Publication Rates of Abstracts Presented at the 2006 Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to investigate the publication rates of presentations at the 2006 meeting of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), differences in the publication rates of platform versus poster presentations, consistency of the meeting abstract compared with the full-length journal article, whether abstracts were clinical or basic science, and when and in which journals articles appeared. METHODS: Abstracts were obtained directly from the AAO. Literature searches using PubMed and VisionCite were performed to locate peer-reviewed journal articles based on those abstracts. Whether the article was based on a poster or platform presentation, congruence of the information in the abstract and the article (i.e., authorship, title, methods, and conclusions), type of study (clinical or basic science), subject category, and journal and year in which the article appeared were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 518 proceeding abstracts, 108 of which ultimately were published between 2006 and 2013, giving an overall publication rate of 21%. Thirty-three percent of platform presentations eventually were published versus 18% of posters. Congruency showed that 17% of articles had the same title as the meeting abstract, 36% had the same authorship, and 53% had the same methods. Eighty-one percent of articles were clinical in nature, whereas 19% of them were basic science. Thirty-seven percent of articles dealt with the subjects of cornea and contact lenses. Articles were found in 39 different journals, with 34% of them appearing in Optometry and Vision Science. Eighty-eight percent of articles were published within 4 years after the meeting. CONCLUSIONS: The publication rate from the 2006 AAO meeting was 21%. Platform presentations were more likely to be published than posters. Congruency rates of abstracts to articles are lower than national meetings in other fields. The vast majority of articles were published within 4 years after the meeting.

SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination in an acute healthcare setting during the first and second pandemic waves.

BACKGROUND: Surfaces and air in healthcare facilities can be contaminated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Previously, the authors identified SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces and air in their hospital during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (April 2020). AIM: To explore whether the profile of SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination had changed between April 2020 and January 2021. METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study in a multi-site London hospital. In January 2021, surface and air samples were collected from comparable areas to those sampled in April 2020, comprising six clinical areas and a public area. SARS-CoV-2 was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and viral culture. Sampling was also undertaken in two wards with natural ventilation alone. The ability of the prevalent variants at the time of the study to survive on dry surfaces was evaluated. FINDINGS: No viable virus was recovered from surfaces or air. Five percent (N=14) of 270 surface samples and 4% (N=1) of 27 air samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, which was significantly lower than in April 2020 [52% (N=114) of 218 surface samples and 48% (N=13) of 27 air samples (P<0.001, Fisher's exact test)]. There was no clear difference in the proportion of surface and air samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA based on the type of ventilation in the ward. All variants tested survived on dry surfaces for >72 h, with a <3-log10 reduction in viable count. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that enhanced infection prevention measures have reduced the burden of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces and air in healthcare facilities.

Polymer formulated self-amplifying RNA vaccine is partially protective against influenza virus infection in ferrets.

COVID-19 has demonstrated the power of RNA vaccines as part of a pandemic response toolkit. Another virus with pandemic potential is influenza. Further development of RNA vaccines in advance of a future influenza pandemic will save time and lives. As RNA vaccines require formulation to enter cells and induce antigen expression, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a recently developed bioreducible cationic polymer, pABOL for the delivery of a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine for seasonal influenza virus in mice and ferrets. Mice and ferrets were immunized with pABOL formulated saRNA vaccines expressing either haemagglutinin (HA) from H1N1 or H3N2 influenza virus in a prime boost regime. Antibody responses, both binding and functional were measured in serum after immunization. Animals were then challenged with a matched influenza virus either directly by intranasal inoculation or in a contact transmission model. While highly immunogenic in mice, pABOL-formulated saRNA led to variable responses in ferrets. Animals that responded to the vaccine with higher levels of influenza virus-specific neutralizing antibodies were more protected against influenza virus infection. pABOL-formulated saRNA is immunogenic in ferrets, but further optimization of RNA vaccine formulation and constructs is required to increase the quality and quantity of the antibody response to the vaccine.

Hetereogeneity of dose and time effects of estrogen on neuron-specific neuronal protein and phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats.

Previous studies have shown changes in the cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in CA1 and CA3 regions of the rostral hippocampus with 10 µg estrogen treatment for 14 days. It appears that estrogen's action on CREB phosphorylation in brain structures depends on other estrogen doses and lengths of treatment. We therefore examined the effects of moderate regimens [2.5 µg estradiol benzoate (EB) for 4 or 14 days] on mean numbers of neuron-specific neuronal protein (NeuN)-positive cells and phosphorylated CREB (pCREB)-positive cells and subregion volume defined by NeuN and pCREB immunolabeling and compared those results with results from the high regimen (10 µg EB for 14 days) in CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions and dorsal (DDG) and ventral (VDG) dentate gyrus and hilus of the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats by stereology. For whole hippocampus, all regimens increased mean neuronal (NeuN) numbers and pCREB-positive cell and volume compared with sesame oil (SO) in CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions, DDG and VDG, and hilus. In rostral hippocampus, however, some hippocampal subregions were not responsive to the high regimen, and the moderate regimens appear to be more effective for increasing mean number of NeuN-positive neurons and pCREB-positive cells and subregion volume. Heterogeneity in responsiveness to estrogen was mainly seen within rostral, but not whole, hippocampal subregions. Our results indicate that responsiveness of cells expressing NeuN and pCREB to different EB regimens may vary depending on the specific region of the hippocampus.

The antiandrogen enzalutamide downregulates TMPRSS2 and reduces cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 in human lung cells.

SARS-CoV-2 attacks various organs, most destructively the lung, and cellular entry requires two host cell surface proteins: ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Downregulation of one or both of these is thus a potential therapeutic approach for COVID-19. TMPRSS2 is a known target of the androgen receptor, a ligand-activated transcription factor; androgen receptor activation increases TMPRSS2 levels in various tissues, most notably prostate. We show here that treatment with the antiandrogen enzalutamide-a well-tolerated drug widely used in advanced prostate cancer-reduces TMPRSS2 levels in human lung cells and in mouse lung. Importantly, antiandrogens significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 entry and infection in lung cells. In support of this experimental data, analysis of existing datasets shows striking co-expression of AR and TMPRSS2, including in specific lung cell types targeted by SARS-CoV-2. Together, the data presented provides strong evidence to support clinical trials to assess the efficacy of antiandrogens as a treatment option for COVID-19.

Population implications of the deployment of novel universal vaccines against epidemic and pandemic influenza.

There is increasing interest in the development of new, 'universal' influenza vaccines (UIVs) that--unlike current vaccines--are effective against a broad range of seasonal influenza strains, as well as against novel pandemic viruses. While the existing literature discusses the potential epidemiological benefits of UIVs, it is also important to anticipate their potential unintended population consequences. Using mathematical modelling, we illustrate two such types of adverse consequences. First, by reducing the amount of infection-induced immunity in a population without fully replacing it, a seasonal UIV programme may permit larger pandemics than in the absence of vaccination. Second, the more successful a future UIV programme is in reducing transmission of seasonal influenza, the more vulnerable the population could become to the emergence of a vaccine escape variant. These risks could be mitigated by optimal deployment of any future UIV vaccine: namely, the use of a combined vaccine formulation (incorporating conventional as well as multiple universal antigenic targets) and achieving sufficient population coverage to compensate for any reductions in infection-induced immunity. In the absence of large-scale trials of UIVs, disease-dynamic models can provide helpful, early insights into their potential impact. In future, data from continuing vaccine development will be invaluable in developing robustly predictive modelling approaches.

The Clinical Use of Monolaurin as a Dietary Supplement: A Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine what the peer-reviewed literature says about the clinical applications, therapeutic dosages, bioavailability, efficacy, and safety of monolaurin as a dietary supplement. METHODS: This was a narrative review using the PubMed database and the terms "monolaurin" and its chemical synonyms. Commercial websites that sell monolaurin were also searched for pertinent references. The reference sections of the newer articles were searched for any other relevant articles. Consensus was reached among the authors as to what articles had clinical relevance. RESULTS: Twenty-eight articles were found that appeared to address the clinical use of monolaurin. CONCLUSION: There are many articles that address the antimicrobial effects of monolaurin in vitro. Only 3 peer-reviewed papers that evidence in vivo antimicrobial effects of monolaurin in humans were located, and these were only for intravaginal and intraoral-that is, topical-use. No peer-reviewed evidence was found for the clinical use of monolaurin as a human dietary supplement other than as a nutrient.

Preliminary morphological evidence that vertebral hypomobility induces synaptic plasticity in the spinal cord.

OBJECTIVE: A widely accepted theoretical model suggests that vertebral hypomobility can cause pain and abnormal spinal mechanics because of changes in sensory input from spinal and paraspinal tissues. The purpose of this pilot study was 3-fold: (1) to make a preliminary determination if chronic vertebral hypomobility at L4 through L6 in the rat would affect synaptic density and/or morphology in the superficial dorsal horn of the L2 spinal cord level, (2) to identify relevant outcome variables for future studies, and (3) to obtain preliminary data that would permit estimating an appropriate sample size for future studies. METHODS: Using an established rat model, we fixed 3 contiguous lumbar segments (L4-L6) for 8 weeks with a specially engineered vertebral fixation device. Electron micrographs were obtained from 2 animals from the experimental (fixed) group and each of 3 control groups (no surgery, surgery but no devices implanted, and devices implanted but not fixed). Synapses were randomly selected using a stereological approach and were analyzed for symmetry, curvature, type of postsynaptic profile, and perforations. The synaptic density was also estimated. RESULTS: There was increased synaptic density and percentage of positively curved synapses in the dorsal horn of experimental animals as compared with controls. Experimental animals had a lower percentage of axospinous synapses, with a concomitant increase in the percentage of synapses on dendritic shafts. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest for the first time that chronic vertebral hypomobility at L4 through L6 in the rat affects synaptic density and morphology in the superficial dorsal horn of the L2 spinal cord level. More definitive studies are warranted, and the biologic significance of these finding should be investigated.

Barriers to peer-reviewed journal article publication of abstracts presented at the 2006-2008 Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference and Research Agenda Conference Meetings.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the self-reported barriers to publication for authors of abstracts presented at the most recent chiropractic scientific meetings for which publication rates are known, that is the 2006 to 2008 Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference and Research Agenda Conference (ACC/RAC) meetings. METHODS: A 4-question electronic survey was sent via email to 1 of the listed authors for each abstract not published as a full paper within 4 years of the 2006 to 2008 ACC/RAC meetings. Each author was asked to complete the survey for only 1 abstract. Taking into account authors who appeared on more than 1 abstract, a link to the electronic survey was emailed to 111 potential participants. RESULTS: Of 111 participants, 67 completed a survey for a return rate of 60%. Over 80% (55/67) of the respondents were chiropractors who were faculty members at educational institutions. Of the subjects, 30% (20/67) indicated that the meeting abstract had either been published after 2012 or still was in the publishing process. For those who had not submitted a manuscript for publication, the most frequently cited barriers to publishing were pursuit of publishing as a low priority followed by a lack of time to prepare a manuscript. CONCLUSION: The main barriers to publishing in this sample were that publishing had a low priority compared to other possible uses of the abstract author's time and a perceived lack of time to pursue the publication process.

The Hangover: The Early and Lasting Effects of the Controversial Incorporation of X-Ray Technology into Chiropractic.

Chiropractic first adopted the X-ray in 1910 for the purpose of demonstrating tiny misalignments of spinal bones, theorised to cause all disease, which they called chiropractic subluxations. This paper explores the apparent contradiction and resultant controversy of a system of natural healing adopting a medical technology. It centres on the actions of B.J. Palmer, the first chiropractor to use X-rays. It also clarifies details of Palmer's decision to incorporate the technology and interprets the change in the sociological context of boundary work. The continuing use of the subluxation paradigm for radiography by chiropractors has had a lingering effect on the profession, a metaphorical hangover of vitalism that is not consistent with modern healthcare practice. As a result of this conflict, arguments within the profession on the use of X-rays contribute to the continuing schism between evidence-based and subluxation-based chiropractors.

Tryptophan analog resistance mutations in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Forty single gene mutations in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were isolated based on resistance to the compound 5'-methyl anthranilic acid (5-MAA). In other organisms, 5-MAA is converted to 5'-methyltryptophan (5-MT) and 5-MT is a potent inhibitor of anthranilate synthase, which catalyzes the first committed step in tryptophan biosynthesis. The mutant strains fall into two phenotypic classes based on the rate of cell division in the absence of 5-MAA. Strains with class I mutations divide more slowly than wild-type cells. These 17 mutations map to seven loci, which are designated MAA1 to MAA7. Strains with class II mutations have generation times indistinguishable from wild-type cells, and 7 of these 23 mutations map to loci defined by class I mutations. The remainder of the class II mutations map to 9 other loci, which are designated MAA8-MAA16. The maa5-1 mutant strain excretes high levels of anthranilate and phenylalanine into the medium. In this strain, four enzymatic activities in the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway are increased at least twofold. These include the combined activities of anthranilate phosphoribosyl transferase, phosphoribosyl anthranilate isomerase, indoleglycerol phosphate synthetase and anthranilate synthase. The slow growth phenotypes of strains with class I mutations are not rescued by the addition of tryptophan, but the slow growth phenotype of the maa6-1 mutant strain is partially rescued by the addition of indole. The maa6-1 mutant strain excretes a fluorescent compound into the medium, and cell extracts have no combined anthranilate phosphoribosyl transferase, phosphoribosyl anthranilate isomerase and indoleglycerol phosphate synthetase activity. The MAA6 locus is likely to encode a tryptophan biosynthetic enzyme. None of the other class I mutations affected these enzyme activities. Based on the phenotypes of double mutant strains, epistatic relationships among the class I mutations have been determined.

Possible generators of retrotrochanteric gluteal and thigh pain: the gemelli-obturator internus complex.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and correlate the anatomy of the gluteal region with the clinical findings of retrotrochanteric and posterior thigh pain, as seen in clinical chiropractic practice, and describe potential treatment options. METHODS: A descriptive gross anatomic study is correlated to a case presentation of a patient with deep persistent aching pain in the retrotrochanteric region of the left hip and upper posterolateral thigh. RESULTS: The structures that are located in the same location as the retrotrochanteric pain described by the patient are the gemelli-obturator internus muscle complex and associated bursae. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with persistent gluteal and sciatica-like pain, especially when centered in the retrotrochanteric region, the gemelli-obturator internus muscle complex and associated bursae should be considered as a possible source of the pain.

An ELISA for the detection of rhinovirus specific antibody in serum and nasal secretion.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which detects rhinovirus specific antibody in human sera and nasal secretions, has been developed. This sandwich ELISA utilizes a rabbit antirhinovirus hyperimmune serum as the capture antibody and was found to be very sensitive, detecting rhinovirus specific antibody in the serum at dilutions of 1:10(6) and 1:10(3.5) for IgG and IgA immunoglobulins, respectively. Thus, this new assay is 10(2)-10(4) times more sensitive than our standard neutralization test. Furthermore, this increase in sensitivity has enabled us to reliably detect rhinovirus specific immunoglobulins in unconcentrated nasal washings, which are thought to be particularly important for protection against rhinovirus reinfection. A preliminary study of the immune response in human volunteers challenged with rhinovirus using this new ELISA system is presented and further applications and potential of the method are also discussed.

Electron microscopy may reveal structure of docosahexaenoic acid-rich oil within Schizochytrium sp.

Schizochytrium sp. is an algae-like microorganism utilized for commercial production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich oil and dried microalgae for use as a source of DHA in foods, feeds, and nutritional supplements. Electron microscopic analysis of whole cells of Schizochytrium sp. employing sample preparation by high-pressure freeze substitution suggests the presence of secondary and tertiary semicrystalline structures of triacylglycerols within the oil bodies in Schizochytrium sp. A fine secondary structure consisting of alternating light- and dark-staining bands was observed inside the oil bodies. Dark bands were 29 +/- 1 A in width, and light bands were 22 +/- 1 A in width. The tertiary (three-dimensional) structure may be a multilayered ribbon-like structure which appears coiled and interlaced within the oil body. In freeze-fracture photomicrographs, Schizochytrium oil bodies exhibited fracture planes with terraces averaging 52 +/- 7 A in height which could correspond to the combined width of two halves of two light bands and one dark band observed in the high-pressure freeze substitution photomicrographs. The results suggest that triacylglycerols within Schizochytrium sp. oil bodies may be organized in a triple chain-length structure. High-pressure freeze substitution electron micrographs of two other highly unsaturated oil-producing species of microalgae, Thraustochytrium sp. and Isochrysis galbana, also revealed this fine structure, whereas microalgae containing a higher proportion of saturated oil did not. The results suggest that the staining pattern is not an artifact of preparation and that the triple chain-length conformation of triacylglycerols in Schizochytrium sp. oil bodies may be caused by the unique fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerols.

Axial sesamoid injuries associated with lateral condylar fractures in horses.

Axial sesamoid injuries were found in 4 of 18 horses with lateral condylar fractures of the metacarpus or metatarsus. The injuries appeared as axial sesamoid fractures or progressive demineralization of the axial border of one of the sesamoids. None of the horses with axial sesamoid injuries returned to performance soundness. Axial sesamoid injury appeared to be an indication of severe fetlock trauma due to condylar fracture. Such injuries appeared to indicate a poor prognosis for return to performance soundness.

Intussusception associated with Anoplocephala perfoliata infection in five horses.

Intussusception associated with Anoplocephala perfoliata infection was found in 5 horses. The unusual types of intussusception and the presence of tapeworms at the leading edge of the intussuscipiens suggested tapeworms as the cause of the problem. Lesions attributable to tapeworm attachment on the mucosa were found to fit a mechanical model of intussusception. Treatment of two of the horses and some of their pasturemates with pyrantel pamoate caused elimination of intact tapeworms.

Volvulus of the large colon in the horse.

Volvulus of the large colon was diagnosed at surgery in 25 horses during a 4-year period. Two horses had a recurrence of the condition after successful correction. Mucosal necrosis was found to be a grave prognostic sign, as it was a consistent finding in horses that died at the time of surgery. Long-term colon dysfunction was not clinically evident in surviving horses.

Lameness attributable to osteochondral fragmentation of the plantar aspect of the proximal phalanx in horses: 19 cases (1981-1985).

Osteochondral fragmentation of the plantar aspect of the proximal phalanx was diagnosed as a cause of hind limb lameness in 19 horses. The lameness was evident at the upper levels of the horses' performance capabilities, and was isolated to the metatarsophalangeal joints by use of intra-articular or regional anesthesia. Fragments were surgically removed from 10 horses that later returned to full use. Seven horses were treated intra-articularly with polysulfated glycosaminoglycans or corticosteroids; only one horse was able to return to full use. One horse was retired from work at the time of diagnosis. Surgery appeared to be the most effective treatment for osteochondral fragmentation of the plantar aspect of the proximal phalanx, although medical treatment combined with a decrease in the horses' expected performance also was believed to be useful.

Chronic nongranulomatous enteritis in seven horses.

Chronic nongranulomatous intestinal inflammation was found during laparotomy in 7 horses. The clinical signs consisted of recurrent abdominal pain in all horses. Anti-inflammatory agents (corticosteroidal and nonsteroidal agents) appeared to be effective for controlling the signs. Surgical removal of the involved intestine also was effective. Nonocclusive or temporary mesenteric ischemia was proposed as a cause of the intestinal lesions.

Publication rates of abstracts presented at the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference/Research Agenda Conference from 2002 to 2008.

Objective : The purposes of this study were to investigate the overall publication rates of presentations at the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference/Research Agenda Conference (ACC/RAC) meetings (2002-2008), differences in the publication rates of platform vs poster presentations, and the consistency of the meeting abstract compared to the full-length journal article. Methods : Abstracts were obtained from proceedings published in the Journal of Chiropractic Education. Literature searches using PubMed and the Index to the Chiropractic Literature (ICL) were performed to locate peer-reviewed journal articles based upon those abstracts. Whether the article was based upon a poster or platform presentation, and the congruence of the information in the abstract and article were recorded. Results : We identified 776 proceeding abstracts, 249 of which eventually were published between 2002 and 2012. The overall publication rate was 32.2%. A total of 42.7% of platform presentations eventually were published vs 20.3% of posters. Congruency showed that 43.2% had the same title as the meeting abstract, 59.7% had the same authorship, and 88.8% had the same methods. Conclusion : Publication rates of abstracts from spine and orthopedic surgery national meetings range from 34% to 59%. The ACC/RAC meetings have similar publication rates. More platform than poster presentations reach full publication. The congruency of ACC/RAC abstracts to published articles is higher than national meetings in other fields.