Validation of the dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D).

Hyperfocus (HF), or intense, deep concentration on a task, has gained significant research attention in recent years, particularly in regard to clinical populations such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The present work aims to provide validation of the 12-item dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D) as a quantitative metric of HF in adults. We preregistered the study design and hypotheses. We administered the AHQ-D and several additional questionnaires to 347 adults (mean ± SD age: 33 ± 11 years; 47% female). Exploratory factor analysis revealed high factor loadings (0.57-0.81) on a single HF factor; item response theory analysis suggested that the questionnaire items had high discrimination and covered a wide range of responses; and we report strong internal consistency metrics (Cronbach's alpha 0.93, mean split-half reliability 0.93). Replicating our previous work, HF was positively correlated with Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) scores (r(345) = 0.53), suggesting that HF may be related to ADHD traits (though in this sample we did not specifically recruit individuals with ADHD). The AHQ-D demonstrated the hypothesized convergent validity; HF on the AHQ-D was positively correlated with HF measured using a different HF scale (r(344) = 0.69), as well as flow (r(345) = 0.12) and mind wandering (r(345) = 0.39) scores. AHQ-D HF scores showed a weak negative correlation with grit (r(345) = - 0.29). Though there was a weak negative correlation between HF and social desirability response tendency (r(345) = - 0.24), suggesting that those who care more about what others think may report less HF, there was no relationship between HF and extrasensory perception beliefs (r(345) = 0.01), suggesting that participants were not simply biased in their response tendencies. Taken together, we demonstrate strong scale metrics for the AHQ-D, the expected convergent validity, and a general lack of response bias, in addition to replicating our previous association of HF with ADHD traits. We suggest that the AHQ-D can be confidently used in future work as a valid way to measure HF in adults.

LY3041658/ interleukin-8 complex structure as targets for IL-8 small molecule inhibitors discovery using a combination of in silico methods.

Since interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8) and its receptor, CXCR1 and CXCR2, were known in the early 1990s, biological pathways related to these proteins were proven to have high clinical value in cancer and inflammatory/autoimmune conditions treatment. Recently, IL-8 has been identified as biomarker for severe COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 prognosis. Boyles et al. (mAbs 12 (2020), pp. 1831880) have published a high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the LY3041658 Fab in a complex human CXCL8. They described the ability to bind to IL-8 and the blocking of IL-8/its receptors interaction by the LY3041658 monoclonal antibody. Therefore, the study has been designed to identify potential small molecules inhibiting interleukin-8 by targeting LY3041658/IL-8 complex structure using an in silico approach. A structure­based pharmacophore and molecular docking models of the protein active site cavity were generated to identify possible candidates, followed by virtual screening with the ZINC database. ADME analysis of hit compounds was also conducted. Molecular dynamics simulations were then performed to survey the behaviour and stability of the ligand-protein complexes. Furthermore, the MM/PBSA technique has been utilized to evaluate the free binding energy. The final data confirmed that one newly obtained compound, ZINC21882765, may serve as the best potential inhibitor for IL-8.

Unravelling the Distinct Effects of Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Using Mendelian Randomisation.

A true discrepancy between the effect of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes remains unclear. This study performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) using genetic instruments that exclusively predict SBP, DBP or both to dissect the independent effect of SBP and DBP on a range of CV outcomes. Genetic predisposition to higher SBP and DBP was associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Genetically proxied SBP exclusively was associated with CAD (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.36, per 10 mmHg), stroke (1.44[1.28-1.62]), ischemic stroke (1.49[1.30-1.69]), HF (1.41[1.20-1.65]), AF (1.28[1.15-1.43]), and T2DM (1.2[1.13-1.46]). Genetically proxied DBP exclusively was associated with stroke (1.21[1.06-1.37], per 5 mmHg), ischemic stroke (1.24[1.09-1.41]), stroke small-vessel (1.35[1.10-1.65]) and CAD (1.19[1.00-1.41]). Multivariable MR using exclusive SBP and DBP instruments showed the predominant effect of SBP on CAD (1.23[1.05-1.44], per 10 mmHg), stroke (1.39[1.20-1.60]), ischemic stroke (1.44[1.25-1.67]), HF (1.42[1.18-1.71]), AF (1.26[1.10-1.43]) and T2DM (1.31[1.14-1.52]). The discrepancy between effects of SBP and DBP on outcomes warrants further studies on underpinning mechanisms which may be amenable to therapeutic targeting.

A Cadaveric Study of the Carpal Tunnel and Anatomical Variations of the Median Nerve in Vietnamese Adults: Implications for Single Portal Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.

Introduction: Single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release using modified Agee technique is widely used in Vietnam. Yet information on the anatomy of the target space of Vietnamese people regarding this technique is scarce. We aimed to characterise the anatomical landmarks and variations of the carpal tunnel to propose a safer surgery. Materials and methods: All twenty hands of ten fresh frozen, unembalmed cadavers of Vietnamese adults were included. Dissection was performed after the vertical line, Kaplan's cardinal line and the distal wrist crease were drawn. The transverse carpal ligament (TCL), ulnar neurovascular bundle and superficial palmar arch were exposed. Measurements were made using Mitutoyo calliper. The variants of the median nerve and in the course of the thenar motor branch were recorded. Results: The median distances from the TCL distal margin to the distal wrist crease and superficial palmar arch were 31.2mm and 12.7mm, respectively. The ulnar neurovascular bundle was located 5.7mm and 4.4mm ulnar to the vertical line at the level of the TCL proximal margin and at the level of the TCL distal margin, respectively. The thenar motor branch of the median nerve was extra-ligamentous in 19 hands and preligamentous in 1 hand. Conclusion: If endoscopic portal is made along the distal wrist crease, blade assembly should not be inserted beyond the 35mm mark on its scale. Instruments should be aimed toward the radial border of the patient's ring finger. Surgeons should be aware of the preligamentous course of the thenar motor branch although this variant type is rare.

Anomalous Origin of the Right Pulmonary Artery From the Aorta and Congenital Tracheal Stenosis: Staged Repair in a Neonate.

Anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta (AORPA), sometimes referred to as hemitruncus, is a rare malformation. We report a unique case of AORPA associated with Ebstein's anomaly and with congenital tracheal stenosis due to complete tracheal rings. The AORPA and tracheal stenosis were both successfully corrected in the neonatal period.

Workplace violence in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Emergency departments (EDs) currently face a widely acknowledged issue of workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers (HCWs). WPV in the ED occurs in different forms and from different types of instigators; its prevalence also varies in different regions of the world. This study investigates the incidence of WPV among ED staff and identifies the types of instigators involved. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Using PubMed and SCOPUS databases, a search for WPV against ED physicians and nurses was conducted, yielding 301 articles. Studies were excluded if measuring violence between HCWs or against prehospital personnel. Studies assessing WPV not in the ED, such as domestic violence that occurred before arrival to the ED, and studies investigating violence involving alcohol/drug use or individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis were also excluded. This study used a random-effects meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of WPV in the ED, including types of violence, instigators, and professions of the victims. RESULTS: In total, 26 articles were selected for this study. There were 9072 cases of WPV in the ED; 6575 (72%) cases involved verbal violence and 1639 (18%) related to physical abuse. Among the ED workers involved, 2112 (36.5%) were physicians, 3225 (55.7%) were nurses and 455 (7.8%) other ED staff. There were 2578 instigators, of whom 1340 (52%) were family members, 700 (27%) were patients and 538 (21%) were other relatives/friends. The overall prevalence of verbal violence was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-0.82, I2 = 87%), suggesting 77% of ED staff reported exposure to WPV. The prevalence of violence from patients as instigators was 0.24 (95% CI: 0.18-31, I2 = 93%). CONCLUSIONS: WPV in the ED is a serious issue as most nurses and physicians are significantly exposed to verbal and/or physical abuse. Further studies should focus on factors influencing the different types of WPV, which ED professions are most at risk and interventions to prevent WPV in the ED.

Preterm birth and secondhand smoking during pregnancy: A case-control study from Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between women who are exposed to secondhand smoke and preterm birth is still controversial. The present study aimed to examine the association between maternal secondhand smoking (SHS) during pregnancy and preterm birth. METHODS: A 1:1 case-control study was conducted at delivery room of The Women's and Children's Hospital of An Giang, Vietnam. A total of 288 cases of preterm birth and 288 controls included in this study. A structured questionnaire in a face-to-face interview was used to assess SHS and potential confounders (maternal age, body mass index, occupation, education level, parity, antenatal care visits, history of preterm birth, prenatal bleeding and preeclampsia/eclampsia). RESULTS: SHS was reported more frequently by women who delivered preterm babies compared with women of term deliveries (67.4% vs. 51.0%; P <0.001). After controlling all potential confounders, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a relationship between SHS during pregnancy and preterm delivery (adjusted Odds ratio: 1.92; 95% CI 1.31, 2.81). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that exposure to household tobacco smoke during pregnancy is associated with preterm birth.

Two-step system consisting of novel vertical flow and free water surface constructed wetland for effective sewage treatment and reuse.

This study developed a unique system by combining the novel vertical flow (NVF) using expanded clay (ExC) and free flow surface constructed wetland (FWS) for dormitory sewage purification and reuse. The NVF tank consisted of filter layers of ExC, sandy soil, sand, and gravel. The FWS consisted of sandy soil substrate and was installed after the NVF. Colocasia esculenta and Dracaena sanderiana was planted in NVF and FWS, respectively. The treatment system was operated and tested for more than 21 weeks by increasing the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) from 0.02 m/d to 0.12 m/d. The results demonstrated that effluents in the system changed proportionally to the HLRs, except for nitrate nitrogen. Furthermore, the maximum removal efficiencies for TSS, BOD5, NH4-N, and Tcol were 76 ± 13%, 74 ± 11%, 90 ± 3%, and 59 ± 18% (0.37 ± 0.19 log10MPN/100 mL), respectively. At HLRs of 0.04-0.06 m/d, the treatment system satisfied the limits of agriculture irrigation.

The utility of anthopometric indicators to identify cardiovascular risk factors in Vietnamese children.

BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) can be used for discriminating children and adolescents at risk of CVD. However, consensus on how to use these anthropometric indicators is lacking for children and adolescents in Asia. Discrete criteria are promoted internationally, but continuous variables could be used. Data from a survey of 10 949 Vietnamese school-aged children (6-18 years) were used to evaluate the performance of anthropometric indicators to identify elevated blood pressure (BP), dyslipidaemia or at least three cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Weight, height, WC and BP were measured using standardised protocols; 1009 participants who had blood lipids were analysed. AUC was used to assess the performance, and the Youden index to identify optimal cut-offs. The prevalence of elevated BP, dyslipidaemia and CVRF was 26·5, 49·3 and 12·2 %, respectively. BMI, WC and WHtR had low capacity to identify elevated BP and dyslipidaemia (AUC range 0·61-0·66) but moderate capacity to identify CVRF (0·72-0·74). Optimal BMIZ cut-offs to identify elevated BP, dyslipidaemia and CVRF were 0·40, 1·01 and 1·1 sd; for WC z-score, they were 0·06, 0·49 and 0·62 sd; for WHtR, optimal cut-offs were close to 0·5. A BMIZ cut-off of 1·0 sd and a WHtR cut-off of 0·5 would, therefore, be useful criteria to identify Vietnamese children who are likely to have CVRF. However, further validation of these criteria in other studies of Asian children and adolescents is needed.

Recent Advances of Silver Nanoparticles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well-known as a promising antimicrobial material; they have been widely used in many commercial products against pathogenic agents. Despite a growing concern regarding the cytotoxicity, AgNPs still have attracted considerable interest worldwide to develop a new generation of diagnostic tool and effective treatment solution for cancer cells. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to review the advances of AgNPs applied for cancer diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The database has been collected, screened and analysed through up-to-date scientific articles published from 2007 to May 2019 in peer-reviewed international journals. RESULTS: The findings of the database have been analysed and divided into three parts of the text that deal with AgNPs in cancer diagnosis, their cytotoxicity, and the role as carrier systems for cancer treatment. Thanks to their optical properties, high conductivity and small size, AgNPs have been demonstrated to play an essential role in enhancing signals and sensitivity in various biosensing platforms. Furthermore, AgNPs also can be used directly or developed as a drug delivery system for cancer treatment. CONCLUSION: The review paper will help readers understand more clearly and systematically the role and advances of AgNPs in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Encapsulation of Neurotoxins, Blockers of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, in Nanomaterials Based on Sulfated Polysaccharides.

Three-finger snake neurotoxins are selective antagonists of some nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes and are widely used to study these receptors. The peptide neurotoxin azemiopsin, recently isolated from the venom of Azemipos feae, is a selective blocker of muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In order to reduce their toxicity and increase resistance under physiological conditions, we have encapsulated these toxins into nanomaterials. The study of nanomaterials after interaction with neurotoxins by the methods of transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering revealed an increase in the size of nanoparticles, which indicates the inclusion of neurotoxins in nanomaterials.

Do Intracerebral Cytokine Responses Explain the Harmful Effects of Dexamethasone in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-associated Cryptococcal Meningitis?

BACKGROUND: The CryptoDex trial showed that dexamethasone caused poorer clinical outcomes and slowed fungal clearance in human immunodeficiency virus-associated cryptococcal meningitis. We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine concentrations from participants over the first week of treatment to investigate mechanisms of harm and test 2 hypotheses: (1) dexamethasone reduced proinflammatory cytokine concentrations, leading to poorer outcomes and (2) leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) genotype influenced the clinical impact of dexamethasone, as observed in tuberculous meningitis. METHODS: We included participants from Vietnam, Thailand, and Uganda. Using the Luminex system, we measured CSF concentrations of the following: interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemoattractant 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, and interleukin 6, 12p70, 8, 4, 10, and 17. We determined the LTA4H genotype based on the promoter region single-nucleotide polymorphism rs17525495. We assessed the impact of dexamethasone on cytokine concentration dynamics and the association between cytokine concentration dynamics and fungal clearance with mixed effect models. We measured the influence of LTA4H genotype on outcomes with Cox regression models. RESULTS: Dexamethasone increased the rate TNF-α concentration's decline in (-0.13 log2pg/mL/d (95% confidence interval, -.22 to -.06 log2pg/mL/d; P = .03), which was associated with slower fungal clearance (correlation, -0.62; 95% confidence interval, -.83 to -.26). LTA4H genotype had no statistically significant impact on outcome or response to dexamethasone therapy. Better clinical outcomes were associated with higher baseline concentrations of interferon γ. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone may slow fungal clearance and worsen outcomes by increasing TNF-α concentration's rate of decline.

Depression and survival of glioma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There is currently a lack of a well-formed consensus regarding the effects of depression on the survival of glioma patients. A more thorough understanding of such effects may better highlight the importance of recognizing depressive symptoms in this patient population and guide treatment plans in the future. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis was to study the effect of depression on glioma patients' survival. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies that reported depression and survival among glioma patients through 11/06/2016. Both random-effects (RE) and fixed-effect (FE) models were used to compare survival outcomes in glioma patients with and without depression. RESULTS: Out of 619 identified articles, six were selected for the meta-analysis. Using RE model, the various measures for survival outcomes displayed worsened outcomes for both high and low-grade glioma patients with depression compared to those without depression. For binary survival outcomes, the overall pooled risk ratio for survival was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.47, 1.04; 6 studies; I2 = 54.9%, P-heterogeneity = 0.05) for high grade gliomas (HGG) and 0.28 (95% CI: 0.04, 1.78; I2 = 0%, P-heterogeneity = 1.00; one study) for low grade gliomas (LGG) was. A sub-group analysis in the HGG group by depression timing (pre- versus post-operative) revealed no differences between depression and survival outcomes (P-interaction = 0.47). For continuous survival outcomes, no statistically significant difference was found among the high and low-grade glioma groups (P-interaction = 0.31). The standardized mean difference (SMD) in survival outcomes was -0.56 months (95%CI: -1.13, 0.02; 4 studies, I2 = 89.4%, P-heterogeneity < 0.01) for HGG and -1.69 months (95%CI: -3.26, -0.13; one study; I2 = 0%, P-heterogeneity = 1.00) for LGG. In patients with HGG, the pooled HR of death also showed a borderline significant increased risk of death among depressive patients (HR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.01). Results using the FE model were not materially different. CONCLUSIONS: Depression was associated with significantly worsened survival regardless of time of diagnosis, especially among patients with high-grade glioma.

Multifunction interferometry using the electron mobility visibility and mean free path relationship.

A conventional Michelson interferometer is modified and used to form the various types of interferometers. The basic system consists of a conventional Michelson interferometer with silicon-graphene-gold embedded between layers on the ports. When light from the monochromatic source is input into the system via the input port (silicon waveguide), the change in optical path difference (OPD) of light traveling in the stacked layers introduces the change in the optical phase, which affects to the electron mean free path within the gold layer, induces the change in the overall electron mobility can be seen by the interferometer output visibility. Further plasmonic waves are introduced on the graphene thin film and the electron mobility occurred within the gold layer, in which the light-electron energy conversion in terms of the electron mobility can be observed, the gold layer length is 100 nm. The measurement resolution in terms of the OPD of ∼ 50 nm is achieved. In applications, the outputs of the drop port device of the modified Michelson interferometer can be arranged by the different detectors, where the polarized light outputs, the photon outputs, the electron spin outputs can be obtained by the interference fringe visibility, mobility visibility and the spin up-down splitting output energies. The modified Michelson interferometer theory and the detection schemes are given in details.

Secular trend, seasonality and effects of a community-based intervention on neonatal mortality: follow-up of a cluster-randomised trial in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Little is know about whether the effects of community engagement interventions for child survival in low-income and middle-income settings are sustained. Seasonal variation and secular trend may blur the data. Neonatal mortality was reduced in a cluster-randomised trial in Vietnam where laywomen facilitated groups composed of local stakeholders employing a problem-solving approach for 3 years. In this analysis, we aim at disentangling the secular trend, the seasonal variation and the effect of the intervention on neonatal mortality during and after the trial. METHODS: In Quang Ninh province, 44 communes were allocated to intervention and 46 to control. Births and neonatal deaths were assessed in a baseline survey in 2005, monitored during the trial in 2008-2011 and followed up by a survey in 2014. Time series analyses were performed on monthly neonatal mortality data. RESULTS: There were 30 187 live births and 480 neonatal deaths. The intervention reduced the neonatal mortality from 19.1 to 11.6 per 1000 live births. The reduction was sustained 3 years after the trial. The control areas reached a similar level at the time of follow-up. Time series decomposition analysis revealed a downward trend in the intervention areas during the trial that was not found in the control areas. Neonatal mortality peaked in the hot and wet summers. CONCLUSIONS: A community engagement intervention resulted in a lower neonatal mortality rate that was sustained but not further reduced after the end of the trial. When decomposing time series of neonatal mortality, a clear downward trend was demonstrated in intervention but not in control areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN44599712, Post-results.

Metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma and synchronous carcinoid tumour mimicking appendicitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Silent metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma presenting as appendicitis is very rare. Rare pathologies may be encountered during common operations such as appendicectomy and an awareness of possible alternative pathological entities would be helpful in a surgeon's wealth of knowledge. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 63-year-old man presented with a three-day history of acute abdominal pain suggestive of appendicitis. Intra-operatively, a macroscopically inflamed and perforated appendix was found. There were however some atypical features, which included multiple inflamed ulcerated lesions throughout the small bowel mesentery and along the terminal ileum. Appendicectomy was performed and biopsies of these lesions were taken. Subsequent histopathology revealed that there were metastatic deposits of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in the appendix and mesenteric biopsies, as well as a neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumour of the appendix. Upper endoscopy confirmed a gastric primary leading to peritoneal dissemination. The patient was scheduled to undergo a course of palliative chemotherapy. DISCUSSION: Metastatic gastric adenocarcinomas with peritoneal dissemination have a very poor prognosis and often the first choice of treatment is chemotherapy as a complete cure through surgery is often not feasible. As for classical carcinoid tumours smaller than 2 cm towards the tip of the appendix with low proliferative index and without angiolymphatic or mesoappendiceal extension, then appendicectomy alone is indicated. Synchronous neoplastic pathologies presenting as appendicitis is largely unknown. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of synchronous carcinoid tumour and metastatic gastric cancer co-existing within an inflamed appendix.

Process evaluation of a knowledge translation intervention using facilitation of local stakeholder groups to improve neonatal survival in the Quang Ninh province, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Annually, 2.8 million neonatal deaths occur worldwide, despite the fact that three-quarters of them could be prevented if available evidence-based interventions were used. Facilitation of community groups has been recognized as a promising method to translate knowledge into practice. In northern Vietnam, the Neonatal Health - Knowledge Into Practice trial evaluated facilitation of community groups (2008-2011) and succeeded in reducing the neonatal mortality rate (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51; 95 % confidence interval 0.30-0.89). The aim of this paper is to report on the process (implementation and mechanism of impact) of this intervention. METHODS: Process data were excerpted from diary information from meetings with facilitators and intervention groups, and from supervisor records of monthly meetings with facilitators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. An evaluation including attributes and skills of facilitators (e.g., group management, communication, and commitment) was performed at the end of the intervention using a six-item instrument. Odds ratios were analyzed, adjusted for cluster randomization using general linear mixed models. RESULTS: To ensure eight active facilitators over 3 years, 11 Women's Union representatives were recruited and trained. Of the 44 intervention groups, composed of health staff and commune stakeholders, 43 completed their activities until the end of the study. In total, 95 % (n = 1508) of the intended monthly meetings with an intervention group and a facilitator were conducted. The overall attendance of intervention group members was 86 %. The groups identified 32 unique problems and implemented 39 unique actions. The identified problems targeted health issues concerning both women and neonates. Actions implemented were mainly communication activities. Communes supported by a group with a facilitator who was rated high on attributes and skills (n = 27) had lower odds of neonatal mortality (odds ratio, 0.37; 95 % confidence interval, 0.19-0.73) than control communes (n = 46). CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation identified several factors that might have influenced the outcomes of the trial: continuity of intervention groups' work, adequate attributes and skills of facilitators, and targeting problems along a continuum of care. Such factors are important to consider in scaling-up efforts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN ISRCTN44599712 .

Unexpected increase in indoor pollutants after the introduction of a smoke-free policy in a correctional center.

Correctional centers (prisons) are one of the few non-residential indoor environments where smoking is still permitted. However, few studies have investigated indoor air quality (IAQ) in these locations. We quantified the level of inmate and staff exposure to secondhand smoke, including particle number (PN) count, and we assessed the impact of the smoking ban on IAQ. We performed measurements of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PN concentrations, personal PN exposure levels, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nicotine both before and after a complete indoor smoking ban in an Australian maximum security prison. Results show that the indoor 24-h average PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 6 (±1) µg/m(3) to 17 (±3) µg/m(3) pre-ban. The post-ban levels ranged from 7 (±2) µg/m(3) to 71 (±43) µg/m(3) . While PM2.5 concentrations decreased in one unit post-ban, they increased in the other two units. Similar post-ban increases were also observed in levels of PN and VOCs. We describe an unexpected increase of indoor pollutants following a total indoor smoking ban in a prison that was reflected across multiple pollutants that are markers of smoking. We hypothesise that clandestine post-ban smoking among inmates may have been the predominant cause.

Highly-accurate metabolomic detection of early-stage ovarian cancer.

High performance mass spectrometry was employed to interrogate the serum metabolome of early-stage ovarian cancer (OC) patients and age-matched control women. The resulting spectral features were used to establish a linear support vector machine (SVM) model of sixteen diagnostic metabolites that are able to identify early-stage OC with 100% accuracy in our patient cohort. The results provide evidence for the importance of lipid and fatty acid metabolism in OC and serve as the foundation of a clinically significant diagnostic test.