A Multidisciplinary Consultation-Liaison Team Approach to Reduce Enhanced Observer Usage.

BACKGROUND: There are few evidence-informed guidelines and findings to show that the use of sitters improves patient safety; overall, it is a costly intervention to address patients with disruptive behaviors. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that the creation of a multidisciplinary consultation-liaison (C-L) team, integrated with a psychiatric C-L team, together can decrease sitter use and improve outcomes using nonpharmacologic interventions. METHODS: This retrospective study describes the planning, implementation, and data collection using in creating an multidisciplinary C-L team to collaborate with the psychiatric C-L team and outcomes to support the approach. The multidisciplinary C-L team was composed of advanced practice registered nurses and creative art therapists. The teams worked closely with the medical units to develop and monitor criteria for sitter use. The key outcomes of the intervention improved patient safety and reduced overall cost. RESULTS: In the first year of implementation of a multidisciplinary C-L approach, sitter use decreased by 72%. Nonpharmacologic interventions improved patient outcomes by providing education to medical staff that enhanced the assessment and implementation of enhanced observer use across all the medical units. Subsequent data also reflect a sustained reduction in cost over the next 2-year period, saving the institution nearly $70K a month. CONCLUSION: An multidisciplinary C-L and psychiatric C-L team collaborated on the need for psychiatric medications, or nonpharmacologic interventions to address behaviors and decrease the need for an enhanced observer. The teams worked together to make policy revisions and algorithms and provide education, the result of which was significant financial savings and improved patient safety.

Magnetic susceptibility-induced echo-time shifts: Is there a bias in age-related fMRI studies?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential for bias in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) aging studies resulting from age-related differences in magnetic field distributions that can impact echo time and functional contrast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetic field maps were taken on 31 younger adults (age: 22 ± 2.9 years) and 46 older adults (age: 66 ± 4.5 years) on a 3T scanner. Using the spatial gradients of the magnetic field map for each participant, an echo planar imaging (EPI) trajectory was simulated. The effective echo time, time at which the k-space trajectory is the closest to the center of k-space, was calculated. This was used to examine both within-subject and across-age-group differences in the effective echo time maps. The blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) percent signal change resulting from those echo time shifts was also calculated to determine their impact on fMRI aging studies. RESULTS: For a single subject, the effective echo time varied as much as ±5 msec across the brain. An unpaired t-test between the effective echo time across age groups resulted in significant differences in several regions of the brain (P < 0.01). The difference in echo time was only ∼1 msec, however, which is not expected to have an important impact on BOLD fMRI percent signal change (<4%). CONCLUSION: Susceptibility-induced magnetic field gradients induce local echo-time shifts in gradient echo fMRI images, which can cause variable BOLD sensitivity across the brain. However, the age-related differences in BOLD signal are expected to be small for an fMRI study at 3T. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:207-214.

Robust neuroprosthetic control from the stroke perilesional cortex.

Intracortical brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) may eventually restore function in those with motor disability after stroke. However, current research into the development of intracortical BMIs has focused on subjects with largely intact cortical structures, such as those with spinal cord injury. Although the stroke perilesional cortex (PLC) has been hypothesized as a potential site for a BMI, it remains unclear whether the injured motor cortical network can support neuroprosthetic control directly. Using chronic electrophysiological recordings in a rat stroke model, we demonstrate here the PLC's capacity for neuroprosthetic control and physiological plasticity. We initially found that the perilesional network demonstrated abnormally increased slow oscillations that also modulated neural firing. Despite these striking abnormalities, neurons in the perilesional network could be modulated volitionally to learn neuroprosthetic control. The rate of learning was surprisingly similar regardless of the electrode distance from the stroke site and was not significantly different from intact animals. Moreover, neurons achieved similar task-related modulation and, as an ensemble, formed cell assemblies with learning. Such control was even achieved in animals with poor motor recovery, suggesting that neuroprosthetic control is possible even in the absence of motor recovery. Interestingly, achieving successful control also reduced locking to abnormal oscillations significantly. Our results thus suggest that, despite the disrupted connectivity in the PLC, it may serve as an effective target for neuroprosthetic control in those with poor motor recovery after stroke.

Fitness, but not physical activity, is related to functional integrity of brain networks associated with aging.

Greater physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with reduced age-related cognitive decline and lower risk for dementia. However, significant gaps remain in the understanding of how physical activity and fitness protect the brain from adverse effects of brain aging. The primary goal of the current study was to empirically evaluate the independent relationships between physical activity and fitness with functional brain health among healthy older adults, as measured by the functional connectivity of cognitively and clinically relevant resting state networks. To build context for fitness and physical activity associations in older adults, we first demonstrate that young adults have greater within-network functional connectivity across a broad range of cortical association networks. Based on these results and previous research, we predicted that individual differences in fitness and physical activity would be most strongly associated with functional integrity of the networks most sensitive to aging. Consistent with this prediction, and extending on previous research, we showed that cardiorespiratory fitness has a positive relationship with functional connectivity of several cortical networks associated with age-related decline, and effects were strongest in the default mode network (DMN). Furthermore, our results suggest that the positive association of fitness with brain function can occur independent of habitual physical activity. Overall, our findings provide further support that cardiorespiratory fitness is an important factor in moderating the adverse effects of aging on cognitively and clinically relevant functional brain networks.

White matter microstructure mediates the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and spatial working memory in older adults.

White matter structure declines with advancing age and has been associated with a decline in memory and executive processes in older adulthood. Yet, recent research suggests that higher physical activity and fitness levels may be associated with less white matter degeneration in late life, although the tract-specificity of this relationship is not well understood. In addition, these prior studies infrequently associate measures of white matter microstructure to cognitive outcomes, so the behavioral importance of higher levels of white matter microstructural organization with greater fitness levels remains a matter of speculation. Here we tested whether cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) levels were associated with white matter microstructure and whether this relationship constituted an indirect pathway between cardiorespiratory fitness and spatial working memory in two large, cognitively and neurologically healthy older adult samples. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to determine white matter microstructure in two separate groups: Experiment 1, N=113 (mean age=66.61) and Experiment 2, N=154 (mean age=65.66). Using a voxel-based regression approach, we found that higher VO2max was associated with higher fractional anisotropy (FA), a measure of white matter microstructure, in a diverse network of white matter tracts, including the anterior corona radiata, anterior internal capsule, fornix, cingulum, and corpus callosum (PFDR-corrected<.05). This effect was consistent across both samples even after controlling for age, gender, and education. Further, a statistical mediation analysis revealed that white matter microstructure within these regions, among others, constituted a significant indirect path between VO2max and spatial working memory performance. These results suggest that greater aerobic fitness levels are associated with higher levels of white matter microstructural organization, which may, in turn, preserve spatial memory performance in older adulthood.

Adrenergic signaling controls RGK-dependent trafficking of cardiac voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels through PKD1.

RATIONALE: The Rad-Gem/Kir-related family (RGKs) consists of small GTP-binding proteins that strongly inhibit the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels. Among RGKs, Rem1 is strongly and specifically expressed in cardiac tissue. However, the physiological role and regulation of RGKs, and Rem1 in particular, are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine if Rem1 function is physiologically regulated by adrenergic signaling and thus impacts voltage-gated L-type calcium channel (VLCC) activity in the heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: We found that activation of protein kinase D1, a protein kinase downstream of α(1)-adrenergic signaling, leads to direct phosphorylation of Rem1 at Ser18. This results in an increase of the channel activity and plasma membrane expression observed by using a combination of electrophysiology, live cell confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry in heterologous expression system and neonatal cardiomyocytes. In addition, we show that stimulation of α(1)-adrenergic receptor-protein kinase D1-Rem1 signaling increases transverse-tubule VLCC expression that results in increased L-type Ca(2+) current density in adult ventricular myocytes. CONCLUSION: The α(1)-adrenergic stimulation releases Rem1 inhibition of VLCCs through direct phosphorylation of Rem1 at Ser18 by protein kinase D1, resulting in an increase of the channel activity and transverse-tubule expression. Our results uncover a novel molecular regulatory mechanism of VLCC trafficking and function in the heart and provide the first demonstration of physiological regulation of RGK function.

PKA phosphorylates histone deacetylase 5 and prevents its nuclear export, leading to the inhibition of gene transcription and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Dynamic nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) is a fundamental mechanism regulating gene transcription. Recent studies have identified several protein kinases that phosphorylate HDAC5, leading to its exportation from the nucleus. However, the negative regulatory mechanisms for HDAC5 nuclear exclusion remain largely unknown. Here we show that cAMP-activated protein kinase A (PKA) specifically phosphorylates HDAC5 and prevents its export from the nucleus, leading to suppression of gene transcription. PKA interacts directly with HDAC5 and phosphorylates HDAC5 at serine 280, an evolutionarily conserved site. Phosphorylation of HDAC5 by PKA interrupts the association of HDAC5 with protein chaperone 14-3-3 and hence inhibits stress signal-induced nuclear export of HDAC5. An HDAC5 mutant that mimics PKA-dependent phosphorylation localizes in the nucleus and acts as a dominant inhibitor for myocyte enhancer factor 2 transcriptional activity. Molecular manipulations of HDAC5 show that PKA-phosphorylated HDAC5 inhibits cardiac fetal gene expression and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our findings identify HDAC5 as a substrate of PKA and reveal a cAMP/PKA-dependent pathway that controls HDAC5 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and represses gene transcription. This pathway may represent a mechanism by which cAMP/PKA signaling modulates a wide range of biological functions and human diseases such as cardiomyopathy.

Communicating Standing and Walking Data after Spinal Cord Injury: A Patient-Engaged, Qualitative Study.

Background: The Standing and Walking Assessment Tool has been implemented by physical therapists across Canada, but there is no standardized communication tool to inform inpatients living with spinal cord injury (SCI) about their standing and walking ability. Objectives: To identify how inpatients with SCI are currently receiving feedback on their standing and walking ability, and to determine if and how they would like to receive information on their standing and walking. Methods: Ontario's Patient Engagement Framework informed study protocol development. Inpatients with SCI were recruited from a rehabilitation centre in Canada. Purposeful sampling considering severity of SCI and sex was adopted. Three to four months following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore participants'experiences and preferences regarding feedback on standing and walking ability during inpatient SCI rehabilitation. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A conventional content analysis was completed. Results: Fifteen individuals with SCI (5 female, 10 male) participated. Four themes emerged from the transcripts: (1) motivation for standing and walking, (2) current standing and walking practice, (3) participant preferences for feedback on standing and walking ability, and (4) perceptions of preexisting tools. Conclusion: Information on standing and walking ability was shared with inpatients with SCI in a variety of ways. Participants identified various preferences for the nature, format, and frequency of feedback concerning standing and walking ability during inpatient rehabilitation, which suggests the need for an individualized approach to communicating this information.

Impact of Oncology Drug Review Times on Public Funding Recommendations.

New oncology drugs undergo detailed review prior to public funding in a single-payer healthcare system. The aim of this study was to assess how cancer drug review times impact funding recommendations. Drugs reviewed by the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) between the years 2012 and 2020 were included. Data were collected including Health Canada approval dates, initial and final funding recommendations, treatment intent, drug class, clinical indications, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine the association between funding recommendations and review times. Of the 164 applications submitted, 130 received a positive final recommendation. Median time from Health Canada (HC) approval to final recommendation was longer for drugs indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) and lung cancer compared to breast, genitourinary (GU), and other tumours (205 vs. 198 vs. 111 vs. 129 vs. 181 days, respectively; Kruskal-Wallis p = 0.0312). Drugs with longer review times were more likely to receive a negative pCODR recommendation, even when adjusting for tumour type, drug class, and intent of therapy (157 vs. 298 days; Wilcoxon p = 0.0003, OR 1.002 95% CI [1.000-1.004].). There was no association between funding recommendation and tumour type or class of drug. The exploration of factors associated with variance in review times will be important in ensuring timely patient access to cancer drugs.

Using the Standing and Walking Assessment Tool at Discharge Predicts Community Outdoor Walking Capacity in Persons With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: The Standing and Walking Assessment Tool (SWAT) standardizes the timing and content of walking assessments during inpatient rehabilitation by combining 12 stages ranging from lowest to highest function (0, 0.5, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4) with 5 standard measures: the Berg Balance Scale, the modified Timed "Up & Go" test, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, the modified 6-Minute Walk Test, and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). This study aimed to determine if the SWAT at rehabilitation discharge could predict outdoor walking capacity 1-year after discharge in people with traumatic spinal cord injury. METHODS: This retrospective study used data obtained from the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry from 2014 to 2020. Community outdoor walking capacity was measured using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III) outdoor mobility score obtained 12 (±4) months after discharge. Of 206 study participants, 90 were community nonwalkers (ie, SCIM III score 0-3), 41 were community walkers with aids (ie, SCIM III score 4-6), and 75 were independent community walkers (ie, SCIM III score 7-8). Bivariate, multivariable regression, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed. RESULTS: At rehabilitation discharge, 3 significant SWAT associations were confirmed: 0-3A with community nonwalkers, 3B/higher with community walkers with and without an aid, and 4 with independent community walkers. Moreover, at discharge, a higher (Berg Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale), faster (modified Timed "Up & Go," 10MWT), or further (10MWT) SWAT measure was significantly associated with independent community walking. Multivariable analysis indicated that all SWAT measures, except the 10MWT were significant predictors of independent community walking. Furthermore, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic score (0.91), demonstrating an excellent ability to distinguish community walkers with aids from independent community walkers. CONCLUSION: The SWAT stage and measures at discharge can predict community outdoor walking capacity in persons with traumatic spinal cord injury. Notably, a patient's confidence in performing activities plays an important part in achieving walking ability in the community. IMPACT: The discharge SWAT is useful to optimize discharge planning.

Frailty Among Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults: The All of Us Database.

BACKGROUND: Despite known disparities in health status among older sexual and gender minority adults (OSGM), the prevalence of frailty is unknown. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a deficit-accumulation frailty index (AoU-FI) for the All of Us database to describe and compare frailty between OSGM and non-OSGM participants. METHODS: Developed using a standardized approach, the AoU-FI consists of 33 deficits from baseline survey responses of adults aged 50+. OSGM were self-reported as "not straight" or as having discordant gender and sex assigned at birth. Descriptive statistics characterized the AoU-FI. Regression was used to assess the association between frailty, age, and gender. Validation of the AoU-FI used Cox proportional hazard models to test the association between frailty categories (robust <0.15, 0.15 ≤ pre-frail ≤ 0.25, frail >0.25) and mortality. RESULTS: There were 9 110 OSGM and 67 420 non-OSGM with sufficient data to calculate AoU-FI; 41% OSGM versus 50% non-OSGM were robust, whereas 34% versus 32% were pre-frail, and 26% versus 19% were frail. Mean AoU-FI was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.187, 0.191) for OSGM and 0.168 (95% CI: 0.167, 0.169) for non-OSGM. Compared to robust, odds of mortality were higher among frail OSGM (odds ratio [OR] 6.40; 95% CI: 1.84, 22.23) and non-OSGM (OR 3.96; 95% CI: 2.96, 5.29). CONCLUSIONS: The AoU-FI identified a higher burden of frailty, increased risk of mortality, and an attenuated impact of age on frailty among OSGM compared to non-OSGM. Future work is needed to understand how frailty affects the OSGM population.

Fluid shear stress stimulates phosphorylation-dependent nuclear export of HDAC5 and mediates expression of KLF2 and eNOS.

Fluid shear stress generated by steady laminar blood flow protects vessels from atherosclerosis. Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are fluid shear stress-responsive genes and key mediators in flow anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic actions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying flow induction of KLF2 and eNOS remain largely unknown. Here, we show a novel role of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in flow-mediated KLF2 and eNOS expression. We found for the first time that fluid shear stress stimulated HDAC5 phosphorylation and nuclear export in endothelial cells through a calcium/calmodulin-dependent pathway. Consequently, flow induced the dissociation of HDAC5 and myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) and enhanced MEF2 transcriptional activity, which leads to expression of KLF2 and eNOS. Adenoviral overexpression of a HDAC5 phosphorylation-defective mutant (Ser259/Ser498 were replaced by Ala259/Ala498, HDAC5-S/A), which shows resistance to flow-induced nuclear export, suppressed flow-mediated MEF2 transcriptional activity and expression of KLF2 and eNOS. Importantly, HDAC5-S/A attenuated the flow-inhibitory effect on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Taken together, our results reveal that phosphorylation-dependent derepression of HDAC5 mediates flow-induced KLF2 and eNOS expression as well as flow anti-inflammation, and suggest that HDAC5 could be a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Endothelial Grb2-associated binder 1 is crucial for postnatal angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1), a scaffolding adaptor protein, plays an important role in transmitting key signals that control cell growth, differentiation, and function from multiple tyrosine kinase receptors. The study was designed to investigate the role of endothelial Gab1 in angiogenesis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using Cre-Lox recombination technology, we generated endothelial-specific Gab1 knockout (Gab1-ecKO) mice. Gab1-ecKO mice are viable and showed no obvious developmental defects in the vascular system. To analyze the role of Gab1 in postnatal angiogenesis, we used hindlimb ischemia and Matrigel plug models. We found that loss of endothelial Gab1 in mice dramatically impaired postnatal angiogenesis. Gab1-ecKO mice had impaired ischemia-initiated blood flow recovery, exhibited reduced angiogenesis, and were associated with marked limb necrosis. We further observed significant endothelial cell (EC) death in the ischemic hindlimb of Gab1-ecKO mice. Matrigel plug assay showed that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-mediated angiogenesis was inhibited in Gab1-ecKO mice. In vitro studies showed that Gab1 was required for HGF-induced EC migration, tube formation, and microvessel sprouting. Mechanistically, HGF stimulated Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation in ECs, leading to activation of extracellular regulated MAP kinase 1/2 and Akt, which are angiogenic and survival signaling. CONCLUSIONS: Gab1 is essential for postnatal angiogenesis through mediating angiogenic and survival signaling.

Pharmacological Prevention and Management of Skeletal-Related Events and Bone Loss in Individuals with Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a literature review of the clinical efficacy and safety data of various pharmacological agents used to manage bone health in people affected by cancer. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles and research publications identified from PubMed and relevant clinical guidelines were used in this evidence synthesis. CONCLUSION: Individuals with cancers such as breast and prostate cancers, multiple myeloma, and other malignancies are at a high risk of developing skeletal-related events such as bone fracture, bone metastasis, and osteoporosis. Pharmacologic agents such as bisphosphonates and RANK-L inhibitor (denosumab) are the mainstay therapy options for managing bone health in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses and nurse practitioners should be aware of the efficacy data of bisphosphonates and denosumab but also should be well-versed in the appropriate administration of these agents, potential side effect profiles, timely assessment, and interventions to optimize quality of life.

VITT following Ad26.COV2.S vaccination presenting without radiographically demonstrable thrombosis.

We report a case of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in a young man diagnosed 13 days after Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) vaccination. He presented to us with 5 days of progressive left leg pain, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, and markedly elevated d-dimers, but without radiographically demonstrable thrombosis. Despite negative imaging, we initiated treatment of presumptive VITT given the striking clinical picture that included the timing of his recent adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccine, leg symptoms, marked thrombocytopenia, and consumptive coagulopathy. He received intravenous immune globulin, prednisone, and argatroban and was discharged 7 days later much improved. His positive platelet factor 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antibody test returned after treatment was initiated. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of VITT following Ad26.COV2.S vaccination presenting without radiographically demonstrable thrombosis. Our patient highlights the importance of knowing vaccine status and initiating treatment as soon as possible in the right clinical setting, even in the absence of radiographic evidence of thrombus. Early VITT recognition and treatment provide an opportunity to prevent serious thrombotic complications.

Impact of Value Frameworks on the Magnitude of Clinical Benefit: Evaluating a Decade of Randomized Trials for Systemic Therapy in Solid Malignancies.

In the era of rapid development of new, expensive cancer therapies, value frameworks have been developed to quantify clinical benefit (CB). We assessed the evolution of CB since the 2015 introduction of The American Society of Clinical Oncology and The European Society of Medical Oncology value frameworks. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing systemic therapies for solid malignancies from 2010 to 2020 were evaluated and CB (Δ) in 2010-2014 (pre-value frameworks (PRE)) were compared to 2015-2020 (POST) for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR), and quality of life (QoL). In the 485 studies analyzed (12% PRE and 88% POST), the most common primary endpoint was PFS (49%), followed by OS (20%), RR (12%), and QoL (6%), with a significant increase in OS and decrease in RR as primary endpoints in the POST era (p = 0.011). Multivariable analyses revealed significant improvement in ΔOS POST (OR 2.86, 95% CI 0.46 to 5.26, p = 0.02) while controlling for other variables. After the development of value frameworks, median ΔOS improved minimally. The impact of value frameworks has yet to be fully realized in RCTs. Efforts to include endpoints shown to impact value, such as QoL, into clinical trials are warranted.

VEGFR-2 inhibition augments cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses leading to endothelial dysfunction.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and activates the downstream signaling pathway resulting in endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and survival. Cigarette smoking is associated with abnormal vascular and endothelial function, leading to airspace enlargement. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of cigarette smoke (CS) -induced endothelial dysfunction by studying the VEGF-VEGFR-2 signaling in mouse lung and human endothelial cells. CS exposure caused oxidative stress, as shown by increased levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-adducts in mouse lung and reactive oxygen species generation in human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-Ls). Inhibition of VEGFR-2 by a specific kinase inhibitor (NVP-AAD777) enhanced the CS-induced oxidative stress, causing augmented inflammatory cell influx and proinflammatory mediators release in mouse lung. The levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphorylated (p) -eNOS in the lungs of mice exposed to CS and/or treated with VEGFR-2 inhibitor were decreased. CS down-regulated VEGFR-2 expression, eNOS levels, and VEGF-induced VEGFR-2 phosphorylation in HMVEC-Ls, resulting in impaired VEGF-induced endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. Overall, these data show that inhibition of VEGFR-2 augmented CS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses leading to endothelial dysfunction. This explains the mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in smokers and has implications in understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.

Angiotensin II stimulates protein kinase D-dependent histone deacetylase 5 phosphorylation and nuclear export leading to vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces the phenotypic modulation and hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that histone deacetylases 5 (HDAC5) and its signal pathway play a role in Ang II-induced VSMC hypertrophy. METHODS AND RESULTS: VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aortas of male Sprague-Dawley rats and treated with Ang II. We found that Ang II rapidly stimulated phosphorylation of HDAC5 at Serine259/498 residues in a time- and dose- dependent manner. Ang II receptor-1, protein kinase C, and protein kinase D1 (PKD1) mediated HDAC5 phosphorylation. Furthermore, we observed that Ang II stimulated HDAC5 nuclear export, which was dependent on its PKD1-dependent phosphorylation. Consequently, both inhibiting PKD1 and HDAC5 Serine259/498 to Alanine mutant significantly attenuated Ang II-induced myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) transcriptional activity and protein synthesis in VSMCs. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate for the first time that PKD1-dependent HDAC5 phosphorylation and nuclear export mediates Ang II-induced MEF2 activation and VSMC hypertrophy, and suggest that PKD1 and HDAC5 may emerge as potential targets for the treatment of pathological vascular hypertrophy.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients in Rehabilitation with Hip Fracture: A Retrospective Chart Review.

ABSTRACTHip fracture rehabilitation has two streams: high tolerance short duration (HTSD) and low tolerance long duration (LTLD). This study examined patient characteristics and outcomes in HTSD and LTLD associated with length of stay (LOS) and discharge destination. We retrospectively examined patients' medical charts following hip fracture surgery and collected demographic, functional, and health characteristics. A statistical analysis was done to describe the differences between HTSD (n = 73) and LTLD (n = 57) patient characteristics and their relationship with LOS and discharge destination. Those in LTLD were significantly older, less independent with prefracture bathing and instrumental activities of daily living, had lower Functional Independence Measure (FIM) admission scores, and more co-morbidities. Higher FIM motor score on admission in HTSD and greater change in FIM total score in LTLD was significantly correlated with discharge home. Diabetes in LTLD and lower total admission FIM in HTSD was significantly associated with increased LOS.

Brain Network Modularity Predicts Exercise-Related Executive Function Gains in Older Adults.

Recent work suggests that the brain can be conceptualized as a network comprised of groups of sub-networks or modules. The extent of segregation between modules can be quantified with a modularity metric, where networks with high modularity have dense connections within modules and sparser connections between modules. Previous work has shown that higher modularity predicts greater improvements after cognitive training in patients with traumatic brain injury and in healthy older and young adults. It is not known, however, whether modularity can also predict cognitive gains after a physical exercise intervention. Here, we quantified modularity in older adults (N = 128, mean age = 64.74) who underwent one of the following interventions for 6 months (NCT01472744 on ClinicalTrials.gov): (1) aerobic exercise in the form of brisk walking (Walk), (2) aerobic exercise in the form of brisk walking plus nutritional supplement (Walk+), (3) stretching, strengthening and stability (SSS), or (4) dance instruction. After the intervention, the Walk, Walk+ and SSS groups showed gains in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), with larger effects in both walking groups compared to the SSS and Dance groups. The Walk, Walk+ and SSS groups also improved in executive function (EF) as measured by reasoning, working memory, and task-switching tests. In the Walk, Walk+, and SSS groups that improved in EF, higher baseline modularity was positively related to EF gains, even after controlling for age, in-scanner motion and baseline EF. No relationship between modularity and EF gains was observed in the Dance group, which did not show training-related gains in CRF or EF control. These results are consistent with previous studies demonstrating that individuals with a more modular brain network organization are more responsive to cognitive training. These findings suggest that the predictive power of modularity may be generalizable across interventions aimed to enhance aspects of cognition and that, especially in low-performing individuals, global network properties can capture individual differences in neuroplasticity.