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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2021Ex situ plant collections established from seeds of natural populations are key tools for understanding mating systems of intricate taxonomic complexes, as in the Mill....
Ex situ plant collections established from seeds of natural populations are key tools for understanding mating systems of intricate taxonomic complexes, as in the Mill. genus (sea lavenders, Plumbaginaceae). Plants show a polymorphic sexual system associated to flower polymorphisms such as ancillary pollen and stigma and/or heterostyly that prevents self and intramorph mating. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the significance of pollen-stigma dimorphisms and the role of flower visitors in the reproductive output of hybrids arising from sexual diploids of complex and apomicts tetraploids of complex in an open cross-pollination experiment. Results showed that, similarly to parental plants, hybrids present inflorescence types, self-incompatible flowers, and produced regular pollen grains with the typical exine patterns, with medium to high viability. By contrast, apomicts show floral polymorphisms, inflorescences, and pollen grains of maternal phenotype but with low stainability. Several insects' species visited the inflorescences of parental plants and both hybrids and apomicts and some of these insects carried A and/or B pollen grains on their bodies, especially (Rebel) and sp. Insects' floral visits to hybrids and apomicts seem to be independent of pollen fertility and plants' reproductive modes. Both hybrids and apomicts were able to produce fertile seeds, although the latter showed more seedlings with developmental anomalies than the first plants. The findings demonstrate that there is a weak reproductive barrier between the diploid species of complex as they can hybridize and produce fertile hybrids, provided there is pollen transport by pollinator insects. This study supports that apomixis is a strong reproductive barrier between both and complexes but did not allow us to exclude reproductive interferences of apomict pollen into sexuals.
PubMed: 33477277
DOI: 10.3390/plants10010169 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Feb 2018Atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL) and its higher-grade counterpart, dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL), are extraordinarily rare tumors... (Review)
Review
Atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL) and its higher-grade counterpart, dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL), are extraordinarily rare tumors in the breast. The main differential diagnostic consideration of primary breast ALT/WDL is malignant phyllodes tumor with liposarcomatous differentiation, and the main differential diagnostic consideration of DDL in the breast is metaplastic breast carcinoma, particularly the spindle cell type, with heterologous sarcomatous differentiation. These differential diagnoses may be particularly challenging when evaluating limited core needle biopsy sampling. MDM2 and/or CDK4 protein overexpression and gene amplification are beneficial ancillary studies that can help establish the diagnosis of primary breast ALT/WDL and DDL, and effectively rule out the diagnoses of malignant phyllodes tumor and metaplastic breast carcinoma.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lipoma; Liposarcoma
PubMed: 29372852
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2016-0380-RSR2 -
ERJ Open Research Apr 2018We present an extensive review of the literature to date pertaining to the rationale for using a spacer/valved holding chamber (VHC) to deliver inhaled therapy from a... (Review)
Review
We present an extensive review of the literature to date pertaining to the rationale for using a spacer/valved holding chamber (VHC) to deliver inhaled therapy from a pressurised, metered-dose inhaler, a discussion of how the properties of individual devices may vary according to their physical characteristics and materials of manufacture, the potential risks and benefits of ancillaries such as valves, and the evidence that they contribute tangibly to the delivery of therapy. We also reiterate practical recommendations for the correct usage and maintenance of spacers/VHCs, which we trust offer practical help and advice to patients and healthcare professionals alike.
PubMed: 29928649
DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00065-2018 -
Stem Cells Translational Medicine Oct 2017Age-related (type-II) osteoporosis is a common and debilitating condition driven in part by the loss of bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and their... (Review)
Review
Age-related (type-II) osteoporosis is a common and debilitating condition driven in part by the loss of bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and their osteoblast progeny, leading to reduced bone formation. Current pharmacological regiments targeting age-related osteoporosis do not directly treat the disease by increasing bone formation, but instead use bisphosphonates to reduce bone resorption-a treatment designed for postmenopausal (type-I) osteoporosis. Recently, the bone regenerative capacity of MSCs has been found within a very rare population of skeletal stem cells (SSCs) residing within the larger heterogeneous BM-MSC pool. The osteoregenerative potential of SSCs would be an ideal candidate for cell-based therapies to treat degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis. However, to date, clinical and translational studies attempting to improve bone formation through cell transplantation have used the larger, nonspecific, MSC pool. In this review, we will outline the physiological basis of age-related osteoporosis, as well as discuss relevant preclinical studies that use exogenous MSC transplantation with the aim of treating osteoporosis in murine models. We will also discuss results from specific clinical trials aimed at treating other systemic bone diseases, and how the discovery of SSC could help realize the full regenerative potential of MSC therapy to increase bone formation. Finally, we will outline how ancillary clinical trials could be initiated to assess MSC/SSC-mediated bone formation gains in existing and potentially unrelated clinical trials, setting the stage for a dedicated clinical investigation to treat age-related osteoporosis. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1930-1939.
Topics: Animals; Bone Regeneration; Female; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Myoblasts; Osteoblasts; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
PubMed: 28834263
DOI: 10.1002/sctm.17-0054 -
Pediatric Research Feb 2023A web-based survey was widely distributed between November 1-December 27, 2021, to health care providers and ancillary staff to assess reported COVID-19 vaccination of...
A web-based survey was widely distributed between November 1-December 27, 2021, to health care providers and ancillary staff to assess reported COVID-19 vaccination of their children as well as their vaccine concerns. Fewer nurses and laboratory / radiology technicians reported COVID-19 vaccination of their adolescent children and intent to vaccinate their younger children compared to physicians and pharmacists, along with more frequently reported concern about anaphylaxis and infertility. Focused efforts to update ancillary staff as well as all health care providers on emerging COVID-19 vaccine safety information for children is crucial to promote strong COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. IMPACT: Nurses, laboratory technicians and radiology technicians frequently reported concern about anaphylaxis and infertility after COVID-19 vaccination despite reassuring safety data. Education of ancillary staff with emerging safety data is important to strengthen health care provider vaccine recommendations.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Anaphylaxis; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Health Personnel; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Vaccination
PubMed: 35717481
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02171-z -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2021Otolaryngology is considered high risk for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure and spread. This has led to a transition to telemedicine and directly impacts...
OBJECTIVE
Otolaryngology is considered high risk for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure and spread. This has led to a transition to telemedicine and directly impacts patient volume, evaluation and management practices. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of COVID-19 on patient characteristics in relation to outpatient attendance, ancillary testing, medical therapy, and surgical decision making.
METHODS
A retrospective case series at an academic medical center was performed. Outpatient appointments from October 2019 (pre-COVID) and March 16-April 10, 2020 (COVID) were analyzed. Prevalence rates and odds ratios were used to compare demographics, visit characteristics, ancillary tests, medication prescribing, and surgical decisions between telemedicine and in-person visits, before and during COVID.
RESULTS
There was a decrease in scheduled visits during the COVID timeframe, for both in-person and telemedicine visits, with a comparable proportion of no-shows. There was a higher overall percentage of Hispanic/Latino patients who received care during the COVID timeframe (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.07-1.90) in both groups, although primary language was not significantly associated with attendance. There were fewer ancillary tests ordered (OR = 0.54) and more medications prescribed (OR = 1.59) during COVID telemedicine visits compared with pre-COVID in-person visits.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 has rapidly changed the use of telemedicine. Telemedicine can be used as a tool to reach patients with severe disease burden. Continued healthcare reform, expanded access to affordable care, and efficient use of resources is essential both during the current COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.
Topics: Ambulatory Care; Ambulatory Care Facilities; COVID-19; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Male; Otolaryngology; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Quality Improvement; Quality of Health Care; Retrospective Studies; Telemedicine
PubMed: 34091321
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103044 -
Cancer Cytopathology Aug 2018The cytologic diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasms has undergone many advances due to the development of numerous useful immunohistochemical markers and molecular assays... (Review)
Review
The cytologic diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasms has undergone many advances due to the development of numerous useful immunohistochemical markers and molecular assays that target specific molecular alterations. Ancillary tests, when used in conjunction with clinical, radiologic, and cytomorphologic features, allow for more accurate classification and refinement of differential diagnoses of soft tissue neoplasms. Soft tissue tumors encompass a diverse group of tumors showing a wide range of cytomorphologies that can be broadly grouped as lipomatous, myxoid, spindled, pleomorphic, round cell, and epithelioid. This pattern-based classification enables the formation of appropriate differentials; however, entities that share these basic morphologic patterns may vary greatly in their clinical behavior. The breadth of soft tissue tumors that can be diagnosed on cytologic preparations continues to increase with identification of defining molecular alterations that can be detected by conventional means (eg, fluorescence in situ hybridization) or by immunohistochemical surrogates. Furthermore, the emergence of high-throughput molecular techniques (eg, next generation sequencing) has potential roles for additional discovery and diagnostic applications. This review highlights the diagnostic role of ancillary tests in the context of a pattern-based approach to soft tissue cytology. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;000:000-000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Cytodiagnosis; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Pattern Recognition, Automated; Soft Tissue Neoplasms
PubMed: 30156774
DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22030 -
Clinical Medicine Insights. Pathology 2016Hematoxylin-eosin-stained slide preparation is one of the most durable techniques in medicine history, which has remained unchanged since implemented. It allows an... (Review)
Review
Hematoxylin-eosin-stained slide preparation is one of the most durable techniques in medicine history, which has remained unchanged since implemented. It allows an accurate microscopic diagnosis of the vast majority of tissue samples. In many circumstances, this technique cannot answer all the questions posed at the initial diagnostic level. The pathologist has always been looking for additional ancillary techniques to answer pending questions. In our daily histopathology practice, we referred to those techniques as special stains, but nowadays, they are more than stains and are collectively called ancillary tests. They include a wide range of techniques starting from histochemical stains and ending in one or more advanced techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, molecular studies, cytogenetic studies, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and polymerase chain reaction.
PubMed: 27042154
DOI: 10.4137/CPath.S32784 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Sep 2023Dramatic advances in the management of congenital heart disease (CHD) have improved survival to adulthood from less than 10% in the 1960s to over 90% in the current era,...
Design and Harmonization Approach for the Multi-Institutional Neurocognitive Discovery Study (MINDS) of Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Neuroimaging Ancillary Study: A Technical Note.
Dramatic advances in the management of congenital heart disease (CHD) have improved survival to adulthood from less than 10% in the 1960s to over 90% in the current era, such that adult CHD (ACHD) patients now outnumber their pediatric counterparts. ACHD patients demonstrate domain-specific neurocognitive deficits associated with reduced quality of life that include deficits in educational attainment and social interaction. Our hypothesis is that ACHD patients exhibit vascular brain injury and structural/physiological brain alterations that are predictive of specific neurocognitive deficits modified by behavioral and environmental enrichment proxies of cognitive reserve (e.g., level of education and lifestyle/social habits). This technical note describes an ancillary study to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-funded Pediatric Heart Network (PHN) "Multi-Institutional Neurocognitive Discovery Study (MINDS) in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)". Leveraging clinical, neuropsychological, and biospecimen data from the parent study, our study will provide structural-physiological correlates of neurocognitive outcomes, representing the first multi-center neuroimaging initiative to be performed in ACHD patients. Limitations of the study include recruitment challenges inherent to an ancillary study, implantable cardiac devices, and harmonization of neuroimaging biomarkers. Results from this research will help shape the care of ACHD patients and further our understanding of the interplay between brain injury and cognitive reserve.
PubMed: 37754810
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10090381 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022Viral hepatitis is a leading cause of liver disease and mortality. Infection can occur acutely or chronically, but the mechanisms that govern the clearance of virus or... (Review)
Review
Viral hepatitis is a leading cause of liver disease and mortality. Infection can occur acutely or chronically, but the mechanisms that govern the clearance of virus or lack thereof are poorly understood and merit further investigation. Though cures for viral hepatitis have been developed, they are expensive, not readily accessible in vulnerable populations and some patients may remain at an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after viral clearance. To sustain infection , hepatocytes must be fully mature and remain in a differentiated state. However, primary hepatocytes rapidly dedifferentiate in conventional 2D platforms. Physiologically relevant or physiomimetic microsystems, are increasingly popular alternatives to traditional two-dimensional (2D) monocultures for studies. Physiomimetic systems reconstruct and incorporate elements of the native cellular microenvironment to improve biologic functionality . Multiple elements contribute to these models including ancillary tissue architecture, cell co-cultures, matrix proteins, chemical gradients and mechanical forces that contribute to increased viability, longevity and physiologic function for the tissue of interest. These microsystems are used in a wide variety of applications to study biological phenomena. Here, we explore the use of physiomimetic microsystems as tools for studying viral hepatitis infection in the liver and how the design of these platforms is tailored for enhanced investigation of the viral lifecycle when compared to conventional 2D cell culture models. Although liver-based physiomimetic microsystems are typically applied in the context of drug studies, the platforms developed for drug discovery purposes offer a solid foundation to support studies on viral hepatitis. Physiomimetic platforms may help prolong hepatocyte functionality in order to sustain chronic viral hepatitis infection for studying virus-host interactions for prolonged periods.
PubMed: 36246284
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.999366