Head and Neck Diseases by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 06/03/16

Παρασκευή 3 Ιουνίου 2016

Use of sugarcane filter cake and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization in the process of bioremediation of soil contaminated with diesel

Abstract

This study evaluated the use of sugarcane filter cake and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilization in the bioremediation of a soil contaminated with diesel fuel using a completely randomized design. Five treatments (uncontaminated soil, T1; soil contaminated with diesel, T2; soil contaminated with diesel and treated with 15 % (wt) filter cake, T3; soil contaminated with diesel and treated with NPK fertilizer, T4; and soil contaminated with diesel and treated with 15 % (wt) filter cake and NPK fertilizer, T5) and four evaluation periods (1, 60, 120, and 180 days after the beginning of the experiment) were used according to a 4 × 5 factorial design to analyze CO₂ release. The variables total organic carbon (TOC) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) remaining in the soil were analyzed using a 5 × 2 factorial design, with the same treatments described above and two evaluation periods (1 and 180 days after the beginning of the experiment). In T3 and T5, CO₂ release was significantly higher, compared with the other treatments. Significant TPH removal was observed on day 180, when percent removal values were 61.9, 70.1, 68.2, and 75.9 in treatments T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively, compared with the initial value (T1).

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Bioenergy and bioproducts from municipal organic waste as alternative to landfilling: a comparative life cycle assessment with prospective application to Mexico

Abstract

A life cycle assessment (LCA) of a four-stage biorefinery concept, coined H-M-Z-S, that converts 1 t of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) into bioenergy and bioproducts was performed in order to determine whether it could be an alternative to common disposal of OFMSW in landfills in the Mexican reality. The OFMSW is first fermented for hydrogen production, then the fermentates are distributed 40 % to the methane production, 40 % to enzyme production, and 20 % to the saccharification stage. From hydrogen and methane, up to 267 MJ and 204 kWh of gross heat and electricity were produced. The biorefinery proved to be self-sustainable in terms of power (95 kWh net power), but it presented a deficit of energy for heating services (−155 MJ), which was partially alleviated by digesting the wastes from the bioproducts stages (−84 MJ). Compared to landfill, biorefinery showed lower environmental impacts in global warming (down to −128 kg CO₂-eq), ozone layer depletion (2.96 × 10^-6 kg CFC₁₁-eq), and photochemical oxidation potentials (0.011 kg C₂H₄-eq). The landfarming of the digestates increased significantly the eutrophication impacts, up to 20 % below the eutrophication from landfilling (1.425 kg PO₄-eq). These results suggest that H-M-Z-S biorefinery could be an attractive alternative compared to conventional landfilling for the management of municipal solid wastes, although new alternatives and uses of co-products and wastes should be explored and tested. Moreover, the biorefinery system would benefit from the integration into the market chain of the bioproducts, i.e., enzymes and hydrolysates among others.

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Cerebral oxidative metabolism is decreased with extreme apnea in humans; impact of hypercapnia

Abstract

Prolonged apnea in humans is reflected in progressive hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Here, we explore the cerebral metabolic responses under extreme hypoxia and hypercapnia associated with prolonged apnea. We hypothesized that the cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO₂) will be reduced near the termination of apnea, attributed in part to the hypercapnia. Fourteen elite apnea-divers performed a maximal apnea (range: 3:36 to 7:26 min) under dry laboratory-conditions. In a subset study with the same divers, the impact of hypercapnia on cerebral metabolism was determined using varying levels of hypercapnic breathing, in the background of similar hypoxia. In both studies the CMRO₂ was calculated from the product of cerebral blood flow (ultrasound) and the radial artery-internal jugular venous oxygen content difference. Non-oxidative cerebral metabolism was calculated from the ratio of oxygen and carbohydrate (lactate and glucose) metabolism. The CMRO₂ was reduced by ∼29% (P < 0.01, Cohen's d = 1.18) near the termination of apnea when compared to baseline, but non-oxidative metabolism remained unaltered. In the subset study, in similar backgrounds of hypoxia (arterial O₂ tension: ∼38.4 mmHg), severe hypercapnia (arterial CO₂ tension: ∼58.7 mmHg), but not mild-hypercapnia (arterial CO₂ tension: ∼46.3 mmHg), depressed the CMRO₂ (∼17%, P = 0.04, Cohen's d = 0.87). Similarly to the apnea, there was no change in the non-oxidative metabolism. These data indicate that hypercapnia can in part explain the reduction in CMRO₂ near apnea breakpoint. This hypercapnic-induced oxygen conservation may protect the brain against severe hypoxemia associated with prolonged apnea.

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A novel set-up for the ex vivo analysis of mechanical properties of mouse aortic segments stretched at physiological pressure and frequency

Abstract

Cyclic stretch is a major contributor of vascular function. However, isolated mouse aortas are frequently studied at low stretch frequency or even isometric conditions. Pacing experiments in rodents and humans show that arterial compliance is stretch frequency-dependent. The Rodent Oscillatory Tension Set-up to study Arterial Compliance is an in-house developed organ bath set-up that clamps aortic segments to imposed preloads at physiological rates up to 600 bpm. The technique enables us to derive pressure-diameter loops and assess biomechanical properties of the segment. To validate the applicability of this set-up we aimed to confirm the effects of distension pressure and vascular smooth muscle tone on arterial stiffness. At physiological stretch frequency (10 Hz), Peterson modulus (293 (10) mmHg) for wild-type mouse aorta increased 22% upon a rise in pressure from 80–120 mmHg to 100–140 mmHg, while, at normal pressure, Ep increased 80% upon maximal contraction of the vascular smooth muscle cells. We further validated the method using a mouse model with a mutation in the Fibrillin-1 gene and an endothelial nitric oxide synthase knock-out model. Both models are known to have increased arterial stiffness, and this was confirmed using the set-up. To our knowledge, this is the first set-up that facilitates the study of biomechanical properties of mouse aortic segments at physiological stretch frequency and pressure. We believe that this set-up can contribute to a better understanding of how cyclic stretch frequency, amplitude and active vessel wall components influence arterial stiffening.

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Dog allergen immunotherapy and allergy to furry animals

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6
Author(s): Gennaro Liccardi, Antonello Salzillo, Luigino Calzetta, Josuel Ora, Paola Rogliani

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Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Information for Authors

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Injury Profile of American Women Rugby-7s.

PURPOSE: To determine incidence (injuries/1000 playing hours (ph)), severity (days absence), and cause of match injuries in U.S. women Rugby-7s. METHODS: A prospective injury epidemiological study (2010-2013) of 3,876 under-19 to elite/national female Rugby-7s players (non-elite=3324; elite=552) on 323 teams (non-elite=277; elite=46). Applying methodology and injury definitions compliant with international consensus statement on rugby research. Injuries occurred in USA Rugby sanctioned tournament series: USA Rugby Local Area (2010), Territorial Union (2011-2013), National and All-Star Sevens Series; and USA Sevens Invitational (2011-12) and Collegiate Rugby Championships (2012). RESULTS: 120 time-loss injuries were encountered (elite, n=15; 13%) with an injury rate of 46.3 injuries/1000 ph. Injury rates in non-elite were 49.3/1000 ph, and national level (elite) candidates at 32.6/1000 ph (RR: 1.5, P=0.130). Mean days missed found elite level players at 74.9 days per injury, whereas non-elite at 41.8 days (P=0.090). Acute injuries were significant (95%; RR: 1.9; P

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Diaphragm Contractility in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability.

Introduction/Purpose: Previous investigations have identified impaired trunk and postural stability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The diaphragm muscle contributes to trunk and postural stability by modulating the intra-abdominal pressure. A potential mechanism that could help to explain trunk and postural stability deficits may be related to altered diaphragm function due to supraspinal sensorimotor changes with CAI. The purpose of this study was to examine the diaphragm contractility in individuals with CAI and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-seven participants with self-reported CAI and 28 healthy control participants volunteered. A portable ultrasound unit was used to visualize and measure the right and left hemi-diaphragm thickness at the end of resting inspiration and expiration in supine while breathing quietly. The diaphragm movement was imaged and recorded on B-mode ultrasonography. The degree of diaphragm contractility was calculated from the mean of three images from the end of resting inspiration and expiration. Independent t-tests were utilized to compare the degree of diaphragm thickness of right and left sides between the CAI and control groups. Results: The CAI group had a smaller degree of left hemi-diaphragm contractility compared to the control group (p=0.03). There was no between-group difference in other diaphragm variables. Conclusion: Individuals with CAI appear to have altered diaphragm contractility, which may be an illustration of diaphragm dysfunction and central nervous system changes in CAI population. The association between CAI and altered diaphragm contractility provides clinicians a more comprehensive awareness of proximal impairments associated with CAI. Future investigation is needed to determine if altered contractility of the diaphragm contributes to functional impairments, activity limitations, and participant restrictions commonly observed in patients with CAI. (C) 2016 American College of Sports Medicine

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Cardiovascular and Renal Effects of Birdseed Associated with Aerobic Exercise in Rats.

Introduction: Phalaris canariensis L. (Pc), known as birdseed is rich in tryptophan. The aqueous extract of Pc (AEPc) treatment reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) via mechanisms mediated by the tryptophan metabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Hypertension is a risk factor to cardiovascular and renal diseases. Considering that physical exercise improves hypertension and cardiovascular function, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether the benefits of exercise (Ex) would be enhanced by concomitant AEPc treatment (400 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Methods: Vascular reactivity was assessed in aorta rings from SHR treated with AEPc for 4 weeks. Training intensity was based on maximal lactate steady state obtained during 2 weeks adaptation period in a treadmill running. Then, exercised (60 min running, 5x/week during 8 weeks) or sedentary SHR were untreated or treated with AEPc during 8 weeks. SBP was estimated by plethysmograph. Heart mass and body mass were used to obtain the index of cardiac hypertrophy (IHC). Glucose tolerance test was evaluated by oral glucose overload and the mRNA expressions of IDO, IL-1[beta] and IL-10 in the kidney were obtained by real time PCR. Results: AEPc induced endothelial-mediated vascular relaxation. AEPc or Ex alone reduced SBP, IHC and ventricular fibrosis, improved glucose metabolism, attenuated proteinuria and the renal expression of the proinflammatory IL-1[beta] with an overexpression in the anti-inflammatory IL-10. AEPc potentiated the benefits of the Ex on the cardiovascular system, metabolic parameters and renal inflammation. Conclusion: Birdseed reduced cardiovascular risk related to hypertension and had positive effects when associated to physical exercise. (C) 2016 American College of Sports Medicine

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Trends and variations of pH and hardness in a typical semi-arid river in a monsoon climate region during 1985–2009

Abstract

The rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization, along with dramatic climate change, has strongly influenced hydrochemical characteristics in recent decades in China and thus could cause the variation of pH and general total hardness of a river. To explore such variations and their potential influencing factors in a river of the monsoon climate region, we analyzed a long-term monitoring dataset of pH, SO₄²⁻, NO_x, general total hardness (GH), Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Cl⁻ in surface water and groundwater in the Luan River basin from 1985 to 2009. The nonparametric Seasonal Kendall trend test was used to test the long-term trends of pH and GH. Relationship between the affecting factors, pH and GH were discussed. Results showed that pH showed a decreasing trend and that GH had an increasing trend in the long-term. Seasonal variation of pH and GH was mainly due to the typical monsoon climate. Results of correlation analysis showed that the unit area usage amounts of chemical fertilizer, NO₃⁻, and SO₄²⁻ were negatively correlated with pH in groundwater. In addition, mining activity affected GH spatial variation. Acid deposition, drought, and increasing the use of chemical fertilizers would contribute to the acidification trend, and mining activities would affect the spatial variation of GH. Variations of precipitation and runoff in semi-arid monsoon climate areas had significant influences on the pH and GH. Our findings implied that human activities played a critical role in river acidification in the semi-arid monsoon climate region of northern China.

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Suitability of passive sampling for the monitoring of pharmaceuticals in Finnish surface waters

Abstract

The occurrence of five pharmaceuticals, consisting of four anti-inflammatory and one antiepileptic drug, was studied by passive sampling and grab sampling in northern Lake Päijänne and River Vantaa. The passive sampling was performed by using Chemcatcher® sampler with a SDB-RPS Empore disk as a receiving phase. In Lake Päijänne, the sampling was conducted during summer 2013 at four locations near the discharge point of a wastewater treatment plant and in the years 2013 and 2015 at four locations along River Vantaa. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The concentrations of carbamazepine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen in Lake Päijänne determined by passive sampling ranged between 1.4–2.9 ng L⁻¹, 15–35 ng L⁻¹, 13–31 ng L⁻¹, 16–27 ng L⁻¹, and 3.3–32 ng L⁻¹, respectively. Similarly, the results in River Vantaa ranged between 1.2–40 ng L⁻¹, 15–65 ng L⁻¹, 13–33 ng L⁻¹, 16–31 ng L⁻¹, and 3.3–6.4 ng L⁻¹. The results suggest that the Chemcatcher passive samplers are suitable for detecting pharmaceuticals in lake and river waters.

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Adsorptive removal of naphthalene induced by structurally different Gemini surfactants in a soil-water system

Abstract

A new generation of surfactant, Gemini surfactants, have been synthesized and have attracted the attention of various industrial and academic research groups. This study focused on the use of symmetric and dissymmetric quaternary ammonium Gemini surfactants to immobilize naphthalene onto soil particles, and is used as an example of an innovative application to remove HOC in situ using the surfactant-enhanced sorption zone. The sorption capacity of modified soils by Gemini surfactant and natural soils was compared and the naphthalene sorption efficiency, in the absence and presence of Gemini surfactants with different alkyl chain lengths, was investigated in the soil-water system. The results have shown that the increased added Gemini surfactant formed admicelles at the interface of soil/water having superior capability to retard contaminant. Symmetric and dissymmetric Gemini surfactants have opposite effect on the aspect of removing of PAH attributing to their solubilization and sorption behavior in soil-water system. Compared with the natural soil, sorption of naphthalene by Gemini-modified soil is noticeably enhanced following the order of C_12-2-16 < C_12-2-12 < C_12-2-8. However, the symmetric Gemini surfactant C_12-2-12 is the optimized one for in situ barrier remediation, which is not only has relative high retention ability but also low dosage.

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Solar-driven photocatalytic treatment of diclofenac using immobilized TiO 2 -based zeolite composites

Abstract

The study is aimed at evaluating the potential of immobilized TiO₂-based zeolite composite for solar-driven photocatalytic water treatment. In that purpose, TiO₂-iron-exchanged zeolite (FeZ) composite was prepared using commercial Aeroxide TiO₂ P25 and iron-exchanged zeolite of ZSM5 type, FeZ. The activity of TiO₂-FeZ, immobilized on glass support, was evaluated under solar irradiation for removal of diclofenac (DCF) in water. TiO₂-FeZ immobilized in a form of thin film was characterized for its morphology, structure, and composition using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was used to determine potential changes in band gaps of prepared TiO₂-FeZ in comparison to pure TiO₂. The influence of pH, concentration of hydrogen peroxide, FeZ wt% within the composite, and photocatalyst dosage on DCF removal and conversion efficiency by solar/TiO₂-FeZ/H₂O₂ process was investigated. TiO₂-FeZ demonstrated higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO₂ under solar irradiation in acidic conditions and presence of H₂O₂.

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Evaluating levels and health risk of heavy metals in exposed workers from surgical instrument manufacturing industries of Sialkot, Pakistan

Abstract

The study aimed to monitor heavy metal (chromium, Cr; cadmium, Cd; nickel, Ni; copper, Cu; lead, Pb; iron, Fe; manganese, Mn; and zinc, Zn) footprints in biological matrices (urine, whole blood, saliva, and hair), as well as in indoor industrial dust samples, and their toxic effects on oxidative stress and health risks in exposed workers. Overall, blood, urine, and saliva samples exhibited significantly higher concentrations of toxic metals in exposed workers (Cr; blood 16.30 μg/L, urine 58.15 μg/L, saliva 5.28 μg/L) than the control samples (Cr; blood 5.48 μg/L, urine 4.47 μg/L, saliva 2.46 μg/L). Indoor industrial dust samples also reported to have elevated heavy metal concentrations, as an example, Cr quantified with concentration of 299 mg/kg of dust, i.e., more than twice the level of Cr in household dust (136 mg/kg). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level presented significant positive correlation (p ≤ 0.01) with Cr, Zn, and Cd (Cr > Zn > Cd) which is an indication of heavy metal's associated raised oxidative stress in exposed workers. Elevated average daily intake (ADI) of heavy metals resulted in cumulative hazard quotient (HQ) range of 2.97–18.88 in workers of different surgical units; this is an alarming situation of health risk implications. Principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR)-based pie charts represent that polishing and cutting sections exhibited highest metal inputs to the biological and environmental matrices than other sources. Heavy metal concentrations in biological matrices and dust samples showed a significant positive correlation between Cr in dust, urine, and saliva samples. Current study will help to generate comprehensive base line data of heavy metal status in biomatrices and dust from scientifically ignored industrial sector. Our findings can play vital role for health departments and industrial environmental management system (EMS) authorities in policy making and implementation.

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Degradation of ethyl paraben by heat-activated persulfate oxidation: statistical evaluation of operating factors and transformation pathways

Abstract

A factorial design methodology was implemented to evaluate the importance of ethyl paraben (EP) concentration (500–1500 μg/L), sodium persulfate concentration (400–500 mg/L), temperature (40–60 °C), reaction time (2–30 min), water matrix (pure water or secondary treated wastewater), and initial solution pH (3–9) on EP removal by heat-activated persulfate oxidation. All individual effects, except the solution pH, were statistically significant and so were the second-order interactions of ethyl paraben concentration with temperature or the reaction time. The influence of the water matrix was crucial, and the efficiency of the process was lower in secondary treated wastewater due to the presence of natural organic matter and inorganic salts that compete with ethyl paraben for the reactive oxygen species. Liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) was employed to identify major transformation by-products (TBPs); 13 compounds were detected as TBPs of EP. Degradation occurred through (i) hydroxylation, (ii) dealkylation, and (iii) oligomerization reactions leading to TBPs with ether and biphenyl structures. Oligomerization reactions were found to be the dominant pathway during the first steps of the reaction. The toxicity of 500 μg/L EP in secondary treated wastewater was tested against marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri; toxicity increased during the first minutes due to the production of several TBPs, but it consistently decreased thereafter.

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Heavy metal and trace elements in riparian vegetation and macrophytes associated with lacustrine systems in Northern Patagonia Andean Range

Abstract

Vegetation associated with lacustrine systems in Northern Patagonia was studied for heavy metal and trace element contents, regarding their elemental contribution to these aquatic ecosystems. The research focused on native species and exotic vascular plant Salix spp. potential for absorbing heavy metals and trace elements. The native species studied were riparian Amomyrtus luma, Austrocedrus chilensis, Chusquea culeou, Desfontainia fulgens, Escallonia rubra, Gaultheria mucronata, Lomatia hirsuta, Luma apiculata, Maytenus boaria, Myrceugenia exsucca, Nothofagus antarctica, Nothofagus dombeyi, Schinus patagonicus, and Weinmannia trichosperma, and macrophytes Hydrocotyle chamaemorus, Isöetes chubutiana, Galium sp., Myriophyllum quitense, Nitella sp. (algae), Potamogeton linguatus, Ranunculus sp., and Schoenoplectus californicus. Fresh leaves were analyzed as well as leaves decomposing within the aquatic bodies, collected from lakes Futalaufquen and Rivadavia (Los Alerces National Park), and lakes Moreno and Nahuel Huapi (Nahuel Huapi National Park). The elements studied were heavy metals Ag, As, Cd, Hg, and U, major elements Ca, K, and Fe, and trace elements Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Hf, Na, Rb, Se, Sr, and Zn. Geochemical tracers La and Sm were also determined to evaluate contamination of the biological tissues by geological particulate (sediment, soil, dust) and to implement concentration corrections.

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Use of sugarcane filter cake and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization in the process of bioremediation of soil contaminated with diesel

Abstract

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Bioenergy and bioproducts from municipal organic waste as alternative to landfilling: a comparative life cycle assessment with prospective application to Mexico

Abstract

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Molecular and phenotypic responses of Japanese medaka ( Oryzias latipes ) early life stages to environmental concentrations of cadmium in sediment

Abstract

Japanese medaka embryos were exposed to environmental concentrations of cadmium (Cd) to investigate adverse and adaptive responses in fish early life stages. Embryos were exposed during their whole development by static sediment-contact to environmental Cd concentrations (2 and 20 μg/g dry weight). Cd bioaccumulation, developmental defects, biochemical and biomolecular (qRT-PCR) responses were analyzed in embryos and hatchlings. A dose-dependent increase of Cd bioaccumulation and developmental defects was observed at hatching. Cd had clear impacts on heartbeat and cardiac morphogenesis and also induced to spinal deformities. The profile and the level of gene transcription were differentially modulated according to the Cd concentration, the duration of exposure and/or the developmental stage of fish. Pro-apoptotic bax and DNA repair rad51 transcripts were significantly repressed in embryos exposed to the highest Cd concentration. Repression of these genes was correlated to the increase of heart rate in 6-day-old embryos. NADH-dehydrogenase nd5 gene transcription was inhibited in larvae at the lowest concentration suggesting mitochondrial respiratory chain impairment, in association with Cd-induced teratogenicity. Finally, wnt1 gene was overexpressed indicating putative deregulation of Wnt signaling pathway, and suggested to be implied in the occurrence of some spinal and cardiac deformities. Results of this study permitted to propose some promising markers at the transcriptional and phenotypical level, responding to environmental concentrations of Cd. The present work also highlights the usefulness of the modified version of the medaka embryo-larval assay with sediment-contact exposure (MELAc) to investigate the toxicity and the modes of action of sediment-bound pollutants.

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Cerebral oxidative metabolism is decreased with extreme apnea in humans; impact of hypercapnia

Abstract

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A novel set-up for the ex vivo analysis of mechanical properties of mouse aortic segments stretched at physiological pressure and frequency

Abstract

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Dog allergen immunotherapy and allergy to furry animals

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Information for Authors

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Dog allergen immunotherapy and allergy to furry animals

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Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Information for Authors

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Novel application of the controlled allergen challenge facility model

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6
Author(s): Anne K. Ellis

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Summer camps and food allergy

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6
Author(s): Jay Adam Lieberman

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Information for Readers

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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IOP-details

Publication date: July 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 105

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Editorial Board

Publication date: July 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 105

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Instructions to Authors

Publication date: July 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 105

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Genetic influences on phase synchrony of brain oscillations supporting response inhibition

Publication date: Available online 2 June 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Viktor Müller, Andrey P. Anokhin, Ulman Lindenberger
Phase synchronization of neuronal oscillations is a fundamental mechanism underlying cognitive processing and behavior, including context-dependent response production and inhibition. Abnormalities in neural synchrony can lead to abnormal information processing and contribute to cognitive and behavioral deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, little is known about genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in cortical oscillatory dynamics underlying response inhibition. This study examined heritability of event-related phase synchronization of brain oscillations in 302 young female twins including 94 MZ and 57 DZ pairs performing a cued Go/No-Go version of the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). We used the Phase Locking Index (PLI) to assess inter-trial phase clustering (synchrony) in several frequency bands in two time intervals after stimulus onset (0–300 and 301–600ms). Response inhibition (i.e., successful response suppression in No-Go trials) was characterized by a transient increase in phase synchronization of delta- and theta-band oscillations in the fronto-central midline region. Genetic analysis showed significant heritability of the phase locking measures related to response inhibition, with 30 to 49% of inter-individual variability being accounted for by genetic factors. This is the first study providing evidence for heritability of task-related neural synchrony. The present results suggest that PLI can serve as an indicator of genetically transmitted individual differences in neural substrates of response inhibition.

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International Organization of Psychophysiology - Details

Publication date: June 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 104

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Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 104

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Social media and the allergy practice

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6
Author(s): Ves Dimov, Alexei Gonzalez-Estrada, Frank Eidelman

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Instructions ot Authors

Publication date: June 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 104

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Approach to food allergy diagnosis and management by nonspecialty practitioners

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6
Author(s): Kate Welch, Niti Chokshi, Julie Wang

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Author Index to Volume 116, 2016

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6

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Association of wider neck circumference and asthma in obese children

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6
Author(s): Onur Akın, Erkan Sarı, Mutluay Arslan, Ediz Yeşilkaya, Bulent Hacihamdioglu, Suleyman Tolga Yavuz
BackgroundObesity is a well-established risk factor for asthma. Previous studies have reported that central obesity is associated with asthma.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between fat distribution, which is determined by anthropometric measures, including neck circumference (NC), and asthma in school-aged children.MethodsChildren diagnosed as having asthma were enrolled along with controls who were admitted to our outpatient department with allergic symptoms, such as rhinitis, urticaria and atopic dermatitis. Anthropometric measures, including height, weight, NC, waist circumference, and hip circumference, were obtained. Skin prick tests, blood eosinophil counts, and serum total IgE level measurements were performed.ResultsA total of 196 children (92 male [46.9%]) were included. Asthma was present in 102 patients (52.1%). Ninety-one of the patients (46.4%) were overweight, and 45 patients (22.9%) were obese. The NC of children with asthma was significantly higher than that of children in the control group. Grades defined according to NC percentiles were also significantly different between groups. In children with asthma, the prevalence of children with an NC higher than the 90th percentile (grade 6) was more frequent when compared with controls. The median NC of obese-overweight children with asthma was significantly higher compared with obese-overweight controls without asthma. Results of multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of an NC in the greater than 90th percentile was associated with asthma in obese-overweight children.ConclusionThis study found that NC, which is a simple anthropometric measure, is associated with asthma in obese children.

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Authors' response

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6
Author(s): Derek Smith, Christopher A. Coop

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Association between chronic idiopathic urticaria and hypertension

Publication date: June 2016
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 116, Issue 6
Author(s): Heng-Wei Chang, Hui-Man Cheng, Hung-Rong Yen, Chung Y. Hsu, Yu-Chen Lee, Jen-Huai Chiang, Mao-Feng Sun
BackgroundChronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is defined as urticaria that is not caused by external triggers. The pathogenesis of CIU remains unknown. A previous study investigated whether hypertension is associated with extended duration of CIU.ObjectiveTo investigate the possible association between CIU and hypertension.MethodsWe performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of 2,460 patients with CIU and 9,840 age-, sex-, and index year–matched comparison patients, using the National Health Insurance of Taiwan database. The median follow-up periods were 7.13 years for the CIU cohort and 7.20 years for the non-CIU cohort. The distributions by sex and age were similar for both cohorts.ResultsThe CIU cohort had a 1.37-fold (95% CI, 1.22–1.53) greater risk of developing subsequent hypertension than the non-CIU cohort after adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and nonsedating antihistamine use.ConclusionThis nationwide retrospective cohort study found that CIU is associated with a higher future risk of hypertension after adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and nonsedating antihistamine use. The detailed pathophysiologic mechanisms require further clarification in prospective studies.

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Hepatitis B virus whole-X and X protein play distinct roles in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma progression

Hepatitis B virus whole-X and X protein play distinct roles in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma progression:

Abstract

Background

The role of HBV X protein (HBx) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been well studied. However, little is known about the molecular functions of HBV whole-X protein (HBwx), a protein fused with HBx and upstream 56 amino acid, in HCC. In current study, the molecular functions of HBwx in HCC pathogenesis has been investigated, as well as comparison between HBwx and HBx.

Methods

Expression of HBwx and HBx in 50 HCC tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. Their tumor-forming abilities were evaluated by an animal model and colony formation assay. Migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay and subcellular localization was tracked by GFP fluorescence. Cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by CCK8 and FCM. Protein level was determined by Western blotting.

Results

HBwx was present in 72 % (36/50) of the liver tumor tissues and mainly expressed in the nucleus and deposited in the cytoplasm surrounding karyotheca. HBwx showed a promoting effect on tumorigenesis and growth in vivo and in vitro as well as cell migration and invasion, whilst such effect is compromised compared with that of HBx. Further analysis demonstrated differences in cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis between cells expressing HBwx and those expressing HBx. Additionally, it was confirmed that RKIP-p-ERK pathway was involved in HBwx-related tumor formation.

Conclusion

HBwx, with the extra 56 amino acids, is closely related with hepatocarcinogenesis, while displays different biological functions from HBx.

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Analysis of CCM1 expression uncovers novel minor-form exons and variable splicing patterns

Abstract

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are vascular lesions, which occur sporadically or following an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with variable expression and incomplete penetrance. Three genes have been associated with the disease (CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3). CCM1 has been reported to express atypical transcripts in addition to alternative splicing of non-coding exons. Here, we report the identification of novel alternative splicing events in the CCM1 gene. 5′RACE analysis revealed several transcription start sites, novel exons located in introns 2 and 7, and a larger exon 13. The 5′UTR CCM1 region showed at least eight splicing variants which were differentially transcribed. The results shown here expand our knowledge of CCM1 gene expression, which seems to be more complex than previously reported. The novel minor-form exons herein described should be considered in molecular diagnosis of CCM. These findings support new functional transcript sequences that could be considered in the pathogenesis and variable clinical penetrance of Krit1-linked CCMs.

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The homozygous R504C mutation in MTO1 gene is responsible for ONCE syndrome

Abstract

We report clinical and biochemical finding from three unrelated patients presenting ONCE (Optic Neuropathy, Cardiomyopathy and Encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and combined OXPHOS deficiency) syndrome. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) of the three patients and the healthy sister of one of them were used to identify the carry gene. Clinical and biochemical findings were used to filter variants, and molecular, in silico and genetic studies were performed to characterize the candidate variants. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects involving mutations, deletions or depletion were discarded, whereas WES uncovered a double homozygous mutation in the MTO1 gene (NM_001123226:c.1510C>T, p.R504C, and c.1669G>A, p.V557M) in two of the patients and the homozygous mutation p.R504C in the other. Therefore, our data confirm p.R504C as pathogenic mutation responsible of ONCE syndrome, and p.V557M as a rare polymorphic variant.

The R504C mutation in MTO1 gene is the responsible of ONCE syndrome (Optic Neuropathy, Cardiomyopathy and Encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and combined OXPHOS deficiency) and V557M is a rare polymorphic variant

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Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

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Η λίστα ιστολογίων μου

Παρασκευή 3 Ιουνίου 2016

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Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου