Head and Neck Diseases by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 11/20/16

Κυριακή 20 Νοεμβρίου 2016

Title page/Editorial Board

Publication date: December 2016
Source:Medical Hypotheses, Volume 97

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On the Origins of Organology: Franz Joseph Gall and a Girl Named Bianchi

Publication date: Available online 19 November 2016
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Paul Eling, Stanley Finger, Harry Whitaker
Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828) introduced a new theory of mind and brain at the end of the eighteenth century, which he referred to as organology, dealing with mental functions and their cortical localizations. Gall wrote that observations regarding the verbal learning capacities of his schoolmates brought about his new way of thinking. This widely accepted view, however, requires qualification. Although Gall's experiences and observations as a schoolboy were relevant, especially for his craniology, these childhood memories might have been recalled and reinterpreted after he had started to think about the faculties of mind --- specifically after he had met Bianchi, a 5-year-old girl with a special talent for music.

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Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted MRI during chemoradiation therapy to characterize and monitor treatment response in human papillomavirus head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted MRI during chemoradiation therapy to characterize and monitor treatment response in human papillomavirus head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2016 Nov 11;:

Authors: Paudyal R, Oh JH, Riaz N, Venigalla P, Li J, Hatzoglou V, Leeman J, Nunez DA, Lu Y, Deasy JO, Lee N, Shukla-Dave A

Abstract
PURPOSE: Characterize and monitor treatment response in human papillomavirus (HPV) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using intra-treatment (intra-TX) imaging metrics derived from intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four (30 HPV positive [+] and 4 HPV negative [-]) HNSCC patients underwent a total of 136 MRI including multi-b value DW-MRI (pretreatment [pre-TX] and intra-TX weeks 1, 2, and 3) at 3.0 Tesla. All patients were treated with chemo-radiation therapy. Monoexponential (yielding apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) and bi-exponential (yielding perfusion fraction [f], diffusion [D], and pseudo-diffusion [D*] coefficients) fits were performed on a region of interest and voxel-by-voxel basis, on metastatic neck nodes. Response was assessed using RECISTv1.1. The relative percentage change in D, f, and D* between the pre- and intra-TX weeks were used for hierarchical clustering. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test was performed to assess the difference in metrics within and between the complete response (CR) and non-CR groups.
RESULTS: The delta (Δ) change in volume (V)1wk-0wk for the CR group differed significantly (P = 0.016) from the non-CR group, while not for V2wk-0wk and V3wk-0wk (P > 0.05). The mean increase in ΔD3wk-0wk for the CR group was significantly higher (P = 0.017) than the non-CR group. ADC and D showed an increasing trend at each intra-TX week when compared with pre-TX in CR group (P < 0.003). Hierarchical clustering demonstrated the existence of clusters in HPV + patients.
CONCLUSION: After appropriate validation in a larger population, these IVIM imaging metrics may be useful for individualized treatment in HNSCC patients.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016.

PMID: 27862553 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effects of cosmetic tongue bifurcation on English fricative production.

Effects of cosmetic tongue bifurcation on English fricative production.

Clin Linguist Phon. 2016 Nov 18;:1-10

Authors: Budd A, Schellenberg M, Gick B

Abstract
Tongue bifurcation (also called 'splitting' or 'forking') is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in the body modification community that involves splitting the anterior tongue down the centre line. The implications of this procedure for speech have not been systematically studied; a few case studies have been published and suggest that there may be effects, primarily on fricatives. This article presents the first attempt to examine the acoustic implications of tongue bifurcation on speech production using a larger population sample. It compares the speech of 12 individuals with bifurcated tongues with a normative control group of equal size. Both qualitative assessment and quantitative assessment are carried out looking specifically at fricative production and perception. The speech of subjects with bifurcated tongues, while intelligible, shows a higher proportion of perceptibly atypical fricatives and significantly greater variance than seen in the control group.

PMID: 27858466 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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[MET receptor inhibition: Hope against resistance to targeted therapies?]

[MET receptor inhibition: Hope against resistance to targeted therapies?]

Bull Cancer. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: Hochart A, Leblond P, Le Bourhis X, Meignan S, Tulasne D

Abstract
Overcoming the drug resistance remains a crucial issue in cancer treatment. For refractory patients, the use of MET receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors seems to be hopeful. Indeed, important mechanisms underlying drug resistance argue for association of MET inhibitors with targeted therapies, both on first-line to prevent a primary resistance and on the second line to overcoming acquired resistance. Indeed, met gene amplification is the second most common alteration involved in acquired resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies in non-small cells lung cancer (NSCLC). Hypoxia, for its part, can activate MET transcription and amplifies HGF signaling resulting in MET activation, which could be involved in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors escape. In HER2 positive breast cancers, MET amplification may also induce tumor cells a hatch escape, resulting in secondary resistance. Finally, some patients with BRAF mutated melanoma exhibit primary resistance to BRAF inhibition by stromal HGF (ligand of MET) secretion resulting in MET receptor activation. Experimental data highlight the role of MET in primary and secondary resistance and encourage combined treatments including MET inhibitors. In this context, several promising clinical trials are in progress in numerous cancers (NSCLC, melanoma, breast cancer, glioblastoma…) using combination of anti-MET and other specific therapies targeting EGFR, BRAF, VEGF or HER2. This review summarizes the potential benefits that MET inhibition should provide to patients with cancer refractory to targeted therapies.

PMID: 27863726 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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[What specific socialisation, social, educational and professional for teenagers and young adults with cancer?]

[What specific socialisation, social, educational and professional for teenagers and young adults with cancer?]

Bull Cancer. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: Roesler C, Pautre I, Thirry D, Flores S, Chabbert C, Savre N, Pibarot M, Seveau MA, Dugas K, Rollin Z, Dumont S, Gaspar N, au nom du sous-groupe « Insertion » de groupe onco-hématologie adolescents et jeunes adultes français (GO-AJA)

Abstract
Socialisation, education, first jobs and autonomy are key steps to teenagers and young adults (TYA) integration into the society. The occurrence of a cancer in this population increases the difficulties. Although, suffering of cancer do affect TYA life journey at social, scholar and professional levels, from diagnosis to the after-cancer live and sometime forever, few studies exist in France. A national study on TYA with cancer (TYAC) social, scholar and professional pathways is on-going (ESPOIR-AJA). A national survey of the existing TYAC insertion support in 2013 by the "Insertion group" of groupe onco-hématologie adolescents et jeunes adultes (GO-AJA) revealed structured and ancient support at scholar level based on national governmental or associative structures, but insufficient and non-specific scholar help in secondary school and professional help. Specific initiatives have emerged since 2012 with the "Plan cancer 2". All these helps remain unequal across the country. A referential on TYAC social, scholar and professional insertion has been prepared by GO-AJA in collaboration with the association francophone des soins oncologiques de support (AFSOS). The impact of the action 9 of the nation "plan cancer 3" is awaited.

PMID: 27863725 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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[Which approach of therapeutic education (TE) for adolescents and young adults with cancer? Experience from the TE working group of "Go-AJA"].

[Which approach of therapeutic education (TE) for adolescents and young adults with cancer? Experience from the TE working group of "Go-AJA"].

Bull Cancer. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: Corradini N, Dagorne L, Retailleau M, Rédini F, Sudour-Bonnange H, Gofti-Laroche L, Le Rhun A, Gaspar N

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic education (TE) is a practice developed over 40 years at an international level to give people with chronic illness the skills necessary to help them better manage their disease. The lengthening survival time of cancer patients as well as changes in the patient-caregiver relationship have contributed to the development of TE in oncologic diseases. Every year in France, about 1900 adolescents and young adults (15-25 years old) are diagnosed with cancer which is the second leading cause of death in this age group. The observed survival rates for these patients are lower when compared with children's. Some of the hypotheses put forward to explain this difference include a lack of constancy in care and a non-following treatment, as failure to adhere to therapies is common in this age group. "Go-AJA", an interdisciplinary national organization established in 2012, aims to improve the quality of care and treatment results for AYA living with cancer. Therapeutic education for AYA in oncology is an active working group of "Go-AJA" and intends to draw recommendations and to improve adapted communication on different education topics. Elaboration and preparation of TE programs by skilled multidisciplinary teams engaged in interactive educational actions is the first and most crucial step.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TE "Go-AJA" working group has federated pediatric and adult oncologists, nurses, psychologists, TE professionals, and resource patients, thanks to the commitment of professionals from the 8 national teams supported by the National Cancer Institute. Physical meetings and conference calls were organized from 2012 to 2015 to construct TE tools and programs for AYA with cancer.
RESULTS: A competence referential was built and adapted to AYA population with cancer, after focused groups organized in 2 main oncology centers with on-therapy sarcoma patients and members of the multidisciplinary TE working group. Tools were validated and adapted to adolescents or young adults with cancer, to help in the 4 stages of TE: the "educational diagnosis" allowing the caregiver to better understand the patient in his life journey with the disease; the "therapeutic alliance" allowing to agree with the patient on his/her priorities; the "implementation" which is an action step: information, awareness, learning and psychosocial support. The final step called "assessment" allows the caregiver to take stock on the changes and difficulties with the patient. TE for AYA with cancer included individual and/or group sessions to improve self-care skills: knowledge about the disease (group sessions "what is cancer?" with use of microscopes to visualize sarcoma cells, and guided tours in a tumor research laboratory), and details about the treatment and its consequences (workshops about "management of febrile neutropenia"). Moreover, TE aimed to enrich the field of coping skills, in particular to improve the coordination and experience of cares between the different complex and varied network of care (group and/or individual sessions focused on physical rehabilitation, and adapted school/professional orientation).
CONCLUSION: Regardless of the care system, care workers dedicated to AYA with cancer should use TE-specific actions to reinforce treatment participation and therapeutic relationships. This active multidisciplinary TE working group dedicated to AYA with cancer elaborated TE programs by skilled multidisciplinary teams engaged in interactive educational actions. After this work of a national TE organization, more studies using methodological tools are still required to evaluate the impact of such implemented programs on the treatment results and the quality of life.

PMID: 27863724 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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[Polymorphism in HLA and KIR genes and the impact on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes and unrelated donor selection: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)].

[Polymorphism in HLA and KIR genes and the impact on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes and unrelated donor selection: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)].

Bull Cancer. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Dubois V, Brignier A, Elsermans V, Gagne K, Kennel A, Pedron B, Picard C, Ravinet A, Varlet P, Cesbron A, Delbos F, Yakoub-Agha I, Loiseau P

Abstract
In an attempt to harmonize clinical practices among French hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers, the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) held its sixth annual workshop series in September 2015 in Lille. This event brought together practitioners from across the country with the purpose of offering careful analysis of published studies on clinical practice issues that remain to be disputed. This article addresses the impact of HLA and KIR gene polymorphism on the outcome of the transplantation in order to optimize unrelated donor selection.

PMID: 27855950 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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[General and ethical considerations for the informed consent process: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)].

[General and ethical considerations for the informed consent process: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)].

Bull Cancer. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Thibert JB, Polomeni A, Yakoub-Agha I, Bordessoule D

Abstract
Informed consent is not restricted to clinical research and must be applied to high-risk care such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. If standardized informed consent might improve inequalities in medical practices between different transplantation centers, it is strongly recommended that it be adapted with an honest dialogue between physicians and patients and physicians and donors. In an attempt to harmonize clinical practices among French hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers, the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) held its sixth annual workshop series in September 2015 in Lille. This event brought together practitioners from across the country. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the French law concerning patients' rights and ethical practices for an informed consent process to be applied to care or research.

PMID: 27855949 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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'Better' clinical decisions do not necessarily require more time to make.

'Better' clinical decisions do not necessarily require more time to make.

J Clin Epidemiol. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: McCleary N, Francis JJ, Campbell MK, Ramsay CR, Eccles MP, Treweek S, Allan J

PMID: 27864067 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Use of plant extracts as an efficient alternative therapy of respiratory tract infections.

Use of plant extracts as an efficient alternative therapy of respiratory tract infections.

Ceska Slov Farm. 2016;65(4):139-160

Authors: Šmejkal K, Rjašková V

Abstract
Medicinal plants are advantageously used in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases. Upper respiratory tract catarrh is one of the diseases associated with seasonal weakening of immunity, and therefore, plant drugs with a non-specific immunomodulation effect are often used. Such plants include, but are not limited to, Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). In combination with medicinal plants having antibacterial and antiseptic effects, such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and pelargonium (Pelargonium sidoides), they can constitute efficient help in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases, shorten the duration of the disease and reduce the need of antibiotic therapy. The text presented summarizes the basic information about these plants, their ingredients, mechanisms of action and clinical tests confirming their effect and monitoring eventual adverse effects.Key words: Echinacea purpurea Panax quinquefolius Pelargonium sidoides Thymus vulgaris upper respiratory tract catarrh immunity.

PMID: 27860473 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2fd2gQa

Plasma cytokines eotaxin, MIP-1α, MCP-4, and vascular endothelial growth factor in acute lower respiratory tract infection.

Plasma cytokines eotaxin, MIP-1α, MCP-4, and vascular endothelial growth factor in acute lower respiratory tract infection.

APMIS. 2016 Nov 16;:

Authors: Relster MM, Holm A, Pedersen C

Abstract
Major overlaps of clinical characteristics and the limitations of conventional diagnostic tests render the initial diagnosis and clinical management of pulmonary disorders difficult. In this pilot study, we analyzed the predictive value of eotaxin, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α), monocyte chemoattractant protein 4 (MCP-4), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 40 patients hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). The cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of several inflammatory respiratory diseases, indicating a potential as markers for LRTI. Patients were stratified according to etiology and severity of LRTI, based on baseline C-reactive protein and CURB-65 scores. Using a multiplex immunoassay of plasma, levels of eotaxin and MCP-4 were shown to increase from baseline until day 6 after admission to hospital. The four cytokines were unable to predict the etiology and severity. Eotaxin and MCP-4 were significantly lower in patients with C-reactive protein ≥100, and MIP-1α was significantly higher in the patients with CURB-65 > 3, but the predictive power was low. In conclusion, further evaluation, including more patients, is required to assess the full potential of eotaxin, MCP-4, MIP-1α, and VEGF as biomarkers for LRTI because of their low predictive power and a high interindividual variation of cytokine levels.

PMID: 27859623 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Adjuvant Radiosurgery versus Serial Surveillance following Subtotal Resection of Atypical Meningioma: A Systematic Analysis.

Adjuvant Radiosurgery versus Serial Surveillance following Subtotal Resection of Atypical Meningioma: A Systematic Analysis.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Lagman C, Bhatt NS, Lee SJ, Bui TT, Chung LK, Voth BL, Barnette NE, Pouratian N, Lee P, Selch M, Kaprealian T, Chin R, McArthur DL, Mukherjee D, Patil CG, Yang I

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Atypical meningioma (AM) is an aggressive subtype of meningioma that is associated with high recurrence rates following surgical resection. Recent studies have compared outcomes of various treatment strategies, but advantages of adjuvant radiosurgery (ARS) over serial surveillance (SS) following subtotal resection (STR) remain unclear. To further elucidate this issue, the authors systematically analyze the current literature on AM and compare outcomes of ARS versus SS after STR.
METHODS: Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were queried using relevant search terms. Retrospective case series that described patients with AM treated with ARS and SS after STR were included. Tests of proportions were performed to detect significant variations in recurrence rate, 5-year progression-free (PFS), and 5-year overall survival (OS) between the treatment strategies (ARS versus SS) and among individual studies.
RESULTS: A total of 619 patients (263 ARS and 356 SS) were identified. Mean recurrence rates, 5-year PFS, and 5-year OS were 53.5%, 50.3%, and 74.9% for ARS versus 89.8%, 19.1%, and 89.8% for SS, respectively. Recurrence rates between treatment strategies and ARS studies differed (p < .001). 5-year PFS between treatment strategies, ARS, and SS studies differed (p < .001, p = .007 and p < .001, respectively).
CONCLUSION: The evidence demonstrates significant differences in recurrence rates and 5-year PFS between ARS and SS, suggesting a potential benefit of ARS. As we further our understanding of the clinical outcomes of various treatment strategies for AM, we also move closer to integrating modalities, such as radiosurgery, into management guidelines.

PMID: 27856384 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The Woven Endobridge (WEB) device for treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a systematic review.

The Woven Endobridge (WEB) device for treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a systematic review.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Muskens IS, Senders JT, Dasenbrock HH, Smith TR, Broekman ML

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The WovenEndobridge (WEB) device is an innovative endovascular device for treatment of intracranial aneurysms, especially bifurcation and wide-neck aneurysms. Although not FDA approved, it has been available in Europe since 2011. The aim of this review is to evaluate the outcomes of WEB device use for intracranial aneurysm treatment.
METHODS: A systematic review was conducted with MEDLINE search engines PubMed and Embase from 2011. The search strategy provided 6229 articles, and 19 articles were included.
RESULTS: A total of 19 papers describing the use of WEB devices were identified in 687 patients with 718 aneurysms. The two largest prospective multicenter studies (WEBCAST and French Observatory Trial) reported successful treatment, defined as complete closure or a neck remnant, in 85% and 79% of aneurysms, respectively. The use of a WEB device in combination with coiling or stenting was described with varying results in multiple small series. Outcomes of WEB device use in ruptured aneurysms in two studies showed 94% and 80% adequate treatment. Thromboembolic events were described in 71 patients (10.3% of all patients) and infarctions in 8 patients (1.2% of all patients).
CONCLUSION: Despite initial promising results, the WEB device should be used with caution given its potentially large learning curve and because it has primarily been investigated only in wide-neck and bifurcation aneurysms. Additionally, currently available prospective studies have short follow-up, and the device has not been directly compared with other treatment modalities.

PMID: 27856383 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Linking Existing Instruments to Develop an Activity of Daily Living Item Bank.

Linking Existing Instruments to Develop an Activity of Daily Living Item Bank.

Eval Health Prof. 2016 Nov 16;:

Authors: Li CY, Romero S, Bonilha HS, Simpson KN, Simpson AN, Hong I, Velozo CA

Abstract
This study examined dimensionality and item-level psychometric properties of an item bank measuring activities of daily living (ADL) across inpatient rehabilitation facilities and community living centers. Common person equating method was used in the retrospective veterans data set. This study examined dimensionality, model fit, local independence, and monotonicity using factor analyses and fit statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and differential item functioning (DIF) using Rasch analysis. Following the elimination of invalid data, 371 veterans who completed both the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and minimum data set (MDS) within 6 days were retained. The FIM-MDS item bank demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .98) and met three rating scale diagnostic criteria and three of the four model fit statistics (comparative fit index/Tucker-Lewis index = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.14, and standardized root mean residual = 0.07). PCA of Rasch residuals showed the item bank explained 94.2% variance. The item bank covered the range of θ from -1.50 to 1.26 (item), -3.57 to 4.21 (person) with person strata of 6.3. The findings indicated the ADL physical function item bank constructed from FIM and MDS measured a single latent trait with overall acceptable item-level psychometric properties, suggesting that it is an appropriate source for developing efficient test forms such as short forms and computerized adaptive tests.

PMID: 27856680 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Diagnostic Performance of MR Elastography and Vibration-controlled Transient Elastography in the Detection of Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with Severe to Morbid Obesity.

Diagnostic Performance of MR Elastography and Vibration-controlled Transient Elastography in the Detection of Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with Severe to Morbid Obesity.

Radiology. 2016 Nov 18;:160685

Authors: Chen J, Yin M, Talwalkar JA, Oudry J, Glaser KJ, Smyrk TC, Miette V, Sandrin L, Ehman RL

Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance and examination success rate of magnetic resonance (MR) elastography and vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) in the detection of hepatic fibrosis in patients with severe to morbid obesity. Materials and Methods This prospective and HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 111 patients (71 women, 40 men) participated. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Patients underwent MR elastography with two readers and VCTE with three observers to acquire liver stiffness measurements for liver fibrosis assessment. The results were compared with those from liver biopsy. Each pathology specimen was evaluated by two hepatopathologists according to the METAVIR scoring system or Brunt classification when appropriate. All imaging observers were blinded to the biopsy results, and all hepatopathologists were blinded to the imaging results. Examination success rate, interobserver agreement, and diagnostic accuracy for fibrosis detection were assessed. Results In this obese patient population (mean body mass index = 40.3 kg/m(2); 95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.7 kg/m(2), 41.8 kg/m(2)]), the examination success rate was 95.8% (92 of 96 patients) for MR elastography and 81.3% (78 of 96 patients) or 88.5% (85 of 96 patients) for VCTE. Interobserver agreement was higher with MR elastography than with biopsy (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.95 vs 0.89). In patients with successful MR elastography and VCTE examinations (excluding unreliable VCTE examinations), both MR elastography and VCTE had excellent diagnostic accuracy in the detection of clinically significant hepatic fibrosis (stage F2-F4) (mean area under the curve: 0.93 [95% CI: 0.85, 0.97] vs 0.91 [95% CI: 0.83, 0.96]; P = .551). Conclusion In this obese patient population, both MR elastography and VCTE had excellent diagnostic performance for assessing hepatic fibrosis; MR elastography was more technically reliable than VCTE and had a higher interobserver agreement than liver biopsy. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID: 27861111 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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In-Bore 3-T MR-guided Transrectal Targeted Prostate Biopsy: Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2-based Diagnostic Performance for Detection of Prostate Cancer.

In-Bore 3-T MR-guided Transrectal Targeted Prostate Biopsy: Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2-based Diagnostic Performance for Detection of Prostate Cancer.

Radiology. 2016 Nov 18;:152827

Authors: Tan N, Lin WC, Khoshnoodi P, Asvadi NH, Yoshida J, Margolis DJ, Lu DS, Wu H, Sung KH, Lu DY, Huang J, Raman SS

Abstract
Purpose To determine the diagnostic yield of in-bore 3-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided prostate biopsy and stratify performance according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) versions 1 and 2. Materials and Methods This study was HIPAA compliant and institution review board approved. In-bore 3-T MR-guided prostate biopsy was performed in 134 targets in 106 men who (a) had not previously undergone prostate biopsy, (b) had prior negative biopsy findings with increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, or (c) had a prior history of prostate cancer with increasing PSA level. Clinical, diagnostic 3-T MR imaging was performed with in-bore guided prostate biopsy, and pathology data were collected. The diagnostic yields of MR-guided biopsy per patient and target were analyzed, and differences between biopsy targets with negative and positive findings were determined. Results of logistic regression and areas under the curve were compared between PI-RADS versions 1 and 2. Results Prostate cancer was detected in 63 of 106 patients (59.4%) and in 72 of 134 targets (53.7%) with 3-T MR imaging. Forty-nine of 72 targets (68.0%) had clinically significant cancer (Gleason score ≥ 7). One complication occurred (urosepsis, 0.9%). Patients who had positive target findings had lower apparent diffusion coefficient values (875 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec vs 1111 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec, respectively; P < .01), smaller prostate volume (47.2 cm(3) vs 75.4 cm(3), respectively; P < .01), higher PSA density (0.16 vs 0.10, respectively; P < .01), and higher proportion of PI-RADS version 2 category 3-5 scores when compared with patients with negative target findings. MR targets with PI-RADS version 2 category 2, 3, 4, and 5 scores had a positive diagnostic yield of three of 23 (13.0%), six of 31 (19.4%), 39 of 50 (78.0%), and 24 of 29 (82.8%) targets, respectively. No differences were detected in areas under the curve for PI-RADS version 2 versus 1. Conclusion In-bore 3-T MR-guided biopsy is safe and effective for prostate cancer diagnosis when stratified according to PI-RADS versions 1 and 2. (©)RSNA, 2016.

PMID: 27861110 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Coronary Radiology.

Coronary Radiology.

Radiology. 2006 Jul;240(1):24

Authors:

PMID: 27854560 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2gahVCr

Nuclear Cardiology & Correlative Imaging.

Nuclear Cardiology & Correlative Imaging.

Radiology. 2006 Jan;238(1):40-41

Authors:

PMID: 27854555 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2gaorJ3

Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Volume 1: Obstetrics.

Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Volume 1: Obstetrics.

Radiology. 2006 Apr;239(1):51

Authors:

PMID: 27854554 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2gahnw3

George F. Zwicky, Jr, MD.

George F. Zwicky, Jr, MD.

Radiology. 2004 Jun;231(3):929

Authors: Dowd AM

PMID: 27854164 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2gadO98

Michael R. Ross, MD.

Michael R. Ross, MD.

Radiology. 2004 Jun;231(3):929

Authors: Saks DA

PMID: 27854163 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2galCYw

Epstein-Barr virus infection and gene promoter hypermethylation in rheumatoid arthritis patients with methotrexate-associated B cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Epstein-Barr virus infection and gene promoter hypermethylation in rheumatoid arthritis patients with methotrexate-associated B cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Virchows Arch. 2016 Nov 18;

Authors: Ejima-Yamada K, Oshiro Y, Okamura S, Fujisaki T, Mihashi Y, Tamura K, Fukushige T, Kojima M, Shibuya K, Takeshita M

Abstract
We analyzed CpG-island hypermethylation status in 12 genes of paraffin-embedded tissues from 38 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with methotrexate (MTX)-associated large B cell lymphoproliferative disorder (BLPD), 11 RA patients with non-MTX-associated BLPD (non-MTX-BLPD), 22 controls with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and 10 controls with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)(+) DLBCL. Among them, tumor cells from EBV(+) MTX-BLPD patients and control EBV(+) DLBCL patients had significantly lower median incidence of CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) than those from non-MTX-BLPD and control DLBCL groups (2.3 and 1.7 vs. 4.3 and 4.4; P < 0.01 for each). In the MTX-BLPD group, EBV(+) patients showed lower median CIMP than EBV(-) patients (2.3 vs. 3.2); they also had significantly lower hypermethylation incidence in four apoptosis-related genes, especially death-associated protein kinase (14 vs. 55 %), higher incidence of massive tumor necrosis (86 vs. 27 %), and lower BCL2 protein expression (19 vs. 86 %) than did the control DLBCL group (P < 0.01 for all). In all clinical stages, EBV(+) MTX-BLPD patients had better prognoses than the EBV(-) MTX-BLPD (P = 0.011), non-MTX-BLPD (P = 0.002), and control DLBCL groups (P = 0.015). MTX-BLPD patients without hypermethylated RAS-associated domain family-1A (RASSF1A) or O (6) -methyl guanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) had significantly better prognosis than those with hypermethylation of those genes (P = 0.033). We conclude that in RA patients with MTX-BLPD, EBV infection is associated with a lower incidence of CIMP, apoptosis-related gene hypermethylation, and BCL2 expression, which can induce tumor regression by MTX withdrawal and lead to better prognoses.

PMID: 27864689 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Mouse model for acute Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Mouse model for acute Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 Nov 16;:

Authors: Wirtz T, Weber T, Kracker S, Sommermann T, Rajewsky K, Yasuda T

Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infects human B cells and drives them into continuous proliferation. Two key viral factors in this process are the latent membrane proteins LMP1 and LMP2A, which mimic constitutively activated CD40 receptor and B-cell receptor signaling, respectively. EBV-infected B cells elicit a powerful T-cell response that clears the infected B cells and leads to life-long immunity. Insufficient immune surveillance of EBV-infected B cells causes life-threatening lymphoproliferative disorders, including mostly germinal center (GC)-derived B-cell lymphomas. We have modeled acute EBV infection of naive and GC B cells in mice through timed expression of LMP1 and LMP2A. Although lethal when induced in all B cells, induction of LMP1 and LMP2A in just a small fraction of naive B cells initiated a phase of rapid B-cell expansion followed by a proliferative T-cell response, clearing the LMP-expressing B cells. Interfering with T-cell activity prevented clearance of LMP-expressing B cells. This was also true for perforin deficiency, which in the human causes a life-threatening EBV-related immunoproliferative syndrome. LMP expression in GC B cells impeded the GC reaction but, upon loss of T-cell surveillance, led to fatal B-cell expansion. Thus, timed expression of LMP1 together with LMP2A in subsets of mouse B cells allows one to study major clinically relevant features of human EBV infection in vivo, opening the way to new therapeutic approaches.

PMID: 27856754 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gxE1SD

Clinical effectiveness in the diagnosis and acute management of pediatric nephrolithiasis.

Clinical effectiveness in the diagnosis and acute management of pediatric nephrolithiasis.

Int J Surg. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Van Batavia JP, Tasian GE

Abstract
The incidence of pediatric nephrolithiasis has risen over the past few decades leading to a growing public health burden. Children and adolescents represent a unique patient population secondary to their higher risks from radiation exposure as compared to adults, high risk of recurrence, and longer follow up time given their longer life expectancies. Ultrasound imaging is the first-line modality for diagnosing suspected nephrolithiasis in children. Although data is limited, the best evidence based medicine supports the use of alpha-blockers as first-line MET in children, especially when stones are small and in a more distal ureteral location. Surgical management of pediatric nephrolithiasis is similar to that in adults with ESWL and URS first-line for smaller stones and PCNL reserved for larger renal stone burden. Clinical effectiveness in minimizing risks in children and adolescents with nephrolithiasis centers around ED pathways that limit CT imaging, strict guidance to ALARA principles or use of US during surgical procedures, and education of both patients and families on the risks of repeat ionizing radiation exposures during follow up and acute colic events.

PMID: 27856357 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gs9d4K

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL) a critical review.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL) a critical review.

Int J Surg. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Ganpule AP, Vijayakumar M, Malpani A, Desai MR

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the preferred treatment of choice for renal calculi. PCNL has evolved remarkably since the eighties when it was first described.
APPROACH: Approach might be by either supine or prone and the access is made with the help of either fluoroscopy or ultrasound. Recently endoscopy and ipad guided puncture have also been described.
MINIATURIZATION: The traditional PCNl were sung tracts upto 40 fr initially and the most common used was around 30 fr till recently. Even though the stone clearance rate was good there were complications such as bleeding With the advent of excellent optics and advances in stone fragmentation the tract size has reduced to a great extent which has reduced the complications without compromising the stone clearance.
COMPLICATIONS: The complications related to access might be injury to pleura, and other visceral organs. The other complications are bleeding, infection and incomplete stone clearance.
CONCLUSION: PCNL has emerged as most efficient procedure among these approaches to stone removal, though not devoid of complications and requirement for skills. The drive for minimal invasive approach should not compromise stone clearance, latter being the core principle of endourology. In skilled hands PCNL is the answer to stone questions we as urologist face day to day. though which form of PCNL is to be chosen depends on surgeons skill level and discretion.

PMID: 27856356 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gsdVj3

Combined intravenous and topical tranexamic acid versus intravenous use alone in primary total knee and hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Combined intravenous and topical tranexamic acid versus intravenous use alone in primary total knee and hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Int J Surg. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Shang J, Wang H, Zheng B, Rui M, Wang Y

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The tranexamic acid (TXA) can reduce surgical perioperative blood loss. However, the optimal regimen of tranexamic acid remains controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of combined intravenous and topical tranexamic acid versus intravenous use alone in primary total knee and hip arthroplasty.
METHODS: PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane library and OVID were searched. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating combined intravenous and topical TXA versus intravenous alone in primary total knee and hip arthroplasty were included. The relative risk (RR) or the mean difference (MD) for dichotomous or continuous data was calculated respectively, and heterogeneity was analyzed by chi-square and I(2) tests.
RESULTS: A total of five RCTs met the inclusion criteria were included. The meta-analysis indicated that there was statistically significant difference favoring the combined group in total blood loss(MD = -160.90, 95% CI[-201.26, -120.54]), P < 0.00001), hemoglobin drop (MD = -0.41, 95% CI[-0.73,0.08], P = 0.01), transfusion requirements(RR = 0.29, 95% CI[0.12,0.70], P = 0.006) and length of hospital stays (MD = -0.21, 95%CI[-0.40, -0.02], P = 0.03). Both groups showed similar outcomes regarding thromboembolic complications(RR = 0.84, 95% CI[0.26,2.70], P = 0.76).
CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, Combined use of intravenous and topical TXA is more effective than intravenous TXA alone in primary total knee or hip arthroplasty without increasing the risk of thromboembolic complications. Further high quality studies with more patients are needed in future studies.

PMID: 27856355 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gscVeT

Robotic-assisted surgery and treatment of urolithiasis.

Robotic-assisted surgery and treatment of urolithiasis.

Int J Surg. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Siddiqui KM, Albala DM

Abstract
Advancement in surgical management of urolithiasis has revolved around improvements in technology. Urologists have been at the forefront on embracing new technology and passing on the benefits to the patients. Da Vinci(®) robotic system has contributed significantly in improving the outcomes of minimally invasive procedures especially those requiring complex resections and reconstruction. Endourological and percutaneous techniques have established superiority in management of urolithiasis and majority of the patients are ideal candidates for such procedures. However, in certain stone disease indications like simultaneous pyeloplasty-pyelolithotomy, robotic assisted procedure has established superiority, at least in the developed world. Other indications like complex pyelolithotomy and stone extraction with simultaneous partial nephrectomy are being continuously documented. Large, multi-institutional studies to evaluate the effective advantages of the robotic approach against well-established methodologies in the treatment of stone disease are required. However the wider availability of robotic system in areas where stone disease is endemic continues to be the biggest challenge.

PMID: 27856354 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gseEkv

Urolithiasis in renal transplant donors and recipients: An update.

Urolithiasis in renal transplant donors and recipients: An update.

Int J Surg. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Harraz AM, Kamal AI, Shokeir AA

Abstract
Urolithiasis in the context of renal transplant is a quite rare event that requires keeping a higher index of suspicion and vigilance. Donors with incidentally discovered asymptomatic renal stones "donor gifted lithiasis" are potentially considered for donation should they are not recurrent stone formers and in the absence of active biochemical disorders. Stone clearance from the donors can be done before donation using shock wave lithotripsy and/or flexible ureteroscopy. Ex vivo ureteroscopy at time of transplant is equally feasible and safe. A variety of anatomical, metabolic and surgical factors contribute to de novo lithiasis after transplantation. Diagnosis is challenging as the transplanted kidney is denervated and the presentation is consequently, atypical. Endourological armamentarium is readily present within the hands of the urologists for adequately addressing the stones and including shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy. Whilst all endourological techniques have proven feasibility and safety, they are surgically demanding and requiring high-volume expertise to be adequately performed. The longterm outcome in terms of stone recurrence or the effect on graft survival is favorable. Finally, formidable counselling as well as postoperative monitoring for both donors and recipients is crucial to minimize urolithiasis-related morbidity.

PMID: 27856353 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gsdLIB

Internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy in clinical practice.

Internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy in clinical practice.

Int J Surg. 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Asadi M, Krag D

Abstract
Almost all recent studies confirmed internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy (IM-SLNB) as an accurate and valuable technique to determine stage, prognosis, and best treatment option in breast cancer patients. Decision about local treatment of internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLN) is still being made based on Axillary lymph node (ALN) status. According to study results, there will be patients in positive ALN subgroup who just face complications of an unnecessary radiation to IMLNs and there will be patients in negative ALN subgroup who do not receive adjuvant radiation therapy they really need, if we insist to continue planning IMLN treatment based on ALN status. It seems that patients with bonafide drainage to IMLNs will benefit from IM-SLNB regardless of their ALN status.

PMID: 27856352 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gs8L6H

Systemic levels of estrogens and PGE2 synthesis in relation to postmenopausal breast cancer risk.

Systemic levels of estrogens and PGE2 synthesis in relation to postmenopausal breast cancer risk.

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2016 Nov 18;:

Authors: Kim S, Campbell J, Yoo W, Taylor JA, Sandler DP

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induces aromatase expression in adipose tissue leading to increased estrogen production that may promote the development and progression of breast cancer. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated systemic levels of PGE2 and estrogen in relation to postmenopausal breast cancer risk.
METHODS: Here we determined urinary estrogen metabolites (EMs) using mass spectrometry in a case-cohort study (295 incident breast cancer cases and 294 subcohort members), and using linear regression estimated the effect of urinary levels of a major PGE2 metabolite (PGE-M) on EMs. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of developing breast cancer in relation to PGE-M and EMs were compared between Cox regression models with and without mutual adjustment.
RESULTS: PGE-M was a significant predictor of estrone (E1), but not estradiol (E2) levels in multivariable analysis. Elevated E2 levels were associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer (HRQ5vs.Q1 =1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.35), and this association remained unchanged after adjustment for PGE-M (HRQ5vs.Q1 =1.52, 95% CI: 0.99-2.33). Similarly, elevated levels of PGE-M were associated with increased risk of developing breast cancer (HRQ4vs.Q1 =2.01, 95% CI: 1.01-4.29), and this association was only nominally changed after consideration of E1 or E2 levels.
CONCLUSIONS: Urinary levels of PGE-M and estrogens were independently associated with future risk of developing breast cancer among these postmenopausal women.
IMPACT: Increased breast cancer risk associated with PGE-M might not be fully explained by the estrogens-breast cancer association alone but also by additional effects related to inflammation.

PMID: 27864342 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gscpNY

Developing a Web-Based Weight Management Program for Childhood Cancer Survivors: Rationale and Methods.

Developing a Web-Based Weight Management Program for Childhood Cancer Survivors: Rationale and Methods.

JMIR Res Protoc. 2016 Nov 18;5(4):e214

Authors: Zhang FF, Meagher S, Scheurer M, Folta S, Finnan E, Criss K, Economos C, Dreyer Z, Kelly M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Due to advances in the field of oncology, survival rates for children with cancer have improved significantly. However, these childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk for obesity and cardiovascular diseases and for developing these conditions at an earlier age.
OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we describe the rationale, conceptual framework, development process, novel components, and delivery plan of a behavioral intervention program for preventing unhealthy weight gain in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
METHODS: A Web-based program, the Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) program, was designed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers who first identified behaviors that are appropriate targets for weight management in childhood ALL survivors and subsequently developed the intervention components, following core behavioral change strategies grounded in social cognitive and self-determination theories.
RESULTS: The Web-based HEAL curriculum has 12 weekly self-guided sessions to increase parents' awareness of the potential impact of cancer treatment on weight and lifestyle habits and the importance of weight management in survivors' long-term health. It empowers parents with knowledge and skills on parenting, nutrition, and physical activity to help them facilitate healthy eating and active living soon after the child completes intensive cancer treatment. Based on social cognitive theory, the program is designed to increase behavioral skills (goal-setting, self-monitoring, and problem-solving) and self-efficacy and to provide positive reinforcement to sustain behavioral change.
CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle interventions are a priority for preventing the early onset of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in childhood cancer survivors. Intervention programs need to meet survivors' targeted behavioral needs, address specific barriers, and capture a sensitive window for behavioral change. In addition, they should be convenient, cost-effective and scalable. Future studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of introducing weight management early in cancer care and the efficacy of early weight management on survivors' health outcomes.

PMID: 27864163 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2gsdwx3

Prediction of overall survival for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: development of a prognostic model through a crowdsourced challenge with open clinical trial data.

Prediction of overall survival for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: development of a prognostic model through a crowdsourced challenge with open clinical trial data.

Lancet Oncol. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: Guinney J, Wang T, Laajala TD, Winner KK, Bare JC, Neto EC, Khan SA, Peddinti G, Airola A, Pahikkala T, Mirtti T, Yu T, Bot BM, Shen L, Abdallah K, Norman T, Friend S, Stolovitzky G, Soule H, Sweeney CJ, Ryan CJ, Scher HI, Sartor O, Xie Y, Aittokallio T, Zhou FL, Costello JC, Prostate Cancer Challenge DREAM Community

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Improvements to prognostic models in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer have the potential to augment clinical trial design and guide treatment strategies. In partnership with Project Data Sphere, a not-for-profit initiative allowing data from cancer clinical trials to be shared broadly with researchers, we designed an open-data, crowdsourced, DREAM (Dialogue for Reverse Engineering Assessments and Methods) challenge to not only identify a better prognostic model for prediction of survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer but also engage a community of international data scientists to study this disease.
METHODS: Data from the comparator arms of four phase 3 clinical trials in first-line metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were obtained from Project Data Sphere, comprising 476 patients treated with docetaxel and prednisone from the ASCENT2 trial, 526 patients treated with docetaxel, prednisone, and placebo in the MAINSAIL trial, 598 patients treated with docetaxel, prednisone or prednisolone, and placebo in the VENICE trial, and 470 patients treated with docetaxel and placebo in the ENTHUSE 33 trial. Datasets consisting of more than 150 clinical variables were curated centrally, including demographics, laboratory values, medical history, lesion sites, and previous treatments. Data from ASCENT2, MAINSAIL, and VENICE were released publicly to be used as training data to predict the outcome of interest-namely, overall survival. Clinical data were also released for ENTHUSE 33, but data for outcome variables (overall survival and event status) were hidden from the challenge participants so that ENTHUSE 33 could be used for independent validation. Methods were evaluated using the integrated time-dependent area under the curve (iAUC). The reference model, based on eight clinical variables and a penalised Cox proportional-hazards model, was used to compare method performance. Further validation was done using data from a fifth trial-ENTHUSE M1-in which 266 patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were treated with placebo alone.
FINDINGS: 50 independent methods were developed to predict overall survival and were evaluated through the DREAM challenge. The top performer was based on an ensemble of penalised Cox regression models (ePCR), which uniquely identified predictive interaction effects with immune biomarkers and markers of hepatic and renal function. Overall, ePCR outperformed all other methods (iAUC 0·791; Bayes factor >5) and surpassed the reference model (iAUC 0·743; Bayes factor >20). Both the ePCR model and reference models stratified patients in the ENTHUSE 33 trial into high-risk and low-risk groups with significantly different overall survival (ePCR: hazard ratio 3·32, 95% CI 2·39-4·62, p<0·0001; reference model: 2·56, 1·85-3·53, p<0·0001). The new model was validated further on the ENTHUSE M1 cohort with similarly high performance (iAUC 0·768). Meta-analysis across all methods confirmed previously identified predictive clinical variables and revealed aspartate aminotransferase as an important, albeit previously under-reported, prognostic biomarker.
INTERPRETATION: Novel prognostic factors were delineated, and the assessment of 50 methods developed by independent international teams establishes a benchmark for development of methods in the future. The results of this effort show that data-sharing, when combined with a crowdsourced challenge, is a robust and powerful framework to develop new prognostic models in advanced prostate cancer.
FUNDING: Sanofi US Services, Project Data Sphere.

PMID: 27864015 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gscnFD

Combination of temsirolimus and adriamycin exhibits an enhanced antitumor effect in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Combination of temsirolimus and adriamycin exhibits an enhanced antitumor effect in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: Kang HG, Wang BZ, Zhang J, Liu MR, Li YX

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The oncogenic PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is frequently activated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-HCC effect of combination of temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, and adriamycin, a routinely used drug for treating HCC.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: Proliferation of HCC cells exposure to temsirolimus, adriamycin, and their combination was determined using MTT assay in vitro as well as in a nude mice model in vivo. Cell apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry. Expressions of apoptosis-related proteins including caspase-9, -3, PARP, Bax, and Bcl-2 were determined using Western blotting.
RESULTS: Temsirolimus plus adriamycin showed an enhanced inhibitory effect on cell proliferation compared to temsirolimus or adriamycin in HCC cells PLC/PRF/5, BEL7402, and HuH7 in vitro. The drug combination solicited a higher percentage of apoptosis cells and induced higher levels of cleaved caspase-9, -3, and PARP than temsirolimus or adriamycin used alone. The ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased in cells exposed to the combination treatment. The enhanced anti-tumor effect of this drug combination was verified in a nude mice model. We also observed that half doses of temsirolimus and adriamycin used in combination achieved a comparable tumor growth inhibitor rate with full dose of temsirolimus or adriamycin used alone.
CONCLUSION: Temsirolimus plus adriamycin exhibited an enhanced antitumor effect in HCC and this drug combination might have a potential value in treatment of HCC. Studies are warranted to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of this regimen in the future.

PMID: 27863926 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gs86Ce

Active Surveillance for Favourable-Risk Prostate Cancer: Is there a Greater Psychological Impact than Previously Thought? A Systematic, Mixed Studies Literature Review.

Active Surveillance for Favourable-Risk Prostate Cancer: Is there a Greater Psychological Impact than Previously Thought? A Systematic, Mixed Studies Literature Review.

Psychooncology. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: Ruane-McAteer E, Porter S, O'Sullivan JM, Santin O, Prue G

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Active Surveillance (AS) allows men with favourable-risk prostate cancer (PCa) to avoid or postpone active treatment and hence spares potential adverse side effects for a significant proportion of these patients. Active surveillance may create an additional emotional burden for these patients. The aim of the review was to determine the psychological impact of AS to inform future study in this area and to provide recommendations for clinical practice.
METHODS: Studies were identified through database searching from inception to September 2015. Quantitative or qualitative non-interventional studies published in English that assessed the psychological impact of AS were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess methodological quality.
RESULTS: Twenty-three papers were included (20 quantitative, 3 qualitative). Quantitatively, the majority of patients do not report psychological difficulties, however when appropriateness of study design is considered, the conclusion that AS has minimal impact on wellbeing, may not be accurate. This is due to small sample sizes, inappropriately timed baseline, and inappropriate/lack of comparison groups. In addition, a mismatch in outcome was noted between the outcome of quantitative and qualitative studies in uncertainty, with qualitative studies indicating a greater psychological impact.
CONCLUSIONS: Due to methodological concerns, many quantitative studies may not provide a true account of the burden of AS. Further mixed-methods studies are necessary to address the limitations highlighted and to provide clarity on the impact of AS. Practitioners should be aware that despite findings of previous reviews, patients may require additional emotional support.

PMID: 27862602 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gscql1

\Communication about Melanoma and Risk Reduction after Melanoma Diagnosis.

\Communication about Melanoma and Risk Reduction after Melanoma Diagnosis.

Psychooncology. 2016 Nov 15;:

Authors: Rodríguez VM, Berwick M, Hay JL

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Melanoma patients are advised to perform regular risk reduction practices including sun protection as well as skin self-examinations (SSE) and physician-led examinations. Melanoma-specific communication regarding family risk and screening may promote such behaviors. To this end, associations between patients' melanoma-specific communication and risk reduction were examined.
METHODS: Melanoma patients (N = 169) drawn from a population-based cancer registry reported their current risk reduction practices, perceived risk of future melanoma, and communication with physicians and relatives about melanoma risk and screening.
RESULTS: Patients were, on average, 56 years-old and 6.7 years' post-diagnosis; 51% were male, 93% reported "fair/very fair" skin color, 75% completed at least some college, and 22% reported a family history of melanoma. Patients reported varying levels of regular (always/nearly always) sun protection: sunscreen use (79%), shade-seeking (60%), hat use (54%), and long-sleeve shirts use (30%). Only 28% performed thorough SSE regularly, whereas 92% reported undergoing physician-led skin examinations within the past year. Participants who were female, younger, and had a higher perceived risk of future melanoma were more likely to report past communication. In adjusted analyses, communication remained uniquely associated with increased sunscreen use and SSE.
CONCLUSIONS: Encouraging melanoma patients to have a more active role in discussions concerning melanoma risk and screening with relatives and physicians alike may be a useful strategy to promote two key risk-reduction practices post melanoma diagnosis and treatment. Future research is needed to identify additional strategies to improve comprehensive risk reduction in long-term melanoma patients.

PMID: 27862570 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2fRcRSe

A childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia genome-wide association study identifies novel sex-specific risk variants.

A childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia genome-wide association study identifies novel sex-specific risk variants.

Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Nov;95(46):e5300

Authors: Singh SK, Lupo PJ, Scheurer ME, Saxena A, Kennedy AE, Ibrahimou B, Barbieri MA, Mills KI, McCauley JL, Okcu MF, Dorak MT

Abstract
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) occurs more frequently in males. Reasons behind sex differences in childhood ALL risk are unknown. In the present genome-wide association study (GWAS), we explored the genetic basis of sex differences by comparing genotype frequencies between male and female cases in a case-only study to assess effect-modification by sex.The case-only design included 236 incident cases of childhood ALL consecutively recruited at the Texas Children's Cancer Center in Houston, Texas from 2007 to 2012. All cases were non-Hispanic whites, aged 1 to 10 years, and diagnosed with confirmed B-cell precursor ALL. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina HumanCoreExome BeadChip on the Illumina Infinium platform. Besides the top 100 statistically most significant results, results were also analyzed by the top 100 highest effect size with a nominal statistical significance (P <0.05).The statistically most significant sex-specific association (P = 4 × 10) was with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4813720 (RASSF2), an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) for RASSF2 in peripheral blood. rs4813720 is also a strong methylation QTL (meQTL) for a CpG site (cg22485289) within RASSF2 in pregnancy, at birth, childhood, and adolescence. cg22485289 is one of the hypomethylated CpG sites in ALL compared with pre-B cells. Two missense SNPs, rs12722042 and 12722039, in the HLA-DQA1 gene yielded the highest effect sizes (odds ratio [OR] ∼ 14; P <0.01) for sex-specific results. The HLA-DQA1 SNPs belong to DQA1*01 and confirmed the previously reported male-specific association with DQA1*01. This finding supports the proposed infection-related etiology in childhood ALL risk for males. Further analyses revealed that most SNPs (either direct effect or through linkage disequilibrium) were within active enhancers or active promoter regions and had regulatory effects on gene expression levels.Cumulative data suggested that RASSF2 rs4813720, which correlates with increased RASSF2 expression, may counteract the suppressor effect of estrogen-regulated miR-17-92 on RASSF2 resulting in protection in males. Given the amount of sex hormone-related mechanisms suggested by our findings, future studies should examine prenatal or early postnatal programming by sex hormones when hormone levels show a large variation.

PMID: 27861356 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2gs8kJB

Laser Ablation of Newly Diagnosed Malignant Gliomas: a Meta-Analysis.

Laser Ablation of Newly Diagnosed Malignant Gliomas: a Meta-Analysis.

Neurosurgery. 2016 Dec;79 Suppl 1:S17-S23

Authors: Ivan ME, Mohammadi AM, De Deugd N, Reyes J, Rodriguez G, Shah A, Barnett GH, Komotar RJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance-guided laser-interstitial thermotherapy (MR-LITT) is a minimally invasive technique that shows promise in neuro-oncology because of its superiority in delivering precise minimally invasive thermal energy with minimal collateral damage.
OBJECTIVE: In this analysis, we investigate initial data on the use of MR-LITT in the treatment of newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas.
METHODS: With the use of the PubMed, OVID, and Google-scholar database systems, a comprehensive search of the English literature was performed. Eighty-five articles were identified plus 1 that is pending publication. Four articles were accounted for in this review, including 25 patients with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas who underwent MR-LITT treatment. We evaluated safety, progression-free survival, and overall survival.
RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 53.8 years underwent LITT treatments. On average, 82.9% of the pretreatment lesion volume was ablated. The average tumor volume treated was 16.5 cm. The mean follow-up time was 7.6 months. Median overall survival was found to be 14.2 months (range 0.1-23 months). The median progression-free survival was 5.1 months (range 2.4-23 months); however, these data are limited by the relatively short follow-up of the patients reviewed and small sample size of only 25 patients. There was 1 (3.4%) major perioperative complication, which was a central nervous system infection.
CONCLUSION: MR-LITT is a promising technology for the treatment of small, yet difficult-to-treat newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas. This study demonstrates that MR-LITT is safe, and future randomized studies are needed to evaluate its role as a treatment adjunct for newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas.
ABBREVIATIONS: BBB, blood-brain barrierHGG, high-grade gliomaLITT, laser-interstitial thermal therapyWHO, World Health Organization.

PMID: 27861322 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2gsbNbc

Roles of PPAR transcription factors in the energetic metabolic switch occurring during adult neurogenesis.

Roles of PPAR transcription factors in the energetic metabolic switch occurring during adult neurogenesis.

Cell Cycle. 2016 Nov 18;:0

Authors: Di Giacomo E, Benedetti E, Cristiano L, Antonosante A, d'Angelo M, Fidoamore A, Barone D, Moreno S, Ippoliti R, Cerù MP, Giordano A, Cimini A

Abstract
PPARs are a class of ligand-activated transcription factors belonging to the superfamily of receptors for steroid and thyroid hormones, retinoids and vitamin D that control the expression of a large number of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and death. The role of PPARs in the CNS has been primarily associated with lipid and glucose metabolism; however, these receptors are also implicated in neural cell differentiation and death, as well as neuronal maturation. Although it has been demonstrated that PPARs play important roles in determining NSCs fate, less is known about their function in regulating NSCs metabolism during differentiation. In order to identify the metabolic events, controlled by PPARs, occurring during neuronal precursor differentiation, the glucose and lipid metabolism was followed in a recognized model of neuronal differentiation in vitro, the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. Moreover, PPARs distribution were also followed in situ in adult mouse brains. The concept of adult neurogenesis becomes relevant especially in view of those disorders in which a loss of neurons is described, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain injuries and other neurological disorders. Elucidating the crucial steps in energetic metabolism and the involvement of PPARγ in NSC neuronal fate (lineage) may be useful for the future design of preventive and/or therapeutic interventions.

PMID: 27860527 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gaaWsT

Geographical miss of the prostate during image-guided radiotherapy with a 6-mm posterior expansion margin.

Geographical miss of the prostate during image-guided radiotherapy with a 6-mm posterior expansion margin.

J Med Radiat Sci. 2016 Nov 8;:

Authors: Oates R, Jones D, Foroudi F, Gill S, Ramachandran P, Schneider M, LimJoon M, Kron T

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Our department commonly uses a planning target volume (PTV) expansion of 6 mm posterior and 1 cm in all other directions when treating prostate cancer patients with image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). This study aimed to test the adequacy of this PTV expansion by assessing geographical miss of the prostate on post-treatment cone-beam CT (CBCT) and identify those at risk of geographical miss.
METHODS: Twenty-two prostate cancer patients receiving IGRT with implanted fiducial markers underwent daily pre-treatment orthogonal kV imaging followed by a post-treatment CBCT for a total of 432 fractions. The prostate was outlined on all CBCTs. For each imaging set, the volume of geographic miss was measured by subtracting the PTV from the planning CT and prostate volume on the post-treatment CBCT.
RESULTS: The prostate volume moved outside the PTV by >0.01 cc in 9% of fractions (39/432). This occurred in 13 (59%) of 22 patients. Large prostates >40 cc and >50 cc had significantly more geographical miss events (both P < 0.001). Changes in rectal filling appear to be responsible for prostate motion/deformation in 82% (32/39) of fractions.
CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that, despite IGRT, prostate PTV margins are not adequate in some patients, particularly those with large prostates. PTV margins may be reduced in some other patients. Prostate rotation and deformation play an important role in setting margins and may not always be represented accurately by fiducial marker displacements. Individualised and adaptive margins for prostate cancer patients should be a priority for future research.

PMID: 27860454 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gsduoV

Perinatal factors associated with clinical presentation of osteosarcoma in children and adolescents.

Perinatal factors associated with clinical presentation of osteosarcoma in children and adolescents.

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2016 Nov 10;:

Authors: Endicott AA, Morimoto LM, Kline CN, Wiemels JL, Metayer C, Walsh KM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma typically develops during puberty with tumors arising at sites of rapid bone growth, suggesting a role for growth-regulating pathways in tumor etiology. Birthweight is one measure of perinatal growth that has been investigated as an osteosarcoma risk factor. Whether birthweight affects clinical features of osteosarcoma remains unexplored.
METHOD: Six hundred seventy patients with osteosarcoma, aged 0-19 years, were identified through the California Cancer Registry. We analyzed birth certificate data from the California Department of Public Health vital statistics unit for these patients and 2,860 controls, matched by sex, birth-year, and race/ethnicity. We examined the impact of birthweight on the risk, timing, and clinical presentation of pediatric osteosarcoma including tumor location, size, extension, differentiation, presence of metastasis, and age at onset. Regression models were adjusted for race, sex, gestational age, socioeconomic status, and tumor site.
RESULTS: Higher birthweight was associated with more advanced tumor stage (P = 0.017), a trend toward greater tumor extension into surrounding tissues (P = 0.083), and with occurrence of tumors in sites other than the long bones of the arms/legs (P = 9.7 × 10(-3) ). Higher birthweight was also associated with an increased likelihood of metastases present at diagnosis (P = 0.047), with each 200 g increase in birthweight associated with a 1.11-fold increase in the odds of having metastatic disease (95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.22).
CONCLUSIONS: The association between higher birthweight and more aggressive osteosarcoma, frequently occurring at sites other than the long bones, suggests that growth pathways active during gestation may play an important role in future osteosarcoma progression, especially at anatomic sites with diminished rates of osteoblastic proliferation.

PMID: 27860191 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gs7KeO

Molecular key to understand the gastric cancer biology in elderly patients-The role of microsatellite instability.

Molecular key to understand the gastric cancer biology in elderly patients-The role of microsatellite instability.

J Surg Oncol. 2016 Nov 18;:

Authors: Polom K, Marrelli D, Roviello G, Pascale V, Voglino C, Rho H, Marini M, Macchiarelli R, Roviello F

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microsatellite instability (MSI) in gastric cancer (GC) is associated with older age. We present the clinicopathological results of younger and older patients with MSI GC.
METHODS: We analyzed 472 patients with GC. MSI analysis was done on fresh frozen tissue using five quasimonomorphic mononucleotide repeats: NR-21, NR-24, NR-27, BAT-25, and BAR-26. Clinical and pathological analysis was performed for different age groups.
RESULTS: We observed better survival in elderly MSI GC patients compared to younger patients. The percentage of MSI GC increases gradually with increasing age, accounting for 48% of patients over the age of 85 years. A difference in survival was seen between MSI and MSS groups of patients older than 65 years, while no statistical difference was seen for younger groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that MSI status has a significant prognostic factor in patients aged over 70 years (MSS vs. MSI; HR 1.82, P = 0.013).
CONCLUSION: MSI is an important prognostic factor above all in elderly GC patients. It is associated with favorable prognosis and may help in planning different approaches to treatment in this subgroup. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID: 27859280 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gs84u6

Outcomes of high-grade gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease posthematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children.

Outcomes of high-grade gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease posthematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children.

Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Nov;95(44):e5242

Authors: Uygun V, Uygun DF, Daloğlu H, Öztürkmen SI, Karasu G, Hazar V, Yeşilipek A

Abstract
We explored the clinical course of acute high-grade gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease in children in a single center. This was a retrospective analysis of 28 pediatric patients who presented with a clinical diagnosis of stage III and IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) of the gastrointestinal system (GIS). Generally, skin involvement was the initial manifestation of aGVHD that began in the first 3 weeks of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); on the other hand, GIS involvement predominated after the second week of HSCT. Reported adult data show a survival rate of only 25%; however, our study showed more favorable outcomes in children with a survival rate of 55%. We monitored levels of albumin and immunoglobulin G and observed low levels overall during treatment of unresponsive patients, although only albumin levels were shown to be significantly different. We observed a significant increase in mortality with the use of antithymocyte globulin in GIS aGVHD, although antithymocyte globulin used for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis had no demonstrable effect on GIS aGVHD mortality. Whether the significantly lower GIS aGVHD mortality among the children recruited in our study than among their historical adult counterparts is a primary result of the specific attributes of the pediatric GIS, or whether it originated from HSCT kinetics remains to be determined by future studies.

PMID: 27858879 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2gs8NeG

Preclinical imaging in oncology: advances and perspectives.

Preclinical imaging in oncology: advances and perspectives.

Q J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2016 Nov 18;

Authors: Iommelli F, DE Rosa V, Terlizzi C, Del Vecchio S

Abstract
Preclinical imaging with radiolabeled probes became an integral part of the complex translational process that moves a newly developed compound from laboratory to clinical application. Imaging studies in animal tumor models may be undertaken to test a newly synthesized tracer, a newly developed drug or to interrogate, in the living organism, specific molecular and biological processes underlying tumor growth and progression. The present review will try to delineate the current status and future perspectives of preclinical imaging in oncology by providing examples from recent literature. Among the biological processes and molecular targets that can be visualized with radiolabeled probes in animal tumor models, we focused on proliferation, expression of targets suitable for therapy, glycolytic phenotype, metastatic dissemination, tumor angiogenesis and survival. The major contribution of preclinical imaging emerging from these studies is the development and validation of imaging biomarkers that can be translated into the clinical context for patient selection and evaluation of tumor response to molecularly targeted agents.

PMID: 27858408 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2fgzhhr

Advances in multimodal molecular imaging.

Advances in multimodal molecular imaging.

Q J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2016 Nov 18;

Authors: Auletta L, Gramanzini M, Sara G, Albanese S, Salvatore M, Greco A

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Preclinical molecular imaging is an emerging field. Improving the ability of scientists to study the molecular basis of human pathology in animals is of the utmost importance for future advances in all fields of human medicine. Moreover, the possibility of developing new imaging techniques or of implementing old ones adapted to the clinic is a significant area.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Cardiology, neurology, immunology and oncology have all been studied with preclinical molecular imaging. The functional techniques photoacoustic imaging (PAI), fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), photon emitting tomography (PET), and single photon emitting computed tomography (SPECT) in association with each other or with the anatomic reference provided by computed tomography (CT) as well as with anatomic and functional information provided by magnetic resonance (MR) have all been proficiently applied to animal models of human disease.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: All the above-mentioned imaging techniques have shown their ability to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in animal models of disease. The clinical translatability of most of the techniques motivates the ongoing study of their possible fields of application.
CONCLUSIONS: The ability to combine two or more techniques allows obtaining as much information as possible on the molecular processes involved in pathologies, reducing the number of animals necessary in each experiment. Merging molecular probes compatible with various imaging technique will further expand the capability to achieve the best results.

PMID: 27858404 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2fgFJFt

The current consensus on the clinical management of intracranial ependymoma and its distinct molecular variants.

The current consensus on the clinical management of intracranial ependymoma and its distinct molecular variants.

Acta Neuropathol. 2016 Nov 17;

Authors: Pajtler KW, Mack SC, Ramaswamy V, Smith CA, Witt H, Smith A, Hansford JR, von Hoff K, Wright KD, Hwang E, Frappaz D, Kanemura Y, Massimino M, Faure-Conter C, Modena P, Tabori U, Warren KE, Holland EC, Ichimura K, Giangaspero F, Castel D, von Deimling A, Kool M, Dirks PB, Grundy RG, Foreman NK, Gajjar A, Korshunov A, Finlay J, Gilbertson RJ, Ellison DW, Aldape KD, Merchant TE, Bouffet E, Pfister SM, Taylor MD

Abstract
Multiple independent genomic profiling efforts have recently identified clinically and molecularly distinct subgroups of ependymoma arising from all three anatomic compartments of the central nervous system (supratentorial brain, posterior fossa, and spinal cord). These advances motivated a consensus meeting to discuss: (1) the utility of current histologic grading criteria, (2) the integration of molecular-based stratification schemes in future clinical trials for patients with ependymoma and (3) current therapy in the context of molecular subgroups. Discussion at the meeting generated a series of consensus statements and recommendations from the attendees, which comment on the prognostic evaluation and treatment decisions of patients with intracranial ependymoma (WHO Grade II/III) based on the knowledge of its molecular subgroups. The major consensus among attendees was reached that treatment decisions for ependymoma (outside of clinical trials) should not be based on grading (II vs III). Supratentorial and posterior fossa ependymomas are distinct diseases, although the impact on therapy is still evolving. Molecular subgrouping should be part of all clinical trials henceforth.

PMID: 27858204 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gaHnHr

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics reveals an excretory metabolic signature of renal cell carcinoma.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics reveals an excretory metabolic signature of renal cell carcinoma.

Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 18;6:37275

Authors: Monteiro MS, Barros AS, Pinto J, Carvalho M, Pires-Luís AS, Henrique R, Jerónimo C, Bastos ML, Gil AM, Guedes de Pinho P

Abstract
RCC usually develops and progresses asymptomatically and, when detected, it is frequently at advanced stages and metastatic, entailing a dismal prognosis. Therefore, there is an obvious demand for new strategies enabling an earlier diagnosis. The importance of metabolic rearrangements for carcinogenesis unlocked a new approach for cancer research, catalyzing the increased use of metabolomics. The present study aimed the NMR metabolic profiling of RCC in urine samples from a cohort of RCC patients (n = 42) and controls (n = 49). The methodology entailed variable selection of the spectra in tandem with multivariate analysis and validation procedures. The retrieval of a disease signature was preceded by a systematic evaluation of the impacts of subject age, gender, BMI, and smoking habits. The impact of confounders on the urine metabolomics profile of this population is residual compared to that of RCC. A 32-metabolite/resonance signature descriptive of RCC was unveiled, successfully distinguishing RCC patients from controls in principal component analysis. This work demonstrates the value of a systematic metabolomics workflow for the identification of robust urinary metabolic biomarkers of RCC. Future studies should entail the validation of the 32-metabolite/resonance signature found for RCC in independent cohorts, as well as biological validation of the putative hypotheses advanced.

PMID: 27857216 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2g83sss

Risk prediction for oral potentially malignant disorders using fuzzy analysis of cytomorphological and autofluorescence alterations in habitual smokers.

Risk prediction for oral potentially malignant disorders using fuzzy analysis of cytomorphological and autofluorescence alterations in habitual smokers.

Future Oncol. 2016 Nov 18;

Authors: Sarkar R, Dey S, Pal M, Paul RR, Chatterjee J, RoyChaudhuri C, Barui A

Abstract
AIM: This study aims to develop a novel noninvasive method for early cancer trend diagnosis in habitual smokers by corroborating cytomorphological and autofluorescence alterations.
MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 120 subjects were included and categorized into nonsmoker, smoker and clinically diagnosed oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) patients. Oral exfoliative epithelial cells were studied through differential interference contrast and fluorescence microscopy. Fuzzy trend analysis was performed using measured parameters for determining the risk factors among smokers.
RESULTS: The risk assessment in this study showed a positive correlation of smoking duration with early cancer risk factors with a correlation co-efficient of 0.86.
CONCLUSION: Alterations in cellular morphology and autofluorescence intensities showed positive correlation with OPMD. The present study will benefit to investigate early prediction of OPMD among susceptible individuals.

PMID: 27855516 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2g6Se3G

Sodium ascorbate kills Candida albicans in vitro via iron-catalyzed Fenton reaction: importance of oxygenation and metabolism.

Sodium ascorbate kills Candida albicans in vitro via iron-catalyzed Fenton reaction: importance of oxygenation and metabolism.

Future Microbiol. 2016 Nov 18;

Authors: Avci P, Freire F, Banvolgyi A, Mylonakis E, Wikonkal NM, Hamblin MR

Abstract
AIM: Ascorbate can inhibit growth and even decrease viability of various microbial species including Candida albicans. However the optimum conditions and the mechanism of action are unclear. Materials/methodology: Candida albicans shaken for 90 min in a buffered solution of ascorbate (90 mM) gave a 5-log reduction of cell viability, while there was no killing without shaking, in growth media with different carbon sources or at 4°C. Killing was inhibited by the iron chelator 2,2'-bipyridyl. Hydroxyphenyl fluorescein probe showed the intracellular generation of hydroxyl radicals.
RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Ascorbate-mediated killing of C. albicans depends on oxygenation and metabolism, involves iron-catalyzed generation of hydroxyl radicals via Fenton reaction and depletion of intracellular NADH. Ascorbate could serve as a component of a topical antifungal therapy.

PMID: 27855492 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2fgzotC

Unique turbinal morphology in horseshoe bats (chiroptera: Rhinolophidae).

Unique turbinal morphology in horseshoe bats (chiroptera: Rhinolophidae).

Anat Rec (Hoboken). 2016 Nov 14;:

Authors: Curtis AA, Simmons NB

Abstract
The mammalian nasal fossa contains a set of delicate and often structurally complex bones called turbinals. Turbinals and associated mucosae function in regulating respiratory heat and water loss, increasing surface area for olfactory tissue, and directing airflow within the nasal fossa. We used high-resolution micro-CT scanning to investigate a unique maxilloturbinal morphology in thirty-seven species from the bat family Rhinolophidae, which we compared with those of families Hipposideridae, Megadermatidae, and Pteropodidae. Rhinolophids exhibit numerous structural modifications along the nasopharyngeal tract associated with emission of high duty cycle echolocation calls via the nostrils. In rhinolophids, we found that the maxilloturbinals and a portion of ethmoturbinal I form a pair of strand-like bony structures on each side of the nasal chamber. These structures project anteriorly from the transverse lamina and complete a hairpin turn to project posteriorly down the nasopharyngeal duct, and vary in length among species. The strand-like maxilloturbinals in Rhinolophidae were not observed in our outgroups and represent a synapomorphy for this family, and are unique in form among mammals. Within Rhinolophidae, maxilloturbinal size and cross-sectional shape were correlated with phylogeny. We hypothesize that strand-shaped maxilloturbinals may function to reduce respiratory heat and water loss without greatly impacting echolocation call transmission since they provide increased mucosal surface area for heat and moisture exchange but occupy minimal space. Alternatively, they may play a role in transmission of echolocation calls since they are located directly along the path sound travels between the larynx and nostrils during call emission. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 27863117 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2gsclhc

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Κυριακή 20 Νοεμβρίου 2016

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