Prevalence of drooling, swallowing, and feeding problems in cerebral palsy across the lifespan: a systematic review and meta‐analyses

Aim: To determine the prevalence of drooling, swallowing, and feeding problems in persons with cerebral palsy (CP) across the lifespan. Method: A systematic review was conducted using five different databases (AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed). The selection process was completed by two independent researchers and the methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the STROBE and AXIS guidelines. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine pooled prevalence estimates of drooling, swallowing, and feeding problems with stratified group analyses by type of assessment and Gross Motor Function Classification System level. Results: A total of 42 studies were included. Substantial variations in selected outcome measures and variables were observed, and data on adults were limited. Pooled prevalence estimates determined by meta-analyses were as high as 44.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.6–52.7) for drooling, 50.4% (95% CI 36.0–64.8) for swallowing problems, and 53.5% (95% CI 40.7–65.9) for feeding problems. Group analyses for type of assessments were non-significant; however, more severely impaired functioning in CP was associated with concomitant problems of increased drooling, swallowing, and feeding. Interpretation: Drooling, swallowing, and feeding problems are very common in people with CP. Consequently, they experience increased risks of malnutrition and dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and poor quality of life. What this paper adds: Drooling, swallowing, and feeding problems are very common in persons with cerebral palsy (CP). The prevalence of drooling, swallowing, and feeding problems is 44.0%, 50.4%, and 53.5% respectively. There are limited data on the prevalence of drooling, swallowing, and feeding problems in adults. Higher Gross Motor Function Classification System levels are associated with higher prevalence of drooling, swallowing, and feeding problems. There is increased risk for malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and poor quality of life in CP

Efeitos antiangiogênicos in vivo convalidam a atividade antineoplásica potencial do metiljasmonato

Molecular plant components have long been aimed at the angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis pathways, and have been tested as sources for antineoplasic drugs with promising success. The present work deals with the anti-angiogenic effects of Methyl Jasmonate. Jasmonate derivatives were demonstrated to selectively damage the mitochondria of cancer cells. In vitro, 1-10 mM Methyl Jasmonate induced the cell death of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the Murine melanoma cells (B16F10), while micromolar concentrations were ineffective. In vivo, comparable concentrations were toxic and reduced the vessel density of the Chorioallantoic Membrane of the Chicken Embryo (CAM). However, 1-10 µM concentrations produced a complex effect. There was increased capillary budding, but the new vessels were leakier and less organised than corresponding controls. It is suggested that not only direct toxicity, but also the drug effects upon angiogenesis are relevant to the antineoplasic effects of Methyl Jasmonate.Moléculas de origem vegetal são, há muito, conhecidas como substâncias ativas sobre as vias de angiogênese e antiangiogênese e foram testadas como fonte de drogas antineoplásicas com sucesso promissor. Este trabalho trata dos efeitos antiangiogênicos do Metiljasmonato, um protótipo da família dos derivados do ácido jasmônico, que danificam seletivamente a mitocôndria de células neoplásicas. In vitro, metiljasmonato 1-10 mM promoveu a morte celular de células endoteliais humanas de cordão umbilical (HUVEC) e de melanoma murino (B16F10); concentrações micromolares foram inócuas. In vivo, concentrações equivalentes foram tóxicas e reduziram a densidade de vasos em membranas corioalantoicas de embrião de galinha (CAM). Entretanto, concentrações entre 1-10 µM produziram um efeito complexo. Ocorreu aumento no brotamento capilar, mas os novos vasos apresentaram-se frágeis e menos organizados que os controles correspondentes. Sugere-se que, além da toxicidade direta contra as células tumorais, a ação do metiljasmonato sobre a angiogênese seja relevante para seu efeito antineoplásico

Molecular Mechanisms of White Spot Syndrome Virus Infection and Perspectives on Treatments.

Published onlineJournal ArticleReviewSince its emergence in the 1990s, White Spot Disease (WSD) has had major economic and societal impact in the crustacean aquaculture sector. Over the years shrimp farming alone has experienced billion dollar losses through WSD. The disease is caused by the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), a large dsDNA virus and the only member of the Nimaviridae family. Susceptibility to WSSV in a wide range of crustacean hosts makes it a major risk factor in the translocation of live animals and in commodity products. Currently there are no effective treatments for this disease. Understanding the molecular basis of disease processes has contributed significantly to the treatment of many human and animal pathogens, and with a similar aim considerable efforts have been directed towards understanding host-pathogen molecular interactions for WSD. Work on the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in aquatic crustaceans has been restricted by a lack of sequenced and annotated genomes for host species. Nevertheless, some of the key host-pathogen interactions have been established: between viral envelope proteins and host cell receptors at initiation of infection, involvement of various immune system pathways in response to WSSV, and the roles of various host and virus miRNAs in mitigation or progression of disease. Despite these advances, many fundamental knowledge gaps remain; for example, the roles of the majority of WSSV proteins are still unknown. In this review we assess current knowledge of how WSSV infects and replicates in its host, and critique strategies for WSD treatment.This work was funded by the Open Innovation Platform at the University of Exeter (Open Innovation Fund Initiative PHSW029) and by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) (under seedcorn project DP318 to GDS) under the Strategic Alliance partnership between the University of Exeter and Cefas

De novo assembly of the Carcinus maenas transcriptome and characterization of innate immune system pathways.

Journal ArticleCopyright © 2015 Verbruggen et al.BACKGROUND: The European shore crab, Carcinus maenas, is used widely in biomonitoring, ecotoxicology and for studies into host-pathogen interactions. It is also an important invasive species in numerous global locations. However, the genomic resources for this organism are still sparse, limiting research progress in these fields. To address this resource shortfall we produced a C. maenas transcriptome, enabled by the progress in next-generation sequencing technologies, and applied this to assemble information on the innate immune system in this species. RESULTS: We isolated and pooled RNA for twelve different tissues and organs from C. maenas individuals and sequenced the RNA using next generation sequencing on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. After de novo assembly a transcriptome was generated encompassing 212,427 transcripts (153,699 loci). The transcripts were filtered, annotated and characterised using a variety of tools (including BLAST, MEGAN and RSEM) and databases (including NCBI, Gene Ontology and KEGG). There were differential patterns of expression for between 1,223 and 2,741 transcripts across tissues and organs with over-represented Gene Ontology terms relating to their specific function. Based on sequence homology to immune system components in other organisms, we show both the presence of transcripts for a series of known pathogen recognition receptors and response proteins that form part of the innate immune system, and transcripts representing the RNAi, Toll-like receptor signalling, IMD and JAK/STAT pathways. CONCLUSIONS: We have produced an assembled transcriptome for C. maenas that provides a significant molecular resource for wide ranging studies in this species. Analysis of the transcriptome has revealed the presence of a series of known targets and functional pathways that form part of their innate immune system and illustrate tissue specific differences in their expression patterns.Cefas Seedcorn Contract #DP318University of Exeter’s Open Innovation PlatformWellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Awar

Complete larval development of the hermit crabs Clibanarius aequabilis and Clibanarius erythropus (Decapoda : Anomura : Diogenidae), under laboratory conditions, with a revision of the larval features of genus Clibanarius

The complete larval development (four zoeae and one megalopa) of Clibanarius aequabilis and C. erythropus, reared under laboratory conditions, is described and illustrated. The larval stages of the two northeastern Atlantic Clibanarius species cannot be easily differentiated. Their morphological characters are compared with those of other known Clibanarius larvae. The genus Clibanarius is very homogeneous with respect to larval characters. All Clibanarius zoeae display a broad and blunt rostrum, smooth abdominal segments and an antennal scale without a terminal spine. Beyond the second zoeal stage, the fourth telson process is present as a fused spine, and the uropods are biramous. In the fourth larval stage all species display a mandibular palp. The Clibanarius megalopa presents weakly developed or no ocular scales, symmetrical chelipeds, apically curved corneous dactylus in the second and third pereiopods, and 5-11 setae on the posterior margin of the telson. Apart from the number of zoeal stages, Clibanarius species may be separated, beyond the second zoeal stage, by the telson formula and the morphology of the fourth telson process.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Reflexões sobre a maternidade : um estudo exploratório com mulheres acima de 40 anos

Este artigo apresenta um estudo exploratório-descritivo de caráter qualitativo que busca conhecer como o conceito de maternidade é compreendido e vivenciado pelas mulheres, destacando vivências de libertação e cativeiro, segundo a Teoria do Espaço Consciente de Krista K. Burlae (2004). Através da Entrevista Biográfica proposta por Connie J. G. Gersick & Kathy. E. Kram (2002), seis mulheres acima de 40 anos relataram sobre sua vida no passado, presente e futuro. A análise dos resultados deu-se a partir da Análise do Discurso, proposto por Rosalind Gill (2002), baseando-se nos pressupostos epistemológicos dos estudos de gênero, perspectiva feminista, teoria do Desenvolvimento de Daniel Levinson (1996) e visão sistêmica. Os resultados trazem que as concepções e as vivências de maternidade são diversas, complexas e apresentam diferentes implicações na vida das mulheres. Perspectivas mais conservadoras interagem com visões mais críticas sobre as relações mãe-mulher.En este artículo se presenta un estudio cualitativo, exploratorio-descriptivo que busca entender cómo entienden y experimentan las mujeres el concepto de la maternidad, destacando las experiencias de la liberación y de la esclavitud, de acuerdo con la Teoría del Espacio Consciente Burlae (2004). A través de entrevista biográfica propuesto por Gersick y Kram (2002), 6 mujeres de más de 40 informaron sobre su vida en el pasado, presente y futuro. El análisis se llevó a cabo del análisis del discurso, propuesto por Gill (2002), sobre la base de los supuestos epistemológicos de los estudios de género, perspectiva feminista y vista sistémico. Los resultados traen a las concepciones y experiencias de la maternidad son diversos, complejos y tienen diferentes implicaciones para la vida de las mujeres. Perspectivas más conservadores interactúan con puntos de vista más críticos en las relaciones madre-mujer.This article presents an exploratory descriptive study of qualitative character, who seeks to understand how the notion of maternity is perceived and experienced by women, emphasizing experiences of liberation and captivity, as per Krista K. Burlae's Theory of Mindful Space (2004). Via the biographical interview proposed by Connie J. G. Gersick & Kathy. E. Kram (2002), six women over the age of 40 described their lives in the past, present and future. The analysis of results was conducted using the Discourse Analysis proposed by Rosalind Gill (2002), basing itself on epistemological assumptions from studies of gender, feminine perspective, Daniel Lenvinson's Development Theory (1996) and systemic vision. The results show that the conceptions and experiences of maternity are diverse and complex, presenting different implications in the lives of women. More conservative perspectives interact with more critical views of the mother-woman relationships

The Mechanisms of Codon Reassignments in Mitochondrial Genetic Codes

Many cases of non-standard genetic codes are known in mitochondrial genomes. We carry out analysis of phylogeny and codon usage of organisms for which the complete mitochondrial genome is available, and we determine the most likely mechanism for codon reassignment in each case. Reassignment events can be classified according to the gain-loss framework. The gain represents the appearance of a new tRNA for the reassigned codon or the change of an existing tRNA such that it gains the ability to pair with the codon. The loss represents the deletion of a tRNA or the change in a tRNA so that it no longer translates the codon. One possible mechanism is Codon Disappearance, where the codon disappears from the genome prior to the gain and loss events. In the alternative mechanisms the codon does not disappear. In the Unassigned Codon mechanism, the loss occurs first, whereas in the Ambiguous Intermediate mechanism, the gain occurs first. Codon usage analysis gives clear evidence of cases where the codon disappeared at the point of the reassignment and also cases where it did not disappear. Codon disappearance is the probable explanation for stop to sense reassignments and a small number of reassignments of sense codons. However, the majority of sense to sense reassignments cannot be explained by codon disappearance. In the latter cases, by analysis of the presence or absence of tRNAs in the genome and of the changes in tRNA sequences, it is sometimes possible to distinguish between the Unassigned Codon and Ambiguous Intermediate mechanisms. We emphasize that not all reassignments follow the same scenario and that it is necessary to consider the details of each case carefully.Comment: 53 pages (45 pages, including 4 figures + 8 pages of supplementary information). To appear in J.Mol.Evo

Expression of histone methyltransferases as novel biomarkers for renal cell tumor diagnosis and prognostication

Renal cell tumors (RCTs) are the most lethal of the common urological cancers. The widespread use of imaging entailed an increased detection of small renal masses, emphasizing the need for accurate distinction between benign and malignant RCTs, which is critical for adequate therapeutic management. Histone methylation has been implicated in renal tumorigenesis, but its potential clinical value as RCT biomarker remains mostly unexplored. Hence, the main goal of this study was to identify differentially expressed histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and histone demethylases (HDMs) that might prove useful for RCT diagnosis and prognostication, emphasizing the discrimination between oncocytoma (a benign tumor) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially the chromophobe subtype (chRCC). We found that the expression levels of three genes-SMYD2, SETD3, and NO66-was significantly altered in a set of RCTs, which was further validated in a large independent cohort. Higher expression levels were found in RCTs compared to normal renal tissues (RNTs) and in chRCCs comparatively to oncocytomas. SMYD2 and SETD3 mRNA levels correlated with protein expression assessed by immunohistochemistry. SMYD2 transcript levels discriminated RCTs from RNT, with 82.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity (AUC=0.959), and distinguished chRCCs from oncocytomas, with 71.0% sensitivity and 73.3% specificity (AUC: 0.784). Low expression levels of SMYD2, SETD3, and NO66 were significantly associated with shorter disease-specific and disease-free survival, especially in patients with non-organ confined tumors. We conclude that expression of selected HMTs and HDMs might constitute novel biomarkers to assist in RCT diagnosis and assessment of tumor aggressiveness.This study was funded by research grants from Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute – Porto (CI-IPOP 4-2012) and European Community’s Seventh Framework Program – Grant number FP7-HEALTH-F5-2009-241783. ASP-L and FQV are and were supported by FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia grants (SFRH/SINTD/94217/2013 and SFRH/ BD/70564/2010, respectively)

Increased exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in healthy subjects following cigarette consumption

CONTEXT: Increased hydrogen peroxide has been described in the expired breath condensate (H2O2-E) of several lung conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This technique has been advocated as being a simple method for documenting airway inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate H2O2-E in healthy cigarette smokers, and to determine the acute effects of the consumption of one cigarette on H2O2-E levels. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, controlled trial. SETTING: A pulmonary function laboratory in a University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two groups of healthy volunteers: individuals who had never smoked (NS; n=10; 4 men; age = 30.6 ± 6.2 years) and current cigarette smokers (S; n=12; 7 men; age = 38.7 ± 9.8). None of the volunteers had respiratory symptoms and all showed normal spirometric tests. INTERVENTION: Expired air was collected from all volunteers through a face mask and a plastic collecting system leading into a flask with dry ice and pure ethanol. Samples from the group S were collected twice, before and half an hour after the combustion of one cigarette. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Expired hydrogen peroxide using the Gallati and Pracht method. RESULTS: The S and NS groups showed comparable levels of H2O2-E at basal conditions [NS = 0.74 muM (DP 0.24) vs. S = 0.75 muM (DP 0.31)]. The smokers showed a significant increase in H2O2-E levels half an hour after the consumption of only one cigarette [0.75 muM (DP 0.31) vs. 0.95 muM (DP 0.22)]. CONCLUSION: The present results are consistent with the concept that smokers increase oxidative stress with elevated production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to the development of smoking-related disorders.CONTEXTO: Elevações do peróxido de hidrogênio exalado (H2O2-E) tem sido descritas em diversas doenças pulmonares tais como a síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e asma. Essa técnica tem sido preconizada como um método simples capaz de refletir inflamação ao nível das vias aéreas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os níveis de H2O2-E em indivíduos normais e determinar os efeitos agudos do consumo de um cigarro sobre seus valores. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Ensaio clínico, prospectivo, controlado. LOCAL: Laboratório de função pulmonar de um Hospital Universitário. PARTICIPANTES: Dois grupos de voluntários sadios: indivíduos que nunca fumaram [NS; n = 10; 4 homens; idade = 30,6 anos (DP 6,2)] e indivíduos fumantes atuais [S; n = 12; 7 homens; idade = 38,7 anos (DP 9,8)]. Todos os voluntários não apresentavam sintomas respiratórios e exibiam testes espirométricos dentro da normalidade. INTERVENÇÃO: Ar expirado foi coletado de todos os voluntários utilizando-se uma máscara facial e um sistema colocado em um frasco com gelo seco e etanol absoluto. Amostras do grupo S foram coletadas duas vezes, antes e meia hora após o consumo de um cigarro. VARIÁVEIS ESTUDADAS: Peróxido de hidrogênio expirado utilizando-se o método de Gallati e Pracht. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos mostraram níveis comparáveis de H2O2-E em condições basais [NS = 0,74 miM (DP 0,24) vs. S = 0,75 miM (DP 0,31)]. Os fumantes mostraram um aumento significante dos níveis de H2O2-E meia hora após o consumo de apenas um cigarro [0,75 miM (DP 0,31) vs. 0,95 miM (DP 0,22)]. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos estão de acordo com o conceito de que o consumo de cigarros aumenta o estresse oxidativo com produção elevada de espécies reativas do oxigênio (ROS) contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de doenças relacionadas ao tabagismo.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM) Pulmonary DivisionUniversity of São Paulo Medical School of Ribeirão Preto Department of MedicineUNIFESP, EPM, Pulmonary DivisionSciEL

Mechanical performance of statically loaded flat face epoxy bonded concrete joints

One of the main challenges in the offshore renewable energy industry is the reduction in the levelised cost of energy of wind, wave and tidal devices. The use of concrete as the primary construction material in such devices presents a low unit cost, high marine durability alternative to steel, however, to maximise material efficiency factors such as mix constituent design, structural detailing and manufacturing processes have to take into account the specific conditions of the marine environment. Pre-cast segmental construction can be considered as one of the fastest and cheapest construction options. However the challenges regarding performance of epoxy bonded concrete in marine environment should be taken into account. This paper presents the results of an experimental programme on the performance of shear and tensile capacity of flat face concrete joints, focussing on the effect of substrate surface preparation, joint thickness, properties of epoxy resins, exposure to seawater and presence of joint defects on the ultimate failure load. The ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) method for detection of defects in the adhesive layer was examined and digital image correlation is used to observe the surface strain flow through the joint. The results indicate that the epoxy joints behave monolithically and remain undamaged under different types of static loading. The joints do not significantly interrupt the flow of strain but can locally affect the distribution of strain (and thus stiffness and stresses) in a structure. An increase in the density of the epoxy (and the filler content) leads to the increase in the joint strength and thicker joints are less affected by small defects in the bonding layer. The majority of tested specimens failed by cracking of concrete rather than by debonding of the joint, whilst compressive stresses acting on the joint can help to augment its shear strength. Sandblasting of bonded surfaces can improve performance of joints, whereas UPV testing may be used for quality control of epoxy-bonded joints