Preliminary Experience Using a Cochlear Implant with a Novel Linear Pedestal Design

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): William J. Parkes, Joshua J. Gnanasegaram, Sharon L. Cushing, Adrian L. James, Karen A. Gordon, Blake C. Papsin
ObjectiveTo assess the safety and efficiency of cochlear implantation using a novel device with a linear silastic pedestal (2 mm wide, 2 mm deep, 10 mm long) on the flat undersurface.MethodsOperative times required to drill a linear groove (LG) for the new linear pedestal design were prospectively accrued for 46 implantations in 30 children (median age 3). Intra-operative safety was assessed during each case. Instances of dural exposure in the base of the LG were noted. Length of stay was also recorded as a secondary measure of efficiency.ResultsAcross all surgeons, the mean time needed to create the LG was 1.9±1.5 minutes (±SD) with a median time of 1.5 minutes (95% Cl: 1-2 minutes). The range in time was 1 to 10 minutes. No intraoperative complications occurred. Intended device positioning was confirmed with on-table post-operative x-rays in all cases. 43% of patients were discharged on the day of surgery.ConclusionsThe novel linear pedestal design allows for deliberate device placement while adding little additional operative time and complexity, an improvement on our current standard of care.



http://ift.tt/2hENC9z

Swallowing function in pediatric patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Jeffrey Hsu, Kathleen M. Tibbetts, Derek Wu, Michel Nassar, Melin Tan
IntroductionInfants with bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) often have poor swallow function in addition to potential airway compromise. While there are several reports on BVFI and its effect on patients' airway status, little is known about long term swallow function.ObjectivesWe aim to characterize the swallowing function over time in pediatric patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records of infants diagnosed with BVFI at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2005 and 2014 was conducted. Patient demographics, nature and etiology of immobility, laryngoscopy findings, comorbidities, and swallow outcomes at diagnosis and follow-up were recorded. Swallowing outcomes as measured by presence or absence of a gastrostomy tube were compared by etiology, vocal fold status, and normal or developmentally delay using the Fisher's exact test.Results110 patients with a diagnosis of vocal fold immobility were identified. Twenty-nine (26%) had BVFI and twenty-three had complete medical records. Etiologies of vocal fold immobility include cardiac related in 13% (3/23), idiopathic in 30% (7/23) prolonged intubation in 26% (6/23) central neurologic in 22% (5/23), trauma in 4% (1/23), and infection in 4% (1/23). Average follow-up time was 44 months (range 5-94 months). Ten patients (56.5%) required a gastrostomy tube at time of diagnosis. Of this cohort who received gastrostomy tubes, three (30%) ultimately transitioned to complete oral feeds. Return of vocal fold mobility did not correlate with swallow function. In those with non-neurologic etiologies, the need for gastrostomy tube at end of follow up was unlikely. There was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of gastrostomy tube-free children at most recent follow up in patients who were normally developed (86%) versus those who were developmentally delayed (33%)(p = 0.02).ConclusionWe characterized the swallowing function of 23 pediatric patients with BVFI. Comorbidities are significant predictors of long term swallow function in patients with BVFI while return of vocal fold function is not.



http://ift.tt/2hIvpVY

Structural and Functional Analyses in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

Background: Retinal and optic disc perfusion in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is incompletely understood. Our aim was to investigate the characteristics of the microvascular structures at the peripapillary area and optic disc, and their associations with retinal structure and function in patients with NAION. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational case series study. Thirty-four eyes, consisting of 15 NAION eyes and 19 normal eyes, were included. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography was used to measure the vessel densities in the peripapillary superficial retina and whole-depth mode inside the optic disc. Measurement of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness was performed using OCT. Sectorial division analysis of cpRNFL was performed by eliminating the influences of the difference in disc rotation between OCT images and OCT angiography images. Results: The vessel densities of peripapillary retina and inside the optic disc were significantly reduced in the NAION compared to the normal (both P

http://ift.tt/2hbbZZ9

Short Follow-up Bias Confounds Estimates of the "Typical" Clinical Course of Susac Syndrome.

Background: To evaluate the validity of the prevailing concept that Susac syndrome (SS), a rare microvasculopathy of the brain, retina, and inner ear, is a self-limiting disease. Methods: We performed a literature search to identify all cases of SS reported between 1973 and October 2015. If available, we determined their demographics, duration of follow-up, and the clinical course that was labeled as monocyclic or polycyclic. We attempted to determine the number of relapses and the relapse rate in patients with polycyclic disease. Results: Our literature search yielded 185 relevant publications reporting 405 cases of SS. The duration of follow-up could be determined in 247/405 cases, with a range 0.5-312 months. The mean was 41 months but the distribution was skewed, with a median of 24 months. Defining the clinical course as monocyclic or polycyclic was possible in 102 patients who were followed for greater than 24 months; 53 were identified as having a polycyclic course. Patients labeled polycyclic were followed longer than those labeled monocyclic (median 62 vs 42 months, P

http://ift.tt/2gV6Isy

Reversible Charles Bonnet Syndrome After Oculoplastic Procedures.

Individuals with Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) typically have severe visual loss and experience visual hallucinations yet have no psychiatric disease. Visual impairment often is due to end-stage glaucoma or macular degeneration. We report 3 cases of CBS in patients who underwent an oculoplastic surgical procedure. One patient experienced binocular visual distortion due to excessive topical ophthalmic ointment, and 2 patients experienced monocular visual impairment from patching. Visual hallucinations resolved once vision returned to baseline. We highlight the possibility of transient CBS in postoperative patients who have temporary iatrogenic vision impairment in one or both eyes. (C) 2016 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

http://ift.tt/2hbfX3W

Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Erectile Dysfunction Drugs: Is There an Elephant in the Bedroom?.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2gV1vRz

Assessment reactivity: A randomized controlled trial of alcohol-specific measures on alcohol-related behaviors

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 67
Author(s): Ellen Meier, Mary Beth Miller, Nate Lombardi, Thad Leffingwell
IntroductionCompletion of alcohol assessments influences treatment outcomes, yet little is known about the aspects of assessment that may contribute to this response. The present study is a randomized controlled trial examining how the themes of alcohol assessments (e.g., assessment of alcohol-related consequences as opposed to drinking patterns) may affect drinking behaviors.MethodsUndergraduate students (N=290, Mage=19.97, SDage=1.81, 61.7% female), reporting at least one binge drinking episode during the past month, completed one of five baseline assessment batteries that varied thematically: (a) Control (e.g., minimal drinking quantity and frequency questions), (b) Consequences (e.g., College Alcohol Problems Scale; CAPS-r), (c) Norms (e.g., Drinking Norms Rating Form), (d) Diagnostic (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and (e) Combined (all themes). Participants completed a one-month follow-up of drinking quantity/frequency and the CAPS-r.ResultsAll groups decreased their self-reported peak drinks consumed (p<0.001, ηp²=0.05) and past month frequency of drinking (p=0.002, ηp²=0.03; except for the consequences group) from baseline to follow-up. There were no between-group differences. No changes emerged in drinks per week (p=0.09, ηp²=0.01) or alcohol-related consequences (p=0.06, ηp²=0.03) from baseline to follow-up.ConclusionMinimal assessment of drinking quantity and frequency may result in assessment reactivity. Reductions in markers of risky drinking behaviors did not differ as a function of the type of assessments completed (e.g., Consequences vs Diagnostic). Continued research is needed to determine what other important variables (e.g., treatment seeking) may affect assessment reactivity.



http://ift.tt/2hZ2z2P

The impact of detergents on the tissue decellularization process: a ToF-SIMS study

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Lisa J White, Adam J Taylor, Denver M Faulk, Tim J Keane, Lindsey T Saldin, Janet E Reing, Ilea T Swinehart, Neill J Turner, Buddy D Ratner, Stephen F Badylak
Biologic scaffolds are derived from mammalian tissues, which must be decellularized to remove cellular antigens that would otherwise incite an adverse immune response. Although widely used clinically, the optimum balance between cell removal and the disruption of matrix architecture and surface ligand landscape remains a considerable challenge. Here we describe the use of time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) to provide sensitive, molecular specific, localized analysis of detergent decellularized biologic scaffolds. We detected residual detergent fragments, specifically from Triton X-100, sodium deoxycholate and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in decellularized scaffolds; increased SDS concentrations from 0.1% to 1.0% increased both the intensity of SDS fragments and adverse cell outcomes. We also identified cellular remnants, by detecting phosphate and phosphocholine ions in PAA and CHAPS decellularized scaffolds. The present study demonstrates ToF-SIMS is not only a powerful tool for characterization of biologic scaffold surface molecular functionality, but also enables sensitive assessment of decellularization efficacy.Statement of significanceWe report here on the use of a highly sensitive analytical technique, time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) to characterize detergent decellularized scaffolds. ToF-SIMS detected cellular remnants and residual detergent fragments; increased intensity of the detergent fragments correlated with adverse cell matrix interactions. This study demonstrates the importance of maintaining a balance between cell removal and detergent disruption of matrix architecture and matrix surface ligand landscape. This study also demonstrates the power of ToF-SIMS for the characterization of decellularized scaffolds and capability for assessment of decellularization efficacy. Future use of biologic scaffolds in clinical tissue reconstruction will benefit from the fundamental results described in this work.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2gUZi8r

Three-dimensional Hepatic Lobule-like Tissue Constructs Using Cell-microcapsule Technology

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Zeyang Liu, Masaru Takeuchi, Masahiro Nakajima, Chengzhi Hu, Yasuhisa Hasegawa, Qiang Huang, Toshio Fukuda
The proper functioning of the liver and tissues containing hepatocytes greatly depends upon the intricate organization of the cells. Consequently, controlling the shape of three-dimensional (3D) cellular constructs is an important issue for in vitro applications of fabricated artificial livers. However, the precise control of tissue shape at the microscale cannot be achieved with various commonly used 3D tissue-engineered building units, such as spheroids. Here, we present the fabrication of hepatic lobule-shaped microtissue (HLSM) containing rat liver (RLC-18) cells. By using cell-microcapsule technology, RLC-18 cells were encapsulated in the core region of poly-l-lysine-alginate microcapsules. After 14 days of long-term cultivation, RLC-18 cells self-assembled into HLSM, and the cells fully occupied the microcapsule. By monitoring the cell number and albumin secretion during culture and characterizing the dimensions of the fabricated tissue, we demonstrated that the HLSM showed higher hepatic function as compared with normal cell spheroids. We also showcased the assembly of these microtissues into a 3D four-layered hepatic lobule model by a facile micromanipulation method. Our technology for fabricating 3D multilayer hepatic lobule-like, biofunctional tissue enables the precise control of tissue shape in three dimensions. Furthermore, these constructs can serve as tissue-engineered building blocks for larger organs and cellular implants in clinical treatment.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2gUVLat

Antioxidant Actions of Selenium in Orbital Fibroblasts: A Basis for the Effects of Selenium in Graves' Orbitopathy

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2gLjIw0

Antioxidant Actions of Selenium in Orbital Fibroblasts: A Basis for the Effects of Selenium in Graves' Orbitopathy

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2gLjIw0

A new tool to improve delivery of patient-engaged care and satisfaction in facial treatments: the Aesthetic Global Ranking Scale

Summary

Background

Physicians face the challenge of individualizing aesthetic treatments in order to match the aesthetic needs of patients with their expectations.

Objective

To review issues underlying patient satisfaction with minimally invasive aesthetic treatment and to present a patient-centric assessment tool (the Global Ranking Scale [GRS]) designed to set higher standards for patient consultation and treatment experience; ensure a comprehensive patient-centric aesthetic consultation process; and raise patient satisfaction with facial rejuvenation treatment.

Methods

A review of the design and content of the GRS and its use as part of the wider Galderma Harmony Program. Results of a small survey of clinicians who have switched to the GRS, and case studies of patients who have used the tool, are also presented.

Results

The GRS is used in ~500 clinics around the world. In a small survey, physicians who have used the GRS report that it has changed the way that patients are assessed and treated. While no patient survey was conducted, anecdotal evidence suggests that patients are satisfied with the GRS procedure and the outcomes of treatment.

Conclusions

The GRS is a new patient assessment tool that is designed as a guide for clinicians to help ensure consistency in the quality of patient assessment and consultation in their clinics offering minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures. Qualitative research suggests that it gives patients a better chance to achieve results aligned with their needs resulting in a higher level of satisfaction with aesthetic treatments, but this needs to be confirmed in a formal patient survey.

http://ift.tt/2hF57nS

The role of oxidative stress in early-onset androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of alopecia in men. In the literature, although there are in vitro studies investigating the relationship between oxidative stress and AGA, any in vivo study does not exist.

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate the oxidative stress status in male patients with early-onset AGA by measuring total oxidant levels (TOS), total antioxidant levels (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI).

Methods

Our study included 33 male patients with early-onset AGA and 30 healthy men between ages of 18 and 30 years old. TAS and TOS measurements were taken, and OSI was calculated.

Results

When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were compared between patient and control groups, there was no difference for TAS level, while TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patient group. In patient group, correlation between TAS, TOS, and OSI levels and age, and disease onset age and disease duration was evaluated. Highly significant negative correlation was determined between TAS level and both age and disease duration. When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were assessed according to AGA stage, there was no significant difference between groups, while OSI level was significantly higher in patients with family history.

Conclusions

We found increased oxidative stress in younger patients with early-onset AGA. There is need for further molecular studies on the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of AGA. We also think that topical or systemic antioxidants can be promising in treatment of AGA, especially for young patients.

http://ift.tt/2hEXVIn

A new tool to improve delivery of patient-engaged care and satisfaction in facial treatments: the Aesthetic Global Ranking Scale

Summary

Background

Physicians face the challenge of individualizing aesthetic treatments in order to match the aesthetic needs of patients with their expectations.

Objective

To review issues underlying patient satisfaction with minimally invasive aesthetic treatment and to present a patient-centric assessment tool (the Global Ranking Scale [GRS]) designed to set higher standards for patient consultation and treatment experience; ensure a comprehensive patient-centric aesthetic consultation process; and raise patient satisfaction with facial rejuvenation treatment.

Methods

A review of the design and content of the GRS and its use as part of the wider Galderma Harmony Program. Results of a small survey of clinicians who have switched to the GRS, and case studies of patients who have used the tool, are also presented.

Results

The GRS is used in ~500 clinics around the world. In a small survey, physicians who have used the GRS report that it has changed the way that patients are assessed and treated. While no patient survey was conducted, anecdotal evidence suggests that patients are satisfied with the GRS procedure and the outcomes of treatment.

Conclusions

The GRS is a new patient assessment tool that is designed as a guide for clinicians to help ensure consistency in the quality of patient assessment and consultation in their clinics offering minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures. Qualitative research suggests that it gives patients a better chance to achieve results aligned with their needs resulting in a higher level of satisfaction with aesthetic treatments, but this needs to be confirmed in a formal patient survey.

http://ift.tt/2hF57nS

The role of oxidative stress in early-onset androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of alopecia in men. In the literature, although there are in vitro studies investigating the relationship between oxidative stress and AGA, any in vivo study does not exist.

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate the oxidative stress status in male patients with early-onset AGA by measuring total oxidant levels (TOS), total antioxidant levels (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI).

Methods

Our study included 33 male patients with early-onset AGA and 30 healthy men between ages of 18 and 30 years old. TAS and TOS measurements were taken, and OSI was calculated.

Results

When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were compared between patient and control groups, there was no difference for TAS level, while TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patient group. In patient group, correlation between TAS, TOS, and OSI levels and age, and disease onset age and disease duration was evaluated. Highly significant negative correlation was determined between TAS level and both age and disease duration. When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were assessed according to AGA stage, there was no significant difference between groups, while OSI level was significantly higher in patients with family history.

Conclusions

We found increased oxidative stress in younger patients with early-onset AGA. There is need for further molecular studies on the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of AGA. We also think that topical or systemic antioxidants can be promising in treatment of AGA, especially for young patients.

http://ift.tt/2hEXVIn

AHNS Series: Do you know your guidelines? Principles of surgery for head and neck cancer: A review of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines

Abstract

This article continues a series developed by the American Head and Neck Society's Education Committee entitled "Do you know your guidelines?" It is hoped that these features will increase awareness of and adherence to current best practices in head and neck cancer care. In this installment, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for surgical therapy are reviewed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016

http://ift.tt/2htIfcU

AHNS Series: Do you know your guidelines? Principles of surgery for head and neck cancer: A review of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines

Abstract

This article continues a series developed by the American Head and Neck Society's Education Committee entitled "Do you know your guidelines?" It is hoped that these features will increase awareness of and adherence to current best practices in head and neck cancer care. In this installment, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for surgical therapy are reviewed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016

http://ift.tt/2htIfcU

Beware of De-intensification of Radiotherapy in Patients with p16-positive Oropharynx Cancer and Rheumatological Diseases

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Bhishamjit S. Chera, Robert J. Amdur, William Mendenhall, Jose Zevallos, Neil Hayes




http://ift.tt/2haZHzH

Initial Clinical Experience of Postmastectomy Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy in Patients with Breast Expanders with Metallic Ports

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Robert W. Mutter, Nicholas B. Remmes, Mohamed MH Kahila, Kathy A. Hoeft, Deanna H. Pafundi, Yan Zhang, Kimberly S. Corbin, Sean S. Park, Elizabeth S. Yan, Valerie Lemaine, Judy C. Boughey, Chris J. Beltran
PurposeThe feasibility of proton post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in patients reconstructed with expanders has not been previously reported, limiting treatment options. We analyzed the dosimetric impact of the metallic port contained within expanders on intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and report our techniques and quality control for treating patients in this setting.Methods and Materials12 patients with the same expander model underwent two-field IMPT as part of a prospective registry. All planning dosimetry was checked with an in-house graphic processing unit-based Monte-Carlo simulation. Proton ranges through the expander were validated using a sample implant. Dosimetric impact of setup metallic port position uncertainty was evaluated. Pre and post-treatment photographs were obtained and acute toxicity was graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0.ResultsNine patients had bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy with bilateral tissue expander reconstruction and three patients had unilateral skin-sparing mastectomy and reconstruction. The left side was treated in ten patients and the right side in two. Target coverage and normal tissue dose uncertainties resulting from the expander were small and clinically acceptable. The maximum physician-assessed acute radiation dermatitis was three in one patient, two in five patients and one in six patients.ConclusionsPostmastectomy IMPT in breast cancer patients with expanders is feasible and associated with favorable CTV coverage and normal tissue sparing, even when taking into account treatment uncertainties. Therefore, these patients should be eligible to participate in clinical trials studying the potential role of proton therapy in breast cancer. We caution, however, that institutions should carry out similar analyses of the physical properties and dosimetric impact of the particular expanders used in their practice prior to considering IMPT.



http://ift.tt/2gUPUBH

Increasing faculty participation in resident education and providing cost-effective self-assessment module credit to faculty through resident generated didactics

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Hyun Kim, Theresa M. Malatesta, Pramila R. Anne ', John McAna, Voichita Bar Ad, Adam P. Dicker, Robert B. Den
Purpose/Objective(s)Board certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists are required to earn self-assessment module (SAM) continuing medical education (CME) credit, which may require travel costs or usage fees. Data indicate that faculty participation in resident teaching activities is beneficial to resident education. Our hypothesis was that providing the opportunity to earn SAM credit in resident didactics would increase faculty participation in and improve resident education.Materials/MethodsSAM applications, comprised of CME certified category 1 resident didactic lectures and faculty-generated questions with respective answers, rationales and references, were submitted to the American Board of Radiology for formal review. Surveys were distributed to assess main academic campus physician (MCP), affiliate campus physician (ACP), physicist and radiation oncology resident impressions regarding the quality of the lectures. Survey responses were designed in Likert-scale format. Sign-test was performed with p<0.05 considered statistically different from neutral.ResultsFirst submission SAM approval was obtained for 9 of 9 lectures to date. A total of 52 SAM credits have been awarded to 4 physicists and 7 attending physicians. MCP and ACP attendance increased from 20% and 0%, respectively, over the 12months preceding CME/SAM lectures, to 55.6% and 20%, respectively. Survey results indicated that the change to SAM lectures increased the quality of resident lectures (p=.001), attending physician participation in resident education (p<.0001), physicist involvement in medical resident education (p=.0006) and faculty motivation to attend resident didactics (p=.004). Residents reported an increased amount of time required to prepare lectures (p=.008).ConclusionsWe are the first department, to our knowledge, to offer SAM credit to clinical faculty for participation in resident generated didactics. Offering SAM credit at resident lectures is a cost effective alternative to purchasing SAM resources, increases faculty attendance and may improve the quality of radiation oncology resident education.



http://ift.tt/2haWwIt

A KCNJ6 gene polymorphism modulates theta oscillations during reward processing

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Chella Kamarajan, Ashwini K. Pandey, David B. Chorlian, Niklas Manz, Arthur T. Stimus, Howard J. Edenberg, Leah Wetherill, Marc Schuckit, Jen-Chyong Wang, Samuel Kuperman, John Kramer, Jay A. Tischfield, Bernice Porjesz
Event related oscillations (EROs) are heritable measures of neurocognitive function that have served as useful phenotype in genetic research. A recent family genome-wide association study (GWAS) by the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) found that theta EROs during visual target detection were associated at genome-wide levels with several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including a synonymous SNP, rs702859, in the KCNJ6 gene that encodes GIRK2, a G-protein inward rectifying potassium channel that regulates excitability of neuronal networks. The present study examined the effect of the KCNJ6 SNP (rs702859), previously associated with theta ERO to targets in a visual oddball task, on theta EROs during reward processing in a monetary gambling task. The participants were 1601 adolescent and young adult offspring within the age-range of 17–25years (800 males and 801 females) from high-dense alcoholism families as well as control families of the COGA prospective study. Theta ERO power (3.5–7.5Hz, 200–500ms post-stimulus) was compared across genotype groups. ERO theta power at central and parietal regions increased as a function of the minor allele (A) dose in the genotype (AA > AG>GG) in both loss and gain conditions. These findings indicate that variations in the KCNJ6 SNP influence magnitude of theta oscillations at posterior loci during the evaluation of loss and gain, reflecting a genetic influence on neuronal circuits involved in reward-processing. Increased theta power as a function of minor allele dose suggests more efficient cognitive processing in those carrying the minor allele of the KCNJ6 SNPs. Future studies are needed to determine the implications of these genetic effects on posterior theta EROs as possible "protective" factors, or as indices of delays in brain maturation (i.e., lack of frontalization).



http://ift.tt/2gLh2OV

Socio-emotionally significant experience and children's processing of irrelevant auditory stimuli

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Alice C. Schermerhorn, John E. Bates, Aina Puce, Dennis L. Molfese
Theory and research indicate considerable influence of socio-emotionally significant experiences on children's functioning and adaptation. In the current study, we examined neurophysiological correlates of children's allocation of information processing resources to socio-emotionally significant events, specifically, simulated marital interactions. We presented 9- to 11-year-old children (n=24; 11 females) with 15 videos of interactions between two actors posing as a married couple. Task-irrelevant brief auditory probes were presented during the videos, and event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited to the auditory probes were measured. As hypothesized, exposure to higher levels of interparental conflict was associated with smaller P1, P2, and N2 ERPs to the probes. This finding is consistent with the idea that children who had been exposed to more interparental conflict attended more to the videos and diverted fewer cognitive resources to processing the probes, thereby producing smaller ERPs to the probes. In addition, smaller N2s were associated with more child behavior problems, suggesting that allocating fewer processing resources to the probes was associated with more problem behavior. Results are discussed in terms of implications of socio-emotionally significant experiences for children's processing of interpersonal interactions.



http://ift.tt/2hR1gqJ

Enhancing tolerance of rice ( Oryza sativa ) to simulated acid rain by exogenous abscisic acid

Abstract

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates much important plant physiological and biochemical processes and induces tolerance to different stresses. Here, we studied the regulation of exogenous ABA on adaptation of rice seedlings to simulated acid rain (SAR) stress by measuring biomass dry weight, stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis rate, nutrient elements, and endogenous hormones. The application of 10 μM ABA alleviated the SAR-induced inhibition on growth, stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis rate, and decreases in contents of nutrient (K, Mg, N, and P) and hormone (auxin, gibberellins, and zeatin). Moreover, 10 μM ABA could stimulate the Ca content as signaling molecules under SAR stress. Contrarily, the application of 100 μM ABA aggravated the SAR-induced inhibition on growth, stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis rate, and contents of nutrient and hormone. The results got after a 5-day recovery (without SAR) show that exogenous 10 μM ABA can promote self-restoration process in rice whereas 100 μM ABA hindered the restoration by increasing deficiency of nutrients and disturbing the balance of hormones. These results confirmed that exogenous ABA at proper concentration could enhance the tolerance of rice to SAR stress.

http://ift.tt/2hYJ36C

Exploring river pollution based on sediment analysis in the Upper Tisza region (Hungary)

Abstract

We assessed contamination in the Upper Tisza region (Hungary, Central Europe), analyzing the elemental concentrations in sediment cores of oxbows. Our hypothesis was that the metal contamination which occurred in the year 2000 and which came from the mining area in Transylvania (Romania) may be detected even 15 years after the contamination, based on the vertical profile of sediment cores. Sediment cores were collected from five oxbows, and the following elements were measured with microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES): Cu, Cr, Ba, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn. Among the oxbows studied, there was one protected oxbow, three were used for fishing, and one was contaminated with sewage. Our results indicated that the year of contamination is still observable in the vertical profile of the sediment cores. The pollution index (PI) was used to characterize the sediment enrichment of metal elements in the sediment cores. In the case of Cu, Pb, and Zn, the contamination which originated in the year 2000 was detected in the layers of the sediment cores. The contamination levels of Cu, Pb, and Zn were high or moderate in the studied oxbows. All oxbows were moderately contaminated by Mn, while a moderate level of contamination was found for Fe in the protected oxbow, one fishing oxbow, and the sewage-contaminated oxbow. In the fishing oxbows, a low level of contamination was found for Fe. The contamination level of Sr was low in the protected oxbow and in the two fishing oxbows, while in one of the fishing oxbows and in the sewage-contaminated oxbow, a moderate level of Sr contamination was found. The pollution index scores indicated that the contamination level for Ba and Cr was low in the sediment cores of the oxbows studied. Our results indicated that the contamination of the Tisza River from the mining area in Northern Romania has been continuous and is still ongoing.

http://ift.tt/2hYKQZr

Further understanding on the mechanism of alkyl ketene dimer sizing on the causticized calcium carbonate filled paper and its improvements

Abstract

Causticized calcium carbonate (CCC), a solid waste derived from kraft black recovery process, can be used as an alternative for the conventional precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). However, the application of the CCC has been limited due to its low sizing efficiency in its filled paper. In this study, the characteristics of the CCC were studied aiming to improve the alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) sizing performances of the CCC filled papers, and the results were compared with those from PCC filled papers. The results showed that the CCC had higher pore structure, higher specific surface area, and more negative charge density than the PCC, thus leading to a higher cationic AKD adsorption onto the CCC filler. The lower AKD sizing efficiency in the CCC filled paper can be explained by the combination of higher AKD adsorption and migration, both of which resulted in preferred AKD adsorption onto/into the CCC fillers, rather than the cellulose fibers. Based on the above, the prior addition of polyamide-polyamine epichlorhydrin (PAE) resin to the CCC filler system was proposed to remedy the related issues, thus improving the sizing efficiency.

http://ift.tt/2gV3DH8

Environmental investigation for the presence of Vibrio species following a case of severe gastroenteritis in a touristic island

Abstract

Global changes have caused a worldwide increase in reports of Vibrio-associated diseases with ecosystem-wide impacts on humans and marine animals. In Europe, higher prevalence of human infections followed regional climatic trends with outbreaks occurring during episodes of unusually warm weather. Similar patterns were also observed in Vibrio-associated diseases affecting marine organisms such as fish, bivalves, and corals. Following a possible human case of infection due to V. cholerae in the island of Kos (eastern Aegean, Greece), environmental samples were collected and tested for the presence of Vibrio species. Using chromogenic agar and MALDI-TOF MS, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus V. furnisii, V. alginolyticus, and V. fluvialis were isolated and/or identified. The presence of V. cholerae was established by PCR-sequencing analysis only. Following the susceptibility testing of the Vibrio isolates, only one, V. furnisii, showed intermediate resistance to ciprofloxacin. The rest of the isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. The presence of Vibrio species in aquatic samples reveals potential dangers due to exposure to contaminated seawaters.

http://ift.tt/2hYQ6vW

Effective characterization of Salmonella Enteritidis by most probable number (MPN) followed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods

Abstract

Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a relevant pathogen involved in gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. In this study, we determined the capacity to combine the most probable number (MPN) and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods to characterize the most important Salmonella serotypes in raw sewage. A total of 499 isolates were recovered from 27 raw sewage samples and screened using two previously described multiplex PCR methods. From those, 123 isolates were selected based on PCR banding pattern—identical or similar to Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium—and submitted to conventional serotyping. Results showed that both PCR assays correctly serotyped Salmonella Enteritidis, however, they presented ambiguous results for Salmonella Typhimurium identification. These data highlight that MPN and multiplex PCR can be useful methods to describe microbial quality in raw sewage and suggest two new PCR patterns for Salmonella Enteritidis identification.

http://ift.tt/2gV6qAn

Reducing N losses through surface runoff from rice-wheat rotation by improving fertilizer management

Abstract

To better understand N runoff losses from rice-wheat rotation and demonstrate the effectiveness of improved fertilizer management in reducing N runoff losses, a field study was conducted for three consecutive rice-wheat rotations. Nitrogen losses through surface runoff were measured for five treatments, including CK without N application, C200, C300 simulating the conventional practices, CO200, and CO300. Optimum N rate was applied for C200 and CO200, and 30% of chemical fertilizer was substituted with organic fertilizer for CO200 and CO300 with respect to C200 and C300, respectively. Rice season had higher runoff coefficients than wheat season. Approximately 52% of total N was lost as NH₄⁺-N in rice season, ranging from 21 to 83%, and in wheat season, the proportion of NO₃⁻-N in total N averaged 53% with a variation from 38 to 67%. The N treatments lost less total N in rice season (1.67–10.7 kg N ha⁻¹) than in wheat season (1.72–17.1 kg N ha⁻¹). These suggested that a key to controlling N runoff losses from rice-wheat rotation was to limit NO₃⁻-N accumulation in wheat season. In both seasons, N runoff losses for C200 and CO300 were lower than those for C300. CO200 better cut N losses than C200 and CO300, with 64 and 57% less N in rice and wheat seasons than C300, respectively. Compared with the conventional practices, optimum N inputs integrated with co-application of organic and chemical fertilizers could reduce N runoff losses with a better N balance under rice-wheat rotation.

http://ift.tt/2hYSkeN

Associations between unhealthy dieting behaviors and tobacco use among adolescents

Abstract

Background

Cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for unhealthy dieting behaviors (UDBs) in youth. The role of alternative tobacco products and UDB engagement has yet to be examined empirically despite concerning trends in use. This study aimed to examine UDB prevalence in a U.S. geographic region-specific adolescent sample and associations with a variety of tobacco use behaviors and perceptions.

Methods

Weighted data from the 2013 Virginia Youth Survey were analyzed (n = 6903). UDBs assessed included past 30-day fasting, diet pill use, and vomiting/laxative use. Tobacco-related items were ever and past 30-day cigarette smoking, past 30-day smokeless tobacco and cigar use, and the perception that smokers have more friends. UDB prevalence was recoded by the number of behaviors endorsed (0, 1, and 2+). Bivariate and multinomial regression models were used to examine associations between covariates and number of UDBs endorsed by gender.

Results

Overall, nearly 16% engaged in at least one UDB. Fasting was most prevalent (14.2%) followed by vomiting/laxative (7.0%) and diet pill use (6.1%). Across gender, ever cigarette smoking, past 30-day cigar use, and the perception that smokers have more friends were positively associated with UDB engagement in relative isolation as well as in combination.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the importance of tobacco-related factors for weight control behaviors and are the first to identify an association between UDB incidence and an alternative tobacco product, cigars. This work should inform prevention efforts for tobacco use and UDBs and underscores the need to address the use of any tobacco for weight control.

http://ift.tt/2gUYf6Q

Role of Neurotoxicants and Traumatic Brain Injury in α-Synuclein Protein Misfolding and Aggregation

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Dharmin Rokad, Shivani Ghaisas, Dilshan S. Harischandra, Huajun Jin, Vellareddy Anantharam, Arthi Kanthasamy, Anumantha G. Kanthasamy
Protein misfolding and aggregation are key pathological features of many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD) and other forms of human Parkinsonism. PD is a complex and multifaceted disorder whose etiology is not fully understood. However, several lines of evidence support the multiple hit hypothesis that genetic vulnerability and environmental toxicants converge to trigger PD pathology. Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation in the brain is an important pathophysiological characteristic of synucleinopathies including PD. Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that metals and pesticides play a crucial role in α-Syn aggregation leading to the onset of various neurodegenerative diseases including PD. In this review, we will emphasize key findings of several epidemiological as well as experimental studies of metal- and pesticide-induced α-Syn aggregation and neurodegeneration. We will also discuss other factors such as traumatic brain injury and oxidative insult in the context of α-Syn-related neurodegenerative processes.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2htEYu8

The optimal dose of arsenic trioxide induced opposite efficacy in autophagy between K562 cells and their initiating cells to eradicate human myelogenous leukemia

Publication date: 20 January 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 196
Author(s): Zhenzhen Guo, Mingjing Meng, Shengnan Geng, Zhenhua Du, Yaqiu Zheng, Jingjing Yao, Zibo Li, Guang Han, Haihong Lin, Gangjun Du
Ethnopharmacological relevanceArsenic trioxide (As2O3), a main component of arsenolite which is a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wildly used as a therapeutic agent for more than 2400 years in china, has been accepted as a standard treatment for the patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) based on the principle in TCM of "using a poison to fight against other poisons or malignancy illnesses". However, it remains unknown that which mechanism is actually responsible for the therapeutic effects against these blood malignancies.Aim of the studyThe purpose of this study was to explore the actual mechanism that ATO exerts its effects in K562 cells and their initiating cells (K562s).Materials and methodsK562s cells were separated and enriched for CD34+/CD38- cells using magnetic microbeads. Cell proliferation was determined by incorporation of BrdU. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin-V binding and PI uptake. Autophagy was estimated by acridine orange and immunofluorescence staining of LC3-B and p62. MC colonic formation was used to examine cell self-renew. ROS generation inside living cells was measured by DCFH-DA. Cell differentiation was assessed by the benzidine staining. The SA-β-gal assay was used to detect cell senescence. Protein expression was examined by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsK562s cells were stronger in self-renew and resistance to ATO cytotoxicity and starvation-induced apoptosis than K562 cells. Unexpectedly, we found that ATO at a dose of 0.5μM which had no effect on cell proliferation resulted in maximum suppression on self-renew in both cells and maximum starvation-induced apoptosis in K562s cells but minimum starvation-induced apoptosis in K562 cells. Next, we found that ATO no more than 0.5μM selectively induced K562s cell differentiation indicated by benzidine staining, γ-globin and CD235a expression. More importantly, we found that ATO no more than 0.5μM led to opposite efficacy in autophagy between K562 and K562s cells, and the opposite autophagy could induced late-phase senescence in both cells. Finally, we used the optimal dose of ATO to eradicate leukemia cells and obtained a satisfied therapeutic outcomes in vivo.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the used dose of ATO may determine the fate of cell differentiation senescence or malignant transformation, and the optimal dose of ATO induced opposite efficacy in autophagy between K562 cells and their initiating cells and ultimately leads both cells to late-phase senescence.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hI0xF5

Total sesquiterpene lactones prepared from Inula helenium L. has potentials in prevention and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis

Publication date: 20 January 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 196
Author(s): Shuang Gao, Qun Wang, Xin-Hui Tian, Hui-Liang Li, Yun-Heng Shen, Xi-Ke Xu, Guo-Zhen Wu, Zhen-Lin Hu, Wei-Dong Zhang
BackgroundsInula helenium L. is an herb with anti-inflammatory properties. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), mainly alantolactone (AL) and isoalantolactone (IAL), are considered as its active ingredients. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of SL-containing extracts of I. helenium have not been explored. Here we prepared total SLs from I. helenium (TSL-IHL), analyzed its chemical constituents, and performed cellular and animal studies to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activities.Materials and methodsThe chemical profile of TSL-IHL was analyzed by HPLC-UV. Its in vitro effects on the activation of signaling pathways and expression of inflammatory genes were examined by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively, and compared with those of AL and IAL. Its in vivo anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated in adjuvant- and collagen-induced arthritis rat models.ResultsChemical analysis showed that AL and IAL represent major constituents of TSL-IHL. TSL-IHL, as well as AL and IAL, could inhibit TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in b. End3 cells, suppress the expressions of MMP-3, MCP-1, and IL-1 in TNF-α-stimulated synovial fibroblasts, and IL-1, IL-6, and iNOS in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 0.6–2.4μg/mL. Oral administration of TSL-IHL at 12.5−50mg/kg could dose-dependently alleviate the arthritic severity and paw swelling in either developing or developed phases of arthritis of rats induced by adjuvant or collagenConclusionsThese results indicated potentials of TSL-IHL in prevention and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hEqNTB

Contents: Volume 44

http://ift.tt/2htN1Ht

Editorial Board

http://ift.tt/2hYJ3Dl

EACMFS Prizes and Awards

The Council of EACMFS wishes to ensure that all members of the Association are aware of the current awards and prizes that are available. These are designed to provide educational support and also to allow the opportunity for trainees and those who have recently achieved specialist status to visit units outside their own departments.

http://ift.tt/2gUXmeF

Announcements

Dear Colleagues,

http://ift.tt/2hYFvBp

Keyword index: Volume 44

http://ift.tt/2gV5SKN

Author Index: Volume 44

http://ift.tt/2hYE8T1

Auslöser von Arzneiexanthemen: Absetzen, durchbehandeln oder desensibilisieren?

Zusammenfassung

Arzneimittelüberempfindlichkeitsreaktionen betreffen über 7% der Bevölkerung und sind ein Problem für Patienten und Ärzte. Viele solcher Reaktionen treten in Form von Arzneimittelexanthemen auf. Klinische Manifestationen von Arzneimittelexanthemen sind sehr variabel und reichen von einem lokalisierten fixen Arzneimittelexanthem zu lebensbedrohlichen schweren bullösen oder systemischen Überempfindlichkeitsreaktionen. Entsprechend dem hier vorgeschlagenen Algorithmus sollte bei Verdacht auf ein Arzneimittelexanthem zunächst eine Kausalitätsprüfung erfolgen. Wenn sowohl der zeitliche Ablauf als auch die klinische Manifestation für ein Arzneimittelexanthem sprechen, ist das auslösende Arzneimittel zu meiden. Nur bei dringender Therapieindikation, fehlenden alternativen Arzneimitteln und nach sorgfältiger, individueller Risiko-Nutzen-Analyse sollte eine Durchbehandlung oder eine Toleranzinduktion durch „Desensibilisierung" erwogen werden.

http://ift.tt/2gV1MlG

Assessment of Protective Factors in Clinical Practice

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Michiel de Vries Robbé, Gwenda M. Willis
Protective factors safeguard against undesirable outcomes such as violence, sexual violence and criminal behavior in general. While a growing body of theoretical and empirical literature has identified plausible protective factors and explored their underlying mechanisms and additional value to risk factors, little has been written concerning clinical assessment of protective factors. A challenge faced by clinicians working in correctional and forensic settings is how to translate emerging knowledge into applied approaches to assessment and treatment. The current paper explores the clinical assessment of protective factors. Within often time-pressed legal and clinical practice environments, feasible assessment methods are needed that add value to the current predominantly risk-focused assessment practice. The valid and reliable assessment of protective factors should aid in risk-management decision-making and help inform strengths-based treatment efforts. This paper aims to demonstrate ways to bridge the gap between theoretical and empirical knowledge regarding protective factors and their clinical applicability, and to highlight the added value of assessing protective factors. Several protective factor assessment tools are described and short cases are used to exemplify how consideration of protective factors can enhance clinical practice.



http://ift.tt/2gUTWbU

Surface PolyPEGylation of Eu3+ doped luminescent hydroxyapatite nanorods through the combination of ligand exchange and metal free surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Applied Surface Science
Author(s): Guangjian Zeng, Meiying Liu, Chunning Heng, Qiang Huang, Liucheng Mao, Hongye Huang, Junfeng Hui, Fengjie Deng, Xiaoyong Zhang, Yen Wei
The Eu³⁺ doped luminescent hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanorods with uniform size and morphology can be synthesized by hydrothermal route. However, these HAp nanorods are coated by hydrophobic oleylamine, which makes them difficult to be dispersed in aqueous solution and impede their biomedical applications. In this work, Eu³⁺ doped luminescent polymers functionalized HAp nanorods were prepared through the combination of ligand exchange reaction and metal free surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. In this procedure, the amino group functionalized HAp nanorods were first prepared by ligand exchange reaction using adenosine monophosphate (AMP) as ligand. Then the Br-containing initiators (HAp-Br) were introduced onto the surface of HAp-AMP nanorods through the amidation reaction. Finally, polymers functionalized HAp nanorods were prepared by metal free ATRP method using poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) as monomer and 10-phenylphenothiazine (PTH) as organic photocatalyst. The properties of these obtained HAp nanocomposites (HAP-polyPEGMA nanorods) were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis in detail. The cell imaging of these HAP-polyPEGMA nanorods was examined using laser scanning confocal microscope to evaluate their biomedical applications. We demonstrated for the first time that hydrophobic luminescent HAp nanorods can be functionalized with polyPEGMA through the combination of ligand exchange reaction and metal free surface initiated ATRP. As compared with the traditional ATRP, the metal free ATRP can overcome the toxic and fluorescence quenching effects of metal catalysts such as copper ions. More importantly, the strategy described in this work should also be utilized for fabrications of many other luminescent polymer nanocomposites due to its good monomer adoptability.



http://ift.tt/2gUGgPR

Selective ex vivo photothermal nano-therapy of solid liver tumors mediated by albumin conjugated gold nanoparticles

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 119
Author(s): Lucian Mocan, Cristian Matea, Flaviu A. Tabaran, Ofelia Mosteanu, Teodora Pop, Cosmin Puia, Lucia Agoston-Coldea, Gabriela Zaharie, Teodora Mocan, Anca Dana Buzoianu, Cornel Iancu
We have used albumin (BSA) bound to gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as active vectors to target liver cells. Our incentive to develop an original model of living liver cancer sprang from the ethical drawbacks that hindered the assessment of the selective character and the therapeutic capacity of these nano-biosystems in cancer patients. Ex vivo-perfused liver specimens were obtained from hepatocellular carcinoma patients similarly to the surgical technique of transplantation. Albumin bound to GNPs was inoculated intra-arterially onto the resulting specimen and determined the specific delivery of the nano-bioconjugate into the malignant tissue by means of the capillary bed. The extent of necrosis was considerable following laser therapy and at the same time surrounding parenchyma was not seriously affected. The selective photothermal ablation of the malignant liver tissue was obtained after the selective accumulation of BSA bound to GNPs into tumor cells following ex-vivo intra-vascular perfusion.



http://ift.tt/2hYw2tu

Swallowing function in pediatric patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility

Infants with bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) often have poor swallow function in addition to potential airway compromise. While there are several reports on BVFI and its effect on patients' airway status, little is known about long term swallow function.

http://ift.tt/2gUX87u

Preliminary Experience Using a Cochlear Implant with a Novel Linear Pedestal Design

To assess the safety and efficiency of cochlear implantation using a novel device with a linear silastic pedestal (2 mm wide, 2 mm deep, 10 mm long) on the flat undersurface.

http://ift.tt/2gV3qUx

Histological evidence that metformin reverses the adverse effects of diabetes on orthodontic tooth movement in rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of metformin on orthodontic tooth movement in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Rats were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks to induce fat accumulation and insulin resistance, and then injected with a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) intraperitoneally to induce type 2 diabetes. An orthodontic appliance was placed in normoglycemic, type 2 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes with metformin-administrated rats. After 14 days, type 2 diabetes rats exhibited greater orthodontic tooth movement and had a higher number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts, stronger cathepsin K expression, and weaker alkaline phosphatase immunostaining than normoglycemic rats. Metformin administration resulted in normalization of osteoclast numbers, cathepsin K immunostaining, and of tooth movement as well as partly recovery of alkaline phosphatase expression in diabetic rats. Metformin also reduced sclerostin expression and improved the immunolocalization of dentin matrix protein 1 in osteocytes of type 2 diabetes rats. These results suggest that metformin administration reversed the adverse effects of diabetes on orthodontic tooth movement.

http://ift.tt/2gJkZna

Graves’ orbitopathy, idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor and Epstein–Barr virus infection: a serological and molecular study

Abstract

Objective

One of the hypotheses on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease (GD) and Graves' orbitopathy (GO), involves bacterial or viral infections. Recently, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor (IOIP) in Asians. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association of GO with EBV infection/exposure, as compared with IOIP, using serum and tissue samples, as well as primary cultures of orbital fibroblasts.

Methods

Thirty-one patients were studied, including four with IOIP, ten with GO, nine with GD without GO and eight control patients without IOIP, GD and GO. All patients with IOIP and GO underwent orbital decompression. Control patients underwent palpebral surgery. Fibroadipose orbital tissue samples were collected. Serum anti-EBV antibodies were measured in all patients. EBV-DNA was measured in blood samples, orbital tissue samples and primary cultures of orbital fibroblasts.

Results

Serum assays showed that the vast majority of patients have had a previous exposure to EBV, but no one had an acute infection. EBV-DNA was detected in ~40% of blood samples from GO, GD and control patients, but in none of the IOIP samples. EBV-DNA was not detected in any of the orbital tissue samples tested or in primary cultures of orbital fibroblasts.

Conclusions

EBV infection does not seem to be associated with GD, GO and IOIP in Caucasians. Whether EBV is involved in IOIP in Asians or other populations remains to be confirmed.

http://ift.tt/2gUmjbW

Adapting the concepts of brain and cognitive reserve to post-stroke cognitive deficits: Implications for understanding neglect

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Roza M. Umarova
Advanced lesion mapping and connectivity analyses are currently the main tools used to understand the mechanisms underlying post-stroke cognitive deficits. However, the factors contributing to pre-stroke architecture of cognitive networks are often ignored, even though they reportedly play a decisive role in the manifestation of cognitive impairment in neurodegeneration. The present review on post-stroke cognitive deficits therefore adopts the concept of brain and cognitive reserve, which was originally developed to account for the individual differences in the course of ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. By focusing on spatial neglect, a typical network disorder, it is discussed how individual susceptibility to stroke lesion might explain the reported discrepancies in lesion anatomy, non-spatial deficits and recovery courses. A detailed analysis of the literature reveals that premorbid brain (age, brain atrophy, previous strokes, leukoaraiosis, genetic factors, etc.) and cognitive reserve (IQ, life experience, education, occupation, premorbid cognitive impairment, etc.) greatly impact the brain's capacity for compensation. Furthermore, the interaction between pre-stroke brain/cognitive reserve and the degree of stroke-induced system impairment (e.g. hypoperfusion, lesion load) determines both the extent of neglect symptoms variability and the course of recovery. Premorbid brain/cognitive reserves should thus be considered to: (i) understand the mechanisms of post-stroke cognitive disorders and sufficiently explain their individual variability; (ii) provide a prognosis for cognitive recovery and hence post-stroke dependency; (iii) identify individual targets for cognitive rehabilitation: in the case of reduced brain/cognitive reserve, neglect might occur even with a confined lesion, and non-spatial training of general attentional capacity should represent the main therapeutic target also for treatment of neglect; this might be true also for non-cognitive domains, e.g. motor deficit. This alternative view of how neglect and other cognitive deficits occur and recover promotes discussion about plasticity and recovery to a general rather than a single stroke-based domain, providing more efficiency in recovery research.



http://ift.tt/2gL818d

Phthalate plasticizers covalently linked to PVC via copper-free or copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions

Publication date: 27 January 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 109
Author(s): Aruna Earla, Longbo Li, Philip Costanzo, Rebecca Braslau
Plasticization of PVC was carried out by covalently linking phthalate derivatives via copper-free (thermal) or copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate derivatives (DEHP-ether and DEHP-ester) were synthesized and appended to PVC at two different densities. The glass transition temperatures of the modified PVC decreased with increasing content of plasticizer. PVC-DEHP-ether gave lower glass transition temperatures than PVC-DEHP-ester, reflecting the enhanced flexibility of the ether versus ester linker.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hEP1L0

Zystische Pankreastumoren

Zusammenfassung

Der Begriff zystischer Pankreastumor umfasst heterogene Erkrankungen neoplastischen oder nichtneoplastischen Ursprungs, die sich in Bezug auf das maligne Entartungspotenzial, die Behandlung und Prognose deutlich unterscheiden. Ihre Inzidenz ist hoch. Während muzinöse Zysten (intraduktale papillär-muzinöse [IPMN] und muzinös-zystische Neoplasie [MCN]) maligne transformieren können, ist dies bei serösen Zysten meist nicht der Fall. Die Prävalenz der IPMN liegt bei 26 Fällen pro 100.000 Einwohner. IPMN und MCN sind meist ein asymptomatischer Zufallsbefund. MCN, Hauptgang- und „Mixed-type" IPMN sollten aufgrund des hohen Risikos einer malignen Entartung operativ behandelt werden. Auch bei Seitengang-IPMN liegt ein malignes, jedoch geringeres Entartungsrisiko als bei anderen muzinösen Zysten vor. Hier hängt das individuelle Vorgehen von evtl. vorliegenden Risikofaktoren der Entartung der Zyste, vom Alter, der Komorbidität und dem Wunsch des Patienten sowie vom interdisziplinären Konsens ab.

http://ift.tt/2hEdnXJ

Evaluation of temporal bone pneumatization with growth using 3D reconstructed image of computed tomography

To evaluate temporal bone pneumatization with growth using 3D reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images.

http://ift.tt/2hEEOy3

Evaluation of temporal bone pneumatization with growth using 3D reconstructed image of computed tomography

To evaluate temporal bone pneumatization with growth using 3D reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images.

http://ift.tt/2hEEOy3

Patterns of Maxillofacial Fractures in Uttar Pradesh, India

Cranial Maxillofac Trauma Reconstruction
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597581

This study aimed to obtain dependable epidemiologic data of the variation in cause and characteristics of maxillofacial fractures by identifying, describing, and quantifying trauma. This retrospective study was conducted in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, over 1 year, based on a systematic computer-assisted database search from March 2015 to March 2016 for maxillofacial fractures. The demographics, etiology, geographic distribution, date of injury, site and number of fractures, and type of intervention were recorded for each. The study population consisted of 1,000 patients with 1,543 fractures. The male:female ratio was 8:1. A peak incidence of fractures was seen in the third decade (mean age: 30.3) with maximum patients younger than 40 years (80.8%). The incidence of fractures was highest in spring (42.9%). Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of trauma (64.4%) and mainly involved two wheelers (60.2%). Single-site fractures were most common. Mostly zygomatic (45.1%) and mandibular fractures (44.4%) were encountered, accounting for approximately 90% of all fractures. The main site of mandibular fractures was the body (34.4%); 46.2% of fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) while 53.8% were treated by closed methods. The study provides important data to contrive future plans for injury prevention. The trend of most traffic-related injuries continues with the increasing traffic on roads. Zygomatic complex and mandibular fractures remain the most frequent. The major populations at risk are young men and those driving two wheelers. The use of helmets could achieve a large reduction in maxillofacial fractures. Awareness for preventive measures and safety guidelines should be propagated and legislation on traffic rules strictly reinforced.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

http://ift.tt/2hYmizq

A Single-Center Review of Radiologically Diagnosed Maxillofacial Fractures: Etiology and Distribution

Cranial Maxillofac Trauma Reconstruction
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597582

The etiology of fractures of the maxillofacial skeleton varies among studies, with motor vehicle accidents and assaults oftentimes the most common. The number of males outnumbers females throughout most studies. Fractures of the zygoma, orbit, and mandible are usually cited as most common fracture types. This study examines a single center's experience with regards to etiology and distribution of fractures. A retrospective review of all radiologically confirmed facial fractures in a level 1 trauma center in an urban environment was performed for the years 2000 to 2012. Patient demographics, etiology of injury, and location of fractures were collected. During this time period, 2,998 patients were identified as having sustained a fracture of the facial skeleton. The average age was 36.9 years, with a strong male predominance (81.5%). The most common etiologies of injury were assault (44.9%) and motor vehicle accidents (14.9%). Throughout the study period, the number of fractures as a result of assault remained relatively constant, whereas the number as a result of motor vehicle accidents decreased slightly. The most common fracture observed was of the orbit, followed by mandible, nasal bones, zygoma, and frontal sinus. Patients sustaining a fracture as a result of assault were more likely to have a mandible fracture. Patients in motor vehicle accidents were more likely to suffer fractures of the maxilla, orbit, and frontal sinus. Mandible fractures are more common in cases of assault. Motor vehicle accidents convey a large force, which, when directed at the craniofacial skeleton, can cause a variety of fracture patterns. The decreasing number of fractures as a result of motor vehicle accidents may represent improved safety devices such as airbags.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

http://ift.tt/2hYvWCm

Short-term outcomes of mandibular reconstruction in oncological patients using a CAD/CAM prosthesis including a condyle supporting a fibular free flap

Condylar reconstruction and replacement using alloplastic materials currently attracts much surgical interest. The major challenge is to functionally reconstruct the anatomical region; this is crucial in terms of correct mandibular function. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of and complications experienced by a series of oncological patients who underwent computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) condylar reconstruction following resection-disarticulation of the mandible.

http://ift.tt/2gKQsp2

Using Cognitive Screening Tests in Audiology

Purpose

The population of the United States is aging. Those older adults are living longer than ever and have an increased desire for social participation. As a result, audiologists are likely to see an increased demand for service by older clients whose communication difficulty is caused by a combination of hearing loss and cognitive impairment. For these individuals, early detection of mild cognitive impairment is critical for providing timely medical intervention and social support.

Method

This tutorial provides information about cognition of older adults, mild cognitive impairment, and cognitive screening tests, with the purpose of assisting audiologists in identifying and appropriately referring potential cases of cognitive impairment.

Results

Topics addressed also include how to administer cognitive screening tests on individuals with hearing loss, how to use test results in audiology practice, and the potential of using cognitive screening tests for evaluating the benefit of clinical interventions.

Conclusions

As health care professionals who serve the aging population, audiologists are likely to encounter cases of undiagnosed cognitive impairment. In order to provide timely referral for medical assistance as well as an optimized individual outcome of audiologic interventions, audiologists should be trained to recognize an abnormality in older clients' cognitive status.

http://ift.tt/2hbB8Uj

Influence of Hearing Risk Information on the Motivation and Modification of Personal Listening Device Use

Purpose

The purpose of this study was (a) to investigate the behaviors, knowledge, and motivators associated with personal listening device (PLD) use and (b) to determine the influence of different types of hearing health risk education information (text with or without visual images) on motivation to modify PLD listening use behaviors in young adults.

Method

College-age students (N = 523) completed a paper-and-pencil survey tapping their behaviors, knowledge, and motivation regarding listening to music or media at high volume using PLDs. Participants rated their motivation to listen to PLDs at lower volume levels following each of three information sets: text only, behind-the-ear hearing aid image with text, and inner ear hair cell damage image with text.

Results

Acoustically pleasing and emotional motives were the most frequently cited (38%–45%) reasons for listening to music or media using a PLD at high volume levels. The behind-the-ear hearing aid image with text information was significantly (p Conclusions

http://ift.tt/2hbI6sg

CAPD Is Classified in ICD-10 as H93.25 and Hearing Evaluation—Not Screening—Should Be Implemented in Children With Verified Communication and/or Listening Deficits

Purpose

The article "It Is Time to Rethink Central Auditory Processing Disorder Protocols for School-Aged Children" (DeBonis, 2015) appeared in the American Journal of Audiology as a tutorial. The author used the argument made by Cowan, Rosen, and Moore (2009), referring to central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), that "such impairments have not been shown to uniquely contribute to a clearly defined condition that would warrant its inclusion in any of the major disease classification systems" (emphasis added; p. 129). However, CAPD is included in the U.S. version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems–10th Revision (ICD-10) under the code H93.25; this was not mentioned in the article by DeBonis. We would like to point out some additional omissions of this tutorial that may bias its conclusions.

http://ift.tt/2haruAA

Preliminary Investigation of the Passively Evoked N400 as a Tool for Estimating Speech-in-Noise Thresholds

Purpose

Speech-in-noise testing relies on a number of factors beyond the auditory system, such as cognitive function, compliance, and motor function. It may be possible to avoid these limitations by using electroencephalography. The present study explored this possibility using the N400.

Method

Eleven adults with typical hearing heard high-constraint sentences with congruent and incongruent terminal words in the presence of speech-shaped noise. Participants ignored all auditory stimulation and watched a video. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was varied around each participant's behavioral threshold during electroencephalography recording. Speech was also heard in quiet.

Results

The amplitude of the N400 effect exhibited a nonlinear relationship with SNR. In the presence of background noise, amplitude decreased from high (+4 dB) to low (+1 dB) SNR but increased dramatically at threshold before decreasing again at subthreshold SNR (−2 dB).

Conclusions

The SNR of speech in noise modulates the amplitude of the N400 effect to semantic anomalies in a nonlinear fashion. These results are the first to demonstrate modulation of the passively evoked N400 by SNR in speech-shaped noise and represent a first step toward the end goal of developing an N400-based physiological metric for speech-in-noise testing.

http://ift.tt/2ghfVv2

A Retrospective Examination of the Effect of Diabetes on Sensory Processing in Older Adults

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine retrospectively the impact of diabetes mellitus on auditory, visual, and tactile processing in older adults.

Method

Fourteen (10.4%) of a sample of 135 older adults self-reported the presence of diabetes mellitus in a study of sensory and cognitive processing across the adult lifespan. In this study, the performance of the subgroup with diabetes on a number of psychophysical sensory-processing measures was compared with that of the 121 older adults without diabetes. Measures of sensory processing focused on temporal processing and threshold sensitivity in each of 3 sensory modalities: hearing, vision, and touch.

Results

The subgroup of older adults with diabetes differed significantly (p Conclusion

http://ift.tt/2ghh9X2

Subjective Reports of Trouble Tolerating Sound in Daily Life versus Loudness Discomfort Levels

Purpose

A retrospective analysis of tonal and speech loudness discomfort levels (LDLs) relative to a subjective report of sound tolerance (SRST) was performed to explore the relation between the 2 commonly used clinical measures.

Method

Tonal LDLs and SRST were measured for 139 U.S. military veterans who were recruited into a study providing intervention for tinnitus. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were computed to assess the relation between the tonal and speech LDLs and the SRST.

Results

Only weak correlations were found between tonal LDLs and SRST and between speech LDLs and SRST.

Conclusion

If LDLs ratings of SRST measured the same phenomenon, the measures would be strongly negatively correlated. The weak correlations found between the measures suggest that LDLs do not accurately represent a patient's ability to tolerate sound in daily life.

http://ift.tt/2gh9zf1

Response to the Letter to the Editor From Iliadou, Sirimanna, and Bamiou Regarding DeBonis (2015)

Purpose

The purpose of this letter is to respond to "Central Auditory Processing Disorder Is Classified in ICD-10 and H93.25 and Hearing Evaluation—Not Screening—Should Be Implemented in Children With Verified Communication and/or Listening Deficits" by Iliadou, Sirimanna, and Bamiou (2016). The methodology used involved a close reading of the concerns expressed by Iliadou et al. in view of the central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) literature and the stated purpose of my original article (DeBonis, 2015). The literature used included clinical practice guidelines, respected journals, and recognized authorities on the topic. Many of the objections stated by Iliadou et al. are not well founded (e.g., ICD-10, use of ASHA definition, effect of auditory intervention, lack of research for the model, bias of the article), but their statement that a complete hearing assessment is necessary for students with listening difficulties is an important one that I endorse completely. In conclusion, my original article remains an effective vehicle for discussion about the value of current tests of auditory processing and how to better help students who have listening difficulties.

http://ift.tt/2haGBd1

JACI Editorial: Vitamin D status through the first 10 years of life: A vital piece of the puzzle in asthma inception

http://ift.tt/2hYi6Qe

It’s a lot of work to be non-allergic

http://ift.tt/2gUNvWl

A safe and accurate method to perform esthetic mandibular contouring surgery for Far Eastern Asians

A tapered mandibular contour is popular with Far Eastern Asians. This study describes a safe and accurate method of using preoperative virtual surgical planning (VSP) and an intraoperative ostectomy guide to maximize the esthetic outcomes of mandibular symmetry and tapering while mitigating injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Twelve subjects with chief complaints of a wide and square lower face underwent this protocol from January to June 2015. VSP was used to confirm symmetry and preserve the IAN while maximizing the surgeon's ability to taper the lower face via mandibular inferior border ostectomy.

http://ift.tt/2hEOoB0

Should incidental findings in diagnostic imaging be reported?

Related Articles

Should incidental findings in diagnostic imaging be reported?

Minerva Stomatol. 2016 Dec 14;

Authors: Santos KC, Fujita M, Oliveira JX, Yanagi Y, Asaumi J

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent improvements in image quality have contributed to an increasing number of incidental findings (IF). Also called as "incidentalomas", this generic term refers to an entity discovered unexpectedly on an imaging examination performed for other reason. Commonly, normal variants, minor developmental anomalies and imaging artifacts are described as potential pathology. Some IF were reported in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including IF in the brain, maxillary sinus, ethmoidal cells, mastoid cells, salivary glands, muscles. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of IF on MRI of TMJ from Japanese patients.
METHODS: An image archive from 872 patients referred to MRI evaluation due to TMJ symptomatology was assessed. Three experienced radiologists evaluated all images, and the final diagnosis was achieved by consensus. The data regarding IF was recorded, considering only tumor and tumor-like lesions.
RESULTS: A total of 12 (1.38%) of tumor and tumor-like lesions were observed from all 872 MRI exams evaluated. The most frequent lesion was arachnoid cyst (0.45%), followed by neoplastic lesions (0.22%).
CONCLUSION: The question "should every IF be reported?" is still difficult to answer. Relevant IF are rare, and radiologists are expected to be reasonable: think about the adverse effects of reporting an IF, and, based on their own judgment, choose for a positive or a negative answer.

PMID: 27973465 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2halTdl

Curious case of the bilaterally absent omohyoid muscle

We planned a left composite resection with modified radical neck dissection (Type 1) and reconstruction for a 63-year-old woman with squamous cell carcinoma of the left retromolar trigone (cT4a N2b M0, Stage IVA). We looked for the intermediate tendon of the left omohyoid (because it is a landmark for the internal jugular vein in its lower third), but found that the entire muscle was missing (Fig. 1).

http://ift.tt/2hQJkw8

The association between Orthostatic Hypotension and Handgrip Strength with Successful Rehabilitation in elderly hip fracture patients

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): L.C. Hartog, A.M. Winters, H. Roijen, A.M. Kamper, H. Inia, N. Kleefstra, H.J.G. Bilo, K.J.J. van Hateren
ObjectiveOur objectives were to investigate the relationship between orthostatic hypotension (OH) and muscle strength versus time to successful rehabilitation within elderly hip fracture patients.DesignA prospective observational cohort study. Handgrip strength was measured at the day of admission and OH as soon as possible after surgery. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to investigate the relationship between OH, or handgrip strength (kg) and time to successful rehabilitation, expressed as hazard ratios (HR). OH was defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of > 20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of > 10 mmHg after postural change (dichotomous). Handgrip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer (continuous). The study was registered on trialregister.nl (NTR4940).SettingGeneral hospitalParticipantsPatients of > 70 years with a hip fracture were recruited at the day of hospital admission. A total of 116 patients was included.InterventionsNot applicableMain outcome measuresPrimary outcome was time to successful rehabilitation, which was defined as discharge to patients' own homes.ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 36 days (IQR 9-57), 103 (89%) patients were successfully rehabilitated. No statistically significant relationships were found between OH and time to successful rehabilitation; HR 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-1.66)). Also handgrip strength and successful rehabilitation were not statistically significantly related; HR 1.03 (95%CI 0.99-1.06).ConclusionsOH measured during the first days of hospitalization is not related to time to successful rehabilitation in operated hip fracture patients. Although no significant relationship was seen in the present study, the width of the confidence intervals does not exclude a relevant relationship between handgrip strength and time to successful rehabilitation



http://ift.tt/2hQpWQb

Functional independence: A comparison of the changes during neurorehabilitation between patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage or acute ischemic stroke

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Henriette Holm Stabel, Asger Roer Pedersen, Søren Paaske Johnsen, Jørgen Feldbæk Nielsen
ObjectiveTo compare the changes in functional independence measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) after specialized neurorehabilitation between patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage or acute ischemic stroke (ICH/AIS).DesignHistorical cohort study comparing changes in functional independence between patients with SAH and ICH/AIS, using FIM scores from a local database, and clinical information from the Danish National Patient Registry.SettingPost-acute specialized in-patient neurorehabilitation.Participants212 first-time SAH and 448 first-time age-matched ICH/AIS patientsMain outcome measuresCrude and adjusted comparisons of FIM (total and item-by-item) measured at baseline and at discharge.ResultsPatients with SAH were admitted with a lower functional level compared to patients with ICH/AIS (FIM median 25 (IQR 18-81) versus (vs.) 78.5 (IQR 47-107)), and discharged with a lower functional level (FIM median 98 (IQR 40-116) vs. 110 (IQR 82.5-119)), although they made more progress during neurorehabilitation (FIM median change 27 (IQR 4-60) vs. 17 (7-35)). Statistically, patients with SAH had significantly better odds for obtaining functional independency in six of the 18 FIM items compared to patients with ICH/AIS: Eating (OR 3.2; 95%CI 1.7-5.8), dressing upper-body (OR 2.0; 95%CI 1.1-3.5), transfer tub/shower (OR 2.0; 95%CI 1.1-3.6), stair walking (OR 2.2; 95%CI 1.3-3.7), comprehension (OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.3-3.9), and expression (OR 3.6; 95%CI 2.0-6.5).ConclusionPatients with SAH made significantly more progress during neurorehabilitation, although they were discharged with a lower level of functional independency compared to patients with ICH/AIS. However, both patients with SAH and ICH/AIS improved their functional outcome significantly. Also, it was demonstrated that patients with SAH admitted with severe functional outcome were capable of recovering to a moderate level in functional independency.



http://ift.tt/2gKL2dP

Depression in individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury living in the community

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Joan Saurí, Andrés Chamarro, Anna Gilabert, Mariona Gifre, Neus Rodriguez, Raquel Lopez-Blazquez, Lluïsa Curcoll, Jesús Benito-Penalva, Dolors Soler
ObjectiveTo assess depression in a sample of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community, and to determine the prevalence of probable major depression disorder (PMDD) amongst those for whom the injury is traumatic (T-SCI) and those for whom it is not (NT-SCI).DesignCross sectional.SettingData were collected on individuals with SCI now living in the community, who completed a comprehensive follow-up assessment at the Guttmann Institute in Barcelona, Spain.ParticipantsA total of 831 individuals with T-SCI or NT-SCI completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and were included.InterventionsNot applicableMain Outcome MeasuresThe PHQ-9 was used to detect the presence of PMDD, and to measure the severity of the depression.ResultsThe most frequent etiology of SCI was T-SCI (66.9%). Overall, 16.2% of participants met the criteria for PMDD, though a higher prevalence was noted for NT-SCI individuals (21.1%) than for T-SCI individuals (13.8%). Risk factors between T-SCI and NT-SCI did not differ greatly. Female gender, chronic pain and lower levels of/difficulties in participation were associated with the presence of PMDD.ConclusionsPMDD appears to occur at a higher rate in NT-SCI individuals, with greater symptom severity. The finding that problems with participation are directly associated with depression raises the need for specific treatment goals, with the aim of empowering individuals with SCI to reintegrate into the community. Potential stress factors, such as environmental barriers and limited participation options, should be addressed accordingly.



http://ift.tt/2hQn7i1

Effect of a single administration of focused extracorporeal shock wave in the relief of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness: results of a partially-blinded randomized controlled trial

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Johannes Fleckenstein, Mara Friton, Heiko Himmelreich, Winfried Banzer
ObjectivesTo examine the effects of a single administration of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fESWT) on eccentric exercise-induced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is a common symptom in people participating in exercise, sports, or recreational physical activities.DesignThree-arm randomized controlled study conducted in 2009.SettingDOMS was induced by eccentric exercise of the non-dominant arm in voluntary participants at the Sports Campus of a German university.InterventionsParticipants were randomly allocated to verum (energy flux density 0.06 to 0.09 mJ/mm²; pulse ratio per point 200), or sham fESWT (no energy) at 7 equidistant points along the biceps muscle, or no intervention.Main outcome measureThe primary outcome was the difference in pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included maximum isometric voluntary force (MIVF), pressure pain threshold (PPT) and impairment in daily life.ResultsDOMS was induced in 46 participants (23 female) with a mean age of 29.0 years (standard deviation [SD] = 3.0) and a mean BMI of 23.8 kg/m² (SD = 2.8). Despite descriptive clinically meaningful differences, mixed-effects analysis (group x time) of changes to baseline did not reveal significant differences in the reduction of pain intensity between groups (F2.498, df2, p = 0.094). The MIVF was not significantly different between groups (F1.917, df2, p = 0.159). The PTT was not significantly decreased over time (F0.158, df2, p = 0.854), as was the daily life impairment (F1.444, df2, p = 0.248), and there were no differences between groups in the post-hoc analysis.ConclusionsA single treatment with fESWT causes clinically relevant effects in the relief of pain, increase in force, and improvement of pain-associated impairments of daily living. Still, results need to be cautiously interpreted due to the pilot character of this study. Focused ESWT might present an option in the mid-term recovery from DOMS (72 hours). This being an approach enhancing the return to play in athletes.



http://ift.tt/2gKKYKN

Imposed faster and slower walking speeds influence gait stability differently in Parkinson fallers

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Michael H. Cole, Matthew Sweeney, Zachary J. Conway, Tim Blackmore, Peter A. Silburn
ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study sought to evaluate the effect of imposed faster and slower walking speeds on postural stability in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).DesignCross-sectional cohort study;SettingGeneral communityParticipants84 PD patients (51 with a falls history; 33 without) and 82 age-matched controls were invited to participate via neurology clinics and pre-existing databases. Of those contacted, 99 did not respond (PD=36; controls=63) and 27 were not interested (PD=18; controls=9). Following screening, a further 10 patients were excluded; 5 had deep brain stimulation surgery and 5 could not accommodate to the treadmill. The remaining 30 patients completed all assessments and were sub-divided in PD fallers (n=10), PD Non-Fallers (n=10) and age-matched controls (n=10) based on falls history.ProtocolSymptom severity, balance confidence and medical history were established prior to participants walking on a treadmill at 70%, 100% and 130% of their preferred speed.Main OutcomesThree-dimensional accelerometers assessed head and trunk accelerations and allowed calculation of harmonic ratios (HRs) and root mean square (RMS) accelerations to assess segment control and movement amplitude.ResultsHead and trunk control was lower for PD Fallers than PD Non-Fallers and Older Adults. Significant interactions indicated head and trunk control increased with speed for PD Non-Fallers and Older Adults, but did not improve at faster speeds for PD Fallers. Vertical head and trunk accelerations increased with walking speed for PD Non-Fallers and Older Adults, while the PD Fallers demonstrated greater anteroposterior RMS accelerations compared with both other groups.ConclusionThe results suggest that improved gait dynamics do not necessarily represent improved walking stability and this must be respected when rehabilitating gait in PD patients.



http://ift.tt/2hQvPgi

Should incidental findings in diagnostic imaging be reported?

Related Articles

Should incidental findings in diagnostic imaging be reported?

Minerva Stomatol. 2016 Dec 14;

Authors: Santos KC, Fujita M, Oliveira JX, Yanagi Y, Asaumi J

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent improvements in image quality have contributed to an increasing number of incidental findings (IF). Also called as "incidentalomas", this generic term refers to an entity discovered unexpectedly on an imaging examination performed for other reason. Commonly, normal variants, minor developmental anomalies and imaging artifacts are described as potential pathology. Some IF were reported in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including IF in the brain, maxillary sinus, ethmoidal cells, mastoid cells, salivary glands, muscles. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of IF on MRI of TMJ from Japanese patients.
METHODS: An image archive from 872 patients referred to MRI evaluation due to TMJ symptomatology was assessed. Three experienced radiologists evaluated all images, and the final diagnosis was achieved by consensus. The data regarding IF was recorded, considering only tumor and tumor-like lesions.
RESULTS: A total of 12 (1.38%) of tumor and tumor-like lesions were observed from all 872 MRI exams evaluated. The most frequent lesion was arachnoid cyst (0.45%), followed by neoplastic lesions (0.22%).
CONCLUSION: The question "should every IF be reported?" is still difficult to answer. Relevant IF are rare, and radiologists are expected to be reasonable: think about the adverse effects of reporting an IF, and, based on their own judgment, choose for a positive or a negative answer.

PMID: 27973465 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2halTdl

Highly sensitive fiber grating chemical sensors: An effective alternative to atomic absorption spectroscopy

Publication date: 1 June 2017
Source:Optics & Laser Technology, Volume 91
Author(s): Lata.S. Laxmeshwar, Mangesh S. Jadhav, Jyoti.F. Akki, Prasad Raikar, Jitendra Kumar, Om prakash, U.S. Raikar
Accuracy in quantitative determination of trace elements like Zinc, present in drinking water in ppm level, is a big challenge and optical fiber gratings as chemical sensors may provide a promising solution to overcome the same. This paper presents design of two simple chemical sensors based on the principle of shift in characteristic wavelength of gratings with change in their effective refractive index, to measure the concentration of Zinc in drinking water using etched short period grating (FBG) and Long period grating (LPG) respectively. Three samples of drinking water from different places have been examined for presence of Zinc. Further, the results obtained by our sensors have also been verified with the results obtained by a standard method, Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The whole experiment has been performed by fixing the fibers in a horizontal position with the sensor regions at the center of the fibers, making it less prone to disturbance and breaking. The sensitivity of LPG sensor is about 205 times that of the FBG sensor. A few advantages of Fiber grating sensors, besides their regular features, over AAS have also been discussed, that make our sensors potential alternatives for existing techniques in determination of trace elements in drinking water.



http://ift.tt/2hDVtEg

Colorimetric semi-quantitative measurement of pyrophosphate by functionalised SPPS resin in biological media

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 243
Author(s): Benjamin M. Long, Frederick M. Pfeffer, Colin J. Barrow
Inorganic pyrophosphate is a molecule of significant biological importance, which has roles in metabolism and disease diagnosis. In this communication we demonstrate a novel platform for the colorimetric naked eye detection of pyrophosphate using a threshold test in both aqueous solutions and biological fluids. Our system uses peptide synthesis resin as a solid support for a bis-Zn(II)dipicolylamino mediated indicator displacement assay. Our threshold tests are able to detect pyrophosphate in concentrations as low as 1mM.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hHqKDJ

Effect of Cu2+ doping on the structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnAl2O4: A combined experimental and DFT+U study

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Journal of Luminescence, Volume 184
Author(s): W.M. Mulwa, B.F. Dejene, M.O. Onani, C.N.M. Ouma
Using the sol-gel technique, pristine and Cu²⁺ doped gahnite (ZnAl2O4) samples were prepared at 0≤x≤1.24 Cu²⁺ percentages. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the prepared samples were cubic and that there was no phase segregation. Energy dispersive X-rays (EDS) was then used to investigate and confirm the purity of Zn, Al, O and Cu samples with no other characteristic peaks. From the XRD spectra of Cu²⁺ at different concentrations, Cu²⁺ doping was found not to lead to significant lattice distortion an observation that was corroborated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. As the Cu²⁺ concentration was increased a slight shift to higher angles was recorded in XRD analysis, suggesting a larger ionic radius atom substituted by a smaller ionic radius atom. At 300nm excitation, the doped samples were found to emit in the blue region (at 440nm and 470nm of the color spectrum. Theoretically using DFT with the Hubbard correction term U, the doped system was found to emit at 435nm which is within the emission range observed experimentally. From the calculated substitutional energies, Ovac was found to have negative formation energies indicating ease of formation form in gahnite. The binding energy for CuZn-Ovac was negative indicating that these two point defects don't exist as pair inside gahnite.



http://ift.tt/2hHq6G0

Hybridization of electronic band structure and enhancement of thermoelectric properties of ZnSb thin film by In doping

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, Volume 103
Author(s): Zhuang-hao Zheng, Ping Fan, Jing-ting Luo, Guang-xing Liang
Here we report the In doped ZnSb thermoelectric thin films which were deposited by direct current magnetron co-sputtering with prefabricate layer doping method. The X-ray diffraction result indicates that the peaks of the In doped ZnSb thin films are related to ZnSb phase and are slightly shifted to smaller angle. The calculations of In occupy one of the Sb or Zn location in normal site were performed based on the first-principles and it has lower total energy when the In substitutes the Zn. The thermo-electrical testing experimental results indicate that the Seebeck coefficient increases greatly after In doped due to increase of the total density of states and the complicate of the electronic band structure. The Fermi surface moves to the valence band after In doped that will reduce the electrical conductivity and it corresponds to the testing result. It can be observed that the power factor of the In doped ZnSb is approach two times than that of the thin film without doping.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hDXLU0

Remediation of metal contaminated soil by aluminium pillared bentonite: Synthesis, characterisation, equilibrium study and plant growth experiment

Publication date: 1 March 2017
Source:Applied Clay Science, Volume 137
Author(s): P. Kumararaja, K.M. Manjaiah, S.C. Datta, Binoy Sarkar
In order to enhance the efficiency of metal immobilisation, bentonite clay was pillared with polyhydroxy aluminium complexes. The pillared bentonite was systematically characterised by multiple techniques including x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The clay product was assessed for its metal removal efficiency from aqueous systems through batch experiments with variables in pH, amount of adsorbent and initial metal concentration. The adsorption data were fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of pillared bentonite was 61.4, 32.3 and 50.3mgg⁻¹ for Cu (II), Zn (II) and Ni (II), respectively. The immobilisation efficiency of pillared bentonite was assessed by greenhouse pot culture experiment with amaranth as the test crop. Amendment of soil with pillared bentonite at 2.5% significantly improved the plant growth as well as reduced the bioavailable metals in the metal spiked soils. The study demonstrated that pillared bentonite could potentially be used for addressing heavy metal pollutions by immobilising the metals in the contaminated soil.



http://ift.tt/2hDYjZO

Neural correlates of pupil dilation during human fear learning

Publication date: 15 February 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 147
Author(s): Laura Leuchs, Max Schneider, Michael Czisch, Victor I. Spoormaker
BackgroundFear conditioning and extinction are prevailing experimental and etiological models for normal and pathological anxiety. Pupil dilations in response to conditioned stimuli are increasingly used as a robust psychophysiological readout of fear learning, but their neural correlates remain unknown. We aimed at identifying the neural correlates of pupil responses to threat and safety cues during a fear learning task.MethodsThirty-four healthy subjects underwent a fear conditioning and extinction paradigm with simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and pupillometry. After a stringent preprocessing and artifact rejection procedure, trial-wise pupil responses to threat and safety cues were entered as parametric modulations to the fMRI general linear models.ResultsTrial-wise magnitude of pupil responses to both conditioned and safety stimuli correlated positively with activity in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), thalamus, supramarginal gyrus and insula for the entire fear learning task, and with activity in the dACC during the fear conditioning phase in particular. Phasic pupil responses did not show habituation, but were negatively correlated with tonic baseline pupil diameter, which decreased during the task. Correcting phasic pupil responses for the tonic baseline pupil diameter revealed thalamic activity, which was also observed in an analysis employing a linear (declining) time modulation.ConclusionPupil dilations during fear conditioning and extinction provide useful readouts to track fear learning on a trial-by-trial level, particularly with simultaneous fMRI. Whereas phasic pupil responses reflect activity in brain regions involved in fear learning and threat appraisal, most prominently in dACC, tonic changes in pupil diameter may reflect changes in general arousal.



http://ift.tt/2hDUHHf