Dual vs Single Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Atrial fibrillation and obesity are common, and both are increasing in prevalence. Obesity is associated with failure of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation using a standard single set of defibrillator pads, even at high output. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of dual direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) using 2 sets of pads, with each pair simultaneously delivering 200 J, with traditional single 200-J DCCV using 1 set of pads in patients with obesity and atrial fibrillation. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a prospective, investigator-initiated, patient-blinded, randomized clinical trial spanning 3 years from August 2020 to 2023. As a multicenter trial, the setting included 3 sites in Louisiana. Eligibility criteria included body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), age 18 years or older, and planned nonemergent electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. Patients who met inclusion criteria were randomized 1:1. Exclusions occurred due to spontaneous cardioversion, instability, thrombus, or BMI below threshold. Interventions: Dual DCCV vs single DCCV. Main Outcomes and Measures: Return to sinus rhythm, regardless of duration, immediately after the first cardioversion attempt of atrial fibrillation, adverse cardiovascular events, and chest discomfort after the procedure. Results: Of 2079 sequential patients undergoing cardioversion, 276 met inclusion criteria and were approached for participation. Of these, 210 participants were randomized 1:1. After exclusions, 200 patients (median [IQR] age, 67.6 [60.1-72.4] years; 127 male [63.5%]) completed the study. The mean (SD) BMI was 41.2 (6.5). Cardioversion was successful more often with dual DCCV compared with single DCCV (97 of 99 patients [98%] vs 87 of 101 patients [86%]; P = .002). Dual cardioversion predicted success (odds ratio, 6.7; 95% CI, 3.3-13.6; P = .01). Patients in the single cardioversion cohort whose first attempt failed underwent dual cardioversion with all subsequent attempts (up to 3 total), all of which were successful: 12 of 14 after second cardioversion and 2 of 14 after third cardioversion. There was no difference in the rating of postprocedure chest discomfort (median in both groups = 0 of 10; P = .40). There were no cardiovascular complications. Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with obesity (BMI ≥35) undergoing electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, dual DCCV results in greater cardioversion success compared with single DCCV, without any increase in complications or patient discomfort. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04539158.

Effect of Early Amiodarone Use on Warfarin Sensitivity, Blood Product Use, and Bleeding in Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Data are scarce on the effect of amiodarone on warfarin sensitivity and related outcomes after placement of a left ventricular assist device (VAD). This retrospective study compared 30-day outcomes between patients on amiodarone vs no amiodarone after VAD implant. After exclusions, 220 patients received amiodarone and 136 patients did not. Compared to the no amiodarone group, the amiodarone group had a higher warfarin dosing index (0.53 [0.39, 0.79] vs 0.46 [0.34, 0.63]; P = 0.003), incidence of INR ≥ 4 (40.5 vs 23.5%; P = 0.001), incidence of bleeding (24.1 vs 14%; P = 0.021), and use of INR reversal agents (14.5 vs 2.9%, P ≤ 0.001). Amiodarone was associated with bleeding (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.10-3.47; P = 0.022), but not after adjusting for age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and platelet count (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.92-3.03; P = 0.089). After VAD implant, amiodarone was associated with increased warfarin sensitivity and administration of INR reversal agents.

Risk of ventricular arrhythmias following implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generator change in patients with recovered ejection fraction: Implications for shared decision-making.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines indicate primary-prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for most patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%. Some patients' LVEFs improve during the life of their first ICD. In patients with recovered LVEF who never received appropriate ICD therapy, the utility of generator replacement upon battery depletion remains unclear. Here, we evaluate ICD therapy based on LVEF at the time of generator change, to educate shared decision-making regarding whether to replace the depleted ICD. METHODS: We followed patients with a primary-prevention ICD who underwent generator change. Patients who received appropriate ICD therapy for ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) before generator change were excluded. The primary endpoint was appropriate ICD therapy, adjusted for the competing risk of death. RESULTS: Among 951 generator changes, 423 met inclusion criteria. During 3.4 ± 2.2 years follow-up, 78 (18%) received appropriate therapy for VT/VF. Compared to patients with recovered LVEF > 35% (n = 161 [38%]), those with LVEF ≤ 35% (n = 262 [62%]) were more likely to require ICD therapy (p = .002; Fine-Gray adjusted 5-year event rates: 12.7% vs. 25.0%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the optimal LVEF cutoff for VT/VF prediction to be 45%, the use of which further improved risk stratification (p < .001), with Fine-Gray adjusted 5-year rates 6.2% versus 25.1%. CONCLUSION: Following ICD generator change, patients with primary-prevention ICDs and recovered LVEF have significantly lower risk of subsequent ventricular arrhythmias compared to those with persistent LVEF depression. Risk stratification at LVEF 45% offers significant additional negative predictive value over a 35% cutoff, without a significant loss in sensitivity. These data may be useful during shared decision-making at the time of ICD generator battery depletion.

Maternal early warning criteria predict postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality after delivery hospitalization discharge: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The predictors of postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality have not been well-described using patient-level data. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the application of maternal early warning criteria in the postpartum period and generate a preliminary predictive model for severe maternal morbidity and mortality occurring after delivery hospitalization discharge until 42 days postpartum. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study was conducted from January 2013 to September 2020. Cases were identified from electronic medical records using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined severe maternal morbidity. Patients meeting the criteria for severe maternal morbidity and mortality from delivery hospitalization discharge until 42 days postpartum were matched for delivery hospital and year with the controls in an approximate 1:2 fashion. The objective was to identify the demographic and clinical risk factors during the antepartum through postpartum periods for postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate the risks, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was derived to evaluate the model. RESULTS: Ninety cases of postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality that occurred following delivery hospitalization discharge were identified. These were matched with 175 controls. Women with postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality had more postpartum assessments (mean: 1.7 vs 1.4, P=.005) and a higher frequency of maternal early warning criteria (58% [52/90] vs 2% [3/175]; P<.001) preceding the diagnosis of severe maternal morbidity and mortality than controls. Black women had higher odds of postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality than White women (odds ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.27). Women with maternal early warning criteria during postpartum assessments were more likely to experience subsequent postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality (odds ratio, 67.2; 95% confidence interval, 21.3-211.6) than women with no maternal early warning criteria. Although the point estimate was different in Black women (odds ratio, 161.8; 95% confidence interval, 8.9 to >999) than White women (odds ratio, 47.9; 95% confidence interval, 13.8-167.1), the effect modification between the maternal early warning criteria and race was not statistically significant (P=.93). In a multivariable model, race, body mass index, cesarean delivery, and maternal early warning criteria at postpartum assessments were associated with subsequent severe maternal morbidity and mortality, with an area under the curve of 0.905 (95% confidence interval, 0.864-0.946). CONCLUSION: Maternal early warning criteria are associated with increased odds of postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality. A straightforward model that includes race, body mass index, cesarean delivery, and presence of maternal early warning criteria appears to be a promising tool to identify those at risk for postpartum severe maternal morbidity and mortality following delivery hospitalization discharge. This is an important first step in improving the ability to recognize and respond to conditions preceding postpartum severe maternal morbidity. These findings should be validated in a prospective cohort.

Six-month outcomes in postapproval HeartMate3 patients: A single-center US experience.

BACKGROUND: The European CE Mark approval study and the MOMENTUM 3 trial demonstrated safety and a reduction in hemocompatibility-related adverse events with the use of HeartMate 3 (HM3) device. This single-center study investigated the real-world experience in HM3 patients since FDA approval. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included patients implanted with the HM3 LVAD as a primary implant between October 2017 and March 2020. Patients were divided into trial group and postapproval group. The primary endpoint was survival at 6 months. Secondary endpoints were adverse events including pump thrombosis (requiring pump exchange), stroke, renal failure, acute limb ischemia, re-exploratory for bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, right ventricular failure, and driveline infection. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were implanted with HM3 device during the study period. 174 patients met the inclusion criteria: 82 patients in the trial group and 92 patients in the postapproval group. The postapproval group had younger patients, higher preoperative mean international normalized ratio, and greater numbers of patients with bridge to transplant (BTT) indications, IINTERMACS profile 1, and use of mechanical assist devices (other than IABP) than the trial group. Other characteristics between the two groups were comparable. Overall survival at 6 months in the postapproval group was 93.3% versus 93.8% (p = .88). The postapproval group demonstrated a statistically significant lower incidence of re-explorative surgery for bleeding (10.9% vs. 46.3, p = .01) than the trial group. CONCLUSION: In this single-center study, the real-world 6-month survival in the postapproval group was comparable to the trial results. Further studies are needed to monitor long-term outcomes.

Impact of diabetes and modifiable risk factors on pancreatic cancer survival in a population-based study after adjusting for clinical factors.

PURPOSES: Our study aimed to examine the impact of diabetes, smoking and BMI on pancreatic cancer survival in a population-based setting by adjusting both sociodemographic and clinical factors and measuring their attributable risk. METHODS: Data on pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients diagnosed in 2011-2017 were acquired from the Louisiana Tumor Registry. Diabetes, smoking, height, and weight were abstracted from medical records and linked with Hospital Inpatient Discharge Data to enhance the completeness of the diabetes data. The Cox regression model was used to assess effect sizes of diabetes, smoking, and BMI on cancer-specific survival and survival rate. The partial population attributable risk was employed to measure the attributable risk of these risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 3,200 eligible patients, 34.6% were diabetics, 23.9% were current smokers, and 52.3% had BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. After adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors, diabetic patients had an increased cancer-specific death risk of 15% (95% CI, 1.06-1.25), 36% (95% CI, 1.19-1.44) for current smokers, and 24% (95% CI, 1.00-1.54) for patients with a BMI ≥ 40 when compared to their counterparts. Diabetic current smokers had significantly lower 2- and 3-year adjusted cancer-specific survival rates, 13.1% and 10.5%, respectively. By eliminating diabetes and modifiable risk factors, an estimated 16.6% (95% CI, 6.9%-25.9%) of the cancer-specific deaths could be avoided during a nine-year observational period between 2011 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes and smoking contributed substantially to the reduction of pancreatic cancer survival even after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors; however, BMI ≥ 35 was observed to increase risk of mortality among stage III-IV patients only.

Prevalence, Distribution and IgG Antibody Levels Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Among Health-System and Community-Based Employees and Patients.

BACKGROUND: Following the high morbidity and mortality due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in New Orleans, Louisiana, we sought to assess progress toward herd immunity. METHODS: Ochsner Health employees and patients who volunteered for Abbott SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody test between March 1 and May 1, 2020 were included. We estimated IgG prevalence and used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for variables associated with IgG test status. RESULTS: Of the 13,343 participants with IgG test results, 78.6% were women, 70.6% were non-Hispanic White, 21.1% non-Hispanic Black, 2.9% Hispanic Americans and 5.4% belonged to other races. Overall, 7.99% (95% CI: 7.53-8.45%) of the participants tested IgG positive. In age-, sex- and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted analyses, non-Hispanic Blacks were 2.7-times more likely to test positive than non-Hispanic Whites (OR=2.72; 95% CI: 2.33-3.19). Corresponding ORs (95% CIs) were 1.29 (0.84-1.99) for Hispanic Americans and 1.22 (0.85-1.75) for Other race/ethnicities. Compared to participants in administrative occupations, physician assistants (OR=7.14; 95% CI: 1.72-29.6) and therapists (OR=4.74; 95% CI: 1.49-15.03) were significantly more likely to have IgG antibodies while the association among nurses was not significant (OR=2.35; 95% CI: 0.96-5.77). Relative to 1.40, the test threshold for positivity, our measurements indicate a strong immune response (5.38±1.69), especially among those with a higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies were prevalent only in 8% of the participants. IgG prevalence was highest among non-Hispanic Blacks and participants with higher BMI but was lower among older participants.

Anti-inflammatory genes in PBMCs post-spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation is important in the pathophysiology of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and peripheral inflammatory cells play a role in the clinical evolution and outcome. METHODOLOGY: Blood samples from ICH patients (n = 20) were collected at admission for 5 consecutive days for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Frozen PBMCs were used for real-time PCR using Taqman probes (NFKB1, SOD1, PPARG, IL10, NFE2L2, and REL) and normalized to GAPDH. Data on hospital length of stay and modified Rankin score (MRS) were collected with 90-day MRS ≤ 3 as favorable outcome. Statistical analysis of clinical characteristics to temporal gene expression from early to delayed timepoints was compared for MRS groups (favorable vs unfavorable) and hematoma volume. PRINCIPLE FINDINGS AND RESULTS: IL10, SOD1, and REL expression were significantly higher at delayed timepoints in PBMCs of ICH patients with favorable outcome. PPARG and REL increased between timepoints in patients with favorable outcome. NFKB1 expression was not sustained, but significantly decreased from higher levels at early onset in patients with unfavorable outcome. IL10 expression showed a negative correlation in patients with high hematoma volume (>30 mL). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Anti-inflammatory, pro-survival regulators were highly expressed at delayed time points in ICH patients with a favorable outcome, and IL10 expression showed a negative correlation to high hematoma volume.

Rapid progression of carotid stenosis was rare in a large integrated healthcare system during an eight-year period.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have evaluated the rapid progression of carotid stenosis on a large scale. We created a custom software algorithm to analyze an electronic medical record database to examine the natural progression of carotid stenosis, identify a subset of patients with rapid progression, and evaluate the specific patient risk factors associated with this rapid progression. METHODS: Patients in a large integrated healthcare system who had undergone two or more carotid ultrasound scans from August 2010 to August 2018 were identified. We did not distinguish between those with an established carotid stenosis diagnosis and those with a screening ultrasound scan. We used our novel algorithm to extract data from their carotid ultrasound reports. The degrees of carotid stenosis were categorized as follows: level 1, 0% to 39%; level 2, 40% to 59%; level 3, 60% to 79%; level 4, 80% to 99%; and level 5, complete occlusion. The primary endpoint was rapid vs slow progression of carotid stenosis, with rapid progression defined as an increase of two or more levels within any 18-month period of the study, regardless of the date of the initial ultrasound scan. The association of the demographic and clinical characteristics with rapid progression was assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: From a cohort of 4.4 million patients, we identified 4982 patients with two or more carotid ultrasound scans and a median follow-up period of 13.1 months (range, 0.1-93.7 months). Of the 4982 patients, 879 (17.6%) had shown progression of carotid stenosis. Only 116 patients (2.3%) had had progression to level 4 (80%-99% stenosis) from any starting level during a median of 11.5 months. A total of 180 patients (3.6%) were identified as experiencing rapid progression during a median follow-up of 9.9 months. The final multivariable analysis showed that younger age (P < .01), white race (P = .02), lower body mass index (P = .01), a diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (P = .03), and a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (P < .01) were associated with rapid progression. CONCLUSIONS: Using a novel algorithm to extract data from >4 million patient records, we found that rapid progression of carotid stenosis appears to be rare. Although 17.6% of patients showed any degree of progression, only 3.6% had experienced rapid progression. Among those with any disease progression, 20.5% had experienced rapid progression. Although the overall incidence of rapid progression was low, patients with any progression might warrant close follow-up, especially if they have the associated risk factors for rapid progression. The custom software algorithm might be a powerful tool for creating and evaluating large datasets.

Induction of IRAK-M in melanoma induces caspase-3 dependent apoptosis by reducing TRAF6 and calpastatin levels.

Melanoma represents the most serious type of skin cancer. Although recent years have seen advances using targeted and immunotherapies, most patients remain at high risk for tumor recurrence. Here we show that IRAK-M, a negative regulator of MyD88 signaling, is deficient or low in melanoma and expression levels correlate with patient survival. Inducing IRAK-M expression using genetic approaches or epigenetic modifiers initiates apoptosis by prompting its interaction with TRAF6 via IRAK-M's C-terminal domain. This complex recruits and degrades calpastatin which stimulates calpain activity and triggers caspase-3-dependent but caspase-8,-9-independent apoptosis. Using a drug screen, we identified compounds that induced IRAK-M expression. Administration of IRAK-M-inducing drugs reduced tumor growth in mice but was ineffective against IRAK-M knock-down tumors. These results uncover a previously uncharacterized apoptosis pathway, emphasize IRAK-M as a potential therapeutic target and suggest that the anticancer activity of certain drugs could do so through their ability to induce IRAK-M expression.

Right Heart Failure in Different Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Single-Center Experience.

Background: Right heart failure (RHF) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation increases morbidity and mortality for those who develop this complication. The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in incidence of RHF and outcomes between 2 types of continuous-flow LVADs at a single center. Methods: From January 2012 through June 2016, 184 patients were implanted with a continuous-flow LVAD (161 patients with the HeartMate II and 23 patients with the HeartWare device) either as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy. Preoperative demographics, medical history, laboratory values, hemodynamics, and device type were analyzed to determine the variables associated with RHF and mortality. Results: Preoperative variables between the 2 groups were homogeneous. Most patients were Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile 1 or 2 (92%) and New York Heart Association class IV (81%). More patients in the HeartMate II group had the indication of destination therapy (54% vs 30%), while more patients in the HeartWare group were implanted as bridge to transplant (70% vs 46%). RHF occurred in 57% of HeartWare patients compared to 16% of patients who received the HeartMate II (P=0.0001). After propensity score analysis, patients receiving the HeartWare device had increased odds for RHF (P=0.0013) and renal failure requiring dialysis (P=0.0135). The HeartMate II patient survival rate exceeded the HeartWare patient survival rate at 1 year (82.1% vs 67.2%) and at 2 years (74.6% vs 61.7%), but this difference did not achieve statistical significance (log-rank P=0.087). Conclusion: These results indicate that device type may affect RHF incidence and mortality. Studies at other centers are needed to replicate these findings.

Natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations in 72 individuals with SATB2-associated syndrome.

SATB2-associated syndrome (SAS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by significant neurodevelopmental disabilities with limited to absent speech, behavioral issues, and craniofacial anomalies. Previous studies have largely been restricted to case reports and small series without in-depth phenotypic characterization or genotype-phenotype correlations. Seventy two study participants were identified as part of the SAS clinical registry. Individuals with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of SAS were referred after clinical diagnostic testing. In this series we present the most comprehensive phenotypic and genotypic characterization of SAS to date, including prevalence of each clinical feature, neurodevelopmental milestones, and when available, patient management. We confirm that the most distinctive features are neurodevelopmental delay with invariably severely limited speech, abnormalities of the palate (cleft or high-arched), dental anomalies (crowding, macrodontia, abnormal shape), and behavioral issues with or without bone or brain anomalies. This comprehensive clinical characterization will help clinicians with the diagnosis, counseling and management of SAS and help provide families with anticipatory guidance.

Racial differences in neighborhood disadvantage, inflammation and metabolic control in black and white pediatric type 1 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: Racial variation in the relationship between blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) complicates diabetes diagnosis and management in racially mixed populations. Understanding why HbA1c is persistently higher in blacks than whites could help reduce racial disparity in diabetes outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Test the hypothesis that neighborhood disadvantage is associated with inflammation and poor metabolic control in a racially mixed population of pediatric type 1 diabetes patients. METHODS: Patients (n = 86, 53 white, 33 black) were recruited from diabetes clinics. Self-monitored mean blood glucose (MBG) was downloaded from patient glucose meters. Blood was collected for analysis of HbA1c and C-reactive protein (CRP). Patient addresses and census data were used to calculate a concentrated disadvantage index (CDI). High CDI reflects characteristics of disadvantaged neighborhoods. RESULTS: HbA1c and MBG were higher (p < 0.0001) in blacks [10.4% (90.3 mmol/mol), 255 mg/dL] than whites [8.9% (73.9 mmol/mol), 198 mg/dL). CDI was higher in blacks (p < 0.0001) and positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.40, p = 0.0002) and MBG (r = 0.35, p = 0.0011) unless controlled for race. CDI was positively associated with CRP by linear regression within racial groups. CRP was not different between racial groups, and was not correlated with MBG, but was positively correlated with HbA1c when controlled for race (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood disadvantage was associated with inflammation and poor metabolic control in pediatric type 1 diabetes patients. Marked racial differences in potential confounding factors precluded differentiation between genetic and environmental effects. Future studies should recruit patients matched for neighborhood characteristics and treatment regimen to more comprehensively assess racial variation in HbA1c.

Differences in Red Blood Cell Indices Do Not Explain Racial Disparity in Hemoglobin A1c in Children with Type 1 Diabetes.

We assessed the association of erythrocyte indices on mean blood glucose-independent racial disparity in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in youth with type 1 diabetes. Blacks still had higher HbA1c after adjustment for mean blood glucose, red blood cell indices, age, and sex. Such differences need to be taken into account when interpreting HbA1c in Black patients.

Prepubertal children exposed to concentrated disadvantage: An exploratory analysis of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear whether physiologic and metabolic biomarkers are associated with chronic stressors evidenced during early childhood. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from a cohort of healthy, prepubertal (Tanner stage < 2) children (n = 96; age: 8.06 [7.8] years; M = 51 [53%]; F = 45 [47%]; African-American = 26 [27%]; Caucasian = 70 [73%]; with obesity = 21 [22%]; without obesity = 75 [78%]) from the MET study. Body mass index z-score (z_BMI), total body fat (BF), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), intrahepatic and intramyocellular lipids, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. Chronic stress was assessed using neighborhood concentrated disadvantage index (CDI) for the U.S. Census tracts in which participants resided. Spearman's rank correlations were used to examine relationships, accounting for sex and race. RESULTS: CDI was not positively associated with inflammatory and metabolic markers of dysfunction. However, z_BMI (-0.234, P = 0.023), BF (-0.228, P = 0.028, n = 95), and VAT (-0.241, P = 0.042, n = 74) were significantly negatively associated with CDI. When stratifying by race, these relationships remained significant in Caucasian children only. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest chronic stress during early childhood is not associated with inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, typically observed in adults. Therefore, exposure to stress during this critical developmental period may remain latent and emerge during a later developmental stage.

Defining Plasma MicroRNAs Associated With Cognitive Impairment In HIV-Infected Patients.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals are at increased risk for developing neurocognitive disorders and depression. These conditions collectively affect more than 50% of people living with HIV/AIDS and adversely impact adherence to HIV therapy. Thus, identification of early markers of neurocognitive impairment could lead to interventions that improve psychosocial functioning and slow or reverse disease progression through improved treatment adherence. Evidence has accumulated for the role and function of microRNAs in normal and pathological conditions. We have optimized a protocol to profile microRNAs in body fluids. Using this methodology, we have profiled plasma microRNA expression for 30 age-matched, HIV-infected (HIV(+) ) patients and identified highly sensitive and specific microRNA signatures distinguishing HIV(+) patients with cognitive impairment from those without cognitive impairment. These results justify follow-on studies to determine whether plasma microRNA signatures can be used as a screening or prognostic tool for HIV(+) patients with neurocognitive impairment. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 829-836, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Therapeutic efficacy of aldoxorubicin in an intracranial xenograft mouse model of human glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor with a median survival of 12 to 15 months after diagnosis. Acquired chemoresistance, high systemic toxicity, and low penetration of the blood brain barrier by many anticancer drugs contribute to the failure of anti-GBM therapies. To circumvent some of these obstacles, we tested a novel prodrug approach to evaluate anti-GBM efficacy by utilizing serum albumin-binding doxorubicin (Doxo), aldoxorubicin (Aldoxo), which is less toxic, is released from albumin in an acidic environment and accumulates in tumor tissues. A human GBM cell line that expresses a luciferase reporter (U87-luc) was stereotactically injected into the left striatum of the brain of immunodeficient mice. Following initial tumor growth for 12 days, mice were injected once a week in the tail-vein with Aldoxo [24 mg/kg or 18 mg/kg of doxorubicin equivalents-3/4 maximum tolerated dose (MTD)], Doxo [6 mg/kg (3/4 MTD)], or vehicle. Aldoxo-treated mice demonstrated significantly slower growth of the tumor when compared to vehicle-treated or Doxo-treated mice. Five out of eight Aldoxo-treated mice remained alive more than 60 days with a median survival of 62 days, while the median survival of vehicle- and Doxo-treated mice was only 26 days. Importantly, Aldoxo-treated mice exhibited high levels of Doxo within the tumor tissue, accompanied by low tumor cell proliferation (Ki67) and abundant intratumoral programmed cell death (cleaved caspase-3). Effective accumulation of Aldoxo in brain tumor tissues but not normal brain, its anti-tumor efficacy, and low toxicity, provide a strong rationale for evaluating this novel drug conjugate as a treatment for patients afflicted with GBM.

A cohort study evaluating the implications of biology, weight status and socioeconomic level on global self-esteem competence among female African-American adolescents.

The link between obesity and self-esteem among minority youth has received minimal empirical evaluation. This study aims to describe the magnitude of risk that body mass index, household income, and transitional age have on global self-esteem levels among African-American adolescents. These analyses were conducted on cross-sectional data obtained from 264 urban-dwelling African-American females between 14 and 18 years of age. Survey data on global self-esteem levels, transitory age, and socioeconomic levels were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Measured height and weight values were used to calculate and categorize weight status according to body mass index. Logistic regression models examined the probability of reporting less than average levels of global self-esteem. Adolescent African-American females residing in low-income households were 10 times more likely to report lower global self-esteem scores than those individuals from more affluent households (95% CI: 1.94, 60.19, p < .001). Neither weight status (95% CI: 0.81, 2.55; p = .26) nor age (95% CI: 0.05, 1.87; p = .82) were significant risk indicators for lower than average levels of global self-esteem among participants in this study. Household income appears to be the greatest predictor of global self-esteem levels. Further research in this area is needed to fully elucidate precursors for psychological health vulnerability and facilitate intervention development.

Cerebrospinal fluid miRNA profile in HIV-encephalitis.

MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression by translational repression. Because of their high stability in intracellular as well as extracellular environments, miRNAs have recently emerged as important biomarkers in several human diseases. However, they have not been tested in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of HIV-1 positive individuals. Here, we present results of a study aimed at determining the feasibility of detecting miRNAs in the CSF of HIV-infected individuals with and without encephalitis (HIVE). We also evaluated similarities and differences between CSF and brain tissue miRNAs in the same clinical setting. We utilized a high throughput approach of miRNA detection arrays and identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the frontal cortex of three cases each of HIV+, HIVE, and HIV- controls, and CSF of 10 HIV-positive and 10 HIV-negative individuals. For the CSF samples, the group of HIV+ individuals contained nine cases of HIV-associated neurological disorders (HAND) and, among those, four had HIVE. All the HIV-negative samples had non-viral acute disseminate encephalomyelitis. A total of 66 miRNAs were found differentially regulated in HIV+ compared to HIV- groups. The greatest difference in miRNA expression was observed when four cases of HIVE were compared to five non-HIVE cases, previously normalized with the HIV-negative group. After statistical analyses, 11 miRNAs were fund significantly up-regulated in HIVE. Although more clinical samples should be examined, this work represents the first report of CSF miRNAs in HIV-infection and offers the basis for future investigation.