A validation of Promega's PowerPlex?« 16 HS system testing the strengths and limitations.

An internal validation study was conducted using the PowerPlex?« 16 HS system to ensure proper performance on the Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer in the University of Central Oklahoma laboratory. Manual extraction with the DNA IQ system was performed. The Quantifiler Human Quantification kit was used to quantify the samples. Promega Corporation's PowerPlex?« 16 HS system was used to amplify DNA samples on a GeneAmp?« PCR System 9700 thermal cycler. Separation occurred through capillary electrophoresis on an Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Following parameters established through the validation, an environmental study was conducted to simulate casework samples. The environmental study included ultraviolet treatment, tannic acid, humic acid, and hematin. The results support the multiplexing system is capable of handling DNA samples

Simultaneous entanglement swapping of multiple orbital angular momentum states of light

Entanglement swapping generates remote quantum correlations between particles that have not interacted and is the cornerstone of long-distance quantum communication, quantum networks, and fundamental tests of quantum science. In the context of spatial modes of light, high-dimensional entanglement provides an avenue to increase the bandwidth of quantum communications and provides more stringent limits for tests of quantum foundations. Here we simultaneously swap the entanglement of multiple orbital angular momentum states of light. The system is based on a degenerate filter that cannot distinguish between different anti-symmetric states, and thus entanglement swapping occurs for several thousand pairs of spatial light modes simultaneously

Group A Streptococcal Septic Hip Arthritis in a Child With Spastic Triplegic Cerebral Palsy

Reports of septic hip arthritis in children with cerebral palsy are exceedingly rare. This case report describes a 10-year-old boy with spastic triplegic cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Functional Classification System), who presented with fever and irritability. This case highlights the difficulties in diagnosing septic joint arthritis in patients with cerebral palsy who are nonverbal and have limited mobility. A high index of suspicion is necessary in this population when presented with fever and new limitations in mobility

A systematic review of the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of online supportive care interventions targeting men with a history of prostate cancer

© 2019, The Author(s). Purpose: To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of online supportive care interventions targeting prostate cancer survivors (PCS). Methods: Studies were identified through structured searches of PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases, and bibliographic review. Inclusion criteria were (1) examined feasibility, acceptability, or efficacy of an online intervention designed to improve supportive care outcomes for PCS; (2) presented outcome data collected from PCS separately (if mixed cancer); and (3) evaluated efficacy outcomes using randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Results: Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria; ten were classified as RCTs. Overall, 2446 men (average age 64years) were included. Studies reported on the following outcomes: feasibility and acceptability of an online intervention (e.g., patient support, online medical record/follow-ups, or decision aids); reducing decisional conflict/distress; improving cancer-related distress and health-related quality of life; and satisfaction with cancer care. Conclusion: We found good preliminary evidence for online supportive care among PCS, but little high level evidence. Generally, the samples were small and unrepresentative. Further, inadequate acceptability measures made it difficult to determine actual PCS acceptability and satisfaction, and lack of control groups precluded strong conclusions regarding efficacy. Translation also appears minimal; few interventions are still publicly available. Larger trials with appropriate control groups and greater emphasis on translation of effective interventions is recommended. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Prostate cancer survivors have a variety of unmet supportive care needs. Using online delivery to improve the reach of high-quality supportive care programs could have a positive impact on health-related quality of life among PCS

STAT3 gain-of-function syndrome

STAT3 gain-of-function (GOF) syndrome is a multi-organ primary immune regulatory disorder characterized by early onset autoimmunity. Patients present early in life, most commonly with lymphoproliferation, autoimmune cytopenias, and growth delay. However, disease is often progressive and can encompass a wide range of clinical manifestations such as: enteropathy, skin disease, pulmonary disease, endocrinopathy, arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, and rarely neurologic disease, vasculopathy, and malignancy. Treatment of the autoimmune and immune dysregulatory features of STAT3-GOF patients relies heavily on immunosuppression and is often challenging and fraught with complications including severe infections. Defects in the T cell compartment leading to effector T cell accumulation and decreased T regulatory cells may contribute to autoimmunity. While T cell exhaustion and apoptosis defects likely contribute to the lymphoproliferative phenotype, no conclusive correlations are yet established. Here we review the known mechanistic and clinical characteristics of this heterogenous PIRD

Staying Calm and Well in the Midst of the COVID-19 Storm: One University's Longitudinal Outcomes Evaluation of a Mental Health and Well-Being Webinar Series

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic began, wellness leadership at a large Mid-west public university anticipated an increase in mental health problems among faculty and staff. A two-part weekly webinar series entitled "Staying Calm and Well in the Midst of the COVID-19 Storm" was launched to assist faculty and staff in coping with stressful issues related to the pandemic and enhancing their well-being. This series provided the university community with evidence-based knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance their ability in taking good self-care.Aim: To assess participant mental health outcomes during the two-part mental health and well-being educational webinar series over time.Methods: A longitudinal outcomes evaluation was conducted. Evaluation data was obtained from the participants via an anonymous post-webinar survey, which included questions from the Patient-Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression. The first series was conducted over the course of 8 weeks and the second series took place over 7 weeks. Descriptive statistics were used to assess responses to the PHQ-4 over time to evaluate outcomes of the webinar series. An open-ended question also asked participants about the 2 to 3 biggest concerns and worries they had at that moment.   Results: The average amount of survey responses received were 1,470.25 (SD = ± 240.3) for Series One and 926.4 (SD = ± 164.3) for Series Two. Ninety-five percent of participants put the skills they learned during both series into practice. When participants reported experiencing anxiety or depressive symptoms, they most frequently reported experiencing them several days a week. The number of participants reporting no depressive or anxiety symptoms increased as the webinar series progressed over time. The types of concerns and worries reported varied across time.Conclusion: The Staying Calm and Well During the COVID-19 Pandemic webinar participants had a reduction in symptoms associated with anxiety and depression after completing the series