Olfaction in patients with allergic rhinitis: an indicator of successful MP-AzeFlu therapy

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MP-AzeFlu on olfaction and the interaction between severity of allergic rhinitis and olfactory improvement after therapy.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter, observational study was performed on 47 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Duration and severity of allergic rhinitis was diagnosed and classified using the modified Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) criteria and the proof of allergen sensitization from positive skin-prick tests, specific immonoglobulin E (IgE) in serum, and nasal provocation response. Patients were treated with MP-AzeFlu (1 spray/nostril twice daily) over 3 months. Olfactory function was assessed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months of therapy using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test. In addition, a nasal symptom score was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) at each given time-point.

Results

MP-AzeFlu was found to be associated with a significant improvement in TDI score, from 23.7 at baseline to 34.2 at 1 month (p < 0.001) and 37.1 at 3 months (p < 0.001) of treatment. Furthermore, a highly significant improvement of symptoms over time (p < 0.001; VAS at baseline: 84.3; 1 month: 32.4; 3 months: 26.2) could be demonstrated. Most importantly, there was a highly significant interaction between the severity of allergic rhinitis and olfactory function (p < 0.001) and VAS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

MP-AzeFlu is associated with olfactory improvement in persistent allergic rhinitis patients. Further, the modified ARIA severity classification is an indicator of patients' olfactory function. Moreover, assessment of olfaction seems to be a reliable indicator of the clinical success of antiallergic/antiinflammatory therapy.

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Correlation between the number of allergen sensitizations and immunoglobulin E: monosensitization vs polysensitization

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine if total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) could predict monosensitization compared to polysensitization in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of a cohort of 1073 patients who underwent allergy testing. Differences in total IgE level between unsensitized, monosensitized, and polysensitized subjects were calculated. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to determine whether there was a relationship between total IgE level and the number of positive allergen sensitizations. In addition, allergen sensitization class was calculated for each allergen sensitization and totaled for each patient. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between total IgE level and weighted allergen sensitization by class.

Results

There were 159 patients who were monosensitized compared to 492 patients who were polysensitized. Of the monosensitized patients, almost 50% (74) were sensitized to one or both dust mites. Total IgE was higher in polysensitized patients compared to monosensitized compared to controls (p < 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient between total IgE and number of positive allergen sensitizations was 0.465 (p ≤ 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient between total IgE and allergen class–weighted sensitizations was 0.529 (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

IgE level can be used to predict monosensitization vs polysensitization. There is a moderate correlation between total IgE sensitization and the number of positive allergen sensitizations, as well as allergen class–weighted sensitizations.

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Histamine H4 receptor gene polymorphisms: a potential predictor of oral H1 antihistamine efficacy for allergic rhinitis

Background

Our study aimed to investigate the associations between Histamine H4 receptor (HRH4) gene polymorphisms (rs77485247, rs74604924, and rs77041280) and oral H1 antihistamine efficacy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients.

Methods

A total of 142 AR patients were selected as a case group and 160 healthy individuals were recruited as a control group. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HRH4 gene were detected using direct sequencing. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS). The occurrence of adverse reaction was recorded.

Results

There were significant differences in the distribution frequencies of mutant genotype (TA + AA) and A allele of rs77485247, mutant genotype (AT + TT) and T allele of rs74604924, and mutant genotype (AT + TT) and T allele of rs77041280 between the case and control groups. AR patients with mutant genotype (TA + AA) of rs77485247 and AR patients with mutant genotype (AT + TT) of rs77041280 had higher specific IgE, ECP levels, and VAS scores after treatment and lower incidence of adverse reactions and total effective rate than those with TT genotype and those with AA genotype, respectively. However, for rs74604924, there were no differences was found between AR patients with mutant genotype (AT + TT) and those with AA genotype.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence that HRH4 rs77485247 and rs77041280 polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of AR and the efficacy of H1 antihistamines for the treatment of AR patients.

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Myrtol standardized affects mucociliary clearance

Background

Myrtol standardized (Gelomyrtol forte) has been shown to be effective in controlling nasal symptoms of rhinosinusitis by promoting mucociliary clearance. Our aim was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of myrtol on ciliated columnar cells and goblet cells in an in-vitro setting.

Methods

Nasal epithelial cells were harvested (42 days) from an air-liquid interface (ALI) culture of human nasal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (hNESPCs), which was derived from biopsies of nasal inferior turbinate mucosa. Myrtol 0.1% was applied to the ALI culture system at 2 different time-points (day 0 and day 35) on progenitor and differentiated cells. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF), supernatant fluid, and ciliated and goblet cell markers were evaluated after short- (7 days) and long-term (42 days) treatment.

Results

In the long-term treatment with myrtol, there was an increase in cilia area (type IV β-tubulin⁺, 1.53-fold, p = 0.031) and ciliogenesis-related markers (Foxj1 and CP110) with no change in CBF, as compared with control. In addition, the short-term myrtol treatment group exhibited greater mucin secretion compared with control.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates, through cellular and molecular mechanisms, that myrtol standardized enhances the mucus production from goblet cells in the short term, and promotes ciliated cell differentiation in the long term.

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Aberrant cytoplasmic expression of MHCII confers worse progression free survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

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Antidepressant-like effects exerted by the intranasal administration of a glucagon-like peptide-2 derivative containing cell-penetrating peptides and a penetration-accelerating sequence in mice

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Sachie Sasaki-Hamada, Ryuji Nakamura, Yusuke Nakao, Toshiki Akimoto, Emi Sanai, Mio Nagai, Michiko Horiguchi, Chikamasa Yamashita, Jun-Ichiro Oka
The intracerebroventicular (i.c.v.) administration of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) to rodents was shown to have antidepressant-like effects in imipramine-resistant depression-model mice. In order to utilize GLP-2 as a clinical treatment tool for depression, we herein focused on the intranasal delivery that is non-invasive approach, because the i.c.v. administration is invasive and impractical. In the present study, we prepared a GLP-2 derivative containing cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) and a penetration accelerating sequence (PAS) (PAS-CPPs-GLP-2) for the intranasal (i.n.) administration. PAS-CPPs-GLP-2 (i.n.) exhibited antidepressant-like effects in the forced-swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in naïve mice as well as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treated-mice. However, PAS-CPPs-GLP-2 (i.v.) and the GLP-2 derivative containing CPPs without a PAS (CPPs-GLP-2) (i.n.) did not affect the immobility time in the mouse FST. Moreover, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled PAS-CPPs-GLP-2 (i.n.), but not FITC-labeled CPPs-GLP-2 (i.n.) was distributed through the mouse brain after the FST session. These results suggest that PAS-CPPs-GLP-2 is effective for i.n. delivery to the brain, and may be useful in the clinical treatment of major depression.



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Transitioning EEG Experiments Away From the Laboratory Using a Raspberry Pi 2

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Jonathan W.P. Kuziek, Axita Shienh, Kyle E. Mathewson
BackgroundElectroencephalography (EEG) experiments are typically performed in controlled laboratory settings to minimise noise and produce reliable measurements. These controlled conditions also reduce the applicability of the obtained results to more varied environments and may limit their relevance to everyday situations.New MethodAdvances in computer portability may increase the mobility and applicability of EEG results while decreasing costs. In this experiment we show that stimulus presentation using a Raspberry Pi 2 computer provides a low cost, reliable alternative to a traditional desktop PC in the administration of EEG experimental tasks.ResultsSignificant and reliable MMN and P3 activity, typical event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with an auditory oddball paradigm, were measured while experiments were administered using the Raspberry Pi 2. While latency differences in ERP triggering were observed between systems, these differences reduced power only marginally, likely due to the reduced processing power of the Raspberry Pi 2.Comparison with Existing MethodAn auditory oddball task administered using the Raspberry Pi 2 produced similar ERPs to those derived from a desktop PC in a laboratory setting. Despite temporal differences and slight increases in trials needed for similar statistical power, the Raspberry Pi 2 can be used to design and present auditory experiments comparable to a PC.ResultsOur results show that the Raspberry Pi 2 is a low cost alternative to the desktop PC when administering EEG experiments and, due to its small size and low power consumption, will enable mobile EEG experiments unconstrained by a traditional laboratory setting.



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Comparison of speed-vacuum method and heat-drying method to measure brain water content of small brain samples

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Anne Sebastiani, Tobias Hirnet, Antje Jahn-Eimermacher, Serge C. Thal
BackgroundA reliable measurement of brain water content (wet-to-dry ratio) is an important prerequisite for conducting research on mechanisms of brain edema formation. The conventionally used oven-drying method suffers from several limitations, especially in small samples. A technically demanding and time-consuming alternative is freeze-drying.New MethodCentrifugal vacuum concentrators (e.g. SpeedVac/speed-vacuum drying) are a combination of vacuum-drying and centrifugation, used to reduce the boiling temperature. These concentrators have the key advantages of improving the freeze-drying speed and maintaining the integrity of dried samples, thus, allowing e.g. DNA analyses. In the present study, we compared the heat-oven with speed-vacuum technique with regard to efficacy to remove moisture from water and brain samples and their effectiveness to distinguish treatment paradigms after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by controlled cortical impact (CCI).ResultsBoth techniques effectively removed water, the oven technique taking 24h and vacuum-drying taking 48h. Vacuum-drying showed lower variations in small samples (30–45mg) and was suitable for genomic analysis as exemplified by sex genotyping. The effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaBic8.4%) on brain edema formation after CCI was investigated in small samples (2×1mm). Only vacuum-drying showed low variation and significant improvement under NaBic8.4% treatment.Comparison with an existing methodThe receiver operating curves (ROC) analysis demonstrated that vacuum-drying (area under the curve (AUC):0.867-0.967) was superior to the conventional heat-drying method (AUC:0.367-0.567).ConclusionsThe vacuum method is superior in terms of quantifying water content in small samples. In addition, vacuum-dried samples can also be used for subsequent analyses, e.g., PCR analysis.



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Reply letter to “Texture analysis of parotid gland as a predictive factor of radiation induced xerostomia: A subset analysis”

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Lisanne V. van Dijk, Johannes A. Langendijk, Nanna M. Sijtsema, Roel J.H.M. Steenbakkers




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Complement in the fundamental processes of the cell

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Molecular Immunology
Author(s): Owen A. Hawksworth, Liam G. Coulthard, Trent M. Woodruff
Once regarded solely as an activator of innate immunity, it is now clear that the complement system acts in an assortment of cells and tissues, with immunity only one facet of a diverse array of functions under the influence of the complement proteins. Throughout development, complement activity has now been demonstrated from early sperm-egg interactions in fertilisation, to regulation of epiboly and organogenesis, and later in refinement of cerebral synapses. Complement has also been shown to regulate homeostasis of adult tissues, controlling cell processes such as migration, survival, repair, and regeneration. Given the continuing emergence of such novel actions of complement, the existing research likely represents only a fraction of the myriad of functions of this complex family of proteins. This review is focussed on outlining the current knowledge of complement family members in the regulation of cell processes in non-immune systems. It is hoped this will spur research directed towards revealing more about the role of complement in these fundamental cell processes.



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Complement in the fundamental processes of the cell

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Molecular Immunology
Author(s): Owen A. Hawksworth, Liam G. Coulthard, Trent M. Woodruff
Once regarded solely as an activator of innate immunity, it is now clear that the complement system acts in an assortment of cells and tissues, with immunity only one facet of a diverse array of functions under the influence of the complement proteins. Throughout development, complement activity has now been demonstrated from early sperm-egg interactions in fertilisation, to regulation of epiboly and organogenesis, and later in refinement of cerebral synapses. Complement has also been shown to regulate homeostasis of adult tissues, controlling cell processes such as migration, survival, repair, and regeneration. Given the continuing emergence of such novel actions of complement, the existing research likely represents only a fraction of the myriad of functions of this complex family of proteins. This review is focussed on outlining the current knowledge of complement family members in the regulation of cell processes in non-immune systems. It is hoped this will spur research directed towards revealing more about the role of complement in these fundamental cell processes.



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Cellular uptake of glucoheptoamidated poly(amidoamine) PAMAM G3 dendrimer with amide-conjugated biotin, a potential carrier of anticancer drugs

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Łukasz Uram, Magdalena Szuster, Aleksandra Filipowicz, Magdalena Zaręba, Elżbieta Wałajtys-Rode, Stanisław Wołowiec
In search for soluble derivatives of PAMAM dendrimers as potential carriers for hydrophobic drugs, the conjugates of PAMAM G3 with biotin, futher converted into glycodendrimer with D-glucoheptono-1,4-lactone, were prepared. Polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) of third generation, G3 was functionalized with four biotin equivalents covalently attached to terminal amine nitrogens via amide bond G3^4B. The remaining 28 amine groups were blocked by glucoheptoamide substituents (gh) to give G3^4B28gh or with one fluorescein equivalent (attached by reaction of G3^4B with fluoresceine isothiocyanate, FITC) via thiourea bond as FITC followed by exhaustive glucoheptoamidation to get G3^4B27gh1F. As a control the G3 substituted totally with 32 glucoheptoamide residues, G3^gh and its fluorescein labelled analogue G3^31gh1F were synthesized.The glucoheptoamidation of PAMAM G0 dendrimer with glucoheptono-1,4-lactone was performed in order to fully characterize the ¹H NMR spectra of glucoheptoamidated PAMAM dendrimers and to control the derivatization of G3 with glucoheptono-1,4-lactone. Another two derivatives of G3, namely G3^4B28gh1F' and G3^32ghF', with ester bonded fluorescein were also obtained.Biological properties of obtained dendrimer conjugates were estimated in vitro with human cell lines: normal fibroblast (BJ) and two cancer glioblastoma (U-118 MG) and squamous carcinoma (SCC-15), including cytotoxicity by reduction of XTT and neutral red (NR) assays. Cellular uptake of dendrimer conjugates was evaluated with confocal microscopy.Obtained results confirmed, that biotinylated bioconjugates have always lower cytotoxicity and 3-4 times higher cellular uptake than non-biotinylated dendrimer conjugates in all cell lines. Comparison of various cell lines revealed different dose-dependent cell responses and the lower cytotoxicity of examined dendrimer conjugates for normal fibroblasts and squamous carcinoma, as compared with much higher cytotoxic effects seen in glioblastoma cell line. Synthetized multi-functional conjugate (G3^4B27gh1F) is a promising candidate as biocompatible vehicle for hydrophobic molecules used in anticancer therapy.

Graphical abstract

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5-Substituted-benzylsulfanyl-thiophene-2-sulfonamides with effective carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity: Solution and crystallographic investigations

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Jekaterīna Ivanova, Agnese Balode, Raivis Žalubovskis, Janis Leitans, Andris Kazaks, Daniela Vullo, Kaspars Tars, Claudiu T. Supuran
A series of 5-substituted-benzylsulfanyl-thiophene-2-sulfonamides was prepared by reacting 5-bromo-thiophene-2-sulfonamide with 5-substituted-benzyl mercaptans. The new compounds were investigated as carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors. The cytosolic human (h) isoforms hCA I was poorly inhibited by the new sulfonamides (KIs in the range of 683-4250 nM), whereas hCA II, and the transmembrane, tumor associated isoforms hCA IX and XII were effectively inhibited in the subnanomolar – nanomolar range. A high resolution X-ray crystal structure of the adduct of hCA II with one of the new sulfonamides allowed us to rationalize the excellent inhibitory activity of these heterocyclic sulfonamides.

Graphical abstract

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An in-tether sulfoxide chiral center influences the biophysical properties of the N-capped peptides

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Jingxu Li, Yuan Tian, Dongyuan Wang, Yujie Wu, Xiyang Ye, Zigang Li
Thanks to their large binding interfaces, peptides are attractive ligands targeting protein-protein interactions compared with small molecules. Various strategies to improve peptides' pharmaceutical properties have been developed to constrain peptides into their functional three-dimensional structures. In our previous work, we reported that an in-tether chiral center could modulate peptides' biophysical properties. Herein, we applied this concept to construct a chiral sulfoxide center into the N-terminal end-cap system. We proved that this in-tether sulfoxide chiral center influences the structure of this N-capped template. In addition, longer peptides targeting estrogen receptor were also synthesized and we revealed that this chiral center could also modulate binding affinity to estrogen receptor alpha with enhanced protease resistance.

Graphical abstract

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Significant impact of divalent metal ions on the fidelity, sugar selectivity, and drug incorporation efficiency of human PrimPol

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): E. John Tokarsky, Petra C. Wallenmeyer, Kenneth K. Phi, Zucai Suo
Human PrimPol is a recently discovered bifunctional enzyme that displays DNA template-directed primase and polymerase activities. PrimPol has been implicated in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA replication fork progression and restart as well as DNA lesion bypass. Published evidence suggests that PrimPol is a Mn²⁺-dependent enzyme as it shows significantly improved primase and polymerase activities when binding Mn²⁺, rather than Mg²⁺, as a divalent metal ion cofactor. Consistently, our fluorescence anisotropy assays determined that PrimPol binds to a primer/template DNA substrate with affinities of 29 and 979nM in the presence of Mn²⁺ and Mg²⁺, respectively. Our pre-steady-state kinetic analysis revealed that PrimPol incorporates correct dNTPs with 100-fold higher efficiency with Mn²⁺ than with Mg²⁺. Notably, the substitution fidelity of PrimPol in the presence of Mn²⁺ was determined to be in the range of 3.4×10⁻² to 3.8×10⁻¹, indicating that PrimPol is an error-prone polymerase. Furthermore, we kinetically determined the sugar selectivity of PrimPol to be 57-1,800 with Mn²⁺ and 150-4,500 with Mg²⁺, and found that PrimPol was able to incorporate the triphosphates of two anticancer drugs (cytarabine and gemcitabine), but not two antiviral drugs (emtricitabine and lamivudine).

Graphical abstract

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Stepstools and ladders

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Laurance Jerrold




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Editorial Board

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6





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Information for readers

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6





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Defining the location of the dental midline is critical for oral esthetics in camouflage orthodontic treatment of facial asymmetry

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Risako Kai, Daisuke Umeki, Toshiko Sekiya, Yoshiki Nakamura
When considering camouflage orthodontic treatment of a malocclusion associated with significant facial asymmetry, it is important to define the location of the dental midline. The patient, a 19-year-old Japanese woman, had an anterior open bite and a dental midline discrepancy associated with facial asymmetry. A nonsurgical treatment plan was considered. The main treatment objective was to correct the anterior open bite and the dental midlines in both arches. The dental midline discrepancy was eliminated, and proper overjet and overbite were achieved. Although the facial asymmetry remained, oral esthetics dramatically improved and a favorable occlusion was obtained. The results suggest that appropriately defining the location of the dental midline is critical for successful camouflage treatment of facial asymmetry.



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Reprise: Very rapid orthodontic treatment

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): H.C. Pollock, Rolf G. Behrents




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Henri Petit, 1928-2015

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): James A. McNamara




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Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: An outdated report

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Fumio Ide, Kentaro Kikuchi, Kaoru Kusama, Takashi Muramatsu




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Authors’ response

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Emire Aybuke Erdur, Dogan Dolanmaz, Zehra Ileri




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Table of Contents

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6





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Determining the midsagittal reference plane for evaluating facial asymmetries

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Guilherme Thiesen




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Simplifying optimal tooth-size calculations and communications between practitioners

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Daniel S. German, Stephen J. Chu, Michelle L. Furlong, Alpesh Patel
The purpose of this article is to present a simple method for determining the optimal sizes of anterior teeth. This is needed because of the frequency of anomalous and missing maxillary lateral incisors. In addition to anomalous and missing incisors, other factors that create challenges for the dentist and orthodontist when designing an esthetic and occlusally sound dentition are attrition, trauma, transposition, erosion, and caries. Optimal esthetics and occlusion require correctly sized teeth in proportion to themselves and the other teeth. Orthodontics, in partnership with restorative dentistry, allows doctors to accomplish the objectives of ideal occlusion and enhanced esthetics. Data compiled from previously published research enabled us to create simple formulae to determine optimal tooth sizes, an esthetic guide worksheet to use with collaborating dentists, and a sample written communication to accompany the completed esthetic guide worksheet. The method for establishing optimal tooth sizes is presented in a manner that allows easy memorization of the formulae and determination of the best dimensions for teeth without the use of a calculator.



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Authors’ response

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Sang Min Shin, You-Min Kim, Na-Ri Kim, Yong-Seok Choi, Soo-Byung Park, Yong-Il Kim




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December 2016:150(6)

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Allen H. Moffitt




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Criteria for determining facial asymmetries

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Guilherme Thiesen, Ki Beom Kim




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Authors’ response

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Rahime Burcu Nur Yilmaz, Derya Germeç Çakan, Tülin Arun




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Correction

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6





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Residents' journal review

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Dan Grauer




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Beyond your comfort zone

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Peter M. Greco




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Serum and urine insulin-like growth factor-1 as biochemical growth maturity indicators

Publication date: December 2016
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 150, Issue 6
Author(s): Mohita Sinha, Tulika Tripathi, Priyank Rai, Santosh Kumar Gupta
IntroductionBiochemical markers are agents directly involved in bone growth and remodeling and can be quantitatively evaluated from various biologic fluids. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in serum and urine as a growth maturity indicator and to compare them with the cervical vertebral maturation radiographic stages.MethodsThe study was conducted with 72 female subjects aged 8 to 20 years. Cervical vertebral maturation stages, and serum and urine IGF-1 levels were recorded for all subjects, and the subjects were equally divided into the 6 cervical vertebral maturation groups. Median values of IGF-1 for each stage of cervical vertebral maturation were calculated and statistically compared with those of the other stages.ResultsThe levels of serum and urine IGF-1 at stage 4 of cervical vertebral maturation were significantly higher than those from the other stages (P <0.01). Stage 4 corresponded to a mean age of 13.67 years. A significant correlation was observed between serum and urine IGF-1 (P <0.001).ConclusionsUrine IGF-1 follows the growth curve similar to serum IGF-1. Thus, urine IGF-1 may be regarded as a promising noninvasive tool for growth assessment. Further research is necessary to validate these results in a different population and with a larger sample.



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Effects of visfatin on the apoptosis of intestinal mucosal cells in immunological stressed rats.

Effects of visfatin on the apoptosis of intestinal mucosal cells in immunological stressed rats.

Acta Histochem. 2016 Nov 21;:

Authors: Zhou Y, Yuan HR, Cui L, Ansari AR, Xiao K, Luo Y, Wu XT, Guo L, Khan FA, Yang Z, Song H

Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine if visfatin is involved in the inflammation or apoptosis introduced by LPS in rats. Forty 8-week old Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=10 in each group) and injected with saline, visfatin, LPS and visfatin+LPS co-stimulated via caudal vein. The duodenum, jejunum and ileum were harvested from all the rats. Compared to the saline treated group, visfatin significantly increased the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells and the expression of caspase-3 protein in intestinal mucosa. Similarly, ELISA and western blot analysis also showed the up-regulation of pro-caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 expression in the visfatin group compared to the control group. In contrast to LPS, visfatin down-regulated the expression of cleaved-caspase-3 in the visfatin+LPS co-stimulated group, resulting in a significant decrease in apoptosis in intestinal mucosal cells. We observed more pro-caspase-3 positive cells in the visfatin+LPS co-stimulated group. The results indicate that, in the presence of LPS, visfatin plays an important role in the regulation of cell apoptosis and inflammation.

PMID: 27884396 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Photovoltaic application of ZnS loaded silicon dioxide rich composites

Publication date: 15 February 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 116
Author(s): A.M. Kute, S.A. Waghuley
In the present work, the composites between ZnS nanoparticles and silicon dioxide were prepared by solid state diffusion method. The oxidation of silicic acid to silicon dioxide and simultaneously formation of composites between ZnS and silicic acid were carried out during solid state diffusion process. As-prepared samples were characterized by using X-ray diffractions (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometers (UV–vis), Raman spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and photovoltaic response measurements respectively. The influence of increasing ZnS concentration in composites was reflected from photovoltaic characteristics. The highest power conversion efficiency was found to be 1.954% associated with 25wt.% ZnS loaded SiO2 composite, whereas the highest value of fill factor for 10wt.% ZnS loaded SiO2 composite in presence of light source of power 0.0104W/m². These composites may be practically useful in a region where the light intensity is very weak like polar region (South and North pole).

Graphical abstract

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In-situ preparation of core-shell-like scatterers and their effects on optical and mechanical properties of PC-matrix light diffusing materials

Publication date: 5 February 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 115
Author(s): Ziru Zhao, Jiangdong Qiu, Ying Xiong, Xiao Liu, Jiabin Shen, Shaoyun Guo
In this study, a light diffusing material containing in-situ formed core-shell-like scatterers was easily prepared by the melt blending process depending on the selective dispersion of organic silicone bead (OSB) in polycarbonate (PC)/poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) blend. The morphology of scatterers was modulated by the content of SAN and the diameter of OSB, and their effects on performance of PC-matrix blend were studied in detail. The scattering angle has been markedly improved due to the multi-scattering effect of core-shell-like scatterers, while the transmittance decreased and then followed by an increase with increasing content of SAN. At the same time, the haze, shielding ability, processability as well as tensile strength were also enhanced with addition of SAN. Moreover, samples added to OSB in small diameter obtained larger scattering angle, higher haze and lower transmittance compared with their counterparts added to larger one. In general, a light diffusing PC/SAN/OSB material containing core-shell-like scatterers was prepared, which has large scattering angle, high transmittance, high haze and good mechanical property.

Graphical abstract

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Thermal ageing effects on mechanical properties and barely visible impact damage behavior of a carbon fiber reinforced bismaleimide composite

Publication date: 5 February 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 115
Author(s): Wang Shaoquan, Dong Shangli, Gao Yu, Sun Yungang
Effects of ageing at 200°C in air for up to 1000h on static mechanical properties and low velocity impact behavior of a carbon fiber (T700) reinforced modified bismaleimide (BMI) composite have been investigated. A new C-scan data process method was applied to determine the variation in impact damage model and related failure mechanism due to thermal ageing, and attention was paid mainly to the barely visible impact damage. The transverse tensile strength and interlaminar-shear strength of the composite were found to decrease progressively with increase in ageing time, resulting from degradation of BMI matrix, damage of fiber/matrix interface and formation of microcracks caused by thermal ageing. It was shown that after thermal ageing, the impact damage model of the composite varied from a barely visible impact damage to a visually detectable impact damage as the impact energy reached the range from 20J to 30J. The employed C-scan data process method was proven to be more effective in revealing variation of impact failure mechanisms. It was deduced that the internal delamination dominated the barely visible impact damage model, and fiber breakage became more important in the aged composite as impact energy higher than 20J.

Graphical abstract

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Editorial Board/Title Page

Publication date: December 2016
Source:Cortex, Volume 85





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Cover Figure

Publication date: December 2016
Source:Cortex, Volume 85





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Health Anxiety in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms in Severe Health Anxiety: An Investigation of Symptom Profiles

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Erik Hedman, Brjánn Ljótsson, Erland Axelsson, Gerhard Andersson, Christian Rück, Erik Andersson
Severe health anxiety (SHA) shares features with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and in recent years there has been a debate as to whether the two disorders may represent two facets of the same condition. Few studies have however investigated the overlap and differences in symptom profiles between the disorders. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate these aspects using one sample of participants with a principal diagnosis of SHA and one sample of participants with a principal OCD diagnosis. The second aim was to examine differences in improvement trajectories on measures of health anxiety and OCD symptoms in patients with SHA receiving treatment with exposure and response prevention.We compared persons participating in clinical trials with a principal diagnosis of SHA (N=290) to persons with a principal diagnosis of OCD (n=95) on measures of health anxiety, OCD symptoms, and depressive symptoms. A subsample of SHA participants (n=99) received exposure and response prevention (ERP) for SHA over 12 weeks and was assessed at baseline and post-treatment. The results showed large and significant differences between SHA and OCD patients on measures of health anxiety (ds=2.99-3.09) and OCD symptoms (ds=1.64-2.14), while they had equivalent levels of depressive symptoms (d=0.19, 95% CI [-0.04, 0.43]). In the SHA sample 7.6% had comorbid OCD, and in the OCD sample 9.5% had SHA. For participants with a principal diagnosis of SHA, ERP led to large reductions of health anxiety, but effects on OCD symptoms were small to moderate. Among participants with comorbid OCD, effect sizes were large on measures of health anxiety and moderate to large on OCD measures. We conclude that SHA and OCD are separate psychiatric disorders with limited overlap in symptom profiles.



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Effects of a Training in Mental Imagery on Worry: A Proof-of-Principal Study

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Timo Skodzik, Alexandra Leopold, Thomas Ehring
Worry is characterized by a predominance of verbal thinking and relatively little mental imagery. This cognitive bias of verbal and abstract processing has been found to impair emotional processing of worry topics so that worrisome thoughts are maintained. On the other hand, engaging in mental imagery during the worry process fosters emotional processing of worry themes. In the present study, we examined whether training high worriers (n=71) to use more mental imagery in their everyday lives is an effective intervention to reduce pathological worry.Results indicated that our novel training in mental imagery (TMI) led to a significant reduction of worry and impairment, assessed both one and five weeks after the training. Furthermore, in highly anxious participants TMI had beneficial effects on controllability of worry, state anxiety, and positive mood.Theoretical and clinical implications of our findings and methodological limitations of this proof-of-principle study are discussed.



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Silver nanoparticle exposure in pregnant rats increases gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase in offspring brain.

Silver nanoparticle exposure in pregnant rats increases gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase in offspring brain.

Drug Chem Toxicol. 2016 Nov 24;:1-8

Authors: Fatemi Tabatabaie SR, Mehdiabadi B, Mori Bakhtiari N, Tabandeh MR

Abstract
CONTEXT: Maternal exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) affects neurobehavioral reflexes and spatial memory formation in offspring. Although the transmission of AgNPs into the brain has been reported, its toxic effect on dopamine metabolism in the brain of offspring has not been studied so far.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) genes in the brain of offspring exposed in utero to various concentrations of AgNPs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Time mated pregnant adult rats were assigned into three groups including control, low dose of AgNPs (0.2 mg/kg) and high dose of AgNPs (2 mg/kg). AgNPs were subcutaneously (SC) injected at days of 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 19 of pregnancy. Gene expression of TH and MAO-A was analyzed in the brain of offspring (male and female) at days of 1, 7, 14 and 21 after birth.
RESULTS: Administration of AgNPs to pregnant rats in a time- and dose-dependent manner increased the expression levels of TH in the brain of male and female pups at all tested days after birth (p < 0.05). AgNPs had stimulatory effect on MAO-A mRNA expression in pups only at the age of 7 and 14. Female pups showed the higher level of TH and MAO-A compared to that in male pups (p < 0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained here demonstrated that the exposure of pregnant rats to AgNPs increases the expression of genes involved in dopamine metabolism in the brain of offspring.

PMID: 27884068 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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DNA methylation analysis in rat kidney epithelial cells exposed to 3-MCPD and glycidol.

DNA methylation analysis in rat kidney epithelial cells exposed to 3-MCPD and glycidol.

Drug Chem Toxicol. 2016 Nov 24;:1-8

Authors: Senyildiz M, Alpertunga B, Ozden S

Abstract
3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is a well-known food processing contaminant that has been regarded as a rat carcinogen, which is known to induce Leydig-cell and mammary gland tumors in males, as well as kidney tumors in both genders. 3-MCPD is highly suspected to be a non-genotoxic carcinogen. 2,3-Epoxy-1-propanol (glycidol) can be formed via dehalogenation from 3-MCPD. We aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of 3-MCPD and glycidol, then to demonstrate the possible epigenetic mechanisms with global and gene-specific DNA methylation in rat kidney epithelial cells (NRK-52E). IC50 value of 3-MCPD was determined as 48 mM and 41.39 mM, whereas IC50 value of glycidol was 1.67 mM and 1.13 mM by MTT and NRU test, respectively. Decreased global DNA methylation at the concentrations of 100 μM and 1000 μM for 3-MCPD and 100 μM and 500 μM for glycidol were observed after 48 h exposure by using 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) ELISA kit. Methylation changes were detected in promoter regions of c-myc and Rassf1a in 3-MCPD and glycidol treated NRK-52E cells by using methylation-specific PCR (MSP), whereas changes on gene expression of c-myc and Rassf1a were observed by using real-time PCR. However, e-cadherin, p16, VHL and p15 genes were unmethylated in their CpG promoter regions in response to treatment with 3-MCPD and glycidol. Alterations in DNA methylation might be key events in the toxicity of 3-MCPD and glycidol.

PMID: 27884059 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Clinically Important Difference of the Arm Motor Ability Test in Stroke Survivors.

Clinically Important Difference of the Arm Motor Ability Test in Stroke Survivors.

Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2016 Nov 23;:

Authors: Fulk G, Martin R, Page SJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Arm Motor Ability Test (AMAT) is used to assess and quantify upper-extremity (UE) functional limitation in stroke and other conditions. However, the AMAT score change indicative of important and clinically meaningful change has not been determined.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinically important difference (CID) for the AMAT for individuals with stroke exhibiting mild to moderate hemiparesis.
METHODS: A total of 146 chronic stroke survivors exhibiting stable, mild to moderate UE hemiparesis were administered the AMAT before and after interventions targeting their affected UEs. Patients and treating therapists rated perceived amount of UE motor recovery for each participant on a global rating of change (GROC) scale evaluating several facets of UE movement (grasp, release, move the affected UE, perform 5 important functional tasks, overall UE function). Estimated CID of the Functional Ability Scale of the AMAT was calculated using the receiver operating characteristics curve with the GROC scale as the anchor. Distribution-based methods were also used to estimate the CID.
RESULTS: Mean baseline, postintervention, and change in AMAT values for all participants were 3.0 (0.68), 3.3 (0.73), and 0.33 (0.43) respectively. The CID was estimated as an improvement of 0.32 to 0.42 when anchored by the therapist's perception of improvement and 0.29 to 0.40 when anchored by the patient's perception of improvement. The CID using distribution-based methods ranged from 0.40 to 0.44.
CONCLUSIONS: A change of 0.44 or greater on the AMAT indicates a clinically meaningful improvement in UE functional movements. Clinicians should use this value to determine goals and interpret change scores.

PMID: 27885163 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2grCRDn

Contralesional Corticomotor Neurophysiology in Hemiparetic Children With Perinatal Stroke: Developmental Plasticity and Clinical Function.

Contralesional Corticomotor Neurophysiology in Hemiparetic Children With Perinatal Stroke: Developmental Plasticity and Clinical Function.

Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2016 Nov 23;:

Authors: Zewdie E, Damji O, Ciechanski P, Seeger T, Kirton A

Abstract
Background Perinatal stroke causes most hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Ipsilateral connections from nonlesioned hemisphere to affected hand are common. The nonlesioned primary motor cortex (M1) determines function and is a potential therapeutic target but its neurophysiology is poorly understood. Objective We aimed to characterize the neurophysiological properties of the nonlesioned M1 in children with perinatal stroke and their relationship to clinical function. Methods Fifty-two participants with hemiparetic cerebral palsy and magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed perinatal stroke and 40 controls aged 8 to 18 years completed the same transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol. Single-pulse TMS to nonlesioned M1 determined rest and active motor thresholds (RMT/AMT), motor-evoked potential (MEP) latencies, and stimulus recruitment curves (SRC: 100%-150% RMT). Paired-pulse TMS evaluated short-latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Ipsilateral (IP) participants (ipsilateral MEP ≥0.05 mV in ≥5/20 trials) were compared with contralateral MEP only, nonipsilateral (NI) participants. Assisting Hand and Melbourne assessments quantified clinical function. Results Twenty-five IP were compared with 13 NI (n = 38, median age 12 years, 66% male). IP had lower motor function. SRC to unaffected hand were comparable between IP and NI while IP had smaller ipsilateral SRC. Ipsilateral MEP latencies were prolonged (23.5 ± 1.8 vs 22.2 ± 1.5 ms contra, P < .001). Contralateral SICI was different between IP (-42%) and NI (-20%). Ipsilateral SICI was reduced (-20%). Contralateral ICF was comparable between groups (+43%) and ipsilaterally (+43%). Measures correlated between contralateral and ipsilateral sides. Conclusion Neurophysiology of nonlesioned M1 and its relationship to motor function is measureable in children with perinatal stroke. Correlation of excitability and intracortical circuitry measures between contralateral and ipsilateral sides suggests common control mechanisms.

PMID: 27885162 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A Rehabilitation-Internet-of-Things in the Home to Augment Motor Skills and Exercise Training.

A Rehabilitation-Internet-of-Things in the Home to Augment Motor Skills and Exercise Training.

Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2016 Nov 23;:

Authors: Dobkin BH

Abstract
Although motor learning theory has led to evidence-based practices, few trials have revealed the superiority of one theory-based therapy over another after stroke. Nor have improvements in skills been as clinically robust as one might hope. We review some possible explanations, then potential technology-enabled solutions. Over the Internet, the type, quantity, and quality of practice and exercise in the home and community can be monitored remotely and feedback provided to optimize training frequency, intensity, and progression at home. A theory-driven foundation of synergistic interventions for walking, reaching and grasping, strengthening, and fitness could be provided by a bundle of home-based Rehabilitation Internet-of-Things (RIoT) devices. A RIoT might include wearable, activity-recognition sensors and instrumented rehabilitation devices with radio transmission to a smartphone or tablet to continuously measure repetitions, speed, accuracy, forces, and temporal spatial features of movement. Using telerehabilitation resources, a therapist would interpret the data and provide behavioral training for self-management via goal setting and instruction to increase compliance and long-term carryover. On top of this user-friendly, safe, and conceptually sound foundation to support more opportunity for practice, experimental interventions could be tested or additions and replacements made, perhaps drawing from virtual reality and gaming programs or robots. RIoT devices continuously measure the actual amount of quality practice; improvements and plateaus over time in strength, fitness, and skills; and activity and participation in home and community settings. Investigators may gain more control over some of the confounders of their trials and patients will have access to inexpensive therapies.

PMID: 27885161 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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"Genet Mol Res"[jour]; +21 new citations

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The Difference between Ideal and Actual Fasting Duration in the Treatment of Patients with Aspiration Pneumonia: A Nationwide Survey of Clinicians in Japan.

The Difference between Ideal and Actual Fasting Duration in the Treatment of Patients with Aspiration Pneumonia: A Nationwide Survey of Clinicians in Japan.

Tohoku J Exp Med. 2016;240(3):227-233

Authors: Kenzaka T, Kosami K, Matsuoka Y, Noda A, Kumabe A

Abstract
In Japan, aspiration pneumonia is common among the elderly and patients are often treated by temporary discontinuation of meals. However, there are few published studies on the fasting duration for aspiration pneumonia treatment. Therefore, we conducted the present study to assess the opinions of clinicians regarding the fasting duration for the treatment of patients with aspiration pneumonia and the actual medical practice with regard to oral ingestion in hospitalized patients with aspiration pneumonia. We targeted hospitals with internal medicine and respiratory medicine departments across Japan. A questionnaire regarding the fasting duration for aspiration pneumonia treatment and oral ingestion in hospitalized patients with aspiration pneumonia was mailed to physicians treating patients with pneumonia at 2,490 hospitals. We received appropriate responses from 350 facilities (response rate, 14.1%). Most clinicians (78.3%) responded that it best to keep the fasting duration for treatment as short as possible and considered that fasting is absolutely unnecessary. Regarding oral ingestion in hospitalized patients, more than 25% of clinicians restricted oral intake for a certain number of days. The majority of these clinicians (53.3%) preferred prolonged fasting for 3 to 7 days. Although most physicians preferred the fasting duration to be as short as possible, there was a difference between the ideal and actual scenarios in reintroducing oral intake early in patients with aspiration pneumonia. Improving physicians' knowledge and experience will bridge the gap between the ideal situation and what currently occurs. Further studies should investigate the acceptable fasting duration for the treatment of aspiration pneumonia.

PMID: 27885198 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2g3289L

Internal limiting Membrane: The innermost retinal barrier

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2016
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Rohan Chawla, Koushik Tripathy, Shreyas Temkar, Vinod Kumar
Recently, peeling of internal limiting membrane (ILM) has become one of the most common and effective surgical procedures for macular disorders. The authors discuss the adverse effects of such procedures and explore the possible functions of the membrane. We also suggest a barrier function of this membrane in addition to its possible other physiological roles. Thus, apart from the well-known inner and outer retinal barriers, ILM might be the third and innermost retinal barrier. The possible evidences supporting this hypothesis are presented.



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