Assessing The Influence Of Assistive Technology On People With Spinal Cord Injury Using A Measure Of Participation

The occurrence of a spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to an enormous change in an individual�s lifestyle. Limitation related to mobility can become critical affecting ability to participate in nearly all activities of daily living (ADL). People with SCI rely on assistive technology (AT), especially wheelchair to facilitate the return to as many pre-injury activities as possible and serve as a resource tool for community living and participation12. The purpose of this study was to investigate the wheelchair and related factors that affect the participation of individuals with SCI in activities performed in three settings including home, community and transportation. Seventy individuals with SCI who use wheelchairs for mobility participated in this study. A written survey, which recorded AT usage in daily activities, was distributed among individuals from Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Saint Louis (SL). The wheelchair was found to be the most limiting factor in activities performed in the home, community and transportation use. The second most limiting factor was physical impairment and environment. Significant differences were shown among individuals from Pitt and SL. A higher number of individuals from SL indicated pain, fatigue, wheelchair seating, social attitudes and self-concept as factors that limit their participation. In addition, significant differences were revealed in transportation use between individuals with paraplegia and tetraplegia. Pain was shown as a limiting factor for people with paraplegia, whereas, lack of equipment was indicated by people with tetraplegia.AT and related factors impact participation of individuals with SCI. The wheelchair was the most common limiting factor, followed by physical impairment and physical environment. The wheelchair is most likely their most important mobility device while also the one that is most associated with barriers

Bean tissue culture for introduction of foreign genes

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar parâmetros da cultura de tecidos de feijoeiro necessários para a aplicação da técnica de transformação via Agrobacterium. Diversos genótipos de feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) foram cultivados in vitro. Alguns parâmetros visando à infecção de ápices caulinares com Agrobacterium tumefaciens foram otimizados, como a eliminação da agrobactéria após a co-cultura e a concentração de kanamicina suficiente para a seleção dos ápices infectados. Multibrotações em nós cotiledonares foram obtidas com freqüência de até 55,7%, dependendo do genótipo utilizado. Estes nós foram infectados com A. tumefaciens contendo em seu plasmídeo Ti o gene da β-glucuronidase (GUS) sob regulação de promotor eucariótico. Entre as multibrotações obtidas, 30% apresentaram região onde foi detectada atividade do gene GUS. Demonstrou-se também a susceptibilidade de feijoeiro a Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Raízes transgênicas foram obtidas após infecção de epicótilos.The objective of this work was to determine different bean tissue culture parameters necessary to the application of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation technique. Several bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes were cultured in vitro. The protocols for Agrobacterium elimination, after infection of the apical meristems with Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the selective kanamycin concentration were determined. Depending on the genotype, multiple buds were obtained from cotiledonary nodes in a frequency up to 55.7%. The cotiledonary nodes were infected with A. tumefaciens carrying in the Ti plasmid the gene for β-glucuronidase (GUS) under the control of an eucariotic promoter. Regions with GUS activity were detected in 30% of the shoots. The susceptibility of bean to Agrobacterium rhizogenes was also shown. Transgenic roots were obtained after infection of epicotyls with A. rhizogenes

Defining the Sister Rat Mammary Tumor Cell Lines HH-16 cl.2/1 and HH-16.cl.4 as an In Vitro Cell Model for Erbb2

Cancer cell lines have been shown to be reliable tools in genetic studies of breast cancer, and the characterization of these lines indicates that they are good models for studying the biological mechanisms underlying this disease. Here, we describe the molecular cytogenetic/genetic characterization of two sister rat mammary tumor cell lines, HH-16 cl.2/1 and HH-16.cl.4, for the first time. Molecular cytogenetic analysis using rat and mouse chromosome paint probes and BAC/PAC clones allowed the characterization of clonal chromosome rearrangements; moreover, this strategy assisted in revealing detected breakpoint regions and complex chromosome rearrangements. This comprehensive cytogenetic analysis revealed an increase in the number of copies of the Mycn and Erbb2 genes in the investigated cell lines. To analyze its possible correlation with expression changes, relative RNA expression was assessed by real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR and RNA FISH. Erbb2 was found to be overexpressed in HH-16.cl.4, but not in the sister cell line HH-16 cl.2/1, even though these lines share the same initial genetic environment. Moreover, the relative expression of Erbb2 decreased after global genome demethylation in the HH-16.cl.4 cell line. As these cell lines are commercially available and have been used in previous studies, the present detailed characterization improves their value as an in vitro cell model. We believe that the development of appropriate in vitro cell models for breast cancer is of crucial importance for revealing the genetic and cellular pathways underlying this neoplasy and for employing them as experimental tools to assist in the generation of new biotherapies

Genome of Herbaspirillum seropedicae Strain SmR1, a Specialized Diazotrophic Endophyte of Tropical Grasses

The molecular mechanisms of plant recognition, colonization, and nutrient exchange between diazotrophic endophytes and plants are scarcely known. Herbaspirillum seropedicae is an endophytic bacterium capable of colonizing intercellular spaces of grasses such as rice and sugar cane. The genome of H. seropedicae strain SmR1 was sequenced and annotated by The Paraná State Genome Programme—GENOPAR. The genome is composed of a circular chromosome of 5,513,887 bp and contains a total of 4,804 genes. The genome sequence revealed that H. seropedicae is a highly versatile microorganism with capacity to metabolize a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources and with possession of four distinct terminal oxidases. The genome contains a multitude of protein secretion systems, including type I, type II, type III, type V, and type VI secretion systems, and type IV pili, suggesting a high potential to interact with host plants. H. seropedicae is able to synthesize indole acetic acid as reflected by the four IAA biosynthetic pathways present. A gene coding for ACC deaminase, which may be involved in modulating the associated plant ethylene-signaling pathway, is also present. Genes for hemagglutinins/hemolysins/adhesins were found and may play a role in plant cell surface adhesion. These features may endow H. seropedicae with the ability to establish an endophytic life-style in a large number of plant species

Post-intervention Status in Patients With Refractory Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab During REGAIN and Its Open-Label Extension

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether eculizumab helps patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) achieve the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) post-intervention status of minimal manifestations (MM), we assessed patients' status throughout REGAIN (Safety and Efficacy of Eculizumab in AChR+ Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis) and its open-label extension. METHODS: Patients who completed the REGAIN randomized controlled trial and continued into the open-label extension were included in this tertiary endpoint analysis. Patients were assessed for the MGFA post-intervention status of improved, unchanged, worse, MM, and pharmacologic remission at defined time points during REGAIN and through week 130 of the open-label study. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients completed REGAIN and continued into the open-label study (eculizumab/eculizumab: 56; placebo/eculizumab: 61). At week 26 of REGAIN, more eculizumab-treated patients than placebo-treated patients achieved a status of improved (60.7% vs 41.7%) or MM (25.0% vs 13.3%; common OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-4.5). After 130 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 88.0% of patients achieved improved status and 57.3% of patients achieved MM status. The safety profile of eculizumab was consistent with its known profile and no new safety signals were detected. CONCLUSION: Eculizumab led to rapid and sustained achievement of MM in patients with AChR+ refractory gMG. These findings support the use of eculizumab in this previously difficult-to-treat patient population. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: REGAIN, NCT01997229; REGAIN open-label extension, NCT02301624. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that, after 26 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 25.0% of adults with AChR+ refractory gMG achieved MM, compared with 13.3% who received placebo

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Global respiratory syncytial virus–related infant community deaths

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pediatric death, with >99% of mortality occurring in low- and lower middle-income countries. At least half of RSV-related deaths are estimated to occur in the community, but clinical characteristics of this group of children remain poorly characterized. Methods The RSV Global Online Mortality Database (RSV GOLD), a global registry of under-5 children who have died with RSV-related illness, describes clinical characteristics of children dying of RSV through global data sharing. RSV GOLD acts as a collaborative platform for global deaths, including community mortality studies described in this supplement. We aimed to compare the age distribution of infant deaths <6 months occurring in the community with in-hospital. Results We studied 829 RSV-related deaths <1 year of age from 38 developing countries, including 166 community deaths from 12 countries. There were 629 deaths that occurred <6 months, of which 156 (25%) occurred in the community. Among infants who died before 6 months of age, median age at death in the community (1.5 months; IQR: 0.8−3.3) was lower than in-hospital (2.4 months; IQR: 1.5−4.0; P < .0001). The proportion of neonatal deaths was higher in the community (29%, 46/156) than in-hospital (12%, 57/473, P < 0.0001). Conclusions We observed that children in the community die at a younger age. We expect that maternal vaccination or immunoprophylaxis against RSV will have a larger impact on RSV-related mortality in the community than in-hospital. This case series of RSV-related community deaths, made possible through global data sharing, allowed us to assess the potential impact of future RSV vaccines

Maturity of Cabernet Sauvignon berries from grapevines grown with two different training systems in a new grape growing region in Brazil

The wine grape (Vitis vinifera) cv. Cabernet Sauvignon has recently been introduced at a 1160 m altitude in the São Joaquim área (Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil). The aim of this work was to evalúate the maturation of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes subjected to a Y training system or a vertical shoot positioning trellis (VSP). Grapes were sampled at 10-day intervals throughout their maturation during two consecutive vintage years (2004-2005 and 2005-2006). Climate data were assessed. Based on the results obtained in both vintage years at maturity, titratable acidities (TA) ranged from 0.67 to 0.85 g-100 mL-1 of tartaric with the pH fluctuating between 3.49 and 3.77. The maturation Índex (total soluble solids/TA) at maturity ranged from 26 to 35, and was always higher for berries from the VSP system. Significant differences were observed for the anthocyanin content (TMA) and total polyphenol Índex (TPI) valúes that may be attributed to differences in vintage year and climate conditions. Climatic conditions strongly influenced the grape quality, and it is important to note that São Joaquim is a warm región according to the Winkler scale, with 1668-1944 GDD °C. Under these environmental conditions, the VSP system provided better results for TSS, berry weight and acidity than the Y system, which could be seen more clearly in 2005-2006 due to lower rainfall.El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la maduración de uvas Cabernet Sauvignon bajo dos sistemas de conducción: sistema en Y y sistema de espaldera alta (VSP). Las viñas han sido cultivadas recientemente en la ciudad de São Joaquim, Estado de Santa Catarina (Brasil), a 1160m de altitud. Las uvas fueron muestreadas para el análisis de su maduración en dos vendimias consecutivas, 2004-2005 y 2005-2006, cada 10 días, desde envero a cosecha. Parámetros del mesoclima también fueron determinados. Los resultados muestran que a madurez, en ambas vendimias los valores de acidez total (TA) fluctuaron entre 0,67 y 0,85 g-100 mL-1 de ácido tartárico y el pH entre 3,49 y 3,77. En general, TA a madurez fue más baja en 2004-2005 que en 2005-2006. El índice de maduración (sólidos solubles totales/TA) en la madurez varió desde 26 a 35, y fue más alto para bayas cultivadas en VSP. Se observaron diferencias significativas en los valores de antocianas y en el índice de los polifenoles totales (TPI); la vendimia y el clima explicaron las fuertes diferencias entre los niveles de antocianas y TPI. Las condiciones climáticas influyeron fuertemente en la calidad de la uva. En Sao Joaquim, el clima fue clasificado como 'Región III', según la Escala de Winkler, una región cálida (1668 a 1944 °C). En general, el sistema VSP dio mejores resultados en lo referente a TSS, peso de la baya y acidez los que se percibieron más claramente en 2006 debido al menor nivel de precipitaciones