Head and Neck Diseases by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 03/17/17

Παρασκευή 17 Μαρτίου 2017

Epoxy hybrid networks with high mass fraction molecular-level dispersion of pendant polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Amit K. Sharma, Reese Sloan, Jeffrey S. Wiggins
A novel high shear continuous reactor method was developed to obtain molecular level incorporation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) containing one amine group and seven isobutyl groups into epoxy network as pendant cage. The method consisted of optimizing reaction time and temperature for the synthesis of POSS-epoxy precursor in a high shear continuous reactor. A full conversion of POSS into POSS-epoxy precursor was achieved within 30–40 s of reaction time in a continuous reactor for all molar compositions from 1:140 to 1:1.05 in comparison to a batch process with the reaction time of 18 h. The structure of this precursor at the end of the reaction, determined by silicon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (²⁹Si NMR), was close to the ideal one. The distribution of reaction product was determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The reaction product containing up to 1:3-mol ratio of POSS: epoxy molecules showed 'epoxy-POSS-epoxy' precursor as a primary product in comparison to 1:2 and 1:1.05-mol ratios with higher molecular weight precursor as the primary product. Hybrid networks containing up to 50 wt % POSS were prepared by curing these precursors with an aromatic amine curative 4, 4'diamino diphenyl methane (DDM). The resulting networks are completely transparent and no phase separation was observed by SEM and TEM in the course of polymerization despite the incompatibility of the isobutyl groups attached to the POSS with the aromatic epoxy-amine networks. In addition to that, DMA and TGA results prove that the introduction of high shear continuous reactor promotes the dispersion of pendant POSS to a molecular level into epoxy networks.

Graphical abstract

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Investigation of strain-induced crystallization of carbon black and silica filled natural rubber composites based on mechanical and temperature measurements

Publication date: 21 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 115
Author(s): T. Spratte, J. Plagge, M. Wunde, M. Klüppel
Strain-induced crystallization (SIC) in unfilled and carbon black or silica filled Natural Rubber (NR) with and without silane is investigated. The method introduced in this paper is based on measurements of the surface temperature during tensile test, whereby SIC is quantified by dividing the produced heat into different contributions, namely the dissipative heat, entropy-related reversible heat and crystallization enthalpy. It turns out that there is pronounced SIC in unfilled and carbon black filled NR, while silica/silane systems show less SIC. The degree of crystallinity correlates with the tensile strength of the samples. For silica/silane systems at the same strain level self-reinforcement by SIC is less pronounced possibly due to a lower crosslink density or strain amplification factor. Because of its simplicity, the method developed here is a promising option to investigate SIC on a broad experimental scale and provides an alternative access next to well-established methods like WAXS.

Graphical abstract

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An asymmetrical thieno[2,3-f]benzofuran (TBF)-based conjugated polymer for organic solar cells with high fill factor

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Dingjun He, Lixia Qiu, Jun Yuan, Zhi-Guo Zhang, Yongfang Li, Yingping Zou
An asymmetrical building block-TBF modified with alkylthio phenyl as the side chain, polymerization with 4, 7-di (5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-5, 6-dioctyloxybenzo[c] [1,2,5]thiadiazole (BT), a new polymer-TBFPS-BT was obtained. As described in the UV-Vis spectrum, TBFPS-BT exhibited good absorption covering from 300 to 750 nm. Benefited from the alkylthio phenyl substitution, the polymer possessed deep HOMO level of −5.39 eV. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicated the generated excitons could be almost completely dissociation at the polymer/PC71BM interface. Furthermore, the high and balanced mobility (1.49 × 10⁻⁴ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ for hole and 1.07 × 10⁻⁴ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ for electron) greatly contributed to enhance the fill factor (FF) and short-circuit current density (Jsc) of device. PSC with different electron transporting layers (ETLs) were investigated, the results showed that when using perylene diimide (PDI) derivative with amino terminal substituent (PDIN) as ETL companied with 2% 1,8-Diiodooctane (DIO), the device delivered a best PCE of 6.55% (Voc = 0.8 V, Jsc = 11.93 mA cm⁻² and FF = 0.69). It is worth noting that all of the devices with ETLs and 2% DIO have shown high FFs over 0.65. So, the suitable modification on TBF and selection of ETLs were valid methods to improve device efficiency.

Graphical abstract

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Liquid-crystal self-assembly of lipid membranes on solutions: A dissipative particle dynamic simulation study

Publication date: 21 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 115
Author(s): Xiaowei Qiang, Xianghong Wang, Yongyun Ji, Shiben Li, Linli He
The self-assembly of the amphiphilic lipid molecules in aqueous solution is investigated via dissipative particle dynamic simulation. Lipid bilayer and perforated bilayer membranes, together with the micelles and vesicles, which couple the spatial inhomogeneity and orientation ordering, are observed in equilibrium states and dynamics processes. For the equilibrium states, the phase diagrams are arranged by the lengths of head and tail chains in various lipid-water mixtures, where the influence of chain length and water composition on formation of bilayer and perforated bilayer membranes is carefully analyzed. In the dynamic processes, we investigate the bilayer membranes by analyzing the energies of systems, which indicates that the formations of bilayers and perforated bilayers strongly depended on the initial chain distributions and lipid types. Moreover, we also investigate the dependence of elastic modulus on the chain lengths for the bilayer membranes and the tension for the perforated pores in the perforated bilayer membranes. The observations on these liquid-crystalline self-assembly provided a promising approach that could be used to design and understand the biomembrane based on the lipid molecules.

Graphical abstract

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Compatibilization and toughening of co-continuous ternary blends via partially wet droplets at the interface

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Ali M. Zolali, Basil D. Favis
This work reports that a partially wet phase can compatibilize and toughen a co-continuous PLA/PA11 blend. Four different polymers: PBS, PBAT, EMA and EMA-GMA are examined for their capacity to partially wet the PLA/PA11 interface in a melt-blending process. All the blends exhibit a partial wetting morphology, but offer very different compatibilization efficacies and toughening effects. EMA-GMA demonstrates the best compatibilization effect as it reduces the co-continuous thickness to 5–6 μm, which is about half that of the original binary PLA/PA11 blend, followed by EMA while PBS and PBAT result in the least changes in morphology and properties. Despite the enhanced compatibilization effect obtained with EMA-GMA, it is the self-assembled droplets of EMA at the PLA/PA11 interface which result in a major increase in the ductility of the blend with an elongation at break of 260% as compared to 4% for the binary blend. A substantial increase in the notched Izod impact strength is also achieved with partially wet droplets of EMA with a value of 73 J/m, a four-fold increase as compared to the impact strength of the pure PLA and the PLA/PA11 binary blend. This difference is attributed to the limited internal cavitation of the very fine droplets of EMA-GMA at the interface whereas the blends with partially wet EMA demonstrate significant interfacial cavitation after the impact fracture test. This work shows that self-assembled rubbery EMA droplets at a co-continuous PLA/PA11 interface combine to compatibilize the system, improve interfacial adhesion and interfacially cavitate through the continuous system upon fracture. The percolation of the stress field around these interfacially cavitated partially wet droplets results in the shear yielding of the matrix and a significant toughening effect ensues. These results indicate the potential of partially wet droplets to compatibilize and toughen co-continuous structures.

Graphical abstract

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Eugenol as renewable comonomer compared to 4-penten-1-ol in ethylene copolymerization using a palladium aryl sulfonate catalyst

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): L.R. Parisi, D.M. Scheibel, S. Lin, E.M. Bennett, J.M. Lodge, M.J. Miri
A series of binary copolymerizations of ethylene with two comonomers, eugenol and 4-penten-1-ol, were conducted with a single-component palladium aryl phosphine sulfonate catalyst in toluene solution. Eugenol showed a much a higher tolerance by the catalyst than 4-penten-1-ol. Peak assignments for ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra of both types of copolymers were established. Eugenol was incorporated into the copolymer at a higher rate compared to 4-penten-1-ol. Both comonomers were mainly inserted into the polymer chains rather than added as end groups. An end group analysis was performed, based on which some conclusions about the polymerization mechanisms were made. The molecular weight properties of the polymers were measured by GPC. The effects of each comonomer on the polymer crystallinity and melting temperature were determined. Antibacterial efficiency tests showed that copolymers containing more than 3.1 % eugenol resulted in a reduction of bacteria exceeding 90 %.

Graphical abstract

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Graphical Contents list & Author index

Publication date: 24 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 113

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Intrinsic high-barrier polyimide with low free volume derived from a novel diamine monomer containing rigid planar moiety

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Yiwu Liu, Jie Huang, JingHua Tan, Yi Zeng, JunJie Liu, Hailiang Zhang, Yong Pei, XianWei Xiang, YueJun Liu
An intrinsic high-barrier and thermally stable polyimide (2,7-CPPI) was prepared by the polymerization of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and novel diamine (2,7-CPDA), which consists of rigid planar carbazole moiety. The resulted 2,7-CPPI exhibits excellent barrier properties, with oxygen transmission rate and water vapor transmission rate low to 0.2 cm³ m⁻²·day⁻¹ and 0.1 g m⁻²·day⁻¹, respectively. Wide angle X-ray diffractograms (WAXD), positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the excellent barrier properties of 2,7-CPPI are mainly ascribed to the crystallinity, high chain rigidity and low free volume, which are resulted from the rigid planar structure and strong hydrogen bonding among molecular chains. Meanwhile, 2,7-CPPI also presents outstanding thermal stability and mechanical properties with a glass transition temperature of 437 °C, 5 wt % loss temperature of 556 °C under N2, coefficient of thermal expansion of 2.89 ppm/K and tensile strength of 143.8 MPa. The polyimide shows attractive potential applications in flexible electronics and high-grade packaging area, especially using as the substrates for top-emitting OLEDs display.

Graphical abstract

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Poly(tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene) films with high energy density and low loss for high-temperature pulse capacitors

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Xiaomeng Zhang, Yifei Zhao, Yuhao Wu, Zhicheng Zhang
As the most important material of metalized capacitors, dielectric polymers with large energy density (Ue), promising discharging efficiency (η), and elevated breakdown strength (Eb) are dreadfully requested for energy storage purpose. During the charging and discharging circles, the Joule heat could cause significant temperature rising and undesirable early failure in the capacitors. Few of the known polymeric dielectrics are able to work functionally at temperature over 100 °C, especially under high electric field. In present contribution, poly(tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene) (P(TFE-HFP)) is fabricated into thin films via hot-pressing followed by uniaxially stretching. At ambient temperature, P(TFE-HFP) films exhibit linear dielectric behaviour like biaxially orientated polypropylene (BOPP). The high Tm and Young's modulus allow P(TFE-HFP) films to work functionally at temperature up to 110 °C, whose Eb is over 500 MV/m, Ue is more than 6 J/cm³ and η is larger than 80%, respectively. The excellent performance suggests that P(TFE-HFP) films may substitute BOPP films to work as dielectric materials at elevated temperature.

Graphical abstract

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Molecular dynamics modeling of PPTA crystallite mechanical properties in the presence of defects

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Brian Mercer, Edward Zywicz, Panayiotis Papadopoulos
The mechanical properties of PPTA crystallites, the fundamental building blocks of aramid polymer fibers such as Kevlar^® and Twaron^®, are studied here using molecular dynamics simulations. The ReaxFF interatomic potential is employed to study crystallite failure via covalent and hydrogen bond rupture in constant strain-rate tensile loading simulations. Emphasis is placed on analyzing how chain-end defects in the crystallite influence its mechanical response and fracture strength. Chain-end defects are found to affect the behavior of nearby chains in a region of the PPTA crystallite that is small relative to the typical crystallite size in manufactured aramid fibers. The central CN bond along the backbone chain is identified as the weakest in the PPTA polymer chain backbone in dynamic strain-to-failure simulations of the crystallite. It is found that clustering of chain-ends leads to reduced crystallite strength and crystallite failure via hydrogen bond rupture and chain sliding, whereas randomly scattered defects impact the strength less and failure is by covalent bond rupture and chain scission. The axial crystallite modulus increases with increasing chain length and is independent of chain-end defect locations. On the basis of these findings, a theoretical model is proposed to predict the axial modulus as a function of chain length.

Graphical abstract

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Editorial board

Publication date: 24 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 113

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A cross-sectional comparison of ethanol-related cytokine expression in the hippocampus of young and aged Fischer 344 rats

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 54
Author(s): Anny Gano, Tamara L. Doremus-Fitzwater, Terrence Deak
Our work in Sprague Dawley rats has shown rapid alterations in neuroimmune gene expression (RANGE) in the hippocampus and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). These manifest as increased interleukin (IL)-6 and IκBα, and suppressed IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha during acute ethanol intoxication. The present studies tested these effects across the lifespan (young adulthood at 2–3 months; senescence at 18 and 24 months), as well as across strain (Fischer 344) and sex. The hippocampus revealed age-dependent shifts in cytokine expression (IL-6, IL-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), but no changes were observed in the PVN at baseline or following ethanol. RANGE in adults was similar across sex and comparable with effects seen in Sprague Dawley rats. Plasma corticosterone levels increased with age, whereas the blood ethanol concentrations and loss of righting reflex were similar in all groups older than 2 months. These findings indicate that the RANGE effect is largely conserved across strain and is durable across age, even in the face of a shifting neuroimmune profile that emerges during immunosenescence.

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Anaesthesia in patients with liver disease.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent up to date research data and recommendations regarding anaesthetic management of patients with liver disease undergoing surgery. The incidence of chronic liver disease (CLD) continues to rise and perioperative mortality and morbidity remains unacceptably high in this group. Meticulous preoperative assessment and carefully planned anaesthetic management are vital in improving outcomes in patients with liver disease undergoing surgery. Recent findings: The presence of cirrhosis is associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective surgery. The Child--Pugh--Turcotte scale and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score remain the most commonly applied scoring systems in preoperative risk assessment, but new MELD-based indices and novel scoring systems might offer better prognostic value. Propofol and new inhalational agents (sevoflurane, desflurane) are recommended hypnotic agents. The titration of opiates in the perioperative period is recommended because of their altered metabolism in patients with liver disease. Perioperative management should include close haemodynamic monitoring and admission to a critical care area should be considered. Summary: Patients with liver disease undergoing anaesthesia pose significant challenges and advanced planning and preparation are required in order to improve perioperative outcomes in this group. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Anesthesia in adults with congenital heart disease.

Purpose of review: The current review focuses on patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) with regard to recent trends in global demographics, healthcare provision for noncardiac surgery, as well as anesthetic and perioperative care for these patients. Recent findings: About 40 years after milestones of surgical innovation in CHD, the number of adults with CHD (ACHD) now surpasses those of children with CHD. This development leads to the fact that even patients with complex CHD managed for noncardiac surgery are not restricted to highly specialized centers. However, preoperative risk assessment for anesthesia in these patients is complex due to underlying cardiac morbidity and substantial CHD-associated noncardiac morbidity. In addition to clinical assessment and echocardiography, biomarker measurement may be a clinically useful tool to estimate severity of heart failure in CHD patients. The high negative predictive value of NT-proBNP makes it particularly valuable as a screening tool. Further, morbidity and mortality in ACHD patients are mainly caused by arrhythmias and therefore are also relevant for perioperative management. Adverse events and perioperative death in ACHD patients in cardiac and noncardiac surgery are frequently related to intraoperative anesthetic care. Summary: Medical progress in treatment of CHD has shifted morbidity and mortality of these patients largely to adulthood. Future investigations including risk stratification of ACHD patients are necessary to further improve perioperative management, especially for low-risk and high-risk noncardiac management. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Training future anesthesiologists in obstetric care.

Purpose of review: In order for the obstetric anesthesiologist to become a true perioperative / peripartum physician, a change in formative programs and certification process in anesthesia are needed. Recent findings: Anesthesia training programs are migrating to competency based medical education (CBME) worldwide. The traditional model of attending lectures, grand rounds, reading textbooks and journal papers should be complemented by virtual modalities such as massive open online courses or online teaching tools. The gold standard for assessment of procedural skills in anesthesia consists of a combination of global rating scales and previously validated checklists. Behaviors in the perioperative environment not directly related to the use of drugs, equipment or medical expertise are known as anesthesiologist nontechnical skills and trainees must learn and practice these skills; nontechnical skills can determine 50-80% of adverse events in high-risk professions, including medicine. Regular certification programs are also an important component of the new approach in medical education, in some high-income countries, the specialist anesthesiologist is undertaking regular certification but the impact of these programs on overall outcomes is still unknown. Summary: The obstetric population is becoming a higher risk population, requiring an obstetric anesthesiologist taking on the role of a perioperative / peripartum physician. It is essential that anesthesia training programs migrate to CBME through simulation-based curriculum that allow the achievement of nontechnical skills and team work competencies. It is also essential that regular certification for specialist anesthesiologists occur throughout their entire career. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Update in pediatric anesthesiology.

No abstract available

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The American College of Surgeons Children's Surgery Verification and Quality Improvement Program: implications for anesthesiologists.

Purpose of review: The Task Force for Children's Surgical Care, an ad-hoc multidisciplinary group of invited leaders in pediatric perioperative medicine, was assembled in May 2012 to consider approaches to optimize delivery of children's surgical care in today's competitive national healthcare environment. Over the subsequent 3 years, with support from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and Children's Hospital Association (CHA), the group established principles regarding perioperative resource standards, quality improvement and safety processes, data collection, and verification that were used to develop an ACS-sponsored Children's Surgery Verification and Quality Improvement Program (ACS CSV). Recent findings: The voluntary ACS CSV was officially launched in January 2017 and more than 125 pediatric surgical programs have expressed interest in verification. ACS CSV-verified programs have specific requirements for pediatric anesthesia leadership, resources, and the availability of pediatric anesthesiologists or anesthesiologists with pediatric expertise to care for infants and young children. Summary: The present review outlines the history of the ACS CSV, key elements of the program, and the standards specific to pediatric anesthesiology. As with the pediatric trauma programs initiated more than 40 years ago, this program has the potential to significantly improve surgical care for infants and children in the United States and Canada. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Fe(III)-based metal–organic framework-derived core–shell nanostructure: Sensitive electrochemical platform for high trace determination of heavy metal ions

Publication date: 15 August 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 94
Author(s): Zhihong Zhang, Hongfei Ji, Yingpan Song, Shuai Zhang, Minghua Wang, Changchang Jia, Jia-Yue Tian, Linghao He, Xiaojing Zhang, Chun-Sen Liu
A new core–shell nanostructured composite composed of Fe(III)-based metal–organic framework (Fe-MOF) and mesoporous Fe3O4@C nanocapsules (denoted as Fe-MOF@mFe3O4@mC) was synthesized and developed as a platform for determining trace heavy metal ions in aqueous solution. Herein, the mFe3O4@mC nanocapsules were prepared by calcining the hollow Fe3O4@C that was obtained using the SiO2 nanoparticles as the template, followed by composing the Fe-MOF. The Fe-MOF@mFe3O4@mC nanocomposite demonstrated excellent electrochemical activity, water stability and high specific surface area, consequently resulting in the strong biobinding with heavy-metal-ion-targeted aptamer strands. Furthermore, by combining the conformational transition interaction, which is caused by the formation of the G-quadruplex between a single-stranded aptamer and high adsorbed amounts of heavy metal ions, the developed aptasensor exhibited a good linear relationship with the logarithm of heavy metal ion (Pb²⁺ and As³⁺) concentration over the broad range from 0.01 to 10.0nM. The detection limits were estimated to be 2.27 and 6.73 pM toward detecting Pb²⁺ and As³⁺, respectively. The proposed aptasensor showed good regenerability, excellent selectivity, and acceptable reproducibility, suggesting promising applications in environment monitoring and biomedical fields.

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A new amplified π-shape electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin B1

Publication date: 15 August 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 94
Author(s): Khalil Abnous, Noor Mohammad Danesh, Mona Alibolandi, Mohammad Ramezani, Ahmad Sarreshtehdar Emrani, Reza Zolfaghari, Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
There is a prompt need for determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in food products to avoid distribution and consumption of contaminated food products. In this study, an accurate electrochemical sensing strategy was presented for detection of AFB1 based on aptamer (Apt)-complementary strands of aptamer (CSs) complex which forms a π-shape structure on the surface of electrode and exonuclease I (Exo I). The presence of π-shape structure as a double-layer physical barrier allowed detection of AFB1 with high sensitivity. In the absence of AFB1, the π-shape structure remained intact, so only a weak peak current was recorded. Upon the addition of AFB1, the π-shape structure was disassembled and a strong current was recorded following the addition of Exo I. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical signals enhanced as AFB1 concentrations increased with a dynamic range of 7–500pg/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 2pg/mL. The developed aptasensor was also used to analyze AFB1 spiked human serum and grape juice samples and the recoveries were 95.4–108.1%.

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Sensitivity enhancement of graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite-based electrochemical impedance genosensor for single stranded RNA detection

Publication date: 15 August 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 94
Author(s): Sze Shin Low, Hwei-San Loh, Jian Sheng Boey, Poi Sim Khiew, Wee Siong Chiu, Michelle T.T. Tan
An efficient electrochemical impedance genosensing platform has been constructed based on graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite produced via a facile and green approach. Highly pristine graphene was synthesised from graphite through liquid phase sonication and then mixed with zinc acetate hexahydrate for the synthesis of graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite by solvothermal growth. The as-synthesised graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite was characterised with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) to evaluate its morphology, crystallinity, composition and purity. An amino-modified single stranded DNA oligonucleotide probe synthesised based on complementary Coconut Cadang-Cadang Viroid (CCCVd) RNA sequence, was covalently bonded onto the surface of graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite by the bio-linker 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester. The hybridisation events were monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under optimised sensing conditions, the single stranded CCCVd RNA oligonucleotide target could be quantified in a wide range of 1.0×10^–11M to 1.0×10⁻⁶ with good linearity (R =0.9927), high sensitivity with low detection limit of 4.3×10^–12M. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was also performed for the estimation of nucleic acid density on the graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite-modified sensing platform. The current work demonstrates an important advancement towards the development of a sensitive detection assay for various diseases involving RNA agents such as CCCVd in the future.

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Functional characterization of Gram-negative bacteria from different genera as multiplex cadmium biosensors

Publication date: 15 August 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 94
Author(s): Lara Bereza-Malcolm, Sanja Aracic, Ruban Kannan, Gülay Mann, Ashley E. Franks
Widespread presence of cadmium in soil and water systems is a consequence of industrial and agricultural processes. Subsequent accumulation of cadmium in food and drinking water can result in accidental consumption of dangerous concentrations. As such, cadmium environmental contamination poses a significant threat to human health. Development of microbial biosensors, as a novel alternative method for in situ cadmium detection, may reduce human exposure by complementing traditional analytical methods. In this study, a multiplex cadmium biosensing construct was assembled by cloning a single-output cadmium biosensor element, cadRgfp, and a constitutively expressed mrfp1 onto a broad-host range vector. Incorporation of the duplex fluorescent output [green and red fluorescence proteins] allowed measurement of biosensor functionality and viability. The biosensor construct was tested in several Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas, Shewanella and Enterobacter. The multiplex cadmium biosensors were responsive to cadmium concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10µgml⁻¹, as well as several other heavy metals, including arsenic, mercury and lead at similar concentrations. The biosensors were also responsive within 20–40min following exposure to 3µgml⁻¹ cadmium. This study highlights the importance of testing biosensor constructs, developed using synthetic biology principles, in different bacterial genera.

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Ventilation with high versus low peep levels during general anaesthesia for open abdominal surgery does not affect postoperative spirometry: A randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Invasive mechanical ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery typically causes atelectasis and impairs postoperative lung function. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of intraoperative ventilation with high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment manoeuvres (RMs) on postoperative spirometry. DESIGN: This was a preplanned, single-centre substudy of an international multicentre randomised controlled trial, the PROVHILO trial. SETTING: University hospital from November 2011 to January 2013. PATIENTS: Nonobese patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery at a high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). INTERVENTION: Intraoperative low tidal volume ventilation with PEEP levels of 12 cmH2O and RM (the high PEEP group) or with PEEP levels of 2 cmH2O or less without RM (the low PEEP group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time-weighted averages (TWAs) of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) up to postoperative day five. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were allocated to the high PEEP group and 32 to the low PEEP group. No postoperative spirometry test results were available for 6 patients. In both groups, TWA of FEV1 and FVC until postoperative day five were lower than preoperative values. Postoperative spirometry test results were not different between the high and low PEEP group; Data are median [interquartile range], TWA FVC 1.8 [1.6 to 2.4] versus 1.7 [1.2 to 2.4] l (P = NS) and TWA FEV1 1.2 [1.1 to 2.5] versus 1.2 [0.9 to 1.9] l (P = NS). Patients who developed PPCs had lower FEV1 and FVC on postoperative day five; 1.1 [0.9 to 1.6] versus 1.6 [1.4 to 1.9] l (P = 0.001) and 1.6 [1.2 to 2.6] versus 2.3 [1.7 to 2.6] l (P = 0.036), respectively. CONCLUSION: Postoperative spirometry is not affected by PEEP and RM during intraoperative ventilation for open abdominal surgery in nonobese patients at a high risk of PPCs, but rather is associated with the development of PPCs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01441791. (C) 2017 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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Oxford Textbook of Obstetric Anaesthesia.

No abstract available

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The use of dipyrone in the ICU is associated with acute kidney injury: A retrospective cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Use of dipyrone (metamizole) in perioperative and ICU pain therapy remains controversial due to a lack of solid evidence weighing dipyrone benefit against its potential life-threatening complications. Although dipyrone has known analgesic and antipyretic properties, its mechanisms of actions are incompletely understood. Although dipyrone effects on renal vasodilator prostaglandin synthesis are documented, little is known about its potential renal side effects, especially in the critical care environment. OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the perioperative nephrotoxic potential of dipyrone in patients prone to acute kidney injury (AKI). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single centre study in a tertiary referral hospital from January 2013 until June 2013. PATIENTS: A total of 500 consecutive patients aged 18 years and older referred to the anaesthesia ICU. Patients were excluded if admitted from or discharged to other ICUs, if referred for post resuscitation care, or if repeatedly admitted to the ICU. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of AKI, as defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Acute Kidney Injury Work Group criteria, and duration of vasopressor therapy. RESULTS: Use of dipyrone was associated with an increased incidence of AKI in a dose-dependent manner with a 1.6-fold increase in the incidence of AKI with each additional gram of intravenous dipyrone per day. Dipyrone dose of more than 2.5 g day-1 was the best risk predictive cut-off for AKI. Patients receiving dipyrone on the ICU presented with a prolonged duration of vasopressor therapy. CONCLUSION: Increasing dipyrone dosage is a potential independent risk factor for AKI in adult ICU patients and may prolong vasopressor therapy. Clinical evidence for a benefit of dipyrone therapy in the ICU is insufficient and needs further critical evaluation. (C) 2017 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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Ventilation with high versus low peep levels during general anaesthesia for open abdominal surgery does not affect postoperative spirometry: A randomised clinical trial.

Oxford Textbook of Obstetric Anaesthesia.

No abstract available

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The use of dipyrone in the ICU is associated with acute kidney injury: A retrospective cohort analysis.

On the Interpretation of the Hazard Ratio and Communication of Survival Benefit

This brief communication will clarify the difference between a relative hazard and a relative risk. We highlight the importance of this difference, and demonstrate in practical terms that 1 minus the hazard ratio should not be interpreted as a risk reduction in the commonly understood sense of the term. This article aims to provide a better understanding of the type of risk reduction that a hazard ratio implies, thereby clarifying the intent in the communication among practitioners and researchers and establishing an accurate and realistic foundation for communicating with patients. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–3

http://ift.tt/2mSM4ZC

Academic Cancer Center Phase I Program Development

Multiple factors critical to the effectiveness of academic phase I cancer programs were assessed among 16 academic centers in the U.S. Successful cancer centers were defined as having broad phase I and I/II clinical trial portfolios, multiple investigator-initiated studies, and correlative science. The most significant elements were institutional philanthropic support, experienced clinical research managers, robust institutional basic research, institutional administrative efforts to reduce bureaucratic regulatory delays, phase I navigators to inform patients and physicians of new studies, and a large cancer center patient base. New programs may benefit from a separate stand-alone operation, but mature phase I programs work well when many of the activities are transferred to disease-oriented teams. The metrics may be useful as a rubric for new and established academic phase I programs. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–6

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Risk-Reducing Strategies for Ovarian Cancer in BRCA Mutation Carriers: A Balancing Act

Objective.

The objective of this study was to review the role of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA mutation (mBRCA) carriers and alternative interventions in risk reduction of ovarian cancer (OC).

Materials and Methods.

A systematic review using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library was conducted to identify studies of different strategies to prevent OC in mBRCA carriers, including bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, prophylactic salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy, intensive surveillance, and chemoprevention.

Results.

Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is an effective intervention, but its associated morbidity is substantial and seems to curtail uptake rates among the target population. Although there is much interest and a strong theoretical basis for salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy, data on its clinical application are scarce with regard to screening, the use of an algorithmic protocol has recently shown favorable albeit indefinite results in average-risk postmenopausal women. Its incorporation into studies focused on high-risk women might help solidify a future role for screening as a bridge to surgery. The use of oral contraceptives for chemoprevention is well supported by epidemiologic studies. However, there is a lack of evidence for advocating any of the other agents proposed for this purpose, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin D, and retinoids.

Conclusion.

Further studies are needed before salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy or intensive surveillance can be offered as acceptable, less morbid alternatives to upfront oophorectomy for mBRCA carriers. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–10

Implications for Practice: Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is currently the most effective method for reducing the risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA mutation (mBRCA) carriers. Unfortunately, it is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity, stemming from reduced circulating estrogen. In recent years, much research has been devoted to evaluating less morbid alternatives, especially multimodal cancer screening and prophylactic salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy. This review describes the present state of the art, with the aim of informing the counseling provided to mBRCA carriers on this complicated issue and encouraging additional research to facilitate the incorporation of such alternatives into routine practice.

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End-of-Life Care Matters: Palliative Cancer Care Results in Better Care and Lower Costs

http://ift.tt/2mcY7UC

Performance of Mid-Treatment Breast Ultrasound and Axillary Ultrasound in Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy by Breast Cancer Subtype

Background.

The primary objective was to determine whether mid-treatment ultrasound measurements of index breast tumors and index axillary nodes of different cancer subtypes associate with residual cancer burden (RCB).

Methods.

Patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had pre-treatment and mid-treatment breast and axillary ultrasound were included in this single-institution, retrospective cohort study. Linear regression analysis assessed associations between RCB with (a) change in index breast tumor size, (b) change in index node size, and (c) absolute number of abnormal nodes at mid-treatment. Multivariate linear regression was used to calculate best-fit models for RCB.

Results.

One hundred fifty-nine patients (68 triple negative breast cancer [TNBC], 45 hormone receptor [HR]+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]–, and 46 HR–/HER2+) were included. Median age at diagnosis was 50 years, range 30–76. Median tumor size was 3.4 cm, range 0.9–10.4. Pathological complete response/RCB-I rates were 36.8% (25/68) for TNBC patients, 24.4% (11/45) for HR+/HER2– patients, and 71.7% (33/46) for HR–/HER2+ patients. Linear regression analyses demonstrated associations between percent change in tumor ultrasound measurements at mid-treatment with RCB index score in TNBC and HR+/HER2– (p < .05) but not in HR–/HER2+ (p > .05) tumors and an association between axillary ultrasound assessment of number of abnormal nodes at mid-treatment with RCB index score across all subtypes (p < .05).

Conclusion.

Performance characteristics of breast ultrasound associated with RCB vary by cancer subtype, whereas the performance characteristics of axillary ultrasound associated with RCB are consistent across cancer subtype. Breast and axillary ultrasound may be valuable in monitoring response to neoadjuvant therapy. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–8

Implications for Practice: The differential performance characteristics of breast ultrasound by molecular subtype and the consistent performance characteristics of axillary ultrasound across molecular subtypes can have clinical utility in monitoring response to neoadjuvant therapy.

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A Phase I Study of Abiraterone Acetate Combined with BEZ235, a Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor, in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer

Lessons Learned.

The combination of standard dose abiraterone acetate and BEZ235, a pan-class I PI3K and mTORC1/2 inhibitor, was poorly tolerated in men with progressive mCRPC.

Although the clinical development of BEZ235 has been discontinued in prostate cancer, agents that more selectively target PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling may have a more favorable therapeutic index and should continue to be explored.

Background.

Androgen receptor (AR) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling are two commonly perturbed pathways in prostate cancer. Preclinical data have shown that the two pathways compensate for each other when one is inhibited, and combined inhibition of AR and PI3K signaling may be a viable strategy to prevent or overcome castration resistance.

Methods.

This phase I study evaluated the safety and tolerability of abiraterone acetate and prednisone combined with BEZ235, a dual PI3K and mTORC1/2 inhibitor, in men with progressive metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have not received prior chemotherapy.

Results.

Six patients (n = 6) were treated at the starting dose level of abiraterone acetate 1,000 mg with prednisone 5 mg twice daily and BEZ235 200 mg twice daily in a 3 + 3 dose escalation design. The study was terminated early because three of the six patients (50%) experienced dose-limiting toxicities: grade 3 mucositis, grade 3 hypotension, and grade 4 dyspnea and pneumonitis. All six patients had previously progressed on abiraterone/prednisone. The median treatment duration was 27 days (range: 3–130 days). No prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline or objective response were observed.

Conclusion.

The combination of standard-dose abiraterone/prednisone with BEZ235 200 mg twice daily was poorly tolerated in patients with mCRPC. The on-target and off-target effects of dual PI3K and mTORC inhibition likely contributed to the unacceptable toxicity profile. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–8

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SAFE-HEaRt: Rationale and Design of a Pilot Study Investigating Cardiac Safety of HER2 Targeted Therapy in Patients with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer and Reduced Left Ventricular Function

Background.

Human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) targeted therapies have survival benefit in adjuvant and metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer but are associated with cardiac dysfunction. Current U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendations limit the use of HER2 targeted agents to patients with normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function.

Methods.

The objective of the SAFE-HEaRt study is to evaluate the cardiac safety of HER2 targeted therapy in patients with HER2 positive breast cancer and mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with optimized cardiac therapy. Thirty patients with histologically confirmed HER2 positive breast cancer (stage I–IV) and reduced LVEF (40% to 49%) who plan to receive HER2 targeted therapy for ≥3 months will be enrolled. Prior to initiation on study, optimization of heart function with beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors will be initiated. Patients will be followed by serial echocardiograms and cardiac visits during and 6 months after completion of HER2 targeted therapy. Myocardial strain and blood biomarkers, including cardiac troponin I and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, will be examined at baseline and during the study.

Discussion.

LV dysfunction in patients with breast cancer poses cardiac and oncological challenges and limits the use of HER2 targeted therapies and its oncological benefits. Strategies to prevent cardiac dysfunction associated with HER2 targeted therapy have been limited to patients with normal LVEF, thus excluding patients who may receive the highest benefit from those strategies. SAFE-HEaRt is the first prospective pilot study of HER2 targeted therapies in patients with reduced LV function while on optimized cardiac treatment that can provide the basis for clinical practice changes. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–8

Implications for Practice: Human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) targeted therapies have survival benefit in adjuvant and metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer but are associated with cardiac dysfunction. To our knowledge, SAFE-HEaRt is the first clinical trial that prospectively tests the hypothesis that HER2 targeted therapies may be safely administered in patients with mildly reduced cardiac function in the setting of ongoing cardiac treatment and monitoring. The results of this study will provide cardiac safety data and inform consideration of clinical practice changes in patients with HER2 positive breast cancer and reduced cardiac function, as well as provide information regarding cardiovascular monitoring and treatment in this population.

http://ift.tt/2mSJ3sh

Endocrine Therapy in the Current Management of Postmenopausal Estrogen Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) results in substantial morbidity and mortality for women afflicted with this disease. A majority of MBCs are hormone-responsive and estrogen receptor-positive, making endocrine therapy (ET) an integral component of systemic therapy. With a primary goal of minimizing the effects of estrogen on hormone-responsive MBC, ETs are among the first targeted treatments that aim to inhibit the influence of estrogen receptor activation on tumor proliferation. Several biochemical mechanisms have been the focus of drug development for treatment, including selective estrogen-receptor modulation, aromatase inhibition, and selective estrogen-receptor degradation. Treatments that exploit these mechanisms have improved survival and quality of life for women with MBC. However, in many cases, resistance to ET limits their effectiveness. Elucidation of the complex cellular signal cascades involved in the development of acquired resistance to ET and the interrelationship of growth factor signaling and estrogen responsiveness have characterized components of these pathways as attractive targets for drug development. Based on these insights and with the aim of overcoming hormone resistance, targeted therapies are emerging as useful treatments for MBC. This article reviews current endocrine treatments of MBC as well as recent and ongoing study of combination treatments and targeted therapies that interfere with cellular proliferation pathways as means of overcoming resistance. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–11

Implications for Practice: This review provides medical oncologists and other oncology health care providers with a current understanding of the rationale for endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer and the efficacy and safety profile of available treatment options. Additionally, current concepts regarding the development of treatment resistance and the treatment strategies for overcoming resistance are discussed. Enhancing the current information and the understanding of these topics will assist clinicians in evaluating optimal treatment options for their patients.

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Comprehensive proteomic characterization of stem cell-derived extracellular matrices

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 128
Author(s): Héloïse Ragelle, Alexandra Naba, Benjamin L. Larson, Fangheng Zhou, Miralem Prijić, Charles A. Whittaker, Amanda Del Rosario, Robert Langer, Richard O. Hynes, Daniel G. Anderson
In the stem-cell niche, the extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as a structural support that additionally provides stem cells with signals that contribute to the regulation of stem-cell function, via reciprocal interactions between cells and components of the ECM. Recently, cell-derived ECMs have emerged as in vitro cell culture substrates to better recapitulate the native stem-cell microenvironment outside the body. Significant changes in cell number, morphology and function have been observed when mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were cultured on ECM substrates as compared to standard tissue-culture polystyrene (TCPS). As select ECM components are known to regulate specific stem-cell functions, a robust characterization of cell-derived ECM proteomic composition is critical to better comprehend the role of the ECM in directing cellular processes. Here, we characterized and compared the protein composition of ECM produced in vitro by bone marrow-derived MSC, adipose-derived MSC and neonatal fibroblasts from different donors, employing quantitative proteomic methods. Each cell-derived ECM displayed a specific and unique matrisome signature, yet they all shared a common set of proteins. We evaluated the biological response of cells cultured on the different matrices and compared them to cells on standard TCPS. The matrices lead to differential survival and gene-expression profiles among the cell types and as compared to TCPS, indicating that the cell-derived ECMs influence each cell type in a different manner. This general approach to understanding the protein composition of different tissue-specific and cell-derived ECM will inform the rational design of defined systems and biomaterials that recapitulate critical ECM signals for stem-cell culture and tissue engineering.

Graphical abstract

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Supramolecular biofunctional materials

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 129
Author(s): Jie Zhou, Jie Li, Xuewen Du, Bing Xu
This review discusses supramolecular biofunctional materials, a novel class of biomaterials formed by small molecules that are held together via noncovalent interactions. The complexity of biology and relevant biomedical problems not only inspire, but also demand effective molecular design for functional materials. Supramolecular biofunctional materials offer (almost) unlimited possibilities and opportunities to address challenging biomedical problems. Rational molecular design of supramolecular biofunctional materials exploit powerful and versatile noncovalent interactions, which offer many advantages, such as responsiveness, reversibility, tunability, biomimicry, modularity, predictability, and, most importantly, adaptiveness. In this review, besides elaborating on the merits of supramolecular biofunctional materials (mainly in the form of hydrogels and/or nanoscale assemblies) resulting from noncovalent interactions, we also discuss the advantages of small peptides as a prevalent molecular platform to generate a wide range of supramolecular biofunctional materials for the applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, immunology, cancer therapy, fluorescent imaging, and stem cell regulation. This review aims to provide a brief synopsis of recent achievements at the intersection of supramolecular chemistry and biomedical science in hope of contributing to the multidisciplinary research on supramolecular biofunctional materials for a wide range of applications. We envision that supramolecular biofunctional materials will contribute to the development of new therapies that will ultimately lead to a paradigm shift for developing next generation biomaterials for medicine.

http://ift.tt/2nxpI33

Monitoring and visualizing microRNA dynamics during live cell differentiation using microRNA-responsive non-viral reporter vectors

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 128
Author(s): Hideyuki Nakanishi, Kenji Miki, Kaoru R. Komatsu, Masayuki Umeda, Megumi Mochizuki, Azusa Inagaki, Yoshinori Yoshida, Hirohide Saito
MicroRNA (miRNA) activity differs with cell type, suggesting it can be used as a cell marker. In this study, we developed novel miRNA–responsive non-viral reporter vectors to continuously monitor and visualize miRNA dynamics during differentiation and to efficiently purify target living cells. Each vector codes miRNA-responsive and reference reporter genes in a single mRNA. These two genes are independent modules but transcribed by a single promoter, which enables us to distinguish miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional repression from transcriptional repression. We generated stable, miRNA-responsive vector-containing human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using the piggyBac transposon or episomal vectors. We could continuously monitor the differentiation status of living hiPSCs by detecting the activity of hiPSC-specific miRNA (miR-302a*). In addition, we could selectively sort hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using cardiomyocyte-specific miRNA (miR-208a or miR-1)-reporter vectors. Our miRNA reporter system provides a simple way to quantitatively and continuously monitor and visualize changes in the cellular state and should facilitate a broad range of studies that depend on cellular changes including drug discovery and cell-fate conversion.

http://ift.tt/2nhgNlT

A positive feedback strategy for enhanced chemotherapy based on ROS-triggered self-accelerating drug release nanosystem

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 128
Author(s): Jing-Jing Hu, Qi Lei, Meng-Yun Peng, Di-Wei Zheng, Yi-Xuan Chen, Xian-Zheng Zhang
Here, a positive feedback strategy was utilized to amplify the concentration of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a ROS-triggered self-accelerating drug release nanosystem (defined as T/D@RSMSNs) was demonstrated for enhanced tumor chemotherapy. The mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) based nanocarriers were gated by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) through the ROS-cleavable thioketal (TK) linker to encapsulate the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and ROS producing agent α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS), whose surface was further anchored with adamantane conjugated poly(ethylene glycol) chain (AD-PEG) via host-guest interaction. It was found that in human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, T/D@RSMSNs could not only release DOX and α-TOS initiatively, but also lead to increased concentration of intracellular ROS, which could be used as new trigger to cut away TK linkage and then in turn facilitate the further release of DOX for enhanced chemotherapy. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that T/D@RSMSNs exhibited more significant antitumor activity in the human breast cancer than the traditional single-DOX loaded ROS-responsive nanocarrier. This novel ROS-triggered self-accelerating drug release nanosystem with remarkably improved therapeutic effects could provide a general strategy to branch out the applications of existing ROS-responsive drug delivery systems (DDSs).

Graphical abstract

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Impact of fraction size on locally advanced oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal cancers treated with chemoradiation

In locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, the addition of chemotherapy given concurrently with radiation has improved locoregional control and/or overall survival [1,2]. Classically, chemoradiation has used fraction sizes of 1.8–2Gy to a total dose of approximately 70Gy [1–3]. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommendations do not currently agree on the optimal fraction size to use with concurrent chemoradiation [4]. Given the benefit of altered fractionation radiotherapy regimens in the absence of chemotherapy [5–8], several groups have incorporated slightly hypofractionated regimens in which the predominant fraction size of 2.12Gy has been used.

http://ift.tt/2nxcHqq

A New iOS App Customizes Sounds for Individual Hearing Conditions

The South Korea-based startup Earlogic (https://earlogic.com/) introduced a smart music platform app named TSC Music, which was designed to equalize sounds based on users' hearing capacity and serve the dual purpose of improving sound quality and protect users from hearing loss. Users are prompted to take a self-administered hearing test on five key frequencies when they open the app. The app then uses its threshold sound conditioning technology to render sound based on both frequency ranges and decibels unique to users' preset hearing condition. TSC Music also saves users' hearing data to help monitor daily hearing conditions, which include progress, usage time, best and worst INDEX, and other parameters.

The app is compatible with iPhones and iPads, as well as music streaming services such as YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud. TSC Music is currently available as a free beta app in Apple's App Store.

Published: 3/17/2017 9:02:00 AM

http://ift.tt/2mSz7zh

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and bone mass

It is well appreciated that high density lipoprotein (HDL) and bone physiology and pathology are tightly linked. Studies, primarily in mouse models have shown that dysfunctional and/or disturbed HDL can affect bone mass through many different ways. Specifically, reduced HDL levels have been associated with the development of an inflammatory microenvironment that affects the differentiation and function of osteoblasts. In addition, perturbation in HDL metabolic pathways favor adipoblastic and restrain osteoblastic differentiation through, among others, the modification of specific bone-related chemokines and signaling cascades. Increased bone marrow adiposity also deteriorates bone osteoblastic function and thus bone synthesis, leading to reduced bone mass. In this review, we present the current knowledge and the future directions with regards to the HDL-bone mass connection. Unraveling the molecular phenomena that underline this connection will promote the deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of bone-related pathologies, such as osteoporosis or bone metastasis, and pave the way towards the development of novel more effective therapies against these conditions.

http://ift.tt/2mFg4r9

The Phonological Unit of Japanese Kanji Compounds: A Masked Priming Investigation.

Author: Yoshihara, Masahiro; Nakayama, Mariko; Verdonschot, Rinus G.; Hino, Yasushi

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000374

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 16 March 2017

http://ift.tt/2mZ2GAN

The Role of Error Processing in the Contextual Interference Effect During the Training of Perceptual-Cognitive Skills.

Author: Broadbent, David P.; Causer, Joe; Williams, A. Mark; Ford, Paul R.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000375

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 16 March 2017

http://ift.tt/2nBlNiF

Embodied Memory Allows Accurate and Stable Perception of Hidden Objects Despite Orientation Change.

Author: Pan, Jing Samantha; Bingham, Ned; Bingham, Geoffrey P.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000392

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 16 March 2017

http://ift.tt/2mYZSDS

[Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis Survived by Two Operations;Report of a Case].

[Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis Survived by Two Operations;Report of a Case].

Kyobu Geka. 2017 Mar;70(3):231-234

Authors: Minakata T, Niiya Y, Oshima Y, Himuro N, Tomita Y, Kataoka D, Tanio N, Yamamoto S, Suzuki T, Kadokura M

Abstract
The patient, a 65-year-old woman, visited at her local doctor's office with the chief complaint of pharyngeal pain. After being administered antibacterial drugs, hyperthermia persisted and the pharyngeal pain became exacerbated. She was referred to our hospital and diagnosed as a retropharyngeal abscess and descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM). She was urgently hospitalized and surgery was performed. The mediastinal pleura was incised with thoracoscopic guidance and curettage, irrigation, and drainage were performed. Additional drainage was determined to be necessary based on findings from subsequent chest computed tomography and a prolonged inflammatory reaction. Therefore, on hospital day 7, 2nd surgery were performed, and tracheotomy was additionally performed with curettage of the neck abscess. The patient was taken off mechanical ventilation on hospital day 18, and discharged on hospital day 55.

PMID: 28293013 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2mYWxVn

Serum cytokine profile of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Serum cytokine profile of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

J Laryngol Otol. 2017 Mar 15;:1-7

Authors: Sotirović J, Perić A, Vojvodić D, Baletić N, Zaletel I, Stanojević I, Erdoglija M, Milojević M

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate serum cytokine concentrations in healthy individuals and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients.
METHODS: A total of 59 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients and 44 healthy controls were included. Multiplex analysis of interleukins 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13 and 17 and interferon-gamma with respect to the presence of laryngeal carcinoma, tumour-node-metastasis T stage, nodal involvement and larynx subsite was performed.
RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no difference in serum cytokine levels between patients and healthy controls. The serum interleukin-12 concentration was significantly higher in patients with early (T1-2) than in those with late (T3-4) stage disease and without nodal involvement (p < 0.05). Serum interleukin-10 levels were significantly higher in T3-4 stage than in T1-2 stage patients (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum interleukin 10, 12 and 13 concentrations (p < 0.05) and interleukin-6 concentration (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with T1-2 stage supraglottic vs glottic tumours.
CONCLUSION: Serum cytokines level cannot be used as laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma markers. Progression from T1-2 to T3-4 stage is followed by decreased serum interleukin-12 levels and increased interleukin-10 levels. Nodal involvement is associated with lower serum interleukin-12 levels. In patients with early stage tumours, serum interleukin 6, 10, 12 and 13 concentrations are significantly higher in those with supraglottic vs glottic tumours.

PMID: 28294085 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2mSeNPV

Perinatal probiotics decreased eczema up to 10 years of age but at 5–10 years allergic rhino-conjunctivitis was increased

Abstract

Perinatal use of Lactobacillus GG (LGG) has been associated with fewer allergic diseases, mainly eczema in high-risk children at the age of two years [1,2], a phenomenon still seen at 6–9 years [2-5]. We reported earlier that in high-risk children pre- and postnatal use of a mixture of probiotics reduced the incidence of atopic eczema at two years of age, and during the first five years atopic eczema reduction was seen in Caesarean-delivered children but not in the whole cohort [1,6]. Mothers were recruited during pregnancy and randomized at 35 weeks of gestation to the probiotic or placebo group. Prematurity (less than 37 weeks of gestation), infants having major malformations or infants born as B-twins were excluded.

http://ift.tt/2mSodJv

Perinatal probiotics decreased eczema up to 10 years of age but at 5–10 years allergic rhino-conjunctivitis was increased

Abstract

http://ift.tt/2mSodJv

Evolutionary anatomy of the Neandertal ulna and radius in the light of the new El Sidrón sample

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 106
Author(s): Laura Pérez-Criado, Antonio Rosas
This paper aims to improve our understanding of the phylogenetic trait polarity related to hominin forearm evolution, in particular those traits traditionally defined as "Neandertal features." To this aim, twelve adult and adolescent fragmented forelimb elements (including ulnae and radii) of Homo neanderthalensis recovered from the site of El Sidrón (Asturias, Spain) were examined comparatively using three-dimensional geometric and traditional morphometrics. Mean centroid size and shape comparisons, principal components analysis, and phylogenetic signal analysis were undertaken. Our investigations revealed that the proximal region of the ulna discriminated best between Neandertals and modern humans, with fewer taxonomically-informative features in the distal ulna and radius. Compared to modern humans, the divergent features in the Neandertal ulna are an increase in olecranon breadth (a derived trait), lower coronoid length (primitive), and anterior orientation of the trochlear notch (primitive). In the Neandertal radius, we observe a larger neck length (primitive), medial orientation of the radial tubercle (secondarily primitive), and a curved diaphysis (secondarily primitive). Anatomically, we identified three units of evolutionary change: 1) the olecranon and its fossa, 2) the coronoid–radius neck complex, and 3) the tubercle and radial diaphysis. Based on our data, forearm evolution followed a mosaic pattern in which some features were inherited from a pre-Homo ancestor, others originated in some post-ergaster and pre-antecessor populations, and other characters emerged in the specific Homo sapiens and H. neanderthalensis lineages, sometimes appearing as secondarily primitive. Future investigations might consider the diverse phylogenetic origin of apomorphies while at the same time seeking to elucidate their functional meaning.

http://ift.tt/2n7r1Vi

Physical activity alters limb bone structure but not entheseal morphology

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 107
Author(s): Ian J. Wallace, Julia M. Winchester, Anne Su, Doug M. Boyer, Nicolai Konow
Studies of ancient human skeletal remains frequently proceed from the assumption that individuals with robust limb bones and/or rugose, hypertrophic entheses can be inferred to have been highly physically active during life. Here, we experimentally test this assumption by measuring the effects of exercise on limb bone structure and entheseal morphology in turkeys. Growing females were either treated with a treadmill-running regimen for 10 weeks or served as controls. After the experiment, femoral cortical and trabecular bone structure were quantified with μCT in the mid-diaphysis and distal epiphysis, respectively, and entheseal morphology was quantified in the lateral epicondyle. The results indicate that elevated levels of physical activity affect limb bone structure but not entheseal morphology. Specifically, animals subjected to exercise displayed enhanced diaphyseal and trabecular bone architecture relative to controls, but no significant difference was detected between experimental groups in entheseal surface topography. These findings suggest that diaphyseal and trabecular structure are more reliable proxies than entheseal morphology for inferring ancient human physical activity levels from skeletal remains.

http://ift.tt/2mSgBac

An updated age for the Xujiayao hominin from the Nihewan Basin, North China: Implications for Middle Pleistocene human evolution in East Asia

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 106
Author(s): Hong Ao, Chun-Ru Liu, Andrew P. Roberts, Peng Zhang, Xinwen Xu
The Xujiayao site in the Nihewan Basin (North China) is one of the most important Paleolithic sites in East Asia. Twenty Homo fossils, which were previously assigned to an archaic Homo sapiens group, have been excavated along with more than 30,000 lithic artifacts and ∼5000 mammalian fossil specimens. Dating of the Xujiayao hominin has been pursued since its excavation in the 1970s, but its age has remained controversial because of limitations of the dating techniques that have been applied to available materials. Here, we report new ages for the Xujiayao hominin based on combined electron spin resonance (ESR) dating of quartz in the sediments and high-resolution magnetostratigraphy of the fluvio-lacustrine sequence. The magnetostratigraphy suggests that the upper Matuyama and Brunhes polarity chrons are recorded at Xujiayao. The ESR dating results indicate a pooled average age of 260–370 ka for the Homo-bearing layer, which is consistent with its position within the middle Brunhes normal polarity chron indicated by magnetostratigraphy. This age estimate makes the Xujiayao hominin among the oldest mid-Pleistocene hominins with derived Neanderthal traits in East Asia. This age is consistent with the time when early Denisovans, a sister group of Neanderthals, appeared and colonized eastern Eurasia. Our updated age and the Neanderthal-like traits of the Xujiayao Homo fossils, particularly the Denisovan-like molar teeth, make it possible that the Xujiayao hominin could represent an early Denisovan.

http://ift.tt/2mS2cKU

Another look at the foramen magnum in bipedal mammals

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 105
Author(s): Gabrielle A. Russo, E. Christopher Kirk
A more anteriorly positioned foramen magnum evolved in concert with bipedalism at least four times within Mammalia: once in macropodid marsupials, once in heteromyid rodents, once in dipodid rodents, and once in hominoid primates. Here, we expand upon previous research on the factors influencing mammalian foramen magnum position (FMP) and angle with four new analyses. First, we quantify FMP using a metric (basioccipital ratio) not previously examined in a broad comparative sample of mammals. Second, we evaluate the potential influence of relative brain size on both FMP and foramen magnum angle (FMA). Third, we assess FMP in an additional rodent clade (Anomaluroidea) containing bipedal springhares (Pedetes spp.) and gliding/quadrupedal anomalures (Anomalurus spp.). Fourth, we determine the relationship between measures of FMP and FMA in extant hominoids and an expanded mammalian sample. Our results indicate that bipedal/orthograde mammals have shorter basioccipitals than their quadrupedal/non-orthograde relatives. Brain size alone has no discernible effect on FMP or FMA. Brain size relative to palate size has a weak influence on FMP in some clades, but effects are not evident in all metrics of FMP and are inconsistent among clades. Among anomaluroids, bipedal Pedetes exhibits a more anterior FMP than gliding/quadrupedal Anomalurus. The relationship between FMA and FMP in hominoids depends on the metric chosen for quantifying FMP, and if modern humans are included in the sample. However, the relationship between FMA and FMP is nonexistent or weak across rodents, marsupials, and, to a lesser extent, strepsirrhine primates. These results provide further evidence that bipedal mammals tend to have more anteriorly positioned foramina magna than their quadrupedal close relatives. Our findings also suggest that the evolution of FMP and FMA in hominins may not be closely coupled.

http://ift.tt/2n7ow5B

A newly discovered galagid fossil from Nakali, an early Late Miocene locality of East Africa

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution
Author(s): Yutaka Kunimatsu, Masato Nakatsukasa, Tetsuya Sakai, Mototaka Saneyoshi, Yoshihiro Sawada, Hideo Nakaya

http://ift.tt/2mS7iXC

Editorial Board

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 104

http://ift.tt/2n7sXNV

Erratum to: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of fluoride varnish in preventing dental caries of Sjögren’s syndrome patients

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Decreased Expression of B cell Maturation Antigen in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 7-13.

http://ift.tt/2niBkqc

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in an 11-Year-Old Boy—A Case Report

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 60-63.

http://ift.tt/2nO02v5

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonology Celebrates Its 30th Year

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 1-1.

http://ift.tt/2nOhjo4

Smoking Patterns and Perspectives of Families of Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 26-30.

http://ift.tt/2niIP08

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in an 11-Year-Old Boy—A Case Report

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 60-63.

http://ift.tt/2nO02v5

Decreased Expression of B cell Maturation Antigen in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 7-13.

http://ift.tt/2niBkqc

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonology Celebrates Its 30th Year

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 1-1.

http://ift.tt/2nOhjo4

Smoking Patterns and Perspectives of Families of Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 26-30.

http://ift.tt/2niIP08

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in an 11-Year-Old Boy—A Case Report

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 60-63.

http://ift.tt/2mc4k32

Decreased Expression of B cell Maturation Antigen in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 7-13.

http://ift.tt/2mS20eB

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonology Celebrates Its 30th Year

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 1-1.

http://ift.tt/2mbSbLG

Smoking Patterns and Perspectives of Families of Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Mar 2017, Vol. 30, No. 1: 26-30.

http://ift.tt/2mRW9X1

Behaviour change technique taxonomy: a method of describing head and neck cancer dysphagia intervention delivery.

Purpose of review: The purpose of the review is to examine the current state of the art of dysphagia intervention delivery description and to propose use of a new tool to facilitate this: the behaviour change technique taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1). Recent findings: Describing intervention delivery is difficult, and published research in the field of speech and language therapy (SLT) does not include detail on this key aspect of research protocols. Interventions themselves are often poorly delineated, and a way is needed of classifying how these interventions are delivered in practice. Summary: Use of the BCTTv1 would facilitate clarity and transparency in intervention delivery description and have positive implications for research, clinical practice and undergraduate teaching if employed by the SLT profession. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2niwTvI

Voice outcomes post total laryngectomy.

Purpose of review: A consensus and body of robust evidence has developed regarding optimal laryngeal voice outcome measures. This contrasts with a lack of clarity for equivalent assessments in alaryngeal voice. Addressing this situation would enable clinicians to select the best tools currently available to facilitate research, audit and clinical practice. This is important because of the limited knowledge regarding the optimal surgical or reconstruction techniques and rehabilitation regimes for the laryngectomy population. Recent findings: There is currently no evidence to support the use of acoustic instrumental measures in terms of validity. Preliminary data support the validity of a new tracheoesophageal voice auditory-perceptual tool the SToPS, for professional and naive raters. Few specific self-rating tools exist with the Self Evaluation of Communication Experiences after Laryngectomy having the most evidence regarding validity, reliability and clinical utility. Laryngeal self-report questionnaires have been utilized, but concerns have been expressed regarding content validity. Patient self-report outcomes do not concur with professional or naive judgements, which reflect findings in the laryngeal voice literature. Summary: Further research is needed to establish the optimal tools for research and clinical practice. Investigations should also incorporate assessments of real-life communication in daily living rather than solely focussing on recordings in laboratory conditions. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2nO4me3

Voice outcomes post total laryngectomy.

Behaviour change technique taxonomy: a method of describing head and neck cancer dysphagia intervention delivery.

Molecular defects identified by whole exome sequencing in a child with atypical mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

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Leptin and adiponectin levels in discordant dichorionic twins at 72 hours of age-associations with anthropometric parameters and insulin resistance

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

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Clinical features of girls with short stature among inv (9), Turner (45, X) and control individuals

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

http://ift.tt/2n7cBoj

Increase of body mass index (BMI) from 1.5 to 3 years of age augments the degree of insulin resistance corresponding to BMI at 12 years of age

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

http://ift.tt/2n7cA3J

A cross-sectional survey of the nature and correlates of sleep disturbance in people with psoriasis

Abstract

Background

Research suggests that sleep disturbance is common in psoriasis. Despite 32 studies conducted in sleep, many demonstrate methodological flaws, often using unvalidated measurement, with no study examining multiple dimensions of sleep-wake functioning. Moreover, research has yet to comprehensively examine the range of physical and psychological factors that may affect sleep in people with psoriasis.

Objective

To characterise sleep disturbance using validated measures and identify physical and psychological predictors of sleep quality in people with psoriasis.

Methods

An online survey was conducted (n=186;M_age=39.2) comprising validated measures assessing sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Berlin Questionnaire, Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale), chronotype (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire), mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), itch (5-D Itch Scale) and psoriasis severity (Simplified Psoriasis Index). Group comparisons and regression analyses were used to examine predictors of poor sleep.

Results

Mean PSQI score was 9.24 (SD=4.32), with 76.3% scoring above the threshold for poor sleep (≥ 6 on the PSQI) and 32.5% scoring 'positive' for probable obstructive sleep apnoea. Poor sleep and high likelihood of OSA was associated with more severe psoriasis (p<.05; η²=.07; η²=.005). Cognitive arousal (β=.264, p=.001), itch (β=.260, p<.001) and depression (β=.236, p=.001) were the most robust predictors of poor sleep quality which, together with somatic arousal (β=.168, p=.022), accounted for 43% of variance in PSQI scores.

Conclusions

Poor sleep is common in psoriasis and associated with psychological and physical factors. Rates of probable obstructive sleep apnoea are also high. Given the importance of restorative sleep for health, sleep complaints should receive greater clinical attention in the management of psoriasis.

http://ift.tt/2mECM2B

A chronic recurrent disease course of dermatomyositis is associated with autoantibodies against TIF1γ

Abstract

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune disease with high clinical variability in terms of cutaneous and muscle involvement as well as disease duration. DM severely impacts the quality of life of the patients and may be life threatening. This is primarily due to lung involvement and the 3.0 to 7.7 fold increased relative risk for cancer compared to the general adult population^1;2.

http://ift.tt/2mc3cfQ

Predicting Auditory Outcomes From Radiological Imaging in Cochlear Implant Patients With Cochlear Nerve Deficiency.

Objective: To compare imaging and outcome data in cochlear implant (CI) patients with and without cochlear nerve deficiency (CND). Study Design: Retrospective study comparing presurgical imaging (via high-resolution computed tomography and three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging) to postsurgical auditory outcomes in CI patients with and without CND. Patients: Forty-three CI patients with CND diagnosed according to preoperative imaging were included in the CND group. A control group (non-CND; n = 43) was matched to the CND group in terms of age at implantation, CI device type, preoperative hearing threshold, and sex. Results: Across all subjects, internal auditory canal (IAC) diameter, cochlear nerve canal (CNC) diameter, and the number of nerve bundles were significantly correlated with all auditory outcome measures (p

http://ift.tt/2nwC8rY

Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage in the background of Escherichia coli sepsis: a case report

Sepsis is a syndrome of life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It can have devastating consequences, including bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, particularly in pat...

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Cochlear Transcriptome Following Acoustic Trauma and Dexamethasone Administration Identified by a Combination of RNA-seq and DNA Microarray.

Aim: To elucidate molecular mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and glucocorticoid therapy in the cochlea. Background: Glucocorticoids are used to treat many forms of acute sensorineural hearing loss, but their molecular action in the cochlea remains poorly understood. Methods: Dexamethasone was administered intraperitoneally immediately following acoustic overstimulation at 120 dB SPL for 2 hours to mice. The whole cochlear transcriptome was analyzed 12 and 24 hours following noise trauma and dexamethasone administration by both next-generation sequencing (RNA-seq) and DNA microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with more than 2-fold changes after noise trauma and dexamethasone administration were identified. The functions of these DEGs were analyzed by David Bioinformatics Resources and a literature search. Results: Twelve hours after acoustic overstimulation, immune-related gene pathways such as "chemokine signaling activity," "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction," and "cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in the immune system" were significantly changed compared with the baseline level without noise. These DEGs were involved in immune and defense responses in the cochlea. Dexamethasone was administered to this NIHL model, and it modulated gene pathways of "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction" and "cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in the immune system" at 12 hours, compared with saline-injected control. Dexamethasone-dependent DEGs were also involved in immune and defense responses. A literature search showed that 10 other genes associated with hearing functions were regulated by dexamethasone both at 12 and 24 hours post-administration. Conclusion: Dexamethasone modulates the immune reaction in the traumatized cochlea following acoustic overstimulation. Dexamethasone may also regulate cochlear functions other than immunity. Copyright (C) 2017 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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Tests of Eustachian Tube Function: the Effect of Testing Technique on Tube Opening in Healthy Ears.

Objective: There is no agreement on the best clinical test for Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction. Numerous tests have been developed to detect ET opening, and all require a patient to perform a Valsalva, Toynbee or sniff maneuver, or to swallow on demand. We aimed to characterize existing tests of ET function in healthy ears, and identify the optimal method and patient maneuver for each test. Our own normative data is presented alongside published comparisons. Study Design: Diagnostic test cohort study. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Seventy-five healthy ears from 42 volunteers. Interventions: Six tests of ET function, each performed using multiple different patient maneuvers. Main Outcome Measure: Detected ET opening rate for each test-maneuver combination. Results: The highest detected opening rates were: Sonotubometry 94%; nine-step test inflation/deflation 93/94%; continuous impedance 88%, patient-reported opening 79%; observed tympanic membrane movement 78%; and Tubo-tympano-aerodynamic-graphy 76%. Valsalva maneuvers were most effective at opening the ET. Toynbee and swallow maneuvers were more effective when performed without water, when compared to with water. For Valsalva and sniff maneuvers, there was significant correlation between the peak nasopharyngeal pressure generated and the ET opening rate. Conclusion: Based on ET opening detection rates, we recommend the use of dry swallows with sonotubometry and the nine-step test. When testing patient-reported opening and observed membrane movement, and when performing Tubo-tympano-aerodynamic-graphy and impedance tests, we recommend the use of Valsalva maneuvers. Further studies are required to explore the association between the test technique and results in ears with ET dysfunction. Copyright (C) 2017 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops.

Hypothesis: A review of the most recent literature will provide clinicians with an update of secondary endolymphatic hydrops, aiding in diagnosis and treatment of affected patients. Background: Secondary endolymphatic hydrops is a pathologic finding of the inner ear resulting in episodic vertigo and intermittent hearing loss. It is a finding for which extensive research is being performed. Methods: A review of the most recent literature on secondary endolymphatic hydrops was performed using PubMed literature search. Results: Recent investigation of secondary endolymphatic hydrops has brought attention to traumatic and inflammatory insults as causes for secondary endolymphatic hydrops. Such etiologies, including postsurgical effects of cochlear implantation and endolymphatic sac ablation; otosclerosis and its operative intervention(s); acoustic and mechanical trauma; medications; and systemic inflammatory processes, have been determined as causes of secondary lymphatic hydrops. Histopathological slides for many of the etiologies of secondary endolymphatic hydrops are presented. Conclusion: Through an understanding of the pathophysiology and etiologies of secondary endolymphatic hydrops, clinicians will gain a better understanding of this complex disease process, which will aid in treatment of patients with this disease process. Copyright (C) 2017 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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New Scoring System for Evaluating Patulous Eustachian Tube Patients.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of patulous Eustachian tube handicap inventory (PHI) for patulous Eustachian tube (PET) patients. Study Design: Prospective. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Subjects: A prospective survey of medical records in Sen-En Hospital identified 31 ears of 31 patients with definite PET who received insertion of the silicone plug as surgical treatment group, 29 ears of 29 patients treated with self-instillation of physiological saline solution as conservative treatment group, and 29 ears of 29 patients of sensorineural hearing loss without findings of PET treated between June 2015 and December 2015. Method: Diagnosis of definite PET was based on the proposal on PET diagnosis criteria announced by the Otological Society of Japan. The evaluation scale of PHI was modified from the Japanese version of the tinnitus handicap inventory-12 (THI-12). The classification for grading of severity is defined as follows: 1) no handicap (0-8), 2) mild handicap (10-16), 3) moderate handicap (18-24), and 4) severe handicap (26-40), matching the severity grades of tinnitus handicap inventory-25 (THI-25). The outcome measurement was modified from the previous scoring system and is defined as 1) complete relief, 2) significant improvement, 3) slight improvement, 4) unchanged, and 5) worse, and is applied according to the classification for grading of severity. The PHI was conducted at the first visit to our center for all patients in the three groups. For cases requiring surgery for plug insertion, patulous Eustachian tube handicap inventory 10 (PHI 10) was also conducted postsurgery after the treatment (postsurgery). Results: The findings from questions 1 to 7 and 9 to 11 were significantly different between the surgical (presurgery) and conservative treatment groups (p

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A cross-sectional survey of the nature and correlates of sleep disturbance in people with psoriasis

Abstract

Background

Objective

To characterise sleep disturbance using validated measures and identify physical and psychological predictors of sleep quality in people with psoriasis.

Methods

Results

Conclusions

http://ift.tt/2mECM2B

A chronic recurrent disease course of dermatomyositis is associated with autoantibodies against TIF1γ

Abstract

http://ift.tt/2mc3cfQ

Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

! # Ola via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader

Η λίστα ιστολογίων μου

Παρασκευή 17 Μαρτίου 2017

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Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου