Costs and health care resource utilization among Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia. However, published studies of CLL have either only focused on costs among individuals diagnosed with CLL without a non-CLL comparator group or focused on costs associated with specific CLL treatments. An examination of utilization and costs across different care settings provides a holistic view of utilization associated with CLL. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the health care costs and resource utilization types attributable to CLL among Medicare beneficiaries and identify predictors associated with each of the economic outcomes among beneficiaries diagnosed with CLL. METHODS: This retrospective study used a random 20% sample of the Medicare Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse (CCW) database covering the 2017-2019 period. The study population consisted of individuals with and without CLL. The CLL cohort and non-CLL cohort were matched using a 1:5 hard match based on baseline categorical variables. We characterized economic outcomes over 360 days across cost categories and places of services. We estimated average marginal effects using multivariable generalized linear regression models of total costs and across type of services. Total cost was compared between CLL and non-CLL cohorts using the matched sample. We used generalized linear models appropriate for the count or binary outcome to identify factors associated with various categories of health care resource utilization, such as inpatient admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and oncologist/hematologist visits. RESULTS: A total of 2,736 beneficiaries in the CLL cohort and 13,571 beneficiaries in the non-CLL matched cohort were identified. Compared with the non-CLL cohort, the annual cost for the CLL cohort was higher (CLL vs non-CLL, mean [SD]: $22,781 [$37,592] vs $13,901 [$24,725]), mainly driven by health care provider costs ($6,535 vs $3,915) and Part D prescription drug costs ($5,916 vs $2,556). The main categories of health care resource utilization were physician evaluation/management visits, oncologist/hematologist visits, and laboratory services. Compared with beneficiaries aged 65-74 years, beneficiaries aged 85 years or older had lower use and cost in maintenance services (ie, oncologist visits, hospital outpatient costs, and prescription drug cost) but higher use and cost in acute services (ie, ED). Compared with residency in a metropolitan area, living in a nonmetropolitan area was associated with fewer physician visits but higher ED visits and hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: The cooccurrence of lower utilization of routine care services, along with higher utilization of acute care services among some individuals, has implications for patient burden and warrants further study.

Developing Social Enhancements for a Web-Based, Positive Emotion Intervention for Alzheimer Disease Caregivers: Qualitative Focus Group and Interview Study.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease is a degenerative neurological condition that requires long-term care. The cost of these responsibilities is often borne by informal caregivers, who experience an elevated risk of negative physical and psychological outcomes. Previously, we designed a positive emotion regulation intervention that was shown to improve well-being among dementia caregivers when delivered through one-on-one videoconferencing lessons with a trained facilitator. However, the format required significant resources in terms of logistics and facilitator time. To broaden the reach of the intervention, we aimed to develop the Social Augmentation of Self-Guided Electronic Delivery of the Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers (SAGE LEAF) program, an iteration of the intervention in a self-guided, web-based format with enhanced opportunities for social connection. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gather feedback to inform the design of social features for the SAGE LEAF intervention. In the absence of a facilitator, our goal with the self-guided SAGE LEAF intervention was to integrate various social features (eg, discussion board, automated support, and profiles) to maximize engagement among participants. METHODS: Qualitative data were collected from 26 individuals through (1) interviews with participants who completed a previous version of the intervention via videoconferencing with a facilitator, (2) focus groups with dementia caregivers who had not previously experienced the intervention, and (3) focus groups with Alzheimer disease clinical care providers. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis to identify which social features would be the most helpful and how they could be implemented in a way that would be best received by caregivers. RESULTS: Interview and focus group feedback indicated that participants generally liked the potential features suggested, including the discussion boards, multimedia content, and informational support. They had valuable suggestions for optimal implementation. For example, participants liked the idea of a buddy system where they would be matched up with another caregiver for the duration of the study. However, they expressed concern about differing expectations among caregivers and the possibility of matched caregivers not getting along. Participants also expressed interest in giving caregivers access to a podcast on the skills, which would allow them to review additional content when they wished. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the discussions with caregivers and providers offered unique insights into the types of social features that may be integrated into the SAGE LEAF intervention, as well as implementation suggestions to improve the acceptability of the features among caregivers. These insights will allow us to design social features for the intervention that are optimally engaging and helpful for caregivers.

Randomized controlled trial of a positive emotion regulation intervention to reduce stress in family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease: protocol and design for the LEAF 2.0 study.

BACKGROUND: Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be stressful, resulting in poorer emotional and physical health among family caregivers. Although supportive resources for caregivers are available, distance, caregiver health, and the daily demands of caregiving are barriers to access. Based on research demonstrating the importance of positive emotions in coping with stress, our previous trial showed that dementia caregivers who participated in facilitated, web-based delivery of a positive emotion regulation intervention called LEAF (Life Enhancing Activities for Family caregivers) experienced increased positive emotion and decreased depression and anxiety. Building on this evidence, the LEAF 2.0 study aims to test whether web-based, self-guided delivery can confer similar benefits for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: This paper presents the design and methods for LEAF 2.0, a 3-arm web-based randomized controlled trial (N = 500) in which family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are randomized to (1) the LEAF intervention facilitated remotely via the web (N = 200), (2) the LEAF intervention self-guided online (N = 200), or (3) an emotion reporting control (N = 100), which then crosses over to the intervention after approximately 6 months, half to the facilitated arm and half to the self-guided arm. We aim to (1) compare the effect of the facilitated and self-guided LEAF positive emotion interventions to an emotion reporting control condition on AD caregiver well-being (positive emotion, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress) and secondary outcomes (caregiving burden, caregiving self-efficacy, positive aspects of caregiving, quality of care, and AD patient quality of life); (2) assess whether effects are mediated by improvements in positive emotion or other aspects of caregiver well-being; and (3) test whether caregiver age or gender or the care recipient's dementia severity moderates the effects of the intervention. DISCUSSION: If demonstrated to be effective, LEAF can be widely disseminated and ultimately have a significant impact on the stress experienced by AD caregivers and the well-being of people living with Alzheimer's disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03610698.

Disparity in treatment patterns among Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: an analysis of patient and contextual factors.

This study characterizes the patterns and timing of CLL treatment and, to our knowledge, is the first to identify social vulnerability factors associated with CLL treatment receipt in the Medicare population. A total of 3508 Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with CLL from 2017 to 2019 were identified. We reported the proportion of individuals who received CLL treatment and the time until the first CLL treatment receipt after the first observed claim with a CLL diagnosis. Logistic regression and time-to-event models provided adjusted odds ratios and hazard ratios associated with baseline individual-level and county-level factors. Sixteen percent of individuals received CLL treatment, and the median follow-up time was 540 d. The median time to receipt of CLL treatment was 61 d. Older age and residence in a county ranked high in social vulnerability (as defined by minority status and language) were negatively associated with treatment receipt and time to treatment receipt.

Opening Pressure and Post-Lumbar Puncture Headache in Children Undergoing Intrathecal Baclofen Trial.

Aims: Post-lumbar puncture headache occurs in 5% to 12% of children. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and predictors of post-lumbar puncture headache in children with hypertonia undergoing lumbar puncture for intrathecal baclofen trial. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center review of all 43 children (<18 years) with hypertonia and/or dyskinesia undergoing intrathecal baclofen trial from 2013-2022. Predictors of post-lumbar puncture headache were evaluated via 2-way paired t test and Fisher exact test. Results: Seven subjects (16.3%) developed post-lumbar puncture headache. Of patients who developed post-lumbar puncture headache, 3 required emergency care or hospitalization. One was misdiagnosed with constipation. The 16 patients without opening pressure measured were excluded from subsequent analyses. Of the 27 patients with documented opening pressure, the mean opening pressure was 24.0 cm H2O (SD 6.5) and 5 (18.5%) had elevated opening pressure (>28 cm H2O). Mean opening pressure was higher for those with post-lumbar puncture headache (28.6 vs 22.4 cm H2O, P = .014). Sixty percent of patients with elevated opening pressure developed post-lumbar puncture headache. Baclofen pumps were placed in 4 (80%) patients with elevated opening pressure and 6 (85.7%) with post-lumbar puncture headaches without complications. Interpretation: The risk of post-lumbar puncture headache after intrathecal baclofen trial was higher than reported in the literature, likely because of greater rates of elevated opening pressure. Physicians may use opening pressure to predict risk for post-lumbar puncture headache and should educate families about symptoms. Elevated opening pressure or post-lumbar puncture headache may not preclude baclofen pump placement.

Vaccines targeting ESR1 activating mutations elicit anti-tumor immune responses and suppress estrogen signaling in therapy resistant ER+ breast cancer.

ER+ breast cancers (BC) are characterized by the elevated expression and signaling of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), which renders them sensitive to anti-endocrine therapy. While these therapies are clinically effective, prolonged treatment inevitably results in therapeutic resistance, which can occur through the emergence of gain-of-function mutations in ESR1. The central importance of ESR1 and development of mutated forms of ESR1 suggest that vaccines targeting these proteins could potentially be effective in preventing or treating endocrine resistance. To explore the potential of this approach, we developed several recombinant vaccines encoding different mutant forms of ESR1 (ESR1mut) and validated their ability to elicit ESR1-specific T cell responses. We then developed novel ESR1mut-expressing murine mammary cancer models to test the anti-tumor potential of ESR1mut vaccines. We found that these vaccines could suppress tumor growth, ESR1mut expression and estrogen signaling in vivo. To illustrate the applicability of these findings, we utilize HPLC to demonstrate the presentation of ESR1 and ESR1mut peptides on human ER+ BC cell MHC complexes. We then show the presence of human T cells reactive to ESR1mut epitopes in an ER+ BC patient. These findings support the development of ESR1mut vaccines, which we are testing in a Phase I clinical trial.

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Socially Enhanced, Self-Guided, Positive Emotion Regulation Intervention for Caregivers of Individuals With Dementia: Pilot Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: The responsibilities of being a primary caregiver for a loved one with dementia can produce significant stress for the caregiver, leading to deleterious outcomes for the caregiver's physical and psychological health. Hence, researchers are developing eHealth interventions to provide support for caregivers. Members of our research team previously developed and tested a positive emotion regulation intervention that we delivered through videoconferencing, in which caregiver participants would meet one-on-one with a trained facilitator. Although proven effective, such delivery methods have limited scalability because they require significant resources in terms of cost and direct contact hours. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a pilot test of a socially enhanced, self-guided version of the positive emotion regulation intervention, Social Augmentation of Self-Guided Electronic Delivery of the Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers (SAGE LEAF). Studies have shown that social presence or the perception of others in a virtual space is associated with enhanced learning and user satisfaction. Hence, the intervention leverages various social features (eg, discussion boards, podcasts, videos, user profiles, and social notifications) to foster a sense of social presence among participants and study team members. METHODS: Usability, usefulness, feasibility, and acceptability data were collected from a pilot test in which participants (N=15) were given full access to the SAGE LEAF intervention over 6 weeks and completed preintervention and postintervention assessments (10/15, 67%). Preliminary outcome measures were also collected, with an understanding that no conclusions about efficacy could be made, because our pilot study did not have a control group and was not sufficiently powered. RESULTS: The results suggest that SAGE LEAF is feasible, with participants viewing an average of 72% (SD 42%) of the total available intervention web pages. In addition, acceptability was found to be good, as demonstrated by participants' willingness to recommend the SAGE LEAF program to a friend or other caregiver. Applying Pearson correlational analyses, we found moderate, positive correlation between social presence scores and participants' willingness to recommend the program to others (r9=0.672; P=.03). We also found positive correlation between social presence scores and participants' perceptions about the overall usefulness of the intervention (r9=0.773; P=.009). This suggests that participants' sense of social presence may be important for the feasibility and acceptability of the program. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, the SAGE LEAF intervention demonstrates potential for broad dissemination for dementia caregivers. We aim to incorporate participant feedback about how the social features may be improved in future iterations to enhance usability and to further bolster a sense of social connection among participants and study staff members. Next steps include partnering with dementia clinics and other caregiver-serving organizations across the United States to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

A multicenter retrospective study evaluating the impact of desmopressin on hematoma expansion in patients with antiplatelet-associated intracranial hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Antiplatelet medications interfere with hemostasis which can contribute to increased risk of hematoma expansion and potentially worse outcomes in patients presenting with intracranial hemorrhages (ICH). Current Neurocritical Care Society guidelines recommend desmopressin (DDAVP) in patients with antiplatelet-associated ICH with evidence limited by small cohorts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were included in our multi-center, retrospective study if they had computed tomographic (CT) scan confirmed ICH and were taking antiplatelet medications. Patients were excluded if hospital length of stay was <24 h, administered DDAVP dose was <0.3 µg/kg, no follow-up head CT scan was performed within the first 24 h after baseline, major neurosurgical intervention was performed in between CT scans, or the injury was an acute on chronic ICH. The primary outcome was incidence of hematoma expansion (defined as >20 % increase from baseline). Secondary outcomes were incidence of thrombotic complications within 7 days, largest absolute decrease in serum sodium within the first 24 h, and patient disposition. RESULTS: Among the 209 patients included in the study, 118 patients received DDAVP while 91 did not. The frequency of hematoma expansion was similar between patients who received DDAVP and those who did not (16.1 % vs 17.6 %; P = 0.78). No difference in secondary outcomes was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings in conjunction with recently published literature may suggest minimal benefit or harm with DDAVP treatment. However, further study could elucidate any potential impact on long-term function outcomes.

Trastuzumab/pertuzumab combination therapy stimulates antitumor responses through complement-dependent cytotoxicity and phagocytosis.

Two HER2-specific mAbs, trastuzumab and pertuzumab (T+P), combined with chemotherapy comprise standard-of-care treatment for advanced HER2+ breast cancers (BC). While this antibody combination is highly effective, its synergistic mechanism-of-action (MOA) remains incompletely understood. Past studies have suggested that the synergy underlying this combination occurs through the different mechanisms elicited by these antibodies, with pertuzumab suppressing HER2 heterodimerization and trastuzumab inducing antitumor immunity. However, in vivo evidence for this synergy is lacking. In this study, we found that the therapeutic efficacy elicited by their combination occurs through their joint ability to activate the classical complement pathway, resulting in both complement-dependent cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cellular phagocytosis of HER2+ tumors. We also demonstrate that tumor C1q expression is positively associated with survival outcome in HER2+ BC patients and that complement regulators CD55 and CD59 were inversely correlated with outcome, suggesting the clinical importance of complement activity. Accordingly, inhibition of C1q in mice abolished the synergistic therapeutic activity of T+P therapy, whereas knockdown of CD55 and CD59 expression enhanced T+P efficacy. In summary, our study identifies classical complement activation as a significant antitumor MOA for T+P therapy that may be functionally enhanced to potentially augment clinical therapeutic efficacy.

Relationship of psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal pain among individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of a longitudinal cohort study. OBJECTIVES: Little evidence exists on pain-related psychosocial factors in individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injury (SCI). To understand a biopsychosocial model of pain, we must first understand the presenting psychological pain-related factors at injury onset. Therefore, we assessed musculoskeletal pain and pain-related psychological constructs in a group of individuals with newly acquired SCI. We hypothesized that individuals with new SCI would report musculoskeletal shoulder pain with elevated levels of kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing. SETTING: Data were collected in three rehabilitation hospitals located in urban and suburban communities. METHODS: Thirty-five individuals with newly acquired SCI participated. Demographics, Musculoskeletal Pain Survey shoulder subscale, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale-11, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Fear of Pain Questionnaire, Chronic Pain Coping Inventory-42, and Subjective Quality of Life Questionnaire were administered. Descriptive analysis of all measures was determined and relationships between pain and psychosocial measures determined. RESULTS: Moderate shoulder pain existed in 40% of people with new SCI along with clinically elevated kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, and reduced quality of life. Shoulder pain was statistically associated with pain catastrophizing (ρ = 0.41, p = 0.01). Kinesiophobia positively correlated with fear of pain (ρ = 0.38, p = 0.02) with an inverse relationship to quality of life (ρ = -0.47, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated pain, and pain-related psychological characteristics, such as catastrophizing and kinesiophobia exist during the early stages after SCI. Early identification of pain-related factors can guide clinical intervention potentially ameliorating pain-linked functional impairments. TRIAL REGISTRY: This trial is registered with ClinTrial.gov ID NCT03137394.

Shoulder impairment and pain of individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injury compared to uninjured peers.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. OBJECTIVES: Shoulder pain prevalence is high in those with spinal cord injury (SCI) and is associated with decreased function, participation restrictions and decreased quality of life. Limited evidence exists regarding physical impairments of newly acquired SCI. The current study compared musculoskeletal factors at rehabilitation initiation in individuals with newly acquired SCI to uninjured individuals. We hypothesized no impairment differences of shoulder pain, strength, mobility, muscle extensibility, or rotator cuff integrity would exist between groups. SETTING: Multi-site laboratory setting. METHODS: Thirty-five individuals with newly acquired SCI and age and gender-matched controls without SCI (n = 34) participated. Musculoskeletal Pain Survey, shoulder range of motion (ROM), strength, pectoralis minor muscle extensibility (PM) and tissue integrity [Ultrasound Pathology Rating Scale (USPRS)] were obtained. RESULTS: Higher pain was reported by individuals experiencing new SCI along with lower strength across all bilateral measures, reduced elevation, external rotation, and horizontal adduction ROM, with large effect sizes. PM bilateral extensibility was reduced compared to controls, with moderate between group effect size; however, no USPRS score difference existed. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided the first comprehensive clinical description for individuals with newly acquired SCI. In comparison to matched uninjured controls, participants with new SCI reported greater shoulder pain with impairments in mobility, strength, and extensibility. The identified early clinical impairments aligned with progressive impairment including further pain development and persistence. Awareness and modification of these early clinical impairments may lead to improved long-term outcomes, improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with newly acquired SCI. SPONSORSHIP: Spinal Cord Injury Research Program Investigator-Initiated Research Award under Award No. W81XWH-17-1-0476.

Exploratory study of a screening measure for polycystic ovarian syndrome, quality of life assessment, and neuropsychological evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The universally adopted 2018 PCOS medical diagnostic and treatment guidelines for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) cites the need for a brief screening measure that can be easily administered in the clinical care setting. We evaluate a 12-item questionnaire emphasizing the medical symptoms of PCOS with a group of women with PCOS as well as comparison samples of college women not diagnosed with PCOS. METHOD: Of 120 undergraduate psychology women 18 to 41 years of age, 86 screened negative on a 12-item PCOS symptoms inventory. They were compared to a group of PCOS patients diagnosed medically in a manner consistent with the Teede et al. (2018) evidence-based diagnostic guidelines. The screen-positive, screen-negative, and PCOS-confirmed groups were compared on the PCOS Quality-of-Life (QoL) questionnaire, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZDS), Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI), Spiritual well-being and Spiritual Beliefs Inventories, the computerized Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metric (ANAM) battery, and an experimental tachistoscopic Bilateral Perceptual Asymmetries Letter and Dots Matching Bilateral Field Advantage (BFA) test (to evaluate the effects of early brain androgenization possible from PCOS). For each questionnaire and neuropsychological performance principal outcome, the Linear Mixed Effects (LME) model was employed to evaluate the predictive significance of demographic characteristics and group membership (confirmed cases, screen negative and screen positive cases) for these outcomes. RESULTS: The PCOS-confirmed women scored more poorly than the screen-negative (reference) and screen-positive groups on all the measures of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being measures. On the ANAM neuropsychological battery, PCOS-confirmed women did more poorly on Sternberg Memory and Stimulus Response throughput measures. They also had slower correct response speed for both the unilateral and bilateral dot- and letter-matching tachistoscopic stimulus presentations. However, the bilateral field advantage throughput performance ratio did not differ among groups, which is a global measure of bilateral versus unilateral brain/behavior asymmetries. CONCLUSION: PCOS screening can be a feasible and important part of women's healthcare. PCOS-confirmed women should receive not only the medical standard of care from the 2018 guidelines, but also comprehensive psychosocial and neurocognitive support to enhance their quality of life.

Kinetic implication of moving warm side-stream Anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria to cold mainstream wastewater.

Decreased activity of Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) at low temperatures is widely reported and one of the key challenges to applying Anammox to mainstream wastewater treatment. In this work, we systematically measured Anammox across a range of temperatures for biomass taken from a side-stream (25-30 °C) Anammox system. Using the Cardinal temperature model with inflection (CTMI) and parameters Tmin = 10 °C, Topt = 31 °C, Tmax = 40 °C, and µmax = 0.29 d-1, the data was accurately represented. Alternatively, the popularly used Arrhenius equation was not able to consistently capture the trend we observed. The CTMI was further used to compute the relative increase in retention time and/or biomass concentration to treat the same quantity of nitrogen at sub-optimal temperatures, requiring a two-fold increase at 21 °C and three-fold increase at 19 °C. We conclude that cold adapted cultures are necessary to evaluate the possibility of cold Anammox wastewater treatment.

Establishment and characterization of an anoxia-tolerant cell line, PSU-AL-WS40NE, derived from an embryo of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus.

Most animal cells rely on aerobic metabolism for survival and are damaged or die within minutes without oxygen. Embryos of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus, however, survive months without oxygen. Determining how their cells survive without oxygen has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the cellular mechanisms supporting vertebrate anoxia tolerance and the evolution of such tolerance. Therefore, we aimed to establish and characterize an anoxia-tolerant cell line from A. limnaeus for investigating mechanisms of vertebrate anoxia tolerance. The PSU-AL-WS40NE cell line of neuroepithelial identity was established from embryonic tissue of A. limnaeus using a tissue explant. The cells can survive for at least 49 d without oxygen or replenishment of growth medium, compared to only 3 d of anoxic survival for two mammalian cell lines. PSU-AL-WS40NE cells accumulate lactate during anoxia, indicating use of common metabolic pathways for anaerobic metabolism. Additionally, they express many of the same small noncoding RNAs that are stress-responsive in whole embryos of A. limnaeus and mammalian cells, as well as anoxia-responsive small noncoding RNAs derived from the mitochondrial genome (mitosRNAs). The establishment of the cell line provides a unique tool for investigating cellular mechanisms of vertebrate anoxia tolerance, and has the potential to transform our understanding of the role of oxidative metabolism in cell biology.

Small Non-coding RNA Expression and Vertebrate Anoxia Tolerance.

Background: Extreme anoxia tolerance requires a metabolic depression whose modulation could involve small non-coding RNAs (small ncRNAs), which are specific, rapid, and reversible regulators of gene expression. A previous study of small ncRNA expression in embryos of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus, the most anoxia-tolerant vertebrate known, revealed a specific expression pattern of small ncRNAs that could play important roles in anoxia tolerance. Here, we conduct a comparative study on the presence and expression of small ncRNAs in the most anoxia-tolerant representatives of several major vertebrate lineages, to investigate the evolution of and mechanisms supporting extreme anoxia tolerance. The epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum), crucian carp (Carassius carassius), western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii), and leopard frog (Rana pipiens) were exposed to anoxia and recovery, and small ncRNAs were sequenced from the brain (one of the most anoxia-sensitive tissues) prior to, during, and following exposure to anoxia. Results: Small ncRNA profiles were broadly conserved among species under normoxic conditions, and these expression patterns were largely conserved during exposure to anoxia. In contrast, differentially expressed genes are mostly unique to each species, suggesting that each species may have evolved distinct small ncRNA expression patterns in response to anoxia. Mitochondria-derived small ncRNAs (mitosRNAs) which have a robust response to anoxia in A. limnaeus embryos, were identified in the other anoxia tolerant vertebrates here but did not display a similarly robust response to anoxia. Conclusion: These findings support an overall stabilization of the small ncRNA transcriptome during exposure to anoxic insults, but also suggest that multiple small ncRNA expression pathways may support anoxia tolerance, as no conserved small ncRNA response was identified among the anoxia-tolerant vertebrates studied. This may reflect divergent strategies to achieve the same endpoint: anoxia tolerance. However, it may also indicate that there are multiple cellular pathways that can trigger the same cellular and physiological survival processes, including hypometabolism.

Clinical practice guidelines--Nursing management for pediatric patients with small bowel or multivisceral transplant.

PURPOSE: Small bowel or multivisceral transplant is a relatively new treatment for irreversible intestinal damage, and no published practice guidelines exist. The purpose of this article is to report evidence regarding the best plan of care to achieve adequate nutrition and appropriate development for children. DESIGN AND METHODS: An integrative review was conducted with 54 articles related to management of this transplant population. A nine-member nursing team integrated the findings. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This resulting guideline represents the best research and best practices on which to base staff education and competency validations to manage this medically fragile patient population.

Precision and linearity targets for validation of an IFNgamma ELISPOT, cytokine flow cytometry, and tetramer assay using CMV peptides.

BACKGROUND: Single-cell assays of immune function are increasingly used to monitor T cell responses in immunotherapy clinical trials. Standardization and validation of such assays are therefore important to interpretation of the clinical trial data. Here we assess the levels of intra-assay, inter-assay, and inter-operator precision, as well as linearity, of CD8+ T cell IFNgamma-based ELISPOT and cytokine flow cytometry (CFC), as well as tetramer assays. RESULTS: Precision was measured in cryopreserved PBMC with a low, medium, or high response level to a CMV pp65 peptide or peptide mixture. Intra-assay precision was assessed using 6 replicates per assay; inter-assay precision was assessed by performing 8 assays on different days; and inter-operator precision was assessed using 3 different operators working on the same day. Percent CV values ranged from 4% to 133% depending upon the assay and response level. Linearity was measured by diluting PBMC from a high responder into PBMC from a non-responder, and yielded R2 values from 0.85 to 0.99 depending upon the assay and antigen. CONCLUSION: These data provide target values for precision and linearity of single-cell assays for those wishing to validate these assays in their own laboratories. They also allow for comparison of the precision and linearity of ELISPOT, CFC, and tetramer across a range of response levels. There was a trend toward tetramer assays showing the highest precision, followed closely by CFC, and then ELISPOT; while all three assays had similar linearity. These findings are contingent upon the use of optimized protocols for each assay.

Impact of cryopreservation on tetramer, cytokine flow cytometry, and ELISPOT.

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation of PBMC and/or overnight shipping of samples are required for many clinical trials, despite their potentially adverse effects upon immune monitoring assays such as MHC-peptide tetramer staining, cytokine flow cytometry (CFC), and ELISPOT. In this study, we compared the performance of these assays on leukapheresed PBMC shipped overnight in medium versus cryopreserved PBMC from matched donors. RESULTS: Using CMV pp65 peptide pool stimulation or pp65 HLA-A2 tetramer staining, there was significant correlation between shipped and cryopreserved samples for each assay (p