Principles and applications of photoelectrochemical sensing strategies based on biofunctionalized nanostructures

Publication date: 15 October 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 96
Author(s): Yang Zang, Jianping Lei, Huangxian Ju
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing is a popular research hotspot that has attracted substantial attention from chemists and biologists due to its low cost and desirable sensitivity. The PEC biosensing mainly refers to the influence of the interaction between recognition element and analyte on photocurrent signal, which involves the charge and energy transfer of PEC reaction between electron donor/acceptor and photoactive material upon light irradiation. Understanding the fundamentals of PEC strategy benefits the development of next-generation PEC sensors. However, the research on detection mechanism of PEC sensors is in the initial stage and need to be further exploited. Thus, with a particular focus on the signal transduction formats, this review highlights the novel concept on PEC sensing strategies, and categorizes the recent illustrative examples into three signaling principles: reactant determinant, electron transfer and energy transfer, providing the comprehensive design guidelines for researchers to develop more advanced PEC sensors. The prospects and challenges for future work are also included.



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RadB Acts in Homologous Recombination in the Archaeon Haloferax volcanii, Consistent with a Role as Recombination Mediator

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): Kayleigh Wardell, Sam Haldenby, Nathan Jones, Susan Liddell, Greg H.P. Ngo, Thorsten Allers
Homologous recombination plays a central role in the repair of double-strand DNA breaks, the restart of stalled replication forks and the generation of genetic diversity. Regulation of recombination is essential since defects can lead to genome instability and chromosomal rearrangements. Strand exchange is a key step of recombination − it is catalysed by RecA in bacteria, Rad51/Dmc1 in eukaryotes and RadA in archaea. RadB, a paralogue of RadA, is present in many archaeal species. RadB has previously been proposed to function as a recombination mediator, assisting in RadA-mediated strand exchange. In this study, we use the archaeon Haloferax volcanii to provide evidence to support this hypothesis. We show that RadB is required for efficient recombination and survival following treatment with DNA-damaging agents, and we identify two point mutations in radA that suppress the ΔradB phenotype. Analysis of these point mutations leads us to propose that the role of RadB is to act as a recombination mediator, which it does by inducing a conformational change in RadA and thereby promoting its polymerisation on DNA.



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Randomized, controlled trial split-faced study of 595-nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris and acne erythema in adolescents and early adulthood

Abstract

The high prevalence of acne vulgaris in teenagers has increased comorbidities. Lasers offer alternative options for acne treatment because they have rapid action, low systemic adverse effects, and do not require everyday treatment. To study the efficacy and patients' satisfaction of 595-nm pulse dye laser (PDL) treatment of acne vulgaris and acne erythema in adolescents and early adulthood, we designed a blocked-randomized, split-faced 595-nm PDL (fluence 8 J/cm³ pulse duration 10 ms, spot size 7 mm, 2 session every 2 weeks) study in patients with mild to moderate acne by comparing the laser-treated and non-treated side. The acne lesion counts, acne erythema grading, and acne severity grading were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Thirty patients were recruited. The results showed no statistically significant difference except the papule count at week 4 which was −1.828 on the treated side and 0.103 on the non-treated side of the face, P-value 0.0018. There was no statistically significant difference of acne severity grading and acne erythema grading between both sides of the face. The mean scores of patients' satisfaction on the laser-treated side were 75, 81, and 81%, respectively. The PDL treatment in this study reveals no significant improvement in acne therapy; however, the patients were satisfied with this laser treatment.

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Pretrimmed versus Direct Nonshaven Follicular Unit Extraction

Background: Shaving the donor area is one of the major deterrents preventing hair transplant patients from selecting follicular unit extraction (FUE). A minimal shaved donor area is possible in strip surgery, but the strip method is not applicable if the patient wishes to avoid a linear donor scar, wishes to minimize postoperative pain, or has insufficient scalp laxity. In these cases, nonshaven FUE (NS-FUE) is potentially a very good choice. Methods: A total of 42 patients were enrolled. Both pretrimmed and direct NS-FUE were performed during a single session in each patient. The 2 methods were compared regarding the time taken to punch 50 grafts, transection rate, and calculated density (number of hairs per graft). Results: The mean time taken to punch 50 grafts was significantly longer in the pretrimmed method than the direct method (3.4 minutes versus 2.6 minutes; P 0.05). The mean calculated density was significantly higher in the pretrimmed method than the direct method (2.23 hairs per graft versus 2.15 hairs per graft; P

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Evaluation of Horner Syndrome in the MRI Era.

Background: To identify the etiologies of adult Horner syndrome (HS) in the MRI era using a targeted evaluation approach and to assess the value and yield of targeted imaging. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 200 adult outpatients with HS, confirmed with cocaine eyedrop testing. Patients were divided into subgroups based on the presence or absence of symptoms and those who did or did not receive additional testing with hydroxyamphetamine drops. Imaging was obtained based on pharmacologic localization and/or clinical evaluation. The etiology of HS and the yield of imaging were determined in all subgroups. Results: Imaging showed causative lesions in 24 of 179 (12.84%) imaged patients with HS, and 13 (69.0%) were determined "idiopathic." Of the patients who underwent testing with hydroxyamphetamine drops (132 patients), 86 had a postganglionic localization with an imaging yield of 8.1%, and 46 had preganglionic cause with an imaging yield of 21.7%. Fifty-three patients (26.5%) never noticed ptosis/anisocoria before examination, and the imaging yield in this subgroup was 2.8%. Eighteen of the 200 patients (9.0%) had serious pathology, including carotid artery dissection, brain, or neck mass, and 6 of these (31.6%) had acute symptoms and/or pain. Conclusions: HS is most often idiopathic with serious pathology being relatively infrequent. When determining etiology, the absence of symptoms is not predictive of the pathology. However, acute onset of symptoms and/or pain are possible indicators for serious pathology. Localizing the lesion using hydroxyamphetamine drops whenever obtainable and available is still an efficient way to target imaging evaluation. (C) 2017 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

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Modern Neuro-Ophthalmology: Anatomy & Physiology of the Human Visual System.

No abstract available

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Hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving hemodialysis

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Lavjay Butani, Gianfranco Calogiuri
ObjectiveTo describe hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.Data SourcesPubMed search of articles published during the past 30 years with an emphasis on publications in the past decade.Study SelectionsCase reports and review articles describing hypersensitivity reactions in the context of hemodialysis.ResultsPharmacologic agents are the most common identifiable cause of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving hemodialysis. These include iron, erythropoietin, and heparin, which can cause anaphylactic or pseudoallergic reactions, and topical antibiotics and anesthetics, which lead to delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. Many hypersensitivity reactions are triggered by complement activation and increased bradykinin resulting from contact system activation, especially in the context of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use. Several alternative pharmacologic preparations and dialyzer membranes are available, such that once an etiology for the reaction is established, recurrences can be prevented without affecting the quality of care provided to patients.ConclusionAlthough hypersensitivity reactions are uncommon in patients receiving hemodialysis, they can be life-threatening. Moreover, considering the large prevalence of the end-stage renal disease population, the implications of such reactions are enormous. Most reactions are pseudoallergic and not mediated by immunoglobulin E. The multiplicity of potential exposures and the complexity of the environment to which patients on dialysis are exposed make it challenging to identify the precise cause of these reactions. Great diligence is needed to investigate hypersensitivity reactions to avoid recurrence in this high-risk population.



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Higher fractional exhaled nitric oxide and Der p 1 exposure in children with asthma living in tropical environments

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Miguel J. Lanz, Mirna M. Gonzalez, Benjamin J. Efaw, Ronald J. Harbeck




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[Mexican Asthma Guidelines: GUIMA 2017].

Related Articles

[Mexican Asthma Guidelines: GUIMA 2017].

Rev Alerg Mex. 2017;64 Suppl 1:s11-s128

Authors: Larenas-Linnemann D, Salas-Hernández J, Vázquez-García JC, Ortiz-Aldana I, Fernández-Vega M, Del Río-Navarro BE, Cano-Salas MDC, Luna-Pech JA, Ortega-Martell JA, Romero-Lombard J, López-Estrada EDC, Villaverde-Rosas J, Mayorga-Butrón JL, Vargas-Becerra MH, Bedolla-Barajas M, Rodríguez-Pérez N, Aguilar-Aranda A, Jiménez-González CA, García-Bolaños C, Garrido-Galindo C, Mendoza-Hernández DA, Mendoza-López E, López-Pérez G, Wakida-Kuzonoki GH, Ruiz-Gutiérrez HH, León-Molina H, Martínez-De la Lanza H, Stone-Aguilar H, Gómez-Vera J, Olvera-Salinas J, Oyoqui-Flores JJ, Gálvez-Romero JL, Lozano-Sáenz JS, Salgado-Gama JI, Jiménez-Chobillon MA, García-Avilés MA, Guinto-Balanzar MP, Medina-Ávalos MA, Camargo-Angeles R, García-Torrentera R, Toral-Freyre S, Montes-Narváez G, Solorio-Gómez H, Rosas-Peña J, Romero-Tapia SJ, Reyes-Herrera A, Cuevas-Schacht F, Esquer-Flores J, Sacre-Hazouri JA, Compean-Martínez L, Medina-Sánchez PJ, Garza-Salinas S, Báez-Loyola C, Romero-Alvarado I, Miguel-Reyes JL, Huerta-Espinosa LE, Correa-Flores MÁ, Castro-Martínez R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The need for a national guideline, with a broad basis among specialists and primary care physicians was felt in Mexico, to try unifying asthma management. As several high-quality asthma guidelines exist worldwide, it was decided to select the best three for transculturation.
METHODS: Following the internationally recommended methodology for guideline transculturation, ADAPTE, a literature search for asthma guidelines, published 1-1-2007 through 31-12-2015 was conducted. AGREE-II evaluations yielded 3/40 most suitable for transculturation. Their compound evidence was fused with local reality, patient preference, cost and safety considerations to draft the guideline document. Subsequently, this was adjusted by physicians from 12 national medical societies in several rounds of a Delphi process and 3 face-to-face meetings to reach the final version.
RESULTS: Evidence was fused from British Thoracic Society Asthma Guideline 2014, Global Initiative on Asthma 2015, and Guía Española del Manejo del Asma 2015 (2016 updates included). After 3 Delphi-rounds we developed an evidence-based document taking into account patient characteristics, including age, treatment costs and safety and best locally available medication.
CONCLUSIONS: In cooperation pulmonologists, allergists, ENT physicians, paediatricians and GPs were able to develop an evidence-based document for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of asthma and its exacerbations in Mexico.

PMID: 28441001 [PubMed - in process]

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[Presentation: Mexican Asthma Guidelines 2017].

Related Articles

[Presentation: Mexican Asthma Guidelines 2017].

Rev Alerg Mex. 2017;64 Suppl 1:s9-s10

Authors: Salas-Hernández J, Ortiz-Aldana I

PMID: 28441000 [PubMed - in process]

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Intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance imaging in head and neck cancer: A systematic review of the diagnostic and prognostic value.

Related Articles

Intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance imaging in head and neck cancer: A systematic review of the diagnostic and prognostic value.

Oral Oncol. 2017 May;68:81-91

Authors: Noij DP, Martens RM, Marcus JT, de Bree R, Leemans CR, Castelijns JA, de Jong MC, de Graaf P

Abstract
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging is increasingly applied in the assessment of head and neck cancer (HNC). Our purpose was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic performance of IVIM in HNC by performing a critical review of the literature. Pubmed and EMBASE were searched until May 2016. Study and patients characteristics, imaging protocol and diagnostic or prognostic outcomes were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. The studied IVIM parameters were diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D∗), and perfusion fraction (f). We included 10 diagnostic studies, 5 prognostic studies and 2 studies assessing both. Studies were very heterogeneous in terms of applied b-values, imaging protocols, outcome measurements and reference standards; therefore we did not perform a meta-analysis. The most commonly used sequence was "spin-echo planar imaging". A median of 10.5 b-values (range, 3-17) were used. All but three studies included at least 4 b-values below b=200s/mm(2). By combining IVIM-parameters squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas, malignant salivary gland tumors, Warthin's tumors and pleomorphic adenomas could be differentiated with a sensitivity of 85-87% and specificity of 80-100%. Low pre-treatment D or f and an increase in D during treatment were associated with a favorable response to treatment. D∗ appeared to be the parameter with the lowest prognostic value. Future research should focus on finding the optimal IVIM protocol, using uniformly accepted study methods and larger patient populations.

PMID: 28438298 [PubMed - in process]

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Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei: A resistant case with response to cyclosporine

Abstract

Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei (LMDF) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology, characterized by multiple, monomorphic, symmetrical, reddish-brown papules over forehead, cheeks, and eyelids. Histopathology shows perifollicular epitheloid cell granuloma. Though numerous therapies, ranging from cyclines, macrolides, dapsone tranilast, isotretinoin, steroids, and tacrolimus have been tried, the results are inconsistent, except with systemic steroids. One approach is to administer therapies based on the histological findings and the corresponding mode of action of drugs, thus antibiotics and dapsone are effective in the early inflammatory stage while clofazamine can be used in the granulomatous stage of the disease. A case of LMDF, recalcitrant to multiple systemic therapies, who responded dramatically to cyclosporine (50 mg twice daily), which probably was due to the specific effect on T_H1 cell response which mediates cell mediated immunity responsible for granulomatous changes on histology has been reported. This case highlights that LMDF is an independent granulomatous entity (not a variant of rosacea or tuberculosis).

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Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei: A resistant case with response to cyclosporine

Abstract

Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei (LMDF) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology, characterized by multiple, monomorphic, symmetrical, reddish-brown papules over forehead, cheeks, and eyelids. Histopathology shows perifollicular epitheloid cell granuloma. Though numerous therapies, ranging from cyclines, macrolides, dapsone tranilast, isotretinoin, steroids, and tacrolimus have been tried, the results are inconsistent, except with systemic steroids. One approach is to administer therapies based on the histological findings and the corresponding mode of action of drugs, thus antibiotics and dapsone are effective in the early inflammatory stage while clofazamine can be used in the granulomatous stage of the disease. A case of LMDF, recalcitrant to multiple systemic therapies, who responded dramatically to cyclosporine (50 mg twice daily), which probably was due to the specific effect on T_H1 cell response which mediates cell mediated immunity responsible for granulomatous changes on histology has been reported. This case highlights that LMDF is an independent granulomatous entity (not a variant of rosacea or tuberculosis).

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Advanced glycation end products and strontium ranelate promote osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro: Preventive role of vitamin D

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): María Silvina Molinuevo, Juan Manuel Fernández, Ana María Cortizo, Antonio Desmond McCarthy, León Schurman, Claudia Sedlinsky
Advanced glycation end products (AGE) have been demonstrated to induce the osteogenic trans-differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Strontium ranelate (SR) is an anti-osteoporotic agent that has both anti-catabolic and anabolic actions on bone tissue. However, in the last years SR has been associated with an increase of cardiovascular risk. We hypothesize that SR can increase the osteoblastic trans-differentiation of VSMC and the induction of extracellular calcifications, an effect that could be potentiated in the presence of AGE and inhibited by simultaneous administration of vitamin D. The present results of our in vitro experiments demonstrate that AGE and SR alone or in combination, stimulate L-type calcium channels, causing an increase in reactive oxygen species and activation of both ERK and NFkB, with the final effect of promoting the osteogenic shift of VSMC. Importantly, these in vitro effects of AGE and/or SR can be prevented by co-incubation with vitamin D.



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Role of androgen receptor on cyclic mechanical stretch-regulated proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts and its upstream signals: IGF-1-mediated PI3K/Akt and MAPKs pathways

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Yiming Ma, Shaoting Fu, Lin Lu, Xiaohui Wang
ObjectsTo detect the effects of androgen receptor (AR) on cyclic mechanical stretch-modulated proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts and its pathways: roles of IGF-1, PI3K and MAPK.MethodsC2C12 were randomly divided into five groups: un-stretched control, six or 8 h of fifteen percent stretch, and six or 8 h of twenty percent stretch. Cyclic mechanical stretch of C2C12 were completed using a computer-controlled FlexCell Strain Unit. Cell proliferation and IGF-1 concentration in medium were detected by CCK8 and ELISA, respectively. Expressions of AR and IGF-1R, and expressions and activities of PI3K, p38 and ERK1/2 in stretched C2C12 cells were determined by Western blot.Results①The proliferation of C2C12 cells, IGF-1 concentration in medium, expressions of AR and IGF-1R, and activities of PI3K, p38 and ERK1/2 were increased by 6 h of fifteen percent stretch, while decreased by twenty percent stretch for six or 8 h ②The fifteen percent stretch-increased proliferation of C2C12 cells was reversed by AR inhibitor, Flutamide. ③The increases of AR expression, activities of PI3K, p38 and ERK1/2 resulted from fifteen percent stretch were attenuated by IGF-1 neutralizing antibody, while twenty percent stretch-induced decreases of the above indicators were enhanced by recombinant IGF-1. ④Specific inhibitors of p38, ERK1/2 and PI3K all decreased the expression of AR in fifteen percent and twenty percent of stretched C2C12 cells.ConclusionsCyclic mechanical stretch modulated the proliferation of C2C12 cells, which may be attributed to the alterations of AR via IGF-1-PI3K/Akt and IGF-1-MAPK (p38, ERK1/2) pathways in C2C12 cells.



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Announcement

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Periodontitis and risk of psoriasis: another comorbidity

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Better data on psoriasis and psyche: but do they really reach the clinician?

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Forthcoming Events

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Issue Information

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Increased filaggrin expression in oral lichenoid lesions: is this cause or effect?

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Influence of surface modified dental implant abutments on connective tissue attachment: A systematic review

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 80
Author(s): Mónica Blázquez-Hinarejos, Raúl Ayuso-Montero, Enric Jané-Salas, José López-López
ObjectiveDetermine whether surface modified prosthetic abutments for dental implants influence connective tissue attachment to the implant-abutment system.DesignA systematic review was conducted using the MEDLINE-PubMed database, with two independent reviewers filtering the titles and abstracts. Two reviewers assessed all potentially relevant articles. An assessment was carried out on the level of evidence of the research according to the guidelines of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM).ResultsAfter an initial search, 109 potentially relevant articles were found. After reading the titles and abstracts, 99 articles were excluded because the surface treatment was limited to the implant and not to the abutment, or because different materials were analysed instead of surface treatments; 28 were also duplicate articles. An additional 6 research studies were included that were of interest and were found by reading the references of the included articles. The studies included are: 7 in vitro studies, 5 experimental studies in animals, 2 clinical trials in humans and 2 clinical cases.ConclusionSurface modification for prosthetic abutments on dental implants can achieve connective tissue attachment to the abutment; however, more studies should be conducted in humans to obtain more and better evidence of these results.



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Stimulation of human gingival fibroblasts viability and growth by roots treated with high intensity lasers, photodynamic therapy and citric acid

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 81
Author(s): Paula Stephania Brandão Hage Karam, Rafael Ferreira, Rodrigo Cardoso Oliveira, Sebastião Luiz Aguiar Greghi, Maria Lúcia Rubo de Rezende, Adriana Campos Passanezi Sant'Ana, Mariana Schutzer Ragghianti Zangrando, Carla Andreotti Damante
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the effect of root biomodification by lasers, citric acid and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on viability and proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts (FGH).DesignGroups were divided in control (CC – only cells), and root fragments treated by: scaling and root planing (positice control – SC), Er:YAG (ER–60mJ,10pps,10Hz,10s,2940nm), Nd:YAG (ND–0.5W,15Hz,10s,1640nm), antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT–InGaAIP,30mW,45J/cm²,30s,660nm,toluidine blue O), citric acid plus tetracycline (CA). Fibroblasts (6th passage, 2×10³) were cultivated in a 24-h conditioned medium by the treated root fragments. Cell viability was measured by MTT test at 24, 48, 72 and 96h. In a second experiment, FGH cells (10⁴) were cultivated on root fragments which received the same treatments. After 24, 48, 72h the number of cells was counted in SEM pictures. In addition, chemical elements were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA (first experiment), repeated measures ANOVA (second experiment) and ANOVA (EDS experiment) tests complemented by Tukey's test (p<0.05).ResultsND, PDT and CA promoted higher cell viability (p<0.05). ND and ER groups presented higher number of cells on root surfaces (p<0.05). ER group presented higher calcium and CA group a higher carbon percentages (p<0.05).ConclusionsAll treatments but scaling and root planing stimulated fibroblast viability while Er:YAG and Nd:YAG treated root surfaces presented higher number of cells.



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Role of controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) in malaria vaccine development: A U.S. food & drug administration (FDA) perspective

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Rana Chattopadhyay, Douglas Pratt




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Evaluation of storing hepatitis B vaccine outside the cold chain in the Solomon Islands: Identifying opportunities and barriers to implementation

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Lucy Breakwell, Jenniffer Anga, Ibrahim Dadari, Nahad Sadr-Azodi, Divinal Ogaoga, Minal Patel
Monovalent Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) is heat stable, making it suitable for storage outside cold chain (OCC) at 37°C for 1month. We conducted an OCC project in the Solomon Islands to determine the feasibility of and barriers to national implementation and to evaluate impact on coverage. Healthcare workers at 13 facilities maintained monovalent HepB birth dose (HepB-BD) OCC for up to 28days over 7months. Vaccination data were recorded for children born during the project and those born during 7months before the project. Timely HepB-BD coverage among facility and home births increased from 30% to 68% and from 4% to 24%, respectively. Temperature excursions above 37°C were rare, but vaccine wastage was high and shortages common. Storing HepB OCC can increase HepB-BD coverage in countries with insufficient cold chain capacity or numerous home births. High vaccine wastage and unreliable vaccine supply must be addressed for successful implementation.



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Efficacy and safety of high-dose influenza vaccine in elderly adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Krista Wilkinson, Yichun Wei, Andrea Szwajcer, Rasheda Rabbani, Ryan Zarychanski, Ahmed M. Abou-Setta, Salaheddin M. Mahmud
IntroductionOlder adults are prioritized for influenza vaccination but also have lowered antibody responses to the vaccine. Higher-doses of influenza antigen may increase immune response and thus be more effective. Our objectives were to compare the efficacy and safety of the high-dose influenza vaccine to the standard-dose influenza vaccine in the elderly (age>65).MethodsData sources: Randomized trials (RCTs) from Medline (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Library (Wiley), ClinicalTrials.gov, reference lists of relevant articles, and gray literature.Study selection: Two reviewers independently identified RCTs comparing high-dose influenza vaccine (60μg of hemagglutinin per strain) to standard-dose influenza vaccine (15μg of hemagglutinin per strain) in adults over the age of 65years.Data extraction: Two reviewers independently extracted trial-level data including population characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and funding sources. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.ResultsWe included seven eligible trials; all were categorized as having a low (n=3) or unclear (n=4) risk of bias. Patients receiving the high-dose vaccine had significantly less risk of developing laboratory-confirmed influenza infections (Relative Risk 0.76, 95%CI 0.65 to 0.90; I² 0%, 2 trials, 41,141 patients). Post-vaccination geometric mean titres and seroprotection rates were also higher in high-dose vaccine recipients. There were no protocol-defined serious adverse events in the included trials in either group.ConclusionsIn elderly adults, the high-dose influenza vaccine was well-tolerated, more immunogenic, and more efficacious in preventing influenza infections than the standard-dose vaccine. Further pragmatic trials are needed to determine if the higher efficacy translates into higher vaccine effectiveness in adults over the age of 65.



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Vaccines are different: A systematic review of budget impact analyses of vaccines

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Priscilla Magalhaes Loze, Luciana Bertholim Nasciben, Ana Marli Christovam Sartori, Alexander Itria, Hillegonda Maria Dutilh Novaes, Patrícia Coelho de Soárez
IntroductionSeveral countries require manufacturers to present a budget impact analysis (BIA), together with a cost-effectiveness analysis, to support national funding requests. However, guidelines for conducting BIA of vaccines are scarce.ObjectivesTo analyze the methodological approaches used in published budget impact analysis (BIA) of vaccines, discussing specific methodological issues related to vaccines.Material and methodsThis systematic review of the literature on BIA of vaccines was carried out in accordance with the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination – CRD guidelines. We searched multiple databases: MedLine, Embase, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), Cochrane Library, DARE Database, NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED), HTA Database (via Centre for Reviews and Dissemination - CRD), and grey literature. Two researchers, working independently, selected the studies and extracted the data. The methodology quality of individual studies was assessed using the ISPOR 2012 Budget Impact Analysis Good Practice II Task Force. A qualitative narrative synthesis was conducted.ResultsTwenty-two studies were reviewed. The most frequently evaluated vaccines were pneumococcal (41%), influenza (23%) and rotavirus (18%). The target population was stated in 21 studies (95%) and the perspective was clear in 20 (91%). Only 36% reported the calculations used to complete the BIA, 27% informed the total and disaggregated costs for each time period, and 9% showed the change in resource use for each time period. More than half of the studies (55%, n=12) reported less than 50% of the items recommended in the checklist.ConclusionsThe production of BIA of vaccines has increased from 2009. The report of the methodological steps was unsatisfactory, making it difficult to assess the validity of the results presented. Vaccines specific issues should be discussed in international guidelines for BIA of vaccines, to improve the quality of the studies.



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Pneumococcal carriage among children after four years of routine 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine use in Brazil: The emergence of multidrug resistant serotype 6C

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Felipe P.G. Neves, Nayara T. Cardoso, Robert E. Snyder, Mariel A. Marlow, Claudete A.A. Cardoso, Lúcia M. Teixeira, Lee W. Riley
BackgroundIn 2010, the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) was introduced free of charge in Brazil as part of the public immunization program. Here we investigated the carriage prevalence, colonization risk factors, capsular types, and antimicrobial resistance among pneumococcal isolates obtained from children in Brazil four years after routine PCV10 use.MethodsBetween September and December 2014, we conducted a cross-sectional study among children<6years old who attended one public and two private clinics in Niterói, RJ, Brazil to evaluate pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage. Antimicrobial susceptibility and capsular types were determined for all isolates.ResultsOf 522 children, 118 (22.6%) were pneumococcal carriers. Being≥2years old, attending childcare center, presenting with any symptoms, having acute or chronic respiratory disease, and residing in a slum were associated with pneumococcal carriage. The most prevalent capsular types were 6C (14.5%), 15B/C (11.5%), 11A/D (9.2%), and 6A (7.6%). PCV10 serotypes represented 2.5%. All isolates were susceptible to levofloxacin, rifampicin, and vancomycin. Penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci (PNSP) comprised 39%, with penicillin and ceftriaxone MICs ranging from 0.12–8.0μg/ml and 0.012–1.0μg/ml, respectively. The 33 (28%) erythromycin-resistant isolates (MICs of 1.5 to >256μg/ml) displayed the cMLSB (72.7%) or M (27.3%) phenotypes, harboring the erm(B) and/or mef(A/E) genes. High non-susceptibility rates (>20%) to clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin, and tetracycline were largely explained by the prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) serotype 6C isolates.ConclusionsEffects of universal childhood PCV10 use on carriage were evident, with the near elimination of PCV10 serotypes. The emergence of MDR serotype 6C isolates, however, is a concern. Ongoing surveillance to monitor serotype 6C increase in invasive diseases is warranted.



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Editorial Board/Aims and Scope

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21





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Vaccination with the polymorphic membrane protein A reduces Chlamydia muridarum induced genital tract pathology

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Tina Müller, Elisabeth Becker, Sonja Stallmann, Anna Waldhuber, Franziska Römmler-Dreher, Simone Albrecht, Fabian Mohr, Johannes H. Hegemann, Thomas Miethke
Chlamydia trachomatis serovars D-K are one of the most frequent causes of sexually transmitted infections of the female genital tract, with possible complications such as hydrosalpinx, pelvic inflammatory disease, extra-uterine gravidity or infertility. We used the murine genital tract infection model with C. muridarum for vaccination studies and found that more than 70% of the infected mice suffered from uterus dilatations and/or hydrosalpinx. Systemic consequences of the vaginal infection were apparent by splenomegaly ten to fifteen days post infection. While cultivable microorganisms were detectable for the first 23days post infection, the first lesions of the genital tract developed at day 15, however, many lesions occurred later in the absence of cultivable bacteria. Lesions were not accompanied by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFNɣ, TNF and IL-6, since these cytokines were almost undetectable in the genital tract 43days post infection. To prevent genital tract lesions, we vaccinated mice with the polymorphic membrane protein (Pmp) A in combination with CpG-ODN 1826 as adjuvant. The vaccine lowered the chlamydial burden and the differences were significant at day 10 post infection but not later. More importantly the vaccine decreased the rate and severity of genital tract lesions. Interestingly, control vaccination with the protein ovalbumin plus CpG-ODN 1826 enhanced significantly the severity but not the rate of pathologic lesions, which was presumably caused by the activation of innate immune responses by the adjuvant in the absence of a C. muridarum-specific adaptive immune response. In summary, vaccination with recombinant PmpA plus CpG-ODN 1826 significantly reduced C. muridarum-induced tissue damage, however, CpG-ODN 1826 may aggravate C. muridarum-induced tissue injuries in the absence of a protective antigen.



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Cost effectiveness of influenza vaccination in patients with acute coronary syndrome in Korea

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Jinuk Suh, Boyeon Kim, Yunseok Yang, Dong-Churl Suh, Eunyoung Kim
BackgroundInfluenza can cause cardiovascular abnormalities by inappropriately activating the coagulation cascade. Therefore, influenza vaccination is important because it decreases the risk of hospitalization for and mortality associated with heart disease. In particular, it reduces the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Our study aimed to estimate the disease burden of MACEs and its related direct and indirect costs in ACS patients.MethodsWe estimated the direct and indirect cost of MACEs in ACS patients using a probabilistic model and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA)-National Patient Sample (NPS) database. The effect of the influenza vaccination on the rate of MACE in ACS patients was determined using a previous systematic review and meta-analysis.ResultsOur study included 682,258 ACS patients obtained from the 2013 NPS database. According to our model, influenza vaccination would prevent 16,514 MACE-related hospitalizations and 2764 premature deaths in Korea per year. The overall reduction in costs would be $86.2 million per year from a societal perspective. Based on the results of sensitivity analysis, most of the estimated values were in the dominant area.ConclusionsOur findings show that influenza vaccination in ACS patients is highly cost effective in terms of lowering the cost of hospitalization and premature death due to MACE. Therefore, influenza vaccination is recommended as a means of relieving the clinical and socioeconomic burdens associated with ACS.



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Varicella vaccination elicits a humoral and cellular response in children with rheumatic diseases using immune suppressive treatment

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Noortje Groot, Gecilmara Pileggi, Cleonice B. Sandoval, Ingrid Grein, Guy Berbers, Virginia Paes Leme Ferriani, Nico Wulffraat, Sytze de Roock
ObjectiveTo assess humoral and cellular responses to live-attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccination of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) or juvenile scleroderma (JScle) compared to those of healthy controls (HC).MethodsBefore, 4–6weeks and one year after VZV vaccination, blood samples of patients and HC were collected. VZV-specific antibody concentrations were measured by ELISA and multiplex immune-assay. IFN-γ ELISpot assays were performed to assess VZV-specific T-cell responses. Cytokine production upon VZV stimulation were measured with a Luminex-assay.Results49 patients (39 JIA, 5 JDM, 5 JScle) and 18 HC were included. All patients used methotrexate (MTX), 16 also used corticosteroids, 3 patients used biologics. No disease flares were reported after vaccination. Antibody response to the vaccine was similar in patients and controls (p=0.139). Use of immunosuppressive drugs did not affect the response (p=0.203). A second vaccination (n=21) increased VZV-specific antibody concentrations (p=0.02). VZV-specific T-cells increased after vaccination (p=0.043), with a cytokine profile suggesting a VZV-specific Th1 and cytotoxic T-cell response.ConclusionThe humoral response to VZV vaccination in patients with pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRD) is similar to that of HC. Generally, patients are able to mount a VZV-specific cellular response.This study has been registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry under number U1111-1189-9837.



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Vaccine preferences and acceptance of older adults

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): R. Eilers, H.E. de Melker, J. Veldwijk, P.F.M. Krabbe
BackgroundExpanding vaccination programs for the older population might be important as older adults are becoming a larger proportion of the general population. The aim of this study is to determine the relative importance of vaccine and disease specific characteristics and acceptance for Dutch older adults, including pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, pertussis vaccination, and influenza vaccination.MethodsA discrete choice experiment was conducted to generate choice data that was analyzed using a mixed multinomial logit statistical model.ResultsImportant factors that were associated with vaccination acceptance in older adults are high mortality risk of the infectious disease, high susceptibility of getting the infectious disease, and high vaccine effectiveness. Age, influenza vaccination in 2013 and self-perceived health score were identified as personal factors that affect vaccine preference. Potential vaccination rates of older adults were estimated at 68.1% for pneumococcal vaccination, 58.1% for herpes zoster vaccination, 53.9% for pertussis vaccination and 54.3% for influenza vaccination. For persons aged 50–65, potential vaccination rates were estimated at 58.1% for pneumococcal vaccination, 49.5% for herpes zoster vaccination, 43.9% for pertussis vaccination and 42.2% for influenza vaccination. For persons aged 65 and older, these were respectively 76.2%, 67.5%, 57.5% and 65.5%.DiscussionOur results suggest that older adults are most likely to accept pneumococcal vaccination of the four vaccines. Information provision accompanied with the implementation of a new vaccine has to be tailored for the individual and the vaccine it concerns. Special attention is needed to ensure high uptake among persons aged 50–65years.



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Influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates in the Dutch population from 2003 to 2014: The test-negative design case-control study with different control groups

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Eva van Doorn, Maryam Darvishian, Frederika Dijkstra, Gé A. Donker, Pieter Overduin, Adam Meijer, Eelko Hak
Information about influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) is important for vaccine strain selection and immunization policy decisions. The test-negative design (TND) case-control study is commonly used to obtain IVE estimates. However, the definition of the control patients may influence IVE estimates. We have conducted a TND study using the Dutch Sentinel Practices of NIVEL Primary Care Database which includes data from patients who consulted the General Practitioner (GP) for an episode of acute influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) with known influenza vaccination status. Cases were patients tested positive for influenza virus. Controls were grouped into those who tested (1) negative for influenza virus (all influenza negative), (2) negative for influenza virus, but positive for respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus or enterovirus (non-influenza virus positive), and (3) negative for these four viruses (pan-negative). We estimated the IVE over all epidemic seasons from 2003/2004 through 2013/2014, pooled IVE for influenza vaccine partial/full matched and mismatched seasons and the individual seasons using generalized linear mixed-effect and multiple logistic regression models. The overall IVE adjusted for age, GP ILI/ARI diagnosis, chronic disease and respiratory allergy was 35% (95% CI: 15–48), 64% (95% CI: 49–75) and 21% (95% CI: −1 to 39) for all influenza negative, non-influenza virus positive and pan-negative controls, respectively. In both the main and subgroup analyses IVE estimates were the highest using non-influenza virus positive controls, likely due to limiting inclusion of controls without laboratory-confirmation of a virus causing the respiratory disease.



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Development of an intradermal DNA vaccine delivery strategy to achieve single-dose immunity against respiratory syncytial virus

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Trevor R.F. Smith, Katherine Schultheis, Matthew P. Morrow, Kimberly A. Kraynyak, Jay R. McCoy, Kevin C. Yim, Karuppiah Muthumani, Laurent Humeau, David B. Weiner, Niranjan Y. Sardesai, Kate E. Broderick
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a massive medical burden in infants, children and the elderly worldwide, and an effective, safe RSV vaccine remains an unmet need. Here we assess a novel vaccination strategy based on the intradermal delivery of a SynCon® DNA-based vaccine encoding engineered RSV-F antigen using a surface electroporation device (SEP) to target epidermal cells, in clinically relevant experimental models. We demonstrate the ability of this strategy to elicit robust immune responses. Importantly we demonstrate complete resistance to pulmonary infection at a single low dose of vaccine in the cotton rat RSV/A challenge model. In contrast to the formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) vaccine, there was no enhanced lung inflammation upon virus challenge after DNA vaccination. In summary the data presented outline the pre-clinical development of a highly efficacious, tolerable and safe non-replicating vaccine delivery strategy.



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The effects of convenience and quality on the demand for vaccination: Results from a discrete choice experiment

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Na Guo, Guojie Zhang, Dawei Zhu, Jian Wang, Luwen Shi
BackgroundVaccination is an effective way to prevent infectious diseases. Most studies analysed people's vaccine decisions, but few studies have analysed the effects of convenience such as immunisation schedule and distance and the quality of vaccination service on vaccination uptake.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to investigate adults' preferences for convenience and quality of vaccination service, calculate the private economic benefit from convenience (vaccination schedule and distance) and quality, and predict the uptake rate for different vaccine scenarios.MethodsIn our study, we interviewed 266 adults in 2 counties of Shandong province in China. The discrete choice experiment (DCE) was employed to analyse the preference for hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, and a mixed logit model was used to estimate respondent preferences for vaccination attributes included in the DCE.ResultsThe protection rate against hepatitis B (HB), duration of protection, risk of side effects, vaccination cost, schedule, and vaccination sites were proved to influence adults' preferences for HBV vaccination. The estimated willingness to pay (WTP) for 1 dose schedule instead of 3 doses and for a third-level vaccination site instead of a first-level site was almost equal (19 RMB). However, if the protection duration of the vaccination programme changed from 5years to 20years, the adults were willing to pay 35.05 RMB, and WTP for a 99% protection rate instead of a 79% rate was 67.71 RMB. The predicted uptake rate is almost 43% for the base case of HBV vaccination.ConclusionsAdults made trade-offs between vaccination schedules, vaccination sites, and other characteristics of HBV vaccine. The impact of attributes of the vaccine itself, especially protection rate against HB, duration of protection, and risk of side-effects, is more dramatic than convenience and quality of vaccination service.



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Potency of whole virus particle and split virion vaccines using dissolving microneedle against challenges of H1N1 and H5N1 influenza viruses in mice

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Akihiro Nakatsukasa, Koji Kuruma, Masatoshi Okamatsu, Takahiro Hiono, Mizuho Suzuki, Keita Matsuno, Hiroshi Kida, Takayoshi Oyamada, Yoshihiro Sakoda
Transdermal vaccination using a microneedle (MN) confers enhanced immunity compared with subcutaneous (SC) vaccination. Here we developed a novel dissolving MN patch for the influenza vaccine. The potencies of split virion and whole virus particle (WVP) vaccines prepared from A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1) and A/duck/Hokkaido/Vac-3/2007 (H5N1), respectively, were evaluated. MN vaccination induced higher neutralizing antibody responses than SC vaccination in mice. Moreover, MN vaccination with a lower dose of antigens conferred protective immunity against lethal challenges of influenza viruses than SC vaccination in mice. These results suggest that the WVP vaccines administered using MN are an effective combination for influenza vaccine to be further validated in humans.



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Reversible synthesis of colanic acid and O-antigen polysaccharides in Salmonella Typhimurium enhances induction of cross-immune responses and provides protection against heterologous Salmonella challenge

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 21
Author(s): Pei Li, Qing Liu, Chun Huang, Xinxin Zhao, Kenneth L. Roland, Qingke Kong
Colanic Acid (CA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are two major mannose-containing extracellular polysaccharides of Salmonella. Their presence on the bacterial surface can mask conserved protective outer membrane proteins (OMPs) from the host immune system. The mannose moiety in these molecules is derived from GDP-mannose, which is synthesized in several steps. The first two steps require the action of phosphomannose isomerase, encoded by pmi (manA), followed by phosphomannomutase, encoded by manB. There are two copies of manB present in the Salmonella chromosome, one located in the cps gene cluster (cpsG) responsible for CA synthesis, and the other in the rfb gene cluster (rfbK) involved in LPS O-antigen synthesis. In this study, it was demonstrated that the products of cpsG and rfbK are isozymes. To evaluate the impact of these genes on O-antigen synthesis, virulence and immunogenicity, single mutations (Δpmi, ΔrfbK or ΔcpsG) and a double mutation (ΔrfbK ΔcpsG) were introduced into both wild-type Salmonella enterica and an attenuated Δcya Δcrp vaccine strain. The Δpmi, ΔrfbK and ΔcpsG ΔrfbK mutants were defective in LPS synthesis and attenuated for virulence. In orally inoculated mice, strain S122 (Δcrp Δcya ΔcpsG ΔrfbK) and its parent S738 (Δcrp Δcya) were both avirulent and colonized internal tissues. Strain S122 elicited higher levels of anti-S. Typhimurium OMP serum IgG than its parent strain. Mice immunized with S122 were completely protected against challenge with wild-type virulent S. Typhimurium and partially protected against challenge with either wild-type virulent S. Choleraesuis or S. Enteritidis. These data indicate that deletions in rfbK and cpsG are useful mutations for inclusion in future attenuated Salmonella vaccine strains to induce cross-protective immunity.



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Improving adult immunization equity: Where do the published research literature and existing resources lead?

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Wendy Prins, Emily Butcher, Laura Lee Hall, Gary Puckrein, Bernard Rosof
Evidence suggests that disparities in adult immunization (AI) rates are growing. Providers need adequate patient resources and information about successful interventions to help them engage in effective practices to reduce AI disparities. The primary purposes of this paper were to review and summarize the evidence base regarding interventions to reduce AI disparities and to scan for relevant resources that could support providers in their AI efforts to specifically target disparities. First, building on a literature review conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we searched the peer-reviewed literature to identify articles that either discussed interventions to reduce AI disparities or provided reasons and associations for disparities. We scanned the articles and conducted an internet search to identify tools and resources to support efforts to improve AI rates. We limited both searches to resources that addressed influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, Tdap, and/or herpes zoster vaccinations. We found that most articles characterized AI disparities, but several discussed strategies for reducing AI disparities, including practice-based changes, communication and health literacy approaches, and partnering with community-based organizations. The resources we identified were largely fact sheets and handouts for patients and journal articles for providers. Most resources pertain to influenza vaccination and Spanish was the most prevalent language after English. More evaluation is needed to assess the health literacy levels of the materials. We conclude that additional research is needed to identify effective ways to reduce AI disparities and more resources are needed to support providers in their efforts. We recommend identifying best practices of high performers, further reviewing the appropriateness and usefulness of available resources, and prioritizing which gaps should be addressed.



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Dermoscopy pathology correlation in melanoma

Abstract

Dermoscopy is a widely used technique whose role in the clinical (and preoperative) diagnosis of melanocytic and non-melanocytic skin lesions has been well established in recent years. The aim of this paper is to clarify the correlations between the "local" dermoscopic findings in melanoma and the underlying histology, in order to help clinicians in routine practice.

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Issue Information

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Dermoscopic evaluation of melanonychia

Abstract

The prevalence of melanonychia is approximately 1%, and it is a common symptom encountered in daily practise. However, it may also be the first symptom of melanoma of the nail apparatus. Evaluation of adult melanonychia with clinical information and clinical images is sometimes difficult for clinicians. Dermoscopic observation provides important information based on the algorithm method. Melanonychia in children requires a different approach, because dermoscopic features observed in adult nail apparatus melanoma are generally observed in benign pediatric cases.

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Dermoscopy–pathology relationship in seborrheic keratosis

Abstract

Making a definitive diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis (SK) can be challenging for the naked eye due to its wide variation in clinical features. Fortunately, however, most cases of SK exhibit the typical dermoscopic findings of fissures and ridges, hairpin vessels with white halo, comedo-like openings, and milia-like cysts, all of which are helpful to distinguish SK from melanoma, melanocytic nevus, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and other skin tumors. Histopathologically, these dermoscopic characteristics correspond to papillomatous surface of the epidermis, enlarged capillaries of the dermal papillae, pseudohorn cysts in the epidermis opened to the surface of the lesion and intraepidermal cysts, respectively. Clinicians should bear in mind that the clonal type of SK dermoscopically mimics melanoma and BCC by the presence of globule-like structures, while regressing SK exhibits a granular pattern that is similar to the peppering found in melanoma. Furthermore, milia-like cysts alone are insufficient for a conclusive diagnosis of SK because melanoma in rare cases displays cysts along with other SK-like dermoscopic findings.

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Dermoscopy enhances insight into correct diagnosis

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Review of vasculature visualized on dermoscopy

Abstract

Dermoscopy is a useful tool for finding and screening skin tumors, especially skin cancers. It is well known that it is useful to diagnose pigmented tumors, such as melanocytic lesions. In recent years, after the publication of a revised two-step algorithm in 2010, dermoscopy gradually has been used to diagnose non-pigmented or non-melanocytic lesions based on their vascular structures. Some skin lesions have specific vascular structures that aid in diagnosis. In this review, I discuss the various patterns of the vascular structures and their distribution, focusing on their clinical importance and usefulness in daily medical treatment.

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Issue Information

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Abundance of the benign melanocytic universe: Dermoscopic–histopathological correlation in nevi

Abstract

The broad universe of "melanocytic nevi" includes a variety of different subtypes, which can be classified either due to their morphology, epidemiology, genetic alterations or risk for developing melanoma. Regarding morphology, on the one hand macroscopic/clinical and on the other hand histopathological appearance were used to subdivide in the past, often resulting in confusion and poor interobserver agreement, while nowadays dermoscopy presents the clinician's precious bridge between naked-eye examination and histopathological diagnostics, allowing prediction of the lesions' histopathology, follow up and monitoring over time without need of excision. The non-invasive dermoscopic examination relies on the assessment of colors, patterns and the distribution of both within a cutaneous lesion. Until today, the correspondence of certain dermoscopic colors and patterns to certain histopathological correlates has been reported for a huge amount of different cutaneous lesions. Moreover, the correspondence of certain dermoscopic features to certain body sites, age groups and pigmentary traits, but also to specific genetic alterations in lesions, has been broadly investigated. Dermoscopy has led us to a new understanding of melanocytic nevi's biology and evolution and, last but not least, to a new classification system, which we want to present herein.

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Candida albicans-induced pustular lesions in mice

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Estimating melanin location in the pigmented skin lesions by hue–saturation–lightness color space values of dermoscopic images

Abstract

The depth of melanin in the skin can be estimated roughly by observation of the color exhibited on dermoscopy. Currently, there are no objective methods to estimate it. The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between the depth of melanin in the skin and the color variation exhibited, and to objectively estimate the 3-D location of melanin in the pigmented skin lesions from dermoscopic images. Representative colors in dermoscopic images of acral compound nevus, Spitz nevus and blue nevus were evaluated by the subjectively perceived color on dermoscopy and objective values in hue–saturation–lightness color space values. Brown colors due to small quantities of superficial melanin in the skin had high saturation and low lightness values, whereas black colors due to large quantities of superficial melanin had low saturation and low lightness values. On the other hand, colors due to melanin in the dermis were perceived as blue–gray on dermoscopy, but extracted colors showed gray–brown hue and intermediate saturation and high lightness values. In all cases, extracted representative colors of pigmented skin lesions had similar hue values within the red–orange range. Objective estimation of the 3-D location of melanin in the pigmented skin lesions is possible by the saturation and lightness values of the colors extracted from dermoscopic images. Subjectively perceived colors of melanin, especially in the dermis, can be modified by the surrounding environment effect and blue color perception.

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Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) extract may prevent the deterioration of spatial memory and the deficit of estimated total number of hippocampal pyramidal cells of trimethyltin-exposed rats.

Related Articles

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) extract may prevent the deterioration of spatial memory and the deficit of estimated total number of hippocampal pyramidal cells of trimethyltin-exposed rats.

Drug Chem Toxicol. 2017 Apr 25;:1-10

Authors: Yuliani S, Mustofa, Partadiredja G

Abstract
CONTEXT: Protection of neurons from degeneration is an important preventive strategy for dementia. Much of the dementia pathology implicates oxidative stress pathways. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) contains curcuminoids which has anti-oxidative and neuro-protective effects. These effects are considered to be similar to those of citicoline which has been regularly used as one of standard medications for dementia.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating the effects of turmeric rhizome extract on the hippocampus of trimethyltin (TMT)-treated Sprague-Dawley rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided randomly into six groups, i.e., a normal control group (N); Sn group, which was given TMT chloride; Sn-Cit group, which was treated with citicoline and TMT chloride; and three Sn-TE groups, which were treated with three different dosages of turmeric rhizome extract and TMT chloride. Morris water maze test was carried out to examine the spatial memory. The estimated total number of CA1 and CA2-CA3 pyramidal cells was calculated using a stereological method.
RESULTS: The administration of turmeric extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw has been shown to prevent the deficits in the spatial memory performance and partially inhibit the reduction of the number of CA2-CA3 regions pyramidal neurons.
DISCUSSION: TMT-induced neurotoxic damage seemed to be mediated by the generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. Turmeric extract might act as anti inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant agent.
CONCLUSIONS: The effects of turmeric extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw seem to be comparable to those of citicoline.

PMID: 28440093 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Graphical Abstracts

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Serum vitamin D level is related to disease severity in pediatric alopecia areata

Summary

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is the most common cause of inflammatory hair loss. AA is considered an autoimmune disease and occurs with various autoimmune disorders. Recent studies have revealed connection between autoimmune diseases and vitamin D deficiency.

Objectives

In this study, we investigated vitamin D status in AA and its relationship with disease severity, number of patches, and disease duration.

Methods

This study included 20 pediatric patients with AA and 34 pediatric healthy controls. The serum vitamin D levels were evaluated.

Results

The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of patients was 15.47±7.66 ng/mL and of control group was 11.09±10.53 ng/mL. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P: .084). Vitamin D concentration had significantly and negatively correlated with SALT score (P<.001 and r: −.831), number of patch (P<.001 and r: −.989), and disease duration (P<.001 and r: −.997).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is not the only etiologic factor in AA pathogenesis, but in the presence of other etiological factors, this deficiency can aggravate AA severity, and thus, vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in treatment of pediatric AA.

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Meet Our Editorial Board Member

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Treatment Possibilities for Psychosis in Parkinson's Disease with An Emphasis on the Newly Approved Drug: Pimavanserin

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Purinergic Signalling and Neurological Diseases: An Update

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COMMENTARY: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Method to Improve Movement

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Synaptic Plasticity, Dementia and Alzheimer Disease

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Heat Shock Proteins: Old and Novel Roles in Neurodegenerative Diseases in the Central Nervous System

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How Immune-inflammatory Processes Link CNS and Psychiatric Disorders: Classification and Treatment Implications

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The Interplay between Cofilin and Phospho-Cofilin: Its Role in Maintaining Blood Brain Barrier Integrity

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Neurotrophin Receptor Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Huntington's Disease

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Neuropathic Pain and Lung Delivery of Nanoparticulate Drugs: An Emerging Novel Therapeutic Strategy

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The Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Signaling Pathway in Epilepsy: A Possible Role for the Immunomodulator Drug Fingolimod in Epilepsy Treatment

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Axotomy Leads to Reduced Calcium Increase and Earlier Termination of CCL2 Release in Spinal Motoneurons with Upregulated Parvalbumin Followed by Decreased Neighboring Microglial Activation

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Preventive and Protective Roles of Dietary Nrf2 Activators Against Central Nervous System Diseases

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Cerebrospinal-fluid Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers and Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in a Natural Population of Cognitive Intact Parkinson’s Disease Patients

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Curcumin Suppresses Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in Human Glioma Cells Through Modulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/ Angiopoietin-2/Thrombospondin-1 Signaling

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Securinine Derivatives as Potential Anti-amyloid Therapeutic Approach

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Serum vitamin D level is related to disease severity in pediatric alopecia areata

Summary

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is the most common cause of inflammatory hair loss. AA is considered an autoimmune disease and occurs with various autoimmune disorders. Recent studies have revealed connection between autoimmune diseases and vitamin D deficiency.

Objectives

In this study, we investigated vitamin D status in AA and its relationship with disease severity, number of patches, and disease duration.

Methods

This study included 20 pediatric patients with AA and 34 pediatric healthy controls. The serum vitamin D levels were evaluated.

Results

The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of patients was 15.47±7.66 ng/mL and of control group was 11.09±10.53 ng/mL. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P: .084). Vitamin D concentration had significantly and negatively correlated with SALT score (P<.001 and r: −.831), number of patch (P<.001 and r: −.989), and disease duration (P<.001 and r: −.997).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is not the only etiologic factor in AA pathogenesis, but in the presence of other etiological factors, this deficiency can aggravate AA severity, and thus, vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in treatment of pediatric AA.

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StPBS2, a MAPK kinase gene, is involved in determining hyphal morphology, cell wall development, hypertonic stress reaction as well as the production of secondary metabolites in Northern Corn Leaf Blight pathogen Setosphaeria turcica

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Xiao-dong Gong, Sheng-ze Feng, Jie Zhao, Cong Tang, Lan Tian, Yong-shan Fan, Zhi-yan Cao, Zhi-min Hao, Hui Jia, Jin-ping Zang, Yun-feng Zhang, Jian-min Han, Shou-qin Gu, Jin-gao Dong
Mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) is a crucial component in the MAPK signaling pathway. However, the functions of MAPKKs in foliar pathogens remain poorly understood. In the current study, a MAPKK gene designated as StPBS2 was cloned from Setosphaeria turcica and the functions of this gene were investigated by RNAi technology. Four independent StPBS2 gene silence transformants with different efficiencies were confirmed by real time PCR. Compared to the wild type strain (WT), these transformants showed decreased colony growth, shortened hyphae cell length, broadened cell width and an obvious reduction in conidium yield. Moreover, the cell wall of the transformants was thicker and they were also more sensitive to substances that interfere with cell wall biosynthesis than WT. Additionally, the transformants displayed higher sensitivity to hypertonic stress than WT and the sensitivity was associated with the level of silencing of StPBS2. They were also resistant to the fungicides iprodione, procymidone and fludioxonil, to which WT almost completely sensitive. The transformants produced more red secondary metabolites than WT and the production was enhanced with increasing silencing level and increased glucose content in PDA medium. Our results suggest that StPBS2 is involved in morphogenesis, condiogenesis, cell wall development, hypertonic stress reaction and resistance to fungicides, as well as in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in S. turcica.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Microbiological Research, Volume 199





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Mycoplasma fermentans deacetylase promotes mammalian cell stress tolerance

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Qingzhou Cheng, Lijuan Wu, Rongfu Tu, Jun Wu, Wenqian Kang, Tong Su, Runlei Du, Wenbin Liu
Mycoplasma fermentans is a pathogenic bacterium that infects humans and has potential pathogenic roles in respiratory, genital and rheumatoid diseases. NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase is involved in a wide range of pathophysiological processes and our studies have demonstrated that expression of mycoplasmal deacetylase in mammalian cells inhibits proliferation but promotes anti-starvation stress tolerance. Furthermore, mycoplasmal deacetylase is involved in cellular anti-oxidation, which correlates with changes in the proapoptotic proteins BIK, p21 and BIM. Mycoplasmal deacetylase binds to and deacetylates the FOXO3 protein, similar with mammalian SIRT2, and affects expression of the FOXO3 target gene BIM, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation. Mycoplasmal deacetylase also alters the performance of cells under drug stress.This study expands our understanding of the potential molecular and cellular mechanisms of interaction between mycoplasmas and mammalian cells.



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Preformulation investigation and challenges; salt formation, salt disproportionation and hepatic recirculation

Publication date: 15 June 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 104
Author(s): Kalle Sigfridsson, Lena Nilsson, Matti Ahlqvist, Thomas Andersson, Anna-Karin Granath
A compound, which is a selective peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, was investigated. The aim of the presented studies was to evaluate the potential of the further development of the compound. Fundamental physicochemical properties and stability of the compound were characterized in solution by liquid chromatography and NMR and in solid-state by various techniques. The drug itself is a lipophilic acid with tendency to form aggregates in solution. The neutral form was only obtained in amorphous form with a glass-transition temperature of approximately 0°C. The intrinsic solubility at room temperature was determined to 0.03mg/mL. Chemical stability studies of the compound in aqueous solutions showed good stability for at least two weeks at room temperature, except at pH1, where a slight degradation was already observed after one day. The chemical stability in the amorphous solid-state was investigated during a period of three months. At 25°C/60% relative humidity (RH) and 40°C/75% RH no significant degradation was observed. At 80°C, however, some degradation was observed after four weeks and approximately 3% after three months. In an accelerated photostability study, degradation of approximately 4% was observed. Attempts to identify a crystalline form of the neutral compound were unsuccessful, however, salt formation with tert-butylamine, resulted in crystalline material. Results from stability tests of the presented crystalline salt form indicated improved chemical stability at conditions whereas the amorphous neutral form degraded. However, the salt form of the drug dissociated under certain conditions. The drug was administered both per oral and intravenously, as amorphous nanoparticles, to conscious dogs. Plasma profiles showed curves with secondary absorption peaks, indicating hepatic recirculation following both administration routes. A similar behavior was observed in rats after oral administration of a pH-adjusted solution. The observed double peaks in plasma exposure and the dissociation tendency of the salt form, were properties that contributed to make further development of the candidate drug challenging. Options for development of solid dosage forms of both amorphous and crystalline material of the compound are discussed.

Graphical abstract

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Effect of storage on the physical stability of thin polymethacrylate-perphenazine films

Publication date: 15 June 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 104
Author(s): Kristiina Korhonen, Elina Smolander, Ossi Korhonen, Jarkko Ketolainen, Riikka Laitinen
We evaluated the physical stability of thin polymethacrylate-drug films under three different storage conditions by X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical properties i.e. elongation, mechanical strength, and in vitro drug release from the thin films were also determined during storage. The films consisted of ammonium methacrylate copolymer (RLPO)/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer (EPO), polyvinylpyrroline (PVP)/polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (Soluplus) and perphenazine (PPZ). PPZ remained fully amorphous in all RLPO- and EPO -films for up to 12months' storage at 4°C in dry conditions. Instead, in EPO+PVP+PPZ 15% -films, higher temperature induced recrystallization of PPZ within three months and higher humidity also at six months. Crystallization was also observed in EPO+Soluplus+PPZ 10% -films at high temperature at 12months. The amount of PPZ released was significantly lower from recrystallized PPZ films than from stable amorphous films. The better stability of RLPO -films was attributed to PPZ being molecularly dispersed and also because of strong drug–polymer interactions in the films, while increasing storage temperatures weakened the hydrogen bonding interactions in the EPO -films. In addition, the presence of hygroscopic PVP facilitated PPZ recrystallization in the EPO -films if they were stored in a highly humid environment.

Graphical abstract

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Occupation and risk of prostate cancer in Canadian men: A case-control study across eight Canadian provinces

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 48
Author(s): Jeavana Sritharan, Paul A. Demers, Shelley A. Harris, Donald C. Cole, Cheryl E. Peters
BackgroundThe etiology of prostate cancer continues to be poorly understood, including the role of occupation. Past Canadian studies have not been able to thoroughly examine prostate cancer by occupation with detailed information on individual level factors.MethodsOccupation, industry and prostate cancer were examined using data from the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System, a large population-based case-control study conducted across eight Canadian provinces from 1994 to 1997. This analysis included 1737 incident cases and 1803 controls aged 50 to 79 years. Lifetime occupational histories were used to group individuals by occupation and industry employment. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and adjustments were made for known and possible risk factors.ResultsBy occupation, elevated risks were observed in farming and farm management (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.02–1.84), armed forces (OR=1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.65) and legal work (OR=2.58, 95% CI 1.05–6.35). Elevated risks were also observed in office work (OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.00–1.43) and plumbing (OR=1.77, 95% CI 1.07–2.93) and with ≥10 years duration of employment. Decreased risks were observed in senior management (OR=0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.91), construction management (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.94) and travel work (OR=0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.88). Industry results were similar to occupation results, except for an elevated risk in forestry/logging (OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.25) and a decreased risk in primary metal products (OR=0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96).ConclusionThis study presents associations between occupation, industry and prostate cancer, while accounting for individual level factors. Further research is needed on potential job-specific exposures and screening behaviours.



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Editor’s perspective on the 4th edition of the WHO head and neck tumor classification

Publication date: Available online 25 April 2017
Source:Journal of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute
Author(s): Adel K. El-Naggar




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Topical delivery of anthramycin I. Influence of neat solvents

Publication date: 15 June 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 104
Author(s): Tasnuva Haque, Khondaker M. Rahman, David E. Thurston, Jonathan Hadgraft, Majella E. Lane
Anthramycin (ANT) was the first pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) molecule to be isolated, and is a potent cytotoxic agent. Although the PBD family has been investigated for use in systemic chemotherapy, their application in the management of actinic keratoses (AK) or skin cancer has not been investigated to date. In the present work, anthramycin (ANT) was selected as a model PBD compound, and the skin penetration of the molecule was investigated using conventional Franz diffusion cells. Finite dose permeation studies of ANT were performed using propylene glycol (PG), 1,3-butanediol (BD), dipropylene glycol (DiPG), Transcutol P® (TC), propylene glycol monocaprylate (PGMC), propylene glycol monolaurate (PGML) and isopropyl myristate (IPM). The skin penetration of BD, DiPG, PG and TC was also measured. Penetration of ANT through human skin was evident for TC, PG and PGML with the active appearing to "track" the permeation of the vehicle in the case of TC and PG. Deposition of ANT in skin could be correlated with skin retention of the vehicle in the case of IPM, PGMC and PGML. These preliminary findings confirm the ability of ANT to penetrate human skin and, given the potency of the molecule, suggest that further investigation is justified. Additionally, the findings emphasise the critical importance of understanding the fate of the excipient for the rational design of topical formulations.

Graphical abstract

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Bifunctional opioid/nociceptin hybrid KGNOP1 effectively attenuates pain-related behaviour in a rat model of neuropathy

Publication date: 15 June 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 104
Author(s): Joanna Starnowska, Karel Guillemyn, Wioletta Makuch, Joanna Mika, Steven Ballet, Barbara Przewlocka
A bifunctional peptide containing an opioid and nociceptin receptor-binding pharmacophore, H-Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH2 (KGNOP1), was tested for its analgesic properties when administered intrathecally in naïve and chronic constriction injury (CCI)-exposed rats with neuropathy-like symptoms. KGNOP1 significantly increased the acute pain threshold, as measured by the tail-flick test, and also increased the threshold of a painful reaction to mechanical and thermal stimuli in CCI-exposed rats. Both of the effects could be blocked by pre-administration of [Nphe1]-Nociceptin (1-13)-NH2 (NPhe) or naloxone, antagonists for nociceptin and opioid receptors, respectively. This led us to conclude that KGNOP1 acts as a dual opioid and nociceptin receptor agonist in vivo. The analgesic effect of KGNOP1 proved to be more powerful than clinical drugs such as morphine and buprenorphine. Repeated daily intrathecal injections of KGNOP1 led to the development of analgesic tolerance, with the antiallodynic action being completely abolished on day 6. Nevertheless, the development of tolerance to the antihyperalgesic effect was delayed in comparison to morphine, which lost its efficacy as measured by the cold plate test after 3days of daily intrathecal administration, whereas KGNOP1 was efficient up to day 6. A single intrathecal injection of morphine to KGNOP1-tolerant rats did not raise the pain threshold in any of the behavioural tests; in contrast, a single intrathecal dose of KGNOP1 significantly suppressed allodynia and hyperalgesia in morphine-tolerant rats.

Graphical abstract

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Obituary: Tokindo S. Okada (1927-2017) [OBITUARY]

Hisato Kondoh and Harukazu Nakamura

Hisato Kondoh and Harukazu Nakamura look back at the life and career of their mentor Tokindo S. Okada, a pioneer of Japanese developmental biology.

http://ift.tt/2oO8uvn

Unilateral Fungal Sphenoiditis Presenting with Diplopia and Ptosis

http://ift.tt/2pi2QTp

Efficacy of TRT Using Noise Presentation from Mobile Phone

Abstract

The purpose of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is to induce habituation, first of the reaction to the tinnitus signal, and subsequently to habituate the perception of tinnitus itself. Habituation of sound is achieved through sound treatment which involves the use of low-level broadband noise mainly through noise maskers. Noise maskers are costly hence there is a need to find an alternate source of noise like MP3 and mobile phones. The goal of present study was to find out whether persons with tinnitus may be successfully treated with TRT using sound treatment from the noise presented through mobile phones. Total 30 male adult patients with tinnitus were enrolled for TRT. TRT comprised of two activities i.e. directive counseling and sound treatment. The most efficient noise stimulus was tape recorded by presenting the noise in the sound field using speakers and was recorded using a digital tape recorder. The recorded noise was saved to the mobile phone of the person with tinnitus and was asked to play it using hands-free at the level which was just audible for the duration of 3–4 hours per day. The Tinnitus interview forms were used to measure: (1) Percentage awareness of tinnitus, (2) Percentage of the time it caused distress and (3) Number of life factors affected. After 6 months these measurements were repeated and an improvement score of 40% was taken as criteria for the significant success of TRT. Out of 30 patients, 25 could continue coming for follow up sessions. Out of these 25 patients, 17 patients (68%) showed significant improvement. The sound treatment may be provided with the help mobile phones, which is a cheaper substitute for costly noise maskers.

http://ift.tt/2p4hjDQ

Unilateral Fungal Sphenoiditis Presenting with Diplopia and Ptosis

http://ift.tt/2pi2QTp

Efficacy of TRT Using Noise Presentation from Mobile Phone

Abstract

The purpose of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is to induce habituation, first of the reaction to the tinnitus signal, and subsequently to habituate the perception of tinnitus itself. Habituation of sound is achieved through sound treatment which involves the use of low-level broadband noise mainly through noise maskers. Noise maskers are costly hence there is a need to find an alternate source of noise like MP3 and mobile phones. The goal of present study was to find out whether persons with tinnitus may be successfully treated with TRT using sound treatment from the noise presented through mobile phones. Total 30 male adult patients with tinnitus were enrolled for TRT. TRT comprised of two activities i.e. directive counseling and sound treatment. The most efficient noise stimulus was tape recorded by presenting the noise in the sound field using speakers and was recorded using a digital tape recorder. The recorded noise was saved to the mobile phone of the person with tinnitus and was asked to play it using hands-free at the level which was just audible for the duration of 3–4 hours per day. The Tinnitus interview forms were used to measure: (1) Percentage awareness of tinnitus, (2) Percentage of the time it caused distress and (3) Number of life factors affected. After 6 months these measurements were repeated and an improvement score of 40% was taken as criteria for the significant success of TRT. Out of 30 patients, 25 could continue coming for follow up sessions. Out of these 25 patients, 17 patients (68%) showed significant improvement. The sound treatment may be provided with the help mobile phones, which is a cheaper substitute for costly noise maskers.

http://ift.tt/2p4hjDQ

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder predict cannabis misuse

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 72
Author(s): Alexander Spradlin, Dakota Mauzay, Carrie Cuttler
IntroductionCannabis use has been linked to many psychological disorders. There is, however, a paucity of research investigating the link between cannabis use and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The present study sought to examine this link by exploring associations between severity of OCD symptoms, cannabis use, and cannabis misuse; determining whether these associations exist above and beyond symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress; and testing the mediating role of cannabis coping motives (i.e., using cannabis to cope with negative affect and other problems).MethodsA large sample of young adult cannabis users (n=430) completed an online survey containing measures of OCD symptoms, cannabis use, cannabis misuse, and cannabis use motives.ResultsSeverity of OCD (as indexed by higher scores on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised) was unrelated to frequency and quantity of cannabis use, but it was significantly, positively related to increased cannabis misuse. These effects persisted after controlling for anxiety, depression, and stress. The specific feature of obsessing was found to consistently predict cannabis misuse. Finally, an indirect effect of severity of OCD on cannabis misuse via coping motives was discovered.ConclusionsTogether, these findings indicate that there may be an association between OCD and cannabis misuse that is independent of anxiety, depression, and stress, and that is mediated by coping motives. Based on these findings, we recommend that individuals with OCD symptoms avoid using cannabis because they may be more vulnerable to the development of problematic use and cannabis use disorder.



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Optineurin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: multifunctional adaptor protein at the crossroads of different neuroprotective mechanisms

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Progress in Neurobiology
Author(s): Andrea Markovinovic, Raffaello Cimbro, Tereza Ljutic, Jasna Kriz, Boris Rogelj, Ivana Munitic
When optineurin mutations showed up on the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) landscape in 2010, they differed from most other ALS-causing genes. They seemed to act by loss- rather than gain-of-function, and it was unclear how a polyubiquitin-binding adaptor protein, which was proposed to regulate a variety of cellular functions including cell signaling and vesicle trafficking, could mediate neuroprotection. This review discusses the considerable progress that has been made since then. A large number of mutations in optineurin and optineurin-interacting proteins TANK-binding kinase (TBK1) and p62/SQSTM-1 have been found in the ALS patients, suggesting a common neuroprotective pathway. Moreover, functional studies of the ALS-causing optineurin mutations and the recently established optineurin ubiquitin-binding deficient and knockout mouse models helped identify three major mechanisms likely to mediate neuroprotection: regulation of autophagy, mitigation of (chronic) inflammatory signaling, and blockade of necroptosis. These three processes crosstalk, and require multiple levels of control, many of which can be mediated by optineurin. Based on the role of optineurin in multiple processes and the unexpected finding that targeted optineurin deletion in microglia and oligodendrocytes ultimately leads to the same phenotype of axonal degeneration despite different initial defects, we propose that the failure of the weakest link in the optineurin neuroprotective network is sufficient to disturb homeostasis and set-off the domino effect that could ultimately lead to neurodegeneration.



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Hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving hemodialysis

To describe hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

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Higher fractional exhaled nitric oxide and Der p 1 exposure in children with asthma living in tropical environments

The interaction between environmental exposure and airway inflammation in pediatric asthma is multifactorial, but a specific clinical association exists.1,2 We attempted to study allergens common to our patient population who live in 2 distinctly different indoor environments and their effect on markers of airway inflammation. Our primary objective was to evaluate specific allergen sensitivities and exposures that would affect clinical airway inflammatory markers.3,4 Skin test results and levels of indoor allergens of dust mites, cat, dog, and cockroach were examined and compared with respiratory markers, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and spirometry, and systemic atopic markers, serum eosinophils, and total IgE.

http://ift.tt/2q81CtQ

Hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving hemodialysis

To describe hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

http://ift.tt/2oxZZsg

Higher fractional exhaled nitric oxide and Der p 1 exposure in children with asthma living in tropical environments

The interaction between environmental exposure and airway inflammation in pediatric asthma is multifactorial, but a specific clinical association exists.1,2 We attempted to study allergens common to our patient population who live in 2 distinctly different indoor environments and their effect on markers of airway inflammation. Our primary objective was to evaluate specific allergen sensitivities and exposures that would affect clinical airway inflammatory markers.3,4 Skin test results and levels of indoor allergens of dust mites, cat, dog, and cockroach were examined and compared with respiratory markers, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and spirometry, and systemic atopic markers, serum eosinophils, and total IgE.

http://ift.tt/2q81CtQ

Total Serum Antioxidant Capacity in Healthy Normal Weight and Asymptomatic Overweight Adults

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-107783

Obesity and overweight are major contributors to the burden of chronic disease. Both are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation and by increased production of free radicals leading to oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether overweight and fat accumulation is associated with serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in men and women, irrespective of nutritional habits, nutrient intakes, physical activity, smoking, and other confounders, which may be responsible for modifying the association between serum TAC and overweight/obesity measures. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 normal weight and 60 overweight adults aged 25–49. All participants underwent standard anthromorphological measurements of body composition, blood pressure and biochemical measurements, aerobic capabilities assessment and dietary intake evaluation. TAC was measured by using the photochemioluminescence method. All data were analysed with SPSS software. Men had higher values of TAC than women and concentrations of TAC were significantly higher in overweight subjects compared to normal weight subjects. In the present study TAC tended to be increased by various metabolic risk factors, especially overweight/obesity parameters (body mass index, body fat), inflammation and increased serum levels of Cysteine, irrespective of nutritional habits, nutrient intakes, physical activity and smoking. Overweight and obesity at an early stage may stimulate TAC. Therefore, the elevation of TAC in overweight adults may be a compensatory response to oxidative stress, generated by reactive oxygen species.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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

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Temperature and solution assisted synthesis of anisotropic ZnO nanostructures by pulsed laser ablation

Publication date: 31 August 2017
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 414
Author(s): M.P. Navas, R.K. Soni, Natalie Tarasenka, Nikolai Tarasenko
Laser ablation of Zn target in water, ammonium nitrate and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was carried out to synthesize spherical, nanoflakes, nanosquares, nanoflowers and branched nanorods ZnO structures. Morphology of the ZnO nanostructures is controlled by varying ambient condition around laser generated plasma by means of either liquid temperature or addition of surfactant CTAB. In situ heating at temperature to 45, 65 and 85C resulted in morphology variation from spherical to nanoflakes while ex situ heating at 65C resulted in aggregation of spherical nanoparticles into nanosquares. Finally, simultaneous variation of CTAB and temperature (in situ and ex situ) generated nanoflakes, nanoflowers, nanosquares and branched nanorods. Highly anisotropic nano-flakes, nano-flowers, nano-squares and branched-nanorods structures display distinct optical absorption and emission behavior.

Graphical abstract

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The role of dissimilatory arsenate reducing bacteria in the biogeochemical cycle of arsenic based on the physiological and functional analysis of Aeromonas sp. O23A

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 598
Author(s): Witold Uhrynowski, Klaudia Debiec, Aleksandra Sklodowska, Lukasz Drewniak
Dissimilatory arsenate reducing bacteria (DARB) are known to contribute to the mobilization of arsenic and other elements from minerals. Despite this, metabolic capabilities of only a few DARB strains have been thoroughly investigated so far, and the influence of these bacteria on the bioavailability of arsenic in the environment is still a topic for discussion. In this study, Aeromonas sp. O23A, one of the dominant DARB strains found in the Zloty Stok mine (SW Poland), was subjected to a detailed physiological and functional analysis aimed to identify the actual environmental impact of this strain.Physiological analyses revealed that O23A is a facultative anaerobe, capable of utilizing arsenate as a respiratory substrate and acetate, citrate and lactate as electron donors. Arsenate reduction was observed within the first 24h of culturing. The strain shows high resistance to arsenic and several other heavy metals (i.a. Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn) as well tolerance to a broad range of physico-chemical conditions. Metabolic preferences of O23A were thoroughly investigated using Biolog™ MicroArray assay. The strain was found to produce hydroxamate siderophores, potentially involved in the mobilization of iron and co-occurring heavy metals from minerals. On the other hand, O23A showed high adherence abilities, and its involvement in biofilm formation may lead to the entrapment of dissolved arsenic species and other toxic ions.The results shed light on the importance of arsenic respiration and resistance in the overall metabolism of Aeromonas sp. O23A and confirmed its key role in the biogeochemical cycle of arsenic, also in the context of self-purification of heavy-metal-contaminated waters.

Graphical abstract

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Au/MOx (M=Zn, Ti) nanocomposites as highly efficient catalytic filters for chemical gas sensing at room temperature and in humid atmosphere

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 249
Author(s): Justyna Jońca, Justine Harmel, Loïc Joanny, Andrei Ryzhikov, Myrtil L. Kahn, Pierre Fau, Bruno Chaudret, Katia Fajerwerg
Metal oxide supported gold nanoparticles (Au/MOx) have been prepared using deposition-precipitation with urea (DPU) method on commercial ZnO and TiO2 powders. These Au/MOx nanocomposites have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and inductively coupled plasma atom emission spectroscopy. They have been used at room temperature as catalytic filters for CO oxidation in humid atmosphere (RH 40%). The CO removal efficiency has been evaluated using metal oxide gas sensors (MOS) device. The catalytic performances assessment of these Au/MOx nanocomposites highlights the efficiency of the Au/ZnO system. An integrated sensing device comprising the gas sensor and its catalytic filter has been developed. In that case, a plastic holder filled with low amounts (50mg) of Au/ZnO catalytic filter is simply placed above the MOS sensor. This system allows the improvement of the selectivity of the MOS sensors towards other gases, i.e. propane. The presented setting can be applied as one of valuable addition for multi-array sensor devices.



http://ift.tt/2q9E3DI

A series of transition metal-organic frameworks based on a bipyridinium carboxylate ligand: Syntheses, structures and photoluminescent properties

Publication date: 5 September 2017
Source:Journal of Molecular Structure, Volume 1143
Author(s): Ru-Bo Pei, Ming-Yang Cao, Lin-Ke Li, Xi-Yan Dong, Shuang-Quan Zang
Based on a bipyridinium carboxylate ligand 1-(3,5-dicarboxy)-benzyl-1,2-di(pyridine-4-yl)ethylene chloride (H2L⁺Cl⁻), eight transition metal coordination polymers, namely, {[Zn(L)Cl]⋅4H2O}n (1), {[Zn(L)H2O]⋅NO3⋅2H2O}n (2), {[Zn(L) (H2O)]⋅(NO3)0.5⋅(Cl)0.5⋅2H2O}n (3), {[Cd(L)(H2O)(NO3)]⋅2H2O}n (4), {[Cd1.5(L) (Cl)2]⋅2H2O}n (5), {[Cu(L)(H2O)]⋅NO3⋅H2O}n (6), {[Cu(HL)2(H2O)2]·Cl2·6H2O}n (7) and {[Ni(L)(H2O)Cl]⋅4H2O}n (8) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Complexes 1 and 8 display 2D wave-like layer structures with a 3-connected 6³ topology. Complexes 2 and 6 demonstrate 3D 2-fold interpenetrating frameworks with uninodal, 3-connected (10,3)-d utp-topology. Another pair of 3D 2-fold interpenetrating frameworks 3 and 4 possess 3-connected, uninodal 10³ThSi2 (ths)-topology. Complex 5 shows a 2D layer structure based on the extending of trinuclear Cd(II) subunits. Complex 7 presents 1D double-chain structure, in which the central Cu(II) ions are connected by the partially deprotonated ligand HL. Additionally, powder X-ray diffractions (PXRD) and thermogravimetric analyses of complexes 1–8, as well as the solid-state luminescent properties of d¹⁰ metal complexes 1–4 at room temperature have also been discussed.

Graphical abstract

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Zinc solubility in tropical paddy soils: A multi-chemical extraction technique study

Publication date: 1 September 2017
Source:Geoderma, Volume 301
Author(s): Worachart Wisawapipat, Yutika Janlaksana, Iso Christl
Zinc (Zn) biofortification in rice improves human nutrition and contributes considerably to rice growth. However, available information on Zn extractability and quantitative knowledge of how Zn is bound in paddy soils from Southeast Asia, which is of immense importance for Zn nutrition in rice, is rather limited. Here, we identified and quantified Zn pools with different solubility in 150 paddy soil samples using single, selective, and eight-step sequential extractions. The pH conditions of the soils ranged from ultra-acidic to slightly alkaline. The amounts of Zn in the extractable pools indicated sufficient levels of potentially available Zn (median DTPA–extractable Zn=1.5mgkg⁻¹) in most soils. Chemical speciation calculations based on CaCl2 extraction and DTPA–extraction data suggested that Zn²⁺ ion activities in these soils were relatively low and most likely controlled by release of incorporated Zn rather than by dissolution of known Zn mineral phases. Maximum Zn²⁺ solubilities were furthermore related to the solubility of franklinite (ZnFe2O4), which is controlled by the availability of Fe³⁺ being limited by the pH-dependent solubility of Fe(III) (hydr–)oxides. Correspondingly, the sequential extraction results revealed that residual fraction (F8) and maximum acid-soluble fraction (F7) (contributed to 75% of the total Zn in soils) were the dominant Zn pools in the studied soils. The quantitative contribution of other fractions decreased in the following order: crystalline Fe oxides (F6)>Mn oxides (F3)≈organically bound (F4)>microcrystalline Fe oxides (F5)>mobile (F1)>mobilizable (F2). The acidic soils contained more Zn in the presumably highly mobile fraction (F1) than the neutral soils, whereas the neutral soils contained more mobilizable Zn fraction (F2) than the acidic soils. The correlation analysis suggested that the CaCl2– and DTPA–extractable Zn and Zn fractions were influenced by soil pH and soil constituents such as organic carbon, and amounts of crystalline and microcrystalline Fe/Mn oxides.

Graphical abstract

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Oral Corticosteroid Exposure and Adverse Effects in Asthma

While previous research has documented the adverse effects (AEs) of continuous oral corticosteroid (OCS) exposure in asthma, our results suggest that intermittent OCS use consistent with "burst" therapy may also result in adverse effects.

http://ift.tt/2q9kgUS

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Conjugated with a Novel Transdermal Delivery Peptide, AP-rPTP Alleviates both Atopic Dermatitis-like and Psoriasis-like Dermatitis

A novel therapeutic version of protein tyrosine phosphatase with a biochemical enhancer penetrated the skin tissue barrier and ameliorated the inflammatory response in AD-like and psoriasis- like skin diseases.

http://ift.tt/2oNFxzJ