross-disorder comparison with other rare genetic syndromes associated with neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Methods: We will ascertain study subjects, age 6 and older, from our existing registry ( 3q29deletion.org ). Participants and their families will travel to Atlanta, GA for phenotypic assessments, with particular emphasis on evaluation of anxiety, cognitive ability, autism symptomatology, and risk for psychosis via prodromal symptoms and syndromes. Evaluations will be performed using standardized instruments. Structural, diffusion, and resting-state functional MRI data will be collected from eligible study participants. We will also collect blood from the 3q29 deletion carrier and participating family members, to be banked at the NIMH Repository and Genomics Resource (NRGR). Discussion: The study of3q29 deletion has the potential to transform our understanding of complex disease. Study of individuals with the deletion may provide insights into long term care and management of the disorder. Our project describes the protocol for a prospective study of the behavioral and clinical phenotype associated with 3q29 deletion syndrome. The paradigm described here could easily be adapted to study additional CNV or single gene disorders with high risk for neuropsychiatric phenotypes, and/or transferred to other study sites, providing a means for data harmonization and cross-disorder analysis.
What is already known about this topic? CDC’s treatment recommendations for gonorrhea were revised in 2012 and 2015 based on emerging antimicrobial resistance. What is added by this report? In 2016, 81% of gonorrhea cases in seven jurisdictions were treated with the recommended regimen for uncomplicated gonorrhea (250 mg dose of ceftriaxone [IM] plus 1 g dose of azithromycin [PO]), but this varied by provider type. What are the implications for public health practice? Providers should be aware of the national guidelines for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Monitoring of treatment practices is a critical public health priority to help assure that patients receive the highest quality of care, and to address the emerging threat of antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea.
The trunk plays a pivotal role in limbed locomotion. Yet, little is known about how the brain stem controls trunk activity during walking. In this study, we assessed the spatiotemporal activity patterns of axial and hindlimb motoneurons (MNs) during drug-induced fictive locomotor-like activity (LLA) in an isolated brain stem-spinal cord preparation of the neonatal mouse. We also evaluated the extent to which these activity patterns are affected by removal of brain stem. Recordings were made in the segments T7, L2, and L5 using calcium imaging from individual axial MNs in the medial motor column (MMC) and hindlimb MNs in lateral motor column (LMC). The MN activities were analyzed during both the rhythmic and the tonic components of LLA, the tonic component being used as a readout of generalized increase in excitability in spinal locomotor networks. The most salient effect of brain stem removal was an increase in locomotor rhythm frequency and a concomitant reduction in burst durations in both MMC and LMC MNs. The lack of effect on the tonic component of LLA indicated specificity of action during the rhythmic component. Cooling-induced silencing of the brain stem reproduced the increase in rhythm frequency and accompanying decrease in burst durations in L2 MMC and LMC, suggesting a dependency on brain stem neuron activity. The work supports the idea that the brain stem locomotor circuits are operational already at birth and further suggests an important role in modulating trunk activity. The brain stem may influence the axial and hindlimb spinal locomotor rhythm generating circuits by extending their range of operation. This may represent a critical step of locomotor development when learning how to walk in different conditions and environments is a major endeavor.