Can human intelligence safeguard against artificial intelligence? Exploring individual differences in the discernment of human from AI texts.

Artificial intelligence (AI) models can produce output that closely mimics human-generated content. We examined individual differences in the human ability to differentiate human- from AI-generated texts, exploring relationships with fluid intelligence, executive functioning, empathy, and digital habits. Overall, participants exhibited better than chance text discrimination, with substantial variation across individuals. Fluid intelligence strongly predicted differences in the ability to distinguish human from AI, but executive functioning and empathy did not. Meanwhile, heavier smartphone and social media use predicted misattribution of AI content (mistaking it for human). Determinations about the origin of encountered content also affected sharing preferences, with those who were better able to distinguish human from AI indicating a lower likelihood of sharing AI content online. Word-level differences in linguistic composition of the texts did not meaningfully influence participants' judgements. These findings inform our understanding of how individual difference factors may shape the course of human interactions with AI-generated information.

Temporal memory for threatening events encoded in a haunted house.

Despite the salient experience of encoding threatening events, these memories are prone to distortions and often non-veridical from encoding to recall. Further, threat has been shown to preferentially disrupt the binding of event details and enhance goal-relevant information. While extensive work has characterised distinctive features of emotional memory, research has not fully explored the influence threat has on temporal memory, a process putatively supported by the binding of event details into a temporal context. Two primary competing hypotheses have been proposed; that threat can impair or enhance temporal memory. We analysed two datasets to assess temporal memory for an in-person haunted house experience. In study 1, we examined the temporal structure of memory by characterising memory contiguity in free recall as a function of individual levels of heart rate as a proxy of threat. In study 2, we replicated marginal findings of threat-related increases in memory contiguity found in study 1. We extended these findings by showing threat-related increases in recency discriminations, an explicit test of temporal memory. Together, these findings demonstrate that threat enhances temporal memory regarding free recall structure and during explicit memory judgments.

Comparison of Trauma in Dogs due to Direct Motor Vehicle Collision or Fall from Open Pick-up Truck Bed during Transportation (2002-2020).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report injuries sustained by dogs following motor vehicle trauma: direct motor vehicle collision (MVC), and fall from an open pickup truck bed during transportation (PTB). STUDY DESIGN: Medical records of dogs involved in motor vehicle trauma between 2002 and 2020 were reviewed. Signalment, mode of injury, injuries sustained, and treatments performed were recorded. An owner questionnaire investigated effects of the trauma on the dog and owner. RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-eight dogs met the inclusion criteria (569 MVC, 102 PTB). Orthopaedic trauma was significantly more common after PTB (90.2%) (MVC, 75.6%; p = 0.011). There were not any differences in the prevalence of soft tissue injuries between groups (76.4% MVC, 67.6% PTB; p = 0.058), however, MVC dogs had significantly more thoracic (26.9% MVC, 4.4% PTB) and abdominal (12.9% MVC, 0% PTB) trauma (p <0.001). Surgical treatments were performed significantly more often after PTB (71.6%) (MVC, 47.6%) (p <0.001). Discharge rate after PTB (95.0%) was significantly higher (MVC, 84.0%) (p <0.001). Aftercare was reported to be significantly more difficult after PTB (76.2%) (MVC, 34.0%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: MVC and PTB result in significantly different trauma. PTB causes predominantly orthopaedic and integument injuries, whereas MVC results in thoracic and abdominal trauma. Survival to discharge is greater following PTB than MVC.

Adolescent-specific memory effects: evidence from working memory, immediate and long-term recognition memory performance in 8-30 yr olds.

Working memory and recognition memory develop across adolescence, but the relationship between them is not fully understood. We investigated associations between n-back task performance and subsequent recognition memory in a community sample (8-30 yr, n = 150) using tasks from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study) to cross-sectionally assess memory in an age range that will be sampled longitudinally. We added a 24-h delay condition to assess long-term recognition. Overall working memory, immediate and long-term recognition performance peaked in adolescence. Age effects in recognition memory varied by items (old targets, old distractors, and new items) and delay (0 and 24 h). For immediate recognition, accuracy was higher for targets and new items than for distractors, with accuracy for targets peaking in adulthood and accuracy for new items peaking during adolescence. For long-term recognition, adolescents' accuracy was higher for targets than distractors, while adults showed similarly high accuracy for targets and distractors and children showed low accuracy for both. This pattern appeared to be specific to recognition of items from the high working memory load condition. The results suggest that working memory may facilitate long-term recognition of task-relevant over irrelevant items and may benefit the detection of new information during adolescence.

An open-access accelerated adult equivalent of the ABCD Study neuroimaging dataset (a-ABCD).

As public access to longitudinal developmental datasets like the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development StudySM (ABCD Study®) increases, so too does the need for resources to benchmark time-dependent effects. Scan-to-scan changes observed with repeated imaging may reflect development but may also reflect practice effects, day-to-day variability in psychological states, and/or measurement noise. Resources that allow disentangling these time-dependent effects will be useful in quantifying actual developmental change. We present an accelerated adult equivalent of the ABCD Study dataset (a-ABCD) using an identical imaging protocol to acquire magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) structural, diffusion-weighted, resting-state and task-based data from eight adults scanned five times over five weeks. We report on the task-based imaging data (n = 7). In-scanner stop-signal (SST), monetary incentive delay (MID), and emotional n-back (EN-back) task behavioral performance did not change across sessions. Post-scan recognition memory for emotional n-back stimuli, however, did improve as participants became more familiar with the stimuli. Functional MRI analyses revealed that patterns of task-based activation reflecting inhibitory control in the SST, reward success in the MID task, and working memory in the EN-back task were more similar within individuals across repeated scan sessions than between individuals. Within-subject, activity was more consistent across sessions during the EN-back task than in the SST and MID task, demonstrating differences in fMRI data reliability as a function of task. The a-ABCD dataset provides a unique testbed for characterizing the reliability of brain function, structure, and behavior across imaging modalities in adulthood and benchmarking neurodevelopmental change observed in the open-access ABCD Study.

Structure-Based Optimization of ML300-Derived, Noncovalent Inhibitors Targeting the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 3CL Protease (SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro).

Starting from the MLPCN probe compound ML300, a structure-based optimization campaign was initiated against the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (3CLpro). X-ray structures of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro enzymes in complex with multiple ML300-based inhibitors, including the original probe ML300, were obtained and proved instrumental in guiding chemistry toward probe compound 41 (CCF0058981). The disclosed inhibitors utilize a noncovalent mode of action and complex in a noncanonical binding mode not observed by peptidic 3CLpro inhibitors. In vitro DMPK profiling highlights key areas where further optimization in the series is required to obtain useful in vivo probes. Antiviral activity was established using a SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cell viability assay and a plaque formation assay. Compound 41 demonstrates nanomolar activity in these respective assays, comparable in potency to remdesivir. These findings have implications for antiviral development to combat current and future SARS-like zoonotic coronavirus outbreaks.

Implementation of an integrative movement program for residents with dementia in a VA nursing home.

BACKGROUND: Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) is an integrative group movement program developed for adults with mild-to-moderate dementia attending day programs. However, many older adults with dementia ultimately require assistance with their activities of daily living and become residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities with their complex comorbidities and unique needs. We conducted a post-implementation evaluation of PLIÉ at a San Francisco Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home to assess reach and effectiveness among residents, staff, and family members who participated in ≥ 1 PLIÉ class from 9/2018 to 6/2019. METHODS: Post-implementation number of classes offered and mean attendance; anonymous satisfaction surveys (5-point Likert scales); qualitative content analysis of open-ended survey responses and clinical progress notes. RESULTS: Forty-five PLIÉ classes were offered over 9 months. Residents attended an average of 13 ± 12 classes with an average class size of 14 residents, 4 staff members, and 2 family members. Most survey respondents rated the program overall as "very good" or "excellent" (100 % residents, n = 15; 87 % staff, n = 14; 100 % family members, n = 8). Respondents reported improvements in themselves and/or others in four domains: (1) physical, (2) psychological, (3) social, and (4) cognitive. Physical improvements among veterans included mobility, strength, and energy. Psychological improvements included feelings of happiness/well-being, enjoyment, and self-empowerment. Social improvements included connection, social skills, and social support. Cognitive improvements included engagement, communication ability, and focus/attention. Responses were similar among resident, staff, and family member surveys and clinical progress notes. Participants frequently reported improvements in multiple domains (e.g., "The veterans are more alert and engaged, many are smiling and laughing."). Negative comments were primarily related to logistics, suggesting that the class occur more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: PLIÉ was successfully implemented in a VA nursing home with high attendance and satisfaction among residents, staff, and family members. Participants reported clinically meaningful physical, psychological, social, and cognitive benefits. Other long-term care facilities could potentially benefit from implementing PLIÉ to increase quality of life in residents with dementia.

Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ): A Pilot Trial in Older Adults with Subjective Memory Decline and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) is a group movement program initially developed for people with mild-to-moderate dementia that integrates principles from several well-established traditions to specifically address the needs of people with cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether PLIÉ would benefit cognitive and behavioral outcomes and functional brain connectivity in older adults with milder forms of cognitive impairment. METHODS: Participants (≥55 y) with subjective memory decline (SMD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were assessed with tests of cognitive and physical function, self-report questionnaires, and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) on a 3 Tesla scanner before and after participating in twice weekly PLIÉ classes for 12 weeks at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center. RESULTS: Eighteen participants completed the pre-post intervention pilot trial. We observed significant improvements on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog; effect size 0.34, p = 0.002) and enhanced functional connections between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and other nodes of the default mode network (DMN) after PLIÉ. Improvements (i.e., lower scores) on ADAS-cog were significantly correlated with enhanced functional connectivity between the mPFC and left lateral parietal cortex (Spearman's ρ= -0.74, p = 0.001) and between the mPFC and right hippocampus (Spearman's ρ= -0.83, p = 0.001). After completing PLIÉ, participants reported significant reductions in feelings of social isolation and improvements in well-being and interoceptive self-regulation. CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings of post-PLIÉ improvements in DMN functional connectivity, cognition, interoceptive self-regulation, well-being and reduced feelings of social isolation warrant larger randomized, controlled trials of PLIÉ in older adults with SMD and MCI.

Agent Orange Exposure and Dementia Diagnosis in US Veterans of the Vietnam Era.

Importance: Agent Orange is a powerful herbicide that contains dioxin and was used during the Vietnam War. Although prior studies have found that Agent Orange exposure is associated with increased risk of a wide range of conditions, including neurologic disorders (eg, Parkinson disease), metabolic disorders (eg, type 2 diabetes), and systemic amyloidosis, the association between Agent Orange and dementia remains unclear. Objective: To examine the association between Agent Orange exposure and incident dementia diagnosis in US veterans of the Vietnam era. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included Veterans Health Administration data from October 1, 2001, and September 30, 2015, with up to 14 years of follow-up. Analyses were performed from July 2018 to October 2020. A 2% random sample of US veterans of the Vietnam era who received inpatient or outpatient Veterans Health Administration care, excluding those with dementia at baseline, those without follow-up visits, and those with unclear Agent Orange exposure status. Exposures: Presumed Agent Orange exposure documented in electronic health record. Main Outcomes and Measures: Fine-Gray competing risk models were used to compare the time to dementia diagnosis (with age as the time scale) for veterans with vs without presumed Agent Orange exposure (as per medical records), adjusting for demographic variables and medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Results: The total sample was 511 189 individuals; after exclusions, 316 351 were included in analyses. Veterans were mostly male (n = 309 889 [98.0%]) and had a mean (SD) age of 62 (6.6) years; 38 121 (12.1%) had presumed Agent Orange exposure. Prevalence of most conditions, including Parkinson disease, diabetes, and amyloidosis, was similar at baseline among veterans with and without Agent Orange exposure. After adjusting for demographic variables and comorbidities, veterans exposed to Agent Orange were nearly twice as likely as those not exposed to receive a dementia diagnosis over a mean (SD) of 5.5 (3.8) years of follow-up (1918 of 38 121 [5.0%] vs 6886 of 278 230 [2.5%]; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.68 [95% CI, 1.59-1.77]). Veterans with Agent Orange exposure developed dementia at a mean of 1.25 years earlier (at a mean [SD] age of 67.5 [7.0] vs 68.8 [8.0] years). Conclusions and Relevance: Veterans with Agent Orange exposure were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia, even after adjusting for the competing risk of death, demographic variables, and medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Additional studies are needed to examine potential mechanisms underlying the association between Agent Orange exposure and dementia.

Behavioral and Neural Signatures of Working Memory in Childhood.

Working memory function changes across development and varies across individuals. The patterns of behavior and brain function that track individual differences in working memory during human development, however, are not well understood. Here, we establish associations between working memory, other cognitive abilities, and functional MRI (fMRI) activation in data from over 11,500 9- to 10-year-old children (both sexes) enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, an ongoing longitudinal study in the United States. Behavioral analyses reveal robust relationships between working memory, short-term memory, language skills, and fluid intelligence. Analyses relating out-of-scanner working memory performance to memory-related fMRI activation in an emotional n-back task demonstrate that frontoparietal activity during a working memory challenge indexes working memory performance. This relationship is domain specific, such that fMRI activation related to emotion processing during the emotional n-back task, inhibitory control during a stop-signal task (SST), and reward processing during a monetary incentive delay (MID) task does not track memory abilities. Together, these results inform our understanding of individual differences in working memory in childhood and lay the groundwork for characterizing the ways in which they change across adolescence.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Working memory is a foundational cognitive ability that changes over time and varies across individuals. Here, we analyze data from over 11,500 9- to 10-year-olds to establish relationships between working memory, other cognitive abilities, and frontoparietal brain activity during a working memory challenge, but not during other cognitive challenges. Our results lay the groundwork for assessing longitudinal changes in working memory and predicting later academic and other real-world outcomes.

Feel the bass: Music presented to tactile and auditory modalities increases aesthetic appreciation and body movement.

Music is both heard and felt-tactile sensation is especially pronounced for bass frequencies. Although bass frequencies have been associated with enhanced bodily movement, time perception, and groove (the musical quality that compels movement), the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In 2 experiments, we presented high-groove music to auditory and tactile senses and examined whether tactile sensation affected body movement and ratings of enjoyment and groove. In Experiment 1, participants (N = 22) sat in a parked car and listened to music clips over sound-isolating earphones (auditory-only condition), and over earphones plus a subwoofer that stimulated the body (auditory-tactile condition). Experiment 2 (N = 18) also presented music in auditory-only and auditory-tactile conditions, but used a vibrotactile backpack to stimulate the body and included 2 loudness levels. Participants tapped their finger with each clip, rated each clip, and, in Experiment 1, we additionally video recorded spontaneous body movement. Results showed that the auditory-tactile condition yielded more forceful tapping, more spontaneous body movement, and higher ratings of groove and enjoyment. Loudness had a small, but significant, effect on ratings. In sum, findings suggest that bass felt in the body produces a multimodal auditory-tactile percept that promotes movement through the close connection between tactile and motor systems. We discuss links to embodied aesthetics and applications of tactile stimulation to boost rhythmic movement and reduce hearing damage. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Synthesis of ABBV-168, a 2'-Bromouridine for the Treatment of Hepatitis C.

ABBV-168 is a dihalogenated nucleotide under investigation for the treatment of hepatitis C virus. Three synthetic routes aimed at achieving the stereoselective installation of the C2' gem-Br,F substitution and subsequent Vorbruggen glycosylation were explored to prepare the penultimate nucleoside intermediate. Development culminated in a route to ABBV-168 featuring a de novo chromatography-free furanose synthesis, protecting group-directed Vorbruggen glycosylation, and highly selective phosphoramidation to furnish the API.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Remote Quaternary Centers by Copper-Catalyzed Desymmetrization: An Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Mesembrine.

Catalytic asymmetric syntheses of remote quaternary stereocenters have been developed by copper-catalyzed 1,4-hydrosilylation of γ,γ-disubstituted cyclohexadienones. A variety of cyclohexenones have been synthesized in good yield and excellent enantioselectivity. Versatile 2-silyloxy diene intermediates bearing γ,γ-disubstituted all carbon stereogenic centers can be isolated from the mild reaction conditions. The utility of this strategy is exemplified in a catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-mesembrine.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on bone healing and signs of pain in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on markers of synovial inflammation and signs of pain, function, bone healing, and osteoarthritis following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs with spontaneous cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). ANIMALS 12 client-owned dogs with unilateral CCLR. PROCEDURES All dogs were instrumented with an accelerometer for 2 weeks before and 8 weeks after TPLO. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive LLLT (radiant exposure, 1.5 to 2.25 J/cm2; n = 6) or a control (red light; 6) treatment immediately before and at predetermined times for 8 weeks after TPLO. Owners completed a Canine Brief Pain Inventory weekly for 8 weeks after surgery. Each dog underwent a recheck appointment, which included physical and orthopedic examinations, force plate analysis, radiography and synoviocentesis of the affected joint, and evaluation of lameness and signs of pain, at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Select markers of inflammation were quantified in synovial fluid samples. Variables were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS For the control group, mean ground reaction forces were greater at 2 and 4 weeks after TPLO and owner-assigned pain scores were lower during weeks 1 through 5 after TPLO, compared with corresponding values for the LLLT group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that the LLLT protocol used had no beneficial effects on signs of pain or pelvic limb function following TPLO. Further research is necessary to evaluate the effects of LLLT and to determine the optimum LLLT protocol for dogs with CCLR.

Pharmacokinetic Analysis of an Oral Multicomponent Joint Dietary Supplement (Phycox®) in Dogs.

Despite the lack of safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, multicomponent dietary supplements (nutraceuticals) have become increasingly popular as primary or adjunct therapies for clinical osteoarthritis in veterinary medicine. Phycox® is a line of multicomponent joint support supplements marketed for joint health in dogs and horses. Many of the active constituents are recognized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Due to a lack of PK studies in the literature for the product, a pilot PK study of select constituents in Phycox® was performed in healthy dogs. Two novel methods of analysis were developed and validated for quantification of glucosamine and select polyphenols using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. After a single oral (PO) administrated dose of Phycox®, a series of blood samples from dogs were collected for 24 h post-dose and analyzed for concentrations of glucosamine HCl, hesperetin, resveratrol and naringenin. Non-compartmental PK analyses were carried out. Glucosamine was detected up to 8 h post-dose with a Tmax of 2 h and Cmax of 9.69 µg/mL. The polyphenols were not found at detectable concentrations in serum samples. Co-administration of glucosamine in the Phycox® formulation may enhance the absorption of glucosamine as determined by comparison of glucosamine PK data in the literature.

The effect of nail characteristics on surface bacterial counts of surgical personnel before and after scrubbing.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of nail characteristics on bacterial counts on the fingers of surgery personnel. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized nonblinded controlled crossover study design. SAMPLE POPULATION: Veterinary students, small animal surgery technicians, small animal surgery interns/residents, and small animal surgery faculty in a veterinary teaching hospital (n = 21). METHODS: Subjects were randomized into one of 2 groups; group 1 wore nail polish (P) for 1 week and group 2 (control) had nonpolished (NP) fingernails. Each subject changed groups the following week. Fingernail lengths were measured each day and fingernail samples were collected before and after presurgical scrub and after surgery. Total bacterial counts (TBC) and suspected staphylococci were counted on blood agar media and mannitol salt agar. The association between bacterial counts and nail biting, position of the volunteer, duration of the surgery, whether the nail polish was chipped, duration of nail polish application, type of surgery, and handedness was tested. Log-transformed CFU counts were compared with a Student's t test and presence or absence of bacteria were compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: TBC, quantities of staphylococci, other gram-positive organisms, and gram-negative bacilli did not differ between P and NP personnel. The only variable associated with higher bacterial counts consisted of nail lengths greater than 2 mm. CONCLUSION: Nail polish did not influence bacterial counts and types of isolates, but nail length is a risk factor for increased bacterial counts. Based on our results, we recommend that nail length be kept under 2 mm.

The effect of lysophosphatidic acid using a hydrogel or collagen sponge carrier on bone healing in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to determine: 1) the efficacy of polycaprolactone-g-polyethylene glycol (PCL-g-PEG) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA-g-PEG) hydrogels and an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) as carriers for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), 2) the effect of LPA on bone healing in dogs, and 3) the ideal dose of LPA to maximally stimulate bone healing. METHODS: Bilateral ulnar ostectomies were performed on purpose bred dogs. Control defects were filled with a PCL-g-PEG or PLGA-g-PEG hydrogel, or a saline soaked ACS. Contralateral defects were filled with a PCL-g-PEG or PLGA-g-PEG hydrogel, or an ACS with each carrying differing concentrations of an LPA solution. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed. Total bone area (TBA), mineral density (BMD), and mineral content (BMC) were determined at each time point. Relationships between the effect of treatment over time on TBA, BMC and BMD were determined. RESULTS: Phase 1 - There was no significant difference in DXA-based TBA (p = 0.09), BMC (p = 0.33), or BMD (p = 0.74) over time between LPA treatments, or between the LPA treated and control groups TBA (p = 0.95), BMC (p = 0.99), or BMD (p = 0.46). Phase 2 - There was no significant difference over time between LPA treatments in DXA-based TBA (p = 0.33), BMC (p = 0.45), or BMD (p = 0.43), or between the LPA treated and control groups TBA (p = 0.94), BMC (p = 0.38), or BMD (p = 0.17). Phase 3 - There was no significant difference over time between LPA treatments in DXA-based TBA (p = 0.78), BMC (p = 0.88), or BMD (p = 0.35), or between the LPA treated and control groups TBA (p = 0.07), BMC (p = 0.85), or BMD (p = 0.06). There was a significant increase in TBA (p <0.0001) and BMC (p = 0.0014), but a significant decrease in BMD (p <0.0001) was noted over time when all groups were combined. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although LPA has shown promise as an osteoinductive agent in research, its performance as a bone graft substitute, as utilized in this study, is unsupported. Further studies are necessary to determine the incorporation and elution kinetics of LPA from the PLGA-g-PEG hydrogel and from an ACS. Hydrogels may have clinical applications for delaying or preventing bone formation.

Pharmacological effects of a C-phycocyanin-based multicomponent nutraceutical in an in-vitro canine chondrocyte model of osteoarthritis.

Multicomponent nutraceuticals are becoming increasingly popular treatments or adjunctive therapies for osteoarthritis in veterinary medicine despite lack of evidence of efficacy for many products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of a commercially available C-phycocyanin-based nutraceutical and select constituent ingredients in an in-vitro model of canine osteoarthritis. Normal canine articular chondrocytes were used in an in-vitro model of osteoarthritis. Inflammatory conditions were induced using interleukin-1ß. The nutraceutical preparation as a whole, its individual constituents, as well as carprofen were evaluated at concentrations of 0 to 250 µg/mL for reduction of the following inflammatory mediators and indicators of catabolism of the extracellular matrix: prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TFN-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), nitric oxide, and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs). Validated, commercially available assay kits were used for quantitation of inflammatory mediators. The antioxidant capacities, as well as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activities of the whole nutraceutical preparation and select constituents, were also assessed using validated commercially available assay kits. The antioxidant capacity of the nutraceutical and constituents was concentration-dependent. The nutraceutical and constituents appear to display anti-inflammatory activity primarily through the inhibition of COX-2. The nutraceutical displayed similar strength to carprofen in reducing TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-3, nitric oxide, and sGAGs at select concentration ranges. The C-phycocyanin (CPC)-based nutraceutical and constituents may be able to mediate 3 primary pathogenic mechanisms of osteoarthritis: inflammation, chondral degeneration, and oxidative stress in vitro. The nutraceutical may be clinically useful in veterinary medicine and its efficacy should be further investigated in vivo.

Les neutraceutiques à composés multiples deviennent de plus en plus populaires en médecine vétérinaire comme traitement ou thérapie alternative pour soigner l'ostéoarthrite, et ce malgré le manque d'évidence de l'efficacité de plusieurs produits. L'objectif de la présente étude était d'évaluer l'activité anti-inflammatoire et anti-oxydante d'un neutraceutique à base de C-phycocyanine disponible commercialement, et d'ingrédients constitutifs sélectionnés dans un modèle in vitro d'ostéoarthrite canine. Des chondrocytes articulaires canins normaux furent utilisés dans un modèle in vitro d'ostéoarthrite. Des conditions inflammatoires ont été induites en utilisant de l'interleukine-1ß. La préparation neutraceutique complète, ses constituants individuels, de même que du caprofène furent évalués à des concentrations de 0 à 250 µg/mL pour la réduction des médiateurs de l'inflammation suivants et des indicateurs du catabolisme de la matrice extracellulaire: prostaglandine E2 (PGE2), facteur-α nécrosant des tumeurs (TNF-α), interleukine-6 (IL-6), métalloprotéinase-3 (MMP-3), oxyde nitreux, et les glycosaminoglycans sulfatés (sGAGs). Des trousses commerciales validées furent utilisées pour la quantification des médiateurs de l'inflammation. Les capacités anti-oxydantes, de même que l'activité inhibitrice envers la cyclo-oxygénase 1 (COX-1), la cyclo-oxygénase-2 (COX-2), et la lipoxygénase (LOX) de la préparation neutraceutique complète et de constituants sélectionnés furent également évaluées au moyen de de trousses commerciales disponibles commercialement. La capacité anti-oxydante du neutraceutique et des constituants était dépendante de la concentration. Le neutraceutique et les constituants semblent manifester leur activité anti-inflammatoire principalement via l'inhibition de COX-2. Dans des écarts de concentrations sélectionnés, le neutraceutique a démontré une capacité similaire au carprofène en réduisant TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-3, oxyde nitreux, et sGAGs. Le neutraceutique à base de C-phycocyanine (CPC) et ses constituants peuvent être en mesure de médier trois mécanismes pathogéniques primaires de l'ostéo-arthrite: l'inflammation, la dégénération chondrale, et le stress oxydatif in vitro. Le neutraceutique pourrait être cliniquement utile en médecine vétérinaire et son efficacité devrait être investigué plus à fond in vivo.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Utilization and impact of a postmastectomy radiation boost for invasive breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Additional radiation following postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) has an undefined benefit. We investigate those likely to be selected for a chest wall boost (CWB) and its effect on breast cancer survival (BCS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 4747 women diagnosed from 2005 to 2009 were treated with PMRT identified from the California Cancer Registry (CCR); 2686 (57%) received a CWB. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared those receiving and not receiving a CWB for BCS and OS. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 43.6 months, patients likely to receive a CWB were stage III (P ≤ .001), grade 3/4 (P = .03), positive nodes (P = .04), HER 2+ (P =.02). CWB was not related to BCS in the univariate (hazard ratio [HR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-1.21), multivariate (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86 -1.26) analyses, and was not related OS for the univariate (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.78-1.10), multivariate (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.80-1.13) analyses. However, in multivariate analysis, patients not receiving chemotherapy who had a CWB had better BCS (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.11-2.83). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients were treated with a CWB. We found no difference in BCS or OS with the addition of a CWB.