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1.
Effectiveness of a Household Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Package on an Outpatient Program for Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Pragmatic Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial in Chad.
Altmann, M, Altare, C, van der Spek, N, Barbiche, JC, Dodos, J, Bechir, M, Ait Aissa, M, Kolsteren, P
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene. 2018;(4):1005-1012
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Abstract
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions have a small but measurable benefit on stunting, but not on wasting. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of a household WASH package on the performance of an Outpatient Therapeutic feeding Program (OTP) for severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial embedded in a routine OTP. The study population included 20 health centers (clusters) from Mao and Mondo districts in Chad. Both arms received the OTP. The intervention arm received an additional household WASH package (chlorine, soap, water storage container, and promotion on its use). The primary objective measures were the relapse rates to SAM at 2 and 6 months post-recovery. The secondary objectives included the recovery rate from SAM, the time-to-recovery, the weight gain, and the diarrhea longitudinal prevalence in OTP. The study lasted from April 2015 to May 2016. Among the 1,603 recruited children, 845 were in the intervention arm and 758 in the control arm. No differences in the relapse rates were noticed at 2 (-0.4%; P = 0.911) and 6 (-1.0%; P = 0.532) months. The intervention decreased the time-to-recovery (-4.4 days; P = 0.038), improved the recovery rate (10.5%; P = 0.034), and the absolute weight gain (3.0 g/d; P = 0.014). No statistical differences were noticed for the diarrhea longitudinal prevalence (-1.7%; P = 0.223) and the weight gain velocity (0.4 g/kg/d; P = 0.086). Our results showed that adding a household WASH package did not decrease post-recovery relapse rates but increased the recovery rate among children admitted in OTP. We recommend further robust trials in other settings to confirm our results.
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Detectability of residual invasive bladder cancer in delayed 18F-FDG PET imaging with oral hydration using 500 mL of water and voiding-refilling.
Higashiyama, A, Komori, T, Juri, H, Inada, Y, Azuma, H, Narumi, Y
Annals of nuclear medicine. 2018;(8):561-567
Abstract
OBJECTIVE 2-Fluorine-18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) imaging is not considered useful for assessing bladder cancer due to the physiological uptake of 18F-FDG in the bladder. Despite reports of the detection of bladder cancer by washing out 18F-FDG from the bladder, such methods are invasive and impractical in the routine practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the utility of oral hydration with 500 mL of water and voiding-refilling, a minimally invasive method that we introduced to enable detection of residual invasive bladder cancer on delayed 18F-FDG PET imaging. METHODS From January 2015 to December 2017, 267 consecutive patients with bladder cancer underwent 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography scans. Among these patients, 25 (19 men and 6 women; mean age, 72.0 ± 11.3 years) were newly diagnosed as having muscle-invasive bladder cancer by transurethral resection of bladder tumor and T3b or T4 by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients were orally hydrated with only 500 mL of water and were then instructed to void frequently for 60 min before early 18F-FDG PET imaging. After the scans, they were instructed to hold their urine for 60 min. Then, delayed imaging was performed. Two radiologists evaluated the early and delayed 18F-FDG PET images to determine whether residual invasive bladder cancer could be detected. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the bladder urine and residual tumor site were also measured on early and delayed images. The maximum diameter of the primary bladder tumor was measured on MRI. RESULTS The sensitivity for detecting residual invasive bladder cancer on early and delayed imaging were 24.0 and 92.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). The SUVmax of the bladder urine on the early and delayed imaging were 34.7 ± 29.7 and 16.0 ± 10.7 (mean ± SD), respectively. The SUVmax of the residual tumor site on the early and delayed imaging were range 15.65-30.83 and 10.06-45.70, respectively. CONCLUSION Delayed 18F-FDG PET imaging with oral hydration using only 500 mL of water and voiding-refilling is useful for detecting residual invasive bladder cancer.
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3.
ABA Transport and Plant Water Stress Responses.
Kuromori, T, Seo, M, Shinozaki, K
Trends in plant science. 2018;(6):513-522
Abstract
To understand the integrative networks of signaling molecules, the sites of their biosynthesis and action must be clarified, particularly for phytohormones such as abscisic acid (ABA). The relationship between the sites of ABA biosynthesis and transport has been discussed extensively in the context of guard cells and stomatal regulation. However, guard cells are not the only site of ABA action. Recent studies have reported multiple sites of ABA biosynthesis and multiple ABA transporters, indicating that ABA transport regulation is not unidirectional but rather forms complex networks. Therefore, it is important to determine how multiple ABA sources coordinately contribute to individual biological processes under various physiological conditions.
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Perspectives on the basic and applied aspects of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) research.
Liu, D, Palla, KJ, Hu, R, Moseley, RC, Mendoza, C, Chen, M, Abraham, PE, Labbé, JL, Kalluri, UC, Tschaplinski, TJ, et al
Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology. 2018;:394-401
Abstract
Due to public concerns about the decreasing supply of blue water and increasing heat and drought stress on plant growth caused by urbanization, increasing human population and climate change, interest in crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), a specialized type of photosynthesis enhancing water-use efficiency (WUE) and drought tolerance, has increased markedly. Significant progress has been achieved in both basic and applied research in CAM plants since the beginning of this century. Here we provide a brief overview of the current status of CAM research, and discuss future needs and opportunities in a wide range of areas including systems biology, synthetic biology, and utilization of CAM crops for human benefit, with a focus on the following aspects: 1) application of genome-editing technology and high-throughput phenotyping to functional genomics research in model CAM species and genetic improvement of CAM crops, 2) challenges for multi-scale metabolic modeling of CAM systems, 3) opportunities and new strategies for CAM pathway engineering to enhance WUE and drought tolerance in C3 (and C4) photosynthesis crops, 4) potential of CAM species as resources for food, feed, natural products, pharmaceuticals and biofuels, and 5) development of CAM crops for ecological and aesthetic benefits.
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A Simplified Approach to Extravascular Lung Water Assessment Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Patients with End-Stage Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis.
Beaubien-Souligny, W, Rhéaume, M, Blondin, MC, El-Barnachawy, S, Fortier, A, Éthier, J, Legault, L, Denault, AY
Blood purification. 2018;(1-3):79-87
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluid overload leading to pulmonary congestion is an important issue in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aimed to determine if a simplified method of extravascular lung water assessment using ultrasound provided clinically relevant information. METHODS This prospective study recruited 47 patients from a single hemodialysis center. Pulmonary ultrasound was performed before and after 2 hemodialysis sessions in 28 regions on the thorax. The B-line score was defined as the percentage regions where B-lines were present. RESULTS When B-lines were detected before hemodialysis, a significant relationship was found between fluid removal and the change in B-line score. Patients with a B-line score of ≥21.4% (4th quartile) after the second hemodialysis session were more likely to be hospitalized for pulmonary edema or acute coronary syndrome. CONCLUSIONS A simplified pulmonary assessment using ultrasound provides relevant information about pulmonary congestion in hemodialysis patients and identifies patients at risk of hospitalization for heart-related problems.
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Biological interactions of biocompatible and water-dispersed MoS2 nanosheets with bacteria and human cells.
Kaur, J, Singh, M, Dell'Aversana, C, Benedetti, R, Giardina, P, Rossi, M, Valadan, M, Vergara, A, Cutarelli, A, Montone, AMI, et al
Scientific reports. 2018;(1):16386
Abstract
Two dimensional materials beyond graphene such as MoS2 and WS2 are novel and interesting class of materials whose unique physico-chemical properties can be exploited in applications ranging from leading edge nanoelectronics to the frontiers between biomedicine and biotechnology. To unravel the potential of TMD crystals in biomedicine, control over their production through green and scalable routes in biocompatible solvents is critically important. Furthermore, considering multiple applications of eco-friendly 2D dispersions and their potential impact onto live matter, their toxicity and antimicrobial activity still remain an open issue. Herein, we focus on the current demands of 2D TMDs and produce high-quality, few-layered and defect-free MoS2 nanosheets, exfoliated and dispersed in pure water, stabilized up to three weeks. Hence, we studied the impact of this material on human cells by investigating its interactions with three cell lines: two tumoral, MCF7 (breast cancer) and U937 (leukemia), and one normal, HaCaT (epithelium). We observed novel and intriguing results, exhibiting evident cytotoxic effect induced in the tumor cell lines, absent in the normal cells in the tested conditions. The antibacterial action of MoS2 nanosheets is then investigated against a very dangerous gram negative bacterium, such as two types of Salmonellas: ATCC 14028 and wild-type Salmonella typhimurium. Additionally, concentration and layer-dependent modulation of cytotoxic effect is found both on human cells and Salmonellas.
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Effects of hydrogen rich water on prolonged intermittent exercise.
Da Ponte, A, Giovanelli, N, Nigris, D, Lazzer, S
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. 2018;(5):612-621
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies showed a positive effect of hydrogen rich water (HRW) intake on acid-base homeostasis at rest. We investigated 2-weeks of HRW intake on repeated sprint performance and acid-base status during prolonged intermittent cycling exercise. METHODS In a cross over single-blind protocol, 8 trained male cyclists (age [mean±SD] 41±7 years, body mass 72.3±4.4 kg, height 1.77±0.04 m, maximal oxygen uptake [V̇O2max] 52.6±4.4 mL·kg-1·min-1) were provided daily with 2 liters of placebo normal water (PLA, pH 7.6, oxidation/reduction potential [ORP] +230 mV, free hydrogen content 0 ppb) or HRW (pH 9.8, ORP -180 mV, free Hydrogen 450 ppb). Tests were performed at baseline and after each period of 2 weeks of treatment. The treatments were counter-balanced and the sequence randomized. The 30-minute intermittent cycling trial consisted in 10 3-minute blocks, each one composed by 90 seconds at 40% V̇O2max, 60 seconds at 60% V̇O2max, 16 seconds all out sprint, and 14 seconds active recovery. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), heart rate and power output were measured during the whole test, while mean and peak power output (PPO), time to peak power and Fatigue Index (FI) were determined during all the 16 seconds sprints. Lactate, pH and bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentrations were determined at rest and after each sprint on blood obtained by an antecubital vein indwelling catheter. RESULTS In the PLA group, PPO in absolute values decreased significantly at the 8th and 9th of 10 sprints and in relative values, ΔPPO, decreased significantly at 6th, 8th and 9th of 10 sprints (by mean: -12±5%, P<0.006), while it remained unchanged in HRW group. Mean power, FI, time to peak power and total work showed no differences between groups. In both conditions lactate levels increased while pH and HCO3- decreased progressively as a function of the number of sprints. CONCLUSIONS Two weeks of HRW intake may help to maintain PPO in repetitive sprints to exhaustion over 30 minutes.
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Rightsizing root phenotypes for drought resistance.
Lynch, JP
Journal of experimental botany. 2018;(13):3279-3292
Abstract
I propose that reduced root development would be advantageous for drought resistance in high-input agroecosystems. Selection regimes for crop ancestors and landraces include multiple stresses, intense competition, and variable resource distribution, which favored prolific root production, developmental plasticity in response to resource availability, and maintenance of unspecialized root tissues. High-input agroecosystems have removed many of these constraints to root function. Therefore, root phenotypes that focus on water capture at the expense of ancestral adaptations would be better suited to high-input agroecosystems. Parsimonious architectural phenotypes include fewer axial roots, reduced density of lateral roots, reduced growth responsiveness to local resource availability, and greater loss of roots that do not contribute to water capture. Parsimonious anatomical phenotypes include a reduced number of cortical cell files, greater loss of cortical parenchyma to aerenchyma and senescence, and larger cortical cell size. Parsimonious root phenotypes may be less useful in low-input agroecosystems, which are characterized by multiple challenges and trade-offs for root function in addition to water capture. Analysis of the fitness landscape of root phenotypes is a complex challenge that will be aided by the development of robust functional-structural models capable of simulating the dynamics of root-soil interactions.
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Regulation of Root Traits for Internal Aeration and Tolerance to Soil Waterlogging-Flooding Stress.
Yamauchi, T, Colmer, TD, Pedersen, O, Nakazono, M
Plant physiology. 2018;(2):1118-1130
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Abstract
Knowledge of the genetic regulation of adventitious roots, aerenchyma, and radial oxygen loss barrier formation, and the signaling for acclimation, will assist the development of waterlogging-tolerant crops.
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10.
Effective lead optimization targeting the displacement of bridging receptor-ligand water molecules.
Chen, D, Li, Y, Zhao, M, Tan, W, Li, X, Savidge, T, Guo, W, Fan, X
Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP. 2018;(37):24399-24407
Abstract
Enhancing the binding affinities of ligands by means of lead modifications that displace bridging water molecules at protein-ligand interfaces is an important and widely studied lead optimization strategy. However, it is still challenging to ensure the success of this lead optimization strategy. Here we use theoretical derivations, which are then validated using reported experimental data, to identify the major determining factors in lead optimization designed to displace bridging water molecules. Our findings demonstrate that the nature of hydrogen-bond pairing between the ligand and protein polar atom(s) is the principal factor displacing interface water molecules, and not the binding strength of the water molecule. Our results also indicate that all interfacing bridging water molecules can potentially be targeted for displacement using this new approach. In summary, we show that strong-strong/weak-weak hydrogen-bond pairings of ligand atoms with protein atoms may provide useful guidance in lead modifications by designing modified ligands with higher binding affinities than their lead molecules. This study can help to increase the efficiency of rational drug design.