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Influenza infection requires viral escape from early endosomes into the cytosol, which is enabled by an acid-induced irreversible conformational transformation in the viral protein hemagglutinin. Despite the direct relationship between this conformational change and infectivity, label-free methods for characterizing this and other protein conformational changes in biological mixtures are limited. While the chemical reactivity of the protein backbone and side-chain residues is a proxy for protein conformation, coupling this reactivity to quantitative mass spectrometry is a challenge in complex environments. Herein, we evaluate whether electrophilic amidination coupled with pseudo-parallel reaction monitoring is an effective label-free approach to detect the fusion-associated conformational transformation in recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA). We identified rHA peptides that are differentially amidinated between the pre- and post-fusion states, and validated that this difference relies upon the fusion-associated conformational switch. We further demonstrate that we can distinguish the fusion profile in a matrix of digested cellular lysate. This fusion assay can be used to evaluate fusion competence for modified HA. Graphical abstract.

Objective: To evaluate patients' satisfaction with opioid versus opioid‐sparing postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing outpatient head and neck surgery. Study Design: Prospective randomized trial. Setting: Tertiary care academic hospital. Methods: Adult patients undergoing outpatient head and neck surgery were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 analgesic regimens. First‐ and second‐line medications were the following by group (1) Hydrocodone‐acetaminophen with ibuprofen, (2) ibuprofen with hydrocodone‐acetaminophen, and (3) ibuprofen with acetaminophen. Preoperative counseling was provided to patients regarding expected pain and proper medication use. Postoperative questionnaires were administered to assess satisfaction. Results: One hundred three patients were enrolled in the study (mean age, 56.5 years; women, 75 [73%]). The mean satisfaction score with the pain regimen assigned was similar between the 3 groups (scale 0‐10, [7.7, 8.3, 8.5, P =.46]). A similar percentage of patients in each group reported that surgery was more painful than anticipated (25%, 32%, 26%, P =.978), and a similar percentage of patients reported willingness to utilize the same analgesic regimen following future surgeries (75%, 83%, 76%, P =.682). Additional questions evaluating the side effect profile, maximum and minimum pain scores, and difficulty of recovery were not statistically different between the 3 groups. Conclusion: In the postoperative population for outpatient head and neck surgeries, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction and pain control between the opioid and nonopioid arms. Providers should discuss opioid‐sparing regimens preoperatively with patients and describe them as effective in providing adequate pain control without a significant impact on patient's perception of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan, a modified product of chitin has found application in various fields such as in foods, cosmetics, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals. This study aim to evaluate the stability and the antifungal activity of chitosan films produced from shrimp shells. Chitosan films with various degrees of deacetylation (70%, 80%, and 90%) were produced from shrimp shells by solution casting and solvent evaporation method. The stability of the chitosan films was evaluated under a controlled environmental conditions over a 35 days period. The key stability parameters monitored include; tensile strenght, elongation at break, elastic modulus, and water vapour permeability. The antifungal activity of the films was investigated against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using the disc diffusion method. After 35 days, the mechanical properties (tensile strenght, elongation at break, and elastic modulus), and water vapour permeability of the chitosan films remained largely unchanged, indicating sustained stability over time. The chitosan films at the three deacetylation levels (70%, 80%, and 90%) exhibited antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, with chitosan film with 90% degree of deacetylation showing the highest antifungal activity. From the results of the study, chitosan films at three degrees of deacetylation (70%, 80%, and 90%) have good stability under the storage conditions tested. They are highly active against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, thus could be used as protective films for food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI, prickly pears, nopal cactus) has been used as a food, in beverages, besides prickly pears's natural betalain pigment serves as a food colorant. The abundant biological components of nopal cactus, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and other related compounds that exhibit therapeutic like, hypoglycemia management, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidation. Its versatility is remarkable, finding applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, human and livestock nutrition, alternative fuels, construction, erosion control, and animal care. Recent studies highlight its potential to inhibit the growth of cervical, ovarian, and bladder cancer cells in vitro. In vivo tests on mice demonstrated decreased tumor growth in the ovarian cancer model. However, more meticulously designed clinical trials are required, utilizing phytochemically characterized preparations. Opuntia ficus-indica recast an exceptional safety and tolerability profile, underscoring its potential as a versatile and health-promoting resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about cancer survivors who discontinue survivorship care. The objective of this study was to characterize patients with head and neck cancer who discontinue survivorship care with their treating institution and identify factors associated with discontinuation. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, who received cancer‐directed therapy at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). Eligible patients achieved a cancer‐free status after curative‐intent treatment and made at least 1 visit 90+ days after treatment completion. The primary outcome was discontinuation of survivorship care, which was defined as a still living survivor who had not returned to a UIHC cancer clinic for twice the expected interval. Demographic and oncologic factors were examined to identify associations with discontinuation. Results: Ninety‐seven of the 426 eligible patients (22.8%) discontinued survivorship care at UIHC during the study period. The mean time in follow‐up for those who discontinued treatment was 15.4 months. Factors associated with discontinuation of care included an unmarried status (P =.036), a longer driving distance to the facility (P =.0031), and a single‐modality cancer treatment (P <.0001). Rurality was not associated with discontinuation (24.3% vs 21.6% for urban residence; P =.52), nor was age, gender, or payor status. Conclusions: The study results indicate that a sizeable percentage of head and neck cancer survivors discontinue care with their treating institution. Both demographic and oncologic factors were associated with discontinuation at the treating institution, and this points to potential clinical and care delivery interventions. Using an oncology registry and chart reviews of 426 patients with head and neck cancer, this study documents that 22.8% discontinued survivorship care at the treating institution. Demographic and oncologic factors associated with whether a patient continues survivorship care—distance to the facility, marital status, and treatment modality—indicate potential loci for survivorship care optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]