Limited Role of Bone Marrow Biopsy for Detection of Marrow Involvement in Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma from the Middle East and North Africa Region

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy
Author(s): Moussab Damlaj, Gamal Gmati, Ghulam Syed, Tabrez Pasha, Hend Salama, Osama Ali, Khadega A. Abuelgasim, Mohsen Al-Zahrani, Ahmad Al Askar, Ayman Alhejazi




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DNMT3A (R882) Mutation Features and Prognostic Effect in Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Coexistent with NPM1 and FLT3 Mutations

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy
Author(s): Dushyant Kumar, Anurag Mehta, Manoj Kumar Panigrahi, Sukanta Nath, Kandarpa Kumar Saikia
Objective/Background: In the absence of high-risk cytogenetic, DNMT3A mutation status has an impact on outcome in the presence of FLT3 and/or NPM1. In this study, we focus on the features and effect of DNMT3A (R882) mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the presence or absence of NPM1 and FLT3 mutations.MethodsA total of 174 cytogenetically normal (CN)-AML cases were analyzed for NPM1, FLT3, and DNMT3A mutations. For NPM1 mutation detection, we used the pyrosequencing technique; for FLT3 mutations, polymerase chain reaction and RFLP with ECO-RV techniques were used, and for DNMT3A mutation analysis, we used Sanger sequencing and RFLP techniques.ResultsNPM1 mutation was found in 40.80%, DNMT3A in 12.06%, and FLT3 mutation was found in 16.66% of 174 CN-AML patients. We also found seven cases which were (NPM1+, FLT3+), 10 cases which were (NPM1+, DNMT3A+), and two cases were found positive for (DNMT3A+, FLT3+) mutations. Adult patients had significantly higher frequency of NPM1 mutation than children (72.22% vs. 16.66%; p = .020), whereas FLT3/ITD and DNMT3A mutation was associated with higher white blood count (p = .081). Immunophenotypically, NPM1 and DNMT3A mutations were significantly associated with the lack of CD34, whereas FLT3/ITD mutation was positively associated with the expression of CD7. We also assessed the overall survival and progression-free survival of DNMT3A mutation status among patients with CN-AML. Indeed, DNMT3A mutations within the CN-AML subset were associated with significantly shorter overall survival and progression-free survival compared to NPM1 and FLT3 mutated patients (p = .067 and p = .065, respectively).ConclusionDNMT3A R882 mutation plays an important role in CN-AML patients' prognosis and clinical outcomes in the presence and absence of NPM1 and FLT3 mutations.



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Successful Treatment of Pure Red Cell Aplasia with High-Dose Dexamethasone after ABO-Incompatible Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy
Author(s): Rosario Varela Gomez, Goretti Vázquez Vazquez, Victor Noriega Concepcion, Andrea Galego Garcia, Concepción Andón Saavedra
The literature reports an incidence of Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) ranging from 6-30% of all cases of ABO-incompatible HSCT. Although most patients resolve spontaneously after withdrawal immunosuppression, some of them require more aggressive treatment to manage this condition.



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Double CD38−/CD138− negative multiple myeloma

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy
Author(s): Vitaliy Mykytiv, Abrar Alwaheed, Nurul Asyikin Mohd Hashim




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Successful treatment of a recurrent granulation polyp in the airways with high-dose-rate brachytherapy: a case report

Benign central airway tumors are very rare diseases. Their unspecific symptoms are responsible for late diagnosis. Endoscopic interventions with different techniques and tools are widely used for their treatme...

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Recent advances in iron-based superconductors toward applications

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Hideo Hosono, Akiyasu Yamamoto, Hidenori Hiramatsu, Yanwei Ma
Iron with a large magnetic moment was widely believed to be harmful to the emergence of superconductivity because of the competition between the static ordering of electron spins and the dynamic formation of electron pairs (Cooper pairs). Thus, the discovery of a high critical temperature (Tc) iron-based superconductor (IBSC) in 2008 was accepted with surprise in the condensed matter community and rekindled extensive study globally. IBSCs have since grown to become a new class of high-Tc superconductors next to the high-Tc cuprates discovered in 1986. The rapid research progress in the science and technology of IBSCs over the past decade has resulted in the accumulation of a vast amount of knowledge on IBSC materials, mechanisms, properties, and applications with the publication of more than several tens of thousands of papers. This article reviews recent progress in the technical applications (bulk magnets, thin films, and wires) of IBSCs in addition to their fundamental material characteristics. Highlights of their applications include high-field bulk magnets workable at 15–25K, thin films with high critical current density (Jc)>1MA/cm² at ∼10T and 4K, and an average Jc of 1.3×10⁴A/cm² at 10T and 4K achieved for a 100-m-class-length wire. These achievements are based on the intrinsically advantageous properties of IBSCs such as the higher crystallographic symmetry of the superconducting phase, higher critical magnetic field, and larger critical grain boundary angle to maintain high Jc. These properties also make IBSCs promising for applications using high magnetic fields.

Graphical abstract

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Numerical and experimental study of laser aided additive manufacturing for melt-pool profile and grain orientation analysis

Publication date: 5 January 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 137
Author(s): Jie Song, Youxiang Chew, Guijun Bi, Xiling Yao, Baicheng Zhang, Jiaming Bai, Seung Ki Moon
Laser aided additive manufacturing (LAAM), a blown powder additive manufacturing process, can be widely adopted for surface modification, repair and 3D printing. A robust numerical model was developed to simulate convective fluid flow and balancing of surface tension forces at the air-fluid interface to predict melt-pool free surface curvature and solidified clad dimensions. The free surface physical interface was calculated using the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) moving mesh approach. Powder deposition efficiency was considered by activating mesh normal velocity at melted regions based on localized powder mass flux intensity from the discrete coaxial powder nozzles. The heat flux equation used for representing the laser heat source considered attenuation effect from the interaction between the powder jets and laser as well as heat sink effects of un-melted powder particles entering the melt-pool. The predicted thermal gradient directions agree well with grain growth orientations obtained from electron backscatter diffraction (ESBD) analysis in three different cross-sectional orientations. Experimental validation of clad width, height and melt-pool depth shows a maximum error of 10% for a wide range of processing parameters which consider the effects of varying laser power, laser scanning speed and powder feeding rate.

Graphical abstract

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Printing and characterisation of Kagome lattice structures by fused deposition modelling

Publication date: 5 January 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 137
Author(s): Rinoj Gautam, Sridhar Idapalapati, Stefanie Feih
Sandwich structures with lattice cores exhibit high specific bending strength and stiffness when compared to monolithic structures. Additive manufacturing is able to further expand the available design space to fabricate novel core structures with complex features. In this paper, the compressive performance of the Kagome truss unit cell of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) ABSplus™ fabricated by fused deposition modelling is investigated. The influences of part build orientation, truss radius and surface roughness on strength and stiffness are critically explored. The change in build orientation improved the average peak strength and effective stiffness by 23% and 19%, respectively. 90% (v/v) acetone was used to polish the printed surfaces and 5min chemical treatment was optimal based on the measured surface roughness, strength and stiffness values. These single cell studies will help to understand the macroscopic behaviour of the beams and plates with Kagome cores under quasi-static bending and impact loading scenarios.

Graphical abstract

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Carbon nanotubes as a unique agent to fabricate nanoceramic/metal composite powders for additive manufacturing

Publication date: 5 January 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 137
Author(s): Weiwei Zhou, Xiaohao Sun, Keiko Kikuchi, Naoyuki Nomura, Kyosuke Yoshimi, Akira Kawasaki
Laser powder bed fusion (PBF) offers many technological opportunities for producing high-performance composite parts with tailored structures. However, fabrication of suitable composite powders possessing homogenous dispersion, good flowability, suitable particle size and distribution is a prerequisite and main challenge currently faced. In this study, a novel strategy was developed to prepare nanoceramic/metal powders by using acid-treated carbon nanotubes (ATCNTs) as an agent. In detail, a 3wt% ATCNT/Al2O3 colloid, in which the negatively-charged ATCNTs were partially covered with positively-charged Al2O3 nanoparticles under electrostatic attraction, was obtained by heteroagglomeration; subsequently, the uncovered surface areas of ATCNTs were intimately bonded to the positively-charged MoTiAl powders during their mixing. This ATCNT bridging made individual Al2O3 uniformly wrap on the surface of MoTiAl without aggregation. The Al2O3-coated MoTiAl powders remained similar in shape, particle size, and distribution to uncoated ones, simultaneously showing higher laser absorptivity due to an increased surface roughness. The PBF-processed Al2O3-ATCNT/MoTiAl composite was dense, in which Al2O3 nanoparticles were homogenously dispersed and intimately contacted with MoTiAl, giving rise to an increase in the hardness of the matrix.

Graphical abstract

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3D printed hierarchical honeycombs with shape integrity under large compressive deformations

Publication date: 5 January 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 137
Author(s): Yanyu Chen, Tiantian Li, Zian Jia, Fabrizio Scarpa, Chun-Wei Yao, Lifeng Wang
We describe the in-plane compressive performance of a new type of hierarchical cellular structure created by replacing cell walls in regular honeycombs with triangular lattice configurations. The fabrication of this relatively complex material architecture with size features spanning from micrometer to centimeter is facilitated by the availability of commercial 3D printers. We apply to these hierarchical honeycombs a thermal treatment that facilitates the shape preservation and structural integrity of the structures under large compressive loading. The proposed hierarchical honeycombs exhibit a progressive failure mode, along with improved stiffness and energy absorption under uniaxial compression. High energy dissipation and shape integrity at large imposed strains (up to 60%) have also been observed in these hierarchical honeycombs under cyclic loading. Experimental and numerical studies suggest that these anomalous mechanical behaviors are attributed to the introduction of a structural hierarchy, intrinsically controlled by the cell wall slenderness of the triangular lattice and by the shape memory effect induced by the thermal and mechanical compressive treatment.

Graphical abstract

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A novel free-hanging 3D printing method for continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic lattice truss core structures

Publication date: 5 January 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 137
Author(s): Shuting Liu, Yingguang Li, Nanya Li
Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic (CFRTP) lattice truss core structures are potential to aerospace engineering because of their high weight reduction efficiency and multifunctional application. A novel free-hanging 3D printing method was firstly presented by the authors to manufacture CFRTP lattice truss core structures. The free-hanging printing path generation strategy was established to realize the undercut and overhanging truss structure without any support. Based on the free-hanging 3D printing method, the typical lattice topologies and more complex structures like the integral variable-thickness wing were printed. The cross sectional morphology of samples printed by using the free-hanging printing method were analyzed. The investigations on the parameters such as relative density, fiber volume content and truss angle were conducted to reveal the relationship between the process parameters and out-of-plane compressive properties. The experiment results demonstrated that the average structural error was about 1.89% compared with the theoretical geometry. The compression strength of the printed sample was 224% higher than that of the pure thermoplastic resin counterpart. The specific compressive strength of free-hanging printed samples was in competitive status compared with currently existed CFRTP lattice structures in available literatures.

Graphical abstract

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Composition optimization and electrochemical properties of Mg-Al-Sn-Mn alloy anode for Mg-air batteries

Publication date: 5 January 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 137
Author(s): Tianxu Zheng, Yaobo Hu, Yuxin Zhang, Shengwei Yang, Fusheng Pan
The effect of Al, Sn and Mn on the electrochemical properties of extruded magnesium alloy anode was systematically investigated by orthogonal design. The optimal combination, Mg-6Al-1Sn-0.4Mn alloy anode, was obtained through comprehensive analysis. The combination was further verified by the characterization of microstructure, composition and electrochemical performance. The average discharge potential reaches −1.602V (vs. SCE), showing obvious discharge superiority against the trial samples. The research result is also of value to the development of low cost, non-toxic and well-performance magnesium alloy anode.

Graphical abstract

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4D rods: 3D structures via programmable 1D composite rods

Publication date: 5 January 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 137
Author(s): Zhen Ding, Oliver Weeger, H. Jerry Qi, Martin L. Dunn
Slender 1D structures are ubiquitous in nature and engineering and serve as building blocks for 3D structures at scales ranging from molecular to architectural. 3D printing enables fabrication of such structures with geometrical complexity that cannot be produced easily by traditional manufacturing methods, but comes with a cost of long building time and need for supporting structures during printing. Some of these limitations are overcome here through an approach that prints 1D rods with composite cross-sections, programmed to deform into a prescribed 3D shape simply upon heating. The straight or curved composite rods consist of a glassy polymer and an elastomer that are bonded to each other as a result of the manufacturing process; the latter is programmed with a compressive stress during the printing process. When heated, the stiff glassy polymer softens, resulting in release of the stress in the elastomer, and causes the 1D structure to deform into a new permanent 3D configuration. The cross-section of the composite rods can be designed to enable deformation modes of bending and twisting, a combination of which can guide the 1D rod into almost any 3D shape. With the use of a nonlinear thermomechanical computational model, several 3D rod structures are designed and demonstrated, highlighting the potential for increased functionality with material and time savings.

Graphical abstract

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Antidiabetic effect of Achillea millefollium through multitarget interactions: α-glucosidases inhibition, insulin sensitization and insulin secretagogue activities

Publication date: 15 February 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 212
Author(s): Fabiola Chávez-Silva, Litzia Cerón-Romero, Luis Arias-Durán, Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez, Julio Almanza-Pérez, Rubén Román-Ramos, Guillermo Ramírez-Ávila, Irene Perea-Arango, Rafael Villalobos-Molina, Samuel Estrada-Soto
Ethnopharmacological importanceAchillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) is a perennial herb used in Mexican folk medicine for treatment of several pathologies, including inflammatory and spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, hepatobiliary complaints, overactive cardiovascular, respiratory ailments and diabetes.Aim of the studyTo evaluate the potential antidiabetic effect in vivo and to establish the potential mode of action through in vitro approaches of Achillea millefolium.Materials and methodsThe antidiabetic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium (HAEAm) was evaluated on the oral glucose tolerance tests, in normoglycemic and experimental Type 2 diabetic mice models. In addition, we evaluated the possible mode of action in in vitro assays to determine α-glucosidases inhibition, the insulin secretion and calcium mobilization in RINm5F cells and PPARγ and GLUT4 expression in 3T3-L1 cells.ResultsHAEAm showed significant glucose diminution on oral glucose tolerance test and in acute experimental Type 2 diabetic assay with respect to the control (p < 0.05). In addition, HAEAm promoted the α-glucosidases inhibition by 55% at 1mg/ml respect to control. On the other hand, HAEAm increased the PPARγ (five-times) and GLUT4 (two-fold) relative expression than control (p < 0.05). Finally, HAEAm significantly increased the insulin secretion and [Ca²⁺]i compared with control.ConclusionThe HAEAm possesses in vivo antidiabetic effect, having such effect through multitarget modes of action that involve antihyperglycemic (α-glucosidases inhibition), hypoglycemic (insulin secretion) and potential insulin sensitizer (PPARγ/GLUT4 overexpression) actions.

Graphical abstract

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Spatial distributions, fractionation characteristics, and ecological risk assessment of trace elements in sediments of Chaohu Lake, a large eutrophic freshwater lake in eastern China

Abstract

The concentrations, spatial distribution, fractionation characteristics, and potential ecological risks of trace elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, and Co) in the surface sediment samples collected from 32 sites in Chaohu Lake were investigated. The improved BCR sequential extraction procedure was applied to analyze the chemical forms of trace elements in sediments. The enrichment factor (EF), sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and risk assessment code (RAC) were employed to evaluate the pollution levels and the potential ecological risks. The results found that the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, and Co in the surface sediments were 78.59, 36.91, 161.84, 98.87, 38.92, and 10.09 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The lower concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni were almost found in the middle part of the lake, while Co increased from the western toward the eastern parts of the lake. Cr, Ni, Co, and Zn predominantly existed in the residual fractions, with the average values of 76.35, 59.22, 45.60, and 44.30%, respectively. Cu and Pb were mainly combined with Fe/Mn oxides in reducible fraction, with the average values of 66.4 and 69.1%, respectively. The pollution levels were different among the selected elements. Cu had the highest potential ecological risk, while Cr had the lowest potential ecological risk.

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Spatial distribution and potential biological risk of some metals in relation to granulometric content in core sediments from Chilika Lake, India

Abstract

The article presents first systematic report on the concentration of selected major elements [iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn)] and minor elements [zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co)] from the core sediment of Chilika Lake, India. The analyzed samples revealed higher content of Pb than the background levels in the entire study area. The extent of contamination from minor and major elements is expressed by assessing (i) the metal enrichments in the sediment through the calculations of anthropogenic factor (AF), pollution load index (PLI), Enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and (ii) potential biological risks by the use of sediment quality guidelines like effect range median (ERM) and effect range low (ERL) benchmarks. The estimated indices indicated that sediment is enriched with Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu and Co. The enrichment of these elements seems to be due to the fine granulometric characteristics of the sediment with Fe and Mn oxyhydroxides being the main metal carriers and fishing boats using low grade paints, fuel, and fishing technology using lead beads fixed to fishing nets. Trace element input to the Chilika lake needs to be monitored with due emphasis on Cr and Pb contaminations since the ERM and ERL benchmarks indicated potential biological risk with these metals.

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First determination of fullerenes in the Austrian market and environment: quantitative analysis and assessment

Abstract

This study forms the first report on analyzing fullerenes in the Austrian environment and cosmetic products available on the Austrian market. We developed, optimized, and validated a novel method for the analysis of C₆₀ and C₇₀ fullerenes and N-methylfulleropyrrolidine C₆₀ (NMFP) for measuring sensitivities in the low nanograms per liter range in order to prove their presence in the environment (12 wastewater- and 12 sewage sludge samples) and in 11 selected fullerene-containing cosmetic products from three different brands. The optimized method relies on a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or solid-liquid extraction (SLE) and, for the first time, introduced the Carrez-clarification, followed by liquid chromatography (LC) and coupled to a hybrid triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) quantification. The total variability of the new established LC-MS/MS method based on all the tested matrices was below 10%. We found recoveries generally higher than 70% for both tap water and surface water. The limits of quantitation (LOQ) for the wastewater samples were measured to be from 0.8 to 1.6 ng/L, for the sewage sludge samples, from 1.4 to 2.6 ng/g DM (drymass), and for the cosmetic samples from 0.2 to 0.4 ng/g. None of the analyzed samples of wastewater or sewage sludge samples contained fullerenes. But in 70% of the tested cosmetics, fullerene concentrations between 10 and 340 ng/g were detected. These values were much lower than concentrations causing toxicity in water animals.

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Esophageal lesions following button-battery ingestion in children: Analysis of causes and proposals for preventive measures

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): J. Lahmar, C. Célérier, E.N. Garabédian, V. Couloigner, N. Leboulanger, F. Denoyelle
ObjectivesTo study recent cases of esophageal injury due to button-battery ingestion in children presenting in pediatric ENT emergency departments of the Paris area of France (Île-de-France region), in order to propose appropriate preventive measures.Material and methodA retrospective descriptive single-center study included all children under 15 years of age, presenting in pediatric ENT emergency departments between January 2008 and April 2014 for button-battery ingestion with esophageal impaction requiring emergency removal.ResultsTwenty-two boys and 4 girls, with a median age of 25 months, were included. Twenty-five of the 26 batteries had diameters of 20mm or more. Median esophageal impaction time was 7 hours 30 minutes (range, 2 to 72 hours). The complications rate was 23%. Mean hospital stay cost was €38,751 (range, €5130–119,737). The origin of the battery was known in 23 of the 26 cases: remote control without screw-secured compartment (42.3%), open battery pack (15.4%), children's toy (15.3%), camera (7.7%), watch (1 case) and hearing aid without screw-secured compartment (1 case).ConclusionEsophageal lesions due to ingestion of button-batteries in children are almost always due to batteries larger than 20mm in diameter, mostly from devices with a poorly protected compartment, or batteries that are not individually packaged. These lesions cause serious complications in a quarter of cases and their management entails high health costs. Legislation requiring screw-secured compartments and individual blisters for batteries could have prevented 69.2% of the ingestions.



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Gastric cancer: immunohistochemical classification of molecular subtypes and their association with clinicopathological characteristics

Abstract

Gastric cancer is traditionally divided into intestinal and diffuse histological subtypes, but recent molecular analyses have led to novel classification proposals based on genomic alterations. While the intestinal- and diffuse-type tumours are distinguishable from each other at the molecular level, intestinal-type tumours have more diverse molecular profile. The technology required for comprehensive molecular analysis is expensive and not applicable for routine clinical diagnostics. In this study, we have used immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation in molecular classification of gastric adenocarcinomas with an emphasis on the intestinal subtype. A tissue microarray consisting of 244 gastric adenocarcinomas was constructed, and the tumours were divided into four subgroups based on the presence of Epstein-Barr virus, TP53 aberrations and microsatellite instability. The intestinal- and diffuse-type tumours were separately examined. The distribution of EGFR and HER2 gene amplifications was studied in the intestinal-type tumours. Epstein-Barr virus positive intestinal-type tumours were more common in male patients (p = 0.035) and most often found in the gastric corpus (p = 0.011). The majority of the intestinal-type tumours with TP53 aberrations were proximally located (p = 0.010). All tumours with microsatellite instability showed intestinal-type histology (p = 0.017) and were associated with increased overall survival both in the univariate (p = 0.040) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.015). In conclusion, this study shows that gastric adenocarcinomas can be classified into biologically and clinically different subgroups by using a simple method also applicable for clinical diagnostics.

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Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional shear-wave elastography: Associations of mean elasticity values with prognostic factors and tumor subtypes of breast cancer

Publication date: March–April 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 48
Author(s): Hyun Jung Kang, Jin You Kim, Nam Kyung Lee, Ji Won Lee, You Seon Song, Shin Young Park, Jong Ki Shin
PurposeTo explore associations between prognostic factors and subtypes of invasive breast cancer (IBC) and elasticity values using three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) shear-wave elastography (SWE).Materials and methodsMean elasticity values (kPa) of 121 IBCs were measured using both 3D and 2D SWE. Associations between these values and prognostic factors and subtypes were analyzed using linear regression model.ResultsIn both 3D and 2D SWE, larger size and presence of lymphovascular invasion were independent factors influencing higher mean elasticity on multivariate analyses (all p values<0.05).ConclusionsUsing either 3D or 2D SWE, higher mean elasticity values are associated with poor prognostic factors of IBC.



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Comparative study of 4D CTA and DSA for vascular assessment in moyamoya disease

Publication date: March–April 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 48
Author(s): Bing Tian, Yuanliang Jiang, Qinqin Kang, Bing Xu, Ri Liu, Qi Liu, Jianping Lu
Purpose: To evaluate the vascular stenosis and collateral circulation in moyamoya disease using 4D CTA.Methods: Two neuroradiologists evaluated 4D CTA and DSA for 101 moyamoya patients. The performance of 4D CTA relative to DSA was determined using consistency checks (kappa values, 95% CI) and correlation analysis.Results: The kappa values were 0.714 (modified Suzuki score), 0.846 (Houkin score), 0.594 (basicranial moyamoya vessels), 0.435 (posterior circulation collaterals) and 0.591 (ECA collaterals). The correlation coefficients were 0.843, 0.872, 0.792, 0.635 and 0.797.Conclusions: 4D CTA showed strong consistency and correlation with DSA in the vascular stenosis score, but was insufficient in collateral circulation evaluation.



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Combined Gluteus and Pudendal Thigh Flap Reconstruction of Vaginal Defects following Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection

Summary: Low-lying rectal cancers are being treated more frequently with robotic-assisted abdominoperineal resection, obviating the need for laparotomy and the ability to raise vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps. For female patients, posterior vaginectomy often accompanies the resection. Combined pudendal thigh flaps as an extension of bilateral gluteus advancement flaps allow for posterior vaginal resurfacing with thin pliable fasciocutaneous flaps, which rest on the gluteal flap soft-tissue bulk that obliterates the pelvic dead space. For patients with advanced cancers who have had neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the pudendal skin paddle can be planned more laterally to bring in healthier medial thigh skin. The donor incisions lie within the gluteal cleft and crease and groin creases recapitulating normal perineal anatomy and aesthetics.

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Optimizing Nipple Position following Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Background: The best treatment for nipple malposition following nipple-sparing mastectomy is prevention. This article reviews basic elements for success in nipple-sparing mastectomy and offers an option to patients with grade 2–3 breast ptosis who strongly desire to preserve the nipple. Methods: Retrospective review identified patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Results: Patient selection centered on realistic goals for postoperative breast size, nipple position, and when not to save the nipple. The choice of device considered projection and nipple centralization as equal components and led to wider, lower profile devices selectively for the first stage of reconstruction. In severe grade 2–3 nipple ptosis, an inferior vertical incision or wedge excision was used to enhance nipple position postoperatively. Eighteen consecutive patients underwent 32 implant-based breast reconstructions following nipple-sparing mastectomy with the vertical incision. The average age was 45 years old, and the average body mass index was 26.7. Direct-to-implant reconstruction was performed in 25%, whereas 75% had tissue expander-implant reconstruction. Overall complications included infection (3%) and nipple necrosis (3%) leading to explant in 1 reconstruction. Conclusions: The final nipple position following nipple-sparing mastectomy can be optimized with preoperative planning. The vertical incision, combined with proper patient selection and choice of device, may increase eligibility for nipple-sparing procedures in patients with grade 2–3 ptosis who desire nipple preservation.

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NNT is a key regulator of adrenal redox homeostasis and steroidogenesis in male mice

Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase, NNT, is a ubiquitous protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane with a key role in mitochondrial redox balance. NNT produces high concentrations of NADPH for detoxification of reactive oxygen species by glutathione and thioredoxin pathways. In humans, NNT dysfunction leads to an adrenal specific disorder, glucocorticoid deficiency. Certain sub-strains of C57BL/6 mice contain a spontaneously occurring inactivating Nnt mutation and display glucocorticoid deficiency along with glucose intolerance and reduced insulin secretion. To understand the underlying mechanism(s) behind the glucocorticoid deficiency we performed comprehensive RNA-seq on adrenals from wild-type (C57BL/6N), mutant (C57BL/6J) and BAC transgenic mice overexpressing Nnt (C57BL/6JBAC). Our data suggests that Nnt deletion (or overexpression) reduces adrenal steroidogenic output by decreasing expression of crucial, mitochondrial antioxidant (Prdx3 and Txnrd2) and steroidogenic (Cyp11a1 and Cyp11b1) enzymes. Pathway analysis also revealed upregulation of heat shock protein machinery and haemoglobins possibly in response to the oxidative stress initiated by NNT ablation. Using transcriptomic profiling in adrenals from three mouse models we showed that disturbances in adrenal redox homeostasis are mediated not only by under expression of NNT but also by its overexpression. Further we demonstrated that both under- or overexpression of NNT reduced corticosterone output implying a central role for it in the control of steroidogenesis. This is likely due to a reduction in the expression of key steroidogenic enzymes, Cyp11a1, which mirrored the reduction in corticosterone output.

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Macroglossia During Awake Craniotomy: A Near Miss.

No abstract available

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Investigating the organisational factors associated with variation in clinical productivity in community pharmacies: a mixed-methods study.

Key factors affecting clinical productivity in community pharmacies included pharmacy ownership type, organisational culture, staffing, skill mix and pharmacy–GP relationships.

http://ift.tt/2x6z3QJ

Contextual Cueing of Tactile Search Is Coded in an Anatomical Reference Frame.

Author: Assumpcao, Leonardo; Shi, Zhuanghua; Zang, Xuelian; Muller, Hermann J.; Geyer, Thomas

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000478

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 16 October 2017

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Focused Cognitive Control in Dishonesty: Evidence for Predominantly Transient Conflict Adaptation.

Author: Foerster, Anna; Pfister, Roland; Schmidts, Constantin; Dignath, David; Wirth, Robert; Kunde, Wilfried

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000480

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 16 October 2017

http://ift.tt/2xQdRmq

Biased Guessing in a Complete-Identification Visual-Working-Memory Task: Further Evidence for Mixed-State Models.

Author: Nosofsky, Robert M.; Gold, Jason M.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000482

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 16 October 2017

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Distinguishing Among Potential Mechanisms of Singleton Suppression.

Author: Gaspelin, Nicholas; Luck, Steven J.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000484

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 16 October 2017

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Whatever You Do, Don't Look at the . . .: Evaluating Guidance by an Exclusionary Attentional Template.

Author: Beck, Valerie M.; Luck, Steven J.; Hollingworth, Andrew

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000485

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 16 October 2017

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Correlation between computed tomography imaging and histopathology in pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland

The purpose of this study was to correlate the CT imaging features and histopathological findings of pleomorphic adenomas (PA), and also try to identify its clinical significance.

http://ift.tt/2ywEhGF

Baseline asthma burden, comorbidities, and biomarkers in omalizumab-treated patients in PROSPERO

Patients included in clinical trials do not necessarily reflect the real-world population.

http://ift.tt/2xPcMq5

Baseline asthma burden, comorbidities, and biomarkers in omalizumab-treated patients in PROSPERO

Patients included in clinical trials do not necessarily reflect the real-world population.

http://ift.tt/2xPcMq5

Diplomacy Review Course/Exam December 1-2, 2017 in Phoenix, AZ With Dr. Rudi Ferrate, MD and Dr. Kevin Mueller, DDS

The American Sleep and Breathing Academy is an organization dedicated to enriching our members' knowledge and skill in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing. Our goal is to provide current evidence based information to our members and enable them to provide optimal treatment for their patients. The Academy offers certification to its members as a confirmation of their knowledge, skill and experience.

On December 1-2, 2017, in Phoenix, AZ the ASBA will be holding a review course and exam that is offered to Dentists who wish to attain diplomacy with the American Sleep and Breathing Academy. The review course will be taught by Board Certified ASBA instructors Dr. Kevin Mueller DMD and Dr. Rudi Martinez-Ferrate MD.

Diplomate Review/Exam

Friday–Saturday, December 1-2, 2017
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport
2333 East Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016 United States

Registration For The Review

Registration For The Exam

Link For The Hotel Booking With Special Rate

For questions please email info@myasba.com

http://ift.tt/2xORgSq

Hormonal contraceptive use in smokers: Prevalence of use and associations with smoking motives

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 77
Author(s): Alicia M. Allen, Kim Lundeen, Lynn E. Eberly, Sharon S. Allen, Mustafa al'Absi, Myra Muramoto, Dorothy Hatsukami
IntroductionWhile endogenous sex hormones influence smoking-related outcomes, little is known about the role of hormonal contraceptives (HCs). This is despite dated estimates suggesting that HC use is prevalent among female smokers. Therefore, we sought to update estimates of the prevalence of HC use among female smokers and explore the association of HC use with various smoking motives (SMs).MethodsThis online cross-sectional survey recruited female smokers between the ages of 18–35. Survey questions assessed smoking behavior, SMs, use of HCs, and menstrual cycle regularity.ResultsParticipants (n=734) were, on average (±standard deviation), 20.7±2.7 years old and smoked 7.3±6.7 cigarettes/day. The majority of females reported a history of HC use (85%) and half reported current use (48%). Cyclical HC users (n=227) scored significantly lower on three SMs compared to naturally-cycling women in the follicular phase (n=62) and significantly higher on 15 SMs compared to naturally-cycling women in the luteal phase (n=29). Women on cyclical HCs differed from women on long-acting HCs (n=128) on two SMs. Further, the naturally-cycling women in the follicular phase scoring significantly higher on 15 SMs compared to those in the luteal phase.DiscussionThese observations indicate that HC use remains prevalent in female smokers and may influence SMs. Additional research should replicate these observations and explore the implications on smoking cessation outcomes.



http://ift.tt/2zyT83G

The Effects of Exposure to Environmental Cigarette Smoke on the Vocal Folds of Rats

This study aimed to investigate histopathologically and immunohistochemically the effects of environmental smoke on the vocal folds.

http://ift.tt/2yyQ8pY

Evaluation of facial blood flow using three-dimensional scanning

The Vectra X3 3-dimensional face scanner allows us to visualise the erythema of superficial layers of skin in addition to its regular scanning functions. The aim of our study was to find out whether changes we provoked in the circulation of the skin would be registered and displayed by the face scanner. We measured the circulation in the skin of the cheeks of 20 volunteers with a face scanner, a laser Doppler device, and a skin pigmentation analyser before and after the application of a nitric oxide cream.

http://ift.tt/2ywyDVd

Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy: new treatment to manage vascular malformations

Venous malformations are congenital anomalies of the vascular system. The injection of bleomycin (a cytotoxic, antitumour drug) into the lesion is a safe and effective treatment for low-flow (venous and lymphatic) malformations, but its use systemically has been associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Intralesional injection of bleomycin is considered to have a lower risk, but caution should be used when planning treatment, with particular regard to respiratory function. Electroporation is the temporary application of an electrical field across a tissue to increase (briefly) the permeability of the cell membrane in that tissue.

http://ift.tt/2x7bGGy

Prescription of antibiotics: does it alter the outcome for patients who have fractures of the angle of the mandible?

We retrospectively studied 708 consecutive patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, to find out whether one of the four antibiotic protocols in use conferred any advantage (or disadvantage) on a patient who had a fractured angle of the mandible, and there was none. However, the time from initial injury until the time of the first dose of antibiotic was important. Clinically, if patients waited more than 72hours after the injury before the first dose of antibiotic was given, they had a three times higher rate of postoperative infection than patients who were given their first dose between 24 and 72hours after the injury.

http://ift.tt/2ywn5kH

Surgical and social implications of extraction of mandibular third molars as a separate procedure before bilateral sagittal split osteotomy

In some units, lower wisdom teeth are extracted in a separate procedure before bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), whereas in others they are removed at the time of the osteotomy. We identified 57 patients who had BSSO at Salisbury Hospital between October 2013 and September 2015, 40 of whom had their wisdom teeth extracted at the same time. The remaining 17 did not have wisdom teeth. Patients who have these teeth extracted as a separate procedure require at least one day off work, which can result in a loss of earnings.

http://ift.tt/2x6giwz

A single-centre retrospective proof of concept review of salvage of infected or exposed implant breast reconstructions with explantation and one-stage free flap replacement

Implant-based breast reconstruction has relatively high complication rates. Removal of infected implants and immediate autologous reconstruction is a safe single stage procedure that preserves the native breast skin envelope.

http://ift.tt/2xOOooD

Effects of infraorbital nerve's anatomical course on fracture pattern of the orbital floor

In this study, details of the infraorbital nerve's (ION's) anatomical course variants were compared using computed tomography (CT) and relationships between the variants and fracture patterns in the orbital floor were investigated. Fifty-two normal individuals and 50 patients with unilateral isolated orbital floor fractures were enrolled in this study. Four measurements in normal individuals and 5 measurements in fracture patients were obtained in parasagittal sections. The anatomical variations of the ION were categorized into 3 types based on the classification by Ferences et al.

http://ift.tt/2yxz2Ir

My Path from Hiroshima to Houston

Publication date: Available online 14 October 2017
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Ritsuko Komaki




http://ift.tt/2yy1Vmv

Behavioral Animal Model of the Emotional Response to Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Abstract

Increased prevalence of emotional distress is associated with tinnitus and hearing loss. The underlying mechanisms of the negative emotional response to tinnitus and hearing loss remain poorly understood, and it is challenging to disentangle the emotional consequences of hearing loss from those specific to tinnitus in listeners experiencing both. We addressed these questions in laboratory rats using three common rodent anxiety screening assays: elevated plus maze, open field test, and social interaction test. Open arm activity in the elevated plus maze decreased substantially after one trial in controls, indicating its limited utility for comparing pre- and post-treatment behavior. Open field exploration and social interaction behavior were consistent across multiple sessions in control animals. Individual sound-exposed and salicylate-treated rats showed a range of phenotypes in the open field, including reduced entries into the center in some subjects and reduced locomotion overall. In rats screened for tinnitus, less locomotion was associated with higher tinnitus scores. In salicylate-treated animals, locomotion was correlated with age. Sound-exposed and salicylate-treated rats also showed reduced social interaction. These results suggest that open field exploratory activity is a selective measure for identifying tinnitus distress in individual animals, whereas social interaction reflects the general effects of hearing loss. This animal model will facilitate future studies of the structural and functional changes in the brain pathways underlying emotional distress associated with hearing dysfunction, as well as development of novel interventions to ameliorate or prevent negative emotional responses.

http://ift.tt/2gtMqYd

Desmin expression profile in reactive astrocytes in the 3-nitropropionic acid–lesioned striatum of rat: Characterization and comparison with glial fibrillary acidic protein and nestin

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Jeong-Heon Choi, Tae-Ryong Riew, Hong Lim Kim, Xuyan Jin, Mun-Yong Lee
Desmin, a muscle-specific, type-III intermediate-filament protein, is reportedly expressed in astrocytes in the central nervous system. These cells become reactive astrocytes in response to brain injuries. To elucidate whether desmin is involved in this process, we examined the spatiotemporal expression profiles of desmin and their relationship with two astroglial intermediate filaments, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nestin, in the striatum of rats treated with the mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). Weak, constitutive immunoreactivity for desmin was observed in astrocytes generally, and in reactive astrocytes in the peri-lesional area, its expression increased in parallel with that of GFAP over 3 d post-lesion and was maintained until at least day 28. Desmin, GFAP, and nestin showed characteristic time-dependent expression patterns in reactive astrocytes forming the astroglial scar; delayed and long-lasting induction of desmin and GFAP, and rapid but transient induction of nestin. In the lesion core, desmin was expressed in two categories of perivascular cells: nestin-negative and nestin-positive. These findings show that desmin, together with GFAP and nestin, is a dynamic component of intermediate filaments in activated astroglia, which may account for the dynamic structural changes seen in these cells in response to brain injuries.



http://ift.tt/2kYMd0x

Behavioral Animal Model of the Emotional Response to Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Abstract

Increased prevalence of emotional distress is associated with tinnitus and hearing loss. The underlying mechanisms of the negative emotional response to tinnitus and hearing loss remain poorly understood, and it is challenging to disentangle the emotional consequences of hearing loss from those specific to tinnitus in listeners experiencing both. We addressed these questions in laboratory rats using three common rodent anxiety screening assays: elevated plus maze, open field test, and social interaction test. Open arm activity in the elevated plus maze decreased substantially after one trial in controls, indicating its limited utility for comparing pre- and post-treatment behavior. Open field exploration and social interaction behavior were consistent across multiple sessions in control animals. Individual sound-exposed and salicylate-treated rats showed a range of phenotypes in the open field, including reduced entries into the center in some subjects and reduced locomotion overall. In rats screened for tinnitus, less locomotion was associated with higher tinnitus scores. In salicylate-treated animals, locomotion was correlated with age. Sound-exposed and salicylate-treated rats also showed reduced social interaction. These results suggest that open field exploratory activity is a selective measure for identifying tinnitus distress in individual animals, whereas social interaction reflects the general effects of hearing loss. This animal model will facilitate future studies of the structural and functional changes in the brain pathways underlying emotional distress associated with hearing dysfunction, as well as development of novel interventions to ameliorate or prevent negative emotional responses.

http://ift.tt/2gtMqYd

Behavioral Animal Model of the Emotional Response to Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Abstract

Increased prevalence of emotional distress is associated with tinnitus and hearing loss. The underlying mechanisms of the negative emotional response to tinnitus and hearing loss remain poorly understood, and it is challenging to disentangle the emotional consequences of hearing loss from those specific to tinnitus in listeners experiencing both. We addressed these questions in laboratory rats using three common rodent anxiety screening assays: elevated plus maze, open field test, and social interaction test. Open arm activity in the elevated plus maze decreased substantially after one trial in controls, indicating its limited utility for comparing pre- and post-treatment behavior. Open field exploration and social interaction behavior were consistent across multiple sessions in control animals. Individual sound-exposed and salicylate-treated rats showed a range of phenotypes in the open field, including reduced entries into the center in some subjects and reduced locomotion overall. In rats screened for tinnitus, less locomotion was associated with higher tinnitus scores. In salicylate-treated animals, locomotion was correlated with age. Sound-exposed and salicylate-treated rats also showed reduced social interaction. These results suggest that open field exploratory activity is a selective measure for identifying tinnitus distress in individual animals, whereas social interaction reflects the general effects of hearing loss. This animal model will facilitate future studies of the structural and functional changes in the brain pathways underlying emotional distress associated with hearing dysfunction, as well as development of novel interventions to ameliorate or prevent negative emotional responses.

http://ift.tt/2gtMqYd

Are distinct nitrous oxide emission factors required for cattle urine and dung deposited on pasture in western Canada?

Abstract

While some countries disaggregate N₂O emission factors for urine and dung deposited onto pastures, in Canada, distinct N₂O emission factors for beef cattle urine and dung have not been defined. To help address this knowledge gap, we conducted a 1-year study to quantify N₂O fluxes from beef cattle urine and dung patches on a semiarid tame pasture in western Canada, as well as to quantify the N₂O emission factors (EF3) for urine and dung as the percentage of applied N emitted as N₂O-N. Urine and dung were deposited when soil water-filled pore space was nearly 60%, a wet soil condition for the grazing season in the semiarid study region, which led to a burst of N₂O from urine in the first 14 days of the study (42% of total N emitted). Urine emitted more cumulative N₂O (P < 0.001) and had a greater N₂O emission factor (P = 0.002) than dung. The urine patch emitted 1.30 ± 0.47 g N₂O-N m⁻² year⁻¹, while the dung patch emitted 0.083 ± 0.020 g N₂O-N m⁻² year⁻¹ (mean values ± SD). The N₂O emission factor for urine was 1.32 ± 0.49%, while for dung it was 0.03 ± 0.02%. We conclude that more study is needed to determine if distinct N₂O emission factors are required for urine and dung deposited onto pasture in western Canada to more accurately estimate national N₂O inventories.

http://ift.tt/2xOUO7b

Early identification and intervention matters: A comprehensive review of current evidence and recommendations for the monitoring of bone health in patients with cancer

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Thomas Brodowicz, Peyman Hadji, Daniela Niepel, Ingo Diel
Bone metastases are common in patients with advanced solid tumors, and many individuals experience debilitating skeletal-related events (SREs; e.g. pathologic fracture, hypercalcemia, radiotherapy or surgery to bone, and spinal cord compression). These events substantially affect disease outcomes, including survival and quality of life, and healthcare systems. Plain radiography is the most widely used imaging modality for the detection of bone metastases; skeletal scintigraphy, computed tomography, positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging offer greater sensitivity but their use in routine practice is restricted by high costs and limited availability. Biomarkers of bone turnover may also have a role in the early detection of bone metastases and can provide valuable prognostic information on disease progression. SREs can be delayed or prevented using agents such as the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) inhibitor, denosumab, and bisphosphonates. Painful bone metastases can be treated with radiofrequency ablation, radiotherapy, or radionuclides such as radium-223 dichloride, which has been shown to delay the onset of SREs in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Close monitoring of bone health in patients with advanced cancer may lead to early identification of individuals with bone metastases who could benefit from early intervention to prevent SREs. This review examines current guideline recommendations for assessing and monitoring bone health in patients with advanced cancer, use of biomarkers and treatment of patients with bone metastases. The emerging evidence for the potential survival benefit conferred by early intervention with denosumab and bisphosphonates is also discussed, together with best practice recommendations.



http://ift.tt/2gvhkPH

Plasmonic Ag coated Zn/Ti-LDH with excellent photocatalytic activity

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 433
Author(s): Yanping Zhu, Runliang Zhu, Gangqiang Zhu, Miaomiao Wang, Yannan Chen, Jianxi Zhu, Yunfei Xi, Hongping He
Nowadays, two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets, such as layered double hydroxides (LDH), have received considerable attention for their potential to meeting clean energy demand and solving environmental problems. In this work, novel and efficient photocatalysts of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles coated Zn/Ti-LDH nanosheets have been synthesized through low-temperature reduction method. The structural characteristics of the as-prepared products were investigated by a series of characteristic methods The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that Ag nanoparticles were distributed on the surface of Zn/Ti-LDH uniformly. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) showed that the absorbance of Ag/LDH in visible-light region enhanced markedly and presented a broad band at 500–600nm, which was resulted from the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ag nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activities of Ag/LDH were evaluated by degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) and NO. The photocatalytic experiments showed that Ag/LDH had higher photocatalytic activity than that of pure LDH, and 2%Ag/LDH exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. In addition, the 2%Ag/LDH exhibited high photochemical stability after multiple reaction runs. The obtained results from photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopic measurement and transient photocurrent (I–V) analysis both revealed the existence of Schottky barriers between LDH and Ag nanoparticles. The electron spin resonance (ESR) showed that OH were the dominant active species in the photo-degradation process. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the composite should be ascribed to both the SPR effect of Ag nanoparticles in visible light and the Schottky barriers between LDH and Ag nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2x6VyFf

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy as a tool to investigate silane-based coatings for the protection of outdoor bronze: The role of alloying elements

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 433
Author(s): G. Masi, A. Balbo, J. Esvan, C. Monticelli, J. Avila, L. Robbiola, E. Bernardi, M.C. Bignozzi, M.C. Asensio, C. Martini, C. Chiavari
Application of a protective coating is the most widely used conservation treatment for outdoor bronzes (cast Cu-Sn-Zn-Pb-Sb alloys). However, improving coating protectiveness requires detailed knowledge of the coating/substrate chemical bonding. This is particularly the case for 3-mercapto-propyl-trimethoxy-silane (PropS-SH) applied on bronze, exhibiting a good protective behaviour in outdoor simulated conditions. The present work deals with X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM+FIB (Focused Ion Beam)) characterization of a thin PropS-SH film on bronze. In particular, in order to better understand the influence of alloying elements on coating performance, PropS-SH was studied first on pure Cu and Sn substrates then on bronzes with increasing alloy additions: Cu8Sn as well as a quinary Cu-Sn-Zn-Pb-Sb bronze. Moreover, considering the real application of this coating on historical bronze substrates, previously artificially aged ("patinated") bronze samples were prepared and a comparison between bare and "patinated" quinary bronzes was performed. In the case of coated quinary bronze, the free surface of samples was analysed by High Resolution Photoelectron Spectroscopy using Synchrotron Radiation (HR-SRPES) at ANTARES (Synchrotron SOLEIL), which offers a higher energy and lateral resolution. By compiling complementary spectroscopic and imaging information, a deeper insight into the interactions between the protective coating and the bronze substrate was achieved.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2x6zeLO

Electron emission enhancement of long hybrid emitters prepared using ZnO nanowires decorated with Zn nanoflakes

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 433
Author(s): Su-Hua Yang, Nai-Chieh Hsu
Hybrid emitters consisting of ZnO nanowires decorated with Zn nanoflakes were prepared for electron emission applications. The ZnO nuclei, having a pyramidal shape, were deposited on the ZnO:Al buffer layer, which offered surface protrusions for vertical nanowire growth. The Zn hexagonal nanoflakes, having thicknesses of 15–20nm, were decorated to increase the conductivity and number of emission sites of the ZnO nanowires. The field enhancement factor increased from 8623 to 18108 and the work function was reduced from 5.3 to 3.35eV after decorating the nanowires with Zn nanoflakes. A low turn-on field of 0.65MV/m and high current density of 1.46mA/cm² were obtained. The current density variation measured at 350V was less than 23% over a measurement time of 180min.



http://ift.tt/2x5IwaL

Intra-regional classification of grape seeds produced in Mendoza province (Argentina) by multi-elemental analysis and chemometrics tools

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Food Chemistry, Volume 242
Author(s): Brenda V. Canizo, Leticia B. Escudero, María B. Pérez, Roberto G. Pellerano, Rodolfo G. Wuilloud
The feasibility of the application of chemometric techniques associated with multi-element analysis for the classification of grape seeds according to their provenance vineyard soil was investigated. Grape seed samples from different localities of Mendoza province (Argentina) were evaluated. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the determination of twenty-nine elements (Ag, As, Ce, Co, Cs, Cu, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, La, Lu, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pr, Rb, Sm, Te, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, Y, Zn and Zr). Once the analytical data were collected, supervised pattern recognition techniques such as linear discriminant analysis (LDA), partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), support vector machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) were applied to construct classification/discrimination rules. The results indicated that nonlinear methods, RF and SVM, perform best with up to 98% and 93% accuracy rate, respectively, and therefore are excellent tools for classification of grapes.



http://ift.tt/2yvTOXl

Enhancement of the optical absorption of carbon group elements doped ZnS in the visible light range

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Renewable Energy, Volume 117
Author(s): Hai-Cai Huang, Chuan-Lu Yang, Mei-Shan Wang, Xiao-Guang Ma
Although the pristine ZnS can perform photocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting, the reaction can not be driven by the visible light because of its wide energy band gap. Therefore, ZnS doped with carbon group elements (C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) has been investigated by using first-principles density functional theory calculations to understand the feasibility of the reaction driven by solar energy. All the geometrical structures are fully optimized. The electronic and optical properties of these structures have been calculated with the meta-GGA + MBJ method and with projector augmented wave potential. The results show that all the doped structures have low formation energies, implying that the synthesis of the doped structures is not difficult in energy. Moreover, the absorptions of the doped structures in the visible light range are significantly enhanced, but their energy levels are still suitable for water splitting to generate hydrogen, which means that carbon group elements doped ZnS structures are promising candidate materials for water splitting driven by visible light.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2x6vDgw

From interpenetration to non-interpenetration: A series of self-assemblies predominated by reaction conditions

Publication date: 15 February 2018
Source:Journal of Molecular Structure, Volume 1154
Author(s): Yan Wang, Yang Song, Lu Liu, Jun Chen, Peng Wang, Yong Zhao
Four Cd/Zn coordination frameworks, namely, [Cd(TPBA-4)(NO3)2]·2DMF·1.22H2O (1), [Cd(TPBA-4)(NO3)2]·H2O (2), [Cd(TPBA-4)(NO3)2]·2.2Me2CO·0.32H2O (3), and [Zn(TPBA-4)(NO3)2]·1.5Me2CO (4) were synthesized by the reaction of N′,N″,N‴-tris(pyrid-4-ylmethyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide (TPBA-4) with the corresponding d¹⁰ metal salts. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that complex 1 was of two-fold interpenetrated 2D network with interlocked cage-like motif. The structure of 2 is three-fold interpenetrated 2D honeycomb network. On the other hand, the 3 and 4 are isomorphous and isostructural, and have different 2D networks compared to 1 and 2. Thus the series of complexes have the same metal atoms and ligands but different structures. In complex 1, 2, 3, and 4, the flexible TPBA-4 ligands are versatile and adopt different conformations according to different reaction conditions, which predominates the final structures of these complexes. The physical properties of these complexes were also investigated.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yypxcd

Pronation and supination analysis based on biomechanical signals from Parkinson’s disease patients

Publication date: Available online 16 October 2017
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Author(s): Alejandro Garza-Rodríguez, Luis Pastor Sánchez-Fernández, Luis Alejandro Sánchez-Pérez, Christopher Ornelas-Vences, Mariane Ehrenberg-Inzunza
In this work, a fuzzy inference model to evaluate hands pronation/supination exercises during the MDS-UPDRS motor examination is proposed to analyze different extracted features from the bio-mechanical signals acquired from patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in different stages of severity. Expert examiners perform visual assessments to evaluate several aspects of the disease. Some previous work on this subject does not contemplate the MDS-UPDRS guidelines. The method proposed in this work quantifies the biomechanical features examiners evaluate. The extracted characteristics are used as inputs of a fuzzy inference model to perform an assessment strictly attached to the MDS-UPDRS. The acquired signals are processed by techniques of digital signal processing and statistical analysis. The experiments were performed in collaboration with clinicians and patients from different PD associations and institutions. In total, 210 different measurements of patients with PD, plus 20 different measurements of healthy control subjects were performed. With objective values rated by several feature extraction procedures there is the possibility to track down the disease evolution in a patient, and to detect subtle changes in the patient's condition.



http://ift.tt/2gPkZVn

Chaotic genetic algorithm and Adaboost ensemble metamodeling approach for optimum resource planning in emergency departments

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Author(s): Milad Yousefi, Moslem Yousefi, Ricardo Poley Martins Ferreira, Joong Hoon Kim, Flavio S. Fogliatto
Long length of stay and overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) are two common problems in the healthcare industry. To decrease the average length of stay (ALOS) and tackle overcrowding, numerous resources, including the number of doctors, nurses and receptionists need to be adjusted, while a number of constraints are to be considered at the same time. In this study, an efficient method based on agent-based simulation, machine learning and the genetic algorithm (GA) is presented to determine optimum resource allocation in emergency departments. GA can effectively explore the entire domain of all 19 variables and identify the optimum resource allocation through evolution and mimicking the survival of the fittest concept. A chaotic mutation operator is used in this study to boost GA performance. A model of the system needs to be run several thousand times through the GA evolution process to evaluate each solution, hence the process is computationally expensive. To overcome this drawback, a robust metamodel is initially constructed based on an agent-based system simulation. The simulation exhibits ED performance with various resource allocations and trains the metamodel. The metamodel is created with an ensemble of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), feedforward neural network (FFNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) using the adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) ensemble algorithm. The proposed GA-based optimization approach is tested in a public ED, and it is shown to decrease the ALOS in this ED case study by 14%. Additionally, the proposed metamodel shows a 26.6% improvement compared to the average results of ANFIS, FFNN and RNN in terms of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE).



http://ift.tt/2inrpP9

Development and evaluation of novel biodegradable chitosan based metformin intrapocket dental film for the management of periodontitis and alveolar bone loss in a rat model

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 85
Author(s): Deepak Kumar Khajuria, Omprakash Nandikamba Patil, David Karasik, Rema Razdan
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a chitosan-metformin based intrapocket dental film (CMIDF) for applications in the treatment of periodontitis and alveolar bone loss in an rat model of periodontitis.DesignCMIDF inserts were fabricated by the solvent casting technique. The fabricated inserts were evaluated for physical characteristics such as folding endurance, surface pH, mucoadhesive strength, metformin content uniformity, and release. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates no crystallinity of metformin in presence of chitosan which confirmed successful entrapment of metformin into the CMIDF. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed stability of CMIDF and compatibility between metformin and chitosan. Periodontitis was induced by a combination of Porphyromonas gingivalis- lipopolysaccharide injections in combinations with ligatures around the mandibular first molar. We divided rats into 5 groups (8 rats/group): healthy, untreated periodontitis; periodontitis plus CMIDF-A (1.99±0.09mg metformin; total mass-4.01±0.05mg), periodontitis plus CMIDF-B (2.07±0.06mg metformin; total mass-7.56±0.09mg), and periodontitis plus chitosan film (7.61±0.08mg). After four weeks, mandibles were extracted to evaluate alveolar bone loss by micro-computerized tomography and histological techniques.ResultsAlveolar bone was intact in the healthy group. Local administration of CMIDF resulted in significant improvements in the alveolar bone properties when compared to the untreated periodontitis group. The study reported here demonstrates that novel CMIDF showed good antibacterial activity and effectively reduced alveolar bone destruction in a rat model of experimental periodontitis.ConclusionsNovel CMIDF showed good antibacterial activity and improved alveolar bone properties in a rat model.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ySmxJb

Native Vessel CERAB Re-establishes Aorto-iliac Flow Following Occluded Aortobifemoral Bypass

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Arindam Chaudhuri, Ramita Dey




http://ift.tt/2xP47ny

Enzyme prodrug therapies and therapeutic enzymes

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
Author(s): Brigitte Städler, Alexander N. Zelikin




http://ift.tt/2zygzKo

Life-cycle impacts of shower water waste heat recovery: case study of an installation at a university sport facility in the UK

Abstract

Recovering heat from waste water discharged from showers to preheat the incoming cold water has been promoted as a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and low-carbon design option which has been included in the UK's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulation for dwellings. Incentivized by its carbon cost-effectiveness, waste water heat exchangers (WWHX) have been selected and incorporated in a newly constructed Sports Pavilion at the University of Brighton in the UK. This £2-m sports development serving several football fields was completed in August 2015 providing eight water- and energy-efficient shower rooms for students, staff, and external organizations. Six of the shower rooms are located on the ground floor and two on the first floor, each fitted with five or six thermostatically controlled shower units. Inline type of WWHX were installed, each consisted of a copper pipe section wound by an external coil of smaller copper pipe through which the cold water would be warmed before entering the shower mixers. Using the installation at Sport Pavilion as the case study, this research aims to evaluate the environmental and financial sustainability of a vertical waste heat recovery device, over a life cycle of 50 years, with comparison to the normal use of a PVC-u pipe. A heat transfer mathematical model representing the system has been developed to inform the development of the methodology for measuring the in-situ thermal performance of individual and multiple use of showers in each changing room. Adopting a system thinking modeling technique, a quasi-dynamic simulation computer model was established enabling the prediction of annual energy consumptions under different shower usage profiles. Data based on the process map and inventory of a functional unit of WWHX were applied to a proprietary assessment software to establish the relevant outputs for the life-cycle environmental impact assessment. Life-cycle cost models were developed and industry price book data were applied. The results indicated that the seasonal thermal effectiveness was over 50% enabling significant energy savings through heat recovery that led to short carbon payback time of less than 2 years to compensate for the additional greenhouse gas emissions associated with the WWHX. However, the life-cycle cost of the WWHX is much higher than using the PVC pipe, even with significant heat recovered under heavy usage, highlighting the need to adopt more economic configurations, such as combining waste water through fewer units, in order to maximize the return on investment and improve the financial viability.

http://ift.tt/2gQm6o6

Fungicidal activity of slow-release P(3HB)/TEB formulations in wheat plant communities infected by Fusarium moniliforme

Abstract

Fungicidal activity of experimental tebuconazole (TEB) formulations was investigated in laboratory soil ecosystems in wheat plant communities infected by Fusarium moniliforme. TEB was embedded in the matrix of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, shaped as films and microgranules. These formulations were buried in the soil with wheat plants, and their efficacy was compared with that of commercial formulation Raxil and with the effect of pre-sowing treatment of seeds. In the experiment with the initially infected seeds and a relatively low level of natural soil infection caused by Fusarium fungi, the effects of the experimental P(3HB)/TEB formulations and Raxil were comparable. However, when the level of soil infection was increased by adding F. moniliforme spores, P(3HB)/TEB granules and films reduced the total counts of fungi and the abundance of F. moniliforme more effectively than Raxil. Seed treatment or soil treatment with Raxil solution showed an increase in the percentage of rot-damaged roots in the later stages of the experiment. In the early stage (between days 10 and 20), the percentage of rot-damaged roots in the soil with TEB embedded in the slowly degraded P(3HB) matrix was similar to that in the soil with Raxil. However, the efficacy of P(3HB)/TEB formulations lasted longer, and in later stages (between days 20 and 30), the percentage of rot-damaged roots in that group did not grow. In experiments with different TEB formulations and, hence, different fungicidal activities, the increase in plant biomass was 15–17 to 40–60% higher than in the groups where TEB was applied by using conventional techniques.

http://ift.tt/2imd05L

Verathon launches portable handheld video laryngoscope system

By EMS1 Staff Verathon Inc. announced the launch of its GlideScope Go video laryngoscope system at EMS World Expo 2017. GlideScope Go features a scratch-resistant 3.5-inch color display with anti-glare coating and a wide field of view. It is compatible with GlideScope Spectrum single-use blades, for patients ranging from neonate to large adults. It is designed to provide clear airway views in a wide ...

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Clinical implications of pathologic factors after thyroid lobectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 75
Author(s): Young Min Park, Doh Young Lee, Kyung Ho Oh, Jae-Gu Cho, Seung-Kuk Baek, Soon-Young Kwon, Kwang-Yoon Jung, Jeong-Soo Woo
ObjectiveWe evaluated the clinical and prognostic significance of pathologic factors by analyzing the treatment results of patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 734 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer who underwent thyroid lobectomy at Korea University Hospital from January 2004 to December 2016.ResultsA total of 734 patients were included in the study and their mean age was 44.5 years (range, 15–83). On univariate analysis, tumor size and recurrence-free survival were significantly related. The 10-year recurrence-free survival was 98.3% for tumors ≤1cm, 77.8% for >1cm and ≤2cm, and 66.7% for >2cm (p = 0.014). Recurrence-free survival was significantly different between patients with and without microscopic extrathyroidal extension (p=0.002). The 10-year recurrence-free survival rate was 99.2% for patients without extrathyroidal extension and 92.2% for patients with microscopic extrathyroidal extension. Multivariate analysis showed only microscopic extrathyroidal extension was significantly correlated with recurrence-free survival (p=0.029).ConclusionIn patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer, microscopic extrathyroidal extension was an important prognostic factor associated with recurrence-free survival. However, in cases with microscopic extrathyroidal extension findings on postoperative pathologic examination, appropriate ultrasonographic follow-up of the contralateral thyroid lobe and cervical lymph node to facilitate early detection and prompt treatment of recurrence can control the disease without a deterioration of survival rate.



http://ift.tt/2grR0WL

Verathon launches portable handheld video laryngoscope system

By EMS1 Staff Verathon Inc. announced the launch of its GlideScope Go video laryngoscope system at EMS World Expo 2017. GlideScope Go features a scratch-resistant 3.5-inch color display with anti-glare coating and a wide field of view. It is compatible with GlideScope Spectrum single-use blades, for patients ranging from neonate to large adults. It is designed to provide clear airway views in a wide ...

http://ift.tt/2zxBnBD

Treatment of keloid scars using light-, laser- and energy-based devices: a contemporary review of the literature

Abstract

Keloid scars are common and have a predilection for young, ethnic skin often with a family history. Keloids can be painful and pruritic and cause significant emotional distress when particularly visible or prominent. In this article, we review the evidence underlying the use of laser- and energy-based devices for treatment of keloid scars, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with other therapies such as corticosteroids, surgery and silicone gel in the treatment of keloid scars.

http://ift.tt/2giXsLU

Release and kinetics of arsenic and plumbum in the Songhua River surficial sediments

Abstract

To estimate the pollution of As and Pb in the Songhua River which flows through the major rice-producing regions in China, the present study investigated the level and release of As and Pb in surficial sediments which collected from nine sites in Songhua River (M₁–M₉). The concentration of As and Pb was ranged as follows: As = 3.104~15.01 μg/g, Pb = 20.10~37.42 μg/g; the average concentration: As = 6.466 ± 3.077 μg/g, Pb = 28.88 ± 5.077 μg/g. By analysis vertically, the average concentration of As was 5.166 ± 1.496 μg/g in the upstream, 5.815 ± 1.793 μg/g in the midstream, and 9.716 ± 4.977 μg/g in the downstream. The average concentration of Pb was 27.83 ± 4.552 μg/g in the upstream, 28.66 ± 6.333 μg/g in the midstream, and 30.99 ± 4.837 μg/g in the downstream. It indicated that the concentration of As and Pb increased gradually from upstream to downstream. As existed mainly as insoluble state and Pb existed mainly as sulfide and organic combining state in surficial sediments, and the species of As and Pb could transform with the change of the circumstance. The release of quantity of As was higher than Pb. The pH of 6 was not conducive to the release of As and Pb. When the temperature was 35 and 6 °C, the release of As and Pb in surficial sediments were restrained, respectively. Fumaric acid and citric acid played an important role in promoting the release of As, but not conducive to Pb. Furthermore, the reasonable aeration rate was beneficial to the release process of As and Pb in surficial sediment. By kinetic analysis, the Elovich equation (Ct = 84.931–8.952lnt) could be used to describe the dynamic process of the release of As in a relatively short time. The Elovich equation (C _t  = 2.724 + 1.3724lnt) and double constant rate equation (lnC _T  = 1.4646 + 0.1522lnT) could well describe the dynamics process of the release of Pb.

http://ift.tt/2xPus9Q

Successful treatment of a recurrent granulation polyp in the airways with high-dose-rate brachytherapy: a case report

Benign central airway tumors are very rare diseases. Their unspecific symptoms are responsible for late diagnosis. Endoscopic interventions with different techniques and tools are widely used for their treatme...

http://ift.tt/2xNZXw9

The role of personality in body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating: discrepancies between men and women

Abstract

Background

Body image and disordered eating research has focused mostly on the female experience. The present study examined gender differences in the relationship between personality, disordered eating, and body image dissatisfaction.

Methods

Participants were 238 female and 85 male undergraduates (M _age = 20.52 years, SD = 4.22) at a Canadian university. Materials included a battery of self-report questionnaires pertaining to personality, body image, and disordered eating.

Results

As expected, females reported more body dissatisfaction and disordered eating than males. Personality factors were found to be significantly related to the experience of body dissatisfaction in both genders. Further, several personality traits significantly contributed to the prediction of male (high Neuroticism, low Conscientiousness) and female (high Neuroticism) body dissatisfaction beyond the influence of body mass index (BMI). Interestingly, and contrary to findings with female participants, personality traits were not significantly related to disordered eating scores in men. Among women, disordered eating scores were significantly predicted by high Neuroticism and Extraversion, and low Conscientiousness.

Conclusions

Although the relationship between disordered eating, body image dissatisfaction, and personality is well-documented in females, this relation may differ for males. The focus on male body image has been increasing in Western society; exploring how males view their bodies may be beneficial to researchers and clinicians alike.

http://ift.tt/2yrfxlK

Norman Sharpless sworn in as director of the National Cancer Institute

Norman E. "Ned" Sharpless, M.D., becomes the 15th director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). He comes to NCI from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where he was director of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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Priming Immunotherapy in Advanced Disease With Radiation

Conditions:   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer;   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Interventions:   Drug: Immune checkpoint inhibitor;   Radiation: Radiation Therapy
Sponsor:   John L. Villano, MD, PhD
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2gsbYos

Neoadjuvant Treatment Associated With Maintenance Therapy by Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy in Patients With Resectable Head and Neck Mucosal Melanoma

Condition:   Resectable Head and Neck Mucosal Melanomas
Interventions:   Drug: Pembrolizumab;   Procedure: Surgery;   Radiation: IMRT
Sponsor:   Gustave Roussy, Cancer Campus, Grand Paris
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2yyRNvt

Recovery from Cogwheel Rigidity and Akinesia and Improvement in Vibration Sense and Olfactory Perception following Removal of an Epoxy-Oleic Acid DNA Adduct

The epoxy fatty acid cis-12,13-epoxy-oleic acid, which acts as a DNA adduct, may be generated during long-term storage of many seed oils, including those used in cooking, with frying oils and fried foods being a major source in the modern human diet. Removal of this epoxy fatty acid from the locus of the N-formyl peptide receptors was associated with recovery from cogwheel rigidity and akinesia as well as with improvement in vibration sense and olfactory perception.

http://ift.tt/2ySBR8D

Overt Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Pseudotumor: A Rare Presentation of Cytomegalovirus Infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous organism which can infect multiple organs of the body. In an immunocompromised patient, it can have a myriad of gastrointestinal manifestations. We report a case of recurrent hematochezia and concomitant pseudotumor in an AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) patient attributable to CMV infection. A 62-year-old man with a history of AIDS, noncompliant with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), presented with bright red blood per rectum. Index colonoscopy showed presence of multiple ulcers, colonic stenosis, and mass-like appearing lesion. Biopsy confirmed CMV infection and ruled out malignancy. Cessation of dual antiplatelet therapy and compliance with HAART lead to clinical cessation of bleeding and endoscopic healing of ulcers with complete resolution of colon mass on follow-up colonoscopy.

http://ift.tt/2hNcn1q

Priming Immunotherapy in Advanced Disease With Radiation

Conditions:   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer;   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Interventions:   Drug: Immune checkpoint inhibitor;   Radiation: Radiation Therapy
Sponsor:   John L. Villano, MD, PhD
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2gsbYos

Neoadjuvant Treatment Associated With Maintenance Therapy by Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy in Patients With Resectable Head and Neck Mucosal Melanoma

Condition:   Resectable Head and Neck Mucosal Melanomas
Interventions:   Drug: Pembrolizumab;   Procedure: Surgery;   Radiation: IMRT
Sponsor:   Gustave Roussy, Cancer Campus, Grand Paris
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2yyRNvt

Editorial Board

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 113





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The revised stratigraphy of the hominin-bearing site of Kromdraai (Gauteng, South Africa) and associated perspectives

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 114
Author(s): Laurent Bruxelles, Richard Maire, Amélie Beaudet, Raymond Couzens, Francis Duranthon, Jean-Baptiste Fourvel, Dominic Stratford, Francis Thackeray, José Braga
The Plio-Pleistocene site of Kromdraai B (South Africa), located in the 'Cradle of Humankind' area recognized in 1998 by UNESCO, corresponds to a Plio-Pleistocene paleokarst that yielded the holotype of Paranthropus robustus in 1938. Since that discovery, thousands of faunal remains (including additional hominin fossils) and stone tools have been discovered there. Here we report a new study of the karstic fillings of the hominin-bearing site of Kromdraai, which enables a reappraisal of its stratigraphy. The deposits correspond to a talus cone fed by one entrance that progressively filled the cave, which is larger than previously thought. Based on the stratigraphy, geometry, and composition of the breccias, we propose a new and more complex evolution of the cave. Four main periods of cave filling can be distinguished, corresponding to four kinds of deposits directly related to the evolution of the cave, and which show the progressive dismantling of the cavity and increasing influence from the landscape surface. This filling regime, however, is not continuous, and major unconformities identified may cover long periods of time. Despite this, an overall coherence emerges from the history of the cave and its deposits, the paleontological and paleoanthropological data, and the archaeological studies. It is now possible to reinterpret the discoveries from earlier investigations and place them in their general stratigraphic context. Our study shows that Kromdraai spans a much longer time span of hominin evolution than previously proposed. In addition, the breccias from the central part of the Kromdraai B site provide some of the first data on at least part of a hitherto unrecorded period at Sterkfontein: a phase marked by a major erosional unconformity between Members 4 and 5, before 2.20 Ma.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 112





http://ift.tt/2gse5bV

Association between coal consumption and urbanization in a coal-based region: a multivariate path analysis

Abstract

This study examines causal relationship between urbanization and coal consumption. By taking Shanxi Province, China, as a typical case area, a multivariate path analysis model is used to seek for the key driving factors of coal consumption throughout its urbanization during the period of 1978 to 2014. The result indicates that the key factors are urban household disposable income and residential area per capita, which are closely related to urban construction and household lifestyle. It is expected that the study may inform better policies on coal consumption reduction and energy structure improvement.

http://ift.tt/2gNy7ub

Cosmetics, Vol. 4, Pages 41: Efficiency of Nisin as Preservative in Cosmetics and Topical Products

Cosmetics, Vol. 4, Pages 41: Efficiency of Nisin as Preservative in Cosmetics and Topical Products

Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics4040041

Authors: Elisabete Maurício Catarina Rosado Maria Duarte Joana Verissimo Sara Bom Laura Vasconcelos

Nisin is a bacteriocin synthesized by certain species of Lactococcus lactis, that has been recently employed as a preservative in the food industry. Taking into account its potential as a natural preservative, its applicability in cosmetics and topical products was probed, aiming to replace or reduce the use of synthetic preservatives currently used in these products. In vitro susceptibility tests were performed using the plate diffusion method and the "Challenge Test". The action of nisin was tested when applied alone and in synergy with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt (EDTA) and similar synthetic preservatives, Abiol® (INCI-Imidazolidinyl urea) and Microcare PM2 (Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben). The results of this study demonstrate that nisin is effective in inhibiting gram-positive microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus sp. However, for other tested microorganisms, only the combination of nisin, EDTA and synthetic preservatives, respectively at 125 ppm/0.1/0.35%, showed antimicrobial activity in compliance with criterion A from ISO 11930. With this study, it is concluded that nisin can be a viable alternative when associated with other preservatives, reducing the use of higher doses of chemical/synthetic preservatives that are often associated with sensitivity and allergic reactions.

http://ift.tt/2ytS0y1

Professional identity, career choices, and working conditions of future and young dentists in Germany – study design and methods of a nationwide comprehensive survey

Abstract

Background

Little is known regarding young and future dentists' career choices, professional identity, and working conditions in Germany. While the dental healthcare environment and demands in treatment are changing, it remains unclear what job perceptions young dentists have developed at the beginning of their work life and if and how these perceptions change during the subsequent years. The aim of this study was to survey future and young dentists regarding their professional identity, planned career paths, and working conditions and strains to understand career decisions and choices and enable policy makers to include future dentists' views and expectations in their decisions.

Methods/design

This study is a longitudinal nationwide survey over a time span of 4 years of dental students and young dentists in Germany and is comprised of three waves. The first wave focuses on dental students in their final year before the state examination and is composed of a qualitative pre-study in the form of focus groups and a quantitative main survey in the form of a questionnaire. The end points were established to analyse (1) the professional identity of the young future dentists; (2) their career paths, preparation for a career, and basic career conditions; and (3) perceived conditions and strains. The aim of the overall survey was to depict the development of these three aspects during the first years of work life. All of the questions were evaluated with a descriptive univariate analysis. The analysed subgroups were grouped according to gender, target working condition (employed/self-employed), and primary socialisation (parents dentists/parents not dentists).

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the only study which focuses on career choices, professional identity, and working conditions of future and young dentists in Germany. The longitudinal observation provides information that is essential for professional and purposive dental health care planning, and to meet the oral health demands and needs of the German population appropriately over the long term.

Trial registration

German Health Services Research Data Bank VfD_Y-Dent_14_003759.

http://ift.tt/2x4cs7d

Harnessing the cross-talk between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages with a nano-drug for modulation of glioblastoma immune microenvironment

Publication date: Available online 16 October 2017
Source:Journal of Controlled Release
Author(s): Tong-Fei Li, Ke Li, Chao Wang, Xin Liu, Yu Wen, Yong-Hong Xu, Quan Zhang, Qiu-Ya Zhao, Ming Shao, Yan-Ze Li, Min Han, Naoki Komatsu, Li Zhao, Xiao Chen
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and malignant brain tumor with a high mortality rate. The presence of a large population of macrophages (Mφ) in the tumor microenvironment is a prominent feature of GBM and these so-called tumor-associated Mφ (TAM) closely interact with the GBM cells to promote the survival, progression and therapy resistance of the GBM. Various therapeutic strategies have been devised either targeting the GBM cells or the TAM but few have addressed the cross-talks between the two cell populations. The present study was carried out to explore the possibility of exploiting the cross-talks between the GBM cells (GC) and TAM for modulation of the GBM microenvironment through using Nano-DOX, a drug composite based on nanodiamonds bearing doxorubicin. In the in vitro work on human cell models, Nano-DOX-loaded TAM were first shown to be viable and able to infiltrate three-dimensional GC spheroids and release cargo drug therein. GC were then demonstrated to encourage Nano-DOX-loaded TAM to unload Nano-DOX back into GC which consequently emitted damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that are powerful immunostimulatory agents as well as indicators of cell damage. Nano-DOX was next proven to be a more potent inducer of GC DAMPs emission than doxorubicin. As a result, Nano-DOX-damaged GC exhibited an enhanced ability to attract both TAM and Nano-DOX-loaded TAM. Most remarkably, Nano-DOX-damaged GC reprogrammed the TAM from a pro-GBM phenotype to an anti-GBM phenotype that suppressed GC growth. Finally, the in vivo relevance of the in vitro findings was tested in animal study. Mice bearing orthotopic human GBM xenografts were intravenously injected with Nano-DOX-loaded mouse TAM which were found releasing drug in the GBM xenografts 24h after injection. GC damage was evidenced by the induction of DAMPs emission within the xenografts and a shift of TAM phenotype was detected as well. Taken together, our results demonstrate a novel way with therapeutic potential to harness the cross-talk between GBM cells and TAM for modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2x46IKA

Book Review—Practical Hepatic Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach, 2nd Edition

http://ift.tt/2ySsx4z

Predictors of receptive and expressive vocabulary development in children with Down syndrome

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http://ift.tt/2ywE2NM

QPRTase modified N-doped carbon quantum dots: A fluorescent bioprobe for selective detection of neurotoxin quinolinic acid in human serum

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 101
Author(s): Ranjana Singh, Sunayana Kashayap, Vimal Singh, Arvind M. Kayastha, Hirdyesh Mishra, Preeti Suman Saxena, Anchal Srivastava, Ranjan K. Singh
Highly fluorescent nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) were synthesized using microwave assisted green method. It was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), FTIR, UV–Visible absorption and Photoluminiscence (PL) techniques. The NCQDs were immobilized with an enzyme named quinolinate phoshphoribosyl transferase (QPRTase). The NCQDs immobilized by QPRTase was used as a fluorescent bioprobe for the selective detection of endogenous neurotoxin quinolinic acid (QA) whose elevated level in serum is marker of many neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and HIV associated dementia (HAD) as well as deficiency of vitamin B6. Steady state PL studies were carried out to measure the PL response of the fabricated fluorescent bioprobe as a function of QA concentrations in human serum samples. This probe was found applicable in linear range [3.22–51µM] with the limit of detection ~ 6.51µM. It has desirable sensitivity ~ (0.02340±0.0001) µM⁻¹, excellent stability for ~ 7 weeks and good reproducibility. The similar response of this fluorescent bioprobe for QA detection in triple distilled water and human serum shows that it is unaffected by variation in media. Hence, this fluorescent bioprobe can be employed for QA detection in serum sample for the early detection of many diseases.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xNTNMy

A shape-code nanoplasmonic biosensor for multiplex detection of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 101
Author(s): Hanbi Kim, Jong Uk Lee, Sojin Song, Soohyun Kim, Sang Jun Sim
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with the loss of nerve cells in the brain. The disease is affected by multifactorial pathways and leads to changes in related biomolecular levels as AD progresses. Therefore, AD should be diagnosed with combined detection of several lesions to improve accuracy. Amyloid beta 1–40, 1–42 and τ (tau) protein are milestones in AD pathology and can be used as main screening and diagnostic target markers. Here, we suggest a highly selective biosensor for detection of AD core biomarkers on one platform through distinct localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) depending on gold nanoparticles shapes, called a shape-code biosensor. This plasmonic sensor consists of only gold nanoparticles and antibody, but does not need additory methods for precise separation from multifarious samples and identification of markers. Under physiological condition, we determined a detection limit of 34.9fM for amyloid beta (Aβ) 1–40, 26fM for Aβ 1–42 and 23.6fM for τ protein corresponding to the ~ 1, ~ 2.23 and ~ 3.12nm of Rayleigh scattering peak shift on shape-code plasmon system for each biomarker in mimicked blood. This is the first highly sensitive shape-code biosensor to detect AD biomarkers which can be used to diagnose AD easily in the future.



http://ift.tt/2xNDjUN

Atypical Presentation of Sjögren-Larsson Syndrome

Sjögren-Larsson syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by ichthyosis, spastic diplegia or tetraplegia, and intellectual disability. Herein, we describe a case of a Greek patient with ichthyosis and spasticity of the legs but with normal intelligence (IQ 95). This syndrome should be suspected when a child presents with ichthyosis and spastic diplegia or tetraplegia, even if intelligence is normal.

http://ift.tt/2zhTtqy

In vitro bond strength of an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer to root dentin irradiated with high-power lasers and adhesive interface analyses

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of high-power lasers (Nd:YAG and diode 980 nm) associated with mineral coal as fotopotencializer on bond strength of an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer to root dentin, using the pushout test, and on the dentin/filling material interface, using confocal laser microscopy. For this purposes, 50 canines were instrumented with Mtwo rotary system up to #50.04 instrument and randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10): group I—control EDTAC; group II—EDTAC and Nd:YAG laser; group III—EDTAC and diode laser 980 nm; group IV—EDTAC, Nd:YAG laser and mineral coal 5 g/100 mL; and group V—EDTAC, diode laser 980 nm and mineral coal 5 g/100 mL. All data were analyzed by ANOVA (at 5% significance level) following the Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn and Tukey tests. The group I increased more bond strength of the sealer to root dentin that treated with only EDTAC 17% (17.21 ± 21.75 MPa), similar to the group II (12.21 ± 18.20 MPa) and group IV (14.92 ± 28.06 MPa), both treated with Nd:YAG laser, with the exception of group IV, which was added to mineral coal. The group V (8.75 ± 13.42 MPa) had similar results to the groups II and IV, but the same similarity were found when compared with group III (7.11 + 11.28 MPa), with lower results. Regarding the root thirds, the apical third (23.27 ± 29.21 MPa) presented a statistically higher value on bond strength than the cervical third (5.92 ± 5.33 MPa) and middle third (6.93 ± 7, 11 MPa) (p > 0.05). Group II (86.27 μm) showed the highest tags penetration values, with a statistically difference to the group III (51.57 μm), IV (36.77 μm) and V (32.37 μm) (p < 0.05). Group I (71.63 μm) was statistically similar to groups II and III (p > 0.05). Group IV had the lowest values and was statistically similarity to groups III and V (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the treatment with Nd:YAG laser provides better results than the diode 980 nm laser, except when was added mineral coal. The control and diode 980 nm laser groups presented less adhesive failures and more mists failures than the other groups. Both lasers did not interfere negatively compared to the control group.

http://ift.tt/2kXwBKJ

Characterization of carbonaceous fractions in PM 2.5 and PM 10 over a typical industrial city in central China

Abstract

Aerosol samples of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were collected every 6 days from March 2012 to February 2013 in Huangshi, a typical industrial city in central China, to investigate the characteristics, relationships, and sources of carbonaceous species. The PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ samples were analyzed for organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), char, and soot using the thermal/optical reflectance (TOR) method following the IMPROVE_A protocol. PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations ranged from 29.37 to 501.43 μg m⁻³ and from 50.42 to 330.07 μg m⁻³, with average levels of 104.90 and 151.23 μg m⁻³, respectively. The 24-h average level of PM_2.5 was about three times the US EPA standard of 35 μg m⁻³, and significantly exceeds the Class II National Air Quality Standard of China of 75 μg m⁻³. The seasonal cycles of PM mass and OC concentrations were higher during winter than in summer. EC and char concentrations were generally highest during winter but lowest in spring, while higher soot concentrations occurred in summer. This seasonal variation could be attributed to different seasonal meteorological conditions and changes in source contributions. Strong correlations between OC and EC were found for both PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in winter and fall, while char and soot showed a moderate correlation in summer and winter. The average OC/EC ratios were 5.11 and 4.46 for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, respectively, with individual OC/EC ratios nearly always exceeding 2.0. Higher char/soot ratios during the four seasons indicated that coal combustion and biomass burning were the major sources for carbonaceous aerosol in Huangshi. Contrary to expectations, secondary organic carbon (SOC) which is estimated using the EC tracer method exhibited spring maximum and summer minimum, suggesting that photochemical activity is not a leading factor in the formation of secondary organic aerosols in the study area. The contribution of SOC to OC concentration for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 47.33 and 45.38%, respectively, implying that SOC was an important component of OC mass. The serious air pollution in haze-fog episode was strongly correlated with the emissions of pollutants from biomass burning and the meteorological conditions.

http://ift.tt/2yRPxAN