Head and Neck Diseases by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 12/10/16

Σάββατο 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2016

HIC1 (hypermethylated in cancer 1) SUMOylation is dispensable for DNA repair but is essential for the apoptotic DNA damage response (DDR) to irreparable DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs).

HIC1 (hypermethylated in cancer 1) SUMOylation is dispensable for DNA repair but is essential for the apoptotic DNA damage response (DDR) to irreparable DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs).

Oncotarget. 2016 Dec 07;:

Authors: Paget S, Dubuissez M, Dehennaut V, Nassour J, Harmon BT, Spruyt N, Loison I, Abbadie C, Rood BR, Leprince D

Abstract
The tumor suppressor gene HIC1 (Hypermethylated In Cancer 1) encodes a transcriptional repressor mediating the p53-dependent apoptotic response to irreparable DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through direct transcriptional repression of SIRT1. HIC1 is also essential for DSB repair as silencing of endogenous HIC1 in BJ-hTERT fibroblasts significantly delays DNA repair in functional Comet assays. HIC1 SUMOylation favours its interaction with MTA1, a component of NuRD complexes. In contrast with irreparable DSBs induced by 16-hours of etoposide treatment, we show that repairable DSBs induced by 1 h etoposide treatment do not increase HIC1 SUMOylation or its interaction with MTA1. Furthermore, HIC1 SUMOylation is dispensable for DNA repair since the non-SUMOylatable E316A mutant is as efficient as wt HIC1 in Comet assays. Upon induction of irreparable DSBs, the ATM-mediated increase of HIC1 SUMOylation is independent of its effector kinase Chk2. Moreover, irreparable DSBs strongly increase both the interaction of HIC1 with MTA1 and MTA3 and their binding to the SIRT1 promoter. To characterize the molecular mechanisms sustained by this increased repression potential, we established global expression profiles of BJ-hTERT fibroblasts transfected with HIC1-siRNA or control siRNA and treated or not with etoposide. We identified 475 genes potentially repressed by HIC1 with cell death and cell cycle as the main cellular functions identified by pathway analysis. Among them, CXCL12, EPHA4, TGFβR3 and TRIB2, also known as MTA1 target-genes, were validated by qRT-PCR analyses. Thus, our data demonstrate that HIC1 SUMOylation is important for the transcriptional response to non-repairable DSBs but dispensable for DNA repair.

PMID: 27935866 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Bronchial airway gene expression signatures in mouse lung squamous cell carcinoma and their modulation by cancer chemopreventive agents.

Bronchial airway gene expression signatures in mouse lung squamous cell carcinoma and their modulation by cancer chemopreventive agents.

Oncotarget. 2016 Dec 07;:

Authors: Xiong D, Pan J, Zhang Q, Szabo E, Miller MS, Lubet RA, You M, Wang Y

Abstract
Due to exposure to environmental toxicants, a "field cancerization" effect occurs in the lung resulting in the development of a field of initiated but morphologically normal appearing cells in the damaged epithelium of bronchial airways with dysregulated gene expression patterns. Using a mouse model of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) to profile bronchial airway gene expression and found activation of the PI3K and Myc signaling networks in cytologically normal bronchial airway epithelial cells of mice with preneopastic lung SCC lesions, which was reversed by treatment with the PI3K Inhibitor XL-147 and pioglitazone, respectively. Activated MYC signaling was also present in premalignant and tumor tissues from human lung SCC patients. In addition, we identified a key microRNA, mmu-miR-449c-5p, whose suppression significantly up-regulated Myc expression in the normal bronchial airway epithelial cells of mice with early stage SCC lesions. We developed a novel bronchial genomic classifier in mice and validated it in humans. In the classifier, Ppbp (pro-platelet basic protein) was overexpressed 115 fold in the bronchial airways of mice with preneoplastic lung SCC lesions. This is the first report that demonstrates Ppbp as a novel biomarker in the bronchial airway for lung cancer diagnosis.

PMID: 27935865 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Prognostic value of combined preoperative fibrinogen and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation.

Prognostic value of combined preoperative fibrinogen and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation.

Oncotarget. 2016 Dec 07;:

Authors: Fu SJ, Ji F, Han M, Chen MG, Wang XP, Ju WQ, Zhao Q, Wu LW, Ren QQ, Guo ZY, Wang DP, Zhu XF, Ma Y, He XS

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Elevated plasma fibrinogen (Fib) correlated with patient's prognosis in several solid tumors. However, few studies have illuminated the relationship between preoperative Fib and prognosis of HCC after liver transplantation. We aimed to clarify the prognostic value of Fib and whether the prognostic accuracy can be enhanced by the combination of Fib and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).
RESULTS: Fib was correlated with Child-pugh stage, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), size of largest tumor, macro- and micro-vascular invasion. Univariate analysis showed preoperative Fib, AFP, NLR, size of largest tumor, tumor number, macro- and micro- vascular invasion were significantly associated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in HCC patients with liver transplantation. After multivariate analysis, only Fib and macro-vascular invasion were independently correlated with DFS and OS. Survival analysis showed that preoperative Fib > 2.345 g/L predicted poor prognosis of patients HCC after liver transplantation. Preoperative Fib showed prognostic value in various subgroups of HCC. Furthermore, the predictive range was expanded by the combination of Fib and NLR.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from 130 HCC patients who underwent liver transplantation. Preoperative Fib, NLR and clinicopathologic variables were analyzed. The survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors for DFS and OS.
CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative Fib is an independent effective predictor of prognosis for HCC patients, higher levels of Fib predict poorer outcomes and the combination of Fib and NLR enlarges the prognostic accuracy of testing.

PMID: 27935864 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A ruthenium anticancer compound interacts with histones and impacts differently on epigenetic and death pathways compared to cisplatin.

A ruthenium anticancer compound interacts with histones and impacts differently on epigenetic and death pathways compared to cisplatin.

Oncotarget. 2016 Nov 30;:

Authors: Cynthia L, Marie-Elodie S, Antonella C, Moussa A, Rita S, Olivier A, Francois D, Dorsselaer Alain V, Sarah C, John S, Michel P, Georg M, Christian G

Abstract
Ruthenium complexes are considered as potential replacements for platinum compounds in oncotherapy. Their clinical development is handicapped by a lack of consensus on their mode of action. In this study, we identify three histones (H3.1, H2A, H2B) as possible targets for an anticancer redox organoruthenium compound (RDC11). Using purified histones, we confirmed an interaction between the ruthenium complex and histones that impacted on histone complex formation. A comparative study of the ruthenium complex versus cisplatin showed differential epigenetic modifications on histone H3 that correlated with differential expression of histone deacetylase (HDAC) genes. We then characterized the impact of these epigenetic modifications on signaling pathways employing a transcriptomic approach. Clustering analyses showed gene expression signatures specific for cisplatin (42%) and for the ruthenium complex (30%). Signaling pathway analyses pointed to specificities distinguishing the ruthenium complex from cisplatin. For instance, cisplatin triggered preferentially p53 and folate biosynthesis while the ruthenium complex induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and trans-sulfuration pathways. To further understand the role of HDACs in these regulations, we used suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) and showed that it synergized with cisplatin cytotoxicity while antagonizing the ruthenium complex activity. This study provides critical information for the characterization of signaling pathways differentiating both compounds, in particular, by the identification of a non-DNA direct target for an organoruthenium complex.

PMID: 27935863 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effect of physical activity and/or healthy eating on GDM risk: The DALI Lifestyle Study.

Effect of physical activity and/or healthy eating on GDM risk: The DALI Lifestyle Study.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Dec 09;:jc20163455

Authors: Simmons D, Devlieger R, van Assche A, Jans G, Galjaard S, Corcoy R, Adelantado JM, Dunne F, Desoye G, Harreiter J, Kautzky-Willer A, Damm P, Mathiesen ER, Jensen DM, Andersen L, Lapolla A, Dalfrà MG, Bertolotto A, Wender-Ozegowska E, Zawiejska A, Hill D, Snoek FJ, Jelsma JG, van Poppel MN

Abstract
CONTEXT: Lifestyle approaches for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have produced mixed results.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three lifestyle interventions (Healthy eating (HE), Physical activity (PA) and both HE and PA (HE+PA)) with usual care (UC) in reducing GDM risk.
DESIGN: Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial 2012-2014: The Dali Lifestyle Study Setting: Antenatal clinics across 11 centres in 9 European countries Patients: Consecutive pregnant women <20 weeks gestation with a BMI≥29 kg/m(2) and without GDM by IADPSG criteria (n=436).
INTERVENTION: Women were randomized, stratified by site, to Control, HE, PA or HE+PA. Women received 5 face-to-face and up to 4 telephone coaching sessions, based on the principles of motivational interviewing. Gestational weight gain (GWG) <5kg was targeted. Coaches received standardized training and an intervention toolkit tailored to their culture/language.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: GWG at 35-37 weeks, fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) at 24-28 weeks.
RESULTS: We randomized 108 women to HE&PA, 113 to HE, 110 to PA and 105 to UC. In the HE+PA group, but not HE or PA alone, women achieved substantially less GWG than controls by 35-37 weeks (-2.02 (95% CI -3.58; -0.46 kg). Despite this reduction there were no improvements in fasting or post-load glucose or,insulin concentrations or HOMA-IR. Birthweight, large and small for gestational age rates were similar.
CONCLUSIONS: The combined HE+PA intervention was able to limit GWG but did not reduce fasting glycaemia. Lifestyle change alone is unlikely to prevent GDM among women with a BMI≥29 kg/m(2).

PMID: 27935767 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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ATF4 Targets RET for Degradation and is a Candidate Tumor Suppressor Gene in Medullary Thyroid Cancer.

ATF4 Targets RET for Degradation and is a Candidate Tumor Suppressor Gene in Medullary Thyroid Cancer.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Dec 09;:jc20162878

Authors: Bagheri-Yarmand R, Williams MD, Grubbs EG, Gagel RF

Abstract
CONTEXT: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an aggressive tumor that harbors activating mutations of the RET proto-oncogene. We previously reported that RET inhibits transcriptional activity of ATF4, the master regulator of the stress response pathway, to prevent cell death.
OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that loss of function of ATF4 play a role in initiation of MTC.
DESIGN: Targeted deletion of ATF4 in mice was used to assess ATF4 function in the thyroid gland. ATF4 overexpression was achieved by adenoviral and lentiviral vectors. We used immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting of MTC tumors to determine protein levels of RET and ATF4 and the Kaplan-Meier method to determine their association with clinical outcome.
RESULTS: Targeted deletion of ATF4 in mice causes C-cell hyperplasia, a precancerous lesion for MTC. Forced ATF4 expression decreased survival of MTC cells and blocked the activation of RET downstream signaling pathways (phosphorylated ERK, phosphorylated AKT, and p70S6K). ATF4 knockdown decreased sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Moreover, ATF4 expression decreased RET protein levels by promoting RET ubiquitination. We found decreased or loss of ATF4 in 52% of MTC tumors (n=39) compared with normal thyroid follicle cells. A negative correlation was observed between RET and ATF4 protein levels in MTC tumors, and low ATF4 expression was associated with poor overall survival in MTC patients.
CONCLUSIONS: ATF4 was identified as a negative regulator of RET, a candidate tumor suppressor gene, and may be a molecular marker that distinguishes patients at high risk of MTC from those with a longer survival prognosis.

PMID: 27935748 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Pioglitazone and Risk for Bone Fracture: Safety Data from a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Pioglitazone and Risk for Bone Fracture: Safety Data from a Randomized Clinical Trial.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Dec 09;:jc20163237

Authors: Viscoli CM, Inzucchi SE, Young LH, Insogna KL, Conwit R, Furie KL, Gorman M, Kelly MA, Lovejoy AM, Kernan WN, IRIS Trial Investigators

Abstract
CONTEXT: Pioglitazone reduces cardiovascular risk in non-diabetic patients after an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) but is associated with increased risk for bone fracture.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize fractures associated with pioglitazone by location, mechanism, severity, timing, and sex.
DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS: Patients were 3876 non-diabetic participants in the Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke trial randomized to pioglitazone or placebo after an ischemic stroke or TIA and followed for a median of 4.8 years. Fractures were identified through quarterly interviews.
RESULTS: At 5 years, the increment in fracture risk between pioglitazone and placebo groups was 4.9% (13.6% vs. 8.8%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-1.89). In each group, approximately 80% of fractures were low-energy (i.e., resulted from fall) and 45% were serious (i.e., required surgery or hospitalization). For serious fractures most likely to be related to pioglitazone (low-energy, non-pathological), the risk increment was 1.6% (4.7% vs. 3.1%; HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.09). Increased risk for any fracture was observed in men (9.4% vs. 5.2%; HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.36-2.48) and women (14.9% vs 11.6%; HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.98-1.78; interaction p-value = 0.13). No skeletal region was affected more than another.
CONCLUSIONS: Fractures affected 8.8% of placebo-treated patients within five years after an ischemic stroke or TIA. Pioglitazone increased the absolute fracture risk by 1.6%-4.9% and the relative risk by 47-60%, depending on fracture classification. Our analysis suggests that treatments to improve bone health and prevent falls may help optimize the risk/benefit ratio for pioglitazone.

PMID: 27935736 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Increased fMRI Sensitivity at Equal Data Burden Using Averaged Shifted Echo Acquisition.

Increased fMRI Sensitivity at Equal Data Burden Using Averaged Shifted Echo Acquisition.

Front Neurosci. 2016;10:544

Authors: Witt ST, Warntjes M, Engström M

Abstract
There is growing evidence as to the benefits of collecting BOLD fMRI data with increased sampling rates. However, many of the newly developed acquisition techniques developed to collect BOLD data with ultra-short TRs require hardware, software, and non-standard analytic pipelines that may not be accessible to all researchers. We propose to incorporate the method of shifted echo into a standard multi-slice, gradient echo EPI sequence to achieve a higher sampling rate with a TR of <1 s with acceptable spatial resolution. We further propose to incorporate temporal averaging of consecutively acquired EPI volumes to both ameliorate the reduced temporal signal-to-noise inherent in ultra-fast EPI sequences and reduce the data burden. BOLD data were collected from 11 healthy subjects performing a simple, event-related visual-motor task with four different EPI sequences: (1) reference EPI sequence with TR = 1440 ms, (2) shifted echo EPI sequence with TR = 700 ms, (3) shifted echo EPI sequence with every two consecutively acquired EPI volumes averaged and effective TR = 1400 ms, and (4) shifted echo EPI sequence with every four consecutively acquired EPI volumes averaged and effective TR = 2800 ms. Both the temporally averaged sequences exhibited increased temporal signal-to-noise over the shifted echo EPI sequence. The shifted echo sequence with every two EPI volumes averaged also had significantly increased BOLD signal change compared with the other three sequences, while the shifted echo sequence with every four EPI volumes averaged had significantly decreased BOLD signal change compared with the other three sequences. The results indicated that incorporating the method of shifted echo into a standard multi-slice EPI sequence is a viable method for achieving increased sampling rate for collecting event-related BOLD data. Further, consecutively averaging every two consecutively acquired EPI volumes significantly increased the measured BOLD signal change and the subsequently calculated activation map statistics.

PMID: 27932947 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hgCrDV

Increased Brain Neurotensin and NTSR2 Lead to Weak Nociception in NTSR3/Sortilin Knockout Mice.

Increased Brain Neurotensin and NTSR2 Lead to Weak Nociception in NTSR3/Sortilin Knockout Mice.

Front Neurosci. 2016;10:542

Authors: Devader C, Moreno S, Roulot M, Deval E, Dix T, Morales CR, Mazella J

Abstract
The neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) elicits numerous pharmacological effects through three different receptors (NTSR1, NTSR2, and NTSR3 also called sortilin). Pharmacological approaches and generation of NTSR1 and NTSR2-deficient mice allowed to determine the NT-induced antipsychotic like behavior, the inhibitory of weak fear memory and the nociceptive signaling in a rat formalin tonic pain model to NTSR1. Conversely, the effects of NT on thermal and tonic nociceptions were mediated by NTSR2. However, the role of NTSR3/sortilin on the neurotensinergic system was not investigated. Here, by using C57Bl/6J mouse model in which the gene coding for NTSR3/sortilin has been inactivated, we observed a modification of the expression of both NTSR2 and NT itself. Quantitative PCR and protein expression using Western blot analyses and AlphaLisa™ technology resulted in the observation that brain NTSR2 as well as brain and blood NT were 2-fold increased in KO mice leading to a resistance of these mice to thermal and chemical pain. These data confirm that NTSR3/sortilin interacts with other NT receptors (i.e., NTSR2) and that its deletion modifies also the affinity of this receptor to NT.

PMID: 27932946 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hgIQPr

Monoaminergic and Histaminergic Strategies and Treatments in Brain Diseases.

Monoaminergic and Histaminergic Strategies and Treatments in Brain Diseases.

Front Neurosci. 2016;10:541

Authors: Di Giovanni G, Svob Strac D, Sole M, Unzeta M, Tipton KF, Mück-Šeler D, Bolea I, Della Corte L, Nikolac Perkovic M, Pivac N, Smolders IJ, Stasiak A, Fogel WA, De Deurwaerdère P

Abstract
The monoaminergic systems are the target of several drugs for the treatment of mood, motor and cognitive disorders as well as neurological conditions. In most cases, advances have occurred through serendipity, except for Parkinson's disease where the pathophysiology led almost immediately to the introduction of dopamine restoring agents. Extensive neuropharmacological studies first showed that the primary target of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytic drugs were specific components of the monoaminergic systems. Later, some dramatic side effects associated with older medicines were shown to disappear with new chemical compounds targeting the origin of the therapeutic benefit more specifically. The increased knowledge regarding the function and interaction of the monoaminergic systems in the brain resulting from in vivo neurochemical and neurophysiological studies indicated new monoaminergic targets that could achieve the efficacy of the older medicines with fewer side-effects. Yet, this accumulated knowledge regarding monoamines did not produce valuable strategies for diseases where no monoaminergic drug has been shown to be effective. Here, we emphasize the new therapeutic and monoaminergic-based strategies for the treatment of psychiatric diseases. We will consider three main groups of diseases, based on the evidence of monoamines involvement (schizophrenia, depression, obesity), the identification of monoamines in the diseases processes (Parkinson's disease, addiction) and the prospect of the involvement of monoaminergic mechanisms (epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, stroke). In most cases, the clinically available monoaminergic drugs induce widespread modifications of amine tone or excitability through neurobiological networks and exemplify the overlap between therapeutic approaches to psychiatric and neurological conditions. More recent developments that have resulted in improved drug specificity and responses will be discussed in this review.

PMID: 27932945 [PubMed - in process]

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Role of Homocysteine in the Ischemic Stroke and Development of Ischemic Tolerance.

Role of Homocysteine in the Ischemic Stroke and Development of Ischemic Tolerance.

Front Neurosci. 2016;10:538

Authors: Lehotský J, Tothová B, Kovalská M, Dobrota D, Beňová A, Kalenská D, Kaplán P

Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) is a toxic, sulfur-containing intermediate of methionine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy), as a consequence of impaired Hcy metabolism or defects in crucial co-factors that participate in its recycling, is assumed as an independent human stroke risk factor. Neural cells are sensitive to prolonged hHcy treatment, because Hcy cannot be metabolized either by the transsulfuration pathway or by the folate/vitamin B12 independent remethylation pathway. Its detrimental effect after ischemia-induced damage includes accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and posttranslational modifications of proteins via homocysteinylation and thiolation. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is an adaptive response of the CNS to sub-lethal ischemia, which elevates tissues tolerance to subsequent ischemia. The main focus of this review is on the recent data on homocysteine metabolism and mechanisms of its neurotoxicity. In this context, the review documents an increased oxidative stress and functional modification of enzymes involved in redox balance in experimentally induced hyperhomocysteinemia. It also gives an interpretation whether hyperhomocysteinemia alone or in combination with IPC affects the ischemia-induced neurodegenerative changes as well as intracellular signaling. Studies document that hHcy alone significantly increased Fluoro-Jade C- and TUNEL-positive cell neurodegeneration in the rat hippocampus as well as in the cortex. IPC, even if combined with hHcy, could still preserve the neuronal tissue from the lethal ischemic effects. This review also describes the changes in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein pathways following ischemic injury and IPC. These studies provide evidence for the interplay and tight integration between ERK and p38 MAPK signaling mechanisms in response to the hHcy and also in association of hHcy with ischemia/IPC challenge in the rat brain. Further investigations of the protective factors leading to ischemic tolerance and recognition of the co-morbid risk factors would result in development of new avenues for exploration of novel therapeutics against ischemia and stroke.

PMID: 27932944 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hgESGq

Vacuolar Protein Sorting Genes in Parkinson's Disease: A Re-appraisal of Mutations Detection Rate and Neurobiology of Disease.

Vacuolar Protein Sorting Genes in Parkinson's Disease: A Re-appraisal of Mutations Detection Rate and Neurobiology of Disease.

Front Neurosci. 2016;10:532

Authors: Gambardella S, Biagioni F, Ferese R, Busceti CL, Frati A, Novelli G, Ruggieri S, Fornai F

Abstract
Mammalian retromers play a critical role in protein trans-membrane sorting from endosome to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Recently, retromer alterations have been related to the onset of Parkinson's Disease (PD) since the variant p.Asp620Asn in VPS35 (Vacuolar Protein Sorting 35) was identified as a cause of late onset PD. This variant causes a primary defect in endosomal trafficking and retromers formation. Other mutations in VPS genes have been reported in both sporadic and familial PD. These mutations are less defined. Understanding the specific prevalence of all VPS gene mutations is key to understand the relevance of retromers impairment in the onset of PD. A number of PD-related mutations despite affecting different biochemical systems (autophagy, mitophagy, proteasome, endosomes, protein folding), all converge in producing an impairment in cell clearance. This may explain how genetic predispositions to PD may derive from slightly deleterious VPS mutations when combined with environmental agents overwhelming the clearance of the cell. This manuscript reviews genetic data produced in the last 5 years to re-define the actual prevalence of VPS gene mutations in the onset of PD. The prevalence of p.Asp620Asn mutation in VPS35 is 0.286 of familial PD. This increases up to 0.548 when considering mutations affecting all VPS genes. This configures mutations in VPS genes as the second most frequent autosomal dominant PD genotype. This high prevalence, joined with increased awareness of the role played by retromers in the neurobiology of PD, suggests environmentally-induced VPS alterations as crucial in the genesis of PD.

PMID: 27932943 [PubMed - in process]

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Loss of Fractalkine Signaling Exacerbates Axon Transport Dysfunction in a Chronic Model of Glaucoma.

Loss of Fractalkine Signaling Exacerbates Axon Transport Dysfunction in a Chronic Model of Glaucoma.

Front Neurosci. 2016;10:526

Authors: Breen KT, Anderson SR, Steele MR, Calkins DJ, Bosco A, Vetter ML

Abstract
Neurodegeneration in glaucoma results in decline and loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and is associated with activation of myeloid cells such as microglia and macrophages. The chemokine fractalkine (FKN or Cx3cl1) mediates communication from neurons to myeloid cells. Signaling through its receptor Cx3cr1 has been implicated in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, but the effects on neuronal pathology are variable. Since it is unknown how FKN-mediated crosstalk influences RGC degeneration in glaucoma, we assessed this in a chronic mouse model, DBA/2J. We analyzed a DBA/2J substrain deficient in Cx3cr1, and compared compartmentalized RGC degeneration and myeloid cell responses to those in standard DBA/2J mice. We found that loss of FKN signaling exacerbates axon transport dysfunction, an early event in neurodegeneration, with a significant increase in RGCs with somal accumulation of the axonal protein phosphorylated neurofilament, and reduced retinal expression of genes involved in axon transport, Kif1b, and Atp8a2. There was no change in the loss of Brn3-positive RGCs, and no difference in the extent of damage to the proximal optic nerve, suggesting that the loss of fractalkine signaling primarily affects axon transport. Since Cx3cr1 is specifically expressed in myeloid cells, we assessed changes in retinal microglial number and activation, changes in gene expression, and the extent of macrophage infiltration. We found that loss of fractalkine signaling led to innate immune changes within the retina, including increased infiltration of peripheral macrophages and upregulated nitric oxide synthase-2 (Nos-2) expression in myeloid cells, which contributes to the production of NO and can promote axon transport deficits. In contrast, resident retinal microglia appeared unchanged either in number, morphology, or expression of the myeloid activation marker ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1). There was also no significant increase in the proinflammatory gene interleukin 1 beta (Il1β). We conclude that loss of fractalkine signaling causes a selective worsening of axon transport dysfunction in RGCs, which is linked to enhanced Nos-2 expression in myeloid cells. Our findings suggest that distinct mechanisms may contribute to different aspects of RGC decline in glaucoma, with axonal transport selectively altered after loss of Cx3cr1 in microglia and/or macrophages.

PMID: 27932942 [PubMed - in process]

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Long Term Memory for Noise: Evidence of Robust Encoding of Very Short Temporal Acoustic Patterns.

Long Term Memory for Noise: Evidence of Robust Encoding of Very Short Temporal Acoustic Patterns.

Front Neurosci. 2016;10:490

Authors: Viswanathan J, Rémy F, Bacon-Macé N, Thorpe SJ

Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that humans are able to implicitly encode and retain repeating patterns in meaningless auditory noise. Our study aimed at testing the robustness of long-term implicit recognition memory for these learned patterns. Participants performed a cyclic/non-cyclic discrimination task, during which they were presented with either 1-s cyclic noises (CNs) (the two halves of the noise were identical) or 1-s plain random noises (Ns). Among CNs and Ns presented once, target CNs were implicitly presented multiple times within a block, and implicit recognition of these target CNs was tested 4 weeks later using a similar cyclic/non-cyclic discrimination task. Furthermore, robustness of implicit recognition memory was tested by presenting participants with looped (shifting the origin) and scrambled (chopping sounds into 10- and 20-ms bits before shuffling) versions of the target CNs. We found that participants had robust implicit recognition memory for learned noise patterns after 4 weeks, right from the first presentation. Additionally, this memory was remarkably resistant to acoustic transformations, such as looping and scrambling of the sounds. Finally, implicit recognition of sounds was dependent on participant's discrimination performance during learning. Our findings suggest that meaningless temporal features as short as 10 ms can be implicitly stored in long-term auditory memory. Moreover, successful encoding and storage of such fine features may vary between participants, possibly depending on individual attention and auditory discrimination abilities. Significance Statement Meaningless auditory patterns could be implicitly encoded and stored in long-term memory.Acoustic transformations of learned meaningless patterns could be implicitly recognized after 4 weeks.Implicit long-term memories can be formed for meaningless auditory features as short as 10 ms.Successful encoding and long-term implicit recognition of meaningless patterns may strongly depend on individual attention and auditory discrimination abilities.

PMID: 27932941 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hgHYu5

Effect of Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning on Liver Injury in Patients Undergoing Major Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastasis: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Effect of Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning on Liver Injury in Patients Undergoing Major Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastasis: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial.

World J Surg. 2016 Dec 08;

Authors: Kanoria S, Robertson FP, Mehta NN, Fusai G, Sharma D, Davidson BR

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Liver resection produces excellent long-term survival for patients with colorectal liver metastases but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality from ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) can reduce the effect of IRI. This pilot randomised controlled trial evaluated RIPC in patients undergoing major hepatectomy at the Royal Free Hospital, London.
METHODS: Sixteen patients were randomised to RIPC or sham control. RIPC was induced through three 10-min cycles of alternate ischaemia and reperfusion to the leg. At baseline and immediately post-resection, transaminases and indocyanine green (ICG) clearance were measured.
FINDINGS: The RIPC group had lower ALT and AST levels immediately post-resection (ALT: 43% lower 497 ± 165 vs 889 ± 170 IU/L; p = 0.019 AST: 54% lower 408 ± 166 vs 836 ± 167 IU/L; p = 0.001) and at 24 h (ALT: 41% lower 412 ± 144 vs 698 ± 137 IU/L; p = 0.026 AST: 50% lower 316 ± 116 vs 668 ± 115 IU/L; p = 0.02). ICG clearance was reduced in controls versus RIPC immediately after resection (ICG-PDR: 11.1 ± 1.1 vs 16.5 ± 1.4%/min; p = 0.035).
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows that RIPC has potential to reduce liver injury following hepatectomy justifying a prospective RCT powered to demonstrate clinical benefits.

PMID: 27933431 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Single-incision laparoscopic excision of a chylous mesenteric cyst: A case report.

Single-incision laparoscopic excision of a chylous mesenteric cyst: A case report.

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2016 Nov 22;29:254-257

Authors: Yoshimitsu M, Emi M, Miguchi M, Ota H, Hakoda K, Omori I, Kohashi T, Hirabayashi N, Ohdan H

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Chylous mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal lesions located in the mesentery of the gastrointestinal tract and may extend from the base of the mesentery into the retroperitoneum. The treatment is the complete removal of the cyst PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 49-year-old female presented with abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed a 5.0-cm-diameter intraabdominal, homogenous cystic lesion located on the mesentery of the small intestine. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed for complete resection.
DISCUSSION: Only a handful of cases of laparoscopic surgery for a mesenteric cyst have been reported, and no reports have been published regarding single-incision laparoscopic surgery for a mesenteric cyst.
CONCLUSION: We report the first known case of a chylous mesenteric cyst that was successfully treated by single-incision laparoscopic surgery.

PMID: 27936447 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Functionally Diverse NK-Like T Cells Are Effectors and Predictors of Successful Aging.

Functionally Diverse NK-Like T Cells Are Effectors and Predictors of Successful Aging.

Front Immunol. 2016;7:530

Authors: Michel JJ, Griffin P, Vallejo AN

Abstract
The fundamental challenge of aging and long-term survivorship is maintenance of functional independence and compression of morbidity despite a life history of disease. Inasmuch as immunity is a determinant of individual health and fitness, unraveling novel mechanisms of immune homeostasis in late life is of paramount interest. Comparative studies of young and old persons have documented age-related atrophy of the thymus, the contraction of diversity of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, and the intrinsic inefficiency of classical TCR signaling in aged T cells. However, the elderly have highly heterogeneous health phenotypes. Studies of defined populations of persons aged 75 and older have led to the recognition of successful aging, a distinct physiologic construct characterized by high physical and cognitive functioning without measurable disability. Significantly, successful agers have a unique T cell repertoire; namely, the dominance of highly oligoclonal αβT cells expressing a diverse array of receptors normally expressed by NK cells. Despite their properties of cell senescence, these unusual NK-like T cells are functionally active effectors that do not require engagement of their clonotypic TCR. Thus, NK-like T cells represent a beneficial remodeling of the immune repertoire with advancing age, consistent with the concept of immune plasticity. Significantly, certain subsets are predictors of physical/cognitive performance among older adults. Further understanding of the roles of these NK-like T cells to host defense, and how they integrate with other physiologic domains of function are new frontiers for investigation in Aging Biology. Such pursuits will require a research paradigm shift from the usual young-versus-old comparison to the analysis of defined elderly populations. These endeavors may also pave way to age-appropriate, group-targeted immune interventions for the growing elderly population.

PMID: 27933066 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hgHog5

Early Respiratory Infections and Dental Caries in the First 27 Years of Life: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Early Respiratory Infections and Dental Caries in the First 27 Years of Life: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

PLoS One. 2016;11(12):e0168141

Authors: Rantala AK, Mehtonen IT, Jaakkola MS, Näyhä S, Hugg TT, Jaakkola JJ

Abstract
Early-life respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and dental caries are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide. The relations between early RTIs and development of caries in permanent teeth have not been studied earlier. We assessed childhood RTIs as potential predictors of caries in young adulthood in a 20-year prospective population-based cohort study (The Espoo Cohort Study). Information on lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) that had required hospitalization was retrieved from the National Hospital Discharge Registry (n = 1623). Additional information on LRTIs and upper RTIs (URTIs) was assessed based on the questionnaire reports that covered the preceding 12 months. Caries was measured as the number of teeth with fillings (i.e. filled teeth, FT) reported in the 20-year follow-up questionnaire. The absolute and relative excess numbers of FT were estimated applying negative binomial regression. The mean number of FT in young adulthood was 1.4 greater among subjects who had experienced LRTIs requiring hospitalization before the age of 2 years (SD 4.8) compared to those without any such infections (SD 3.4), and the adjusted relative excess number of FT was 1.5 (95% CI 1.0-2.2). LRTIs up to 7 years were associated with an absolute increase of 0.9 in the mean FT number, the adjusted relative excess being 1.3 (1.0-1.8). Also the questionnaire-based LRTIs (adjusted relative excess 1.3; 95% CI 0.9-1.8) and URTIs (adjusted relative excess 1.4, 1.0-1.8) before the age of 2 years predicted higher occurrence of FT. Findings suggest that early RTIs have a role in the development of dental caries in permanent teeth.

PMID: 27936203 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hfKspJ

Low Serum Levels of Vitamins A, D, and E Are Associated with Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Living in Northern China: A Case Control Study.

Low Serum Levels of Vitamins A, D, and E Are Associated with Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Living in Northern China: A Case Control Study.

PLoS One. 2016;11(12):e0167689

Authors: Zhang X, Ding F, Li H, Zhao W, Jing H, Yan Y, Chen Y

Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association of serum concentrations of vitamin A, D, and E with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs).
METHODS: A total of 1200 children aged at 0.5-14 years were selected via a face-to-face survey in Harbin, China. Among the participants, 600 children with RRTIs comprised the symptomatic group (RRTI group), whereas 600 healthy children were used as controls (control group). Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of vitamins A and E by HPLC; the serum level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D), was measured by HPLC-MS/MS.
RESULTS: Serum levels of vitamins A and E, as well as 25(OH)D, were significantly lower in the RRTI group than the control group. The conditional logistic regression model and the receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that the insufficiency or deficiency of vitamins A, D, and E was positively correlated with RRTI occurrence (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Low serum concentrations of vitamins A, D, and E were associated with RRTIs in children from northern China.

PMID: 27936124 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hfLpyr

A Novel, Molybdenum-Containing Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase Supports Survival of Haemophilus influenzae in an In vivo Model of Infection.

A Novel, Molybdenum-Containing Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase Supports Survival of Haemophilus influenzae in an In vivo Model of Infection.

Front Microbiol. 2016;7:1743

Authors: Dhouib R, Othman DS, Lin V, Lai XJ, Wijesinghe HG, Essilfie AT, Davis A, Nasreen M, Bernhardt PV, Hansbro PM, McEwan AG, Kappler U

Abstract
Haemophilus influenzae is a host adapted human mucosal pathogen involved in a variety of acute and chronic respiratory tract infections, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, all of which rely on its ability to efficiently establish continuing interactions with the host. Here we report the characterization of a novel molybdenum enzyme, TorZ/MtsZ that supports interactions of H. influenzae with host cells during growth in oxygen-limited environments. Strains lacking TorZ/MtsZ showed a reduced ability to survive in contact with epithelial cells as shown by immunofluorescence microscopy and adherence/invasion assays. This included a reduction in the ability of the strain to invade human epithelial cells, a trait that could be linked to the persistence of H. influenzae. The observation that in a murine model of H. influenzae infection, strains lacking TorZ/MtsZ were almost undetectable after 72 h of infection, while ∼3.6 × 10(3) CFU/mL of the wild type strain were measured under the same conditions is consistent with this view. To understand how TorZ/MtsZ mediates this effect we purified and characterized the enzyme, and were able to show that it is an S- and N-oxide reductase with a stereospecificity for S-sulfoxides. The enzyme converts two physiologically relevant sulfoxides, biotin sulfoxide and methionine sulfoxide (MetSO), with the kinetic parameters suggesting that MetSO is the natural substrate of this enzyme. TorZ/MtsZ was unable to repair sulfoxides in oxidized Calmodulin, suggesting that a role in cell metabolism/energy generation and not protein repair is the key function of this enzyme. Phylogenetic analyses showed that H. influenzae TorZ/MtsZ is only distantly related to the Escherichia coli TorZ TMAO reductase, but instead is a representative of a new, previously uncharacterized clade of molybdenum enzyme that is widely distributed within the Pasteurellaceae family of pathogenic bacteria. It is likely that MtsZ/TorZ has a similar role in supporting host/pathogen interactions in other members of the Pasteurellaceae, which includes both human and animal pathogens.

PMID: 27933034 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hfOn5L

Draft genome sequence of a GES-5-producing Serratia marcescens isolated in southern Brazil.

Draft genome sequence of a GES-5-producing Serratia marcescens isolated in southern Brazil.

Braz J Microbiol. 2016 Nov 23;:

Authors: Nodari CS, Siebert M, Matte UD, Barth AL

Abstract
Serratia marcescens is a Gram-negative rod intrinsically resistant to polymyxins and usually associated with wound, respiratory and urinary tract infections. The whole genome of the first GES-5-producing S. marcescens isolated from a Brazilian patient was sequenced using Ion Torrent PGM System. Besides blaGES-5, we were able to identify genes encoding for other β-lactamases, for aminoglycoside modifying enzymes and for an efflux pump to tetracyclines.

PMID: 27932081 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfNLxl

Internal living environment and respiratory disease in children: findings from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal child cohort study.

Internal living environment and respiratory disease in children: findings from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal child cohort study.

Environ Health. 2016 Dec 08;15(1):120

Authors: Tin Tin S, Woodward A, Saraf R, Berry S, Atatoa Carr P, Morton SM, Grant CC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The incidence of early childhood acute respiratory infections (ARIs) has been associated with aspects of the indoor environment. In recent years, public awareness about some of these environmental issues has increased, including new laws and subsequent changes in occupant behaviours. This New Zealand study investigated current exposures to specific risk factors in the home during the first five years of life and provided updated evidence on the links between the home environment and childhood ARI hospitalisation.
METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 6822) were recruited in 2009 and 2010, and their 6853 children created a child cohort that was representative of New Zealand births from 2007-10. Longitudinal data were collected through face-to-face interviews and linkage to routinely collected national datasets. Incidence rates with Poisson distribution confidence intervals were computed and Cox regression modelling for repeated events was performed.
RESULTS: Living in a rented dwelling (48%), household crowding (22%) or dampness (20%); and, in the child's room, heavy condensation (20%) or mould or mildew on walls or ceilings (13%) were prevalent. In 14% of the households, the mother smoked cigarettes and in 30%, other household members smoked. Electric heaters were commonly used, followed by wood, flued gas and unflued portable gas heaters. The incidence of ARI hospitalisation before age five years was 33/1000 person-years. The risk of ARI hospitalisation was higher for children living in households where there was a gas heater in the child's bedroom: hazard ratio for flued gas heater 1.69 (95% CI: 1.21-2.36); and for unflued gas heater 1.68 (95% CI: 1.12-2.53); and where a gas heater was the sole type of household heating (hazard ratio: 1.64 (95% CI: 1.29-2.09)). The risk was reduced in households that used electric heaters (Hazard ratio: 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61-0.89)) or wood burners (hazard ratio: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66-0.93)) as a form of household heating. The associations with other risk factors were not significant.
CONCLUSIONS: The risk of early childhood ARI hospitalisation is increased by gas heater usage, specifically in the child's bedroom. Use of non-gas forms of heating may reduce the risk of early childhood ARI hospitalisation.

PMID: 27931228 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hfNYQU

Nonmissile penetrating head injuries (NPHIs): surgical management and review of the literature.

Nonmissile penetrating head injuries (NPHIs): surgical management and review of the literature.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Dec 05;:

Authors: Li XS, Yan J, Liu C, Luo Y, Liao XS, Yu L, Xiao SW

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nonmissile penetrating head injuries (NPHIs) in the civilian population are rare but with potentially fatal features. While numerous cases have been reported in the literature, the surgical management of such injuries is still ambiguous, especially with surgical techniques updating. Here we will illustrate 5 cases of NPHIs managed with different surgical techniques and review the literature on surgical treatment of these injuries to outline the appropriate management for these patients from neurosurgical perspective.
METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 5 cases of NPHIs managed surgically in our department. The clinical data were collected including cause, type of objects, way of penetration, initial clinical evaluation, imaging, surgical intervention, postoperative care, complication, follow up and ultimate outcome. In addition, a systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed database to search articles on surgical treatment of these injuries.
RESULT: These 5 cases were caused by twisted steel bar, electric welding rod and sewing needle, respectively. Preoperative imaging including CT, MRI and DSA was selectively done to assist the operative plan. Foreign objects were removed surgically in all cases. Postoperative prophylactic administration of antibiotics and anticonvlsants was used to prevent infectious and epileptic complications. Most of the patients achieved better outcome except for 1 case.
CONCLUSION: NPHIs are fatal but they can be managed with satisfactory results by proper preoperative imaging evaluation, rapid appropriate surgical management and accurate postoperative care. And the personalized surgical intervention should be undertaken depending on the mechanism and extent of NPHIs.

PMID: 27931948 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfNbj8

Transection of the omohyoid muscle as an aid during vagal nerve stimulator implantation.

Transection of the omohyoid muscle as an aid during vagal nerve stimulator implantation.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Dec 05;:

Authors: Yowtak J, Jenkins P, Giller C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exposure of the carotid sheath during VNS implantation is usually straightforward, but can be difficult for patients with a large body habitus. In addition, the exposure must be done with care if the surgeon wishes to keep the vagus nerve in situ without using retractors that might impair access.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of the omohyoid muscle as a landmark for the jugular vein, and to report how transection of the omohyoid can facilitate a rapid and wide exposure of the carotid sheath.
METHODS: We review the records of 59 consecutive patients undergoing VNS implantation from 2009 to 2015 and describe our technique incorporating omohyoid transection. We also summarize complications such as postoperative hoarseness, cough, dysphagia or wound issues.
RESULTS: Forty-two of the 59 patients (29 adults and 13 children) underwent omohyoid transection during implantation. In all cases, the carotid sheath and the jugular vein were immediately visible after transection. One patient developed permanent hoarseness and coughing due to left vocal cord paresis requiring further surgery. This result was most likely due to manipulation of the vagus nerve rather than division of the omohyoid muscle.
CONCLUSION: Omohyoid transection provides excellent exposure of the carotid sheath during VNS implantation.

PMID: 27931947 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfVbAn

Multifidus Degeneration, a New Risk Factor for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Case-Control Study.

Multifidus Degeneration, a New Risk Factor for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Case-Control Study.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Dec 05;:

Authors: Jiang J, Wang H, Wang L, Zhang B, Guo Q, Yuan W, Lu X

PMID: 27931946 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfO5fh

Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Sinus of the Lesser Sphenoid Wing Presenting with Pontine Hemorrhage : Case Report.

Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Sinus of the Lesser Sphenoid Wing Presenting with Pontine Hemorrhage : Case Report.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Dec 05;:

Authors: Nakajima H, Ishiguro T, Terada A, Komiyama M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the sinus of the lesser sphenoid wing (SLSW) with leptomeningeal drainage are rare. We report a patient with a DAVF of the SLSW draining into the basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR) presenting with pontine hemorrhage.
CASA DESCRIPTION: A 71-year-old man presented with sudden right hemisensory disturbance of the arm and leg. Brain computed tomography showed left pontine hemorrhage and cerebral angiography revealed a DAVF of the left SLSW. The fistula drained solely into the left BVR, which had an anastomosis to the left lateral mesencepharic vein which had a varix invaginated into the left pons. We diagnosed that a DAVF of the left SLSW drained into the lateral mesencepharic vein via the bridging vein of the left SLSW, the deep middle cerebral vein and the BVR, and a varix of the lateral mesencepharic vein caused pontine hemorrhage. The fistula was occluded by clipping through frontotemporal craniotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful and postoperative cerebral angiography confirmed disappearance of the fistula.
CONCLUSIONS: A DAVF of the SLSW presenting with pontine hemorrhage is extremely rare, and DAVFs with deep leptomeningeal drainage should be included among a variety etiologies of pontine hemorrhage.

PMID: 27931945 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfOEG2

Restoration of anterior vertebral height by short segment pedicle screw fixation with screwing fractured vertebra for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures.

Restoration of anterior vertebral height by short segment pedicle screw fixation with screwing fractured vertebra for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Dec 05;:

Authors: Ozdemir B, Kanat A, Erturk C, Batcik OE, Balik MS, Yazar U, Celiker FB, Metin Y, Inecikli MF, Guvercin AR

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Treatment of unstable thoraco-lumbar fractures remains controversial. Long-segment pedicle screw constructs may be stiffer and impart greater forces on adjacent segments compared with short-segment constructs.Short-segment pedicle screw fixation alone may be associated with instrumentation failure. Reinforcement fractured vertebra by additional two screws at fracture level may be usefull in thoraco-lumbar fractures for restoration of anterior vertebral height.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 38 (22 males, 16 females) unstable thoracolumbar fractures. The patients were divided to two groups. In group I, patients were operated with posterior approach using pedicle screws fixed long (two levels above and one or two level below of the fractured vertebra). In groupII patients, short segment stabilization with additional screwing at fracture level was made. Immediate post operative radiological evaluations were done by measuring the correction and maintenance of kyphotic angle at the fracture level, Cobb Angle, height of fractured vertebra.
RESULTS: Average LKA,anterior kyphotic angle at the fracture level, Cobb Angle was not statistically significantly different at postoperative period (p>0.05). However, postoperative anterior height of fractured vertebra is statistically significantly different between two groups (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: We compared a standard long-segment construct to a short-segment construct utilizing instrumentation of the fractured segment. Short segment pedicle screw fixation with screwing fractured vertebra in unstable thoracolumbar fracture level is effective method to restoring anterior vertebral height for treatment of unstable thoraco-lumbar fractures. It also provides anterior column support.

PMID: 27931944 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfNIl9

Multilevel spinal stabilization as a treatment for Hirayama disease: Report of an experience with 5 cases.

Multilevel spinal stabilization as a treatment for Hirayama disease: Report of an experience with 5 cases.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Dec 05;:

Authors: Goel A, Dhar A, Shah A

Abstract
AIM: The authors analyze the role of multisegmental spinal instability in the pathogenesis of Hirayama's disease.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the period June 2014 to January 2016, the authors managed 5 cases having Hirayama disease. The patients were diagnosed on the basis of classical described radiological and clinical guidelines. All 5 patients were treated with multi-level cervical fixation that included fixation of the atlantoaxial joint in 4 patients, by adopting facetal fixation methods. No dural or bone decompression was done.The follow-up ranges from 7 to 26 months (average 17.6 months).
RESULTS: The most remarkable feature was an immediate postoperative and progressive improvement in the symptom of weakness, wasting and deformity of hands in all patients. The other remarkable feature was 'immediate' postoperative reduction in extradural mass in all patients and its complete disappearance in two patients.
CONCLUSIONS: From the observations, it appears that atlantoaxial and subaxial spinal instability plays a major role in the pathogenesis of Hirayama's disease.

PMID: 27931943 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfKv4H

Interleukin-6 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid as Biomarker for Onset of Vasospasm and Ventriculitis after Severe Subarachnoidal Hemorrhage.

Interleukin-6 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid as Biomarker for Onset of Vasospasm and Ventriculitis after Severe Subarachnoidal Hemorrhage.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Dec 05;:

Authors: Lenski M, Huge V, Briegel J, Tonn JC, Schichor C, Thon N

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Study aim was to investigate the diagnostic potential of Interleukin-6(IL-6) and other soluble biomarkers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) for early diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm (cVSSAH) and external ventricular drainage (EVD) associated ventriculitis (VCSAH) and to separate these conditions from aneurysmal subarachnoidal hemorrhage (aSAH) without further complication (SAH(w/o/c)).
METHODS: The concentrations of serum biomarkers and markers in the CSF were collected in 63 consecutive patients with aSAH and EVD. Arithmetical means and standard deviations (SD), area-under-the-curve (AUC), cutoff-values (C-OFF), sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) were calculated for markers and their correlation with SAH(w/o/c), cVSSAH and VCSAH.
RESULTS: Clinical courses included 27 patients with cVSSAH, 17 with VCSAH and 19 with SAH(w/o/c). Mean±SD CSFIL-6 values were 7588± 4580pg/ml at onset of VCSAH and 4102± 4970pg/ml for cVSSAH and higher than 234± 239pg/ml in SAH(w/o/c) (p<0.001). CSFIL-6 showed excellent diagnostic potential for differing between VCSAH and SAH(w/o/c) (AUC=1.00,C-OFF=707,SE=100%,SP=100%), and a moderate diagnostic potential for differing VCSAH from cVSSAH (AUC=0.757,C-OFF=3100pg/ml,SE=86.7%,SP=70.6%). The concentration of CSFIL-6 within the cVSSAH group was significantly increased compared to SAH(w/o/c) (AUC=0.937,C-OFF=530pg/ml,SE=87.5%,SP=91.7%).
CONCLUSIONS: CSFIL-6 is increased after aSAH in patients with cVSSAH or VCSAH. Patients with a CSFIL-6 above a cut-off value of 3100pg/ml have an increased likelihood for VCSAH; patients with CSFIL-6 levels between 530 and 3100pg/ml have an increased post-test probability for cVSSAH.

PMID: 27931942 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfO4If

The Unforgettable Neurosurgical Operations of Musicians in Last Century.

The Unforgettable Neurosurgical Operations of Musicians in Last Century.

World Neurosurg. 2016 Dec 05;:

Authors: Gasenzer ER, Kanat A, Neugebauer E

Abstract
BACKGROUND: there is no study for interesting craniotomies of famous musician in history. This subject was investigated.
MATERIAL ANDMETHODS: The key words were "neurosurgery and music" and the names of composers. We used digital catalogues like "pubmed" as well as the libraries of universities.
RESULTS: We found four musicians with different neurosurgical diseases who are Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin, Clara Haskil, Pat Martino.from the 20(th) century eras.
CONCLUSION: ; Neurosurgical disease was leaded poor to the end of a musical career and their lives in two of four musicians. Neurosurgeons today can understand the effect of limited diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT at the timeon the poor outcome of two musician.

PMID: 27931941 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfMUwv

AN INTERNATIONAL INTER-LABORATORY DIGITAL PCR STUDY DEMONSTRATES HIGH REPRODUCIBILITY FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF A RARE SEQUENCE VARIANT.

AN INTERNATIONAL INTER-LABORATORY DIGITAL PCR STUDY DEMONSTRATES HIGH REPRODUCIBILITY FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF A RARE SEQUENCE VARIANT.

Anal Chem. 2016 Dec 09;

Authors: Whale AS, Devonshire AS, Karlin-Neumann GA, Regan J, Javier L, Cowen S, Fernandez-Gonzalez A, Jones GM, Redshaw N, Beck J, Berger AW, Combaret V, Dahl Kjersgaard N, Davis L, Fina F, Forshew T, Fredslund Andersen R, Galbiati S, González Hernández Á, Haynes CA, Janku F, Lacave R, Lee J, Mistry V, Pender A, Pradines A, Proudhon C, Saal LH, Stieglitz E, Ulrich B, Foy CA, Parkes H, Tzonev S, Huggett JF

Abstract
This study tested the claim that digital PCR (dPCR) can offer highly reproducible quantitative measurements in disparate labs. Twenty-one laboratories measured four blinded samples containing different quantities of a KRAS fragment encoding G12D, an important genetic marker for guiding therapy of certain cancers. This marker is challenging to quantify reproducibly using qPCR or NGS due to the presence of competing wild type sequences and the need for calibration. Using dPCR, eighteen laboratories were able to quantify the G12D marker within 12% of each other in all samples. Three laboratories appeared to measure consistently outlying results; however, proper application of a follow-up analysis recommendation rectified their data. Our findings show that dPCR has demonstrable reproducibility across a large number of laboratories without calibration. This could enable the reproducible application of molecular stratification to guide therapy and, potentially, for molecular diagnostics.

PMID: 27935690 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2hfKq1b

A diffusely enlarged pancreas: the (un)usual suspect.

A diffusely enlarged pancreas: the (un)usual suspect.

Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2016 Dec;108(12):809-811

Authors: Magalhães-Costa P, Brito MJ, Pinto-Marques P

Abstract
An 81-years-old female presented with obstructive jaundice and a non-specific clinical picture of nausea and appetite loss. Labs demonstrated a conjugated hyperbilirrubinemia (7.7 mg/dL), increased aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (10xULN and 8xULN, respectively), increased lactate dehydrogenase (10xULN) and serum lipase (3xULN). CA 19.9 was 342 U/mL (Ref value < 37 U/mL). There was no evidence of peripheral lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. Imaging (Figure 1A and 1B) revealed a marked homogeneous enlargement of the pancreas (without any well-defined mass), dilation of the extra and intra-hepatic bile ducts and ascites. Endoscopic ultrasound (Figure 1C and 1D) identified an enlarged homogeneous hypoechoic pancreas, without any well-defined lesion, no dilation of the main pancreatic duct, no peripancreatic or celiac enlarged lymph nodes. A fine-needle biopsy was performed yielding, on cytological examination and cell-block technique (Figure 2A and 2B), numerous medium/large sized atypical lymphoid cells that displayed a B-cell lineage immunophenotype (Figure 2A-2F). Even though, further characterization (by flow cytometric immunophenotyping) could not be obtained, a final diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) was assumed. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a remarkably rare tumor of the pancreas, representing approximately 0.5% of all pancreatic neoplasms and <2% of all lymphomas (1,2). A correct diagnosis is crucial because therapeutic management differs from other pancreatic malignancies (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor and metastases) (2,3). Two morphologic patterns of PPL are recognized: a focal form (occurring in the pancreatic head in 80% of cases) and a rarer diffuse/infiltrative pattern, as depicted herein, emulating an acute/autoimmune pancreatitis (1).

PMID: 27931107 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2hfPNgA

Association between vitamin D and sperm parameters: Clinical evidence

http://ift.tt/2hxMpNs

Modified technique for endoscopic endonasal reduction of medial orbital wall fracture using an absorbable packing

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe a modified technique using only biological dura substitute (Lyoplant®) associated or not to a sheet of Medpore® (porous polyethylene plate) avoiding the use of Silastic® or Merocel® packing for endoscopic endonasal reduction of medial orbital wall fracture.

Methods

An interventional case report was used involving two patients with medial orbital wall fracture that were treated with the modified technique. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated for visual acuity, enophthalmos, extraocular motility, and diplopia.

Result

Twelve months after surgery, patients recovered completely without any residual eye symptoms or complications, and postoperative CT showed a completely corrected medial orbital wall fractures.

Conclusion

The reported technique proved itself to be safe and effective, and it may be expected to have advantages over the conventional endoscopic approach using a non-absorbable packing, avoiding the need for long-term nasal packing and a secondary removal procedure.

http://ift.tt/2h9ryn0

Data on the effect of boiling on the organosulfides and the hydrogen sulfide-releasing activity of garlic

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 10
Author(s): Restituto Tocmo, Yuchen Wu, Dong Liang, Vincenzo Fogliano, Dejian Huang
This article contains experimental data on the identification and quantification of the organosulfides on boiled garlic extracts. Data included are related to the research article "Boiling enriches the linear polysulfides and the hydrogen sulfide-releasing activity of garlic" (R. Tocmo, Y. Wu, D. Liang, V. Fogliano, D. Huang, 2016) [1]. Characterization was carried out by GC–MS and HPLC. Dose-response curves obtained from the cell-based H2S-releasing capacity assay of allicin transformation products, namely vinyl dithiins and ajoene are also included. DATS-E values were calculated from these dose-response curves to quantify the contribution of the individual polysulfides to the H2S-releasing capacity of boiled extracts.

http://ift.tt/2gMpiPy

Transcriptomes of Bovine Ovarian Follicular and Luteal Cells

Publication date: Available online 10 December 2016
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Sarah M. Romereim, Adam F. Summers, William E. Pohlmeier, Pan Zhang, Xiaoying Hou, Heather A. Talbott, Robert A. Cushman, Jennifer R. Wood, John S. Davis, Andrea S. Cupp
Affymetrix Bovine GeneChip® Gene 1.0 ST Array RNA expression analysis was performed on four somatic ovarian cell types: the granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) of the dominant follicle and the large luteal cells (LLCs) and small luteal cells (SLCs) of the corpus luteum. The normalized linear microarray data was deposited to the NCBI GEO repository (GSE83524). Subsequent ANOVA determined genes that were enriched (≥2 fold more) or decreased (≤−2 fold less) in one cell type compared to all three other cell types, and these analyzed and filtered datasets are presented as tables. Genes that were shared in enriched expression in both follicular cell types (GCs and TCs) or in both luteal cells types (LLCs and SLCs) are also reported in tables. The standard deviation of the analyzed array data in relation to the log of the expression values is shown as a figure. These data have been further analyzed and interpreted in the companion article "Gene Expression Profiling of Ovarian Follicular and Luteal Cells Provides Insight into Cellular Identities and Functions" [1].

http://ift.tt/2hq2CZh

Circulating adipokines data associated with insulin secretagogue use in breast cancer patients

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 10
Author(s): Zachary A.P. Wintrob, Jeffrey P. Hammel, George K. Nimako, Zahra S. Fayazi, Dan P. Gaile, Alan Forrest, Alice C. Ceacareanu
Oral drugs stimulating endogenous insulin production (insulin secretagogues) may have detrimental effects on breast cancer outcomes. The data presented shows the relationship between pre-existing insulin secretagogues use, adipokine profiles at the time of breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and subsequent cancer outcomes in women diagnosed with BC and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The Pearson correlation analysis evaluating the relationship between adipokines stratified by T2DM pharmacotherapy and controls is also provided. This information is the extension of the data presented and discussed in "Insulin use, adipokine profiles and breast cancer prognosis" (Wintrob et al., in press) [1].

http://ift.tt/2gMsElD

Dataset for Corporate Valuation and Analyses of Peer Effects in Corporate Practices and Local Factors Favoring Innovation

Publication date: Available online 10 December 2016
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Andrea Carosi
This data article provides cross-sectionals on the local values of the coefficients of ROE, R&D-TO-SALES, and TOTAL ASSET as regressors of the MARKET-TO-BOOK ratio and is related to the research article entitled "Do Local Causations Matter? The Effect of Firm Location on the Relations of ROE, R&D, and Firm Size with Market-to-Book" (Carosi, 2016) [1]. The data are aggregated at the regional level (NUTS2). The reported data are the regional average values of the coefficients of ROE, R&D-TO-SALES, and LN(TOTAL ASSET) on LN(MARKET-TO-BOOK), estimated upon the Italian non-financial listed firms in 1999–2007. Local coefficient estimates for family firms and utilities are also provided.

http://ift.tt/2hpS5NE

Random number datasets generated from statistical analysis of randomly sampled GSM recharge cards

Publication date: Available online 9 December 2016
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Hilary I. Okagbue, Abiodun A. Opanuga, Pelumi E. Oguntunde, Paulinus O. Ugwoke
In this article, a random number of datasets was generated from random samples of used GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications) recharge cards. Statistical analyses were performed to refine the raw data to random number datasets arranged in table. A detailed description of the method and relevant tests of randomness were also discussed.

http://ift.tt/2gMuZgc

Phase I/II Randomized Trial of Sorafenib and Bevacizumab as First-Line Therapy in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma: North Central Cancer Treatment Group Trial N0745 (Alliance)

Abstract

Background

Angiogenesis has been a major target of novel drug development in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is hypothesized that the combination of two antiangiogenic agents, sorafenib and bevacizumab, will provide greater blockade of angiogenesis.

Objective

To determine the optimal dose, safety, and effectiveness of dual anti-angiogenic therapy with sorafenib and bevacizumab in patients with advanced HCC.

Patients and Methods

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic HCC not amenable for surgery or liver transplant were eligible. The phase I starting dose level was bevacizumab 1.25 mg/kg day 1 and 15 plus sorafenib 400 mg twice daily (BID) days 1-28. In the phase II portion, patients were randomized to receive bevacizumab and sorafenib at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or sorafenib 400 mg BID.

Results

Seventen patients were enrolled in the phase I component. Dose-limiting toxicities included grade 3 hand/foot skin reaction, fatigue, hypertension, alanine/aspartate aminotransferase increase, dehydration, hypophosphatemia, creatinine increase, hypoglycemia, nausea/vomiting, and grade 4 hyponatremia. Seven patients were enrolled in the phase II component at the MTD: sorafenib 200 mg BID days 1-28 and bevacizumab 2.5 mg/kg every other week; 57% (4/7) had grade 3 AEs at least possibly related to treatment. No responses were observed in the phase II portion. Estimated median time to progression and survival were 8.6 months (95% CI: 0.4-16.3) and 13.3 months (95% CI 4.4 – not estimable), respectively.

Conclusions

The MTD of the combination is sorafenib 200 mg twice daily on days 1-28 plus bevacizumab 2.5 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. In the phase II portion of the trial, concerns regarding excessive toxicity, low efficacy, and slow enrollment led to discontinuation of the trial. (Clinical Trials ID: NCT00867321.)

http://ift.tt/2heNLNK

Highly crystalline stannite-phase Cu2XSnS4 (X = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd) nanoflower counter electrodes for ZnO-based dye-sensitised solar cells

Publication date: 5 March 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 696
Author(s): Yahong Xie, Chunyang Zhang, Guihua Yang, Jianya Yang, Xiaofeng Zhou, Junbao Ma
Quaternary chalcopyrite sulfide semiconductors Cu2XSnS4 (X = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd) are successfully prepared by using a solvothermal method. Crystal structure, elemental composition and morphology of the as-synthesized nanoflowers are characterised using XRD, XPS, EDS, TEM and SEM. Photovoltaic and catalytic performances based on prepared samples as counter-electrode (CE) materials in ZnO-based dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) are investigated based on N719 dye and iodide/triiodide electrolyte. Notably, Cu2XSnS4 (X = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) all show excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of I3⁻ to I⁻ in the electrolyte. In addition, Cu2MnSnS4 and Cu2NiSnS4 are explored as CE materials for DSSCs for the first time. Cu2MnSnS4 and Cu2NiSnS4 exhibit power conversion efficiency values of 6.18% and 6.12%, respectively, which are comparable to the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs using a Pt CE (6.09%).

http://ift.tt/2gMpVZo

Influence of crystal size on the catalytic performance of H-ZSM-5 and Zn/H-ZSM-5 in the conversion of methanol to aromatics

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Fuel Processing Technology, Volume 157
Author(s): Xianjun Niu, Jie Gao, Kai Wang, Qing Miao, Mei Dong, Guofu Wang, Weibin Fan, Zhangfeng Qin, Jianguo Wang
H-ZSM-5 zeolites with a uniform crystal size from 0.25 to 2μm were obtained by adding colloidal silicalite-1 seed in the synthesis gel; with H-ZSM-5 as the support, Zn/H-ZSM-5 was prepared by incipient wet impregnation. The influence of crystal size on the state of Zn species and its relation to the catalytic performance of Zn/H-ZSM-5 in the conversion of methanol to aromatics (MTA) was then investigated. The results illustrated that the state of Zn species and catalytic performance of Zn/H-ZSM-5 are closely related to the crystal size, though the crystal size has little influence on the overall acidity. There exist mainly two types of zinc species, viz., ZnO and ZnOH⁺; Zn/H-ZSM-5 with smaller crystal size is provided with more ZnOH⁺ species. The selectivity to aromatics and catalyst stability can be improved greatly by using small crystal Zn/H-ZSM-5. A good linear correlation is observed between the amount of ZnOH⁺ species and the selectivity to aromatics, suggesting that ZnOH⁺ species plays an important role in enhancing the dehydrogenation of alkanes and aromatization of alkenes to aromatics. As a result, small crystal Zn/H-ZSM-5 with large portion of ZnOH⁺ species exhibits high selectivity to aromatics and long lifetime in MTA.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hpMPJU

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of MgZnYZr alloy during friction stir processing

Publication date: 5 March 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 696
Author(s): Yaobin Wang, Yongxian Huang, Xiangchen Meng, Long Wan, Jicai Feng
Here, a Mg6Zn1Y0.5Zr casting was subjected to friction stir processing (FSP). The effect of thermal and mechanical effects on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the casting was studied. FSP resulted in remarkable grain refinement, dissolution and dispersion of intergranular eutectic I-phase (Mg3Zn6Y) networks and strong basal texture. Based on mechanically activated effect of FSP, I-phase transformed to W-phase (Mg3Zn3Y2) and dispersed particles with a core-shell structure formed. The increase of travel speed caused greater grain refinement and higher fraction of dispersed particles, which greatly improved yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation, 93.1%, 53.0%, and 151.4% higher than that of the cast materials, respectively.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hpOIq7

Atmospheric emissions of typical toxic heavy metals from open burning of municipal solid waste in China

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 152
Author(s): Yan Wang, Ke Cheng, Weidong Wu, Hezhong Tian, Peng Yi, Guorui Zhi, Jing Fan, Shuhan Liu
Municipal solid waste (MSW) contains considerable hazardous components and the widely-distributed open MSW burning in heavily-populated urban areas can cause direct exposure of hazardous materials to citizens. By determining the best available representation of composition-varying and time-varying emission factors with fuzzy mathematics method and S-shape curves, a comprehensive atmospheric emission inventories of 9 typical toxic heavy metals (THMs, e.g. mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni)) from open MSW burning activities in China is established during the period of 2000–2013 for the first time. Further, the emissions in 2013 are allocated at a high spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5° grid by surrogate indexes. The results show that 9 typical THMs emissions from open MSW burning are estimated at 21.25 t for Hg, 131.52 t for As, 97.12 t for Pb, 10.12 t for Cd, 50.58 t for Cr, 81.95 t for Se, 382.42 t for Cu, 1790.70 t for Zn, and 43.50 t for Ni, respectively. In terms of spatial variation, the majority of emissions are concentrated in relatively developed and densely-populated regions, especially for the eastern, central and southern regions. Moreover, future emissions are also projected for the period of 2015–2030 based on different scenarios of the independent and collaborative effects of control proposals including minimizing waste, improving MSW incineration ratio, and enhancing waste sorting and recycling, etc. The collaborative effect of the above proposals is expected to bring the most effective reduction to THMs emissions from open MSW burning in China except for Hg. The results will be supplementary to all anthropogenic emissions and useful for relevant policy-making and the improvement of urban air quality as well as human health.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2he7VYz

Spatial distribution and transport characteristics of heavy metals around an antimony mine area in central China

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Chemosphere, Volume 170
Author(s): Xin Li, Hong Yang, Chang Zhang, Guangming Zeng, Yunguo Liu, Weihua Xu, Youe Wu, Shiming Lan
The spatial distribution and transport characteristics of heavy metals in an antimony mine area (Xikuangshan, China) were systematically studied using a field survey and geostatistical analytical methods. In the study area, 52 soil and sediment samples were collected from bare land, grassland, woodland and river sediments covering a surface area of 20 km². The soil properties and heavy metal concentrations were measured by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, respectively. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis suggest that Cu, Zn, Cd, As, Pb and Sb can be attributed to anthropogenic inputs, whereas Cr, Mn and Ni are of natural origin. Distribution maps of heavy metals were generated using the Kriging interpolation method to identify their distribution trends. The results show the influence of wind, river, distance and vegetation on the spatial distribution. The results also revealed that windborne transport may play a significant role in the spreading of contaminants. In addition, the environmental risk of heavy metal pollution was evaluated using their geoaccumulation indexes in the whole region. All of the results indicate that the heavy metal distributions in the soils were consistent with the local prevailing wind direction. In addition, the environmental quality could be seriously threatened by heavy metal contaminants from the smelter and tailings.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hq0dxK

Speed Limits for Nonvesicular Intracellular Sterol Transport

Publication date: Available online 10 December 2016
Source:Trends in Biochemical Sciences
Author(s): Jeremy S. Dittman, Anant K. Menon
Sterol transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane (PM) occurs by nonvesicular mechanisms requiring sterol transport proteins (STPs). Here we examine the idea that transport is enhanced at membrane contact sites where the ER is closely apposed to the PM. We conclude that sterol desorption from the membrane, rather than STP-mediated diffusion, is rate limiting in the cellular context, so there is no apparent kinetic benefit to having STP-mediated sterol transfer occur at contact sites. Contact sites may instead compartmentalize lipid synthesis or transport machinery, providing opportunities for regulation.

http://ift.tt/2h9SAua

Novel aerosol analysis approach for characterization of nanoparticulate matter in snow

Abstract

Tropospheric aerosols are involved in several key atmospheric processes: from ice nucleation, cloud formation, and precipitation to weather and climate. The impact of aerosols on these atmospheric processes depends on the chemical and physical characteristics of aerosol particles, and these characteristics are still largely uncertain. In this study, we developed a system for processing and aerosolization of melted snow in particle-free air, coupled with a real-time measurement of aerosol size distributions. The newly developed technique involves bringing snow-borne particles into an airborne state, which enables application of high-resolution aerosol analysis and sampling techniques. This novel analytical approach was compared to a variety of complementary existing analytical methods as applied for characterization of snow samples from remote sites in Alert (Canada) and Barrow (USA), as well as urban Montreal (Canada). The dry aerosol measurements indicated a higher abundance of particles of all sizes, and the 30 nm size dominated in aerosol size distributions for the Montreal samples, closely followed by Barrow, with about 30% fewer 30 nm particles, and about four times lower 30 nm particle abundance in Alert samples, where 15 nm particles were most abundant instead. The aerosolization technique, used together with nanoparticle tracking analysis and electron microscopy, allowed measurement of a wide size range of snow-borne particles in various environmental snow samples. Here, we discuss the application of the new technique to achieve better physicochemical understanding of atmospheric and snow processes. The results showed high sensitivity and reduction of particle aggregation, as well as the ability to measure a high-resolution snow-borne particle size distribution, including nanoparticulate matter in the range of 10 to 100 nm.

http://ift.tt/2gm7GJ3

Effects of different ratios of glucose to acetate on phosphorus removal and microbial community of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) system

Abstract

In this study, the effects of different ratios of glucose to acetate on enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) were investigated with regard to the changes of intercellular polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and glycogen, as well as microbial community. The experiments were carried out in five sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) fed with glucose and/or acetate as carbon sources at the ratios of 0:100 %, 25:75 %, 50:50 %, 75:25 %, and 100:0 %. The experimental results showed that a highest phosphorus removal efficiency of 96.3 % was obtained with a mixture of glucose and acetate at the ratio of 50:50 %, which should be attributed to more glycogen and polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) transformation in this reactor during the anaerobic condition. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of sludge samples taken from different anaerobic/aerobic (A/O) SBRs revealed that microbial community structures were distinctively different with a low similarity between each other.

http://ift.tt/2hgjVvg

Heterogeneous nano-Fe/Ca/CaO catalytic ozonation for selective surface hydrophilization of plastics containing brominated and chlorinated flame retardants (B/CFRs): separation from automobile shredder residue by froth flotation

Abstract

One method of weakening the inherently hydrophobic surface of plastics relevant to flotation separation is heterogeneous nano-Fe/Ca/CaO catalytic ozonation. Nano-Fe/Ca/CaO-catalyzed ozonation for 15 min efficiently decreases the surface hydrophobicity of brominated and chlorinated flame retardant (B/CFR)-containing plastics (such as acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) in automobile shredder residue (ASR) to such an extent that their flotation ability is entirely depressed. Such a hydrophilization treatment also stimulates the ABS, HIPS, and PVC surface roughness, wetting of the surface, and the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions at the surface and ultimately changes surface polarity. SEM-EDS, AFM, and XPS analyses of the PVC and ABS surfaces demonstrated a marked decrease in [Cl/Br] and a significant increase in the number of hydrophilic groups, such as C–O, C=O, and (C=O)–O. Under froth flotation conditions at 50 rpm, about 99.5 % of ABS and 99.5 % of HIPS in ASR samples settled out, resulting in a purity of 98 and 98.5 % for ABS and HIPS in ASR samples, respectively. Furthermore, at 150 rpm, we also obtained 100 % PVC separation in the settled fraction, with 98 % purity in ASR. Total recovery of non-B/CFR-containing plastics reached nearly 100 % in the floating fraction. The amount of nano-Fe/Ca/CaO reagent employed during ozonation is very small, and additional removal of surface contaminants from the recycled ASR plastic surfaces by ozonation makes the developed process simpler, greener, and more effective.

http://ift.tt/2gmbsSZ

Tropospheric ozone pollution in India: effects on crop yield and product quality

Abstract

Ozone (O₃) in troposphere is the most critical secondary air pollutant, and being phytotoxic causes substantial losses to agricultural productivity. Its increasing concentration in India particularly in Indo-Gangetic plains is an issue of major concern as it is posing a threat to agriculture. In view of the issue of rising surface level of O₃ in India, the aim of this compilation is to present the past and the prevailing concentrations of O₃ and its important precursor (oxides of nitrogen) over the Indian region. The resulting magnitude of reductions in crop productivity as well as alteration in the quality of the product attributable to tropospheric O₃ has also been taken up. Studies in relation to yield measurements have been conducted predominantly in open top chambers (OTCs) and also assessed by using antiozonant ethylene diurea (EDU). There is a substantial spatial difference in O₃ distribution at different places displaying variable O₃ concentrations due to seasonal and geographical variations. This review further recognizes the major information lacuna and also highlights future perspectives to get the grips with rising trend of ground level O₃ pollution and also to formulate the policies to check the emissions of O₃ precursors in India.

http://ift.tt/2hgctjG

Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

! # Ola via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader

Η λίστα ιστολογίων μου

Σάββατο 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2016

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