Time to Re-consider a Gold Standard of Lymph Flow Imaging: Importance of Reliability to Detect Abnormal Lymphodynamics in Lymphedema Screening after Cancer Treatments.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hXSG9k

Smile reanimation after Unilateral Facial Palsy by Lengthening Temporalis Myoplasty : Objective and Subjective Evaluation on 25 cases.

Comparison of functional results of Lengthening Temporalis Myoplasty (LTM) relies in current practice on subjective scales. The goal of this study was to define a simple, reproducible objective scale validated through a comparison with a subjective scale for smile symmetrization results after temporal muscle myoplasty. This retrospective study was conducted on 25 patients having an unilateral facial palsy and rehabilitated with LTM. Evaluation consisted in objectives measures (smile horizontal symmetry between left and right side dsmile vertical symmetry dV, and smile width on Healthy (Hs) and Paretic side (Ps) on pre- and postoperative photos. Subjective scales were also employed (numeric scale (NS) and Terzis and Noah scale (TNS)) by a jury (4 professionals and 4 non-professionals) and the patient himself. Each evaluation was performed in three conditions: at rest, intermediary and maximum smile. Comparison of objectives measures on the impaired side showed a postoperative improvement in the three conditions evaluation. Reproducibility of NS was weak (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC

http://ift.tt/2i3Vhf3

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome after Xiaflex Injection for Dupuytren Disease.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hXQQ88

A Temporoparietal Fascia Pocket Method in Elevation of Reconstructed Auricle for Microtia.

Background: In the two-stage procedures for the reconstruction of microtia, an axial flap of temporoparietal fascia (TPF) is widely used to cover the costal cartilage blocks placed behind the framework. Although a TPF flap is undoubtedly reliable, use of the flap has some morbidity and comes at the expense of the option for salvage surgery. Methods: The authors devised a simplified procedure for covering the cartilage blocks by creating a pocket in the postauricular TPF. In the procedure, the constructed auricle is elevated from the head superficially to the TPF, and a pocket is created under the TPF and the capsule of the auricle framework. Then, cartilage blocks are inserted into the pocket and fixed. A total of 38 reconstructed ears in 38 patients with microtia ranging in age from 9 to 19 years were elevated using the authors' method from 2002 to 2014 and followed-up for at least 5 months. To evaluate the long-term stability of the method, two-way analysis of variance (p

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Coblation therapy in the management of chronic wounds.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hXVraw

Customizing extensor reconstruction in vascularized toe joint transfers to finger proximal interphalangeal joints - a strategic approach for correcting extensor lag.

Introduction: Vascularized toe proximal interphalangeal joint transfers (VJT) allows the restoration of damaged joints. However, extensor lag and poor arc of motion (AOM) have been reported. We present our outcomes treated according to a novel reconstructive algorithm addresses extensor lag and allows for consistent results post-operatively. Material and methods: VJTs were performed in a consecutive series of 26 digits in 25 patients. The average age was 30.5 years. There were 14 right hands (dominant) and 12 left. Reconstructed digits included 8 index, 10 middle, and 8 ring fingers. Simultaneous extensor reconstructions were performed and 8 were centralization of lateral bands, 5 direct EDL-to-EDC repairs and 13 central slip reconstructions. Results: The average length of follow up was 16.7 months. Average extension lag of 17.9[degrees] was noted at the last follow-up. The AOM was 57.7[degrees] (81.7% functional usage of pre-transferred toe PIPJ AOM). There was no significant difference in the reconstructed PIPJ AOM between the handedness (p= 0.23), recipient digits (p= 0.37) or surgical experience in VJTs (p= 0.25). Comparing the outcomes of different techniques of extensor mechanism reconstructions, the extension lag of centralization, direct EDL-to-EDC repair, and central slip reconstruction was 19.4[degrees], 13[degrees], and 18.8[degrees] (p= 0.42) respectively; The AOM was 54.4[degrees], 55[degrees], and 60.8[degrees] (p= 0.42); The reconstructed finger AOM compared to the pre-transferred toe PIP joint AOM was 76.3%, 79.7%, and 85.9% (p= 0.34). Discussion: With this treatment algorithm, consistent outcomes can be produced with minimal extensor lag and maximum usage of potential toe PIPJ AOM. (C)2016American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Redefining the Ideal Buttocks: A Population Analysis.

No abstract available

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Phenotypic Analysis of Stromal Vascular Fraction after Mechanical Shear Reveals Stress-Induced Progenitor Populations.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hcD80c

Adipose extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel: a novel adipose tissue-derived injectable for stem cell therapy.

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and other stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells were used more often for stem cell therapy, even though limitations such as poor cell retention rate, complicated and expensive isolation processes, and the use of specific laboratory equipment need to be overcome. Methods: Here, we developed a novel but simple method for generating an injectable mixture of SVF cells and native adipose extracellular matrix (ECM). It is a purely mechanical process in which lipoaspirate is processed into an "ECM/SVF-gel". The standard processing procedure was established using quantized tests. The therapeutic potential of ECM/SVF-gel for wound healing was then tested in an animal model. Results: ECM/SVF-gel derived from lipoaspirate and processed using a standard Coleman technique, followed by 1 min of mechanical processing by passage back and forth between two 10-ml syringes at a flow rate of 10 ml/sec, showed the highest ASC and endothelial cell density (1.9 +/- 0.2 x 105 cells/ml and 7.7 +/- 2.4 x 104, respectively). The SVF cells within the ECM/SVF-gel also showed potential for multipotent differentiation similar to that of cells from normal fat samples. Additionally, the ECM/SVF-gel showed better therapeutic results than SVF cell suspension when used to treat a nude mouse model of wound healing. Conclusions: ECM/SVF-gel is an autologous injectable derived of native ECM and is a functional cellular component generated using a simple mechanical process. As such, it may offer a novel mode of tissue repair suitable for clinical application in stem cell therapies. (C)2016American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Redefining the Ideal Buttocks: A Population Analysis.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hcHlkn

Response, Letter to the Editor: Phenotypic Analysis of Stromal Vascular Fraction After Mechanical Shear Reveals Stress-induced Progenitor Populations.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2iihMvZ

Validating facial aesthetic surgery results with the FACE-Q.

Introduction: In aesthetic clinical practice surgical outcome is best measured by patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL). For many years there has been a lack of validated questionnaires. Recently the FACE-Q was introduced and we present the largest series of facelift patients evaluated by FACE-Q with the longest follow-up to date. Materials/Methods: 200 consecutive patients were identified who underwent high SMAS facelifts, with or without additional facial rejuvenation procedures, between Jan 2005 and Jan 2015. Patients were sent eight FACE-Q scales and were asked to answer questions in regards to their satisfaction. Rank analysis of covariance was used to compare different subgroups. Results: 38% response rate. Combination of facelift with other procedures resulted in higher satisfaction than facelift alone (p

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"Reply: Time to Re-consider a Gold Standard of Lymph Flow Imaging: Importance of Reliability to Detect Abnormal Lymphodynamics in Lymphedema Screening after Cancer Treatments".

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2iil5mR

Reconstruction of the Radiated Breast: A National Claims-Based Assessment of Postoperative Morbidity.

Objective: Implant based reconstruction rates have risen among radiation treated breast cancer patients in the United States. The aim of this study is to assess the morbidity associated with various breast reconstruction techniques in radiated patients. Methods: From the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, we selected breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy, radiation and breast reconstruction from 2009 to 2012. We obtained demographic and clinical treatment data including data on the timing of radiation relative to breast reconstruction. We recorded complications and failures after implant and autologous reconstruction. We developed a multivariable logistic regression model with postoperative complications as the dependent variable and patient demographic and clinical variables including method and timing of reconstruction as independent variables. Results: 4,781 radiated patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. A majority of the patients (n=3,846, 80%) were reconstructed with implants. Overall complication rates were 45.3% and 30.8% for patients with implant and autologous reconstruction respectively. Failure of reconstruction occurred in 29.4% of patients with implant reconstruction compared to 4.3% for patients with autologous reconstruction. In multivariable logistic regression, radiated patients with implant reconstruction had 2 times the odds of having any complication and 11 times the odds of failure relative to patients with autologous reconstruction. Conclusions: Implant based breast reconstruction in the radiated patient, though popular, is associated with significant morbidity. Failures of reconstruction with implants in these patients approach 30% in the short term, suggesting a need for careful shared decision-making with full disclosure of the potential morbidity. (C)2016American Society of Plastic Surgeons

http://ift.tt/2hcE0Sm

The Analgesic Effects of (5R,6R)6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1] Octane on a Mouse Model of Neuropathic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Both pharmacologic and genetic approaches have been used to study the involvement of the muscarinic acetylcholine system in the regulation of chronic pain. Previous studies suggest that the M2 and M4 subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are important targets for the development of chronic pain. (5R,6R)6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1] octane (PTAC) has agonist effects on muscarinic M2 and M4 receptors and antagonist effects on muscarinic M1, M3, and M5 receptors. However, its analgesic effects have been less studied. METHODS: Male C57B L/6 mice were anesthetized, and left common peroneal nerve (CPN) ligation was performed to induce neuropathic pain. Before and after the application of PTAC systemically or specifically to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulation and static weight balance were measured, and the effects of PTAC on the conditioned place preference (CPP) were further evaluated. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of M1 and M2 in the striatum, ACC, and ventral tegmental area. RESULTS: The application of PTAC ([i.p.] intraperitoneal injection) increased the paw withdraw threshold in both the early (0.05 mg/kg, mean difference [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.19 [0.05-0.32]; 0.10 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.34 [0.22-0.46]) and the late phases (0.05 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.45 [0.39-0.50]; 0.1 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.44 [0.37-0.51]) after nerve injury and rebalanced the weight distribution on the hind paws of mice (L/R ratio: before, 0.56 +/- 0.03. 0.05 mg/kg, 1.00 +/- 0.04, 0.10 mg/kg, 0.99 +/- 0.03); however, it failed to induce place preference in the CPP (0.05 mg/kg, 2-way analysis of variance, P > .05; 0.2 mg/kg, 2-way analysis of variance, P > .05,). At the same doses, the analgesic effects at D3-5 lasted longer than the effects at D14-16. This may be due to the down-regulation of the M2 and M1 in tested brain regions. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggested that PTAC has analgesic effects on the neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially. (C) 2016 International Anesthesia Research Society

http://ift.tt/2hJQr96

Haloperidol Versus Ondansetron for Treatment of Established Nausea and Vomiting Following General Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Haloperidol is an antipsychotic. At low doses, it is a useful agent for the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, its use for treating established PONV has not been well studied. METHODS: This randomized double-blinded trial tested whether haloperidol is noninferior to ondansetron for the early treatment of established PONV in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. The primary outcome is whether patients were PONV free during the first 4 hours. The noninferiority margin was set at 15%. One hundred twenty patients with PONV received either haloperidol 1 mg intravenously (n = 60) or ondansetron 4 mg intravenously (n = 60). RESULTS: Data from 112 patients (59 in the haloperidol group and 53 in the ondansetron group) were analyzed. Thirty-five patients (52%) in the haloperidol group received 1 or 2 prophylactic antiemetics compared with 42 (79%) in the ondansetron group. Haloperidol was noninferior to ondansetron for the end point of complete response to treatment (defined as the rate of PONV-free patients) for the early (0-4 hour) and the 0- to 24-hour postoperative periods by both the per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses. In the per-protocol analysis, complete responses in the early period were noted in 35 of 59 patients (59%) and 29 of 53 patients (55%) for the haloperidol and ondansetron groups, respectively (difference 5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -13% to 22 %), and in the 0- to 24-hour period in 31 of 59 patients (53%) and 26 of 53 patients (49%) for the haloperidol and ondansetron groups, respectively (difference 4%; 95% CI of the difference: -15% to 21%). In the intention-to-treat analysis, complete responses in the early period were noted in 35 of 60 patients (58%) and 29 of 60 patients (48%) for the haloperidol and ondansetron groups, respectively (difference 10%; 95% CI of difference: -8% to 27%) and in the 0- to 24-hour period in 31 of 60 patients (52%) and 26 of 60 patients (43%) for the haloperidol and ondansetron groups, respectively (difference 8%; 95% CI of the difference: -9% to 25%). All other PONV secondary outcomes were comparable. Twenty-five percent of patients in the haloperidol group were sedated versus 2% in the ondansetron group (P

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Nitrous Oxide During Labor: Maternal Satisfaction Does Not Depend Exclusively on Analgesic Effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the analgesic effectiveness of nitrous oxide for labor pain is limited. Even fewer studies have looked at patient satisfaction. Although nitrous oxide appears less effective than neuraxial analgesia, it is unclear whether labor analgesic effectiveness is the most important factor in patient satisfaction. We sought to compare the relationship between analgesic effectiveness and patient satisfaction with analgesia in women who delivered vaginally using nitrous oxide, neuraxial analgesia (epidural or combined spinal-epidural [CSE]), or both (neuraxial after a trial of nitrous oxide). METHODS: A standardized survey was recorded on the first postpartum day for all women who received anesthetic care for labor and delivery. Data were queried for women who delivered vaginally with nitrous oxide and/or neuraxial labor analgesia over a 34-month period in 2011 to 2014. Parturients with complete data for analgesia quality and patient satisfaction were included. Analgesia and satisfaction scores were grouped into 8 to 10 high, 5 to 7 intermediate, and 0 to 4 low. These scores were compared with the use of ordinal logistic regression across 3 groups: nitrous oxide alone, epidural or CSE alone, or nitrous oxide followed by neuraxial (epidural or CSE) analgesia. RESULTS: A total of 6507 women received anesthesia care and delivered vaginally. Complete data were available for 6242 (96%) women; 5261 (81%) chose neuraxial analgesia and 1246 (19%) chose nitrous oxide. Of the latter, 753 (60%) went on to deliver with nitrous oxide alone, and 493 (40%) switched to neuraxial analgesia. Most parturients who received neuraxial analgesia (>90%) reported high analgesic effectiveness. Those who used nitrous oxide alone experienced variable analgesic effectiveness, with only one-half reporting high effectiveness. Among all women who reported poor analgesia effectiveness (0-4; n = 257), those who received nitrous oxide alone were more likely to report high satisfaction (8-10) than women who received epidural analgesia alone (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4-4.5; P = .002). Women who reported moderate analgesia (5-7) and received nitrous oxide only were more likely to report high satisfaction compared with the other groups. Among women who reported a high level of analgesic effectiveness, satisfaction with anesthesia was high and not different among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received nitrous oxide alone were as likely to express satisfaction with anesthesia care as those who received neuraxial analgesia, even though they were less likely to report excellent analgesia. Although pain relief contributes to the satisfaction with labor analgesia care, our results suggest that analgesia is not the only contributor to maternal satisfaction. (C) 2016 International Anesthesia Research Society

http://ift.tt/2hJKadl

Fluoroscopic-Guided Lumbar Spinal Drain Insertion for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery.

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11 patients who were referred by anesthesiologists to an interventional neuroradiologist for fluoroscopy-guided lumbar spinal drain insertion for thoracic aortic aneurysm repair between January 2010 and June 2015. Successful drain insertion was achieved in all patients. Three (27.3%) patients developed drain-related complications. Fluoroscopy-guided spinal drain insertion is an alternative to the conventional, nonimage-guided, blind technique used by anesthesiologists when they expect to encounter difficulty with insertion or in cases of failed insertion. (C) 2016 International Anesthesia Research Society

http://ift.tt/2hVWrtv

Improving Prediction of Postoperative Myocardial Infarction With High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and NT-proBNP.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to determine whether preoperatively measured high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) improve cardiac risk prediction in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery compared with the standard risk indices. METHODS: In this ancillary study to the Vitamins in Nitrous Oxide trial, patients were included who had preoperative hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP measured (n = 572). Study outcome was the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction (MI) within the first 3 postoperative days. hs-cTnT was considered elevated if >14 ng/L and NT-proBNP if >300 ng/L. Additional cutoff values were investigated on the basis of receiver operating characteristic statistics. Biomarker risk prediction was compared with Lee's Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) with the use of standard methods and net reclassification index. RESULTS: The addition of hs-cTnT (>14 ng/L) and NT-proBNP (>300 ng/L) to RCRI significantly improved the prediction of postoperative MI (event rate 30/572 [5.2%], Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased from 0.590 to 0.716 with a 0.66 net reclassification index [95% confidence interval 0.32-0.99], P

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Pediatric trans-oral submandibular gland excision: A safe and effective technique

Publication date: February 2017
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 93
Author(s): C.A. Hughes, J. Brown
IntroductionIn the pediatric population the submandibular gland requires removal in a number of conditions including, refractory recurrent sialoadenitis, sialolithiasis, salivary gland neoplasms and debilitating sialorrhea. In comparison to the traditional trans-cervical approach, the trans-oral route avoids a cervical scar, potential keloid formation and decreased risk of injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. This approach also eliminates the potentiality of remnant duct disease since the entire duct and papillae are removed. The article demonstrates the appropriateness of this method in the pediatric population and discusses the anatomy and technique.MethodsRetrospective review of ten pediatric patients who underwent trans-oral submandibular gland excision, the series was analyzed for age, gender, indication for procedure, complications, length of hospitalization, and postoperative pathology. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months.Results7 females and 3 males aged 9 to 17 underwent the procedure. Recurrent sialoadenitis, and sialolithiasis, accounted for 6 cases while salivary neoplasms (pleomorphic adenoma) accounted for 4 cases. No patient suffered vessel or nerve injury and no patient showed recurrent disease at 12 months follow-up. All glands were completely removed and no patient required conversion to the trans-cervical approach.ConclusionsTrans-oral submandibular gland excision is safe and effective in the pediatric population. This method avoids a cervical scar, avoids injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, and completely removes the duct, eliminating the potentiality of remnant duct disease. The authors have performed ten trans-oral submandibular gland excisions in pediatric patients without complications.



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Transcranial Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy for Brain Injury

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery Dec 2016, Vol. 34, No. 12: 587-598.


http://ift.tt/2ihSpuq

Serum Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels and Frailty in the Elderly: The Progetto Veneto Anziani Study

Rejuvenation Research , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2idcvK1

Inactivating frameshift mutation of putative tumor suppressor genes PLA2R1 and SRPK1 in gastric and colorectal cancers

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Cancer Genetics
Author(s): Ju Hwa Lee, Yun Sol Jo, Min Sung Kim, Nam Jin Yoo, Sug Hyung Lee




http://ift.tt/2hXPMBd

Phytostabilization of Zn-Pb ore flotation tailings with Dianthus carthusianorum and Biscutella laevigata after amending with mineral fertilizers or sewage sludge

Publication date: 15 March 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 189
Author(s): Krystyna Ciarkowska, Ewa Hanus-Fajerska, Florian Gambuś, Ewa Muszyńska, Tomasz Czech
Zinc-lead mining wastes remain largely unvegetated and prone to erosion for many years because of phytotoxic levels of residual heavy metals, low nutrient status and poor physical structure. The optimal solution for these areas is to restore plant cover using species which spontaneously appear on the spoils. These species are adapted to the conditions of tailings, and their establishment will promote further vegetation by increasing soil organic matter and development of a soil system capable of supporting the nutrient and water requirements of plants and microoorganisms. The potential of Dianthus carthusianorum and Biscutella laevigata to stabilize mine spoils was analysed in a three-year pot experiment. Post-flotation wastes accumulated after Zn and Pb recovery from ores, were collected from tailings and used as a substrate for plant growth. Seeds for seedling production were collected from plants growing spontaneously on mine tailings. Prior to the establishment of the three-year pot experiment, the substrate was amended with fertilizer NPK or municipal sewage sludge, supplemented with K2O (SS). Substrate samples were collected for chemical analyses, dehydrogenase and urease activities measurements each year at the end of the growing season. The plants were harvested three years after the amendments. Both tested plant species were equally suitable for revegetation of the tailings. The amendment including both SS and NPK resulted in an increase of Corg, Nt, available P, K, Mg contents, an increase of dehydrogenase (DHA) and urease activities and a decrease in the concentrations of the soluble forms of Zn, Pb and Cd. However, nutrient content, DHA activity and plant biomass were higher with SS than NPK addition. NPK application enhanced the substrate properties after the first growing season, while positive effects of SS use were still observed after three years. A longer-lasting positive effect of SS than NPK application was probably due to the high organic matter content in SS, which was gradually decomposing and releasing nutrients.

Graphical abstract

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Synthesis and their enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of ZnO nanoparticle-loaded CuO dandelion heterostructures under solar light

Publication date: 31 March 2017
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 399
Author(s): Guanying Dong, Bin Du, Lei Liu, Weiwei Zhang, Yujie Liang, Honglong Shi, Wenzhong Wang
Here we report an easy and large-scale synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) ZnO nanoparticle-loaded CuO dandelion (denoted as n-ZnO/p-CuO nanoparticle/dandelion) heterostructures and their photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting under simulated solar light illumination. CuO dandelions were fabricated by a facile and cost-effective chemical strategy, in which the ribbon-like CuO nanoplates were first formed and then assembled into dandelion-like architectures. ZnO nanoparticle-loaded CuO dandelion heterostructures were fabricated by calcining Zn(Ac)2-loaded CuO dandelions. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) studies demonstrate that intimate p-n junction is built between p-CuO and n-ZnO interface. The n-ZnO/p-CuO nanoparticle/dandelion photoelectrodes exhibit significant improvement in PEC water splitting to CuO dandelion photoelectrodes. The correlation between photocurrents and different loading contents of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is studied in which the n-ZnO/p-CuO nanoparticle/dandelion heterostructures with loading 4.6wt% ZnO NPs show higher photocathodic current. The efficient separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes driven by the intimate p-n junction between p-type CuO and n-type ZnO interface is mainly contributed to the enhanced photoanode current. The achieved results in the present study offer a very useful strategy for designing p-n junction photoelectrodes for efficiency and low-cost PEC cells for clean solar hydrogen production.



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Heavy metals in sludge during anaerobic sanitary landfill: Speciation transformation and phytotoxicity

Publication date: 15 March 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 189
Author(s): Kai Yang, Ying Zhu, Ranran Shan, Yanqiu Shao, Chao Tian
Sanitary landfill persists as a predominant sludge disposal method in particular in China. In this study, successive subsurface sludge samples (0.3 m deep) were collected from a bioreactor landfill unit where an anaerobic process took place during a 500 d period. The sludge samples were analyzed for total concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) and their species distributions, together with selected sludge chemical properties. In addition, the sludge samples were subjected to phytotoxicity testing. The results showed that the mobilities of Cd and Ni were decreased with landfill time, while the mobilities of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn remained consistently low over the landfill period. The residual amounts of all these heavy metals were increased with landfill time, suggesting that the anaerobic sanitary landfill is an effective sludge stabilization method to reduce the ecological risk of these heavy metals. The increase in the sludge pH value with landfill time tended to promote the precipitation of heavy metals. Moreover, the sludge stabilization was found to be indicated by the formation of humic substance (HS) and volatilization of volatile matter (VM). The germination index (GI) values of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis) seeds grown in the 500 d anaerobically stabilized sludge were approximately 5.2- and 4.1-times higher than the values of those grown in the fresh sludge. The final sludge extract did not cause any significant inhibitory effect on the germination of the two types of seeds.

Graphical abstract

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Co-metal-organic-frameworks with pure uniform crystal morphology prepared via Co2+ exchange-mediated transformation from Zn-metallogels for luminol catalysed chemiluminescence

Publication date: 15 March 2017
Source:Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, Volume 175
Author(s): Xue Qian Tang, Bo Wen Xiao, Chun Mei Li, Dong Mei Wang, Cheng Zhi Huang, Yuan Fang Li
Cation exchange-mediated transformation from Zn-metallogels (MOGs), which was a mild facile strategy relative to the demanding hydrothermal method, was employed to develop Co²⁺ metal-organic frameworks (Co-MOFs) at room temperature. The obtained Co-MOFs was of uniform octahedral morphology and possessed high activity to catalyze luminol chemiluminescence without extra oxidants. By adding cysteine, the CL emission of luminol-Co-MOFs system was further enhanced. Based on this phenomenon, Co-MOFs was utilized to build a practical sensing platform for cysteine determination. Under the optimized conditions, the relative CL intensity (ΔI) was proportional to the concentration of cysteine in the range of 2–10μM, and the detection limit was 0.49μM (3S/N). Moreover, the established method was applied to the determination of cysteine in commercially available pharmaceutical injections.

Graphical abstract

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Interprofessional Education to Create and Sustain High-Performance Teams to Support Our Transforming Health Care System and Future Educational Model: How Nutrition and Dietetics Can “Weigh-in”

Publication date: Available online 20 December 2016
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Anne M. Davis, Sandra G. Affenito




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Effect of partial replacement of wheat flour with varying levels of flaxseed flour on physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of cookies

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre
Author(s): Maninder Kaur, Varinder Singh, Rajwinder Kaur
Replacement of wheat flour with varying levels of flaxseed flour (0–30%) on nutritional, functional and antioxidant properties of cookies was investigated. Cookies produced from composite flour mixes were significantly (p<0.05) higher in protein, fat, ash and fibre contents than the control. Flaxseed was found to be rich in antioxidant potential as evident from the higher total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity and reducing power of composite flour cookies in comparison to control. The results indicated that as the concentration of flaxseed flour in the blend increased, the cookies became darker in color with a significant (p<0.05) increase in their spread factor. Sensory panellists rated cookies containing 15% level of flaxseed flour as highly acceptable in relation to their overall acceptability scores. Beyond this level of replacement the texture and flavour of cookies was adversely affected. Principal component analysis revealed that physicochemical and sensory properties of cookies produced by 10% replacement with flaxseed flour were closest to the control cookies.



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Full title with Editorial board members

Publication date: 15 February 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 319





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3-Iodothyronamine Decreases Expression of Genes Involved in Iodide Metabolism in Mouse Thyroids and Inhibits Iodide Uptake in PCCL3 Thyrocytes

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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3-Iodothyronamine Decreases Expression of Genes Involved in Iodide Metabolism in Mouse Thyroids and Inhibits Iodide Uptake in PCCL3 Thyrocytes

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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Low Elasticity of Thyroid Nodules on Ultrasound Elastography Is Correlated with Malignancy, Degree of Fibrosis, and High Expression of Galectin-3 and Fibronectin-1

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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Low Elasticity of Thyroid Nodules on Ultrasound Elastography Is Correlated with Malignancy, Degree of Fibrosis, and High Expression of Galectin-3 and Fibronectin-1

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2htAwZA

Sirt1 regulates acrosome biogenesis by modulating autophagic flux during spermiogenesis in mice [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Chao Liu, Zhenhua Song, Lina Wang, Haiyan Yu, Weixiao Liu, Yongliang Shang, Zhiliang Xu, Haichao Zhao, Fengyi Gao, Jiamin Wen, Linan Zhao, Yaoting Gui, Jianwei Jiao, Fei Gao, and Wei Li

Sirt1 is a member of the sirtuin family of proteins and has important roles in numerous biological processes. Sirt1^–/- mice display an increased frequency of abnormal spermatozoa, but the mechanism of Sirt1 in spermiogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we report that Sirt1 might be directly involved in spermiogenesis in germ cells but not in steroidogenic cells. Germ cell-specific Sirt1 knockout mice were almost completely infertile; the early mitotic and meiotic progression of germ cells in spermatogenesis were not obviously affected after Sirt1 depletion, but subsequent spermiogenesis was disrupted due to a defect in acrosome biogenesis, which resulted in a phenotype similar to that observed in human globozoospermia. In addition, LC3 and ATG7 deacetylation was disrupted in the spermatids after knocking out Sirt1, which affected the redistribution of LC3 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and the activation of autophagy. Furthermore, Sirt1 depletion resulted in the failure of LC3 to be recruited to Golgi apparatus-derived vesicles and in the failure of GOPC and PICK1 to be recruited to nucleus-associated acrosomic vesicles. Taken together, our findings reveal that Sirt1 has a novel physiological function in acrosome biogenesis.

http://ift.tt/2htCRn0

Acute and chronic toxicity of diuron and carbofuran to the neotropical cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii

Abstract

In order to contribute to the increase of the body of knowledge on the sensitivity of tropical indigenous species to pesticides, acute and chronic toxicity tests were conducted with the neotropical cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii. Tests were carried out with the active ingredients diuron and carbofuran and one of their commercial formulations, the Diuron Nortox® 500 SC and the Furadan® 350 SC, respectively. For carbofuran, the active ingredient was more toxic than the commercial product, whereas for diuron, the commercial product appeared more toxic. In addition, hormetic effects on fertility were recorded for intermediate diuron concentrations. Acute and chronic toxicity data indicated that C. silvestrii was among the most sensitive invertebrate species for both test compounds. Based on concentrations measured in Brazilian water bodies, these compounds represent ecological risks for causing direct and indirect toxic effects on C. silvestrii and other aquatic organisms. Our results support previous claims on the advantages of using native species to better tune ecological risk assessment of chemicals in tropical ecosystems.

http://ift.tt/2icZUXi

Effect of chlorine dosage in prechlorination on trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids during water treatment process

Abstract

To identify the effect of chlorine dosage in prechlorination on the formation of disinfection by-products during drinking water treatment process, the relationship between chlorine dosage and concentrations of THMs and HAAs was analyzed. Furthermore, the variation about the ratio of THMs/HAAs was also analyzed. The results indicated that concentrations of THMs and HAAs would rise with the increase of chlorine dosage, and TCM was the main product of four THMs, while DCAA and TCAA were the primary products of five HAAs. Moreover, the ratio of THMs to HAAs rose with the chlorine dosage increase. Thus, chlorine dosage in prechlorination had a significant impact on THMs and HAAs and should be controlled effectively.

http://ift.tt/2h4hK9V

Greenhouse gas emissions during plantation stage of palm oil-based biofuel production addressing different land conversion scenarios in Malaysia

Abstract

The environmental impacts with regard to agro-based biofuel production have been associated with the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this study, field GHG emissions during plantation stage of palm oil-based biofuel production associated with land use changes for oil palm plantation development have been evaluated. Three different sites of different land use changes prior to oil palm plantation were chosen; converted land-use (large and small-scales) and logged-over forest. Field sampling for determination of soil N-mineralisation and soil organic carbon (SOC) was undertaken at the sites according to the age of palm, i.e. <5 years (immature), 5–20 and >21 years (mature oil palms). The field data were incorporated into the estimation of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and the resulting CO₂-eq emissions as well as for estimation of carbon stock changes. Irrespective of the land conversion scenarios, the nitrous oxide emissions were found in the range of 6.47–7.78 kg N₂O-N/ha resulting in 498–590 kg CO₂-eq/ha. On the other hand, the conversion of tropical forest into oil palm plantation has resulted in relatively higher GHG emissions (i.e. four times higher and carbon stock reduction by >50%) compared to converted land use (converted rubber plantation) for oil palm development. The conversion from previously rubber plantation into oil palm plantation would increase the carbon savings (20% in increase) thus sustaining the environmental benefits from the palm oil-based biofuel production.

http://ift.tt/2icVi3A

Microbial synthesis of bimetallic PdPt nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Abstract

Bimetallic nanoparticles are generally believed to have improved catalytic activity and stability due to geometric and electronic changes. In this work, biogenic-Pd (bio-Pd), biogenic-Pt (bio-Pt), and biogenic-PdPt (bio-PdPt) nanoparticles were synthesized by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in the absence or presence of quinone. Compared with direct microbial reduction process, the addition of anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) could promote the reduction efficiency of Pd(II) or/and Pt(IV) and result in decrease of particles size. All kinds of nanoparticles could catalyze 4-nitrophenol reduction by NaBH₄ and their catalytic activities took the following order: bio-PdPt (AQDS) ∼ bio-PdPt > bio-Pd (AQDS) > bio-Pd > bio-Pt (AQDS) ∼ bio-Pt. Moreover, the bio-PdPt (AQDS) nanoparticles could be reused for 6 cycles. We believe that this simple and efficient biosynthesis approach for synthesizing bimetallic bio-PdPt nanocatalysts is important for preparing active and stable catalysts.

http://ift.tt/2h4fkrL

Control of the pollution of antibiotic resistance genes in soils by quorum sensing inhibition

Abstract

To investigate whether pollution from antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) could be affected by bacterial quorum sensing, the oxytetracycline (OTC)-containing manure was fertilized to establish the ARG-polluted soil environment. Under long-term OTC stress, substantial ARGs in the range from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻³ RG/16S rRNA (resistance genes/16S rRNA) were detected in the antibiotics control (AC) group, in which OTC-containing manure was fertilized. Meanwhile, 10⁻⁶ RG/16S rRNA was detected in biological control (BC) group, in which non-OTC-containing manure was fertilized. Subsequently, two typical quorum sensing inhibitors, 4-nitropyridine N-oxide (4-NPO) and 3,4-dibromo-2H-furan-5-one (DBF), were used to treat the ARG-polluted soils. These two groups called 4-NPO treatments (NT) and DBF treatments (FT), respectively. There were no significant differences in bacterial growth and OTC degradation in NT and FT groups, compared to AC group. However, acyl-homoserine lactones such as C₄-HSL, C₆-HSL, and C₈-HSL decreased significantly in both NT and FT groups, compared to AC group. Meanwhile, the abundance of most ARGs decreased dramatically. In FT group, the concentrations of tet(L) and tet(Q) were below the detection limits. It was demonstrated that quorum sensing inhibition could be an effective way to prevent and control the pollution of ARGs in soil.

http://ift.tt/2id2o8f

Equilibrium modeling of cadmium biosorption from aqueous solution by compost

Abstract

One of the most serious environmental issues of the present century is metal contamination of the aqueous environment due to the release of metal-containing effluents into the water bodies. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the toxic heavy metals which is not biodegradable thereby causing high risks to animals, plants, and humans. In the present study, potential and feasibility of compost derived from fruits and vegetables for Cd biosorption from aqueous solution were investigated. The batch biosorption experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of Cd concentrations (5, 15, 30, and 60 mg/L), compost biomass (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/100 mL), pH (4, 6, and 8), contact time (1, 4, and 19 h), and temperature (28 and 35 °C) on Cd sorption and removal by compost. The biosorption of Cd was found to be highly dependent on initial Cd concentration, sorbent biomass, pH, contact time, and temperature of aqueous solution. It was observed that Cd sorption by compost was rapid up to 4 h, and then it became slow and stable as the contact time shifted towards equilibrium state (19 h). At equilibrium, the Cd sorption (q = 0.33–5.43 mg/g compost) and removal (45–99%) were observed at pH 6 and temperature 28 °C depending upon Cd concentrations and sorbent biomass in aqueous solution. The equilibrium experimental data were fitted well with Langmuir adsorption isotherm model (q _max = 6.35–7.14 mg/g compost, R ² = 0.77–0.98). FTIR spectrum of the compost indicated the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which might be involved in the biosorption of Cd through ion exchange and complexation mechanisms. The optimal environmental conditions (pH 6, sorbent biomass 0.5 g/100 mL, and temperature 28 °C) induced more Cd sorption on compost at equilibrium. Results show compost as a cost-effective adsorbent material having high potential for heavy metal remediation from aqueous solution.

http://ift.tt/2h4c5Rj

Cytotoxic effects of moderate static magnetic field exposure on human periphery blood mononuclear cells are influenced by Val16Ala-MnSOD gene polymorphism

Abstract

Technological advancement has increasingly exposed humans to magnetic fields (MFs). However, more insights are necessary into the potential toxicity of MF exposure as a result of genetic variations related to oxidative metabolism. Therefore, the following study has assessed an in vitro cytotoxic effect of static magnetic field (SMF) (5 mT) on cells with Val16Ala polymorphism (AA, VA, and VV) in the manganese superoxide dismutase gene. Homozygous Val16Ala-superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) genotypes present oxidative imbalance that is associated with risk to several chronic degenerative diseases (VV produces less efficient and AA more efficient SOD2 enzyme). Blood samples from healthy adult subject carriers with different Val16Ala-SOD2 genotypes were obtained and exposed to MF at different times (0, 1, 3, 6 h). The cytotoxic effect as well as oxidative stress was evaluated after incubation of 24 h at 37 °C. In addition, apoptosis induction has been analyzed by flow cytometry as well as Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), and caspases 8 and 3 gene expression. SMF cytotoxic effect has been observed in AA cells at all times of exposure, whereas AV cells presented higher mortality only after 6 h of exposure at SMF. Higher apoptosis induction has been observed in AA cells when compared to VV and AV cells. These results suggest a toxicogenetic SMF effect related to an imbalance in SOD2 activity.

http://ift.tt/2h4h9VC

Modulation of erythromycin-induced biochemical responses in crucian carp by ketoconazole

Abstract

The individual and combined biochemical responses of erythromycin and ketoconazole have been examined in an organism representative of the aquatic environment, crucian carp (Carassius auratus). The possible interactions between erythromycin and ketoconazole were investigated on the bioaccumulation and the expression of biotransformation enzymes 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), and an antioxidant defense enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in fish tissues. After 14 days of combined exposure (erythromycin + ketoconazole), the addition of ketoconazole at nominal concentrations of 0.2, 2, and 20 μg/L significantly increased the accumulation of erythromycin in fish bile; however, elevated erythromycin accumulation levels were not observed in the other test tissues. The inductions of EROD and SOD activity to erythromycin were inhibited by the combined exposure of ketoconazole in most cases; however, the GST activity returned to normal with exposure time and concentration of combined administration. From the tested pharmaceutical mixtures, it indicated that certain specific combinations may pose some perturbations in biochemical responses in fish and also provide a better understanding of the effects of toxic mixtures.

http://ift.tt/2id0PqC

Co-modified MCM-41 as an effective adsorbent for levofloxacin removal from aqueous solution: optimization of process parameters, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies

Abstract

Antibiotics are emerging contaminants due to their potential risks to human health and ecosystems. Poor biodegradability makes it necessary to develop effective physical-chemical methods to eliminate these contaminants from water. The cobalt-modified MCM-41 was prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method and characterized by SAXRD, N₂ adsorption-desorption, SEM, UV–Vis DR, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results revealed that the prepared 3% Co-MCM-41 possessed mesoporous structure with BET surface areas at around 898.5 m²g⁻¹. The adsorption performance of 3% Co-MCM-41 toward levofloxacin (LVF) was investigated by batch experiments. The adsorption of LVF on 3% Co-MCM-41 was very fast and reached equilibrium within 2 h. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with the second-order rate constants in the range of 0.00198–0.00391 g mg⁻¹ min⁻¹. The adsorption isotherms could be well represented by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm equations. Nevertheless, D-R isotherm provided the best fit based on the coefficient of determination and average relative error values. The mean free energy of adsorption (E) calculated from D-R model was about 11 kJ mol⁻¹, indicating that the adsorption was mainly governed by a chemisorption process. Moreover, the adsorption capacity was investigated as a function of pH, adsorbent dosage, LVF concentration, and temperature with help of respond surface methodology (RSM). A quadratic model was established, and an optimal condition was obtained as follows: pH 8.5, adsorbent dosage of 1 g L⁻¹, initial LVF concentration of 119.8 mg L⁻¹, and temperature of 31.6 °C. Under the optimal condition, the adsorption capacity of 3% Co-MCM-41 to LVF could reach about 108.1 mg g⁻¹. The solution pH, adsorbent dosage, LVF concentration, and a combination of adsorbent dose and LVF concentration were significant factors affecting the adsorption process. The adsorption thermodynamic functions were also determined. The negative ΔH ⁰ (−33.50 kJ mol⁻¹) and ΔS ⁰ (−43.57 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹) suggested that the adsorption was an exothermic process accompanied by decreasing disorder. This study may indicate that 3% Co-MCM-41 is a promising adsorbent for removing emerging pollutants of LVF from water.

http://ift.tt/2h4cSlg

Mycorrhizal colonization status of lowland rice ( Oryza sativa L.) in the southeastern region of China

Abstract

The accumulation, distribution, and speciation of contaminants, such as arsenic, in rice can be affected by soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). As a potential measure to control contaminant acquisition in rice, the status and performance of AMF in the field need to be investigated. Root samples of rice plants were collected in seven different cities in Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Jiangsu Provinces in China in order to investigate the colonization rate of AMF. The total DNA of the roots was extracted, followed by PCR and sequencing, and further confirmed the existence of AMF. The highest colonization rates (19.5 ± 7.2%) were observed in samples from Huizhou City, Guangdong Province. Sequences of ribosomal DNA derived from Pingtan (PT) and Shuikou (SK) in Huizhou shared a similarity of 73 and 86% to Glomus cf. clarum Att894-7 (FM865542) and "uncultured fungus" (EF434122.1), respectively. The moisture tolerance of the AMF from different sources was tested by subjecting to different levels of water content in the soil. Only AMF from PT, SK, and LJ colonized rice under a condition of 100% of the soil water holding capacity (WHC), but not those isolated from upland plants. The AM colonization rate could be governed by the lighting conditions and temperature. AMF isolated in paddy fields has been shown to have more tolerance to moisture than other upland species. Radial oxygen loss (species and stress dependent) could be an essential factor influencing the colonization rate and requires more investigation.

http://ift.tt/2icXQyO

Challenges and methodology in the incorporation of biomarkers in cancer clinical trials

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Charlotte S. Wilhelm-Benartzi, Shahrul Mt-Isa, Francesca Fiorentino, Robert Brown, Deborah Ashby
Biomarkers can be used to establish more homogeneous groups using the genetic makeup of the tumour to inform the selection of treatment for each individual patient. However, proper preclinical work and stringent validation are needed before taking forward biomarkers into confirmatory studies. Despite the challenges, incorporation of biomarkers into clinical trials could better target appropriate patients, and potentially be lifesaving. The authors conducted a systematic review to describe marker-based and adaptive design methodology for their integration in clinical trials, and to further describe the associated practical challenges. Studies published between 1990 to November 2015 were searched on PubMed. Titles, abstracts and full text articles were reviewed to identify relevant studies. Of the 4438 studies examined, 57 studies were included. The authors conclude that the proposed approaches may readily help researchers to design biomarker trials, but novel approaches are still needed.



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Monitoring Ca2+ elevations in individual astrocytes upon local release of amyloid beta in acute brain slices

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Olga Tyurikova, Kaiyu Zheng, Annika Rings, Anna Drews, David Klenerman, Dmitri A. Rusakov
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to involve acute neurotoxic effects exerted by oligomeric forms of amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ). Application of Aβ oligomers in physiological concentrations have been shown to transiently elevate internal Ca²⁺ in cultured astroglia. While the cellular machinery involved has been extensively explored, to what degree this important signalling cascade occurs in organised brain tissue has remained unclear. Here we adapted two-photon excitation microscopy and calibrated time-resolved imaging (FLIM), coupled with patch-clamp electrophysiology, to monitor Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]) inside individual astrocytes and principal neurons in acute brain slices. Inside the slice tissue local micro-ejection of Aβ in sub-micromolar concentrations triggered prominent [Ca²⁺] elevations in an adjacent astrocyte translated as an approximately two-fold increase (averaged over ∼5min) in basal [Ca²⁺]. This elevation did not spread to neighbouring cells and appeared comparable in amplitude with commonly documented spontaneous [Ca²⁺] rises in astroglia. Principal nerve cells (pyramidal neurons) also showed Ca²⁺ sensitivity, albeit to a lesser degree. These observations shed light on the extent and dynamics of the acute physiological effects of Aβ on brain cells in situ, in the context of AD.



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Naringin alleviates early brain injury after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting apoptosis

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Yuwei Han, Jingyuan Su, Xiujuan Liu, Yuan Zhao, Chenchen Wang, Xiaoming Li
This study aims to clarify the neuroprotective effect of naringin on early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the possible mechanisms of naringin in the treatment of SAH. The endovascular puncture model was performed to induce SAH model in rats and the efficacy of 40mg/kg and 80mg/kg naringin were tested by intraperitoneally administration. SAH grade, neurological score, brain edema, blood-brain barrier permeability, the changes of oxidative stress related factors, apoptosis-related proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and neuronal morphology were detected to analyze the potential effect of naringin against SAH. The results demonstrated that naringin significantly ameliorated EBI, including SAH severity, neurologic deficits, brain edema and blood-brain barrier integrity by attenuating SAH-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and reduced the oxidant damage and apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway, which suggested a therapeutic potential of naringin in providing neuroprotection after SAH.



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A survey of herbal weeds that are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders from southern Thailand: Krabi and Songkhla provinces

Publication date: 20 January 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 196
Author(s): Oratai Neamsuvan, Thamakorn Ruangrit
Ethnopharmacological relevanceWeeds are plants grow naturally and are commonly seen. They are mostly used for feedstuff. However, their use as herbs for treating diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, is rare. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (1) quantify the number of herbal weeds used for treating gastrointestinal disorders; (2) study local knowledge of weed utilization for treating gastrointestinal disorders in Songkhla and Krabi provinces; and (3) analyse quantitative data with the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Fidelity Level (FL).Materials and methodsThe study was conducted from November 2014 to January 2016 through semi-structured interviews with 35 folk healers. The main questions were designed to obtain plant information, including the local name, method of use, preparation method and medicinal properties. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, quantitative indexes (UV, ICF as well as FL) and interpretation.ResultsA total of 49 species in 46 genera and 28 families were found. The most common use of weeds was as herbs (80%). The preferred part used was the whole plant (76.27%). The preferred methods of drug preparation and use were decoction and drink, respectively. The highest UV was found for Acmella oleracea (0.83). The highest FLs (100%) were found for 12 species, including Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus viridis, Alternanthera sessilis, Sauropus androgynus, Plantago major, and others. The highest ICFs (1.00) were found for treating toothache, dysentery, haemorrhoids, intestinal pain and abdominal pain.ConclusionOverall, there are reports on the pharmacological activity of 31 species of weeds and reports on toxicity for 20 species of weeds. Therefore, awareness of the use of herbs is necessary to ensure that they are used safely and that benefits arise from the therapy. This study showed that medicinal weeds are still popularly used by folk healers. The pharmacological properties were consistent with the local uses, which supported a preliminary indication that the weed plants were effective for treating gastrointestinal diseases.

Graphical abstract

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Imaging of Acute Pelvic Pain in Girls: Ovarian Torsion and Beyond

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Lena Naffaa, Tejaswini Deshmukh, Shanthan Tumu, Chris Johnson, Kevin P. Boyd, Arthur B. Meyers
Identifying the etiology of acute pelvic pain in girls is often clinically challenging. Particularly in young girls it is often difficult to determine if acute pelvic symptoms are originating from a gynecologic source or from a genitourinary or gastrointestinal etiology based on the child′s clinical exam alone. Therefore, imaging plays a key role in establishing a diagnosis and in directing medical and surgical treatment. Pediatric gynecologic conditions which can present acutely with pain and/or mass include: ovarian torsion, hematometrocolpos, pelvic inflammatory disease, inguinal hernias containing an ovary and/or the uterus, adnexal cysts, pregnancy, vaginal foreign bodies and ovarian vein thrombosis. Sources of pelvic pain in girls from non- gynecologic etiologies include: appendicitis, distal ureterolithiasis and Crohn′s disease. Due to the lack of ionizing radiation, widespread availability, and lack of need for sedation grey scale and Doppler ultrasound examination is often the initial imaging obtained when there is suspicion of gynecologic pathology. Radiographs of the abdomen and pelvis are commonly used in the acute setting when there is concern for a bowel obstruction or free intraperitoneal air. Cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI is used when the diagnosis remains unknown and to clarify findings found on ultrasound and radiographs. Correctly identifying and diagnosing the causes of acute pelvic pain in girls is crucial for the care of these patients. Here we review the spectrum of causes of acute pelvic pain in female infants to teens with emphasis on imaging approach and age-related characteristics.Objectiveso Review the normal anatomy, key anatomic relationships and age-related changes of the uterus and ovaries.o Discuss the appropriate choice of imaging for girls with acute pelvic pain.o Review the imaging of pelvic pathological conditions presenting in girls in the emergent clinical setting.o Differentiation of surgical from nonsurgical entities



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Creating and Sustaining a Successful Fellowship Program: Challenges and Solutions

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Keith D. Herr, Tarek N. Hanna, Bharti Khurana, Jamlik-Omari Johnson, Aaron Sodickson




http://ift.tt/2hXjmqs

Lab-in-a-syringe using gold nanoparticles for rapid colorimetric chiral discrimination of enantiomers

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Erhan Zor, Nisa Bekar
Nanomaterials with different characteristics are offering many ingenious sensing approaches with interest for simple and disposable paper-based (bio)sensing applications. In this study, the colorimetric discrimination of alanine enantiomers is examined and, more importantly, AuNPs-embedded paper-based lab-in-a-syringe (LIS) device is developed as a sensing strategy. The LIS consists of two cellulose acetate membranes: the conjugate pad capturing the analyte and the detection pad signaling the presence of the captured analyte, both are sandwiched between reusable plastic filter holders connected to a disposable syringe. The principle of LIS assay is based on the enantioselective interaction occurring between the inherently chiral AuNPs and enantiomers in the first filter holder, which results in aggregation of AuNPs to give a distinct colour change from red to purple in solution and finally the aggregated AuNPs is kept on the detection pad through vertical-flow operation. AuNPs show an enantioselective recognition response toward L-Alanine and limit of detection (LOD) value is determined as 0.77mM. In addition, we demonstrate the efficiency of the LIS device for detecting L-Alanine in human serum. The proposed LIS assay has some advantages such as useful for naked-eye observation, disposable, not time-consuming, inexpensive, no need of advanced instruments, easy to prepare and easy to handle. In the field, the approach which is the first demonstration of applicability of LIS device to show simple colorimetric enantioselective sensing of chiral species with a fast readout in less than 5min is truly new and may have broad interest in enantiosensing of various chiral molecules.

Graphical abstract

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Ratiometric fluorescent response of electrospun fibrous strips for real-time sensing of alkaline phosphatase in serum

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Long Zhao, Songzhi Xie, Xiaojie Song, Jiaojun Wei, Zhao Zhang, Xiaohong Li
The development of rapid, convenient and reliable assays for monitoring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels is valuable for clinical diagnoses and biomedical research. In the current study, a ratiometric assay of ALP activity has been realized by covalent immobilization of fluorescein onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, followed by electrostatic adsorption of bisquaternary ammonium salt of tetraphenylethene (TPE-2N⁺). In the absence of ALP, the complex formation between phosphorylated fluorescein and TPE-2N⁺ results in the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of TPE at 471nm. While in the presence of ALP, the hydrolysis of phosphoesters leads to a gradual removal of TPE-2N⁺ and the restoration of fluorescein emission at 514nm. Fibers with surface amine densities of 30 nmol/mg show the most significant and almost linear increases in I514/I471 ratios from 0.73 to 3.05 with increasing ALP concentrations from 0 to 100 mU/mL. The ratiometric fluorescence responses result in color changes of fibrous strips from blue (TPE-2N⁺) to green (fluorescein) under an ultraviolet lamp in a matter of minutes. The color changes are more suitable for an eyeball detection of ALP levels ranging from 0 to 80 mU/mL, which is included in the concentration range of ALP in human serum considering the dilution factor if necessary. The ALP detection indicates no apparent interference by serum components and good agreement with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thus, this is the first study on ratiometric fluorescent assay of serum ALP levels by fibrous strips, which offers a capacity to exploit electrospun fibrous mats and ratiometric responses for real-time assays of bioactive substances as self-test devices.

Graphical abstract

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An electrochemical DNA sensor without electrode pre-modification

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Nian Hong, Lin Cheng, BingGuo Wei, ChaDan Chen, Ling Ling He, DeRong kong, JinXiang Ceng, Han-Feng Cui, Hao Fan
We present a non-modification electrochemical DNA sensing strategy, which used Potential-Assisted Au-S Deposition and a clamp-like DNA probe. The dual-hairpin probe DNA was tagged with a methylene blue (MB) at the 3′ terminal and a thiol at the 5′ terminal., Without being hybridized with target DNA, the loop of probe prevented the thiol from reaching the bare gold electrode surface with an applied potential., After hybridization with the target DNA, the probe' s loop–stem structure opened through two distinct and sequential events, which led to the formation of a triplex DNA structure. Then the thiol easily contacted with electrode and resulted in potential-assisted Au-S self-assembly. Electrochemical signals of MB were measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and used for target quantitative detection. This strategy offered a detection limit down to 2.3pM. and an inherently high specificity for detecting even single mismatch.



http://ift.tt/2hXs2xb

Real-time near-infrared bioimaging of a receptor-targeted cytotoxic dendritic theranostic agent

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 120
Author(s): Junchen Wu, Yuren Zhou, Shang Li, Dahui Qu, Wei-Hong Zhu, He Tian
Efficient and site-specific delivery of anticancer drugs to tumors is important in the development of effective cancer chemotherapy. As an undecapeptide of the tachykinin neuropeptide family, the substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) system has been identified as a promising ligand-receptor pair in tumor-specific drug delivery. However, the rational design of suitable theranostic agents with high drug loading capacity and tumor targeting for cancer patients remains a great challenge. Herein, we report a dendritic strategy that utilizes the two amine functionalities of lysine to create branch points that allow conjugation of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to the tumor-targeting ligand substance P, along with an additional near-infrared (NIR) squaraine dye, to construct a theranostic dendritic agent, P-FU 4. This cytotoxic theranostic agent, containing four carboxyl-modified 5-FU molecules, has several desirable advantages: i) the ability to self-assemble into nanoparticles; ii) enhanced cytotoxicity with high drug loading capacity (16%) and a specific receptor-targeted interaction with NK1R through the SP moiety; and iii) a high NIR squaraine fluorescence efficiency due to the specific dendron isolation, avoiding aggregation-mediated quenching. As demonstrated in this report, the cytotoxic activity of P-FU 4 is dose-dependent against the tested cancer cells. The improved drug loading capacity with dendritic branching distinctly enhanced cytotoxicity to tumor cells but had little effect on the viability of normal cells. P-FU 4 was preferentially taken up by tumor cells through a receptor-mediated interaction, which was monitored by effective NIR fluorescence with high tissue penetration. Studies using a mouse model revealed that P-FU 4 can significantly inhibit tumor progression, with a tumor-inhibition rate of 60.2%. The receptor-targeted cytotoxic dendritic theranostic agent is highly preferable to standard chemotherapeutic treatments and decreases the negative side effects of medications on healthy cells, which establishes its utility in drug delivery and cancer chemotherapy.



http://ift.tt/2icGCRZ

Superparamagnetic iron oxide-encapsulating polymersome nanocarriers for biofilm eradication

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 119
Author(s): Benjamin M. Geilich, Ilia Gelfat, Srinivas Sridhar, Anne L. van de Ven, Thomas J. Webster
The rising prevalence and severity of antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections poses an alarming threat to public health worldwide. Here, biocompatible multi-compartment nanocarriers were synthesized to contain both hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and the hydrophilic antibiotic methicillin for the treatment of medical device-associated infections. SPION co-encapsulation was found to confer unique properties, enhancing both nanocarrier relaxivity and magneticity compared to individual SPIONs. These iron oxide-encapsulating polymersomes (IOPs) penetrated 20 μm thick Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms with high efficiency following the application of an external magnetic field. Three-dimensional laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed differential bacteria death as a function of drug and SPION loading. Complete eradication of all bacteria throughout the biofilm thickness was achieved using an optimized IOP formulation containing 40 μg/mL SPION and 20 μg/mL of methicillin. Importantly, this formulation was selectively toxic towards methicillin-resistant biofilm cells but not towards mammalian cells. These novel iron oxide-encapsulating polymersomes demonstrate that it is possible to overcome antibiotic-resistant biofilms by controlling the positioning of nanocarriers containing two or more therapeutics.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2icLZkd

Temperature and pH-sensitive injectable hydrogels based on poly(sulfamethazine carbonate urethane) for sustained delivery of cationic proteins

Publication date: 27 January 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 109
Author(s): V.H. Giang Phan, Thavasyappan Thambi, Moon Soo Gil, Doo Sung Lee
In recent years, protein therapeutics plays a promising role in the field of medicine. However, intrinsic properties of proteins, including short plasma half-life and hydrolytic stability in vivo, are severely limits their application. To surmount these issues, we developed an anionic injectable hydrogel based on temperature- and pH-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(sulfamethazine carbonate urethane) (PEG-PSMCU) copolymers for the sustained delivery of cationic model protein, lysozyme. The PEG-PSMCU copolymers exhibit pH and temperature-induced sol-to-gel phase transition in aqueous solutions. The mechanical properties of PEG-PSMCU copolymers, such as viscosity, gelation rate, and mechanical strength, were controllably tunable by varying the polymer weight, pH and temperature. An in vitro biocompatibility test indicated that PEG-PSMCU-based copolymers, even at high polymer concentrations (up to 2000 μg/ml), was not toxic to fibroblast cells. The in vivo gel formation was confirmed by subcutaneous injection of PEG-PSMCU-based copolymer solutions (20 wt%) into Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, which indicated in situ gel formation with uniform porous structure. Furthermore, an in vivo biodegradation study of the PEG-PSMCU anionic hydrogels showed a surface-controlled degradation of the gel matrix. Lysozyme, chosen as a cationic model protein, was loaded into an anionic hydrogel through ionic and hydrophobic interactions. Lysozyme-loaded PEG-PSMCU copolymers readily formed an in situ hydrogel after subcutaneous injection in SD rats, which markedly retarded the initial burst and led to the sustained release of lysozyme for 7 days. Overall, injectable anionic hydrogels prepared in this study can act as a localized hydrogel depot of cationic proteins, which inhibited initial burst while facilitating sustained release, and open a new paradigm for sustained delivery of cationic proteins.

Graphical abstract

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Synthesis and characterization of new aramids based on o-(m-triphenyl)-terephthaloyl chloride and m-(m-triphenyl)-isophthaloyl chloride

Publication date: 27 January 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 109
Author(s): Sheng Zhou, Mengyao Zhang, Rong Wang, Jing Ping, Xiaoli Zhang, Ning Zhao, Jian Xu, Zhihao Shen, Xinghe Fan
Two monomers o-(m-triphenyl)-terephthaloyl chloride (TPH1-COCl) and m-(m-triphenyl)- isophthaloyl chloride (TPH2-COCl) with bulky pendant groups were prepared, and they were polymerized with p-phenylenediamine (PPD) or copolymerized with PPD and terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) to prepare aromatic polyamides which were named TPH1 polymer and TPH2 polymer, respectively. The structures of the monomers with bulky pendant groups and the polymers were characterized by ¹H NMR and gel permeation chromatography. The resulting polymers are soluble in some organic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. However, the solubility of the two series of polymers was different due to the different structures of the two monomers, and it is affected by the feeding ratio of the monomers. Both kinds of polymers have good thermal stabilities with 5% weight loss temperatures close to 500 °C. And glass transitions of some TPH2 polymers were observed. Most of these polyamides show lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) behaviors as evidenced by polarized light microscopy results. And the LLC properties are influenced by the structures, molecular weights, and concentrations of the polymers.

Graphical abstract

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Penile Replantation: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes and Complications

J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597567

Purpose Penile replantation is an uncommonly performed procedure, which can alleviate physical and psychosocial sequelae of penile amputation. This study critically appraises the current literature on penile replantation. Methods A comprehensive literature search of the Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases was conducted with multiple search terms related to penile replantation. Data on outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction were collected. Results A total of 74 articles met inclusion criteria. One hundred and six patients underwent penile replantation, but outcome, complication, and satisfaction data were not standardized across all patients. Penile amputation most often resulted from self-mutilation or trauma. The majority were complete amputations (74.8%). Full sensation was maintained in 68.4% of patients. Most reported adequate urinary function (97.4%) and normal erection (77.5%). Skin necrosis (54.8%) and venous congestion (20.2%) were the most common complications. Urethral stricture (11.0%) and fistula (6.6%) were common urethral complications. Most (91.6%) patients reported overall satisfaction although there was a lack of patient-reported outcomes. Multivariate analysis suggested that complete amputation (β = 3.15, 95% CI 0.41–5.89, p = 0.024), anastomosis of the superficial dorsal artery (β = 9.88, 95% CI 0.74–19.02, p = 0.034), and increasing number of nerves coapted (β = 1.75, 95% CI 0.11–3.38, p = 0.036) were associated with favorable sexual, urinary, and sensation outcomes. Increasing number of vessels anastomosed (β = −3.74, 95% CI −7.15 to −0.32, p = 0.032) was associated with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion Although penile replantation is associated with complications, it has a high rate of satisfaction and efficacy. Coaptation of multiple nerves and anastomosis of the superficial dorsal artery should be completed.
[...]

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Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

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Hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia decreases glucose variability during cardiac surgery

Abstract

Purpose

Increased glucose variability may be associated with worse outcomes in critically ill patients. Hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia provides intensive glucose control during surgery and may reduce glucose variability. Our objective was to compare glycemic variability between two methods of glucose control in cardiac surgical patients: hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia vs standard insulin infusion. We also assessed whether the effect differed between patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We compared measures of glycemic variability, including the primary outcome, average real variability (ARV), and secondary outcomes, within-patient standard deviation (SD) and glucose lability index (GLI), in 252 patients who received hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia and 266 patients who received standard therapy. Data was randomly sampled from each patient treated with hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia, so patients in each group had a similar number of glucose measurements. The significance level for each hypothesis was 0.05, and 0.025 within diabetic status.

Results

For nondiabetic patients, hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia reduced mean glucose measure-to-measure variability for ARV by an estimated −0.23 (97.5% CI −0.30, −0.16) mg/dl/min (P < 0.001) versus standard care. There was no difference in glycemic variability between groups for diabetic patients, with difference in means (97.5% CI) of −0.10 (−0.20, 0.02) mg/dl/min, P = 0.07. Mean SD was lower for hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia patients overall, with difference in means (95% CI) of −19 (−22, −16), P < 0.001, with a stronger effect in nondiabetics (interaction P = 0.042). GLI was also lower with hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia.

Conclusion

Hyperinsulinemic normoglycemia decreases glucose variability for cardiac surgical patients with a stronger effect in nondiabetic patients.

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The effect of esophagogastroduodenoscopy probe insertion on the intracuff pressure of airway devices in children during general anesthesia

Abstract

Given the size of the esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) probe and the compressibility of the pediatric airway, the EGD probe may increase the intracuff pressure (IP) of an airway device. The current study evaluated IP changes during EGD examination under general anesthesia in pediatric patients. Following the induction of anesthesia, a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) or endotracheal tube (ETT) was placed without neuromuscular blockade. The IP was measured at baseline, during EGD probe insertion, while the EGD probe was in place, and after probe removal. The study cohort included 101 patients (mean age 11.3 years). The airway was secured with an LMA and an ETT in 88 and 13 patients, respectively. The IP increased from 27 ± 15 cmH₂O at baseline to 34 ± 17 cmH₂O during probe insertion (p < 0.001), remained at 33 ± 16 cmH₂O while the probe was in place, and decreased to 26 ± 14 cmH₂O after probe removal. The IP of the LMA or ETT increased during EGD probe insertion and remained elevated while the probe was in place. High IP may compromise mucosal perfusion resulting in a sore throat when using an LMA or the potential for airway damage if an ETT is used. Removal of air from the cuff and titration of the IP should be considered after EGD insertion.

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The cyclopurine deoxynucleosides: DNA repair, biological effects, mechanistic insights, and unanswered questions

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Philip J. Brooks
Patients with the genetic disease xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) who lack the capacity to carry out nucleotides excision repair (NER) have a dramatically elevated risk of skin cancer on sun exposed areas of the body. NER is the DNA repair mechanism responsible for the removal of DNA lesions resulting from ultraviolet light. In addition, a subset of XP patients develop a progressive neurodegenerative disease, referred to as XP neurologic disease, which is thought to be the result of accumulation of endogenous DNA lesions that are repaired by NER but not other repair pathways. The 8,5-cyclopurine deoxynucleotides (cyPu) have emerged as leading candidates for such lesions, in that they result from the reaction of the hydroxyl radical with DNA, are strong blocks to transcription in human cells, and are repaired by NER but not base excision repair. Here I present a focused perspective on progress into understating the repair and biological effects of these lesions. In doing so, I emphasize the role of Tomas Lindahl and his laboratory in stimulating cyPu research. I also include a critical evaluation of the evidence supporting a role for cyPu lesions in XP neurologic disease, with a focus on outstanding questions, and conceptual and technologic challenges.



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Piperlongumine attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through inhibition of NF-kappaB activity

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Sun Mi Gu, Jaesuk Yun, Dong Ju Son, Hoi Yeong Kim, Kyung Tak Nam, Hae Deun Kim, Min Gi Choi, Jeong Soon Choi, Young Min Kim, Sang-Bae Han, Jin Tae Hong
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease in which demyelination sporadically and repeatedly occurs in the central nervous system (CNS). The activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a family of transcription factors, was increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or the serum and brain and/or spinal cord of MS patients than in a healthy donors. In our study, we investigated whether piperlongumine (PL), which is known to have inhibitory effect on activity of NF-κB, can alleviate an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35–55 (MOG35–55), and then we injected PL (1.5mg/kg/day or 3.0mg/kg/day) into the mice intraperitoneally on every second day from days 2 to 28. For in vitro study, we treated PL (0.5, 1 and 2.5μM) to RAW 264.7 and Jurkat cells with each stimulator. We observed that the paralytic severity and neuropathology of EAE in PL-treated group were decreased compared with the EAE group. PL showed a suppressed effect on demyelination, immune cells infiltration, astrocytes/microglials activation, level of inflammatory cytokines and proteins as well as NF-κB activity. Production of inflammatory cytokines and proteins as well as translocation of NF-κB into nucleus by treatment stimulators in RAW 264.7 and Jurkat cells were reduced by PL. Moreover, treatment of NF-κB inhibitor further inhibited production of inflammatory cytokines and proteins. These results suggest that PL can mitigate MOG-induced EAE symptoms and activation of macrophages and T cells by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. Therefore, PL could be useful for the treatment for MS.



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Articulatory Control in Childhood Apraxia of Speech in a Novel Word–Learning Task

Purpose

Articulatory control and speech production accuracy were examined in children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and typically developing (TD) controls within a novel word–learning task to better understand the influence of planning and programming deficits in the production of unfamiliar words.

Method

Participants included 16 children between the ages of 5 and 6 years (8 CAS, 8 TD). Short- and long-term changes in lip and jaw movement, consonant and vowel accuracy, and token-to-token consistency were measured for 2 novel words that differed in articulatory complexity.

Results

Children with CAS displayed short- and long-term changes in consonant accuracy and consistency. Lip and jaw movements did not change over time. Jaw movement duration was longer in children with CAS than in TD controls. Movement stability differed between low- and high-complexity words in both groups.

Conclusions

Children with CAS displayed a learning effect for consonant accuracy and consistency. Lack of change in movement stability may indicate that children with CAS require additional practice to demonstrate changes in speech motor control, even within production of novel word targets with greater consonant and vowel accuracy and consistency. The longer movement duration observed in children with CAS is believed to give children additional time to plan and program movements within a novel skill.

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Involvement of the Central Cognitive Mechanism in Word Production in Adults Who Stutter

Purpose

The study examined whether semantic and phonological encoding processes were capacity demanding, involving the central cognitive mechanism, in adults who do and do not stutter (AWS and NS) to better understand the role of cognitive demand in linguistic processing and stuttering. We asked (a) whether the two linguistic processes in AWS are capacity demanding, which can temporally disrupt the processing of a concurrent nonlinguistic task, and (b) whether AWS and NS show similar patterns of temporal disruption in the two processes.

Method

Twenty AWS and 20 matched NS participated in the study. We examined semantic interference and phonological facilitation effects, using the picture–word interference paradigm, under concurrent and sequential processing of a secondary, nonlinguistic task.

Results

Both AWS and NS showed statistically significant semantic interference and phonological facilitation effects, and both effects caused temporal disruption to the processing of a secondary task to the predicted extent.

Conclusions

The observed result patterns in both AWS and NS suggest that both semantic and phonological encoding processes are capacity demanding and can be vulnerable to concurrent processing demands. This finding on NS is inconsistent with the current literature on young, fluent adults and warrants further investigation.

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Intelligibility and Clarity of Reverberant Speech: Effects of Wide Dynamic Range Compression Release Time and Working Memory

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of varying wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) release time on intelligibility and clarity of reverberant speech. The study also considered the role of individual working memory.

Method

Thirty older listeners with mild to moderately-severe sloping sensorineural hearing loss participated. Individuals were divided into high and low working memory groups on the basis of the results of a reading span test. Participants listened binaurally to sentence stimuli simulated at a range of reverberation conditions and WDRC release times using a high compression ratio. Outcome measures included objective intelligibility and subjective clarity ratings.

Results

Speech intelligibility and clarity ratings both decreased as a function of reverberation. The low working memory group demonstrated a greater decrease in intelligibility with increasing amounts of reverberation than the high working memory group. Both groups, regardless of working memory, had higher speech intelligibility and clarity ratings with longer WDRC release times. WDRC release time had a larger effect on speech intelligibility under more reverberant conditions.

Conclusions

Reverberation significantly affects speech intelligibility, particularly for individuals with lower working memory. In addition, longer release times in hearing aids may improve listener speech intelligibility and clarity in reverberant environments.

http://ift.tt/2h97RwG

The Relationship Between Relative Fundamental Frequency and a Kinematic Estimate of Laryngeal Stiffness in Healthy Adults

Purpose

This study examined the relationship between the acoustic measure relative fundamental frequency (RFF) and a kinematic estimate of laryngeal stiffness.

Method

Twelve healthy adults (mean age = 22.7 years, SD = 4.4; 10 women, 2 men) produced repetitions of /ifi/ while varying their vocal effort during simultaneous acoustic and video nasendoscopic recordings. RFF was determined from the last 10 voicing cycles before the voiceless obstruent (RFF offset) and the first 10 cycles of revoicing (RFF onset). A kinematic stiffness ratio was calculated for the vocal fold adductory gesture during revoicing by normalizing the maximum angular velocity by the maximum glottic angle during the voiceless obstruent.

Results

A linear mixed effect model indicated that RFF offset and onset were significant predictors of the kinematic stiffness ratios. The model accounted for 52% of the variance in the kinematic data. Individual relationships between RFF and kinematic stiffness ratios varied across participants, with at least moderate negative correlations in 83% of participants for RFF offset but only 40% of participants for RFF onset.

Conclusions

RFF significantly predicted kinematic estimates of laryngeal stiffness in healthy speakers and has the potential to be a useful clinical indicator of laryngeal tension. Further research is needed in individuals with voice disorders.

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Syntactic Versus Memory Accounts of the Sentence Comprehension Deficits of Specific Language Impairment: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Purpose

Compared with same-age typically developing peers, school-age children with specific language impairment (SLI) exhibit significant deficits in spoken sentence comprehension. They also demonstrate a range of memory limitations. Whether these 2 deficit areas are related is unclear. The present review article aims to (a) review 2 main theoretical accounts of SLI sentence comprehension and various studies supporting each and (b) offer a new, broader, more integrated memory-based framework to guide future SLI research, as we believe the available evidence favors a memory-based perspective of SLI comprehension limitations.

Method

We reviewed the literature on the sentence comprehension abilities of English-speaking children with SLI from 2 theoretical perspectives.

Results

The sentence comprehension limitations of children with SLI appear to be more fully captured by a memory-based perspective than by a syntax-specific deficit perspective.

Conclusions

Although a memory-based view appears to be the better account of SLI sentence comprehension deficits, this view requires refinement and expansion. Current memory-based perspectives of adult sentence comprehension, with proper modification, offer SLI investigators new, more integrated memory frameworks within which to study and better understand the sentence comprehension abilities of children with SLI.

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The Impact of Social–Cognitive Stress on Speech Variability, Determinism, and Stability in Adults Who Do and Do Not Stutter

Purpose

This study examined the impact of social–cognitive stress on sentence-level speech variability, determinism, and stability in adults who stutter (AWS) and adults who do not stutter (AWNS). We demonstrated that complementing the spatiotemporal index (STI) with recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) provides a novel approach to both assessing and interpreting speech variability in stuttering.

Method

Twenty AWS and 21 AWNS repeated sentences in audience and nonaudience conditions while their lip movements were tracked. Across-sentence variability was assessed via the STI; within-sentence determinism and stability were assessed via RQA.

Results

Compared with the AWNS, the AWS produced speech that was more variable across sentences and more deterministic and stable within sentences. Audience presence contributed to greater within-sentence determinism and stability in the AWS. A subset of AWS who were more susceptible to experiencing anxiety exhibited reduced across-sentence variability in the audience condition compared with the nonaudience condition.

Conclusions

This study extends the assessment of speech variability in AWS and AWNS into the social–cognitive domain and demonstrates that the characterization of speech within sentences using RQA is complementary to the across-sentence STI measure. AWS seem to adopt a more restrictive, less flexible speaking approach in response to social–cognitive stress, which is presumably a strategy for maintaining observably fluent speech.

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Effect of Domain Initial Strengthening on Vowel Height and Backness Contrasts in French: Acoustic and Ultrasound Data

Purpose

Phonetic variation due to domain initial strengthening was investigated with respect to the acoustic and articulatory distinctiveness of vowels within a subset of the French oral vowel system /i, e, ɛ, a, o, u/, organized along 4 degrees of height for the front vowels and 2 degrees of backness at the close and midclose height levels.

Method

Acoustic and lingual ultrasound data were examined to characterize the production of vowels in intonational phrase initial position, compared with intonational phrase medial position, for 4 speakers.

Results

Formant values and estimates of lingual constriction location and degree differed according to the prosodic position independent of vowel duration, with a higher F1 for /a/, a higher F2 for /ɛ/, a backer constriction for /o/ and /a/ but a fronter constriction for /ɛ/, and a narrower constriction for /e, ɛ, u, o/ but a wider constriction for /a/. For most speakers, these variations enlarge the acoustic and/or articulatory distance between members of the pairs /e-ɛ/, /ɛ-a/, /u-o/, /i-u/, and /e-o/ but reduce the distinction within the pair /i-e/.

Conclusions

These changes in intonational phrase initial position are vowel dependent and frequently contribute to augmenting the phonetic distinctiveness between vowels contrasting along the height and backness dimensions.

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Verbal Working Memory in Older Adults: The Roles of Phonological Capacities and Processing Speed

Purpose

This study examined the potential roles of phonological sensitivity and processing speed in age-related declines of verbal working memory.

Method

Twenty younger and 25 older adults with age-normal hearing participated. Two measures of verbal working memory were collected: digit span and serial recall of words. Processing speed was indexed using response times during those tasks. Three other measures were also obtained, assessing phonological awareness, processing, and recoding.

Results

Forward and reverse digit spans were similar across groups. Accuracy on the serial recall task was poorer for older than for younger adults, and response times were slower. When response time served as a covariate, the age effect for accuracy was reduced. Phonological capacities were equivalent across age groups, so we were unable to account for differences across age groups in verbal working memory. Nonetheless, when outcomes for only older adults were considered, phonological awareness and processing speed explained significant proportions of variance in serial recall accuracy.

Conclusion

Slowing in processing abilities accounts for the primary trajectory of age-related declines in verbal working memory. However, individual differences in phonological capacities explain variability among individual older adults.

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Recurrence Quantification Analysis of Sentence-Level Speech Kinematics

Purpose

Current approaches to assessing sentence-level speech variability rely on measures that quantify variability across utterances and use normalization procedures that alter raw trajectory data. The current work tests the feasibility of a less restrictive nonlinear approach—recurrence quantification analysis (RQA)—via a procedural example and subsequent analysis of kinematic data.

Method

To test the feasibility of RQA, lip aperture (i.e., the Euclidean distance between lip-tracking sensors) was recorded for 21 typically developing adult speakers during production of a simple utterance. The utterance was produced in isolation and in carrier structures differing just in length or in length and complexity. Four RQA indices were calculated: percent recurrence (%REC), percent determinism (%DET), stability (MAXLINE), and stationarity (TREND).

Results

Percent determinism (%DET) decreased only for the most linguistically complex sentence; MAXLINE decreased as a function of linguistic complexity but increased for the longer-only sentence; TREND decreased as a function of both length and linguistic complexity.

Conclusions

This research note demonstrates the feasibility of using RQA as a tool to compare speech variability across speakers and groups. RQA offers promise as a technique to assess effects of potential stressors (e.g., linguistic or cognitive factors) on the speech production system.

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Writing Process Products in Intermediate-Grade Children With and Without Language-Based Learning Disabilities

Purpose

Difficulties with written expression are an important consideration in the assessment and treatment of school-age children. This study evaluated how intermediate-grade children with and without written language difficulties fared on a writing task housed within the Hayes and Berninger (2014) writing process framework.

Method

Sixty-four children completed a writing task whereby they planned, wrote, and revised a narrative story across 3 days. Children had extended time to produce an outline, first draft, and final copy of their story. Language transcription approaches were used to obtain measures reflecting writing productivity, complexity, accuracy, and mechanics, in addition to measures of planning and revision.

Results

Results indicated that children with writing difficulties produced poorer quality stories compared with their peers yet were not significantly different across all measures. Children with typical development produced longer stories with better spelling accuracy. Writing process measures predicted significant amounts of variance in writing quality across the sample.

Discussion

Writing should be considered as part of language assessment and intervention, whether as the sole language difficulty or alongside difficulties with speaking, listening, or reading in children with language-based learning difficulties. Implications for translation of research to practice and service delivery are provided.

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A Modeling Study of the Effects of Vocal Tract Movement Duration and Magnitude on the F2 Trajectory in CV Words

Purpose

This study used a computational vocal tract model to investigate the relationship of diphthong duration and vocal tract movement magnitude to measures of the F2 trajectory in CV words.

Method

Three words (bough, boy, and buy) were simulated on the basis of an adult female vocal tract model, in which the model parameters were estimated from audio recordings of a female talker. Model parameters were then modified to generate 35 simulations of each word corresponding to 7 different durations and 5 movement magnitude settings. In addition, these simulations were repeated with vocal tract lengths representative of an adult male and an approximately 6-year-old child.

Results

On the basis of univariate analysis, measures of frequency predicted changes in magnitude, and temporal measures predicted changes in speaking rate consistent with the hypothesis. The combined effects of duration and magnitude showed that F2 was more sensitive to changes in magnitude at shorter word durations compared with longer word durations. This finding held across words and vocal tract length.

Conclusions

Results suggest that there is an interaction between duration and magnitude that affects the slope of the F2 trajectory. The next step is to relate kinematics to F2 trajectory output using real speakers.

http://ift.tt/2h9gS51

Estimating Subglottal Pressure From Neck-Surface Acceleration During Normal Voice Production

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential for estimating subglottal air pressure using a neck-surface accelerometer and to compare the accuracy of predicting subglottal air pressure relative to predicting acoustic sound pressure level (SPL).

Method

Indirect estimates of subglottal pressure (P_sg′) were obtained from 10 vocally healthy speakers during loud-to-soft repetitions of 3 different /p/–vowel gestures (/pa/, /pi/, /pu/) at 3 pitch levels in the modal register. Intraoral air pressure, neck-surface acceleration, and radiated acoustic pressure were recorded, and the root-mean-square amplitude of the acceleration signal was correlated with P_sg′ and SPL.

Results

The coefficient of determination between accelerometer level and P_sg′ was high when data were pooled from all vowel and pitch contexts for each participant (r ² = .68–.93). These relationships were stronger than corresponding relationships between accelerometer level and SPL (r ² = .46–.81). The average 95% prediction interval for estimating P_sg′ using accelerometer level was ±2.53 cm H₂O, ranging from ±1.70 to ±3.74 cm H₂O across participants.

Conclusions

Accelerometer signal amplitude correlated more strongly with P_sg′ than with SPL. Future work is warranted to investigate the robustness of the relationship in nonmodal voice qualities, individuals with voice disorders, and accelerometer-based ambulatory monitoring of subglottal pressure.

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Continuity From Prelinguistic Communication to Later Language Ability: A Follow-Up Study From Infancy to Early School Age

Purpose

This longitudinal study examined the development of prelinguistic skills and the continuity of communication and language from the prelinguistic stage to school age.

Method

Prelinguistic communication of 427 Finnish children was followed repeatedly from 6 to 18 months of age (n = 203–322 at ages 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months), and its associations with language ability at ages 2;0 (n = 104), 3;0 (n = 112), 4;7 (n = 253), 5;3 (n = 102), and 7;9 (n = 236) were examined using latent growth curve modeling.

Results

Prelinguistic development across several skills emerged as a rather stable intraindividual characteristic during the first 2 years of life. Continuity from prelinguistic development to later language ability was indicated. The common level and growth of prelinguistic skills were significant predictors of language ability between ages 2;0 (years;months) and 7;9; the percentage explained varied between 10.5% and 53.3%. A slow pace of development across multiple skills, in particular, led to weaker language skills.

Conclusions

The results support (a) the idea of a developmental continuum from prelinguistic to linguistic ability and (b) the dimensional view of language ability by indicating that individual variations in early communication skills show consistency that extends beyond the toddler years. Our results also advocate developmental surveillance of early communication by emphasizing the significance of growth in predicting language development.

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