Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk after liver transplantation: a single-center experience.

Excessive weight gain, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes are frequently observed among orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients. These alterations, which are probably multifactorial in origin, contribute to posttransplantation metabolic syndrome (PTMS), which increases the risk of cardiovascular events. We assessed the prevalence of PTMS (diagnosed according to modified NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III criteria) in 156 OLT patients undergoing regular follow-up after transplantation (median 68 months; range, 6 to 234 months). Several pre- and post-OLT data were collected to identify the factors associated with the presence of PTMS which was found in 28% of cases. The only independent predictive factors for PTMS were diabetes mellitus and patients who were overweight or obese before-OLT. The prevalence of PTSM was lower among patients on tacrolimus immunosuppression. In our population, 21% of patients showed a high cardiovascular risk score with a 4% incidence of cardiovascular events, which was higher among subjects with PTMS. Close follow-up is mandatory to prevent the development of PTMS mainly among overweight and diabetic patients before transplantation

AN INNOVATIVE NUMERICAL APPROACH FOR TRAIN PASS-BY NOISE FORECASTING

This paper deals with an engineering method for the prediction of vehicle pass-by noise based on a FEM/ BEM exterior acoustic calculation in the frequency domain. The researchers simulate, in a virtual environment, the experimental outdoor pass-by noise measurement. The simulated pass-by noise campaign is synthesized from multiple acoustic transfer functions between a line of virtual microphones located 7.5m on the side of the vehicle and each noise source. A numerical FEM/BEM train bogie acoustic model has been created within the MSC ACTRAN commercial softwares. Wheel-rail rolling noise, engine and powertrain noise acoustic source have been implemented and posi-tioned inside the FEM and BEM model to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methods. The contribu-tion from noise sources, expressed both in terms of sound pressure level and overall value, to the pass-by noise were evaluated up to 5 kHz. The virtual pass-by-noise assessment has been then validated by experi-mental measurement of the complete four coach’s train with respect to different speed regimes

Impairing the production of ribosomal RNA activates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signalling and downstream translation factors

Ribosome biogenesis is a key process for maintaining protein synthetic capacity in dividing or growing cells, and requires coordinated production of ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), including the processing of the latter. Signalling through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activates all these processes. Here, we show that, in human cells, impaired rRNA processing, caused by expressing an interfering mutant of BOP1 or by knocking down components of the PeBoW complex elicits activation of mTORC1 signalling. This leads to enhanced phosphorylation of its substrates S6K1 and 4E-BP1, and stimulation of proteins involved in translation initiation and elongation. In particular, we observe both inactivation and downregulation of the eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase, which normally inhibits translation elongation. The latter effect involves decreased expression of the eEF2K mRNA. The mRNAs for ribosomal proteins, whose translation is positively regulated by mTORC1 signalling, also remain associated with ribosomes. Therefore, our data demonstrate that disrupting rRNA production activates mTORC1 signalling to enhance the efficiency of the translational machinery, likely to help compensate for impaired ribosome production

Farmaci oppioidi e Cannabis nella terapia del dolore

[English]:“Opioid and Cannabis in Pain Control” is the result of studies performed by the Pharmacy Department and the “Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Farmacoeconomia e Farmacoutilizzazione” (CIRFF) of the University of Naples, “Federico II”. This book is aimed to those who work in a pharmacy and who, scholars, teachers or students, are interested in delve into the issue. The text analyzes different topics with an interdisciplinary approach. A large part is devoted to the chemical and pharmacological aspects related to this topic. Subsequently, the text focuses the theme, still very debated, of using opioids and Cannabis in therapy through an exhaustive analysis of the entire existing legislation: from the first laws promulgated by the Kingdom of Italy until the last ministerial circulars by Italian republic. Finally yet importantly, an important part of the book focuses on medical and therapeutic interpretation with regard to the effects on pain control, where opioids and Cannabis are not only a fruitful frontier of research, but also a consolidated and effective tool to counteract some types of pain / [Italiano]: “Farmaci oppioidi e Cannabis nella terapia del dolore” rappresenta il frutto di alcuni studi, condotti per almeno tre lustri nel Dipartimento di Farmacia e nel Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Farmacoeconomia e Farmacoutilizzazione (CIRFF) della Federico II, e si rivolge sia a chi presta servizio ogni giorno in una farmacia, sia a chi, studioso, docente o studente, è interessato ad approfondire l’argomento. Il testo, utilizzando un approccio interdisciplinare, si muove su piani euristici differenti. Naturalmente, ampio spazio è stato dedicato alla parte farmaceutica, analizzando tutti gli aspetti chimici e farmacologici connessi a questo tema. Un secondo punto di rilievo riguarda la problematica normativa legata alla dibattuta questione dell’utilizzo in terapia degli oppioidi e della Cannabis. In tal senso, si è cercato di offrire una prospettiva chiara ed esauriente del complesso quadro legislativo vigente: a partire dalle prime leggi promulgate dal Regno d’Italia, fino ad arrivare alle ultime circolari ministeriali in materia, è stata rivista ed esaminata l’intera normativa sulle sostanze stupefacenti, spiegandone anche i passaggi più delicati e controversi. Infine, soprattutto per ciò che concerne le ricadute sulla terapia del dolore, una parte significativa del libro si è concentrata sull’interpretazione medica e terapeutica, dove i farmaci oppioidi e la Cannabis costituiscono non solo una feconda frontiera di ricerca, ma anche un consolidato ed efficace strumento per contrastare alcune tipologie di dolore

Ribosomal stress activates eEF2K-eEF2 pathway causing translation elongation inhibition and recruitment of Terminal Oligopyrimidine (TOP) mRNAs on polysomes

The synthesis of adequate amounts of ribosomes is an essential task for the cell. It is therefore not surprising that regulatory circuits exist to organize the synthesis of ribosomal components. It has been shown that defect in ribosome biogenesis (ribosomal stress) induces apoptosis or cell cycle arrest through activation of the tumor suppressor p53. This mechanism is thought to be implicated in the pathophysiology of a group of genetic diseases such as Diamond Blackfan Anemia which are called ribosomopathies. We have identified an additional response to ribosomal stress that includes the activation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 kinase with a consequent inhibition of translation elongation. This leads to a translational reprogramming in the cell that involves the structurally defined group of messengers called terminal oligopyrimidine (TOP) mRNAs which encode ribosomal proteins and translation factors. In fact, while general protein synthesis is decreased by the impairment of elongation, TOP mRNAs are recruited on polysomes causing a relative increase in the synthesis of TOP mRNA-encoded proteins compared to other proteins. Therefore, in response to ribosomal stress, there is a change in the translation pattern of the cell which may help restore a sufficient level of ribosomes

Affects of Budgets on Creativity and Revenue

This paper explores the potential factors that could optimize the revenue growth of different companies. These factors include the creativity levels of the head of the business and the budget they have to work with. The businesses analyzed in this paper were Apple and 21st Century Fox

I Can See! : A Health Promotion Project to Improve Quality of Life in Jamaican Communities

Sacred Heart University’s nursing students of the undergraduate and graduate level, along with the University’s faculty and community healthcare providers travel to Kingston, Jamaica annually to provide medical care to impoverished populations. During this one-week clinical experience, a health promotion project that students focus on is testing the population for hyperopia, dispensing reading glasses, and observing the conditions that may be leading to various visual conditions in the Caribbean. As the project began two years ago with much success, plans for expansion to improve visual impairments in the population served include early interventions for cataract prevention, continual dispensing of reading glasses, and collection and dissemination of sunglasses for the next clinical program

Assessing the status and challenges of pediatric oncology in low and middle-income countries

In the past decade, an increased global effort has been directed towards improving pediatric oncology status in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Several international organizations and large consortiums have collaborated to undertake this effort, such as the United States (U.S.) National Cancer Institute (NCI), The Middle East Cancer Consortium, African Cancer Registry Network, The Middle East Childhood Cancer Alliance, Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group and others. However, underreporting of incidence, mortality, and survival rate of childhood cancer in LMICs have so far limited the global community from understanding the true scale of the problem. Underestimating the extent of pediatric cancer in LMICs creates a massive challenge and plays a significant role in delaying improvement of pediatric cancer medical care. In this study, a rapid review and data assessment from publicly available databases and literature was performed to define the status of pediatric cancer data in low-income countries (LICs) and compare it to that of high-income countries (HICs). This assessment revealed that the amount of pediatric cancer data published in HICs was significantly larger compared to LICs, especially for African countries. The analysis also highlighted the existence of a significant discrepancy of pediatric cancer data reported by different sources in LICs, whereas there was a minimal discrepancy in data reported in HICs. To better understand the extent of data underreporting in LICs, a questionnaire was sent to cancer registries in selected African countries to assess the factors that might impact the process and quality of data collection and reporting. The results of the questionnaire highlighted that limited resources of registries, staff workload, lack of training, access to diagnostic tools and underrepresentation of their data in global databases were some of the factors that mostly contributed to pediatric cancer data underreporting. Results also indicated that incidence rates reported by cancer registries were not comparable with those reported by global databases, thus confirming the discrepancy outlined in the data assessment. To further investigate underreporting in LICs and collect pediatric data directly from cancer centers, a fieldwork trip in Egypt took place in 2018. The outcome of interviews and meetings during the visit illustrated that lack of resources, access to therapies, and access to diagnostic tools and protocols were key gaps and challenges that those cancer centers faced. Moreover, future collaborations and action plans were established, and data digitalization and training programs were the main two action plans prioritized. In summary, the combined outcome of the rapid review and data assessment, cancer registries questionnaire, and field trip suggested that there is a significant underreporting of pediatric cancer data and discrepancy in data reported in LICs. Additionally, cancer hospitals, centers, and registries face tremendous challenges and gaps that negatively impact data collection and reporting. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the global community to establish strategies to quantify the true scale of pediatric cancer, which should lead to allocate sufficient funds to improve pediatric cancer medical care in LICs