Σφακιανάκης Αλέξανδρος
ΩτοΡινοΛαρυγγολόγος
Αναπαύσεως 5 Άγιος Νικόλαος
Κρήτη 72100
00302841026182
00306932607174
alsfakia@gmail.com

Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

! # Ola via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader

Η λίστα ιστολογίων μου

Σάββατο 11 Νοεμβρίου 2017

In vivo assessment of polydatin, a natural polyphenol compound, on arsenic-induced free radical overproduction, gene expression, and genotoxicity

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is a well-known contaminant of global groundwater. Its exposure causes several hazardous effects on animals and human via oxidative stress. The present study examined the effect of polydatin (PD) on free radical overproduction in rats exposed to As. Thirty-five male rats randomly allocated into five equal groups. To the control group, physiological saline was given orally and to the second group only 100 mg/L As was given by drinking water for 60 days. The other groups were treated with As (100 mg/L) and PD orally at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively. Treatment with As enhanced malondialdehyde level but decreased glutathione level in blood, liver, kidney, brain, lung, and heart of rats. Also, As decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of erythrocyte, liver, kidney, brain, lung, and heart in rats. Furthermore, As treatment gave rise to increased DNA damage and gene expressions of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκB), p53, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lung, brain, kidney, and liver. However, treatment of PD ameliorated As-exposed lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities, DNA damage, gene expressions, and histopathological changes in tissues. In conclusion, PD has a dose-dependent protective effect on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanism in rats against As exposure.



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Heavy metal distribution in Tiaoxi River’s sediment

Abstract

According to current study, seven surface sediments and three sediment cores were collected from three typical areas of Tiaoxi River, which were living area, agricultural area, and industrial area. The water quantity into the Lake Taihu from the Tiaoxi River accounted for almost one third of the total water quantity by all rivers into the Lake Taihu. To study geochemical features and pollution history of heavy metals in three typical areas of Tiaoxi River, total content and chemical fractionations of Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Zn, Fe, As, and Hg were analyzed for surface and core sediments using the speciation extraction procedure, proposed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference (BCR), together with grain size and organic carbon measurements. The results showed that the concentration of nine heavy metals and the variation characteristics of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cr are different among five cores, which has shown that the river responses to natural and anthropogenic activities were dissimilar in various areas. BCR sequential extraction showed contents of Cr, Fe, and Cu were dominated in the remaining parts. Non-residual fractions for Zn and Mn contained major portions. Based on RAC (risk assessment core), the risk of Mn was high to very high in the three typical areas, and the risk of Zn was medium in the three typical areas.



http://ift.tt/2Azkm9U

Impact of on-site sanitation systems on groundwater sources in a coastal aquifer in Chennai, India

Abstract

On-site sanitation is the most preferred mode of sanitation due to expensive off-site sanitation. The increasing population especially in the peri-urban areas has led to increasing use of on-site sanitation systems in India. However, the habitations in the vicinity of these systems do not have centralised water supply and are dependent on groundwater sources. However, there is concern about leaching of faecal coliforms and nitrate from the septic tanks to the underlying aquifer. The present study is attempted at two sites in the coastal city of Chennai where on-site sanitation is prevailing. The sample locations (16 nos.) are selected in such a way that groundwater sources are situated in the vicinity of on-site sanitation systems. The groundwater sources are the bore wells installed by the private agencies. It is observed that parameters considered key parameters to study the impact of the on-site sanitation systems, namely Na2+, Cl, NO3, faecal coliform and total dissolved solids, exceed the concentration limits recommended by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The piper diagram analysis identifies that the predominant cations and anions are respectively Na+, and Cl, SO4 and HCO3.The Gibbs plot shows ground water quality is dominated by the evaporation process in both the seasons. The Cl/HCO3 ratio in many samples confirms the seawater intrusion in the study area. Elevated concentrations of faecal coliforms in all the samples (16 nos.) confirm the significant amount of groundwater pollution from the on-site sanitation systems. It is desired that policy planners and implementation agencies should undertake detailed scientific and hydrogeological studies of the region in order to examine the feasibility of implementing on-site sanitation systems.



http://ift.tt/2i5XlVq

Distinctive accumulation patterns of heavy metals in Sardinella aurita (Clupeidae) and Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae) tissues

Abstract

The present study assessed the impact of metal pollution on two widely consumed types of wild fish Sardinella aurita and Mugil cephalus captured from the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia) which is currently experiencing acute environmental problems. A study of the Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb levels present in the studied site and vital in fish tissues (gills, liver, gonad, and muscle) was undertaken. As expected, muscle, liver, and gonad tissues contained the highest concentrations of all metals except for Zn. The metal levels showed a significant variation of accumulation between species with overall effects of the tested tissues. In addition, the results address the significant effects of the species/tissue interaction. Liver sections showed structural alterations consisting mainly of a significant desquamation of the tissue, a fibroblast proliferation, and a lipid droplet accumulation in both species. Additionally, the presence of skeletal abnormalities affecting the vertebral column was observed in the M. cephalus specimens. As a whole, our data provide the first evidence of distinctive metal accumulation patterns in vital fish tissues as well as the interspecific difference that can be correlated with the biological habits of the two selected models, S. aurita and M. cephalus, known respectively as pelagic and benthopelagic species.



http://ift.tt/2AyaJIO

Ethical and legal aspects in the care of singers and actors

Gustavo Polacow Korn, Carlos Michaelis Jr., Vania Rosa Moraes
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:609-10

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hm0iAf

Health‐related quality of life and disability in patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders

Maria Petri, Magdalena Chirilă, Sorana D. Bolboacă, Marcel Cosgarea
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:611-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hmLDFi

The potential role of amlodipine on experimentally induced bacterial rhinosinusitis

Arzu Tatar, Mukadder Korkmaz, Muhammed Yayla, Elif Polat, Hakan Uslu, Zekai Halici, Secil N. Parlak
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:619-26

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zzYIFl

Tracheostomy in children: a ten‐year experience from a tertiary center in southern Brazil

Cláudia Schweiger, Denise Manica, Carolina Fischer Becker, Larissa Santos Perez Abreu, Michelle Manzini, Leo Sekine, Gabriel Kuhl
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:627-32

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hm0jnN

Association between desloratadine and prednisolone in the treatment of children with acute symptoms of allergic rhinitis: a double‐blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial

Gustavo F. Wandalsen, Carolina Miranda, Luis Felipe Ensina, Flavio Sano, Roberto Bleul Amazonas, Joyce Macedo da Silva, Dirceu Solé
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:633-9

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zzts9A

Are people who have a better smell sense, more affected from satiation?

Seckin Ulusoy, Mehmet Emre Dinc, Abdullah Dalgic, Murat Topak, Denizhan Dizdar, Abdulhalim İs
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:640-5

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hn7jRD

Significant association between osteoporosis and hearing loss: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Sikarin Upala, Pattara Rattanawong, Wasawat Vutthikraivit, Anawin Sanguankeo
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:646-52

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zAf14U

Carotid blowout syndrome in patients treated by larynx cancer

Carlos Miguel Chiesa Estomba, Frank Alberto Betances Reinoso, Alejandra Osorio Velasquez, Olalla Castro Macia, Maria Jesus Gonzalez Cortés, Jesus Araujo Nores
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:653-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hkOjDb

Subjective visual vertical after treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Maristela Mian Ferreira, Maurício Malavasi Ganança, Heloisa Helena Caovilla
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:659-64

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zAY62j

Free Field Word recognition test in the presence of noise in normal hearing adults

Gleide Viviani Maciel Almeida, Angela Ribas, Jorge Calleros
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:665-9

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlBc4C

Identification of key genes involved in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Xue Jiang, Lichun Feng, Baoqiang Dai, Liping Li, Weiwei Lu
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:670-6

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zAeVKA

Nasal polyposis in cystic fibrosis: follow‐up of children and adolescents for a 3‐year period

Silke Anna Theresa Weber, Renata Mizusaki Iyomasa, Camila de Castro Corrêa, Wellington Novais Mafra Florentino, Giesela Fleischer Ferrari
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:677-82

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlB5WK

Arteriovenous malformation of the external ear: a clinical assessment with a scoping review of the literature

Shin Hye Kim, Seung Hoon Han, Yoonjae Song, Chang Sik Park, Jae‐Jin Song
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:683-90

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zBji8k

Effects of exposure to 2100MHz GSM‐like radiofrequency electromagnetic field on auditory system of rats

Metin Çeliker, Abdulkadir Özgür, Levent Tümkaya, Suat Terzi, Mustafa Yılmaz, Yıldıray Kalkan, Ender Erdoğan
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:691-6

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hkObDH

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Shame and Stigma Scale (SSS) into Portuguese (Brazil) to evaluate patients with head and neck cancer

William Eduardo Pirola, Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro Paiva, Eliane Marçon Barroso, David W. Kissane, Claudia Valéria Maseti Pimenta Serrano, Carlos Eduardo Paiva
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:697-704

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zyBhwd

Polymorphisms in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps – a systematic review

Vanessa Ramos Pires Dinarte, Anemari Ramos Dinarte dos Santos, Luiza Ferreira de Araújo, Mariah Guieiro Alves dos Reis, Edwin Tamashiro, Fabiana Cardoso Pereira Valera, Wilson Araújo da Silva Júnior, Wilma Terezinha Anselmo‐Lima
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:705-11

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlAYui

Facial thread lifting with suture suspension

Joana de Pinho Tavares, Carlos Augusto Costa Pires Oliveira, Rodolfo Prado Torres, Fayez Bahmad Jr.
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:712-9

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zAeNe4

The facial palsy as first symptom of the temporal bone lung cancer metastasis

Dragoslava Djeric, Ivan Boricic, Nada Tomanovic, Ljiljana Cvorovic, Srbislav Blazic, Miljan Folic, Igor Djoric
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:720-2

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlAUL4

A case of bilateral congenital middle ear cholesteatoma

Mihael Ries, Mirjana Kostić, Jakov Ajduk, Robert Trotić, Vladimir Bedeković
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:723-5

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlASCW

Bilateral parotid glands infection caused by Calmette‐Guerin Bacillus after intravesical therapy for recurrent bladder cancer: a case report

Eviatar Friedlander, Paula Martínez Pascual, Pedro Montilla de Mora, Bartolomé Scola Yurrita
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:726-9

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlAOTI

Ethical and legal aspects in the care of singers and actors

Gustavo Polacow Korn, Carlos Michaelis Jr., Vania Rosa Moraes
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:609-10

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hm0iAf

Health‐related quality of life and disability in patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders

Maria Petri, Magdalena Chirilă, Sorana D. Bolboacă, Marcel Cosgarea
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:611-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hmLDFi

The potential role of amlodipine on experimentally induced bacterial rhinosinusitis

Arzu Tatar, Mukadder Korkmaz, Muhammed Yayla, Elif Polat, Hakan Uslu, Zekai Halici, Secil N. Parlak
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:619-26

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zzYIFl

Tracheostomy in children: a ten‐year experience from a tertiary center in southern Brazil

Cláudia Schweiger, Denise Manica, Carolina Fischer Becker, Larissa Santos Perez Abreu, Michelle Manzini, Leo Sekine, Gabriel Kuhl
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:627-32

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hm0jnN

Association between desloratadine and prednisolone in the treatment of children with acute symptoms of allergic rhinitis: a double‐blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial

Gustavo F. Wandalsen, Carolina Miranda, Luis Felipe Ensina, Flavio Sano, Roberto Bleul Amazonas, Joyce Macedo da Silva, Dirceu Solé
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:633-9

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zzts9A

Are people who have a better smell sense, more affected from satiation?

Seckin Ulusoy, Mehmet Emre Dinc, Abdullah Dalgic, Murat Topak, Denizhan Dizdar, Abdulhalim İs
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:640-5

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hn7jRD

Significant association between osteoporosis and hearing loss: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Sikarin Upala, Pattara Rattanawong, Wasawat Vutthikraivit, Anawin Sanguankeo
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:646-52

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zAf14U

Carotid blowout syndrome in patients treated by larynx cancer

Carlos Miguel Chiesa Estomba, Frank Alberto Betances Reinoso, Alejandra Osorio Velasquez, Olalla Castro Macia, Maria Jesus Gonzalez Cortés, Jesus Araujo Nores
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:653-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hkOjDb

Subjective visual vertical after treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Maristela Mian Ferreira, Maurício Malavasi Ganança, Heloisa Helena Caovilla
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:659-64

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zAY62j

Free Field Word recognition test in the presence of noise in normal hearing adults

Gleide Viviani Maciel Almeida, Angela Ribas, Jorge Calleros
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:665-9

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlBc4C

Identification of key genes involved in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Xue Jiang, Lichun Feng, Baoqiang Dai, Liping Li, Weiwei Lu
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:670-6

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zAeVKA

Nasal polyposis in cystic fibrosis: follow‐up of children and adolescents for a 3‐year period

Silke Anna Theresa Weber, Renata Mizusaki Iyomasa, Camila de Castro Corrêa, Wellington Novais Mafra Florentino, Giesela Fleischer Ferrari
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:677-82

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlB5WK

Arteriovenous malformation of the external ear: a clinical assessment with a scoping review of the literature

Shin Hye Kim, Seung Hoon Han, Yoonjae Song, Chang Sik Park, Jae‐Jin Song
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:683-90

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zBji8k

Effects of exposure to 2100MHz GSM‐like radiofrequency electromagnetic field on auditory system of rats

Metin Çeliker, Abdulkadir Özgür, Levent Tümkaya, Suat Terzi, Mustafa Yılmaz, Yıldıray Kalkan, Ender Erdoğan
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:691-6

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hkObDH

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Shame and Stigma Scale (SSS) into Portuguese (Brazil) to evaluate patients with head and neck cancer

William Eduardo Pirola, Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro Paiva, Eliane Marçon Barroso, David W. Kissane, Claudia Valéria Maseti Pimenta Serrano, Carlos Eduardo Paiva
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:697-704

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zyBhwd

Polymorphisms in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps – a systematic review

Vanessa Ramos Pires Dinarte, Anemari Ramos Dinarte dos Santos, Luiza Ferreira de Araújo, Mariah Guieiro Alves dos Reis, Edwin Tamashiro, Fabiana Cardoso Pereira Valera, Wilson Araújo da Silva Júnior, Wilma Terezinha Anselmo‐Lima
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:705-11

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlAYui

Facial thread lifting with suture suspension

Joana de Pinho Tavares, Carlos Augusto Costa Pires Oliveira, Rodolfo Prado Torres, Fayez Bahmad Jr.
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:712-9

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2zAeNe4

The facial palsy as first symptom of the temporal bone lung cancer metastasis

Dragoslava Djeric, Ivan Boricic, Nada Tomanovic, Ljiljana Cvorovic, Srbislav Blazic, Miljan Folic, Igor Djoric
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:720-2

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlAUL4

A case of bilateral congenital middle ear cholesteatoma

Mihael Ries, Mirjana Kostić, Jakov Ajduk, Robert Trotić, Vladimir Bedeković
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:723-5

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlASCW

Bilateral parotid glands infection caused by Calmette‐Guerin Bacillus after intravesical therapy for recurrent bladder cancer: a case report

Eviatar Friedlander, Paula Martínez Pascual, Pedro Montilla de Mora, Bartolomé Scola Yurrita
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:726-9

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2hlAOTI

Lying in wait: Limiting factors on a low-density ungulate population and the latent traits that can facilitate escape from them

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Publication date: November 2017
Source:Acta Oecologica, Volume 85
Author(s): Kyle Joly, Tim Craig, Matthew D. Cameron, Adrian E. Gall, Mathew S. Sorum
Predation, habitat, hunting, and environmental conditions have all been implicated as regulatory mechanisms in ungulate populations. The low-density equilibrium hypothesis predicts that in low-density populations, predators regulate their prey and that the population will not escape unless predation pressure is eased. We evaluated survival of adult and juvenile moose (Alces alces) in north-central Alaska to determine whether or not the population supported the hypothesis. We instrumented adult male and female moose with radiocollars and used aerial observations to track parturition and subsequent survival of juvenile moose. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to assess survival. Adult annual survival rates were high (∼89%), but may be negatively influenced by winter conditions. Migratory status did not affect moose survivorship or productivity. Approximately 60% of the calf crop died before 5 months of age. Productivity was significantly lower in the northern section of the study area where there is less high-quality habitat, suggesting that, even in this low-density population, nutrition could be a limiting factor. It appears that predation on young calves, winter weather, and nutritional constraints may be interacting to limit this population. Latent traits, such as overproduction of calves and migratory behavior, which do not currently enhance fitness, may persist within this population so that individuals with these traits can reap benefits when environmental conditions change.



http://ift.tt/2AwqrEe

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulates MAPK/ERK signaling in the skin of mice

S00651281.gif

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Xuexian Liu, Pengqian Zhang, Kaiyuan Ji, Junzhen Zhang, Shanshan Yang, Bin Du, Shuaipeng Hu, Ruiwen Fan
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a proline-directed serine/threonine kinase that has been shown to play important roles in many tissues except the nervous system. We previously reported that CDK5 showed differential expression in the transcriptome profiles of the skin of alpacas with different hair colors. To understand the functional role of CDK5 in hair color determination, we constructed CDK5-knockdown mice and identified the effect on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in the mouse skin. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, co-immunoprecipitation, and western blotting were performed to analyze the effects of CDK5-knockdown on the MAPK pathway in mice. The results showed that MAP3K6 was inhibited by phosphorylated CDK5 through its activator CDK7. The decrease in MAP3K6 levels caused down-regulation of MEK1 and ERK expression, leading to the up-regulation of miR-143-3p, which targets MAP3K6 via Dicer. Taken together, our findings indicate that CDK5 functions in regulating the MAPK pathway. Given that MAP3K6 was inhibited in two directions, this mechanism can provide insight into the contributions of the MAPK/ERK pathway to the inhibition of melanin production.



http://ift.tt/2ACqI9l

Extending the Structural View of Class B GPCRs

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Trends in Biochemical Sciences
Author(s): Chris de Graaf, Gaojie Song, Can Cao, Qiang Zhao, Ming-Wei Wang, Beili Wu, Raymond C. Stevens
The secretin-like class B family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key players in hormonal homeostasis. Recent structures of various receptors in complex with a variety of orthosteric and allosteric ligands provide fundamental new insights into the function and mechanism of class B GPCRs, including: (i) ligand-induced changes in the relative orientation of the extracellular and transmembrane receptor domains; (ii) intramolecular interaction networks that stabilize conformational changes to accommodate intracellular G protein binding; and (iii) allosteric modulation of receptor activation. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural, biochemical, and pharmacological data on class B GPCRs for understanding ligand–receptor interaction and modulation mechanisms and assessing the potential implications for drug discovery for the secretin-like GPCR family.



http://ift.tt/2ysbwue

Feel the Way With a Vibrotactile Compass: Does a Navigational Aid Aid Navigation?.

Author: Weisberg, Steven M.; Badgio, Daniel; Chatterjee, Anjan
DOI: 10.1037/xlm0000472
Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 9 November 2017


http://ift.tt/2i4H2rU

Chest compression-related fatal internal mammary artery injuries manifesting after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case series

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation-related bleeding, especially internal mammary artery injuries, can become life-threatening complications after initiating venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation owing to...

http://ift.tt/2zCBtIS

Nucleic acid aptamer-based methods for diagnosis of infections

S09565663.gif

Publication date: 15 April 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 102
Author(s): Ki Soo Park
Infectious diseases are a serious global problem, which not only take an enormous human toll but also incur tremendous economic losses. In combating infectious diseases, rapid and accurate diagnostic tests are required for pathogen identification at the point of care (POC). In this review, investigations of diagnostic strategies for infectious diseases that are based on aptamers, especially nucleic acid aptamers, oligonucleotides that have high affinities and specificities toward their targets, are described. Owing to their unique features including low cost of production, easy chemical modification, high chemical stability, reproducibility, and low levels of immunogenicity and toxicity, aptamers have been widely utilized as bio-recognition elements (bio-receptors) for the development of infection diagnostic systems. we discuss nucleic acid aptamer-based methods that have been developed for diagnosis of infections using a format that organizes discussion according to the target pathogenic analytes including toxins or proteins, whole cells and nucleic acids. Also included is, a summary of recent advances made in the sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria utilizing the isothermal nucleic acid amplification method. Lastly, a nucleic acid aptamer-based POC system is described and future directions of studies in this area are discussed.



http://ift.tt/2zuHVnJ

A facile way to fabricate manganese phosphate self-assembled carbon networks as efficient electrochemical catalysts for real-time monitoring of superoxide anions released from HepG2 cells

S09565663.gif

Publication date: 15 April 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 102
Author(s): Xuan Cai, Libo Shi, Wenqian Sun, Hongli Zhao, Hong Li, Haiyan He, Minbo Lan
Quantification of superoxide anions (O2•−) is significant in the monitoring of many serious diseases and the design of enzyme-mimic catalysts plays the main role in the development of non-enzymatic O2•− sensors. Herein, we proposed a facile self-assembly process to synthesize manganese phosphate modified carbon networks using three kinds of widely-used carbon materials (MWCNTs, NGS and GO) as pillar connectors. Characterizations demonstrate that manganese phosphate is widely dispersed inside and on the surface of carbon networks without visible morphology. Meanwhile, all three kinds of synthesized catalysts were successfully immobilized on the screen-printed carbon electrodes to evaluate the electrochemical performance of fabricated sensors. The results indicate that sensors based on Mnx(PO4)y modified MWCNTs exhibit high sensitivity with an extremely low detection limit of 0.127μM (S/N = 3) and a wide liner range of 0–1.817mM (R2 = 0.998). We further employed the recommended sensors in the real-time monitoring of HepG2 cells released O2•− under the stimulating of Zymosan (20mg/mL). Noticeably, the proposed sensors exhibit not only sensitive response but also stable current steps upon different addition of Zymosan. The calculated concentrations of cell-released O2•− vary from 6.772 to 24.652pM cell−1 for the Zymosan amount used in this work. The established novel sensors display low background current and signal noises, thus holding unique advantages in the trace analysis of O2•− in biological samples and in vivo environment.



http://ift.tt/2zQPYf6

Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor for quantitative detection of HBeAg using Au@Pd/MoS2@MWCNTs nanocomposite as enzyme-mimetic labels

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Publication date: 15 April 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 102
Author(s): Zengqiang Gao, Yueyun Li, Xiaobo Zhang, Jinhui Feng, Ling Kong, Ping Wang, Zhiwei Chen, Yunhui Dong, Qin Wei
A sensitive sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was successfully developed based on the gold@palladium nanoparticles (Au@Pd NPs) loaded by molybdenum disulfide functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Au@Pd/MoS2@MWCNTs). The resultant nanocomposites not only possessed high specific surface area and good biocompatibility, but also exhibited excellent electro-catalytical property. Au NPs functionalized porous graphene oxide (p-GO@Au) were used as sensing platforms and primary antibodies carriers, which can accelerate the electron transfer and improve the load capacity of primary antibodies (Ab1), improving the sensitivity of the immunosensor. Under optimal conditions, the designed immunosensor could detect target HBeAg concentration in the range from 0.1pg/mL to 500pg/mL, with a low detection limit of 26fg/mL (S/N = 3) for HBeAg. Additionally, the designed immunosensor showed excellent specificity, good reproducibility and acceptable stability. The satisfactory results in analysis of human serum samples indicated that it had potential application in clinical monitoring of tumor markers.



http://ift.tt/2zvyynx

Chest compression-related fatal internal mammary artery injuries manifesting after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case series

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation-related bleeding, especially internal mammary artery injuries, can become life-threatening complications after initiating venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation owing to...

http://ift.tt/2zCBtIS

A Novel Series of Enoyl Reductase Inhibitors Targeting the ESKAPE Pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Jieun Kwon, Tina Mistry, Jinhong Ren, Michael E. Johnson, Shahila Mehboob
S. aureus and A. baumannii are among the ESKAPE pathogens that are increasingly difficult to treat due to the rise in the number of drug resistant strains. Novel therapeutics targeting these pathogens are much needed. The bacterial enoyl reductase (FabI) is as potentially significant drug target for developing pathogen-specific antibiotics due to the presence of alternate FabI isoforms in many other bacterial species. We report the identification and development of a novel N-carboxy pyrrolidine scaffold targeting FabI in S. aureus and A. baumannii, two pathogens for which FabI essentiality has been established. This scaffold is unrelated to other known antibiotic families, and FabI is not targeted by any currently approved antibiotic. Our data shows that this scaffold displays promising enzyme inhibitory activity against FabI from both S. aureus and A. baumannii, as well as encouraging antibacterial activity in S. aureus. Compounds also display excellent synergy when combined with colistin and tested against A. baumannii. In this combination the MIC of colistin is reduced by 10 fold. Our first generation compound displays promising enzyme inhibition, targets FabI in S. aureus with a favorable selectivity index (ratio of cytotoxicity to MIC), and has excellent synergy with colistin against A. baumannii, including a multidrug resistant strain.

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Requirements of a new allergen regulation

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Allergologia et Immunopathologia
Author(s): Cristina Rivas-Juesas, Joan Tomás Bartra, Ana M. Purroy Tabar




http://ift.tt/2zQL3Lb

Editorial Board

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Alexandria Journal of Medicine, Volume 53, Issue 4





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Microscopy in addition to chemical analyses and ecotoxicological assays for the environmental hazard assessment of coal tar-polluted soils

Abstract

Chemical analysis of soils contaminated with coal tar indicated that most organic compounds, and particularly PAHs, were contained in coarser particles (> 200 μm). Microscopic observations of this fraction, carried out on polished sections, reported the presence of organic particles in addition to mineral particles. Some organic particles had a very low porosity, and their microstructure did not evolve during biotreatment. Alternatively, other organic particles had a large porosity composed of an interconnected pore network that was open to coal tar surface and thus in contact with soil water. Interconnected porosity seemed to increase during biotreatment in relation to a decrease in the amount of organic compounds. The amount of open porosity in contact with soil water was expected to increase the desorption rate of PAHs. Consequently, the environmental hazard could depend on the amount of open porosity in addition to chemical properties of organic particles, such as their concentration in PAHs. Thus, microscopy can be complementary to chemical analysis and ecotoxicological assays to assess the best strategy for remediation but also to follow the advancement of a biotreatment.



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Nuevas perspectivas para la cirugía radioguiada

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Revista Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular
Author(s): E. Goñi Gironés




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Cytoprotective effects of glycyrrhetinic acid liposome against cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis through inhibiting inflammatory stress

Publication date: January 2018
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 54
Author(s): Bo Ge, Daping Yang, Xinmou Wu, Jing Zhu, Wu Wei, Bin Yang
This study was designed to investigate the pharmacological efficacy of glycyrrhetinic acid liposome (GAL) against female mice with nonbacterial cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide (CPS). Mice in different groups were subjected to tests for lactate dehydrogenase (LD), cytokine contents (IL-6, TNF-α) in serum, and histological changes in bladder tissue and to immunoassays. As a result, cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in mice showed an increased LD level in serum, and the contents of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) were elevated. Interestingly, GAL-treated mice showed decreased LD and inflammatory cytokines of IL-6 and TNF-α in blood. Inflammatory infiltration and cell death in bladder tissue were reduced by GAL treatments. In addition, intravesical mRNAs of NF-κB and TNF-α were lowered dose-dependently in GAL-treated mice. As shown in cytohistological staining, the number of intravesical caspase-3, PARP-positive cells decreased in GAL-treated mice. Furthermore, a GAL-treated bladder showed down-regulated NF-κB and TNF-α expressions in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our current findings may be the first to provide scientific evidence demonstrating that glycyrrhetinic acid liposomes provide benefits against cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, which possibly occurs through underlying mechanisms that inhibit cell death and inflammatory stress.



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Malathion-induced spermatozoal oxidative damage and alterations in sperm quality of endangered trout Salmo coruhensis

Abstract

The use of pesticides has been increased along with increasing the farming activities and has caused environmental impacts deleteriously. In particular, non-target organisms including fish can be affected by toxic effects of pesticides. Therefore, the impacts of malathion (MTN) on oxidative stress and sperm quality were investigated in vitro. The MTN concentrations used on this study were 0 (control), 75, 100, and 125 μg/L. Lipid peroxidation (MDA), non-enzymatic (GSH), and enzymatic (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) activities in spermatozoa were examined for determination of oxidative stress status. Our findings showed that motility rate and period of sperm cells significantly decreased with exposure to MTN. Biochemical assays revealed that CAT activity and levels of MDA, GSH increased in spermatozoa based on concentration while activity of GSH-Px and SOD decreased. Consequently, spermatozoa were highly sensitive to MTN exposure. MTN has disruptive effects on sperm quality and caused to oxidative stress in spermatozoa.



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Determining the impact of intraoperative smoke evacuation on the patient experience during outpatient surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial



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Pityrosporum Folliculitis: A Retrospective Review of 110 Cases

Pityrosporum folliculitis has clinical and pathophysiologic similarities to acne vulgaris, and may be underrecognized.Pruritic, fine monomorphic papules and pustules on the face and back in patients previously treated with antibiotics suggest a diagnosis of Pityrosporum folliculitis.Pityrosporum folliculitis responds to treatment with topical or oral azole antifungal agents.

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The diagnostic value and histologic correlate of distinct patterns of shiny white streaks for the diagnosis of melanoma: a retrospective, case-control study

Shiny white streaks (SWS) are visible on polarized dermoscopy in melanoma and Spitz nevi but are infrequent in dysplastic nevi. They correlate histopathologically with dermal fibrosis.When observed in melanocytic lesions, SWS are highly specific and predictive for melanoma.Polarized dermoscopy to identify shiny white streaks is integral to the evaluation of melanocyticlesions.

http://ift.tt/2AA5Q2C

Topical Calcipotriol Prior to Ablative Fractional Laser-Assisted Photodynamic Therapy Enhances Treatment Outcomes for Actinic Keratosis in Fitzpatrick grades III-V skin: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial



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Bone autografts & allografts placed simultaneously with dental implants in rabbits

This study compared stability, removal torque, bone implant contact (BIC) and area (BA) of implants installed simultaneously with onlay autografts or allografts in rabbits' tibias.

http://ift.tt/2hlxcBa

Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency in infants on intranasal dexamethasone drops for nasal obstruction – Case series and literature review

The use of intranasal steroid drops for nasal obstruction in infants is common practice and can prevent more invasive surgical procedures; however, it is not without complication. We describe 2 cases of iatrogenic Cushing's secondary to nasal steroids in infants with nasal obstruction, discuss the etiology of this unusual complication, and review previous literature reports. While reporting in the literature is sparse, these cases highlight the risk of development of adrenal insufficiency with usage of nasal steroid drops in infants as well as the need for close monitoring of administration and tapering of the drops.

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Pattern of relapse and dose received by the recurrent intraprostatic nodule in low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with single fraction 19 Gy high dose-rate brachytherapy

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): Lucas C. Mendez, Ananth Ravi, Hans Chung, Chia-Lin Tseng, Matt Wronski, Moti Paudel, Merrylee McGuffin, Patrick Cheung, Andrew Loblaw, Gerard Morton
PurposeThe purposes of this study were to investigate the pattern of relapse in patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with 19-Gy high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) and to calculate the dose received by the area of recurrence.Methods and MaterialsPatients included in this analysis were treated under a Phase II randomized trial that evaluated the role of 19-Gy HDR-BT monotherapy in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancers. Multiparametric prostate MRI and prostate biopsy were performed in patients with suspicious local recurrence. The site of local relapse was compared with the initial site of disease. The dose received by the site of recurrence was investigated through registration of the posttreatment multiparametric prostate MRI with the HDR-BT treatment plan.ResultsEight of 87 treated patients were found to have local recurrence after 19-Gy HDR-BT. Seven of the eight recurrences were at the site of initial bulk disease. Seven patients were found to have a more aggressive histology in the posttreatment biopsy. The mean volume of prostate that had received 100% of prescription dose was 97%. Mean dose to area of recurrence was 29.1 Gy, whereas dose to 98% and dose to 90% of the recurrence were 21.6 Gy and 23.2 Gy, respectively.ConclusionsThe relapse pattern after a single 19-Gy HDR-BT is predominantly associated with the site of initial disease. This lends some rationale to future strategies of further focused dose escalation to initial site of disease, notwithstanding the fact that the calculated biologically equivalent dose using linear–quadratic assumptions is already very high.



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Comparison of lung tumor motion measured using a model-based 4DCT technique and a commercial protocol

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): D. O'Connell, N. Shaverdian, A.U. Kishan, D.H. Thomas, T.H. Dou, J.H. Lewis, J.M. Lamb, M. Cao, S. Tenn, P. Lee, D.A. Low
PurposeTo compare lung tumor motion measured with a model-based technique to commercial 4DCT and describe a workflow for using model-based 4DCT as a clinical simulation protocol.Methods20 patients were imaged using a model-based technique and commercial 4DCT. Tumor motion was measured on each commercial 4DCT dataset, and was calculated on model-based datasets for three breathing amplitude percentile intervals: 5th–85th, 5th–95th and 0th–100th. Internal target volumes (ITV) were defined on the 4DCT and 5th to 85th interval datasets and compared using Dice similarity. Images were evaluated for noise and rated by two radiation oncologists for artifacts.ResultsMean differences in tumor motion magnitude between commercial and model-based images were 0.47±3.0mm, 1.63±3.17mm, and 5.16±4.90mm for the 5th–85th, 5th–95th, and 0th–100th amplitude intervals, respectively. Dice coefficients between ITVs defined on commercial and 5th–85th model-based images had a mean value of 0.77±.09. Single standard deviation image noise was 11.6±9.6 HU in the liver and 6.8±4.7 HU in the aorta for the model-based images compared to 57.7±30 and 33.7±15.4 for commercial 4DCT. Mean model error within the ITV regions was 1.71±0.81mm. Model-based images exhibited reduced presence of artifacts at the tumor compared to commercial.ConclusionTumor motion measured with the model-based technique using the 5th to 85th percentile breathing amplitude interval corresponded more closely to commercial 4DCT than the 5th–95th or 0th–100th intervals, which showed greater motion on average. The model-based technique tended to display increased tumor motion when breathing amplitude intervals wider than 5th–85th were used due to the influence of unusually deep inhalations. These results suggest that care must be taken in selecting the appropriate interval during image generation when using model-based 4DCT methods.



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Three-Dimensional Printer-Aided Casting of Soft, Custom Silicone Boluses(Scsbs) for Head and Neck Radiotherapy

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Tsuicheng Chiu, Jun Tan, Mathew Brenner, Xuejun Gu, Ming Yang, Kenneth Westover, Tobin Strom, David Sher, Steve Jiang, Bo Zhao
PurposeCustom tissue compensators provide dosimetric advantages for treating superficial or complex anatomy but currently available fabrication technology is expensive or impractical for most clinical operations and yields compensators that are difficult for patients to tolerate. We aimed to develop an inexpensive, clinically feasible workflow for generating patient-specific, soft, custom silicone boluses (SCSBs) for head-and-neck (HN) radiotherapy.MethodsWe developed a method using 3D–printed parts for generating SCSBs for the treatment of head and neck cancers. The clinical workflow for generation of SCSBs was characterized inclusive of patient simulation to treatment in terms of resource time and cost. Dosimetric properties such as percentage depth dose (PDD) and dose profiles were measured for SCSBs using GaF films. Comprehensive measurements were also conducted on a HN phantom. SCSBs were generated and used for electron or photon based radiation treatments of seven head and neck patients with lesions at nose, cheek, eye or ears. In vivo dose measurements with optically simulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) were performed.ResultsTotal design and fabrication time from patient simulation to radiation treatment start required approximately one week, with fabrication constituting 1–2 working days depending on bolus surface area, volume and complexity. CT and dosimetric properties of the soft bolus were similar to water. In vivo dose measurements on seven treated patients confirmed that the dose deposition conformed to planned doses. Material costs were lower than currently available hard plastic boluses generated with 3D printing technology. All treated patients tolerated SCSBs for the duration of therapy.ConclusionsGeneration and use of SCSBs for clinical use is feasible and effective for the treatment of HN cancers.



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A Format for Reviewing a Research Paper

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Robert J. Amdur




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A proteometabolomic study of Actinidia deliciosa fruit development

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Anna Maria Salzano, Anatoly Sobolev, Virginia Carbone, Milena Petriccione, Giovanni Renzone, Donatella Capitani, Monica Vitale, Paola Minasi, Maria Silvia Pasquariello, Gianfranco Novi, Nicola Zambrano, Marco Scortichini, Luisa Mannina, Andrea Scaloni

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Proteomic approaches to uncover the flooding and drought stress response mechanisms in soybean

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Xin Wang, Setsuko Komatsu
Soybean is the important crop with abundant protein, vegetable oil, and several phytochemicals. With such predominant values, soybean is cultivated with a long history. However, flooding and drought stresses exert deleterious effects on soybean growth. The present review summarizes the morphological changes and affected events in soybean exposed to such extreme-water conditions. Sensitive organ in stressed soybean at different-developmental stages is presented based on protein profiles. Protein quality control and calcium homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum are discussed in soybean under both stresses. In addition, the way of calcium homeostasis in mediating protein folding and energy metabolism is addressed. Finally, stress response to flooding and drought is systematically demonstrated. This review concludes the recent findings of plant response to flooding and drought stresses in soybean employed proteomic approaches.Biological significanceSoybean is considered as traditional-health food because of nutritional elements and pharmacological values. Flooding and drought exert deleterious effects to soybean growth. Proteomic approaches have been employed to elucidate stress response in soybean exposed to flooding and drought stresses. In this review, stress response is presented on organ-specific manner in the early-stage plant and soybean seedling exposed to combined stresses. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is induced by both stresses; and stress-response in the ER is addressed in the root tip of early-stage soybean. Moreover, calcium-response processes in stressed plant are described in the ER and in the cytosol. Additionally, stress-dependent response was discussed in flooded and drought-stressed plant. This review depicts stress response in the sensitive organ of stressed soybean and forms the basis to develop molecular markers related to plant defense under flooding and drought stresses.

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Application of ESI-HRMS for molybdenum speciation in natural waters: An investigation of molybdate-halide reactions

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 179
Author(s): Duc Huy Dang, R. Douglas Evans
High resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-HRMS) was used to study the speciation of molybdate in interaction with halides (Cl, F, Br). Desolvation during electrospray ionization induced alteration of aqueous species but method optimization successfully suppressed artefact compounds. At low Mo concentrations, chloro(oxo)molybdate and fluoro(oxo)molybdate species were found and in natural samples, MoO3Cl was detected for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Apparent equilibrium constants for Cl substitution on molybdate were calculated for a range of pH values from 4.5 to 8.5. A minor alteration in speciation during the gas phase (conversion of doubly charged MoO42- to HMoO4-) did not allow investigation of the molybdate acid-base properties; however this could be determined by speciation modeling. This study provides further evidence that ESI-HRMS is a fast and suitable tool to Deceasedassess the speciation of inorganic compounds such as Mo.

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Cancer chemoprevention revisited: Cytochrome P450 family 1B1 as a target in the tumor and the microenvironment

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Gabriele D'Uva, Denisa Baci, Adriana Albini, Douglas M. Noonan
Cancer chemoprevention is the use of synthetic, natural or biological agents to prevent or delay the development or progression of malignancies. Intriguingly, many phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects, recently proposed as chemoprevention strategies, are inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 family 1B1 (CYP1B1) an enzyme overexpressed in a wide variety of tumors and associated with angiogenesis. In turn, pro-inflammatory cytokines were reported to boost CYP1B1 expression, suggesting a key role of CYP1B1 in a positive loop of inflammatory angiogenesis. Other well-known pro-tumorigenic activities of CYP1B1 rely on metabolic bioactivation of xenobiotics and steroid hormones into their carcinogenic derivatives. In contrast to initial in vitro observations, in vivo studies demonstrated a protecting role against cancer for the other CYP1 family members (CYP1A1 and CYP1A2) suggesting that that the specificity of CYP1 family inhibitors should be carefully taken into account for developing potential chemoprevention strategies. Recent studies also proposed a role of CYP1B1 in multiple cell types found within the tumor microenvironment, including fibroblasts, endothelial and immune cells. Overall, our review of the current literature suggests a positive loop between inflammatory cytokines and CYP1B1, which in turn may play a key role in cancer angiogenesis, acting on both cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Strategies aiming at specific CYP1B1 inhibition in multiple cell types may translate into clinical chemoprevention and angioprevention approaches.



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Advances in sarcoma gene mutations and therapeutic targets

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Peng Gao, Nicole A. Seebacher, Francis Hornicek, Zheng Guo, Zhenfeng Duan
Sarcomas are rare and complex malignancies that have been associated with a poor prognostic outcome. Over the last few decades, traditional treatment with surgery and/or chemotherapy has not significantly improved outcomes for most types of sarcomas. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the understanding of specific gene mutations that are important in driving the pathogenesis and progression of sarcomas. Identification of these new gene mutations, using next-generation sequencing and advanced molecular techniques, has revealed a range of potential therapeutic targets. This, in turn, may lead to the development of novel agents targeted to different sarcoma subtypes. In this review, we highlight the advances made in identifying sarcoma gene mutations, including those of p53, RB, PI3K and IDH genes, as well as novel therapeutic strategies aimed at utilizing these mutant genes. In addition, we discuss a number of preclinical studies and ongoing early clinical trials in sarcoma targeting therapies, as well as gene editing technology, which may provide a better choice for sarcoma patient management.



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20. Not only the absence but also amplitude reduction of cortical SEPs predict ominous outcome in comatose patients after cardiac arrest

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): R. Carrai, A. Grippo, F. Lolli, M. Spalletti, M. Scarpino, C. Ielapi, G. Lanzo, A. Peris, G. Cianchi, G. Olivo, S. Valente, A. Amantini
In comatose patients after cardiac arrest (CA) bilateral absence of cortical SEPs is a high reliable predictor of poor outcome but it is present in no more than 40%. Low amplitude pathological SEPs were found in 28.9% of subjects but only few papers analysed the prognostic significance of this pattern.To evaluated prognostic value of N20-P25 amplitude of SEPs, recorded at 6–12h after CA.Retrospectively, we analysed comatose patients after CA admitted to our hospital. SEPs were recorded at 6–12hs after CA. We determined the lowest SEP amplitude in a subject that recovery consciousness We evaluated the accuracy of SEP amplitude in predicting the "no consciousness recovery" by ROC curves. Outcome was evaluated at 6months by GOS.One-hundred and eighteen patients were analysed. None of subjects with N20-P25 amplitude less than 1.2μV recovered consciousness. The area under the ROC curves was 0.96 for "no consciousness recovery". SEP amplitude threshold determined by ROC analysis was 1.21μV. For this SEP amplitude threshold, we found a sensibility: 85.9% and specificity: 100.0%.Not only the absence but also the amplitude reduction (less than 1.2μV) of N20-P25 is associated with no consciousness recovery with very high predictive value.



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Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation improves adaptive postural control

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Publication date: January 2018
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 129, Issue 1
Author(s): Peter Poortvliet, Billie Hsieh, Andrew Cresswell, Jacky Au, Marcus Meinzer
ObjectiveRehabilitation interventions contribute to recovery of impaired postural control, but it remains a priority to optimize their effectiveness. A promising strategy may involve transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of brain areas involved in fine-tuning of motor adaptation. This study explored the effects of cerebellar tDCS (ctDCS) on postural recovery from disturbance by Achilles tendon vibration.MethodsTwenty-eight healthy volunteers participated in this sham-ctDCS controlled study. Standing blindfolded on a force platform, four trials were completed: 60 s quiet standing followed by 20 min active (anodal-tDCS, 1 mA, 20 min, N = 14) or sham-ctDCS (40 s, N = 14) tDCS; three quiet standing trials with 15 s of Achilles tendon vibration and 25 s of postural recovery. Postural steadiness was quantified as displacement, standard deviation and path derived from the center of pressure (COP).ResultsBaseline demographics and quiet standing postural steadiness, and backwards displacement during vibration were comparable between groups. However, active-tDCS significantly improved postural steadiness during vibration and reduced forward displacement and variability in COP derivatives during recovery.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that ctDCS results in short-term improvement of postural adaptation in healthy individuals.SignificanceFuture studies need to investigate if multisession ctDCS combined with training or rehabilitation interventions can induce prolonged improvement of postural balance.



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12. New Telemedicine protocol and patented remote-EEG system from Terni S. Maria Hospital Neurophysiology Division: Experimental assessment and pathway towards large scale service

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): G. Stipa, F. Gabbrielli, D. Frondizi, C. Colosimo, S. Caproni, C. Fanelli, D. Gobbi, L. Giorgi, A. Mancini, M. Domiziani, R. Pasqui, S. Carletti
Terni S. Maria Hospital Neurophysiology Division successfully performed experimental trial for innovative Telemedicine service, using patented remote-EEG system.The Neurophysiologist can be connected from everywhere to the hospital information system through virtual private network and remote device. EEG-passive electrode device is effectively controlled by different direct Remote Desktop freeware softwares. EEG-diagnosis is possible at distance avoiding file exchanges and fulfilling privacy and safety criteria. The connection shares the graphic interface from EEG device desktop to the remote Neurophysiologist, who can also directly control EEG device functions. From 2009 to 2017 a total of 261 EEGs (standard and continuous monitoring) were examined. In the first 6years, specialists operated on EEG device at distance but they sent medical reports by telefax, while from 2016 to 2017 they used report files with digital signature.Two hospital deliberations (n. 875 dated 2008/12/29 and n. 198 dated 2015/03/18) validated the procedure for clinical use, even if into the research protocol. These trial-evidences as well the new regulations on Telemedicine (Intesa Stato-Regioni n. 123/CSR 2016/7/7; EU Directive 2011/24; EU Regulation 2016/679) pave the way for large scale usage of this protocol.The Group of study on Telemedicine in Neurophysiology founded by SINC and Digital-SIT works on this purpose.



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Contents

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12





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8. Neurophysiological comparison among tonic, high frequency and burst spinal cord simulation: Novel insights into spinal and brain mechanisms of action

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): T. Bocci, G. De Carolis, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, M. Valeriani, F. Sartucci
Spinal cord Stimulation (SCS) is an effective option for neuropathic pain treatment. New technological developments, as high-frequency (HF) and Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS), have shown promising results, although putative mechanisms of action are still debated.Twenty-five patients with lower back pain were enrolled and underwent LF, HF and TBS. LEPs were recorded by using a Nd:YAG laser: amplitudes and latencies of the main two components (N1, N2/P2) were compared among different experimental conditions. Similarly, changes in Resting Motor Threshold (RMT), cortical Silent Period (cSP), Short Intracortical Inhibition (SICI) and Intracortical Facilitation (ICF) were evaluated.TBS dampened LEP amplitudes compared with LF (N1: p=0.016; N2/P2: p=0.02) and HF stimulation (p=0.015; p=0.031); while RMT and SICI did not change among experimental conditions, TBS significantly prolonged cSP duration compared with baseline (p=0.002), LF (p=0.048) and HF-SCS (p=0.016); both HF (p=0.004) and TBS (p=0.0039) increased ICF.TBS modulates the sensory-discriminative and the affective-emotional dimension of pain through distinct mechanisms, thus involving intracortical GABAergic and Glutamatergic networks. These results have implications for therapy and for the choice of the stimulation protocol.



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Ultrasound in polyneuropathies – Is size or structure all that matters?

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): A. Kerasnoudis, K. Pitarokoilli, M.-S. Yoon




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16. Safety and effects on motor cortex of closely repeated cathodal transcranial direct current stimulations (C-tDCS)

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): A. Uncini, F. Zappasodi, G. Musumeci, R. Navarra, M. Caulo, V. Di Lazzaro
To assess safety and effects of five C-tDCS (charge density 342,857C/m2) delivered at increasing time intervals in 25h.Safety was defined as absence of serious adverse events and by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Effects on motor cortex excitability were evaluated by motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes. Inter-individual MEP variability was calculated by the SEM at baseline and subjects were classified on the basis of the ratio between normalized MEPs after the first stimulation compared to baseline.Thirty-two healthy subjects were enrolled. No serious adverse events occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy did not show structural and biochemical alterations. Only 56% of subjects responded to cathodal-tDCS with the expected reduction of MEP amplitude, 25% were non-responders and 19% opposite responders. In responders, MEP suppression was 32% one hour after the first cathodal-tDC, 21% three hours after the second, no longer present four hours after the third and 12h after the fourth cathodal-tDCS. Loss of effect was due to the increasing interval between C-tDCS and not to intervening homeostatic plasticity.Five C-tDCS in 25h are safe. Interindividual variability on motor cortex excitability and effect duration limited to three hours should be considered in planning therapeutic trials utilizing repeated C-tDCS.



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First virtual special issue (VSI) in Clinical Neurophysiology: A novel way of enhancing accessibility and visibility of published research

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): Ulf Ziemann




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2. Pain catastrophizing and features of cortical response to painful stimuli in fibromyalgia

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): K. Ricci, E. Vecchio, M. Delussi, A. Montemurno, E. Gentile, M. de Tommaso
Gamma Band Oscillations (GBO) after laser stimuli are currently considered a correlate of subjective pain perception. Habituation of laser evoked potentials (LEPs) is reduced in patients with central amplification of pain stimuli.To correlate LEPs habituation and GBO induced by laser stimulation with subjective pain rating and pain catastrophizing in patients with Fibromyalgia (FM) and controls.We recorded LEPs in 30 FM patients and 15 healthy controls by stimulating the dorsum of the right hand. At the end of each series, the perceived pain was rated on a visual pain analogue scale (VAS). All subjects were submitted to the Pain Catastrophizing Scale – Italian version (PCS-I).The FM patients showed reduced LEPs habituation and increased laser-related GBO. Both patterns correlated with the PCS-I, but not with subjective pain rating.LEPs habituation and GBO may be the expression of cortical mechanisms of nociceptive stimuli processing and exaggerated attentional orientation toward pain experiences.



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6. Trigeminal neuralgia typical and atypical. A disease or two?

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): C.M. Leone, G. Di Stefano, G. Cruccu, A. Truini
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a clinical condition characterized by a sudden, usually unilateral, brief, stabbing, recurrent pain with a distribution consistent with one or more divisions of the fifth cranial nerve. In the classical form, the genesis of paroxysmal pain has been attributed to areas of focal demyelination due to vascular compression on the nerve. The 20–50% of patients with TN have an atypical form characterized by the presence of constant pain, often described as burning continuous or sub-continuous, as well as paroxysmal pain.We hypothesize an axonal damage underlying the constant pain component.We enrolled 55 patients with typical (n=36) and atypical (n=19) TN according to the criteria of the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). Each patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laser evoked potentials (LEPs) and trigeminal reflexes.The comparison between the duration of disease between the two groups showed no significant differences. We found a greater asymmetry of amplitude (healthy side vs affected side) of N2-P2 component from thermal stimulation in the group with atypical TN (p<0.047).The atypical form has an axonal damage and is not a time-bound phenomenon. The involvement of C-fibers could be the mechanism behind continuous pain.



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10. Neurophysiological prognosis in comatose patients after cardiac arrest: The Italian Multicentric Study (ProNeCA)

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): A. Grippo, R. Carrai, D. Audenino, C. Callegarin, M.G. Celani, M. Lombardi, A. Marrelli, O. Mecarelli, C. Minardi, F. Minicucci, L. Motti, L. Politini, F. Valzania, E. Vitelli, M. Scarpino, M. Spalletti, G. Lanzo, C. Cossu, A. Peris, S. Amantini
To evaluate the prognostic value of EEG and SEPs association in post-anoxic comatose patients at different recording time from cardiac arrest (CA) with a prospectic multicentre study.Twelve hospitals participated to the study. EEG and SEPs were recorded within 12, 24, and at 72hs after CA. EEG was classified into "non-continuous" and "continuous". SEPs were dichotomized into "bilaterally absent" (BA) and "present". Neurologic outcome was evaluated at 6months by Cerebral Performance Category.Among the 392 patients admitted after CA in the 11 hospitals 298 where enrolled. Within 12h (120 patients) after CA, continuous EEG predicted good outcome and BA SEPs predicted poor outcome. Continuous EEG and BA-SEPs were never found in the same patient. At 48–72h after CA (142 patients) both grade 2 EEG and BA-SEPs predicted poor outcome.The combination of EEG/SEP findings allows prediction of good and poor outcome (within 12h after CA) and of poor outcome (after 48–72h). Recording of EEG and SEPs in the same patients allows always an increase in the number of cases correctly classified, and an increase of the reliability of prognostication in a single patient due to concordance of patterns.



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14. Cerebellar direct current stimulation modulates hand blink reflex: Implications for defensive behavior in humans

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): T. Bocci, R. Ferrucci, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, F. Cortese, A. Priori, F. Sartucci
The cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions. We evaluated the role of cerebellum in peripersonal defensive behavior, as assessed by the so-called hand blink reflex (HBR).Twenty subjects underwent to cerebellar (sham, anodal, cathodal) and motor cortex (anodal or cathodal) tDCS (20′, 2mA). For the recording of HBR, electrical stimuli were delivered using a surface bipolar electrode placed on the median nerve at the wrist and EMG activity recorded from the orbicularis oculi muscle bilaterally. HBR was assessed in four different conditions: "hand far", "hand near" (eyes open), "side hand" and "hand patched" (eyes closed).While sham and cathodal cerebellar stimulation had no significant effect, anodal tcDCS dramatically dampened the magnitude of the HBR, as measured by the area under the curve (AUC), in the hand-patched and side hand conditions only, for ipsilateral (p<0.0001; p=0.0008) as well as contralateral recordings (p=0.46; p=0.66). tDCS applied over the motor area did not affect HBR.Our results support a role of the cerebellum in the defensive responses within the peripersonal space surrounding the face and suggesting a cerebellar involvement in visual-independent learning of defensive behavior.



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18. Intraoperative monitoring in calcified giant thoracic disc herniations in anterior thoracic approach surgery

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): C. Minardi, F. Cultrera, M. Bocchino, G. Pugliese, G. Fedeli, R. Donati
Giant herniated thoracic disc (GHTD) is a surgical challenge with high rate of complication. This was a retrospective study of all patients with calcified GHTD operated between July 2012 and February 2017 with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM).The study included 10 patients (9 females and 1 male).IOM study comprised: transcranial electric motor evoked potentials (MEP) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) from all limbs in supine position and after lateral position.IOM MEP at the end of surgery were reduced in 4 recovered in 1, stable in 5 patients and disappeared at left lower limb in 1 patient.IOM SEP were stable in 6 patients, reduced in amplitude in 2, disappeared in 1 and in 1 case SEP at lower limbs were absent from preoperative study.The neurological outcome was stable in 9 and transitory worsened in 1 patient, who lost MEP in lower left limb.The surgical strategy was modified according to IOM findings in 4 cases leading to a partial disc excision, one where IOM MEP disappeared and 3 where MEP decreased without recovering.IOM is usefull in this combined surgery (thoracic surgery and neurosurgery) and can help to remove safely GHDT without new permanent neurological deficits.



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22. New frontiers in neurophysiological instrumental diagnostics in the neonatal intensive care unit: “Smart-EEG”

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): I. Capuano, S. Gabbanini, M. Bastianelli, C. Cossu, I. Roma, S. Lori
The neurophysiological instrumental diagnostics is gaining increasingly an undisputed value, revealing an indispensable practice for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes.Many novelties in medicine have introduced an innovative model of Electronic Health, called E-Health.The purpose of this study is to verify that a new modular device, the BluNet®, is a device able to maximize patient comfort and to operate in a way effective but minimally invasive.The study was conducted on a sample of 10 neonates (5F), with gestational ages between the 27+6 and 41weeks, and the recordings were done simultaneously with two devices: NeMus® (gold standard) and BluNet.We made a visual comparison with the reading software, we extracted and compared the frequency of polygraphic channels (ECG and abdominal breathing) and we made two Bland-Altman-Plots. We also conducted a spectral analysis of the traces.The signals' studies showed that there aren't substantial differences between the signals acquired through the two different methods.BluNet, thanks to its innovative features, is a valid tool for electroencephalographic evaluation and the prospects for future use are manifold: screening for early differential diagnosis, initial evaluation for possible hospitalization, ability to get tests at home.



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1. Laser evoked potential in clinical practice: The diagnostic field in small fiber neuropathy

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): G. Devigili, S. Rinaldo, C. Lettieri, R. Eleopra
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Due to the small nerve fiber characteristics, the diagnosis requires the use of not conventional tests like skin biopsy, Quantitative sensory testing (QST) and Laser Evoked Potentials (LEPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of A-delta LEPs in clinical practice in a large cohort of patients with diagnosis of "definite" SFN.We screened 296 patients evaluated in our institution with confirmed diagnosis of sensory neuropathy. We collected 140 patients with pure SFN and 79 patients with mixed fiber neuropathy (MFN). All underwent clinical evaluation, sensory, painful thermal and mechanical detection thresholds, and quantification of somatic intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF) by skin biopsy to define the diagnosis. Then, all SFN and MFN patients underwent LEPs. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated compared with our normative data on 67 healthy age-matched subjects. A-delta LEPs at dorsal foot showed 76% sensitivity and 80% specificity in SFN diagnosis, and, if performed bilaterally, the sensitivity and specificity increased (81% and 84%). We did not find any correlation between LEPs and entity of skin denervation, but we found good concordance with warm, heat pain thresholds and pinprick perception.



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3. Immunofluorescence characterization of skin nerve misfolded α-synuclein in different synucleinopathies: A confocal study

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): V. Donadio, A. Incensi, O. El-Agnaf, G. Rizzo, N. Vaikath, C. Scaglione, S. Capellari, M. Stanzani Maserati, R. Pantieri, R. Liguori
Intraneural misfolded α-synuclein (syn) characterized different synucleinopathies such as pure autonomic failure (PAF), idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) and dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). The aim of this study is to characterize by immunofluorescence the skin intraneural α-synuclein (syn) deposits in PAF, IPD and DLB to ascertain conformation-specific differences which may justify a different clinical phenotype.We identified a total of 21 skin intraneural abnormal syn deposits in PAF (3 patients), 22 in IPD (8 patients) and 40 in DLB (7 patients). Ten healthy subjects were used controls. Skin biopsy was performed on proximal (C7 paravertebral) and distal (thigh and leg) sites. To characterize abnormal syn deposits we used primary antibodies against native α-synuclein (NAC) and against C-terminal α-synuclein epitopes involved in post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation at serine 129 (pS129) and tyrosine 125 (pY125), nitrate α-synuclein at tyr125-133 (nY125-133) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Furthermore, the mature amyloid α-synuclein fibrils were characterized by using a non-commercial antibody (Syn-F) and ubiquitin deposits were identified by a specific antibody (UBI).Antibody raised against pS129 disclosed abnormal skin nerves syn deposits in all patients and never in the control group. Abnormal pS129 syn deposits were often (80–90% of all analysed deposits) stained by the antibody recognizing a fibril conformation, seldom (around 40%) by native antibodies and very occasionally by antibodies against nY125-133. Furthermore, abnormal syn deposits were not stained by antibodies against pY125, AGEs and UBI. The immunofluorescence characterization of abnormal syn deposits showed similar findings in IPD, PAF and DLB although in these latter abnormal deposits were quantitatively higher than in IPD.Phosphorylation at serine 129 was the most sensitive and specific epitope to identify skin nerves abnormal syn deposits for the in vivo diagnosis of synucleinopathies; (2) skin syn neuritis showed no relevant immunofluorescence differences in PAF, IPD and DLB suggesting a similar conformation among different clinical phenotypes.



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A look inside the nerve – Morphology of nerve fascicles in healthy controls and patients with polyneuropathy

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): Alexander Grimm, Natalie Winter, Tim W. Rattay, Florian Härtig, Nele M. Dammeier, Eva Auffenberg, Marilin Koch, Hubertus Axer
ObjectivePolyneuropathies are increasingly analyzed by ultrasound. Summarizing, diffuse enlargement is typical in Charcot-Marie Tooth type 1 (CMT1a), regional enlargement occurs in inflammatory neuropathies. However, a distinction of subtypes is still challenging. Therefore, this study focused on fascicle size and pattern in controls and distinct neuropathies.MethodsCross-sectional area (CSA) of the median, ulnar and peroneal nerve (MN, UN, PN) was measured at predefined landmarks in 50 healthy controls, 15 CMT1a and 13 MMN patients. Additionally, largest fascicle size and number of visible fascicles was obtained at the mid-upper arm cross-section of the MN and UN and in the popliteal fossa cross-section of the PN.ResultsCut-off normal values for fascicle size in the MN, UN and PN were defined (<4.8mm2, <2.8mm2 and <3.5mm2). In CMT1a CSA and fascicle values are significantly enlarged in all nerves, while in MMN CSA and fascicles are regionally enlarged with predominance in the upper arm nerves. The ratio of enlarged fascicles and all fascicles was significantly increased in CMT1a (>50%) in all nerves (p<0.0001), representing diffuse fascicle enlargement, and moderately increased in MMN (>20%), representing differential fascicle enlargement (enlarged and normal fascicles at the same location) sparing the peroneal nerve (regional fascicle enlargement). Based on these findings distinct fascicle patterns were defined.ConclusionNormal values for fascicle size could be evaluated; while CMT1a features diffuse fascicle enlargement, MMN shows regional and differential predominance with enlarged fascicles as single pathology.SignificancePattern analysis of fascicles might facilitate distinction of several otherwise similar neuropathies.



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5. Vocal cord paralysis in children: A new neurophysiological approach for diagnosis and functional prognosis

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 128, Issue 12
Author(s): P. Lanteri, S. Martelli, F. Bollati, L. Pisciotta, M. Tumulo, R. D'Agostino
To establish the possibility to use the methodology of recording corticobulbar motor evoked potentials (CoMEPs) from cricothyroid muscles (CTHY) and vocal cord elicited by transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), as diagnostic tool for predicting function recovery in children with vocal fold immobility (VFI).We included six children (mean age: 4.7years; range: 2–9years) with diagnosis of cord immobility that underwent video-fibro-endoscopy procedure. Under general anaesthesia, we used TES by stimulation over C3/Cz or C4/Cz to elicit CoMEPs. To record CoMEPs from vocal muscles we used two hook wire electrodes (76 micron diameter) passing through a 27-gauge needle endotracheally placed in the vocal muscles after intubation.Recording of CoMEPs in the vocal muscles after TES was successfully performed bilaterally in 4 patients and monolaterally in two patients. TES over the right or left hemisphere elicited responses bilaterally. The mean onset latency for the vocal muscles was 16.4±3ms. The possibility to record CoMEP from vocal muscle was a positive prognostic feature for clinical improvement.This method shows the ability to evaluate the functional integrity of corticobulbar pathways in a reliable manner and adds an additional tool in the diagnosis and prognosis of VFI.



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Influence of lighting color temperature on effort-related cardiac response

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Ruta Lasauskaite, Christian Cajochen
Higher color temperature refers to a higher proportion of blue spectral components of light, that are known to be associated with higher alertness state in humans. Based on motivational intensity theory (Brehm & Self, 1989), here we predicted that this lighting-induced alertness state should inform about the readiness to perform and this way influence subjective task demand and thus mental effort. To test this, study participants spent 15min under one of four lighting color temperature conditions and then performed a cognitive task. As predicted, effort-related cardiac response, as indexed by a shortened cardiac pre-ejection period, decreased with increasing color temperature of light, as indicated by a significant single planned linear contrast. These results demonstrate that spectral properties of light can influence mental effort mobilization.



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Thyroid evaluation of children and adolescents with Williams syndrome in Zhejiang Province

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


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Relation between circulating oxidized-LDL and metabolic syndrome in children with obesity: the role of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype

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


http://ift.tt/2i5mOyl

Marine-Lenhart syndrome in two adolescents, including one with thyroid cancer: a case series and review of the literature

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


http://ift.tt/2AxB4Xd

High aldosterone and cortisol levels in salt wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a clinical conundrum

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


http://ift.tt/2i6JPRA

Etiologies of short stature in a pediatric endocrine clinic in Southern Thailand

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


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Diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperuricemia, and encephalopathy intractable to regular-dose insulin

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


http://ift.tt/2i6dIkP

Could a combination of heterozygous ABCC8 and KCNJ11 mutations cause congenital hyperinsulinism?

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


http://ift.tt/2AvRdfL

Delayed clinical complete response to intensity-modulated radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 75
Author(s): Wen-Fei Li, Yuan Zhang, Xu Liu, Ling-Long Tang, Li Tian, Rui Guo, Li-Zhi Liu, Ying Sun, Jun Ma
ObjectiveTwelve weeks after radiotherapy is the recommended time-point for assessing tumor response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC); however, regression after 12 weeks remains unclear. We explored NPC regression and the prognosis of patients with delayed clinical complete response (cCR).Materials and methodsMRI images of 556 NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) between 2009 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical tumor response was assessed at 3–4 (assessment 1) and 6–9 months (assessment 2) after IMRT, and survival rates were compared.ResultsOf the 556 patients, 463 (83.3%) had cCR at assessment 1 (early cCR). Of the 93 patients with partial response at assessment 1, 45 (48.4%) achieved cCR at assessment 2 (delayed cCR), and 48 did not have cCR at assessment 2 (non-cCR). Locoregional failure rate was lower in patients with a cCR than those without a cCR at assessment 1 (7.1% vs. 26.9%, P < .001) and assessment 2 (7.1% vs. 45.8%, P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed cCR was a favorable prognostic factor for locoregional failure-free survival (LRFFS), failure-free survival (FFS), and overall survival (OS). Early and delayed cCR groups had better 5-year LRFFS (92.6% vs. 93.3% vs. 54.2%), FFS (83.8% vs. 84.4% vs. 48.5%) and OS (92.1% vs. 90.6% vs. 65.4%) than the non-cCR group (all P < .001).ConclusionsNearly half of the patients with partial response at 3–4 months achieve cCR by 6–9 months; delayed cCR is not a poor prognosticator. We suggest later assessment of cCR at 6–9 months after IMRT is acceptable in responding NPC.



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Unplanned readmission following transoral robotic surgery

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 75
Author(s): Michael C. Topf, Amanda Vo, Patrick Tassone, Christopher Shumrick, Adam Luginbuhl, David M. Cognetti, Joseph M. Curry
ObjectivesTo determine the rate of unplanned readmission after transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and to determine which patient or surgical factors increase the likelihood of readmission.Materials and methodsRetrospective chart review of all patients who underwent TORS for squamous cell carcinoma at our institution from March 2010 through July 2016. Primary outcome was unplanned readmission to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors for unplanned readmission.Results297 patients met eligibility criteria. 23 patients (7.7%) had unplanned readmissions within 30 days. Most common reasons for readmission were oropharyngeal bleed (n = 13) and pain/dehydration (n = 10). Average time to unplanned readmission was 6.52 days (range 0–25 days). Discharge on clopidogrel was the only variable independently associated with an increased risk of 30-day unplanned readmission on multivariable analysis with an OR = 6.85 (95% CI 1.59–26.36). Unplanned return to the operating room during initial hospitalization (OR = 7.55, 95% CI 1.26–38.50) and discharge on clopidogrel (OR = 10.45, 95% CI 1.06–82.69) were associated with increased risk of postoperative bleeding. Bilateral neck dissection (OR = 5.17, 95% CI 1.15–23.08) was associated with significantly increased odds of unplanned readmission secondary to pain and dehydration.ConclusionUnplanned readmission following TORS occurs in a small but significant number of patients. Oropharyngeal bleeding and dehydration were the most common reasons for unplanned readmission following TORS.



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Utilization of a pre-bent plate-positioning surgical guide system in precise mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap

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Publication date: December 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 75
Author(s): Tingwei Bao, Jianfeng He, Changyang Yu, Wenquan Zhao, Yi Lin, Huiming Wang, Jianhua Liu, Huiyong Zhu
ObjectivesWe evaluated the effects of three-dimensional virtual planning and the use of a plate-embedded surgical guide in mandibular reconstruction with microvascular fibula flaps.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 35 patients who underwent primary mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap. They were divided into three groups according to the therapy they received. In group A, 12 patients underwent reconstruction using the modified surgical guide system, including virtual surgeries, pre-bent titanium plates, screw-predesignated cutting guides for mandibular and fibular osteotomies, and plate-embedded shaping guides. In group B, 14 patients underwent reconstruction using the common surgical guide system, including virtual surgeries, cutting guides and pre-bent plates. In group C, 9 patients underwent reconstruction based on the surgeon's experience. All cases were reviewed for the total operative time, ischemia time of the fibula flaps, accuracy of surgery, and postoperative complications.ResultsAll of the fibula flaps survived. In group A, the ischemia time was shorter than that of groups B and C (P < .05). The average gonion and condyle shift was lower in group A than in groups B and C (P < .01).ConclusionsApplication of the screw-predesignated and plate-embedded surgical guide system can reduce the ischemia time and operation time in mandibular reconstruction with a fibula flap, and can increase reconstruction accuracy. This method is a precise and highly reliable technique for improving the clinical outcome of mandibular reconstruction.



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Clinicopathological Profile of Cervical Tubercular Lymphadenitis with Special Reference to Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major killer with a majority of 80–100 per lakh and 2–3% of patients attending our hospital are suffering from tuberculosis. Glandular TB appears to be high in our society. Fifty cases of cervical lymph nodes were collected in ENT department and studied. The diagnosis of TB cervical lymph nodes by disease process is only on 'Histopathological ground'.The aim of the present study is to establish the claim of TB cervical lymph node as a disease process.



http://ift.tt/2mjnO6C

Clinicopathological Profile of Cervical Tubercular Lymphadenitis with Special Reference to Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major killer with a majority of 80–100 per lakh and 2–3% of patients attending our hospital are suffering from tuberculosis. Glandular TB appears to be high in our society. Fifty cases of cervical lymph nodes were collected in ENT department and studied. The diagnosis of TB cervical lymph nodes by disease process is only on 'Histopathological ground'.The aim of the present study is to establish the claim of TB cervical lymph node as a disease process.



http://ift.tt/2mjnO6C

Clinicopathological Profile of Cervical Tubercular Lymphadenitis with Special Reference to Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major killer with a majority of 80–100 per lakh and 2–3% of patients attending our hospital are suffering from tuberculosis. Glandular TB appears to be high in our society. Fifty cases of cervical lymph nodes were collected in ENT department and studied. The diagnosis of TB cervical lymph nodes by disease process is only on 'Histopathological ground'.The aim of the present study is to establish the claim of TB cervical lymph node as a disease process.



http://ift.tt/2mjnO6C

Clinicopathological Profile of Cervical Tubercular Lymphadenitis with Special Reference to Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major killer with a majority of 80–100 per lakh and 2–3% of patients attending our hospital are suffering from tuberculosis. Glandular TB appears to be high in our society. Fifty cases of cervical lymph nodes were collected in ENT department and studied. The diagnosis of TB cervical lymph nodes by disease process is only on 'Histopathological ground'.The aim of the present study is to establish the claim of TB cervical lymph node as a disease process.



http://ift.tt/2mjnO6C

Dynamic transcriptional control of macrophage miRNA signature via inflammation responsive enhancers revealed using a combination of next generation sequencing-based approaches

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
Author(s): Zsolt Czimmerer, Attila Horvath, Bence Daniel, Gergely Nagy, Ixchelt Cuaranta-Monroy, Mate Kiss, Zsuzsanna Kolostyak, Szilard Poliska, Laszlo Steiner, Nikolas Giannakis, Tamas Varga, Laszlo Nagy
MicroRNAs are important components of the post-transcriptional fine-tuning of macrophage gene expression in physiological and pathological conditions. However, the mechanistic underpinnings and the cis-acting genomic factors of how macrophage polarizing signals induce miRNA expression changes are not well characterized. Therefore, we systematically evaluated the transcriptional basis underlying the inflammation-mediated regulation of macrophage microRNome using the combination of different next generation sequencing datasets. We investigated the LPS-induced expression changes at mature miRNA and pri-miRNA levels in mouse macrophages utilizing a small RNA-seq method and publicly available GRO-seq dataset, respectively. Next, we identified an enhancer set associated with LPS-responsive pri-miRNAs based on publicly available H3K4 mono-methylation-specific ChIP-seq and GRO-seq datasets. This enhancer set was further characterized by the combination of publicly available ChIP and ATAC-seq datasets. Finally, direct interactions between the miR-155-coding genomic region and its distal regulatory elements were identified using a 3C–seq approach. Our analysis revealed 15 robustly LPS-regulated miRNAs at the transcriptional level. In addition, we found that these miRNA genes are associated with an inflammation-responsive enhancer network. Based on NFκB-p65 and JunB transcription factor binding, we showed two distinct enhancer subsets associated with LPS-activated miRNAs that possess distinct epigenetic characteristics and LPS-responsiveness. Finally, our 3C–seq analysis revealed the LPS-induced extensive reorganization of the pri-miR-155-associated functional chromatin domain as well as chromatin loop formation between LPS-responsive enhancers and the promoter region. Our genomic approach successfully combines various genome-wide datasets and allows the identification of the putative regulatory elements controlling miRNA expression in classically activated macrophages.



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Rpb5 modulates the RNA polymerase II transition from initiation to elongation by influencing Spt5 association and backtracking

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
Author(s): Verónica Martínez-Fernández, Ana Isabel Garrido-Godino, María Carmen Mirón-García, Victoria Begley, Antonio Fernández-Pévida, Jesús de la Cruz, Sebastián Chávez, Francisco Navarro
Rpb5 is a subunit shared by the three eukaryotic RNA polymerases although its role in transcription remains unclear. It has been proposed that it makes contact with the promoter DNA and to participate in the co-ordination of the opening/closing of the RNA polymerase II DNA cleft. Here, we report the specific role of Rpb5 in the function of the yeast RNA polymerase II. The rpb5-P151T mutation specifically impairs transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II but does not influence the functions of RNA polymerases I or III. The comparison of RNA polymerase II ChIP and run-on signals indicates a higher tendency to backtrack by this mutant, in agreement with its lower elongation rate and its genetic interactions with dst1Δ mutant. This phenotype is particularly striking shortly after transcription initiation and is linked to differences in the phosphorylation state of the RNA polymerase II and reduced recruitment of Spt5 to transcribe chromatin, thus influencing its anti-backtracking activity. All together, our results reveal an important role of Rpb5 in the transition from initiation to elongation mediated by the RNA polymerase II, by modulating the Spt5 association, and the backtracking activity of the enzyme.



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Title Page/Sections Editors

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms, Volume 1860, Issue 12





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Spontaneous eye blink rate: An index of dopaminergic component of sustained attention and fatigue

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Antonio Maffei, Alessandro Angrilli
Blink rate is a behavioral index highly correlated with frontostriatal dopaminergic activity. The present research was aimed at studying the modulation of spontaneous blink rate in function of the increasing attentional load induced by the Mackworth Clock Test. Since blinking interferes with sensory processing, we expected a decreasing blink rate with increasing attentional demand. Three tasks of 7-min each and different difficulties were administered: the Mackworth had a red dot moving in a circle with intervals varying from 500ms, 350ms to 200ms, corresponding to increasing task difficulty. Participant had to detect the rare jumps of one position by the red dot (targets). The blink rate was recorded from thirty-three female students starting from vertical oculogram recording of the right eye. The time course of blink rate across the 7-min task was also analyzed to test the hypothesis that fatigue arises also during brief tasks depending on the difficulty level. Results showed that the Hard task (200ms dot intervals) was associated with greater percentage of missed targets, faster response times and smaller blink rates with respect to the Medium and Easy ones. Analysis of the time course within the task revealed an increase of blink rate, indexing larger fatigue, starting in the 4th minute, independent from the difficulty level. In addition, trial-by-trial analysis showed that under strong attentional demand dopamine-related blink activity was inhibited throughout the whole task. Results point to the use of blink rate as an ecological index of dopaminergic component of attentional load and fatigue and revealed how human attentiondrops after relatively brief intervals of about 4min.



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Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 quality of life patterns in patients presenting with nasal septal perforation

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the impact of nasal septal perforation on quality of life.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Rhinology clinics from two hospitals in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Participants

Patients diagnosed with nasal septal perforation (NSP).

Main outcome measures

Patients (n=26) diagnosed with NSP completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22). The collated data was compared with SNOT-22 scores from a cohort of healthy volunteers (n=34) and a cohort of patients (n=30) diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Results

The mean total SNOT-22 score of NSP and CRS cohorts were higher than that observed in healthy volunteers. The mean total SNOT-22 score in the CRS cohort (57.2, standard deviation SD 10.3) was the higher than NSP (50.2, SD 23.5), although this difference did not achieve statistical significance. The mean score for the rhinologic-specific domains (rhinologic symptoms, extra-nasal rhinologic symptoms), ear/facial symptoms and psychological dysfunction domain were higher in the CRS cohort compared to NSP, although statistical significance was only observed in the extranasal rhinologic symptoms domain (11.2, SD 2.4 vs. 6.4, SD 4.1). Conversely, the mean sleep dysfunction domain score for NSP (12.7, SD 7.5) was higher than CRS (10.0, SD 4.9 respectively) although this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The present study has assessed the clinimetric and psychometric properties of patients suffering with symptomatic NSP. Future reports should consider inclusion of SNOT-22 data but with the addition of perforation-specific symptoms (nasal crusting, epistaxis, whistling noise).

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.



http://ift.tt/2iMN93u

Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 quality of life patterns in patients presenting with nasal septal perforation

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the impact of nasal septal perforation on quality of life.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Rhinology clinics from two hospitals in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Participants

Patients diagnosed with nasal septal perforation (NSP).

Main outcome measures

Patients (n=26) diagnosed with NSP completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22). The collated data was compared with SNOT-22 scores from a cohort of healthy volunteers (n=34) and a cohort of patients (n=30) diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Results

The mean total SNOT-22 score of NSP and CRS cohorts were higher than that observed in healthy volunteers. The mean total SNOT-22 score in the CRS cohort (57.2, standard deviation SD 10.3) was the higher than NSP (50.2, SD 23.5), although this difference did not achieve statistical significance. The mean score for the rhinologic-specific domains (rhinologic symptoms, extra-nasal rhinologic symptoms), ear/facial symptoms and psychological dysfunction domain were higher in the CRS cohort compared to NSP, although statistical significance was only observed in the extranasal rhinologic symptoms domain (11.2, SD 2.4 vs. 6.4, SD 4.1). Conversely, the mean sleep dysfunction domain score for NSP (12.7, SD 7.5) was higher than CRS (10.0, SD 4.9 respectively) although this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The present study has assessed the clinimetric and psychometric properties of patients suffering with symptomatic NSP. Future reports should consider inclusion of SNOT-22 data but with the addition of perforation-specific symptoms (nasal crusting, epistaxis, whistling noise).

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.



http://ift.tt/2iMN93u

Short body length phenotype is compensated by the upregulation of nidogen family members in a deleterious nid1a mutation of zebrafish

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Peipei Zhu, Zhipeng Ma, Liwei Guo, Wei Zhang, Qinghe Zhang, Ting Zhao, Kunpeng Jiang, Jinrong Peng, Jun Chen




http://ift.tt/2yswGIs

Ataxin-10 is involved in Golgi membrane dynamics

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Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Jie Tian, Yingxin Shi, Shanshan Nai, Qizhi Geng, Leiliang Zhang, Gonghong Wei, Xingzhi Xu, Jing Li




http://ift.tt/2AACscq

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