Diet-induced obesity worsens allergen-induced type 2/type 17 inflammation in airways by enhancing DUOX1 activation.

More than 50% of people with asthma in the United States are obese, and obesity often worsens symptoms of allergic asthma and impairs response to treatment. Based on previously established roles of the epithelial NADPH oxidase DUOX1 in allergic airway inflammation, we addressed the potential involvement of DUOX1 in altered allergic inflammation in the context of obesity. Intranasal house dust mite (HDM) allergen challenge of subjects with allergic asthma induced rapid secretion of IL-33, then IL-13, into the nasal lumen, responses that were significantly enhanced in obese asthmatic subjects (BMI >30). Induction of diet-induced obesity (DIO) in mice by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding similarly enhanced acute airway responses to intranasal HDM challenge, particularly with respect to secretion of IL-33 and type 2/type 3 cytokines, and this was associated with enhanced epithelial DUOX1 expression and was avoided in DUOX1-deficient mice. DIO also enhanced DUOX1-dependent features of chronic HDM-induced allergic inflammation. Although DUOX1 did not affect overall weight gain by HFD feeding, it contributed to glucose intolerance, suggesting a role in glucose metabolism. However, glucose intolerance induced by short-term HFD feeding, in the absence of adiposity, was not sufficient to alter HDM-induced acute airway responses. DIO was associated with enhanced presence of the adipokine leptin in the airways, and leptin enhanced DUOX1-dependent IL-13 and mucin production in airway epithelial cells. In conclusion, augmented inflammatory airway responses to HDM in obesity are associated with increases in airway epithelial DUOX1, and by increased airway epithelial leptin signaling.

Mitoquinone mesylate attenuates pathological features of lean and obese allergic asthma in mice.

Obesity is associated with severe, difficult-to-control asthma, and increased airway oxidative stress. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) are an important source of oxidative stress in asthma, leading us to hypothesize that targeting mROS in obese allergic asthma might be an effective treatment. Using a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic airway disease in mice fed a low- (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD), and the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQuinone (MitoQ), we investigated the effects of obesity and ROS on HDM-induced airway inflammation, remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Obese allergic mice showed increased lung tissue eotaxin, airway tissue eosinophilia, and AHR compared with lean allergic mice. MitoQ reduced airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperreactivity in both lean and obese allergic mice, and tissue eosinophilia in obese-allergic mice. Similar effects were observed with decyl triphosphonium (dTPP+), the hydrophobic cationic moiety of MitoQ lacking ubiquinone. HDM-induced oxidative sulfenylation of proteins was increased particularly in HFD mice. Although only MitoQ reduced sulfenylation of proteins involved in protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER stress was attenuated by both MitoQ and dTPP+ suggesting the anti-allergic effects of MitoQ are mediated in part by effects of its hydrophobic dTPP+ moiety reducing ER stress. In summary, oxidative signaling is an important mediator of allergic airway disease. MitoQ, likely through reducing protein oxidation and affecting the UPR pathway, might be effective for the treatment of asthma and specific features of obese asthma.

Oxidation-Dependent Activation of Src Kinase Mediates Epithelial IL-33 Production and Signaling during Acute Airway Allergen Challenge.

The respiratory epithelium forms the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens and acts as an important source of innate cytokine responses to environmental insults. One critical mediator of these responses is the IL-1 family cytokine IL-33, which is rapidly secreted upon acute epithelial injury as an alarmin and induces type 2 immune responses. Our recent work highlighted the importance of the NADPH oxidase dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) in acute airway epithelial IL-33 secretion by various airborne allergens associated with H2O2 production and reduction-oxidation-dependent activation of Src kinases and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. In this study, we show that IL-33 secretion in response to acute airway challenge with house dust mite (HDM) allergen critically depends on the activation of Src by a DUOX1-dependent oxidative mechanism. Intriguingly, HDM-induced epithelial IL-33 secretion was dramatically attenuated by small interfering RNA- or Ab-based approaches to block IL-33 signaling through its receptor IL1RL1 (ST2), indicating that HDM-induced IL-33 secretion includes a positive feed-forward mechanism involving ST2-dependent IL-33 signaling. Moreover, activation of type 2 cytokine responses by direct airway IL-33 administration was associated with ST2-dependent activation of DUOX1-mediated H2O2 production and reduction-oxidation-based activation of Src and EGFR and was attenuated in Duox1 -/- and Src +/- mice, indicating that IL-33-induced epithelial signaling and subsequent airway responses involve DUOX1/Src-dependent pathways. Collectively, our findings suggest an intricate relationship between DUOX1, Src, and IL-33 signaling in the activation of innate type 2 immune responses to allergens, involving DUOX1-dependent epithelial Src/EGFR activation in initial IL-33 secretion and in subsequent IL-33 signaling through ST2 activation.

Moral Distress Under Structural Violence: Clinician Experience in Brazil Caring for Low-Income Families of Children with Severe Disabilities.

Rigorous attention has been paid to moral distress among healthcare professionals, largely in high-income settings. More obscure is the presence and impact of moral distress in contexts of chronic poverty and structural violence. Intercultural ethics research and dialogue can help reveal how the long-term presence of morally distressing conditions might influence the moral experience and agency of healthcare providers. This article discusses mixed-methods research at one nongovernmental social support agency and clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chronic levels of moral distress and perceptions of moral harm among clinicians in this setting were both violent, following Nancy Scheper-Hughes' use of that term, and a source of exceptional and innovative care. Rather than glossing over the moral variables of work in such desperate extremes, ethnography in these settings reveals novel skills and strategies for managing moral distress.

Hypofractionated breast radiotherapy for 1 week versus 3 weeks (FAST-Forward): 5-year efficacy and late normal tissue effects results from a multicentre, non-inferiority, randomised, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify a five-fraction schedule of adjuvant radiotherapy (radiation therapy) delivered in 1 week that is non-inferior in terms of local cancer control and is as safe as an international standard 15-fraction regimen after primary surgery for early breast cancer. Here, we present 5-year results of the FAST-Forward trial. METHODS: FAST-Forward is a multicentre, phase 3, randomised, non-inferiority trial done at 97 hospitals (47 radiotherapy centres and 50 referring hospitals) in the UK. Patients aged at least 18 years with invasive carcinoma of the breast (pT1-3, pN0-1, M0) after breast conservation surgery or mastectomy were eligible. We randomly allocated patients to either 40 Gy in 15 fractions (over 3 weeks), 27 Gy in five fractions (over 1 week), or 26 Gy in five fractions (over 1 week) to the whole breast or chest wall. Allocation was not masked because of the nature of the intervention. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral breast tumour relapse; assuming a 2% 5-year incidence for 40 Gy, non-inferiority was predefined as ≤1·6% excess for five-fraction schedules (critical hazard ratio [HR] of 1·81). Normal tissue effects were assessed by clinicians, patients, and from photographs. This trial is registered at isrctn.com, ISRCTN19906132. FINDINGS: Between Nov 24, 2011, and June 19, 2014, we recruited and obtained consent from 4096 patients from 97 UK centres, of whom 1361 were assigned to the 40 Gy schedule, 1367 to the 27 Gy schedule, and 1368 to the 26 Gy schedule. At a median follow-up of 71·5 months (IQR 71·3 to 71·7), the primary endpoint event occurred in 79 patients (31 in the 40 Gy group, 27 in the 27 Gy group, and 21 in the 26 Gy group); HRs versus 40 Gy in 15 fractions were 0·86 (95% CI 0·51 to 1·44) for 27 Gy in five fractions and 0·67 (0·38 to 1·16) for 26 Gy in five fractions. 5-year incidence of ipsilateral breast tumour relapse after 40 Gy was 2·1% (1·4 to 3·1); estimated absolute differences versus 40 Gy in 15 fractions were -0·3% (-1·0 to 0·9) for 27 Gy in five fractions (probability of incorrectly accepting an inferior five-fraction schedule: p=0·0022 vs 40 Gy in 15 fractions) and -0·7% (-1·3 to 0·3) for 26 Gy in five fractions (p=0·00019 vs 40 Gy in 15 fractions). At 5 years, any moderate or marked clinician-assessed normal tissue effects in the breast or chest wall was reported for 98 of 986 (9·9%) 40 Gy patients, 155 (15·4%) of 1005 27 Gy patients, and 121 of 1020 (11·9%) 26 Gy patients. Across all clinician assessments from 1-5 years, odds ratios versus 40 Gy in 15 fractions were 1·55 (95% CI 1·32 to 1·83, p<0·0001) for 27 Gy in five fractions and 1·12 (0·94 to 1·34, p=0·20) for 26 Gy in five fractions. Patient and photographic assessments showed higher normal tissue effect risk for 27 Gy versus 40 Gy but not for 26 Gy versus 40 Gy. INTERPRETATION: 26 Gy in five fractions over 1 week is non-inferior to the standard of 40 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks for local tumour control, and is as safe in terms of normal tissue effects up to 5 years for patients prescribed adjuvant local radiotherapy after primary surgery for early-stage breast cancer. FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Vacuolar H+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase energize Na+ uptake mechanisms in the nuchal organ of the hyperregulating freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna.

The nuchal organ of the embryos and neonates of the cladoceran, Daphnia magna, has been shown to be a site of Na+ influx and H+, NH4+ and Cl- efflux. This study combines the scanning ion-selective electrode technique with application of inhibitors of specific transporters to assess the mechanisms of Na+ transport across the nuchal organ. Na+ influx across the nuchal organ was inhibited both by inhibitors of the Na+/K+-ATPase (ouabain, bufalin) and by inhibitors of the vacuolar H+-ATPase (bafilomycin, N-ethylmaleimde, 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole, KM91104, S-nitrosoglutathione). Na+ influx was unaffected by the epithelial Na+ channel blocker benzamil, but was sensitive to ethylisopropyl amiloride and elevated external ammonium concentrations, consistent with roles for Na+/H+ and Na+/NH4+ exchangers in the apical membrane but not Na+ channels. Transport across the basolateral membrane into the haemolymph is proposed to involve the Na+/K+-ATPase and a thiazide-sensitive Na+/Cl- cotransporter.

Decolonizing Care at Diagnosis: Culture, History, and Family at an Urban Inter-tribal Clinic.

The decolonization framework in medical anthropology is slowly reframing tropes of cultural competency toward decolonizing health care. For decolonization of health care to occur, both colonial histories and continuing postcolonial inequities must be recognized from the first diagnostic moment. We report on qualitative research into the role of culture, history, and family experience in person-specific reactions to receipt of a diagnosis. A collaborative approach at an urban inter-tribal clinic was used to interview patients with a recent (within six months) diagnosis of diabetes or related condition. Interviews revealed ways that the Relocation Act eventuated in isolation, poverty, and diabetes among now-urban Native Americans. We discuss how patients may or may not have the ability to (re)connect with their heritage and may simultaneously perceive only recent family contexts as influential in their diabetes. We conclude by acknowledging how postcolonial harms are not captured in diagnoses but should not be left out of diagnostic discussions.

Multiple functions of ion transport by the nuchal organ in embryos and neonates of the freshwater branchiopod crustacean Daphnia magna.

The nuchal organ, also referred to as the dorsal organ or neck organ, is a dorsal structure located posteriorly to the compound eye, between the bases of the second antennae of embryonic and neonate branchiopod crustaceans such as the water flea, Daphnia magna The ultrastructure of the nuchal organ is similar to ion-transporting tissues in other crustaceans, including abundant mitochondria and extensive amplification of apical and basal plasma membranes through microvilli and infoldings, but direct evidence for ion transport is lacking. We used the scanning ion-selective electrode technique to measure transport of Na+, K+, H+, Cl-, NH4+ and Ca2+ across the nuchal organ and body surface of embryos and neonates bathed in dechlorinated Hamilton tap water. Influx of Na+ and efflux of H+ and NH4+ was found to occur across the nuchal organ of both embryos and neonates. We propose that the efflux of K+ and Cl- across the nuchal organ in embryos is related to the expansion of the haemocoel and release of intracellular solutes into the extracellular space during development. K+ is taken up across the nuchal organ later during development, coincident with expansion of the intracellular compartment through the development of gills and other organs. Ca2+ influx across the nuchal organ and body surface of neonates but not embryos is presumably related to calcification of the exoskeleton. Increases in the levels of Na+ and Ca2+ in the water within the brood chamber suggest maternal provisioning of ions for uptake by the embryos. Our data thus support roles for the nuchal organ in ionoregulation, pH regulation and nitrogenous waste excretion.

Can the Sum of Adenoma Diameters (Adenoma Bulk) on Index Examination Predict Risk of Metachronous Advanced Neoplasia?

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest that adenoma size and number are more important predictors of metachronous colorectal neoplasia than advanced histology. Furthermore, there is poor reproducibility in diagnosing advanced histology; high-grade dysplasia and villous histology. Therefore we developed a new metric, adenoma bulk, the sum of diameters of all baseline adenomas, regardless of advanced features. GOAL: Compare the predictive value for metachronous advanced neoplasia of adenoma bulk to conventional paradigm. STUDY: Data were collected prospectively in a multicenter adenoma-chemoprevention trial (2004 to 2013). For the conventional paradigm, high-risk baseline findings were defined as ≥3 adenomas, large adenomas (≥1 cm) or adenomas with villous components or high-grade dysplasia. Adenoma bulk was examined across quartiles and as a continuous variable. Predictive characteristics (sensitivities, specificities, c-statistics) for metachronous advanced neoplasia using conventional criteria and adenoma bulk were calculated. receiver operator characteristic curves were computed using logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 1948 adults had index and follow-up colonoscopies (mean follow-up, 45.2 mo). Those with an adenoma bulk ≥10 mm (4th quartile) had a higher metachronous advanced neoplasia risk (14.4% vs. 6.9-8.2% in lower 3 quartiles; P=0.0002). The c-statistics and sensitivities (specificity fixed at 0.73) for the adenoma bulk and conventional models were 0.587 and 0.563 (P=0.17) and 0.396 and 0.390, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Categorizing sporadic adenoma patients as high versus low risk for metachronous advanced neoplasia by adenoma bulk of

Blind spots in telemedicine: a qualitative study of staff workarounds to resolve gaps in diabetes management.

BACKGROUND: Novel telemedicine platforms have expanded access to critical retinal screening into primary care settings. This increased access has contributed to improved retinal screening uptake for diabetic patients, particularly those treated in Federally Qualified Health Centers ('safety net' clinics). The aim of this study was to understand how the implementation of telemedical screening for diabetic retinopathy within primary care settings is improving the delivery of critical preventative services, while also introducing changes into clinic workflows and creating additional tasks and responsibilities within resource-constrained clinics. METHODS: A qualitative approach was employed to track workflows and perspectives from a range of medical personnel involved in the telemedicine platform for diabetic retinopathy screening and subsequent follow-up treatment. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation at three geographically-dispersed Federally Qualified Health Centers in California. Qualitative analysis was performed using standard thematic analytic approaches within a qualitative data analysis software program. RESULTS: The introduction of telemedicine platforms, such as diabetic retinopathy screening, into primary care settings is creating additional strain on medical personnel across the diabetes eye care management spectrum. Central issues are related to scheduling patients, issuing referrals for follow-up care and treatment, and challenges to improving adherence to treatment and diabetes management. These issues are overcome in many cases through workarounds, or when medical staff work outside of their job descriptions, purview, and permission to move patients through the diabetes management continuum. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates how the implementation of a novel telemedical platform for diabetic retinopathy screening contributes to the phenomenon of workarounds that account for additional tasks and patient volume. These workarounds should not be considered a sustainable model of health care delivery, but rather as an initial step to understanding where issues are and how clinics can adapt to the inclusion of telemedicine and ultimately increase access to care. The presence of workarounds suggests that as telemedicine is expanded, adequate resources, as well as collaborative, cross-sectoral co-design of new workflows must be simultaneously provided. Systematic bolstering of resources would contribute to more consistent success of telemedicine screening platforms and improved treatment and prevention of disease-related complications.

Electronic patient self-Reporting of Adverse-events: Patient Information and aDvice (eRAPID): a randomised controlled trial in systemic cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: eRAPID (electronic patient self-Reporting of Adverse-events: Patient Information and aDvice) is an internet based system for patients to self-report symptoms and side effects (adverse events or AE) of cancer treatments. eRAPID allows AE reporting from home and patient reported data is accessible via Electronic Patient Records (EPR) for use in routine care. The system can generate alerts to clinical teams for severe AE and provides patient advice on managing mild AEs. The overall aims of eRAPID are to improve the safe delivery of cancer treatments, enhance patient care and standardise AE documentation. METHODS: The trial is a prospective randomised two-arm parallel group design study with repeated measures and mixed methods. Participants (adult patients with breast cancer on neo-adjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, colorectal and gynaecological cancer receiving chemotherapy) are randomised to receive the eRAPID intervention or usual care over 18 weeks of treatment. Participants in the intervention arm receive training in using the eRAPID system to provide routine weekly adverse event reports from home. Hospital staff can access eRAPID reports via the EPR and use the information during consultations or phone calls with patients. Prior to commencing the full trial an internal pilot phase was conducted (N = 87 participants) to assess recruitment procedures, consent and attrition rates, the integrity of the intervention information technology and establish procedures for collecting outcome data. The overall target sample for the trial is N = 504. The primary outcome of the trial is quality of life (FACT-G) with secondary outcomes including health economics (costs to patients and the NHS), process of care (e.g. contacts with the hospital, number of admissions, clinic appointments and changes to treatment/medications) and patient self-efficacy. Outcome data is collected at baseline, 6, 12, 18 weeks and 12 months. The intervention is also being evaluated via end of study interviews with patient participants and clinical staff. DISCUSSION: The pilot phase was completed in February 2016 and recruitment and attrition rates met criteria for continuing to the full trial. Recruitment recommenced in May 2016 and is planned to continue until December 2017. Overall findings will determine the value of the eRAPID intervention for supporting the care of patients receiving systemic cancer treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN88520246 . Registered 11 September 2014.

Design of a randomized clinical trial of a colorectal cancer screening decision aid to promote appropriate screening in community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate colorectal cancer screening in older adults should be aligned with the likelihood of net benefit. In general, patient decision aids improve knowledge and values clarity, but in older adults, they may also help patients identify their individual likelihood of benefit and foster individualized decision-making. We report on the design of a randomized clinical trial to understand the effects of a patient decision aid on appropriate colorectal cancer screening. This report includes a description of the baseline characteristics of participants. METHODS: English-speaking primary care patients aged 70-84 years who were not currently up to date with screening were recruited into a randomized clinical trial comparing a tailored colorectal cancer screening decision aid with an attention control. The intervention group received a decision aid that included a values clarification exercise and individualized decision-making worksheet, while the control group received an educational pamphlet on safe driving behaviors. The primary outcome was appropriate screening at 6 months based on chart review. We used a composite measure to define appropriate screening as screening for participants in good health, a discussion about screening for patients in intermediate health, and no screening for patients in poor health. Health state was objectively determined using patients' Charlson Comorbidity Index score and age. RESULTS: A total of 14 practices in central North Carolina participated as part of a practice-based research network. In total, 424 patients were recruited to participate and completed a baseline visit. Overall, 79% of participants were White and 58% female, with a mean age of 76.8 years. Patient characteristics between groups were similar by age, gender, race, education, insurance coverage, or work status. Overall, 70% had some college education or more, 57% were married, and virtually all had Medicare insurance (90%). The three primary medical conditions among the cohort were a history of diabetes, pneumonia, and cancer (28%, 26%, and 21%, respectively). CONCLUSION: We designed a randomized clinical trial to test a novel use of a patient decision aid to promote appropriate colorectal cancer screening and have recruited a diverse study population that seems similar between the intervention and control groups. The study should be able to determine the ability of a patient decision aid to increase individualized and appropriate colorectal cancer screening.

Asking the right questions to get the right answers: using cognitive interviews to review the acceptability, comprehension and clinical meaningfulness of patient self-report adverse event items in oncology patients.

BACKGROUND: Standardized reporting of treatment-related adverse events (AE) is essential in clinical trials, usually achieved by using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) reported by clinicians. Patient-reported adverse events (PRAE) may add value to clinician assessments, providing patient perspective on subjective toxicity. We developed an online patient symptom report and self-management system for real-time reporting and managing AE during cancer treatment integrated with electronic patient records (eRAPID). As part of this program we developed a patient version of the CTCAE (version 4.0), rephrasing terminology into a self-report format. We explored patient understanding of these items via cognitive interviews. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty patients (33 female, 27 male) undergoing treatment were purposively sampled by age, gender and tumor group (median age 61.5, range 35-84, 12 breast, 12 gynecological, 13 colorectal, 12 lung and 11 renal). Twenty-one PRAE items were completed on a touch-screen computer. Subsequent audio-recorded cognitive interviews and thematic analysis explored patients' comprehension of items via verbal probing techniques during three interview rounds (n = 20 patients/round). RESULTS: In total 33 item amendments were made; 29% related to question comprehension, 68% response option and 3% order effects. These amendments to phrasing and language improved patient understanding but maintained CTCAE grading and key medical information. Changes were endorsed by members of a patient advisory group (N = 11). CONCLUSION: Item adaptations resulted in a bank of consistently interpreted self-report AE items for use in future research program. In-depth analysis of items through cognitive interviews is an important step towards developing an internationally valid system for PRAE, thus improving patient safety and experiences during cancer treatment.

A web-based intervention (RESTORE) to support self-management of cancer-related fatigue following primary cancer treatment: a multi-centre proof of concept randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a frequent and distressing symptom experienced after cancer treatment. RESTORE is the first web-based resource designed to enhance self-efficacy to manage CRF following curative-intent treatment. The aim of this study is to test the proof of concept and inform the design of an effectiveness trial. METHODS: A multi-centre parallel-group two-armed (1:1) exploratory randomised controlled trial (RCT) with qualitative process evaluation was employed in the study. Participants (≥18 years; ≤5 years post treatment with moderate to severe fatigue) were recruited and randomly assigned to RESTORE or a leaflet. Feasibility and acceptability were measured by recruitment, attrition, intervention adherence, completion of outcome measures and process evaluation. Change in self-efficacy to manage CRF was also explored. Outcome measures were completed at baseline (T0), 6 weeks (T1) and 12 weeks (T2). Data were analysed using mixed-effects linear regression and directed content analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-three people participated in the trial and 19 in the process evaluation. The intervention was feasible (39 % of eligible patients consented) and acceptable (attrition rate 36 %). There was evidence of higher fatigue self-efficacy at T1 in the intervention group vs comparator (mean difference 0.51 [-0.08 to 1.11]), though the difference in groups decreased by 12 weeks. Time since diagnosis influenced perceived usefulness of the intervention. Modifications were suggested. CONCLUSION: Proof of concept was achieved. The RESTORE intervention should be subject to a definitive trial with some adjustments. Provision of an effective supportive resource would empower cancer survivors to manage CRF after treatment completion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN67521059.

The traditional food of migrants: Meat, water, and other challenges for dietary advice. An ethnography in Guanajuato, Mexico.

The term "traditional diet" is used variously in public health and nutrition literature to refer to a substantial variety of foodways. Yet it is difficult to draw generalities about dietary tradition for specific ethnic groups. Given the strong association between migration and dietary change, it is particularly important that dietary advice for migrants be both accurate and specific. In this article, I examine the cultural construct of "traditional foods" through mixed method research on diet and foodways among rural farmers in Guanajuato, MX and migrants from this community to other Mexican and U.S. destinations. Findings reveal first, that quantitatively salient terms may contain important variation, and second, that some "traditional" dietary items -like "refresco," "carne," and "agua" - may be used in nutritionally contradictory ways between clinicians and Mexican immigrant patients. Specifically, the term "traditional food" in nutritional advice for Mexican migrants may be intended to promote consumption of fresh produce or less meat; but it may also invoke other foods (e.g., meats or corn), inspire more regular consumption of formerly rare foods (e.g., meats, flavored waters), or set up financially impossible goals (e.g., leaner meats than can be afforded). Salience studies with ethnographic follow up in target populations can promote the most useful and accurate terms for dietary advice.

Defining the phylogenomics of Shigella species: a pathway to diagnostics.

Shigellae cause significant diarrheal disease and mortality in humans, as there are approximately 163 million episodes of shigellosis and 1.1 million deaths annually. While significant strides have been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis, few studies on the genomic content of the Shigella species have been completed. The goal of this study was to characterize the genomic diversity of Shigella species through sequencing of 55 isolates representing members of each of the four Shigella species: S. flexneri, S. sonnei, S. boydii, and S. dysenteriae. Phylogeny inferred from 336 available Shigella and Escherichia coli genomes defined exclusive clades of Shigella; conserved genomic markers that can identify each clade were then identified. PCR assays were developed for each clade-specific marker, which was combined with an amplicon for the conserved Shigella invasion antigen, IpaH3, into a multiplex PCR assay. This assay demonstrated high specificity, correctly identifying 218 of 221 presumptive Shigella isolates, and sensitivity, by not identifying any of 151 diverse E. coli isolates incorrectly as Shigella. This new phylogenomics-based PCR assay represents a valuable tool for rapid typing of uncharacterized Shigella isolates and provides a framework that can be utilized for the identification of novel genomic markers from genomic data.

Smoking-associated risks of conventional adenomas and serrated polyps in the colorectum.

PURPOSE: Prior studies suggest cigarette smoking is associated with 1.5- to twofold increased risk of colorectal adenomas and possibly a higher risk of serrated polyps. Further clarification of risk differences between adenomas and serrated polyps is needed with regard to co-occurrence and polyp location. METHODS: We conducted a combined analysis of conventional adenoma and serrated polyp occurrence using individual-level data from 2,915 patients participating in three colonoscopy-based clinical trials. All participants had ≥1 adenomas removed at baseline and were followed for up to 4 years. Smoking habits and other lifestyle factors were collected at baseline using questionnaires. We used generalized linear regression to estimate risk ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS: Smokers were at slightly increased risk of adenomas compared to never smokers [current: RR 1.29 (95 % CI 1.11-1.49) and former: RR 1.18 (1.05-1.32)]. Smoking was associated with greater risk of serrated polyps [current: RR 2.01 (1.66-2.44); former: RR 1.42 (1.20-1.68)], particularly in the left colorectum. Associations between current smoking and occurrence of serrated polyps only [RR 2.33 (1.76-3.07)] and both adenomas and serrated polyps [RR 2.27 (1.68-3.06)] were more pronounced than for adenomas only [RR 1.31 (1.08-1.58)]. Results were similar for other smoking variables and did not differ by gender or for advanced adenomas. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoking has only a weak association with adenomas, but is associated with a significantly increased risk of serrated polyps, particularly in the left colorectum. Since a minority of left-sided serrated polyps is thought to have malignant potential, the role of smoking in initiation phases of carcinogenesis is uncertain.

Results of a transparent expert consultation on patient and public involvement in palliative care research.

BACKGROUND: Support and evidence for patient, unpaid caregiver and public involvement in research (user involvement) are growing. Consensus on how best to involve users in palliative care research is lacking. AIM: To determine an optimal user-involvement model for palliative care research. DESIGN: We hosted a consultation workshop using expert presentations, discussion and nominal group technique to generate recommendations and consensus on agreement of importance. A total of 35 users and 32 researchers were approached to attend the workshop, which included break-out groups and a ranking exercise. Descriptive statistical analysis to establish consensus and highlight divergence was applied. Qualitative analysis of discussions was completed to aid interpretation of findings. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Participants involved in palliative care research were invited to a global research institute, UK. RESULTS: A total of 12 users and 5 researchers participated. Users wanted their involvement to be more visible, including during dissemination, with a greater emphasis on the difference their involvement makes. Researchers wanted to improve productivity, relevance and quality through involvement. Users and researchers agreed that an optimal model should consist of (a) early involvement to ensure meaningful involvement and impact and (b) diverse virtual and face-to-face involvement methods to ensure flexibility. CONCLUSION: For involvement in palliative care research to succeed, early and flexible involvement is required. Researchers should advertise opportunities for involvement and promote impact of involvement via dissemination plans. Users should prioritise adding value to research through enhancing productivity, quality and relevance. More research is needed not only to inform implementation and ensure effectiveness but also to investigate the cost-effectiveness of involvement in palliative care research.

Independent donor ethical assessment: aiming to standardize donor advocacy.

Living organ donation has become more common across the world. To ensure an informed consent process, given the complex issues involved with organ donation, independent donor advocacy is required. The choice of how donor advocacy is administered is left up to each transplant center. This article presents the experience and process of donor advocacy at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center administered by a multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, surgeons, psychologists, medical ethicists and anthropologists, lawyers, a chaplain, a living kidney donor, and a kidney transplant recipient. To ensure that advocacy remains fair and consistent for all donors being considered, the donor advocacy team at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center developed the Independent Donor Ethical Assessment, a tool that may be useful to others in rendering donor advocacy. In addition, the tool may be modified as circumstances arise to improve donor advocacy and maintain uniformity in decision making.