Site-Specific Intact N-Linked Glycopeptide Characterization of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen from Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cells.

The composition of N-linked glycans that are conjugated to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and their functional significance in prostate cancer progression have not been fully characterized. PSMA was isolated from two metastatic prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and MDAPCa2b, which have different tissue tropism and localization. Isolated PSMA was trypsin-digested, and intact glycopeptides were subjected to LC-HCD-EThcD-MS/MS analysis on a Tribrid Orbitrap Fusion Lumos mass spectrometer.

Effect of Cleft Palate Repair Timing on Inpatient Complication Rate: Review of a National Database.

Objectives: Timing of cleft palate repair is controversial. We aim to assess whether timing of cleft palate repair affects rates of inpatient complications, length of stay (LOS), and cost of stay.

Methods: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database 2009 was queried for all admissions with a primary diagnosis of cleft palate during which cleft palate repair was performed as a primary procedure.

Cervicovaginal lavage fluid zinc level as a marker of vaginal atrophy.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between cervicovaginal fluid zinc levels and participants' menopausal status and the presence of vulvovaginal symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Methods: Women included in the study underwent a pelvic examination, collection of vaginal cytology, and cervicovaginal lavage was performed in a standardized fashion. The cervicovaginal lavage zinc content was determined.

The Effect of Vaginal Microablative Fractional CO Laser Treatment on Vaginal Cytology.

Background And Objectives: Most recently vaginal laser treatment was introduced as a new option for women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal dryness. Our objective was to assess the effects of intravaginal CO laser treatment on vaginal cytology.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Fifty-two women with symptoms of vaginal dryness were enrolled and underwent vaginal laser treatment using a fractional CO laser.

Impact of montelukast and fluticasone on quality of life in mild pediatric sleep apnea.

Objectives: Research has shown improvement in apnea-hypopnea index in children with mild obstructive sleep apnea treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Data on quality of life outcomes in children receiving these medications is lacking. We aim to assess quality of life in children with mild obstructive sleep apnea treated with montelukast and fluticasone.

Association between pelvic organ prolapse types and levator-urethra gap as measured by 3D transperineal ultrasound.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between pelvic organ prolapse (POP) types and levator-urethra gap (LUG) as measured by 3-dimensional transperineal tomographic ultrasound.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 98 women with symptomatic POP. Three-dimensional transperineal tomographic ultrasound images and POP quantification coordinates were reviewed.

Urinary Leukotriene E4 Levels in Children with Sleep-Disordered Breathing.

Objective Due to limitations of polysomnography (PSG), novel ways to evaluate pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are needed. Urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4), an inflammatory marker, has been identified as a potential biomarker for pediatric OSA. The objective of the study was to assess whether urinary LTE4 levels correlate with OSA severity, as determined by obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and nadir oxygen saturation.

Changes in Transcranial Ultrasound Velocities in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy.

Objectives (1) To assess for changes in cerebral blood flow velocity in children with sickle cell disease and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) following adenotonsillectomy. (2) To determine if clinical factors such as OSA severity affect cerebral blood flow velocity values. Study Design Case series with chart review over 10 years.

Acute Diverticulitis Outcomes in the Acute Care Surgery Model.

Background: The acute care surgery (ACS) model has been widely implemented, with single institution studies demonstrating improved outcomes but multicenter studies questioning the efficiency. Acute care surgery programs care for sicker and more economically disadvantaged patients. This study compares outcomes between ACS and traditional models in the management of diverticulitis across an entire state.

Statewide assessment of surgical outcomes and the acute care surgery model.

Background: The acute care surgery (ACS) model has been widely implemented with single institution studies demonstrating improved outcomes. Recent multicenter studies have raised questions about the economics and efficacy of ACS. This study compares traditional and ACS outcomes across an entire state.

Adenotonsillectomy outcomes in children with sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

Objective: To identify improvements in daytime sleepiness following adenotonsillectomy in children with non-severe obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

Study Design: Case series with chart review over 15 years.

Setting: Tertiary Children's Hospital.

Exploring Racial, Gender, and Insurance Disparities in Patients with Osteoporotic Fractures.

The objective of this study is to examine racial, gender, and insurance disparities in hospital outcomes among patients diagnosed with osteoporotic fractures aged 55 years and older. A total of 36,153 patients were included in this study. The sample was constructed from de-identified patient-level data for 2011 through 2014 from the Virginia Health Information (VHI) inpatient discharge database.

The Role of Early Gestation Ultrasound in the Assessment of Fetal Anatomy in Maternal Obesity.

Objectives: The 2012 Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health fetal imaging consensus suggested that fetal anatomy ultrasound in obese pregnancies be performed at 20 to 22 weeks, with follow-up in 2 to 4 weeks if anatomy is incomplete. It was postulated that imaging in early gestation may improve visualization, although no prospective trials had been done to date.

Methods: We performed a prospective longitudinal blinded trial comparing an early gestation ultrasound (13 + 0 to 15 + 6 weeks) with the traditional second-trimester ultrasound for completion of the fetal anatomy survey in obese patients.

Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Transperineal Ultrasound Findings in Women With High-Pressure Voiding After Midurethral Sling Placement.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate dynamic two-dimensional (2D) and 3D transperineal pelvic ultrasound findings with urodynamic studies in women with lower urinary tract symptoms after midurethral sling placement.

Methods: On 2D images, the sling position, and on 3D imaging the sling angle, urethral diameter, urethral height, and urethral cross sectional area were recorded with and without Valsalva. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on 2D imaging: group 1-at rest, the sling lies parallel to the urethral lumen, and during Valsalva, the sling becomes C shaped; group 2-both at rest and during Valsalva, the sling runs parallel to the urethral lumen; group 3-at rest, the sling is C shaped, and during Valsalva, this curved shape is maintained.

Long-Term Outcomes After Residential Substance Use Treatment: Relapse, Morbidity, and Mortality.

A cohort of 207 veterans admitted to a residential substance use treatment program was followed for 5 years following discharge to determine factors associated with reduced relapse or mortality following discharge. Subsequent utilization of medical and psychiatric hospitalization and emergency room utilization was also examined. Retrospective chart review was conducted using demographic, diagnostic, and prior treatment as independent variables.

Transperineal Sonography and Urodynamic Findings in Women With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms After Sling Placement.

Objectives: To evaluate dynamic 2-dimensional (2D) transperineal pelvic sonographic findings and urodynamic studies in women with lower urinary tract symptoms after midurethral sling placement.

Methods: Transperineal pelvic sonography and urodynamic studies were reviewed from women with a midurethral sling and lower urinary tract symptoms. The shape and sonographic dynamic change of the sling from the rest position to the maximum Valsalva maneuver and back to rest were recorded.

Factors associated with the accuracy of self-reported osteoporosis in the community.

We examined the agreement between self-reported osteoporosis and bone mineral density (BMD) results through dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using data from a national representative sample taken from the US communities. Six-year data from the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, 2007-2008, and 2009-2010 were merged. Participants included adults 50 years of age or older whose data appeared in both questionnaire and medical examination data files.

Human T-lymphotropic Virus Co-infections in Adults Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 or 2 (HTLV-1/2) co-infection in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can lead to increased morbidity. Because HTLV-1/2 shares a similar transmission route with HIV, HTLV-1/2 infection may be more prevalent in HIV-infected individuals. However, rates of HTLV-1/2 co-infection among HIV-infected individuals have not been studied recently in the United States.

Determinants of Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase in Patients Infected with HIV.

Objectives: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to determine the relation between ALP and specific antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods: A total of 2990 patients were included in this study. Data were collected from a major academic institution's HIV clinic using the most recent searchable values from patients' medical records.

Effects of Well-Controlled HIV Infection on Complement Activation and Function.

Introduction: Uncontrolled HIV infection is known to activate the complement system, leading to an increase in chronic inflammation. Whether or not this activation of complement persists and contributes to chronic inflammation in subjects with HIV infection that is well controlled through use of antiretroviral therapy has not been studied.

Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study using sera from 305 adults with well-controlled HIV infection and 30 healthy controls.

Association of time since pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine receipt and CD4 count with antibody response to the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in HIV-infected adults.

Introduction: Pneumococcal infection is a leading cause of illness and death in HIV-infected adults. Current United States guidelines for HIV-infected adults recommend a single dose of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) at any CD4 count and at least 1 y after receipt of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). PPV is known to lead to hyporesponsiveness to subsequent pneumococcal vaccines for at least 1 y Whether PCV-13 would be more immunogenic if administered later after PPV receipt or at higher CD4 counts has not been tested.

Brief Report: Seroprevalence of Pertussis Infection in HIV-Infected Adults in the United States.

Pertussis is a resurgent infection that can cause significant morbidity among adults. CD4 T cells are necessary for its clearance, but pertussis studies in HIV-infected adults are limited to case reports. We analyzed stored serum samples from 299 HIV-infected adults to determine the seroprevalence of pertussis among this population.

Interleukin-9 and interleukin-17C in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background: Interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-17C have been known to play a role in allergic inflammation, yet, their roles in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are not well defined. IL-9 induces changes in epithelial cell gene expression leading to goblet cell metaplasia, whereas IL-17C is functionally distinct in that its expression can be induced by bacterial challenge and inflammatory stimuli. This study aimed to compare levels of IL-9 and IL-17C in CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) as well as atopy.

Tracheostomy Complications in Institutionalized Children with Long-term Tracheostomy and Ventilator Dependence.

Objectives: (1) To identify tracheostomy complications in institutionalized children with chronic tracheostomy. (2) To determine factors that predispose to development of tracheostomy complications in institutionalized children with chronic tracheostomy.

Study Design: Case series with chart review over 10 years.