Perceived Susceptibility and Severity of COVID-19 on Prevention Practices, Early in the Pandemic in the State of Florida.

Early in the pandemic and prior to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, prevention measures were promoted to help inhibit the spread of the virus. To optimize adherence to prevention practices, it's important to understand factors that may influence adherence. A study was conducted in the month of April, 2020, to explore the influence of perceptions of COVID-19 on prevention practices. The sample included members of a public social-media group focused on providing updates and information on COVID-19. A total of 719 individuals completed an online survey that assessed various aspects of COVID-19 which included experience, perceptions, and prevention practices. The perceptions of COVID-19 included perceived susceptibility of contracting the virus, and perceived potential severity if contracted COVID-19. To assess prevention practices, the survey included a 10-item prevention practices questionnaire that included items such as wearing a mask, and social distancing. Results revealed that perceived susceptibility of contracting COVID-19, and potential severity of COVID-19 were significant in predicting prevention practices. Further, results suggest that perceived potential severity predicts a greater proportion of the variance in prevention practices than susceptibility of contracting COVID-19. In addition, a moderation analysis revealed no interaction between perceived susceptibility and severity, which provides evidence that the variables do not influence one another. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Venous thromboembolism in IBD: Increased risk for women in CD?

Although coagulation disturbances have been described in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it remains unclear how common venous thromboembolism (VTE) is in IBD, and what factors influence VTE frequency. We evaluated VTE in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) at LSUHSC-S, a southern US medical center with an approximately equal White: African-American (AA) (1.12:1) patient base. This retrospective study evaluated VTE as a co-morbidity in IBD as a function of age, gender and race based on ICD-10 coding (2011-2015.) Results. Of 276 IBD diagnostic records, 213 were for CD (77.17%) and 63 for UC (22.8%). 52% of the CD patients were white, 42% were AA, and 6% were other. 42% of CD patients were male, with 58% were female. 6.1% (13 patients) of the 213 CD patients had a VTE. Of these 13 CD patients, 9 had active disease and 4 were in remission. 9 of 13 were female and 4 were male, with 5 white patients and 4 A A patients. 63 patients were diagnosed with UC, 3.38-fold fewer cases than CD. 25 UC patients were white, 25 were AA and 13 were in other ethnic groups. Of 63 UC cases, 2 UC patients had a VTE, both with active disease. At our institution, VTE appears to be 3x more frequently associated with CD than UC and was more common in white female patients. The recognition of VTE risk in CD, particularly in women, may be an important observation which may guide therapy and limit potentially life-threatening consequences.

Protein kinase WNK3 increases cell survival in a caspase-3-dependent pathway.

The subfamily of WNK (with no K= lysine) protein kinases has four human members and germline mutations in the WNK1 and WNK4 genes were recently found to cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II, a familial hypertension disease. Here, we describe cloning and functional analysis of a further WNK member, human WNK3. Endogenous WNK3 protein is an active protein kinase when immunoprecipitated from cells and its overexpression increases the survival of HeLa cells by delaying the onset of apoptosis. Suppression of endogenous WNK3 protein by RNA interference accelerates the apoptotic response and promotes the activation of caspase-3. The mechanism of WNK3 action involves interaction with procaspase-3 and heat-shock protein 70. These results demonstrate a role for WNK3 in promoting cell survival and suggest a mechanism at the level of procaspase-3 activation.

The drebrin/EB3 pathway drives invasive activity in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the metastatic form of the disease is incurable. We show here that the drebrin/EB3 pathway, which co-ordinates dynamic microtubule/actin filament interactions underlying cell shape changes in response to guidance cues, plays a role in prostate cancer cell invasion. Drebrin expression is restricted to basal epithelial cells in benign human prostate but is upregulated in luminal epithelial cells in foci of prostatic malignancy. Drebrin is also upregulated in human prostate cancer cell lines and co-localizes with actin filaments and dynamic microtubules in filopodia of pseudopods of invading cells under a chemotactic gradient of the chemokine CXCL12. Disruption of the drebrin/EB3 pathway using BTP2, a small molecule inhibitor of drebrin binding to actin filaments, reduced the invasion of prostate cancer cell lines in 3D in vitro assays. Furthermore, gain- or loss-of-function of drebrin or EB3 by over-expression or siRNA-mediated knockdown increases or decreases invasion of prostate cancer cell lines in 3D in vitro assays, respectively. Finally, expression of a dominant-negative construct that competes with EB3 binding to drebrin, also inhibited invasion of prostate cancer cell lines in 3D in vitro assays. Our findings show that co-ordination of dynamic microtubules and actin filaments by the drebrin/EB3 pathway drives prostate cancer cell invasion and is therefore implicated in disease progression.

Lycopene inhibits DNA synthesis in primary prostate epithelial cells in vitro and its administration is associated with a reduced prostate-specific antigen velocity in a phase II clinical study.

Interest in lycopene has focused primarily on its use in the chemoprevention of prostate cancer (CaP); there are few clinical trials involving men with established disease. In addition, most data examining its mechanism of action have been obtained from experiments using immortal cell lines. We report the inhibitory effect(s) of lycopene in primary prostate epithelial cell (PEC) cultures, and the results of a pilot phase II clinical study investigating whole-tomato lycopene supplementation on the behavior of established CaP, demonstrating a significant and maintained effect on prostate-specific antigen velocity over 1 year. These data reinforce the justification for a large, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Mechanism of the biomolecular synthesis of PEDOT:PSS: importance of heme degradation by hydrogen peroxide.

The use of biomolecules as oxidants for the synthesis of conducting polymers provides an important tool for the control of polymer properties. Using PEDOT: PSS as a representative conducting polymer, we compare a set of heme proteins (soybean peroxidase, cytochrome c, and horseradish peroxidase) used as oxidants. The resulting PEDOT: PSS was characterized with visible and near IR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and four point probe conductivity measurements. We find that the relative concentrations of bipolarons and polarons vary as a function of the protein used for polymerization. We then show that heme degradation by hydrogen peroxide plays a critical role in determining polymer properties.

Scrape-loading of Swiss 3T3 cells with ras protein rapidly activates protein kinase C in the absence of phosphoinositide hydrolysis.

Scrape-loading has been used to analyse the biochemical function of purified p21ras protein. We have shown that scrape-loading oncogenic p21ras into quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells causes morphological transformation of 90% of the cell population within 15 h. Since large numbers of cells can be loaded with p21ras, early induced biochemical changes can be analysed. In this way we have shown that oncogenic p21ras causes rapid activation of protein kinase C five minutes after introduction of protein, but that ras protein fails to stimulate measurable inositol phosphate formation. It appears, therefore, that the stimulation of protein kinase C activity is due to a ras induced increase in diacylglycerol from a source other than inositol phospholipids. Efficient stimulation of DNA synthesis by oncogenic p21ras only occurs in the presence of insulin. This stimulation of DNA synthesis by ras is absolutely dependent on functional protein kinase C activity.

Human papillomavirus type 16 E7 regulates E2F and contributes to mitogenic signalling.

We have produced human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein in a bacterial expression system and examined the mitogenic activity of this protein in Swiss 3T3 cells after scrape loading. The ability of E7 to induce cellular DNA synthesis in quiescent mouse fibroblasts is strongly enhanced by the presence of a single growth factor such as insulin. Although only weakly mitogenic, introduction of E7 alone resulted in the rapid induction of the transcriptionally active form of E2F, which was not enhanced further by the addition of insulin. Mutant E7 proteins defective for RB binding failed to induce the active form of E2F or act synergistically with insulin to stimulate DNA synthesis. The ability of E7 to regulate E2F may therefore be necessary, but is not sufficient, for full induction of DNA synthesis.

Eight drugs in one day chemotherapy for brain tumors: experience in 107 children and rationale for preradiation chemotherapy.

The development of a new multidrug chemotherapy regimen for primary brain tumors was based upon the cellular heterogeneity within individual tumors, the Goldie-Coldman and Price-Goldie-Hill hypotheses, and known agonistic effects of certain drug combinations and sequences. Eight drugs (vincristine [VCR], hydroxyurea, procarbazine, CCNU, cisplatin, cytosine arabinoside [Ara-C] high-dose methylprednisolone, and either cyclophosphamide or dacarbazine) were administered within 12 hours in an attempt to minimize myelosuppression. Courses were repeated at 2- to 4-week intervals. The regimen was devised to include lipid and water soluble drugs, polar and nonpolar agents, phase-specific and cell-cycle independent agents, and antineoplastics with different mechanisms of action. More than 330 courses of the regimen were administered to 107 children with brain tumors whose tumor had recurred or had been incompletely resected at diagnosis. Tumor response according to protocol-specified criteria and independent review was evaluable in 78% of the patients. After just two cycles of chemotherapy and within a 4- to 6-week interval, 50% had an objective tumor response including 15.5% who had a complete response (CR). Nephrotoxicity and high-frequency hearing losses were noted after three to five courses of therapy in approximately half of the patients. Transfusions with red cells or platelets and use of antibiotics for fever and neutropenia were required in 10% to 25% of patients. The regimen appears satisfactory for preradiation chemotherapy in newly diagnosed patients with residual tumor after surgery, but it must be compared with standard therapeutic approaches in prospective controlled trials before its relative value can be established.

Hemoglobin-mediated synthesis of PEDOT:PSS: enhancing conductivity through biological oxidants.

Hemoglobin- and catalase-polymerized PEDOT: PSS were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, visible and near-IR spectroscopy, FTIR, and ESR. Hemoglobin-polymerized PEDOT: PSS possesses bipolarons, while catalase-polymerized PEDOT: PSS is dominated by polarons. Use of heme-bound iron as an oxidant yields PEDOT: PSS with conductivity of 19.5 S cm(-1) in a single-step aqueous reaction.

Some mitogens cause rapid increases in free calcium in fibroblasts.

Quiescent 3T3 fibroblasts grown on microcarrier beads and loaded with the [Ca2+] indicator quin2 had a cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ( [Ca2+]i) of 154 +/- 11 nM (SE; n = 32). Stimulation with the mitogens vasopressin, epidermal growth factor (EGF) or prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) caused a very rapid increase in [Ca2+]i to a maximum of 200-500 nM after 60-90 s. [Ca2+]i declined thereafter to a level above that in quiescent cells which was maintained for at least 15 min. In contrast no immediate effects on [Ca2+]i were detected after the addition of the mitogens insulin or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). These studies indicate that early changes in [Ca2+]i may be involved in the action on fibroblasts of some, but not all, mitogens.

Cholecystokinin receptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Recent studies have suggested that cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors may play a role in the development and growth of pancreatic cancers. We detected the expression of mRNA encoding CCK-A and CCK-B receptors in eight human pancreatic tumour cell lines using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), but not by RNase protection assays. The K-ras gene, which can be activated by G-coupled protein receptors such as CCK receptors, was mutated in codon 12 in five of the cell lines. In addition, Mia PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells did not respond to CCK or gastrin in cell proliferation or focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation assays. In contrast, mouse NIH3T3 fibroblasts transfected with human CCK-B receptor (NIH3T3CCK-BR) showed increased proliferation and phosphorylation to the peptides. Also, radioligand binding studies indicated that Mia PaCa-2 cells had approximately 12.5-fold less CCK-B receptors than NIH3T3CCK-BR. Our results suggest that in Mia PaCa-2 cells, CCK receptors may not play a crucial role in supporting cell growth.

Contributions of the pulvinar to visual spatial attention.

Neurons in a subdivision of the pulvinar resemble those in parietal cortex: many respond to visual stimuli, some of these have a spatial selection mechanism, and some have signals about the occurrence of eye movements. These properties suggest a role in visual spatial attention. Injection of GABA-related drugs into this part of the pulvinar alters animals' performance on an attentional task. These data support our hypothesis that the pulvinar contributes to visual spatial attention.

Serum and urinary amylase levels following pulsatile and continuous cardiopulmonary bypass.

The incidence of elevated serum and urine amylase values was examined in a prospective clinical study of patients subjected to either continuous or pulsatile extracorporeal perfusion. Mean postoperative values for urine and serum amylase were higher in the continuous group, and the incidence of abnormal values was also greater in the continuous group (70 percent versus 32 percent, p less than 0.01). Clinical pancreatitis was absent in both groups. This study documents a high incidence of elevated amylase values following bypass with either modality and provides evidence for possible improved visceral circulation with pulsatile extracorporeal bypass during routine cardiac operations.

A different approach for the total correction of tricuspid atresia.

A new surgical procedure has been used successfully to correct tricuspid atresia in a 9-year-old girl. An external conduit containing a porcine aortic valve was positioned to lead from the right atrium to the underdeveloped right ventricle. The right ventricle was reconstructed with a large Dacron patch, thus providing a large cavity for the small hypoplastic right ventricle. The atrial and ventricular septal defects were closed. The patient made a satisfactory recovery and is doing well four months after the operation.

Antithrombin-III for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced organ dysfunction following bone marrow transplantation.

A hypercoaguable state has been shown to follow high-dose chemotherapy for bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Deficiency of the natural anticoagulants, antithrombin III (AT-III), protein C and protein S correlate with organ dysfunction following BMT. We treated 10 patients with severe post-BMT organ dysfunction with AT-III concentrate. Indications for treatment included AT-III anticoagulant level less than 88% and life-threatening single or multiorgan dysfunction. All patients were loaded with 50 units/kg AT-III every 8 h for three doses followed by 50 units/kg/day each day for 3-12 days. Clinical improvement was seen within 1-5 days of start of therapy in all patients. Patients with veno-occlusive disease (VOD) showed a decrease in platelet consumption in nine of nine patients, resolution of hepatic tenderness in six of eight patients, and reduction of severe ascites and weight gain in four of five patients. The probability of death due to VOD and life-threatening organ dysfunction was significantly less in the AT-III-treated group when compared to a historical control group receiving the same preparative regimen (P = 0.047 and P = 0.034, respectively). Significant improvements in organ dysfunction following AT-III treatment in this small study supports a causal relationship between AT-III deficiency and post-BMT chemotherapy-induced organ dysfunction.

Evacuation of calcific valvular debris using a standard Ellik evacuator.

A simple but effective technique is described for removing calcific and other debris following aortic and mitral valve replacement. This technique uses an Ellik evacuator , which is readily available in most operating rooms. An 11-year experience is presented, documenting the efficacy of this method in several hospitals.

Long-term results of open mitral valvuloplasty.

The long-term results of open mitral valvuloplasty in 51 patients are assessed. At the time of operation, 4 patients were in New York Heart Association Functional Class II, 41 in Functional Class III, and 5 in Functional Class IV. Group I (14 patients) had had previous closed mitral commissurotomy. Three patients died 2 to 4 years after open valvuloplasty. One patient died following valve replacement 7 years after the open valvuloplasty. Five others required mitral valve replacement 1 to 12 years following open valvuloplasty. Only 4 of the 14 patients are in Functional Class I or II 10 to 15 years following valvuloplasty. Group II (36 patients) had never undergone a previous mitral operation. Four of them died of progressive myocardial failure 4 to 6 years following valvuloplasty. One patient died of carcinoma of the lung 2 years postoperatively. Six patients underwent valve replacement 6 to 11 years following initial operation. Twenty-six have survived for at least 10 years without additional operation. Fourteen are in Functional Class I, and 12 are in Funcitonal Class II. Open mitral valvuloplasty allows for (1) accurate commissurotomy and careful subvalvular dissection, (2) direct vision to diagnose clot in the left atrial appendage or left atrium proper, (3) accurate assessment of residual or induced mitral regurgitation and immediate repair, and (4) reasonable operative mortality and morbidity.

The efficacy and timing of operative intervention for spontaneous pneumothorax.

To reassess the role and timing of operative intervention for spontaneous pneumothorax, 119 patients were retrospectively reviewed to compare recurrences, complications, and hospital stay between a nonoperative group (Group 1) and an operative group (Group 2). Total hospital days were greater in Group 2, but excluding the length of preoperative stay, the number of hospital days were similar in both groups. Group 1 patients more than 40 years old had a longer postoperative hospitalization, but not a higher rate of complication. Overall, morbidity was not different between the two groups, and there were no immediate or perioperative deaths in either group. There were no recurrences in Group 2. At least 11 of the 49 patients in Group 1 had a recurrence (p = .012). Considering the excellent results achieved with operative pleurodesis and the total hospital days accrued with nonoperative therapy, operative pleurodesis should be considered if an active leak persists more than three days after the initial episode of spontaneous pneumothorax or at the time of the first recurrence in the hospitalized patient.

Acute reaction to protamine. Its importance to surgeons.

Three open heart surgery patients developed noncardiogenic pulmonary edema after administration of protamine following cardiopulmonary bypass. A catastrophic series of events are characteristic of this reaction: 1) sudden onset; 2) severe bronchoconstriction with early extreme difficulty in ventilation; 3) hyperinflation of the lungs; 4) pulmonary hypertension with normal pulmonary wedge or left atrial pressures; 5) progression to fulminant noncardiogenic pulmonary edema; 6) significant mortality; and 7) ventilatory perfusion abnormalities in survivors. Review of the literature reveals three types of reactions to protamine injection of varying severity: 1) brief hypotension; 2) anaphylactoid generalized reaction; and 3) high protein noncardiogenic pulmonary edema with cardiopulmonary collapse. The severity of the reaction had no relation to the dose of protamine. Previous protamine exposure was documented in 14 of 35 cases. Awareness of this reaction is essential for prompt treatment if fulminant pulmonary edema occurs. Administration of epinephrine, steroids, vasopressors, and potassium replacement may be required. Needless use of protamine sulfate should be discouraged.