Wish your sweetheart a Happy Valentine's Day with this composition of Serratia marcescens on LB plates. The strain produces a brick-red pigment called prodigiosin and the different shades were produced by a combination of pigment mutants and incubation temperatures.
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External ventricular drainage (EVD) is frequently used in different groups of patients in neurocritical care. Despite the frequent use of EVD, no consensus regarding the diagnosis of EVD-related infection currently exists, and diagnosis is commonly based on criteria for the diagnosis of non-EVD-related CNS infections. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of clinical and laboratory parameters for the prediction of EVD-related infection in patients with proven EVD-related infection.
In two tertiary care centers, data on EVD insertions were matched with a microbiologic database of cultured microorganisms and positive Gram stains of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to identify patients with EVD-related infections. Available clinical data and results of blood tests and CSF analysis were retrospectively collected. Predefined potential clinical and laboratory predictors of EVD-related infection were compared between three time points: at the time EVD insertion and 48 h before and at the time of occurrence of EVD-related infection.
Thirty-nine patients with EVD-associated infection defined by positive CSF culture or positive CSF Gram stains and concomitant clinical signs of infection were identified. At the time of infection, a significantly higher incidence of abnormal temperature, high respiratory rate, and a slightly but significantly higher incidence of decreased mental state were observed. The assessed blood and CSF parameters did not significantly differ between the different assessment time points.
Our analysis of 39 patients with culture positive EVD-related infection showed that commonly used clinical and laboratory parameters are not reliable infection predictors.
It is generally believed that radiological signs of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) are associated with increased pain and functional impairment as well as lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Our aim was to assess the association of the Modic and Pfirrmann grading scales with established outcome questionnaires and the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test.
In a prospective two-center study with patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery, visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Roland-Morris Disability Index, Oswestry Disability Index and HRQoL, as determined by the Short-Form (SF)-12 and the Euro-Qol, were recorded. Functional mobility was measured with the TUG test. Modic type (MOD) and Pfirrmann grade (PFI) of the affected lumbar segment were assessed with preoperative imaging. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect size of the relationship between clinical and radiological findings.
Two hundred eighty-four patients (mean age 58.5, 119 (42 %) females) were enrolled. None of the radiological grading scales were significantly associated with any of the subjective or objective clinical tests. There was a tendency for higher VAS back pain (3.48 vs. 4.14, p = 0.096) and lower SF-12 physical component scale (31.2 vs. 29.4, p = 0.065) in patients with high PFI (4–5) as compared to patients with low PFI (0–3). In the multivariate analysis, patients with MOD changes of the vertebral endplates were 100 % as likely as patients without changes to show an impaired TUG test performance (odds ratio (OR) 1.00, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.56–1.80, p = 0.982). Patients with high PFI were 145 % as likely as those with low PFI to show an impaired TUG test performance (OR 1.45, 95 % CI 0.79–2.66, p = 0.230).
There was no association between established outcome questionnaires of symptom severity and two widely used radiological classifications in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar DDD.
The aim of this work is to evaluate the outcome of patients treated with intrathecal colistin for meningitis/ventriculitis.
This retrospective case series study included patients presenting with nosocomial meningitis/ventriculitis following neurosurgical interventions and having intravenous (IVC group) or intravenous and intrathecal/intraventricular colistin (ITC group) treatment between 2006 and 2014.
Thirty-four patients presented nosocomial meningitis/ventriculitis; 11 (32.5 %) were included in the IVC group and 23 (67.6 %) in the ITC group. The most frequent isolated bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii. The mean dose was 170,000 (±400) IU and the duration of intraventricular treatment was 16.0 (±8.3) days. The duration of intravenous treatment was 16.0 (±8.3) days in the ITC group and 15.3 ± 7.6 days in IVC group. Hospital mortality was significantly lower in the ITC group compared with the IVC group (13 vs. 72.7 %, p = 0.001).
The combination of intravenous plus intraventricular (IV-IVT) colistin therapy may improve outcomes in patients attending with meningitis/ventriculitis due to multi-drug resistance infections.
Both adult and pediatric patients with sickle cell disease face a higher risk of stroke than the general population. Given the different underlying pathophysiology predisposing these patients to stroke, providers should be aware of differences in guidelines for stroke management. This paper reviews diagnostic considerations and recommendations during the evaluation and acute management of patients with sickle cell disease presenting with stroke, focusing on recent updates in the literature. Given the high recurrence rate of stroke in these patients, secondary prevention and curative measures will also be reviewed.
Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): Antonino Naro, Antonino Leo, Margherita Russo, Antonino Cannavò, Demetrio Milardi, Placido Bramanti, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
Backgroundcerebellum-brain functional connectivity can be shaped through different non-invasive neurostimulation approaches. In this study, we propose a novel approach to perturb the cerebellum-brain functional connectivity by means of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).Methodstwenty-five healthy individuals underwent a cerebellar tACS protocol employing different frequencies (10, 50, and 300Hz) and a sham-tACS over the right cerebellar hemisphere. We measured their after-effects on the motor evoked potential -MEP- amplitude, the cerebellum-brain inhibition (CBI), the long-latency intracortical inhibition (LICI), from the primary motor cortex of both the hemispheres. In addition, we assessed the functional adaptation to a right hand sequential tapping motor task.Resultsnone of the participants had any side-effect. Following 50Hz-tACS, we observed a clear contralateral CBI weakening, paralleled by a MEP increase with a better adaptation to frequency variations during the sequential tapping. The 300Hz-tACS induced a contralateral CBI strengthening, without significant MEP and kinematic after-effects. The 10Hz-tACS conditioning was instead ineffective.Conclusionswe may argue that tACS protocols could have interfered with the activity of CBI- sustaining Purkinje cell, affecting motor adaptation. Our safe approach seems promising in studying the cerebellum-brain functional connectivity, with possible implications in neurorehabilitative settings.
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Superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass remains an essential tool for managing complex cerebrovascular conditions. A crucial surgical step is the identification and safe dissection of the bypass donor artery. If the frontal branch of the STA is used, a curvilinear fronto-temporal scalp flap generally allows for a clean dissection from the underside of the scalp flap. This dissection is sometimes tedious, since the frontal branch is not always easily visible and due to variability of its anatomy. With this article, we report on the feasibility and effectiveness of a simple indocyanine green videoangiography (ICG-VA)-assisted technique for the identification of the STA branches from the underside of a fronto-temporal scalp flap in bypass surgery.
The technique is based on the analysis of the difference in timing of filling of scalp vessels illuminated via ICG-VA from the underside of a scalp flap. Three illustrative cases are reported.
ICG-VA permitted the correct identification and safe dissection of the donor vessels (STA branches) in all three patients. There were no complications due to the ICG-VA.
This technique allows reliable visualization of the STA and its branches at once before microsurgical dissection. The information provided by ICG-VA enables precise mapping and preparation of the STA. The simplicity and safety of this technique make it an effective tool for intraoperative identification of the STA and its branches.
Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): Marina Picillo, Andres M. Lozano, Nancy Kou, Renato Puppi Munhoz, Alfonso Fasano
BackgroundDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for Essential Tremor (ET) and dystonia. After surgery, a number of extensive programming sessions are performed mainly relying on neurologist's personal experience as no programming guidelines have been provided so far, with the exception of recommendations provided by groups of experts. Finally, fewer information is available for the management of DBS in ET and dystonia compared with Parkinson's disease.Objective/HypothesisOur aim is to review the literature on initial and follow-up DBS programming procedures for ET and dystonia and integrate the results with our current practice at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) to develop standardized DBS programming protocols.MethodsWe conducted a literature search of Pubmed from inception to July 2014 with the keywords "balance", "bradykinesia", "deep brain stimulation", "dysarthria", "dystonia", "gait disturbances", "initial programming", "loss of benefit", "micrographia", "speech", "speech difficulties" and "tremor". Seventy-six papers were considered for this review.ResultsBased on the literature review and our experience at TWH, we refined three algorithms for management of ET including (1)initial programming, (2)management of balance and speech issues and (3)loss of stimulation benefit. We also depicted algorithms for the management of dystonia including (1)initial programming and (2)management of stimulation-induced hypokinesia (shuffling gait, micrographia and speech impairment).ConclusionsWe propose five algorithms tailored to an individualized approach to managing ET and dystonia patients with DBS. We encourage the application of these algorithms to supplement current standards of care in established as well as new DBS centres to test the clinical usefulness of these algorithms in supplementing the current standards of care.
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Prevalent endoscopic spine surgeries have shown limitations especially in spinal stenosis (Ahn in Neurosurgery 75(2):124–133, 2014). Biportal endoscopic surgery is introduced to manage central and foraminal stenosis with its wide range of access angle and clear view.
The authors provide an introduction of this technique followed by a description of the surgical anatomy with discussion on its indications and advantages. In particular, tricks to avoid complications are also presented.
Effective circumferential and focal decompression were achieved in most cases without damage to the spinal structural integrity with preservation of muscular and ligamentous attachments. The biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS) may be safely used as an alternative minimally invasive procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis (Figs. 1 and 2).
We describe a case of rachipagus parasitic twin with spinal cord malformations (lipomyelomeningocele and tethered cord) in a 7-month-old Ethiopian infant. The parasitic mass had a well-formed foot, ankle and lower leg and a small sinus that resembled an anus. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed spinal malformations including a distal syringohydromyelia. The mass was successfully resected and the dural attachment was closed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperatively, the child had unchanged, intact neurological function in both lower limbs. Almost all rachipagus parasitic twins are associated with spinal malformations. They should, therefore, be operated on by surgeons experienced in myelomeningocele surgery.
Nonshaved neurosurgery, cranial or spinal, is well reported among Caucasians but hardly among native Africans. The ungroomed scalp hairs of black Africans have unique anthropological characteristics needing special attention for shaveless cranial surgery. A technical report of the execution of this surgical procedure among an indigenous patient population in a sub-Sahara African country is presented, as well as an outcome analysis in a prospective cohort over a 7-year period. A total of 303 patients (211 males, 70 %) fulfilled the criteria for this study. The surgical procedure was primary in 278 (92 %) and redo in 8 %. It was emergency surgery in 153 (51 %). They were trauma craniotomies or decompressive craniectomies in 95 cases (31 %), craniotomies for tumour resections in 86 (28 %), and the surgical dissections for other conditions in 122 (41 %). The duration of surgery ranged from 30 min to 8.5 h, mean 2.5 (SD, 1.6), median 2. In-hospital clinical outcome was good (normal status or moderate deficit on dichotomized Glasgow outcome scale (GOS)) in 273 (90.1 %) cases while surgical site infections occurred in only 10 cases (3.3 %). The type of surgery, redo or primary, did not have any significant association with the in-hospital outcome (p = 0.5), nor with the presence of surgical site infection (SSI) (p = 0.7). The length of follow-up ranged from 2 to 63 months (mean, 7) with no untoward complications reported so far. Medium-term outcome of nonshaved neurosurgery in this indigenous black Africans remains favourable with no attendant significant adverse after-effects.
Hypothesis. This study examines moderators and mediators of a yoga intervention targeting quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes in women with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy.Methods. Women undergoing 6 weeks of radiotherapy were randomized to a yoga (YG; n = 53) or stretching (ST; n = 56) intervention or a waitlist control group (WL; n = 54). Depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances were measured at baseline. Mediator (posttraumatic stress symptoms, benefit finding, and cortisol slope) and outcome (36-item Short Form [SF]-36 mental and physical component scales [MCS and PCS]) variables were assessed at baseline, end-of-treatment, and 1-, 3-, and 6-months posttreatment. Results. Baseline depressive symptoms (P = .03) and sleep disturbances (P < .01) moderated the Group x Time effect on MCS, but not PCS. Women with high baseline depressive symptoms in YG reported marginally higher 3-month MCS than their counterparts in WL (P = .11). Women with high baseline sleep disturbances in YG reported higher 3-months MCS than their counterparts in WL (P < .01) and higher 6-month MCS than their counterparts in ST (P = .01). YG led to greater benefit finding than ST and WL across the follow-up (P = .01). Three-month benefit finding partially mediated the effect of YG on 6-month PCS. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and cortisol slope did not mediate treatment effect on QOL. Conclusion. Yoga may provide the greatest mental-health–related QOL benefits for those experiencing pre-radiotherapy sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms. Yoga may improve physical-health–related QOL by increasing ability to find benefit in the cancer experience.
Directed capillary ingrowth has long been considered synonymous with tumor vascularization. However, the vasculature of primary tumors and metastases is not necessarily formed by endothelial cell sprouting; instead, malignant tumors can acquire blood vessels via alternative vascularization mechanisms, such as intussusceptive microvascular growth, vessel co-option, and glomeruloid angiogenesis. Importantly, in response to anti-angiogenic therapies, malignant tumors can switch from one vascularization mechanism to another. In this article, we briefly review the biological features of these mechanisms and discuss on their significance in medical oncology.
Angiogenesis is not essential for tumours to develop and expand, as cancer can also grow in a non-angiogenic fashion, but why this type of growth occurs is unknown. Surprisingly, our data from mRNA transcription profiling did not show any differences in the classical angiogenic pathways, but differences were observed in mitochondrial metabolic pathways, suggesting a key role for metabolic reprogramming. We then validated these results with mRNA profiling by investigating differential protein expression via immunohistochemistry in angiogenic and non-angiogenic non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs).
Immunohistochemical staining for 35 angiogenesis- and hypoxia-related biomarkers were performed on a collection of 194 angiogenic and 73 non-angiogenic NSCLCs arranged on tissue microarrays. Sequencing of P53 was performed with frozen tissue samples of NSCLC.
The non-angiogenic tumours were distinguished from the angiogenic ones by having higher levels of proteins associated with ephrin pathways, mitochondria, cell biogenesis, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) regulation by oxygen and transcription of HIF-controlled genes but lower levels of proteins involved in the stroma, cell–cell signaling and adhesion, integrins, and Delta-Notch and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-related signaling. However, proteins classically associated with angiogenesis were present in both types of tumours at very comparable levels. Cytoplasmic expression of P53 was strongly associated with non-angiogenic tumours. A pilot investigation showed that P53 mutations were observed in 32.0% of angiogenic cases but in 71.4% of non-angiogenic tumours.
Our observations thus far indicate that both angiogenic and non-angiogenic tumours experience hypoxia/HIF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway protein expression in a comparable fashion. However, angiogenesis does not ensue in the non-angiogenic tumours. Surprisingly, metabolic reprogramming seems to distinguish these two types of neoplastic growth. On the basis of these results, we raise the hypothesis that in some, but not in all cases, initial tissue remodeling and/or inflammation could be one of the secondary steps necessary to trigger angiogenesis. In the non-angiogenic tumours, in which neovascularisation fails to occur, HIF pathway activation could be the driving force toward metabolic reprogramming.
Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Laura Jean Fil, Robert Hoffman
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Edward J. Otten
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Was the gravitational-wave experiment worth its $1.1 billion cost if it merely confirms that Einstein was right?
Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Alessandro Riccardi, Cristina Siniscalchi, Roberto Lerza
BackgroundOcular emergencies account for 2–3% of all emergency department (ED) visits. Sonographic evaluation of the eye offers a very useful diagnostic tool in the ED. In the ED setting, ocular ultrasound could identify a retinal detachment, or a massive vitreous hemorrhage, and the training for emergency medicine practitioners is quite easy.Case ReportAn 84-year-old woman presented to our ED with a painless acute vision loss in her right eye. Immediate bedside emergency ocular ultrasound was performed, and it showed a retrobulbar hyperechoic material, suggestive of an embolus within the central retinal artery. Fluorescein angiography showed limited and sluggish filling of the retinal arteries after injection of fluorescein, and optical coherence tomography demonstrated a decrease in the reflectivity and thickness of the inner retinal layers. The final diagnosis was embolic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Among the causes of acute loss of vision, CRAO is associated with systemic vascular disease. The importance of visible retinal emboli has been well documented due to its association with increase in mortality. A rapid evaluation of the central retinal artery could be a simple tool to identify an embolus, and this could lead to a rapid treatment. The evaluation of central retinal artery is a less defined setting in emergency physician bedside ultrasound, but the identification of CRAO could lead to a rapid acceleration in diagnosis and treatment of a potentially life-threatening disease.
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by Che-Ming Lin, Ying-Chi Tseng, Hui-Ling Hsu, Chi-Jen Chen, David Yen-Ting Chen, Feng-Xian Yan, Wen-Ta Chiu
Background
This study uses a MRI technique, three-dimension pulse continuous arterial spin labeling (3D-PCASL), to measure the patient's cerebral blood flow (CBF) at the subacute stage of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in order to analyze the relationship between cerebral blood flow and neurocognitive deficits.
Objective
To provide the relationship between cortical CBF and neuropsychological dysfunction for the subacute MTBI patients.
Methods
After MTBI, perfusion MR imaging technique (3D-PCASL) measures the CBF of MTBI patients (n = 23) within 1 month and that of normal controls (n = 22) to determine the quantity and location of perfusion defect. The correlation between CBF abnormalities and cognitive deficits was elucidated by combining the results of the neuropsychological tests of the patients.
Result
We observed a substantial reduction in CBF in the bilateral frontal and left occipital cortex as compared with the normal persons. In addition, there were correlation between post concussive symptoms (including dizziness and simulator sickness) and CBF in the hypoperfused areas. The more severe symptom was correlated with higher CBF in bilateral frontal and left occipital lobes.
Conclusion
First, this study determined that despite no significant abnormality detected on conventional CT and MRI studies, hypoperfusion was observed in MTBI group using 3D-PCASL technique in subacute stage, which suggested that this approach may increase sensitivity to MTBI. Second, the correlation between CBF and the severity of post concussive symptoms suggested that changes in cerebral hemodynamics may play a role in pathophysiology underlies the symptoms.
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by Fenne Margreeth Smits, Camillo Porcaro, Carlo Cottone, Andrea Cancelli, Paolo Maria Rossini, Franca Tecchio
Brain activity is complex; a reflection of its structural and functional organization. Among other measures of complexity, the fractal dimension is emerging as being sensitive to neuronal damage secondary to neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here, we calculated Higuchi's fractal dimension (HFD) in resting-state eyes-closed electroencephalography (EEG) recordings from 41 healthy controls (age: 20–89 years) and 67 Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients (age: 50–88 years), to investigate whether HFD is sensitive to brain activity changes typical in healthy aging and in AD. Additionally, we considered whether AD-accelerating effects of the copper fraction not bound to ceruloplasmin (also called "free" copper) are reflected in HFD fluctuations. The HFD measure showed an inverted U-shaped relationship with age in healthy people (R2 = .575, p p = .006). AD patients demonstrated reduced HFD compared to age- and education-matched healthy controls, especially in temporal-occipital regions. This was associated with decreasing cognitive status as assessed by mini-mental state examination, and with higher levels of non-ceruloplasmin copper. Taken together, our findings show that resting-state EEG complexity increases from youth to maturity and declines in healthy, aging individuals. In AD, brain activity complexity is further reduced in correlation with cognitive impairment. In addition, elevated levels of non-ceruloplasmin copper appear to accelerate the reduction of neural activity complexity. Overall, HDF appears to be a proper indicator for monitoring EEG-derived brain activity complexity in healthy and pathological aging.
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 Visalia Times-Delta | Preventing cancer in your pets Visalia Times-Delta Lymphosarcoma, a highly malignant cancer of the lymph system and the most common type of cancer in cats, can be caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV is a transmittable retrovirus that can be passed in utero as well as through saliva and … |
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Conclusion Prognosis may be significantly improved in cStage II/III ESCC patients who underwent DCF NAC than those with CF NAC. (Source: General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery)
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Emily Rose, Madhu Hardasmalani
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Christian T. Herbst, Jakob Unger, Hanspeter Herzel, Jan G. Švec, Jörg Lohscheller
IntroductionIn a recent publication, the phasegram, a bifurcation diagram over time, has been introduced as an intuitive visualization tool for assessing the vibratory states of oscillating systems. Here, this nonlinear dynamics approach is augmented with quantitative analysis parameters, and it is applied to clinical laryngeal high-speed video (HSV) endoscopic recordings of healthy and pathological phonations.MethodsHSV data from a total of 73 females diagnosed as healthy (n = 42), or with functional dysphonia (n = 15) or with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (n = 16), were quantitatively analyzed. Glottal area waveforms (GAW) and left and right hemi-GAWs (hGAW) were extracted from the HSV recordings. Based on Poincaré sections through phase space-embedded signals, two novel quantitative parameters were computed: the phasegram entropy (PE) and the phasegram complexity estimate (PCE), inspired by signal entropy and correlation dimension computation, respectively.ResultsBoth PE and PCE assumed higher average values (suggesting more irregular vibrations) for the pathological as compared with the healthy participants, thus significantly discriminating healthy group from the paralysis group (P = 0.02 for both PE and PCE). Comparisons of individual PE or PCE data for the left and the right hGAW within each subject resulted in asymmetry measures for the regularity of vocal fold vibration. The PCE-based asymmetry measure revealed significant differences between the healthy group and the paralysis group (P = 0.03).ConclusionsQuantitative phasegram analysis of GAW and hGAW data is a promising tool for the automated processing of HSV data in research and in clinical practice.
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Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been used clinically since 1988 for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI). Generally, GBCAs are considered to have an excellent safety profile. However, GBCA administration has been associated with increased occurrence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with severely compromised renal function, and several studies have shown evidence of gadolinium deposition in specific brain structures, the globus pallidus and dentate nucleus, in patients with normal renal function.
Gadolinium deposition in the brain following repeated CE-MRI scans has been demonstrated in patients using T1-weighted unenhanced MRI and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Additionally, rodent studies with controlled GBCA administration also resulted in neural gadolinium deposits.
Repeated GBCA use is associated with gadolinium deposition in the brain. This is especially true with the use of less-stable, linear GBCAs. In spite of increasing evidence of gadolinium deposits in the brains of patients after multiple GBCA administrations, the clinical significance of these deposits continues to be unclear.
Here, we discuss the current state of scientific evidence surrounding gadolinium deposition in the brain following GBCA use, and the potential clinical significance of gadolinium deposition. There is considerable need for further research, both to understand the mechanism by which gadolinium deposition in the brain occurs and how it affects the patients in which it occurs.
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Text-to-9-1-1 capability required by law and readily available to rectify the life-threatening barrier. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)
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Tawny Holmes, NAD Education Policy Counsel, gives an update! She discusses the Education Advocates program, various policy work, and the Education Strategy Team (EST). Further information can be found: http://ift.tt/20reCok. Video description and transcript is available here. If you're reading this from your mobile, view the video here. (Source: National Association of the Deaf)
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Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBr) is a major cause of morbidity due to frequent infectious exacerbations. We analyzed the influence of patient age and bronchiectasis location on the bacterial profile of patients with NCFBr. This retrospective cohort study included 339 subjects diagnosed with an infectious exacerbation of NCFBr during the 9-year period between January 2006 and December 2014. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures and high-resolution computed tomography scans (HRCT) were utilized to characterize the location of the bronchiectasis and bacteriologic pathogenic profile. In univariate logistic regression, the frequency of Haemophilus influenzae was higher in patients aged ≤64 years (OR = 0.969, p < 0.0001, 95 % CI 0.954–0.983), whereas the frequency of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR = 1.027, p = 0.008, 95 % CI 1.007–1.048) and Enterobacteriaceae (OR = 1.039, p = 0.01, 95 % CI 1.009–1.069) were significantly higher in patients aged >64 years. The lobar distribution of bronchiectasis in the subjects was 25.9 % in the right middle lobe (RML), 20.7 % in the right lower lobe (RLL), 20.4 % in the left lower lobe (LLL), 13.8 % in the lingula, 13 % in the right upper lobe (RUL), and 6.2 % in the left upper lobe (LUL). In the lower lobes, H. influenzae was the dominant species isolated, whereas in the RUL it was P. aeruginosa and in the LUL it was non- tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). H. influenzae was more prevalent in younger patients, whereas P. aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae and NTM predominated in older patients. Different pathogens were associated with different lobar distributions. The RML, RLL and LLL showed a greater tendency to develop bronchiectasis than other lobes.
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We used routinely available data to identify the likelihood of exit block within type 1 EDs across acute trusts in England. While the findings are based on exploratory work and should be treated with caution, some patterns appeared to emerge from the data and require further exploration. NHS Trusts at risk of exit block were more likely to be large trusts, located in larger catchment areas, having higher admission rates and inpatient bed occupancy and higher levels of patients leaving the ED without being seen or reattending. Some of the factors identified may well be symptomatic of exit block rather than causal, while other factors may be acting as proxies for differences in casemix, social deprivation or ability to access alternative urgent care services.
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Numerous affinity purification – mass-spectrometry (AP-MS) and yeast two hybrid (Y2H) screens have each defined thousands of pairwise protein-protein interactions (PPIs), most between functionally unrelated proteins. The accuracy of these networks, however, is under debate. Here we present an AP-MS survey of the bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris together with a critical reanalysis of nine published bacterial Y2H and AP-MS screens. We have identified 459 high confidence PPIs from D. vulgaris and 391 from Escherichia coli. Compared to the nine published interactomes, our two networks are smaller; are much less highly connected; have significantly lower false discovery rates; and are much more enriched in protein pairs that are encoded in the same operon, have similar functions, and are reproducibly detected in other physical interaction assays. Our work establishes more stringent benchmarks for the properties of protein interactomes and suggests that bona fide PPIs much more frequently involve protein partners that are annotated with similar functions or that can be validated in independent assays than earlier studies suggested.
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Adenovirus dampens host DNA damage response – implications for control and cancer therapy https://t.co/fC10HtwKUq
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Emily Rose, Madhu Hardasmalani
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Edward J. Otten
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Alessandro Riccardi, Cristina Siniscalchi, Roberto Lerza
BackgroundOcular emergencies account for 2–3% of all emergency department (ED) visits. Sonographic evaluation of the eye offers a very useful diagnostic tool in the ED. In the ED setting, ocular ultrasound could identify a retinal detachment, or a massive vitreous hemorrhage, and the training for emergency medicine practitioners is quite easy.Case ReportAn 84-year-old woman presented to our ED with a painless acute vision loss in her right eye. Immediate bedside emergency ocular ultrasound was performed, and it showed a retrobulbar hyperechoic material, suggestive of an embolus within the central retinal artery. Fluorescein angiography showed limited and sluggish filling of the retinal arteries after injection of fluorescein, and optical coherence tomography demonstrated a decrease in the reflectivity and thickness of the inner retinal layers. The final diagnosis was embolic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Among the causes of acute loss of vision, CRAO is associated with systemic vascular disease. The importance of visible retinal emboli has been well documented due to its association with increase in mortality. A rapid evaluation of the central retinal artery could be a simple tool to identify an embolus, and this could lead to a rapid treatment. The evaluation of central retinal artery is a less defined setting in emergency physician bedside ultrasound, but the identification of CRAO could lead to a rapid acceleration in diagnosis and treatment of a potentially life-threatening disease.
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Laura Jean Fil, Robert Hoffman
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by Supanee Thanakun, Suchaya Pornprasertsuk-Damrongsri, Misa Gokyu, Hiroaki Kobayashi, Yuichi Izumi
The association between clinically diagnosed periodontitis, a common chronic oral infection, and metabolic syndrome has been previously reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of plasma IgG levels against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia, C-reactive protein, and periodontal status with metabolic syndrome. Plasma IgG levels and C-reactive protein were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and salivary levels of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Among 127 individuals aged 35–76 years, 57 participants had metabolic syndrome and severe periodontitis, 25 had metabolic syndrome and an absence of severe periodontitis, 17 healthy individuals had severe periodontitis, and 28 healthy individuals were without severe periodontitis. Patients with metabolic syndrome had reduced humoral immune response to A. actinomycetemcomitans (p = 0.008), regardless of their salivary levels or periodontitis status compared with healthy participants. The IgG antibody response to P. gingivalis, regardless of their salivary levels or participants' health condition, was significantly higher in severe periodontitis patients (pP. intermedia were inconsistent among metabolic syndrome or periodontal participants. Our results indicate that the presence of lower levels of IgG antibodies to A. actinomycetemcomitans (OR = 0.1; 95%CI 0.0–0.7), but not P. gingivalis, a severe periodontitis status (OR = 7.8; 95%CI 1.1–57.0), high C-reactive protein levels (OR = 9.4; 95%CI 1.0–88.2) and body mass index (OR = 3.0; 95%CI 1.7–5.2), are associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. The role of the decreased IgG antibody response to A. actinomycetemcomitans, increased C-reactive protein levels on the association between periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome in a group of Thai patients is suggested.
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Emily Rose, Madhu Hardasmalani
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Visalia Times-Delta | Preventing cancer in your pets Visalia Times-Delta Lymphosarcoma, a highly malignant cancer of the lymph system and the most common type of cancer in cats, can be caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV is a transmittable retrovirus that can be passed in utero as well as through saliva and … |
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Edward J. Otten
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Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Alessandro Riccardi, Cristina Siniscalchi, Roberto Lerza
BackgroundOcular emergencies account for 2–3% of all emergency department (ED) visits. Sonographic evaluation of the eye offers a very useful diagnostic tool in the ED. In the ED setting, ocular ultrasound could identify a retinal detachment, or a massive vitreous hemorrhage, and the training for emergency medicine practitioners is quite easy.Case ReportAn 84-year-old woman presented to our ED with a painless acute vision loss in her right eye. Immediate bedside emergency ocular ultrasound was performed, and it showed a retrobulbar hyperechoic material, suggestive of an embolus within the central retinal artery. Fluorescein angiography showed limited and sluggish filling of the retinal arteries after injection of fluorescein, and optical coherence tomography demonstrated a decrease in the reflectivity and thickness of the inner retinal layers. The final diagnosis was embolic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Among the causes of acute loss of vision, CRAO is associated with systemic vascular disease. The importance of visible retinal emboli has been well documented due to its association with increase in mortality. A rapid evaluation of the central retinal artery could be a simple tool to identify an embolus, and this could lead to a rapid treatment. The evaluation of central retinal artery is a less defined setting in emergency physician bedside ultrasound, but the identification of CRAO could lead to a rapid acceleration in diagnosis and treatment of a potentially life-threatening disease.
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via IFTTT Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174
Publication date: Available online 12 February 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Laura Jean Fil, Robert Hoffman
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by Che-Ming Lin, Ying-Chi Tseng, Hui-Ling Hsu, Chi-Jen Chen, David Yen-Ting Chen, Feng-Xian Yan, Wen-Ta Chiu
Background
This study uses a MRI technique, three-dimension pulse continuous arterial spin labeling (3D-PCASL), to measure the patient's cerebral blood flow (CBF) at the subacute stage of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in order to analyze the relationship between cerebral blood flow and neurocognitive deficits.
Objective
To provide the relationship between cortical CBF and neuropsychological dysfunction for the subacute MTBI patients.
Methods
After MTBI, perfusion MR imaging technique (3D-PCASL) measures the CBF of MTBI patients (n = 23) within 1 month and that of normal controls (n = 22) to determine the quantity and location of perfusion defect. The correlation between CBF abnormalities and cognitive deficits was elucidated by combining the results of the neuropsychological tests of the patients.
Result
We observed a substantial reduction in CBF in the bilateral frontal and left occipital cortex as compared with the normal persons. In addition, there were correlation between post concussive symptoms (including dizziness and simulator sickness) and CBF in the hypoperfused areas. The more severe symptom was correlated with higher CBF in bilateral frontal and left occipital lobes.
Conclusion
First, this study determined that despite no significant abnormality detected on conventional CT and MRI studies, hypoperfusion was observed in MTBI group using 3D-PCASL technique in subacute stage, which suggested that this approach may increase sensitivity to MTBI. Second, the correlation between CBF and the severity of post concussive symptoms suggested that changes in cerebral hemodynamics may play a role in pathophysiology underlies the symptoms.
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Was the gravitational-wave experiment worth its $1.1 billion cost if it merely confirms that Einstein was right?
by Fenne Margreeth Smits, Camillo Porcaro, Carlo Cottone, Andrea Cancelli, Paolo Maria Rossini, Franca Tecchio
Brain activity is complex; a reflection of its structural and functional organization. Among other measures of complexity, the fractal dimension is emerging as being sensitive to neuronal damage secondary to neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here, we calculated Higuchi's fractal dimension (HFD) in resting-state eyes-closed electroencephalography (EEG) recordings from 41 healthy controls (age: 20–89 years) and 67 Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients (age: 50–88 years), to investigate whether HFD is sensitive to brain activity changes typical in healthy aging and in AD. Additionally, we considered whether AD-accelerating effects of the copper fraction not bound to ceruloplasmin (also called "free" copper) are reflected in HFD fluctuations. The HFD measure showed an inverted U-shaped relationship with age in healthy people (R2 = .575, p p = .006). AD patients demonstrated reduced HFD compared to age- and education-matched healthy controls, especially in temporal-occipital regions. This was associated with decreasing cognitive status as assessed by mini-mental state examination, and with higher levels of non-ceruloplasmin copper. Taken together, our findings show that resting-state EEG complexity increases from youth to maturity and declines in healthy, aging individuals. In AD, brain activity complexity is further reduced in correlation with cognitive impairment. In addition, elevated levels of non-ceruloplasmin copper appear to accelerate the reduction of neural activity complexity. Overall, HDF appears to be a proper indicator for monitoring EEG-derived brain activity complexity in healthy and pathological aging.
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