Significant Increase In Number Research Articles

Quantification of mast cells in nonreactive and reactive lesions of gingiva: A comparative study using toluidine blue and immunohistochemical marker mast cell tryptase.

Background:Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells derived from a multipotent CD34 precursor. The most significant identifying feature of MCs is the presence of metachromatic granules. MCs are increased in oral reactive lesions and are possibly involved in pathogenesis of these lesions.Objectives:1. To compare the number of MCs between reactive and nonreactive lesions of gingiva using toluidine blue (TB) and mast cell tryptase (MCT) as a specific marker for MCs 2. To compare the staining specificity/efficacy of TB and MCT.Methodology:The study sample comprised 90 tissues which were divided into three groups: Group A comprised 30 cases of pyogenic granuloma (PG), Group B consisted of 30 cases of gingival hyperplasia (GH) and Group C comprised 30 cases of pericoronitis. Staining was done between 1% TB and immunohistochemistry (IHC) marker MCT.Results:A significant increase in number of MCs was observed in PG as compared to GH and pericoronitis. IHC marker MCT proved to be a more specific marker for MCs compared to TB.Conclusion:IHC marker MCT is a specific marker compared to TB. The position of MCs changed from juxtaepithelial in GH to deeper connective tissue in PG which was in correlation with the proliferating tissue that is epithelium in GH and blood vessel in PG.

An Analysis of ESG Shareholder Resolutions in Australia

This article analyses the recent significant increase in number, prominence and impact of shareholder resolutions focused on environmental, social and governance (‘ESG’) issues in Australia. The analysis is placed in the context of the legal framework for shareholder resolutions and uses two sources of data: information about shareholder ESG resolutions in listed companies between 2002 and 2019, and interviews with representatives of resolution proponents, institutional shareholders, company directors, governance professionals, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. It finds a significant increase in the last three years in ESG shareholder resolutions, particularly climate change resolutions, concentrated in a small number of filers, companies and industries. Against a background of modest average levels of support for shareholder ESG resolutions, examples of companies which have recorded high levels of support are notable. Shareholder ESG resolutions are generally recognised as a valuable corporate stakeholder engagement mechanism, producing positive change in some companies.

Trends in hospitalizations of newborns with hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus in United States: an epidemiological study

Background Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common diagnosis in newborn nurseries in United States. Universal pre-discharge bilirubin screening decreased the incidence of extreme hyperbilirubinemia and risk of kernicterus. Objectives We sought to assess temporal population trends of hyperbilirubinemia, kernicterus and usage of phototherapy, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and exchange transfusion. Design/methods Data from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)-the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) obtained for years 1997–2012. All neonatal discharges with ICD-9 codes for neonatal jaundice (774.2, 774.6), kernicterus (773.4, 774.7) and procedure codes for phototherapy (99.83), IVIG infusion (99.14), exchange transfusion (99.01) were extracted. We compared the trends of diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia, kernicterus, use of phototherapy, IVIG, and exchange transfusion. Results During the study period, the proportion of infants diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia increased by 65% (9.4% vs. 15.5%; p<.001) in term infants and 34.5% (33.5% vs. 45%; p<.001) in preterm infants, respectively. Rate of kernicterus discharges significantly reduced from 7 to 1.9 per 100,000 newborns. Overall, the number of exchange transfusions has decreased by 67% during study period while phototherapy and IVIG use increased by 83% and 170%, respectively. Conclusions In last two decades, there was a significant decrease in neonatal discharges with a history of exchange transfusion or with a diagnosis of kernicterus. However, there was a significant increase in number of neonates discharged home with a history of phototherapy during birth hospitalization and decreased number of exchange transfusions were observed during the study period. Incremental implementation of universal predischarge bilirubin screening and treatments based on 2004 AAP recommended risk-based strategies might have contributed to timely interventions in infants with significant hyperbilirubinemia.

Influence of Biodiesel on Base Oil Oxidation as Measured by FTICR Mass Spectrometry

Internal combustion engine lubricants are subject to thermo-oxidative degradation during use and must be designed to withstand oxidation in order to extend their useful life. Understanding the complex chemical process of thermo-oxidative degradation is essential to designing higher performing engine lubricants. In this study base oil samples composed of a Group II base oil, doped with three different levels of biodiesel (B0, B15, and B100), were subjected to benchtop oxidation testing of up to 168 h, which mimics the conditions experienced in an internal combustion engine. The resulting samples were analyzed by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS) for ultrahigh-resolution characterization to monitor oxidation as a function of time and biofuel content. Both negative-ion nanoelectrospray ionization and positive-ion atmospheric pressure photoionization were utilized. Most of the oxidation products were found to be polyoxygenated species containing 1–8 oxygen atoms, with the number of detected species increasing with oxidation time. Assessment of the maximum carbon number of protonated classes indicated the involvement of oligomerization reactions; additionally, modeling of mean double bond equivalents (DBE) for each protonated class suggests increasing carbonyl content for each particular class with increasing oxidation time. The oxidations of B15 and B100 doped samples were compared to that of B0. B15 samples were found to correspond closely to B0 samples, with a similar number of species detected. B100 samples showed a significant increase in number of species generated at 24–72 h relative to B0 and B15; however, a similar number of species were observed at 168 h for all samples, indicating a similar level of base oil oxidation at the final oxidation point. FTICR MS is shown to afford new insights into base oil oxidation as a function of time and biofuel content.

Rooting Induction of a Mature Pterocarpus indicus Willd. Using Stem Cuttings Derived from Stump Epicormic Shoots

Shoots arising from the stump of a mature tree of Pterocarpus indicus Willd. were used to evaluate the within-tree variation in rooting induction. Collected rejuvenated stem cuttings were separated into three different positions (base, middle, and top) and treated with various indole butyric acid (IBA) concentrations (0, 500, and 1000 ppm). Cuttings were planted in an improvised rooting chamber for rooting induction. Results of the analysis of variance achieved non-significant effects (P &gt; 0.05) due to IBA treatment in all rooting parameters evaluated after 33 d. In contrast, a highly significant increase in the number of roots (0.93, P = &lt; 0.001) was detected in terms of cutting position, particularly at the middle part. Similarly, apart from callus formation (P &gt; 0.05), significant increase in percent rooting (46.83%, P = 0.0012) and number of secondary roots (0.93, P = 0.0011) were obtained from the same position. Meanwhile, nonsignificant effects were also recorded in terms of IBA and cutting position interaction, except from callus formation (P = 0.036). Means separated by DMRT revealed that the interaction effect between middle position and IBA500 ppm (0.13) and those between top position and IBA1000 ppm (0.58) were significantly different. This study has proven the presence of withinstem variation; hence, rooting responses vary in cuttings collected from epicormic shoots arising from the stump of physiologically mature P. indicus.

Effectiveness of the mHealth intervention \u2018MyDayPlan\u2019 to increase physical activity: an aggregated single case approach

Backgrounde- and mHealth interventions using self-regulation techniques like action and coping planning have the potential to tackle the worldwide problem of physical inactivity. However, they often use one-week self-regulation cycles, providing support toward an active lifestyle on a weekly basis. This may be too long to anticipate on certain contextual factors that may fluctuate from day to day and may influence physical activity. Consequently, the formulated action and coping plans often lack specificity and instrumentality, which may decrease effectiveness of the intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of a self-regulation, app-based intervention called ‘MyDayPlan’. “MyDayPlan’ provides an innovative daily cycle in which users are guided towards more physical activity via self-regulation techniques such as goal setting, action planning, coping planning and self-monitoring of behaviour.MethodsAn ABAB single-case design was conducted in 35 inactive adults between 18 and 58 years (M = 40 years). The A phases (A1 and A2) were the control phases in which the ‘MyDayPlan’ intervention was not provided. The B phases (B1 and B2) were the intervention phases in which ‘MyDayPlan’ was used on a daily basis. The length of the four phases varied within and between the participants. Each phase lasted a minimum of 5 days and the total study lasted 32 days for each participant. Participants wore a Fitbit activity tracker during waking hours to assess number of daily steps as an outcome. Single cases were aggregated and data were analysed using multilevel models to test intervention effects and possible carry-over effects.ResultsResults showed an average intervention effect with a significant increase in number of daily steps from the control to intervention phases for each AB combination. From A1 to B1, an increase of 1424 steps (95% CI [775.42, 2072.32], t (1082) = 4.31,p < .001), and from A2 to B2, an increase of 1181 steps (95% CI [392.98, 1968.16], t (1082) = 2.94, p = .003) were found. Furthermore, the number of daily steps decreased significantly (1134 steps) when going from the first intervention phase (B1) to the second control phase (A2) (95% CI [− 1755.60, − 512.38], t (1082) = − 3.58, p < .001). We found no evidence for a difference in trend between the two control (95% CI [− 114.59, 197.99], t (1078) = .52, p = .60) and intervention phases (95% CI [− 128.79,284.22], t (1078) = .74, p = .46). This reveals, in contrast to what was hypothesized, no evidence for a carry-over effect after removing the ‘MyDayPlan’ app after the first intervention phase (B1).ConclusionThis study adds evidence that the self-regulation mHealth intervention, ‘MyDayPlan’ has the capacity to positively influence physical activity levels in an inactive adult population. Furthermore, this study provides evidence for the potential of interventions adopting a daily self-regulation cycle in general.

No Place for Old Men? Meeting the Needs of an Ageing Male Prison Population in England and Wales

Recent years have witnessed significant increase in numbers of older men imprisoned in England and Wales; a phenomenon experienced across the western world. Those aged fifty and over represent the fastest-growing demographic group in prison in England and Wales. This article summaries explanations for and implications of this increase and the characteristics, needs and lived experiences of this population, before critically reflecting on current policy and practice responses; and how responses highlight definitional and policy ambiguities around older prisoners. The article discusses a multi-agency initiative developed at one prison in northern England that recognised the uniqueness of older prisoners, modified regimes and changed physical environments. Impact is benchmarked against Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons four tests of a healthy prison, followed by discussion of findings and implications for policy and practice. The article argues for expanded collaboration to better manage challenges posed by older prisoners, supported by a national strategy.

Effects of Varicocele on Serum Testosterone Levels and Changes of Testosterone Levels after Varicocelectomy among Infertile Men: A Prospective Controlled Study

Background: Varicocele repair has been advocated as an option to prevent and treat low serum testosterone, even in men with normal semen quality. The association between clinical varicocele and impaired testosterone production is less clearly understood. Although, the conceptions of the negative impact of clinical varicocele on Leydig cell functions and the beneficial effect of varicocele repair on testosterone production have been proposed for decades. Objective: To examine the hypotheses that clinical varicoceles affect baseline serum total testosterone levels and to study the effects of varicocelectomy on serum testosterone levels and semen quality in infertile men who suffer from varicocele. Patients and Methods: This study included 100 patients (50 control and 50 cases) presented to the General Surgery and Endocrine Surgery Unit Outpatient Clinic at Mansoura University Hospitals with clinical varicocele for primary infertility. The study was conducted during the period between 1st April 2020 and end of March 2021. Results: Regarding preoperative and postoperative testosterone level among the intervention group, there were highly statistically significant increases in total testosterone as well as significant improvement in gonadal functions (significant increase in number of cases with euogonadism) after the operation among the intervention group (P < 0.001). however the percent of improvement was more than among hypogonadal compared to euogonadal. Conclusion: Varicocelectomy was demonstrated to significantly improve both sperm quality (in terms of volume, count, motility and morphology) as well as serum testosterone in infertile men, especially in cases with hypogonadism.

Effect of Phosphorus Application Methods on Growth and Yield of Maize under Water Deficit Conditions

A field study was conducted to investigate effect of phosphorus and different levels of irrigation on growth and yield of maize at the Agronomic Research Area, Faculty of Agricultural sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, during autumn 2016.The Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot courses of action having three replications with net plot size of 4m x 3m. The crop was sown in 75 cm spaced rows, while plant to plant distance was maintained at 30 cm with the help of dibbler. Experimental treatments comprised of two irrigation level sand four phosphorus levels. The crop was harvested at maturity and the data were recorded by using the standard procedures. Maximum grain yield was obtained at full irrigation levels where phosphorus was applied @ 100 kg ha-1. All the growth and yield parameter increased with full irrigation levels with application of Phosphorus at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 while it was decreased where half irrigation was applied. Increase in P2O5 rates upto100 kg ha-1 enhanced the plant height, cob length, cob weight, thousands grain weight, Beyond application of 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 there was no significant increase in number of grains cob-1, thousand grain weight and other growth parameters. It is recommended that maize crop should preferably be fertilized @ 100 kg Phosphorus per hectare to get maximum grain yield under the ecological conditions of Multan.

Constitutive Activation of Ras and Inactivation of Ink4a/Arf Allele Induce a Fully Penetrant B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Phenotype in Mice

Despite recent advances in treatment, precursor-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) remains a challenging clinical entity. Recent genome-wide studies have uncovered frequent genetic alterations involving activating RAS pathway mutations and loss of the INK4A/ARF locus suggesting their important role in the pathogenesis, relapse, and chemoresistance of B-ALL. Therefore, to better understand the oncogenic mechanisms by which these alterations might promote B-ALL and to develop an in vivo preclinical model of relapsed B-ALL, we engineered mouse strains with induced somatic KrasG12D pathway activation and/or loss of Ink4a/Arf during early stages of B-cell development.Pathologic examination revealed significantly enlarged spleens and increased numbers of mononuclear cells in the spleens of 8-week-old KrasG12D mutated animals with or without Ink4a/Arf inactivation, but obvious histologic and IHC differences in spleens and lymph nodes between the mutant genotypes and CD19Cre/+ controls were not found. However, in agreement with the gross pathologic examination, an increase was noted by flow cytometry in splenic B220+ B-cells of mice with the KrasG12D mutation as compared with CD19Cre/+ and CD19Cre/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+ mice. In keeping with this, a significant increase in number of proliferating (Ki-67+) cells within spleen B-cell areas of CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+, and CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+ mice were observed in comparison with CD19Cre/+ controls and CD19Cre/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+ mice. TUNEL staining revealed fewer apoptotic cells within germinal center B-cell areas in CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+, CD19Cre/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+, and CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+ mice as compared with CD19Cre/+ controls. Next, to identify the biological processes underlying the observed phenotypical changes, we performed gene-set enrichment analysis of microarray expression data from mutant compared to control mice. In CD19+ B-cells from both CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+ and CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+ mice, marked upregulation of gene signatures related to proliferation, Ras-related signaling pathways, apoptosis, rewired cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and pre-B stage of B-cell development were observed in both CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+ and CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+ mice. Consistent with our previous observations, the proliferative signature in CD19+ B-cells from CD19Cre/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+ mice was less pronounced; instead, upregulation of several signaling pathways related to independence of external growth signals and retention of “stemness” was noted. Although constitutive activation of KrasG12D in B-cells induced prominent transcriptional changes that resulted in enhanced proliferation, it was insufficient by itself to induce development of a high-grade leukemia/lymphoma. Instead, in 40% of mice these engineered mutations promoted development of a clonal low-grade lymphoproliferative disorder resembling human extranodal marginal-zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue or lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Interestingly, loss of the Ink4a /Arf locus, apart from reducing the number of apoptotic B-cells broadly attenuated KrasG12D-induced transcriptional signatures. However, combinedKras activation and Ink4a/Arf inactivation cooperated functionally to induce a fully penetrant, highly aggressive B-ALL phenotype. Cross-species bioinformatic analyses consistently demonstrated that B-ALL tumors in the CD19Cre/+;KrasG12D/+;Ink4a/ArfL/+ mice recapitulated gene expression programs found in a poor-prognosis subgroups of human B-ALL that harbor BCR-ABL and CRLF2 rearrangements. Moreover, 90% of examined murine B-ALL tumors showed loss of the wild-type Ink4a/Arf locus without acquisition of common cooperating events, underscoring the role of Ink4a/Arf in restraining Kras-driven oncogenesis in the lymphoid compartment in our model.Taken together, the functional cooperation and the negative impact on survival of concurrent Ras mutation and Ink/Arf deletion in mice suggest that these changes may also have a functional impact in human B-ALL and should be considered in the course of disease classification, as well as for prognosis and choice of therapeutic strategy. DisclosuresSharpless:G1 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Pfizer: Other: NA; HealthSpan Diagnostics: Other: NA; Unity Biotechnology: Other: NA.

A review of global land cover maps in terms of their potential use for habitat suitability modelling

Recently, there has been a significant increase in number of land cover maps available to researchers and they are now more commonly used. The broad variety requires some system for determining the differences between maps and for estimating their applicability for specific research purposes. We focused on comparing land cover maps from the point of view of how the land cover categories used characterize potentially suitable habitats for species. This comparison includes only freely available global land cover projects with resolutions from 1 km to 10 m. The criteria chosen were temporal and spatial resolution, number of classes and map precision. To demonstrate the differences, two areas of different sizes were always chosen. Our results reveal that maps can significantly vary in their estimates of different types of land cover, even at the same spatial resolution. Results also revealed that one type of vegetation in this area is poorly recorded in all land cover maps. Copernicus CGLS-LC100 and ESA CCI-LC maps appear to be the most suitable for evaluating potentially suitable habitats.

Gene expression of intracortical bone demonstrates loading-induced increases in Wnt1 and Ngf and inhibition of bone remodeling processes.

Osteocytes are the primary mechanosensitive cells in bone. However, their location in mineralized matrix has limited the in vivo study of osteocytic genes induced by mechanical loading. Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) allows isolation of intracortical bone (Intra-CB), enriched for osteocytes, from bone tissue for gene expression analysis. We used microarray to analyze gene expression from mouse tibial Intra-CB dissected using LCM 4h after a single loading bout or after 5days of loading. Osteocyte enrichment was supported by greater expression of Sost, Dmp1, Dkk1, and Mepe in Intra-CB regions vs. Mixed regions containing periosteum and muscle (fold-change (FC)=3.4, 2.2, 5.1, 3.0, respectively). Over 150 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) due to loading (loaded vs. contralateral control) in Intra-CB were found on Day 1 and Day 5, but only 10 genes were differentially expressed on both days, including Ngf (Day 1 FC=13.5, Day 5 FC=11.1) and Wnt1 (Day 1 FC=1.5, Day 5 FC=5.1). The expression of Ngf and Wnt1 within Intra-CB was confirmed by in situ hybridization, and a significant increase in number of Wnt1 mRNA molecules occurred on day 1. We also found changes in extracellular matrix remodeling with Timp1 (FC=3.1) increased on day 1 and MMP13 (FC=0.3) decreased on day 5. Supporting this result, IHC for osteocytic MMP13 demonstrated a marginal decrease due to loading on day 5. Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes for loading DEGs indicated regulation of vasculature, neuronal and immune processes while cell-type specific gene lists suggested regulation of osteoclast, osteoblast, and endothelial related genes. In summary, microarray analysis of microdissected Intra-CB revealed differential regulation of Ngf, Wnt1, and MMP13 due to loading in osteocytes.

RESPONSE OF SOME WHEAT CULTIVARS TO SOWING METHODS AND SEEDING RATES UNDER SIWA OASIS CONDITIONS

Egypt produces about half of the 20 million tons of consumed wheat and imports the other half. So that Egypt became the world’s largest importer of wheat. Therefore, intensive efforts are being for enhancing wheat production to meet any local consumption particularly out of the Nile Valley, i.e. Siwa Oasis, Egypt, where salinity is considered of the major problem. However, Siwan farmers are not acquainted with wheat crop from the beginning sustain policy of wheat flour as well as with agricultural practices. Therefore, two on farm trials were carried out in Agricultural Experimental Station of Desert Research Center at Khemisa, Siwa Oasis during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 growing seasons, to study the effect of sowing methods (broadcast and row) and seeding rates (30, 45, 60 and 75 kg/fed.) on two wheat cultivars, Triticum aesivum L., (Misr 2 and Sakha 94). Results indicated that row sowing method produced 37.2% and 12.5% more grain yield over traditional broadcast method in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. These increments may be due to a significant increase in number of spikes/m2, number of grains/spike and to some extent 1000-grain weight.Misr 2 wheat cultivar produced the highest biological, grain yields, harvest index and number of spikes/m2. On the other hand, Sakha 94 cultivar gave the highest value of number of grains/spike and 1000-grain weight in both seasons. The highest values of grain yield and harvest index were noticed with 45 and/or 60 kg/fed seeding rates in two seasons. Whereas, a gradual significant increase in number of spikes/m2 and biological yield was noticed with increasing seeding rates from 30 up to 75 kg/fed. However, 1000-grain weight tended to reduce with increasing seeding rates. So, it could be concluded that sowing Misr 2 wheat cultivar at 60 kg/fed., with row sowing method is suitable for wheat production under saline conditions at Siwa Oasis.

A Clinic-Based Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Screening for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in Adolescents

BackgroundUniversal screening is a strategy for addressing the limitations of risk-based screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia (GC/CT). This quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to improve GC/CT screening by implementing universal annual screening for all adolescents ≥ 13 years old. MethodsAt an academic pediatric resident continuity clinic, an interdisciplinary team designed and conducted multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles over one year. The primary aim, and process measure, was to increase the percentage of encounters with screening for GC/CT in the 12 months prior to the encounter to 80%. The secondary outcome measure was rate of detection of GC or CT infection. Further, pulse checks of provider/staff knowledge and adherence were conducted. The balancing measure was denied insurance claims. ResultsThe mean screening rate of 29.2% increased during the project implementation to 65.1% with several bundles of PDSA cycles. There were no cases of gonorrhea detected in the baseline period or implementation period. The case rate of chlamydia was similar during both periods (from 9.7 per 1,000 adolescent encounters to 10.8 per 1,000 adolescent encounters, p = 0.74). There was similarly high provider/staff knowledge about (p = 0.35) and adherence to (p = 0.06) the screening protocol at 6 and 12 months of implementation. There was no increase in percentage of denied insurance claims. ConclusionThis QI initiative doubled rates of GC/CT screening with no statistically significant increase in number of cases.

Reaching out for Help: Calls to a Mental Health Helpline Prior to and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis associated with adverse mental health consequences. This study examined 2908 calls made to a national mental health helpline over a 10 month period, 2 months prior to (Pre-COVID) and 8 months during the pandemic phase, that incorporated the imposition of a partial lockdown, followed by the removal and reintroduction of restrictive measures locally. Data collected included reason/s for call assistance, gender, age and number of daily diagnosed cases and deaths due to COVID-19. In the Pre-COVID phase, calls for assistance were related to information needs and depression. With the imposition of a partial lockdown, coupled with the first local deaths and spikes in number of diagnosed cases, a significant increase in number of calls targeting mental health, medication management and physical and financial issues were identified. Following the removal of local restrictions, the number of calls decreased significantly; however, with the subsequent reintroduction of restrictions, coupled with the rise in cases and deaths, assistance requested significantly targeted informational needs. Hence, whilst calls in the initial phase of the pandemic mainly targeted mental health issues, over time this shifted towards information seeking requests, even within a context where the number of deaths and cases had significantly risen.

Particulate matter in aerosols produced by two last generation electronic cigarettes: a comparison in a real-world environment

The design of e-cigarettes (e-cigs) is constantly evolving and the latest models can aerosolize using high-power sub-ohm resistance and hence may produce specific particle concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aerosol characteristics generated by two different types of electronic cigarette in real-world conditions, such as a sitting room or a small office, in number of particles (particles/cm3).We compared the real time and time-integrated measurements of the aerosol generated by the e-cigarette types Just Fog and JUUL. Real time (10s average) number of particles (particles/cm3) in 8 different aerodynamic sizes was measured using an optical particle counter (OPC) model Profiler 212-2. Tests were conducted with and without a Heating, Ventilating Air Conditioning System (HVACS) in operation, in order to evaluate the efficiency of air filtration.During the vaping sessions the OPC recorded quite significant increases in number of particles/cm3. The JUUL e-cig produced significantly lower emissions than Just Fog with and without the HVACS in operation.The study demonstrates the rapid volatility or change from liquid or semi-liquid to gaseous status of the e-cig aerosols, with half-life in the order of a few seconds (min. 4.6, max 23.9), even without the HVACS in operation. The e-cig aerosol generated by the JUUL proved significantly lower than that generated by the Just Fog, but this reduction may not be sufficient to eliminate or consistently reduce the health risk for vulnerable non e-cig users exposed to it.

Exposure to DMSO during infancy alters neurochemistry, social interactions, and brain morphology in long-evans rats.

IntroductionDimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a widely used solvent to dissolve hydrophobic substances for clinical uses and experimental in vivo purposes. While usually regarded safe, our prior studies suggest changes to behavior following DMSO exposure. We therefore evaluated the effects of a five‐day, short‐term exposure to DMSO on postnatal infant rats (P6‐10).MethodsDMSO was intraperitoneally injected for five days at 0.2, 2.0, and 4.0 ml/kg body mass. One cohort of animals was sacrificed 24 hr after DMSO exposure to analyze the neurometabolic changes in four brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum) by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. A second cohort of animals was used to analyze chronic alterations to behavior and pathological changes to glia and neuronal cells later in life (P21‐P40).Results164 metabolites, including key regulatory molecules (retinoic acid, orotic acid, adrenic acid, and hypotaurine), were found significantly altered by DMSO exposure in at least one of the brain regions at P11 (p < .05). Behavioral tests showed significant hypoactive behavior and decreased social habits to the 2.0 and 4.0 ml DMSO/kg groups (p < .01). Significant increases in number of microglia and astrocytes at P40 were observed in the 4.0 ml DMSO/kg group (at p < .015.)ConclusionsDespite short‐term exposure at low, putatively nontoxic concentrations, DMSO led to changes in behavior and social preferences, chronic alterations in glial cells, and changes in essential regulatory brain metabolites. The chronic neurological effects of DMSO exposure reported here raise concerns about its neurotoxicity and consequent safety in human medical applications and clinical trials.

85 Did Shelter-in-place Mandate Lead to an Increase in Suspected Abuse Cases?

IntroductionThe shelter-in-place mandate to mitigate the effects from the 2019 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was associated with an increase in admissions of school-aged children to our burn center but a decrease in adult admissions. It was unclear how many admissions were from suspected abuse. Our objective was to determine the social impact of the shelter-in-place mandate on the number of burn admissions secondary to suspected abuse during the COVID pandemic compared to previous years.MethodsPatients were identified using Institutional Burn Center registry and linked to the clinical and administrative data. All patients admitted from January 1, 2016 to July 31, 2020 with suspected abuse were eligible for inclusion. Demographics, patient and burn characteristics were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with Students’ t-test, and chi-squared test.ResultsThere were 7177 patients included in the study. Prior to 2020, each year the percentage of cases with suspected abuse decreased compared to previous years (19% decrease in 2017, 23% decrease in 2018, 30% decrease in 2019). Compared 2019, the number of patients admitted with suspected abuse during the COVID pandemic increased 257%, p=0.00046. There were no significant differences in race, ethnicity, sex, burn mechanism, or burn size in those admitted with abuse-related injuries. The average age of patients with abuse-related injuries in 2020 was 13 years old, compared to an average age of 28 years old for the period from 2016–2019 (p< 0.003).ConclusionsThere is a significant increase in number of patients admitted for suspected abuse. Shelter-in-place mandate limited viral transmission of COVID-19 but led to unfathomable increases in abuse cases at our institution.

Orally administered β-glucan improves the hemolytic activity of the complement system in horses.

Background and Aim:Immune-modulating molecules mainly act on innate immune cells, which are central to early defense against invading pathogens and contribute to developing adaptive immunity. Yeast-extracted β-glucan, a model immune-modulating molecule, is widely used in several animal species; however, its effect on horse immune parameters has not been thoroughly investigated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of orally administered β-glucan on selected innate immune parameters in horses.Materials and Methods:Eighteen thoroughbred horses were assigned equally into three groups as follows: One control group (no β-glucan) and two β-glucan experimental groups (one received 125 mg and the other 2 g of β-glucan per day for 28 days). Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the experiment for hematological analysis, whole blood phagocytosis, respiratory burst assays, and to assess the serum lysozyme and complement hemolytic activities.Results:At the end of the experiment, significant decreases (p<0.05) in monocyte numbers were observed in the control horses (258.8±45.9 vs. 115.3±41.5) and in those fed 125 mg/day of β-glucan (208.8±72.3 vs. 99.2±60.7), whereas a significant increase in numbers was noted in the horses that were fed 2 g/day of β-glucan (303.5±45.8 vs. 429.8±86.0; p<0.05). The natural hemolytic activity of the complement was higher only in horses fed 2 g/day of β-glucan (p=0.018) compared to the other groups. The hemolytic activity in the classical pathway was higher in those fed 125 mg/day (p=0.0035) and 2 g/day of β-glucan (p=0.0001).Conclusion:β-glucan improves important innate immune parameters and might be fed to horses before stressful events.

Adaptive changes in local field potential oscillation associated with morphine conditioned place preference in mice

Neural adaptation associated with formation of morphine conditioned place preference remained largely unexplored. This study monitored longitudinal changes in neural signaling during pre-conditioning, conditioning and post-conditioning periods of morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm for investigation of adaptive mechanisms of opiate addiction. Male Swiss albino mice implanted with intracranial electrodes into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), striatum (STr) and hippocampus (HC) were used for recording of local field potentials (LFPs). Animals received a 10-day schedule for associative learning to pair the specific compartment of the chamber with morphine effects. Exploratory behavior and LFP signals were recorded during pre-conditioning (baseline level), conditioning (day 1, 5 and 10) and post-conditioning (day 1, 4 and 7) periods. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test revealed significant increases in number of visit and time spent in morphine compartment during post-conditioning days. Frequency analysis of LFP highlighted the increases in alpha activity (12 – 18 Hz) in the NAc from post-conditioning day 1 until day 7. Moreover, significantly increased coherent activities between the pair of NAc-HC were developed within gamma frequency range (35 – 42 Hz) on morphine conditioning day 10 and disappeared during post-conditioning days. Taken together, these findings emphasized NAc LFP signaling and neural connectivities between the NAc and HC associated with morphine CPP. These adaptive changes might underlie the formation of morphine conditioned place preference and behavioral consequences such as craving and relapse.