Application of polymer-mesh device to remodel left ventricular–mitral valve apparatus in ischemic mitral regurgitation

Objectives

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) results from ischemic left ventricular (LV) distortion and remodeling, which displaces the papillary muscles and tethers the mitral valve leaflets apically. The aim of this experimental study was to examine efficacy of an adjustable novel polymer filled mesh (poly-mesh) device to reverse LV remodeling and reduce IMR.

Estimating the impact of alcohol consumption on survival for HIV+ individuals

Alcohol consumption is associated with decreased antiretroviral adherence, and decreased adherence results in poorer outcomes. However the magnitude of alcohol's impact on survival is unknown. Our objective was to use a calibrated and validated simulation of HIV disease to estimate the impact of alcohol on survival. We incorporated clinical data describing the temporal and dose-response relationships between alcohol consumption and adherence in a large observational cohort (N=2,702). Individuals were categorized as nondrinkers (no alcohol consumption), hazardous drinkers (consume > or =5 standard drinks on drinking days), and nonhazardous drinkers (consume <5 standard drinks on drinking days). Our results showed that nonhazardous alcohol consumption decreased survival by more than 1 year if the frequency of consumption was once per week or greater, and by 3.3 years (from 21.7 years to 18.4 years) with daily consumption. Hazardous alcohol consumption decreased overall survival by more than 3 years if frequency of consumption was once per week or greater, and by 6.4 years (From 16.1 years to 9.7 years) with daily consumption. Our results suggest that alcohol is an underappreciated yet modifiable risk factor for poor survival among individuals with HIV.     

A proteomic view into infection of greyback canegrubs (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dermolepida albohirtum</Emphasis>) by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metarhizium anisopliae</Emphasis>

Metarhizium anisopliae is a naturally occurring cosmopolitan fungus infecting greyback canegrubs (Dermolepida albohirtum). The main molecular factors involved in the complex interactions occurring between the greyback canegrubs and M. anisopliae (FI-1045) were investigated by comparing the proteomes of healthy canegrubs, canegrubs infected with Metarhizium and fungus only. Differentially expressed proteins from the infected canegrubs were subjected to mass spectrometry to search for pathogenicity related proteins. Immune-related proteins of canegrubs identified in this study include cytoskeletal proteins (actin), cell communication proteins, proteases and peptidases. Fungal proteins identified include metalloproteins, acyl-CoA, cyclin proteins and chorismate mutase. Comparative proteome analysis provided a view into the cellular reactions triggered in the canegrub in response to the fungal infection at the onset of biological control.     

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs): A review of generic and condition‐specific measures and a discussion of trends and issues

BackgroundPatient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are questionnaires that collect health outcomes directly from the people who experience them. This review critically synthesizes information on generic and selected condition‐specific PROMs to describe trends and contemporary issues regarding their development, validation and application.MethodsWe reviewed academic and grey literature on validated PROMs by searching databases, prominent websites, Google Scholar and Google Search. The identification of condition‐specific PROMs was limited to common conditions and those with a high burden of disease (eg cancers, cardiovascular disorders). Trends and contemporary issues in the development, validation and application of PROMs were critically evaluated.ResultsThe search yielded 315 generic and condition‐specific PROMs. The largest numbers of measures were identified for generic PROMs, musculoskeletal conditions and cancers. The earliest published PROMs were in mental health‐related conditions. The number of PROMs grew substantially between 1980s and 2000s but slowed more recently. The number of publications discussing PROMs continues to increase. Issues identified include the use of computer‐adaptive testing and increasing concerns about the appropriateness of using PROMs developed and validated for specific purposes (eg research) for other reasons (eg clinical decision making).ConclusionsThe term PROM is a relatively new designation for a range of measures that have existed since at least the 1960s. Although literature on PROMs continues to expand, challenges remain in selecting reliable and valid tools that are fit‐for‐purpose from the many existing instruments.Patient or public contributionConsumers were not directly involved in this review; however, its outcome will be used in programmes that engage and partner with consumers.