Gulf War Illness (GWI) remains a significant health concern for many veterans. The relation of pre-war health conditions and symptoms to GWI could aid in developing a more accurate case definition of ...GWI. The objective of this study was to investigate pre-war predictors of GWI in a population-based sample of Gulf War veterans using two definitions of GWI.
Data come from the 1995–1997 National Health Survey of Persian Gulf War Era Veterans, a survey of a representative sample of deployed and non-deployed US veterans. Using two definitions of GWI (CDC/Kansas and a newly developed 3-domain definition), we conducted a series of multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess the associations of demographic, lifestyle factors, and pre-war medical conditions and symptoms to subsequent GWI.
All pre-war symptom predictor domains were significantly and positively associated with GWI using a new 3-domain definition with aORs for individual domains ranging from 2.17 (95% CI = 1.99–2.38) for dermatologic conditions to 3.06 (95% CI = 2.78–3.37) for neurological conditions. All symptom predictor domains were associated with significantly increased likelihood of GWI using the CDC/Kansas definition, with aORs ranging from 2.54 (95% CI = 2.31–2.81) for inflammatory conditions to 3.22 (95% CI = 2.94–3.55) for neurological conditions. These estimates were attenuated but remained significant after inclusion of all significant symptom predictor domains.
Results from this study suggest that demographic/lifestyle factors and pre-war medical conditions are strong predictors of GWI. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings, and to clarify the unique characteristics of this common, but still poorly understood illness.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) regulates pericellular proteolysis by binding the serine proteinase urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) that promotes cell surface ...activating of plasminogen to plasmin. In addition, uPAR as a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored signaling receptor affects cell migration, differentiation, and proliferation. The aim of the present study was to monitor the occurrence and distribution pattern of uPAR in cells of the rat molar tooth germ. By means of immunocytochemistry moderate, uPAR immunoreactivity was detected in epithelial cells of the enamel organ and in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. RT-PCR and Western blotting experiments demonstrated the expression of uPAR in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated dental epithelial cells (HAT-7 cells). A substantial part of uPAR was detected in the detergent-insoluble caveolin-1-containing low-density raft membrane fraction of HAT-7 cells suggesting a partial localization within
lipid rafts
. However, co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that uPAR and caveolin-1 do not associate with each other directly. Cell stimulation experiments with PMA indicated that protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated signaling pathways contribute to the expression of uPAR in cells of the enamel organ. The localization of uPAR in membrane rafts provides a basis for further investigations on the role of uPAR-mediated signaling cascades in ameloblasts.
This study compared the effects of isochrone heating with different temperature–time combinations on the residual activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and ...lactoperoxidase (LPO) in bovine (Holstein Friesian Cow), ovine (East Friesian Dairy Sheep) and caprine (German Improved Fawn) milk. Averages of 774, 1413 and 67
U/l ALP were determined in raw milk from cows, sheep and goats, respectively. The GGT values averaged 4143, 1871 and 603
U/l and the LPO activities averaged 2015, 2796 and 5190
U/l. After a holder pasteurisation (62
°C for 30
min to 65
°C for 32
min), the ALP activity in milk from the three mammals was <0.6
U/l, whereas the residual activity of GGT remained between 70% and 80% relative to raw milk after heating to 62
°C for 30
min, and 10–40% after heating to 65
°C for 32
min. The LPO activity of bovine milk remained unchanged, while that of ovine and caprine milk was reduced by about 5%. Milk heated with high-temperature-short-time (HTST, 75
°C for 28
s) conditions showed ALP activities of <0.1
U/l, whereas the residual activities of GGT were 6%, 40% and 11%, and the activities of LPO were 39%, 53% and 43% relative to raw milk from cows, sheep and goats, respectively. Residual ALP activities in commercial bovine and caprine HTST and high-heated milk samples from the German market were <0.07
U/l. In UHT-heated milk samples of bovine origin, ALP activities of 0.170–1.035
U/l were found due to reactivation of the enzyme. Studies evaluating the inactivation of ALP, GGT and LPO activities by isochrone heating of milk (35–85
°C for 90
s) have shown that the heat stability of the indigenous enzymes increased in the following order: ALP
<
GGT<
LPO. Furthermore, it has been shown that the residual enzyme activities in heated milk of non-bovine origin were considerably higher than bovine milk. This must be considered if the limiting values for indigenous enzyme activities in milk are fixed.
To investigate the diagnostic performance of advanced modelled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) to filtered back projection (FBP) when using an ultralow-dose protocol for the detection of solid and ...subsolid pulmonary nodules.
Single-energy CT was performed at 100 kVp with tin filtration in an anthropomorphic chest phantom with solid and subsolid pulmonary nodules (2-10 mm, attenuation, 20 to -800 HU at 120 kVp). The mean volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) of the standard chest protocol was 2.2 mGy. Subsequent scans were obtained at 1/8 (0.28 mGy), 1/20 (0.10 mGy) and 1/70 (0.03 mGy) dose levels by lowering tube voltage and tube current. Images were reconstructed with FBP and ADMIRE. One reader measured image noise; two readers determined image quality and assessed nodule localization.
Image noise was significantly reduced using ADMIRE compared with FBP (ADMIRE at a strength level of 5 : 70.4% for 1/20; 71.6% for 1/8; p < 0.001). Interobserver agreement for image quality was excellent (k = 0.88). Image quality was considered diagnostic for all images at 1/20 dose using ADMIRE. Sensitivity of nodule detection was 97.1% (100% for solid, 93.8% for subsolid nodules) at 1/20 dose and 100% for both nodule entities at 1/8 dose using ADMIRE 5. Images obtained with 1/70 dose had moderate sensitivity (overall 85.7%; solid 95%; subsolid 73.3%).
Our study suggests that with a combination of tin filtration and ADMIRE, the CTDIvol of chest CT can be lowered considerably, while sensitivity for nodule detection remains high. For solid nodules, CTDIvol was 0.10 mGy, while subsolid nodules required a slightly higher CTDIvol of 0.28 mGy.
Detection of subsolid nodules is feasible with ultralow-dose protocols.
Objective:The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Mortality Data Repository (MDR) compiles National Death Index records for all veterans and military service members. This study ...aimed to compare MDR findings with those from a preexisting data source.Methods:Veteran suicide rates estimated from death certificates were replicated with the MDR. Annual suicide rates were computed for veterans overall, by gender, and by Veterans Health Administration service utilization and compared with rates for adult nonveterans by using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).Results:Suicide rates and SMRs differed between the data sources. The 2010 MDR-derived veteran suicide rate was 27.4 deaths per 100,000 veterans, compared with an earlier estimate of 35.9. Differences were greater for females. Divergence was attributed to improved accuracy identifying veteran suicide decedents in the MDR.Conclusions:Conditions with low base rates can be major public health problems, and minor misclassification can substantially affect surveillance accuracy, prevention efforts, and the validity of study findings.
The synthesis of new functionalized organotin‐chalcogenide complexes was achieved by systematic optimization of the reaction conditions. The structures of compounds (R1, 2Sn)3S4Cl (1, 2), ...((R2Sn)2SnS4)2(μ‐S)2 (3), (R1, 2Sn)3Se4SnCl3 (4, 5), and Li(thf)n(R3Sn)(HR3Sn)2Se4Cl (6), in which R1=CMe2CH2C(O)Me, R2=CMe2CH2C(NNH2)Me, and R3=CH2CH2COO, are based on defect heterocubane scaffolds, as shown by X‐ray diffraction, 119Sn NMR spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry analyses. Compounds 4, 5, and 6 constitute the first examples of defect heterocubane‐type metal‐chalcogenide complexes that are comprised of selenide ligands. Comprehensive DFT calculations prompted us to search for the formal intermediates (R1SnCl2)2(μ‐S) (7) and (R1SnCl)2(μ‐S)2 (8), which were isolated and helped to understand the stepwise formation of compounds 1–6.
Twis‐tin the night away: Six defect heterocubane‐based organotin‐chalcogenide complexes of the general formula (RFSn)3E4Cl (E=S, Se; RF=functionalized organic ligand) have been synthesized through a stepwise condensation route, for example, by addition of (Me3Si)2S to R1SnCl3 (A) to give 1 (1=(R1Sn)3S4Cl; R1=CMe2CH2C(O)Me)) and characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, 119Sn NMR spectroscopy (see figure), and mass spectrometry (ESI). Two intermediates, (R1SnCl2)2(μ‐S) and (R1SnCl)2(μ‐S)2 (see figure), were also isolated.
The objectives of this study were to determine whether short-term exposure to firearm safety messaging significantly improved (1) firearm storage practices, and (2) attitudes of safe firearm storage ...behaviors among U.S. veterans, a group at elevated risk for firearm suicide.
A three-arm, parallel-group RCT was conducted online in the U.S. nationwide from December 2015 to January 2016.
A national random sample of U.S. veterans (N = 358) was recruited from the GfK KnowledgePanel, a probability-based internet panel representative of U.S. adults. All study activities were administered online over a three-week study period.
Participants were randomized and exposed three times (once per week) to either (a) firearm safety message only (n = 115); (b) firearm safety and mental health promotion messages (n = 133); or (c) active control group exposed to mental health promotion message only (n = 110). Each message was less than two minutes long.
Assessments were completed at baseline (pre-randomization) and at end-of-trial. Changes in awareness of risk for injuries, attitudes/beliefs related to safe storage practices, behavioral intentions, and storage practices were measured using self-reported surveys. Linear mixed effect models with weighted generalized estimating equations were used to test for exposure effects. Analyses were conducted February 2018.
Analyses restricted to those with baseline firearm access (n = 195) identified no significant changes for intentions or safe storage practices across exposure groups. At baseline, participants’ attitudes and beliefs were generally supportive of safe firearm storage. The Firearm Safety message yielded small increases in agreement with the concept that secure storage is “important during emotional or stressful times” (0.36; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.64). Other significant changes in awareness and beliefs were found, but across all study conditions.
Results reinforce the critical need for considerable research and testing prior to the widespread implementation of public messages to increase the likelihood for desired exposure effects.
•Firearms are involved in nearly 70% of all suicides among U.S. veterans.•Safe household firearm storage shows promise for reducing risk for suicide.•Use of public messaging to promote safe firearm storage to veterans was examined.•Improved attitudes were identified post-exposure; behavior change was not found.•Findings underscore the need for further research prior to widespread messaging.
OBJECTIVETo compare image quality and geometric distortion between readout-segmented diffusion-weighted imaging (rs-DWI) and selective-excitation accelerated reduced-field of view (FOV) DWI (sTX-DWI) ...of the prostate.
MATERIALS AND METHODSSixty-five patients underwent 3-T MRI of the prostate including rs-DWI and sTX-DWI (b values, 0, 50, and 1000 seconds/mm; FOV, 150 × 150 mm and 77 ×150 mm for rs-DWI and sTX-DWI; slice thickness, 3 mm; acquisition time, 8:18 min and 1:37 min for rs-DWI and sTX-DWI). Two readers evaluated aspects of image quality and geometric distortion on a 5-point Likert scale. Quantitative analysis of geometric distortion was assessed by measurements of anteroposterior and left-right diameters and compared to T2-weighted turbo-spin echo sequence using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
RESULTSThere was no significant difference in resolution, capsule demarcation, and zonal anatomy (P = 0.111–0.866). Overall image quality was rated “above average” by reader 1 (4.09 ± 0.66 and 4.03 ± 0.79; P = 0.433) and reader 2 (3.86 ± 0.66 and 3.80 ± 0.74; P = 0.465) for rs-DWI and sTX-DWI. Reader 1 (0.74 ± 0.67 and 1.17 ± 0.84; P < 0.001) and reader 2 (0.55 ± 0.64 and 1.09 ± 0.95; P < 0.001) rated the level of geometric distortion significantly lower for rs-DWI than sTX-DWI. Readout-segmented DWI (0.9 ± 2.2 mm) and sTX-DWI (2.1 ± 3.8 mm) overestimated the anteroposterior diameter of the prostate compared to T2-weighted turbo-spin echo sequence (P < 0.001), the difference being more pronounced for sTX-DWI ICC, 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.93) compared to rs-DWI ICC, 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.94–0.96).
CONCLUSIONSelective-excitation accelerated reduced-FOV DW images (sTX-DWI) of the prostate can be acquired more than 5 times faster than rs-DWI with comparable image quality, at the expense of significantly increased geometric distortion.
Abstract
Many regulatory networks appear to involve partially redundant enhancers. Traditionally, such enhancers have been hypothesized to originate mainly by sequence duplication. An alternative ...model postulates that they arise independently, through convergent evolution. This mechanism appears to be counterintuitive to natural selection: Redundant sequences are expected to either diverge and acquire new functions or accumulate mutations and become nonfunctional. Nevertheless, we show that at least 31% of the redundant enhancer pairs in the human genome (and 17% in the mouse genome) indeed originated in this manner. Specifically, for virtually all transposon-derived redundant enhancer pairs, both enhancer partners have evolved independently, from the exaptation of two different transposons. In addition to conferring robustness to the system, redundant enhancers could provide an evolutionary advantage by fine-tuning gene expression. Consistent with this hypothesis, we observed that the target genes of redundant enhancers exhibit higher expression levels and tissue specificity as compared with other genes. Finally, we found that although enhancer redundancy appears to be an intrinsic property of certain mammalian regulatory networks, the corresponding enhancers are largely species-specific. In other words, the redundancy in these networks is most likely a result of convergent evolution.
The health of women Gulf War (deployed) and Gulf Era (nondeployed) veterans is understudied; although most studies examining the health effects of deployment to the Gulf War adjust for gender in ...multivariate analyses, gender-specific prevalence and effect measures are not routinely reported. The National Academy of Medicine recommended that the Department of Veterans Affairs assess gender-specific health conditions in large cohort studies of Gulf War veterans.
Data from this study come from the follow-up study of a national cohort of Gulf War and Gulf Era veterans. This study was conducted between 2012 and 2014, and was the second follow-up of a population-based cohort of Gulf War and Gulf Era veterans that began in 1995. Measures included self-reported medical conditions and frequency of doctor visits as well as validated screening instruments for mental health conditions.
Overall, female veterans (both Gulf War and Era) reported poorer health than their male counterparts as measured by the prevalence of self-reported disease. The top five prevalent conditions in both Gulf War and Gulf Era veterans were migraine, hypertension, major depressive disorder, arthritis, and dermatitis. Female Gulf War veterans were found to have a higher prevalence of disease than male Gulf Era veterans.
Women veterans, particularly deployed veterans, from this era have significant medical needs that may justify increased outreach from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our findings highlight the importance of asking about military service, particularly for women veterans, in the clinical setting, both in the Department of Veterans Affairs and in the private sector.
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