Assessing exposure risks for freshwater tilapia species posed by mercury and methylmercury

Waterborne and dietborne exposures of freshwater fish to mercury (Hg) in the forms of inorganic (Hg(II)) and organic (methylmercury or MeHg) affect their growth, development, and reproduction. However, an integrated mechanistic risk model framework to predict the impact of Hg(II)/MeHg on freshwater fish is lacking. Here, we integrated biokinetic, physiological and biogeographic data to calibrate and then establish key risk indices—hazardous quotient and exceedance risk—for freshwater tilapia species across geographic ranges of several major rivers in Taiwan. We found that Hg(II) burden was highest in kidney followed by gill, intestine, liver, blood, and muscle. Our results showed that Hg was less likely to pose mortality risk (mortality rate less than 5 %) for freshwater tilapia species. However, Hg is likely to pose the potential hazard to aquatic environments constrained by safety levels for aquatic organisms. Sensitivity analysis showed that amount of Hg accumulated in tilapia was most influenced by sediment uptake rate. Our approach opens up new possibilities for predicting future fish population health with the impacts of continued Hg exposure to provide information on which fish are deemed safe for human consumption.     

Influence of Resident Involvement in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Surgery on Surgical Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

The effect of resident involvement during obstetrics and gynaecology (OB/GYN) surgery on surgical outcomes is unclear. This study sought to review the evidence systematically for the influence of resident participation in OB/GYN surgery on (1) operative time, (2) estimated blood loss, and (3) perioperative complications.

Pseudarthrosis in adult and pediatric spinal deformity surgery: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of incidence,characteristics, and risk factors

Neurosurgical Review - We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis. This study aims to characterize pseudarthrosis after long-segment fusion in spinal deformity by...     

ENMD-2076 for hematological malignancies

INTRODUCTION: Aurora kinases are key regulators of mitosis and inhibition of Aurora kinase activity is a rational therapeutic strategy in the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. AREAS COVERED: This paper will provide an updated summary of preclinical and clinical experience with ENMD-2076 in hematological malignancies. The MEDLINE (OVID) (1980 through 31 January 2012) was searched with the term combinations including Aurora, multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms. In addition, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (1997 - 2011) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (1997 - 2011) conference proceedings were searched for reports of new or ongoing trials. EXPERT OPINION: ENMD-2076 is a multi-kinase inhibitor, with activity against Aurora A kinase, FLT3, c-KIT, c-FMS and VEGFR-2 and -3. It appears to be tolerable, exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and has activity in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma. Further evaluation with cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted agents, which affect different pathways and have non-overlapping toxicities, in patients with hematological malignancies are warranted.     

Resilience as an untapped resource in behavioral intervention design for gay men

Men who have sex with men experience high rates of psychosocial health problems such as depression, substance use, and victimization that may be in part the result of adverse life experiences related to cultural marginalization and homophobia. These psychosocial health conditions interact to form a syndemic which may be driving HIV risk within this population. However, MSM also evidence great resilience to both the effects of adversity and the effects of syndemics. Investigating and harnessing these natural strengths and resiliencies may enhance HIV prevention and intervention programs thereby providing the additional effectiveness needed to reverse the trends in HIV infection among MSM.