Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is associated with numerous craniofacial abnormalities but rarely with skull base tumor formation. We report an unusual and dramatic case of a symptomatic, mature skull base teratoma in an adult patient with KFS, with extension through the basisphenoid to obstruct the nasopharynx. This benign lesion was associated with midline palatal and cerebral defects, most notably pituitary and vertebrobasilar arteriolar duplications. A multidisciplinary workup and a complete endoscopic, transnasal surgical approach between otolaryngology and neurosurgery were undertaken. Out of concern for vascular control of the fibrofatty dense tumor stalk at the skull base and need for complete teratoma resection, we successfully employed a tissue resection tool with combined ultrasonic and bipolar diathermy to the tumor pedicle at the sphenoid/clivus junction. No CSF leak or major hemorrhage was noted using this endonasal approach, and no concerning postoperative sequelae were encountered. The patient continues to do well now 3 years after tumor extirpation, with resolution of all preoperative symptoms and absence of teratoma recurrence. KFS, teratoma biology, endocrine gland duplication, and the complex considerations required for successfully addressing this type of advanced skull base pathology are all reviewed herein.
http://ift.tt/2j7IBYf
Τρίτη 3 Ιανουαρίου 2017
Endoscopic Resection of Skull Base Teratoma in Klippel-Feil Syndrome through Use of Combined Ultrasonic and Bipolar Diathermy Platforms
Image Sharing in Radiology—A Primer
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Arindam R. Chatterjee, Seth Stalcup, Arjun Sharma, T. Shawn Sato, Pushpender Gupta, Yueh Z. Lee, Christopher Malone, Morgan McBee, Elise L. Hotaling, Akash P. Kansagra
By virtue of its information technology-oriented infrastructure, the specialty of radiology is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of efforts to promote data sharing across the healthcare enterprise, including particularly image sharing. The potential benefits of image sharing for clinical, research, and educational applications in radiology are immense. In this work, our group—the Association of University Radiologists (AUR) Radiology Research Alliance Task Force on Image Sharing—reviews the benefits of implementing image sharing capability, introduces current image sharing platforms and details their unique requirements, and presents emerging platforms that may see greater adoption in the future. By understanding this complex ecosystem of image sharing solutions, radiologists can become important advocates for the successful implementation of these powerful image sharing resources.
http://ift.tt/2i99tTJ
Endoscopic Resection of Skull Base Teratoma in Klippel-Feil Syndrome through Use of Combined Ultrasonic and Bipolar Diathermy Platforms
Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is associated with numerous craniofacial abnormalities but rarely with skull base tumor formation. We report an unusual and dramatic case of a symptomatic, mature skull base teratoma in an adult patient with KFS, with extension through the basisphenoid to obstruct the nasopharynx. This benign lesion was associated with midline palatal and cerebral defects, most notably pituitary and vertebrobasilar arteriolar duplications. A multidisciplinary workup and a complete endoscopic, transnasal surgical approach between otolaryngology and neurosurgery were undertaken. Out of concern for vascular control of the fibrofatty dense tumor stalk at the skull base and need for complete teratoma resection, we successfully employed a tissue resection tool with combined ultrasonic and bipolar diathermy to the tumor pedicle at the sphenoid/clivus junction. No CSF leak or major hemorrhage was noted using this endonasal approach, and no concerning postoperative sequelae were encountered. The patient continues to do well now 3 years after tumor extirpation, with resolution of all preoperative symptoms and absence of teratoma recurrence. KFS, teratoma biology, endocrine gland duplication, and the complex considerations required for successfully addressing this type of advanced skull base pathology are all reviewed herein.
http://ift.tt/2j7IBYf
Transoral submandibulotomy for deep hilar submandibular gland sialolithiasis
Objectives/Hypothesis
To assess the long-term results after transoral submandibulotomy for stones located in the deep hilar and intraparenchymal submandibular region.
Study Design
Retrospective cohort analysis.
Methods
Retrospective evaluation including all patients treated with transoral submandibulotomy for sialolithiasis at a tertiary referral center.
Results
Complete stone removal at the first transoral surgical treatment was achieved in 185 of 234 patients (79.1%). One hundred seventy-five of the 234 patients were followed up for a mean of 31.2 ( ± 20.5) months. During the follow-up period, 140 of the 175 patients (80.0%) became symptom free after one operation. In patients with residual symptoms, no further treatment was needed in 12 patients (6.9%) due to the mildness of the symptoms; 23 patients (13.1%) received further therapy, which was successful in 15 cases. Submandibulectomy only had to be performed in 3.4% of the patients with follow-up (6/175). In a questionnaire survey, 91.4% of the patients stated that they would be prepared to have the same operation again.
Conclusions
These findings show that transoral removal of submandibular sialoliths located in the deep hilum or adjacent intraglandular parenchyma is an effective treatment that can be assisted by additional measures. The techniques described show high success rates, good long-term results, low complication rates, and they avoided the need for submandibulectomy in >95% of cases.
Level of Evidence
4. Laryngoscope, 2017
http://ift.tt/2hPUX7g
Normal fluoroscopic appearance status post-successful endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy
Objective
Endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy (EZD) is a primary treatment for Zenker diverticulum (ZD). During EZD, the diverticulum is not excised, and interpretation of postoperative videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is challenging. The purpose of this investigation was to describe normal VFSS findings status post-successful EZD.
Methods
The charts of all patients with ZD treated at our center between October 01, 2011, and May 30, 2014, were abstracted. Outcome measures included recidivistic diverticulum size, Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), penetration aspiration scale, pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), and pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) opening.
Results
Twenty patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 70.5 (± 13) years. Seventy percent of the patients were male. Mean EAT-10 decreased 72.1% from 17.9 (± 8.2) to 5 (± 6.9) (P < 0.0001), and diverticulum size decreased 50.9% from 1.96 cm (± 0.68) to 0.96 cm (± 0.57) (P < 0.001). The PCR improved 33.6% from 0.17 (± 0.13) to 0.11 (± 0.11) (P < 0.001). Mean PES opening increased 61.6% from 0.53 cm (± 0.3544) to 0.86 cm (± 0.29) in lateral view and increased 40.0% from 1.00 cm (± 0.54) to 1.39 cm (± 0.46) in anteroposterior view (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
VFSS following successful EZD demonstrates an approximate 50% reduction in diverticulum size and significant improvement in PCR and PES opening. These data provide a framework for the expected fluoroscopic outcomes of successful diverticulotomy.
Level of Evidence
4. Laryngoscope, 2017
http://ift.tt/2iO7lRX
Complete necrosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after preoperative portal vein embolization: a case report
Hepatocellular carcinoma has a poor prognosis; few patients can undergo surgical curative treatment according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines. Progress in surgical techniques has led to operations ...
http://ift.tt/2j3ePQp
Prepancreatic postduodenal portal vein: a case report and review of the literature
Prepancreatic postduodenal portal vein is extremely rare, with only 13 cases reported in the literature.
http://ift.tt/2iGWko9
A stab wound to the axilla illustrating the importance of brachial plexus anatomy in an emergency context: a case report
Although open injuries involving the brachial plexus are relatively uncommon, they can lead to permanent disability and even be life threatening if accompanied by vascular damage. We present a case report of a...
http://ift.tt/2j3fMbv
Double localization of a non-anastomotic pseudoaneurysm after an axillofemoral bypass: a case report and review of the literature
A traumatic non-anastomotic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of an axillofemoral bypass graft. Fewer than 20 cases have been reported in the literature. Our case is unusual in that we report a double loca...
http://ift.tt/2iGWsEa
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a refractory skin ulcer after radical mastectomy and radiation therapy: a case report
Radiation therapy is performed as an adjuvant therapy when indicated following surgical resection of malignant tumors. However, radiation exposure induces acute or chronic dermatitis, depending on the radiatio...
http://ift.tt/2j37P5V
Transoral submandibulotomy for deep hilar submandibular gland sialolithiasis
Objectives/Hypothesis
To assess the long-term results after transoral submandibulotomy for stones located in the deep hilar and intraparenchymal submandibular region.
Study Design
Retrospective cohort analysis.
Methods
Retrospective evaluation including all patients treated with transoral submandibulotomy for sialolithiasis at a tertiary referral center.
Results
Complete stone removal at the first transoral surgical treatment was achieved in 185 of 234 patients (79.1%). One hundred seventy-five of the 234 patients were followed up for a mean of 31.2 ( ± 20.5) months. During the follow-up period, 140 of the 175 patients (80.0%) became symptom free after one operation. In patients with residual symptoms, no further treatment was needed in 12 patients (6.9%) due to the mildness of the symptoms; 23 patients (13.1%) received further therapy, which was successful in 15 cases. Submandibulectomy only had to be performed in 3.4% of the patients with follow-up (6/175). In a questionnaire survey, 91.4% of the patients stated that they would be prepared to have the same operation again.
Conclusions
These findings show that transoral removal of submandibular sialoliths located in the deep hilum or adjacent intraglandular parenchyma is an effective treatment that can be assisted by additional measures. The techniques described show high success rates, good long-term results, low complication rates, and they avoided the need for submandibulectomy in >95% of cases.
Level of Evidence
4. Laryngoscope, 2017
http://ift.tt/2hPUX7g
Normal fluoroscopic appearance status post-successful endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy
Objective
Endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy (EZD) is a primary treatment for Zenker diverticulum (ZD). During EZD, the diverticulum is not excised, and interpretation of postoperative videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is challenging. The purpose of this investigation was to describe normal VFSS findings status post-successful EZD.
Methods
The charts of all patients with ZD treated at our center between October 01, 2011, and May 30, 2014, were abstracted. Outcome measures included recidivistic diverticulum size, Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), penetration aspiration scale, pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), and pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) opening.
Results
Twenty patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 70.5 (± 13) years. Seventy percent of the patients were male. Mean EAT-10 decreased 72.1% from 17.9 (± 8.2) to 5 (± 6.9) (P < 0.0001), and diverticulum size decreased 50.9% from 1.96 cm (± 0.68) to 0.96 cm (± 0.57) (P < 0.001). The PCR improved 33.6% from 0.17 (± 0.13) to 0.11 (± 0.11) (P < 0.001). Mean PES opening increased 61.6% from 0.53 cm (± 0.3544) to 0.86 cm (± 0.29) in lateral view and increased 40.0% from 1.00 cm (± 0.54) to 1.39 cm (± 0.46) in anteroposterior view (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
VFSS following successful EZD demonstrates an approximate 50% reduction in diverticulum size and significant improvement in PCR and PES opening. These data provide a framework for the expected fluoroscopic outcomes of successful diverticulotomy.
Level of Evidence
4. Laryngoscope, 2017
http://ift.tt/2iO7lRX
Amplified music exposure carries risks to hearing
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 93
Author(s): Valéria Gomes da Silva, Carlos Augusto Costa Pires de Oliveira, Pedro Luíz Tauil, Isabella Monteiro de Castro Silva, André Luiz Lopes Sampaio
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between changes in the outer hair cells and exposure to amplified music in a group of high-school students.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective, case-control study, 86 subjects underwent audiometry, immittance audiometry, and distortion-product otoacoustic emission tests. The subjects were questioned about their listening habits and divided into 2 groups: exposed and unexposed.ResultsMost of the subjects had reduced function in their outer hair cells, mainly beginning at 8 kHz. Among 60 subjects—30 cases and 30 controls—75% were considered exposed and 25% unexposed. The exposed subjects were 9.33 times more likely to have altered outer hair cells than the unexposed subjects were.ConclusionExposure to amplified music is associated with reduced function in the hair cells.
http://ift.tt/2iO48la
The path to cancer, and back: Immune modulation during hepatitis C virus infection, progression to fibrosis and cancer, and unexpected roles of new antivirals.
http://ift.tt/2iO5qgj
Targeted complement inhibition protects vascularized composite allografts from acute graft injury and prolongs graft survival when combined with subtherapeutic cyclosporine A therapy.
http://ift.tt/2hPSYjn
Promoting Bioengineered Tooth Innervation Using Nanostructured and Hybrid Scaffolds
Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): S. Kuchler-Bopp, A. Larrea, L. Petry, Y. Idoux-Gillet, V. Sebastian, A. Ferrandon, P. Schwinté, M. Arruebo, N. Benkirane-Jessel
The innervation of teeth mediated by axons originating from the trigeminal ganglia is essential for their function and protection. Immunosuppressive therapy using Cyclosporine A (CsA) was found to accelerate the innervation of transplanted tissues and particularly that of bioengineered teeth. To avoid the CsA side effects, we report in this study the preparation of CsA loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, their embedding on polycaprolactone (PCL)-based scaffolds and their possible use as templates for the innervation of bioengineered teeth. This PCL scaffold, approved by the FDA and capable of mimicking the extracellular matrix, was obtained by electrospinning and decorated with CsA-loaded PLGA nanoparticles to allow a local sustained action of this immunosuppressive drug. Dental re-associations were co-implanted with a trigeminal ganglion on functionalized scaffolds containing PLGA and PLGA/Cyclosporine in adult ICR mice during 2 weeks. Histological analyses showed that the designed scaffolds did not alter the teeth development after in vivo implantation. The study of the innervation of the dental re-associations by indirect immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showed that 88.4% of the regenerated teeth were innervated when using the CsA-loaded PLGA scaffold. The development of active implants thus allows their potential use in the context of dental engineering.Statement of significanceTooth innervation is essential for their function and protection and this can be promoted in vivo using polymeric scaffolds functionalized with immunosuppressive drug-loaded nanoparticles. Immunosuppressive therapy using biodegradable nanoparticles loaded with Cyclosporine A was found to accelerate the innervation of bioengineered teeth after two weeks of implantation.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2i8WC3H
Indentation Across Interfaces Between Stiff and Compliant Tissues
Publication date: Available online 4 January 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Oliver E. Armitage, Michelle L. Oyen
Bone–tendon, bone–ligament and bone–cartilage junctions are multi-tissue interfaces that connect materials that differ by two orders of magnitude in mechanical properties, via gradual variations in mineral content and matrix composition. These sites mediate load transfer between highly dissimilar materials and are consequently a primary site of injury during orthopedic failure. Given the large incidence rate and the lack of suitable surgical solutions for their regeneration or repair, characterization of their natural structure and subsequent replication through tissue engineering is important. Here, we evaluate the ability and accuracy of instrumented indentation to characterize the mechanical properties of both biological tissues and engineered scaffolds with interfaces between materials that contain significant changes in mechanical properties. In this study, finite element simulations and reference samples are developed that characterize how accurately indentation measures the modulus of a material as it varies with distance across a continuous interface between dissimilar tissues with multiple orders of magnitude difference in properties. Finite element simulations accurately predicted discrepancies between the modulus function across an interface observed by indentation and the true modulus function of the material and hence allow us to understand the limits of instrumented indentation as a technique for quantifying gradual changes in material properties. It was found that in order to accurately investigate mechanical property variations in tissues with significant modulus heterogeneity the indenter size should be less than 10 percent of the expected length scale of the modulus variations.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2i92gD6
Synthesis and activity of the salicylic acid ester of bakuchiol in psoriasis-surrogate keratinocytes and skin substitutes
Summary
Background
Topical retinoids are effective in retarding skin ageing and restoring homeostasis in skin conditions such as psoriasis. However their adverse effects (AEs), which include irritation (retinoid dermatitis), photosensitivity and teratogenicity, limit their use and patient compliance. Development of retinoid analogues with minimal AEs would allow a broader and more compliant use.
Aim
To synthesise a novel molecule, bakuchiol salicylate (bakusylan), with a modulatory gene expression profile similar to retinoids, using as reference three prescription retinoids: tretinoin, tazarotene and adapalene.
Methods
We hypothesized that because bakuchiol salicylate has a structure entirely different from existing retinoids, there would be at least a partial uncoupling of AEs from the skin-normalizing activity of this retinoid. This hypothesis was tested at the transcriptional level in psoriatic cytokine-treated cultures of keratinocytes and organotypic skin substitutes, using DNA microarrays and custom PCR arrays.
Results
Evaluation of the gene expression profile of bakuchiol salicylate revealed elimination of several components of the retinoid-like proinflammatory response and teratogenic signature, without a substantial loss of normalizing potential. A possible mechanism of action, consisting of keratinocyte desensitization to psoriatic cytokine signalling through inhibition of the signal transducer and regulator of transcription (STAT)1/3/interferon inflammatory signal transduction axis was also identified.
Conclusion
Bipartite materials obtained by merging two skin-active entities with specific, complementary bioactivities, such as bakuchiol and salicylic acid, may yield a new class of functional retinoids.
http://ift.tt/2hR8867
Synthesis and activity of the salicylic acid ester of bakuchiol in psoriasis-surrogate keratinocytes and skin substitutes
Summary
Background
Topical retinoids are effective in retarding skin ageing and restoring homeostasis in skin conditions such as psoriasis. However their adverse effects (AEs), which include irritation (retinoid dermatitis), photosensitivity and teratogenicity, limit their use and patient compliance. Development of retinoid analogues with minimal AEs would allow a broader and more compliant use.
Aim
To synthesise a novel molecule, bakuchiol salicylate (bakusylan), with a modulatory gene expression profile similar to retinoids, using as reference three prescription retinoids: tretinoin, tazarotene and adapalene.
Methods
We hypothesized that because bakuchiol salicylate has a structure entirely different from existing retinoids, there would be at least a partial uncoupling of AEs from the skin-normalizing activity of this retinoid. This hypothesis was tested at the transcriptional level in psoriatic cytokine-treated cultures of keratinocytes and organotypic skin substitutes, using DNA microarrays and custom PCR arrays.
Results
Evaluation of the gene expression profile of bakuchiol salicylate revealed elimination of several components of the retinoid-like proinflammatory response and teratogenic signature, without a substantial loss of normalizing potential. A possible mechanism of action, consisting of keratinocyte desensitization to psoriatic cytokine signalling through inhibition of the signal transducer and regulator of transcription (STAT)1/3/interferon inflammatory signal transduction axis was also identified.
Conclusion
Bipartite materials obtained by merging two skin-active entities with specific, complementary bioactivities, such as bakuchiol and salicylic acid, may yield a new class of functional retinoids.
http://ift.tt/2hR8867
Morphoea with prominent plasma cell endoneuritis
Summary
Morphoea (localized scleroderma) is a cutaneous inflammatory condition characterized by the development of indurated and discoloured plaques. The histological features of morphoea typically include a superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal chronic inflammatory infiltrate associated with variable degrees of dermal and/or subcutaneous sclerosis. The infiltrate is typically composed of lymphocytes, macrophages and conspicuous plasma cells. The early stages of morphoea may have a very prominent inflammatory infiltrate associated with subtle sclerosis. In addition, the inflammatory infiltrate may show a perineural and rarely intraneural distribution. We report two cases of morphoea that histologically showed plasma cell endoneuritis associated with subtle dermal sclerosis. These two cases highlight the potential for diagnostic confusion with infectious and inflammatory diseases, particularly leprosy and lupus.
http://ift.tt/2iC1QWE
Use of nicotinamide in dermatology
Summary
Nicotinamide (niacinamide) is the water-soluble, amide form of vitamin B3. We review the evidence underlying the use of nicotinamide for various dermatological indications, including nonmelanoma cancer prophylaxis, blistering disorders, acne vulgaris and cosmetic indications, and speculate upon its future role in dermatological practice.
http://ift.tt/2hQWp7C
Use of optical coherence tomography for the diagnosis of preclinical lesions of circumscribed palmar hypokeratosis
Summary
Circumscribed hypokeratosis of palms and soles is a rare dermatosis, usually affecting women. Diagnosis is mainly based on the clinical characteristics, including the clinical appearance and anatomical site of the skin lesions and on the demographic features of the affected patients, usually middle-aged to elderly women. Skin biopsy may be performed to confirm clinical diagnosis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a technique that has been undergone substantial development in dermatology in recent years, and its use in clinical practice has been growing progressively. Several dermatological conditions have been studied with this tool, but to our knowledge, it has not been used to investigate this form of hypokeratosis. We report a case of circumscribed palmar hypokeratosis for which diagnosis was confirmed by OCT, which was performed as the patient was reluctant to undergo skin biopsy because of its invasiveness. We highlight the potential use of OCT in obtaining a virtual skin biopsy to confirm clinical diagnosis and identify preclinical skin lesions amenable to early treatment.
http://ift.tt/2iC0knw
Morphoea with prominent plasma cell endoneuritis
Summary
Morphoea (localized scleroderma) is a cutaneous inflammatory condition characterized by the development of indurated and discoloured plaques. The histological features of morphoea typically include a superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal chronic inflammatory infiltrate associated with variable degrees of dermal and/or subcutaneous sclerosis. The infiltrate is typically composed of lymphocytes, macrophages and conspicuous plasma cells. The early stages of morphoea may have a very prominent inflammatory infiltrate associated with subtle sclerosis. In addition, the inflammatory infiltrate may show a perineural and rarely intraneural distribution. We report two cases of morphoea that histologically showed plasma cell endoneuritis associated with subtle dermal sclerosis. These two cases highlight the potential for diagnostic confusion with infectious and inflammatory diseases, particularly leprosy and lupus.
http://ift.tt/2iC1QWE
Use of nicotinamide in dermatology
Summary
Nicotinamide (niacinamide) is the water-soluble, amide form of vitamin B3. We review the evidence underlying the use of nicotinamide for various dermatological indications, including nonmelanoma cancer prophylaxis, blistering disorders, acne vulgaris and cosmetic indications, and speculate upon its future role in dermatological practice.
http://ift.tt/2hQWp7C
Innate immunity in cutaneous melanoma
Summary
The skin immune system is composed of a vast network of immune cells, including lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells and Langerhans cells, which not only are involved in inflammatory responses but also contribute to homeostatic function and may participate in the various steps of carcinogenesis. Many studies support the notion that innate immunity has a key role in the development, growth and prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM), through the release of pro- and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines and tumour growth factors. The tumour environment in a major subset of cutaneous MM shows evidence of a T cell-infiltrated phenotype, but there is less known about the presence and the phenotype of other immune system cells. Response to immunotherapy is largely correlated with the presence of T cells in the tumour microenvironment, while the regulation exerted by stromal components such as macrophages and mast cells has been less investigated. In the current report, we review the recent literature, focusing our attention on the role of macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells and natural killer cells in orchestrating MM progression, to better understand tumour immunobiology. The identification of new therapeutic targets and the application of approaches aimed at modulating crosstalk between immune and tumour cells, could have a crucial impact on immunotherapy and result in better clinical outcome. We hope this review will be helpful in cutaneous MM research.
http://ift.tt/2iBXEqc
Use of optical coherence tomography for the diagnosis of preclinical lesions of circumscribed palmar hypokeratosis
Summary
Circumscribed hypokeratosis of palms and soles is a rare dermatosis, usually affecting women. Diagnosis is mainly based on the clinical characteristics, including the clinical appearance and anatomical site of the skin lesions and on the demographic features of the affected patients, usually middle-aged to elderly women. Skin biopsy may be performed to confirm clinical diagnosis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a technique that has been undergone substantial development in dermatology in recent years, and its use in clinical practice has been growing progressively. Several dermatological conditions have been studied with this tool, but to our knowledge, it has not been used to investigate this form of hypokeratosis. We report a case of circumscribed palmar hypokeratosis for which diagnosis was confirmed by OCT, which was performed as the patient was reluctant to undergo skin biopsy because of its invasiveness. We highlight the potential use of OCT in obtaining a virtual skin biopsy to confirm clinical diagnosis and identify preclinical skin lesions amenable to early treatment.
http://ift.tt/2iC0knw
Innate immunity in cutaneous melanoma
Summary
The skin immune system is composed of a vast network of immune cells, including lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells and Langerhans cells, which not only are involved in inflammatory responses but also contribute to homeostatic function and may participate in the various steps of carcinogenesis. Many studies support the notion that innate immunity has a key role in the development, growth and prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM), through the release of pro- and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines and tumour growth factors. The tumour environment in a major subset of cutaneous MM shows evidence of a T cell-infiltrated phenotype, but there is less known about the presence and the phenotype of other immune system cells. Response to immunotherapy is largely correlated with the presence of T cells in the tumour microenvironment, while the regulation exerted by stromal components such as macrophages and mast cells has been less investigated. In the current report, we review the recent literature, focusing our attention on the role of macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells and natural killer cells in orchestrating MM progression, to better understand tumour immunobiology. The identification of new therapeutic targets and the application of approaches aimed at modulating crosstalk between immune and tumour cells, could have a crucial impact on immunotherapy and result in better clinical outcome. We hope this review will be helpful in cutaneous MM research.
http://ift.tt/2iBXEqc
Comparative genomic analysis of the genus Enterococcus
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Zhi Zhong, Wenyi Zhang, Yuqin Song, Wenjun Liu, Haiyan Xu, Xiaoxia Xi, Bilige Menghe, Heping Zhang, Zhihong Sun
As important lactic acid bacteria, Enterococcus species are widely used in the production of fermented food. However, as some strains of Enterococcus are opportunistic pathogens, their safety has not been generally accepted. In recent years, a large number of new species have been described and classified within the genus Enterococcus, so a better understanding of the genetic relationships and evolution of Enterococcus species is needed. In this study, the genomes of 29 type strains of Enterococcus species were sequenced. In combination with eight complete genome sequences from the Genbank database, the whole genomes of 37 strains of Enterococcus were comparatively analyzed. The average length of Enterococcus genomes was 3.20 Mb and the average GC content was 37.99%. The core- and pan- genomes were defined based on the genomes of the 37 strains of Enterococcus. The core-genome contained 605 genes, a large proportion of which were associated with carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism, DNA and RNA metabolism. The phylogenetic tree showed that habitat is very important in the evolution of Enterococcus. The genetic relationships were closer in strains that come from similar habitats. According to the topology of the time tree, we found that humans and mammals may be the original hosts of Enterococcus, and then species from humans and mammals made a host-shift to plants, birds, food and other environments. However, it was just a evolutionary scenario, and more data and efforts were needed to prove this postulation. The comparative genomic analysis provided a snapshot of the evolution and genetic diversity of the genus Enterococcus, which paves the way for follow-up studies on its taxonomy and functional genomics.
http://ift.tt/2iGFTZh
Everolimus Alleviates Obstructive Hydrocephalus Due to Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas
Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Romina Moavero, Andrea Carai, Angela Mastronuzzi, Sara Marciano, Federica Graziola, Federico Vigevano, Paolo Curatolo
Background and purposeSubependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) are low-grade tumors affecting up to 20% of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Early neurosurgical resection has been the only standard treatment until few years ago when the better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of TSC led to the use of mTOR inhibitors. Surgical resection of SEGA is still considered as the first line treatment in individuals with symptomatic hydrocephalus and intratumoral hemorrhage. We report a clinical series of 4 patients presenting symptomatic or asymptomatic hydrocephalus who were successfully treated with everolimus.Main findingsAll patients presented a clinically significant response to everolimus and an early shrinkage with improvement of ventricular dilatation. Everolimus appeared to be well tolerated in all subjects.ConclusionOur clinical series demonstrate a possible expanding indication for mTOR inhibition in TSC, which can be considered in patients with asymptomatic hydrocephalus or even when the symptoms already appeared. It offers a significant therapeutic alternative to individuals that once would have undergone immediate surgery. Everolimus can allow to postpone neurosurgical resection, making it elective with an overall lower risk.
http://ift.tt/2j356JS
Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Fetus With Zika Virus Infection
Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Beuy Joob, Viroj Wiwanitkit
http://ift.tt/2iGN3fZ
Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome
Publication date: Available online 4 January 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Natasha Mathur, Partha S. Ghosh
http://ift.tt/2j2Zboe
Evaluation of cortical local field potential diffusion in stereotactic electro-encephalography recordings: A glimpse on white matter signal
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 147
Author(s): Manuel R. Mercier, Stephan Bickel, Pierre Megevand, David M. Groppe, Charles E. Schroeder, Ashesh D. Mehta, Fred A. Lado
While there is a strong interest in meso-scale field potential recording using intracranial electroencephalography with penetrating depth electrodes (i.e. stereotactic EEG or S-EEG) in humans, the signal recorded in the white matter remains ignored. White matter is generally considered electrically neutral and often included in the reference montage. Moreover, re-referencing electrophysiological data is a critical preprocessing choice that could drastically impact signal content and consequently the results of any given analysis. In the present stereotactic electroencephalography study, we first illustrate empirically the consequences of commonly used references (subdermal, white matter, global average, local montage) on inter-electrode signal correlation. Since most of these reference montages incorporate white matter signal, we next consider the difference between signals recorded in cortical gray matter and white matter. Our results reveal that electrode contacts located in the white matter record a mixture of activity, with part arising from the volume conduction (zero time delay) of activity from nearby gray matter. Furthermore, our analysis shows that white matter signal may be correlated with distant gray matter signal. While residual passive electrical spread from nearby matter may account for this relationship, our results suggest the possibility that this long distance correlation arises from the white matter fiber tracts themselves (i.e. activity from distant gray matter traveling along axonal fibers with time lag larger than zero); yet definitive conclusions about the origin of the white matter signal would require further experimental substantiation. By characterizing the properties of signals recorded in white matter and in gray matter, this study illustrates the importance of including anatomical prior knowledge when analyzing S-EEG data.
http://ift.tt/2i8VhtR
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/2iyowJp
Motivation, emotion regulation, and the latent structure of psychopathology: An integrative and convergent historical perspective
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Theodore P. Beauchaine, Aimee Zisner
Motivational models of psychopathology have long been advanced by psychophysiologists, and have provided key insights into neurobiological mechanisms of a wide range of psychiatric disorders. These accounts emphasize individual differences in activity and reactivity of bottom-up, subcortical neural systems of approach and avoidance in affecting behavior. Largely independent literatures emphasize the roles of top-down, cortical deficits in emotion regulation and executive function in conferring vulnerability to psychopathology. To date however, few models effectively integrate functions performed by bottom-up emotion generation system with those performed by top-down emotion regulation systems in accounting for alternative expressions of psychopathology. In this article, we present such a model, and describe how it accommodates the well replicated bifactor structure of psychopathology. We describe how excessive approach motivation maps directly into externalizing liability, how excessive passive avoidance motivation maps directly into internalizing liability, and how emotion dysregulation and executive function map onto general liability. This approach is consistent with the Research Domain Criteria initiative, which assumes that a limited number of brain systems interact to confer vulnerability to many if not most forms of psychopathology.
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IOP-details
Publication date: January 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 111
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Editorial Board
Publication date: January 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 111
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Instructions to Authors
Publication date: January 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 111
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Reviewer Acknowledgment
Publication date: January 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 111
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Best practices for repeated measures ANOVAs of ERP data: Reference, regional channels, and robust ANOVAs
Publication date: January 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 111
Author(s): Joseph Dien
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a fundamental procedure for event-related potential (ERP) research and yet there is very little guidance for best practices. It is important for the field to develop evidence-based best practices: 1) to minimize the Type II error rate by maximizing statistical power, 2) to minimize the Type I error rate by reducing the latitude for varying procedures, and 3) to identify areas for further methodological improvements. While generic treatments of ANOVA methodology are available, ERP datasets have many unique characteristics that must be considered. In the present report, a novelty oddball dataset was utilized as a test case to determine whether three aspects of ANOVA procedures as applied to ERPs make a real-world difference: the effects of reference site, regional channels, and robust ANOVAs. Recommendations are provided for best practices in each of these areas.
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Psychometric considerations in the measurement of event-related brain potentials: Guidelines for measurement and reporting
Publication date: January 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 111
Author(s): Peter E. Clayson, Gregory A. Miller
Failing to consider psychometric issues related to reliability and validity, differential deficits, and statistical power potentially undermines the conclusions of a study. In research using event-related brain potentials (ERPs), numerous contextual factors (population sampled, task, data recording, analysis pipeline, etc.) can impact the reliability of ERP scores. The present review considers the contextual factors that influence ERP score reliability and the downstream effects that reliability has on statistical analyses. Given the context-dependent nature of ERPs, it is recommended that ERP score reliability be formally assessed on a study-by-study basis. Recommended guidelines for ERP studies include 1) reporting the threshold of acceptable reliability and reliability estimates for observed scores, 2) specifying the approach used to estimate reliability, and 3) justifying how trial-count minima were chosen. A reliability threshold for internal consistency of at least 0.70 is recommended, and a threshold of 0.80 is preferred. The review also advocates the use of generalizability theory for estimating score dependability (the generalizability theory analog to reliability) as an improvement on classical test theory reliability estimates, suggesting that the latter is less well suited to ERP research. To facilitate the calculation and reporting of dependability estimates, an open-source Matlab program, the ERP Reliability Analysis Toolbox, is presented.
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Predictors of extracapsular extension in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer treated surgically
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 65
Author(s): Mathew Geltzeiler, Daniel Clayburgh, John Gleysteen, Neil D. Gross, Bronwyn Hamilton, Peter Andersen, Daniel Brickman
ObjectivesExtracapsular extension (ECE) in cervical metastatic lymph nodes remains an indication for adding chemotherapy for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The aim of this study is to identify specific imaging characteristics on computed tomography (CT) scan that are predictive of ECE in order to better risk stratify patients preoperatively.Materials and methodsA single cohort study was performed using a prospectively collected database of patients with HPV-related OPSCC who underwent transoral robotic surgery with cervical lymphadenectomy. CT scans were assessed for the presence of multiple imaging characteristics, including lymph node size, number of nodes positive, cystic appearance, and border irregularity. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to analyze each variable's predictability of pathologic ECE.Results100 patients underwent TORS with cervical lymphadenectomy for OPSCC from 2010 to 2015. Ninety-one percent (21/23) of patients with 3 or more radiologically suspicious nodes were found to have pathologic ECE, which was a significantly greater proportion than patients with fewer suspicious nodes (p<0.001). CT scans with 3 or more radiologically suspicious nodes displayed a sensitivity and specificity of 55% and 94%, respectively with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 91% for ECE. Irregular borders and age were also correlated with ECE on multivariable analysis.Conclusion and relevanceThe presence of 3 or more radiologically suspicious lymph nodes on CT scan has a 91% PPV for any histologic evidence of ECE. The absolute number of radiographically suspicious lymph node metastases may be a useful method for risk-stratifying patients for the presence of ECE.
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A three-lncRNA signature derived from the Atlas of ncRNA in cancer (TANRIC) database predicts the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 65
Author(s): Wei Cao, Jian-nan Liu, Zeqi Liu, Xu Wang, Ze-Guang Han, Tong Ji, Wan-tao Chen, Xin Zou
ObjectiveLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important biological functions and can be used as prognostic biomarkers in cancer. To identify a lncRNA prognostic signature for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).MethodWe analysed RNA-seq data derived from the TANRIC database to identify a lncRNA prognostic signature model using the orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) and 1.5-fold expression change criterion methods. The prognosis prediction model based on the lncRNA signatures and clinical parameters were evaluated using the 5-fold cross validation method.ResultsA total of 84 out of 3199 lncRNAs were significantly associated with the survival of patients with HNSCC (log-rank test P<0.01). Using the OPLS-DA and 1.5-fold change selection criterion, 5 lncRNAs (KTN1-AS1, LINC00460, GUSBP11, LINC00923 and RP5-894A10.6) were further selected. The prediction power of each combination of the 5 lncRNAs was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and a three-lncRNA panel (KTN1-AS1, LINC00460 and RP5-894A10.6) achieved the highest prognostic prediction power (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.60–0.76, P<0.0001) in the cohort. The patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups based on their three-lncRNA profiles. Patients with high-risk scores had worse overall survival than those with low risk scores in the cohort (log-rank test P=0.0003). Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that the lncRNA signature and tumour grade were independent prognostic factors for patients with HNSCC.ConclusionsOur findings showed that the three-lncRNA signature might be a novel biomarker for the accurate prognosis prediction of patients with HNSCC.
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The Circadian Oscillator of the Cerebral Cortex: Molecular, Biochemical and Behavioral Effects of Deleting the Arntl Clock Gene in Cortical Neurons
A molecular circadian oscillator resides in neurons of the cerebral cortex, but its role is unknown. Using the Cre-LoxP method, we have here abolished the core clock gene Arntl in those neurons. This mouse represents the first model carrying a deletion of a circadian clock component specifically in an extrahypothalamic cell type of the brain. Molecular analyses of clock gene expression in the cerebral cortex of the Arntl conditional knockout mouse revealed disrupted circadian expression profiles, whereas clock gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus was still rhythmic, thus showing that Arntl is required for normal function of the cortical circadian oscillator. Daily rhythms in running activity and temperature were not influenced, whereas the resynchronization response to experimental jet-lag exhibited minor though significant differences between genotypes. The tail-suspension test revealed significantly prolonged immobility periods in the knockout mouse indicative of a depressive-like behavioral state. This phenotype was accompanied by reduced norepinephrine levels in the cerebral cortex. Our data show that Arntl is required for normal cortical clock function and further give reason to suspect that the circadian oscillator of the cerebral cortex is involved in regulating both circadian biology and mood-related behavior and biochemistry.
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Who's that Knocking at My Door? Neural Bases of Sound Source Identification
When hearing knocking on a door, a listener typically identifies both the action (forceful and repeated impacts) and the object (a thick wooden board) causing the sound. The current work studied the neural bases of sound source identification by switching listeners' attention toward these different aspects of a set of simple sounds during functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning: participants either discriminated the action or the material that caused the sounds, or they simply discriminated meaningless scrambled versions of them. Overall, discriminating action and material elicited neural activity in a left-lateralized frontoparietal network found in other studies of sound identification, wherein the inferior frontal sulcus and the ventral premotor cortex were under the control of selective attention and sensitive to task demand. More strikingly, discriminating materials elicited increased activity in cortical regions connecting auditory inputs to semantic, motor, and even visual representations, whereas discriminating actions did not increase activity in any regions. These results indicate that discriminating and identifying material requires deeper processing of the stimuli than discriminating actions. These results are consistent with previous studies suggesting that auditory perception is better suited to comprehend the actions than the objects producing sounds in the listeners' environment.
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Case of coeliac disease presenting in the psychiatry ward
Albino J Oliveira-Maia, Isabel Andrade, J Bernardo Barahona-Correa<br />Dec 21, 2016; 2016:201621682-201621682<br />case-report
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Vertical muscle transposition with silicone band belting in VI nerve palsy
Ricardo Dourado Leite, Cristina Freitas, Sandra Guimaraes<br />Dec 14, 2016; 2016:201621672-201621672<br />case-report
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Congenital dacryocystocele
Amar Pujari<br />Dec 9, 2016; 2016:201621802-201621802<br />case-report
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Muscle mania: the quest for the perfect body
Maira Hameed, Ajay Sahu, Maria B Johnson<br />Dec 1, 2016; 2016:201621720-201621720<br />case-report
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Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis
Mathew Kurian Vithayathil, Matthew Edwards<br />Dec 1, 2016; 2016:201621699-201621699<br />case-report
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When plenty is too much: water intoxication in a patient with a simple urinary tract infection
Laura Christine Lee, Maryann Noronha<br />Nov 1, 2016; 2016:201621688-201621688<br />case-report
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Recurrent osteomyelitis of the mandible in osteopetrosis: a common complication of an uncommon disease
Anjali Saigal, Maragathavalli Gopal, Neeta Mohanty, Satya Ranjan Misra<br />Jun 8, 2015; 2015:201420897-201420897<br />case-report
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TAZ Induction Directs Differentiation of Thyroid Follicular Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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TAZ Induction Directs Differentiation of Thyroid Follicular Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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If the Metabolic Winter Is Coming, When Will It Be Summer?
Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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Predictability of anthropomorphic measurements in implant selection for breast reconstruction: a retrospective cohort study
Abstract
Background
Preoperative implant planning for breast reconstruction is often at risk of being changed perioperatively. This study examined which factors are associated with a change of implant selection.
Methods
Women who had unilateral two-stage breast reconstruction between 2002 and 2007 were studied. Inclusion criteria were photographic evidence of preoperative skin markings indicating breast dimensions and a selected implant model. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with a changed selection.
Results
Among the 496 women studied, 308 preoperative implant choices (62.1%) were changed during surgery. A change in plan was significantly associated with symmetrization surgery involving contralateral reduction mammaplasty (OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.29) and contralateral mastopexy (OR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.96), but not with BMI. The required implant width changed more than 0.5 cm in 70 cases (14.1%) while height changed more than 0.5 cm in 215 cases (43.2%). The likelihood of a change was high for large preoperative widths (OR = 9.66 for 15.5 cm) and small preoperative heights (OR = 2.97 for 10.5 cm). At a mean follow-up of 16.6 months, patient satisfaction was good or average in 92.1% of cases and 5.9% of implants had been replaced with another model, indicating that the perioperative implant selection was usually appropriate.
Conclusions
This study documents the frequency with which implant choices, despite accurate preoperative planning, are changed perioperatively as a result of relatively small differences in anthropomorphic measurements. Perioperative recalculation of breast dimensions may have an advantage in terms of patient reoperation rates. Changes in width were less frequent than changes in height and projection. Contralateral surgery, large width, and small height were the most influential factors.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, risk / prognostic study.
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Effects of Non-focused Microbubble-Enhanced and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound on Hemostasis in a Rabbit Model of Liver Trauma
Source:Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
Author(s): Da-Wei Zhao, Meng Tian, Jian-Zhong Zou, Yuan-Yi Zheng, Tao Li
Uncontrolled hemorrhage after trauma to the liver can lead to death. The present study compared the effects of non-focused microbubble-enhanced ultrasound and high-intensity focused ultrasound on hepatic hemostasis in the injured liver. Blood perfusion level, serum liver enzyme levels and the aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ratio differed between the two types of treatment (all p values < 0.05). Hepatic cells in the microbubble-enhanced ultrasound group exhibited edema and compressed the hepatic sinus and blood vessels in the portal area. Coagulation and necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrous tissue encapsulation were observed in the high-intensity focused ultrasound group at later stages. The groups also differed in degree of ultrastructural damage and recovery time. Thus, microbubble-enhanced ultrasound has less of an impact on blood reperfusion and surrounding normal tissue than high-intensity focused ultrasound and is a better choice for the treatment of liver trauma.
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Testicular Shear Wave Elastography in Normal and Infertile Men: A Prospective Study on 601 Patients
Source:Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
Author(s): Laurence Rocher, Aline Criton, Jean-Luc Gennisson, Vincent Izard, Sophie Ferlicot, Mickael Tanter, Gerard Benoit, Marie France Bellin, Jean-Michel Correas
Our aim in the study described here was to prospectively establish the feasibility of using and reproducibility of testicular shear-wave elastography in the assessment of testicular stiffness in 62 normal patients and 539 infertile men with obstructive azoospermia (OA), non-Klinefelter syndrome non-obstructive azoospermia (non-KS NOA), Klinefelter syndrome NOA (KS NOA), oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) or a left varicocele. The feasibility rate was 96.9%, with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.83–0.88). Median stiffness (interquartile range) values were 2.4 kPa (2.0, 2.9), 2.1 kPa (1.8, 2.5), 2.4 kPa (2.0, 2.7), 2.0 kPa (1.7, 2.4), 2.6 kPa (2, 3.2) and 2.2 kPa (1.8, 2.6) for men with a normal testis (n = 108), OAT (n = 689), OA (n = 119), non-KS NOA (n = 183), KS NOA (n = 70) and varicocele (n = 132), respectively. Testicular shear wave elastography is a feasible and reproducible technique. A significant positive association was found between stiffness and testis volume (p = 0.001). Testicular stiffness was higher in OA than in non-KS NOA populations (p = 1.e−10) and in KS NOA than in NOA populations (p = 2.0e−8), but the substantial number of overlapping values limited the clinical impact.
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The antioxidant role of agomelatine and gallic acid on oxidative stress in STZ induced type I diabetic rat testes
Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 87
Author(s): Gurkan Yigitturk, Ahmet Cagdas Acara, Oytun Erbas, Fatih Oltulu, Nefise Ulku Karabay Yavasoglu, Aysegul Uysal, Altug Yavasoglu
Diabetes is a multisystem disorder and its effects are observed on the reproductive system. One of the main causes of testicular tissue damage is diabetes-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species and glycated end products. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the possible effects of agomelatine (AG) and gallic acid (GA) in suppressing oxidative stress in Type I diabetes induced testicular damage. A total of 28 adult male rats were included in the study. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ, 55mg/kg) to 21 rats, which were then randomly assigned to 3 groups; 1mL saline solution was given to the diabetes+saline group by oral gavage, 20mg/kg/day oral AG was given to the diabetes+AG group, and 20mg/kg/day oral GA was given to the diabetes+GA group for 4 weeks. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), fibronectin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were used for the investigation of inflammation, fibrosis and vascular structures. The terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl-transferase mediated nick end-labeling assay (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis. Testicular tissue total antioxidant capacity values were tested by biochemical analysis. AG treatment showed an improvement on biochemical parameters and histopathological appearance on the rat testes. GA showed dose-related regenerative effects on biochemical parameters. Histologically, a minimal healing effect was determined on the testes damage. In conclusion, it was observed that AG is a potentially beneficial agent for reducing testicular damage by decreasing oxidative stress level. However, GA was seen to have a poor therapeutic effect.
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Synthesis, properties and biomedical applications of carbon-based quantum dots: An updated review
Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 87
Author(s): Pooria Namdari, Babak Negahdari, Ali Eatemadi
Carbon-based quantum dots (CQDs) are a newly developed class of carbon nano-materials that have attracted much interest and attention as promising competitors to already available semiconductor quantum dots owing to their un-comparable and unique properties. In addition, controllability of CQDs unique physiochemical properties is as a result of their surface passivation and functionalization. This is an update article (between 2013 and 2016) on the recent progress, characteristics and synthesis methods of CQDs and different advantages in varieties of applications.
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Potent antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effect of Tamarix articulata Vahl. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 87
Author(s): Morad Hebi, Omra Farid, Mohammed Ajebli, Mohamed Eddouks
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a single dose and daily oral administration for seven days of the aerial part aqueous extract (A.P.A.E) of Tamarix articulata Vahl. (T. articulata) (5mg/kg) on blood glucose levels in both normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ). Single oral administration of T. articulata A.P.A.E reduced blood glucose levels 6h after administration in normal rats (p<0.0001) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.001). Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in both normal (p<0.05) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001) after seven days of treatment. Moreover, no significant changes in body weight in normal and STZ rats were shown. According to the oral glucose tolerance test, the aqueous extract of T. articulata (5mg/kg) was shown to prevent significantly the increase on blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic treated rats 30min, 60min and 120min after glucose administration when compared to the control group. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed the beneficial effect of T. articulata on pancreas and liver. Finally, the antioxydant activity of the aqueous extract of Tamarix articulata was evaluated by the method of trapping of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Tamarix articulata revealed inhibitory concentrations of 50% of free radicals (IC50) of 203.15μg/ml. In contrast, the synthetic antioxidant butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) has showed an IC50 equal to 13.71μg/ml. In conclusion, this study demonstrates antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of T. articulata in severe diabetic state thus warrants further investigation on its major compounds as well as mechanistic studies.
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Berberine ameliorates intrahippocampal kainate-induced status epilepticus and consequent epileptogenic process in the rat: Underlying mechanisms
Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 87
Author(s): Reza Sedaghat, Yosra Taab, Zahra Kiasalari, Siamak Afshin-Majd, Tourandokht Baluchnejadmojarad, Mehrdad Roghani
Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurologic condition, instigating epileptogenesis to transform normal brain to an epileptic condition. SE is followed by spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and final development of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) that is resistant to treatment. Neuroprotective strategies are increasingly put forward as a promising therapy to prevent and/or manage epileptic conditions. In this study, we investigated whether berberis alkaloid, i.e. berberine (BBR), could ameliorate intrahippocampal kainate-induced SE and its consequent epileptogenic process and to explore some underlying mechanisms. BBR was daily administered at doses of 25 or 50mg/kg. Results showed that BBR treatment of kainate-microinjected rats at a dose of 50mg/kg lowered the incidence of SE and SRS. It also significantly restored hippocampal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), activity of catalase and caspase 3, nuclear factor-<kappa>B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cathepsin D, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Additionally, BBR protected against hippocampal CA3 neuronal loss and prevented development of aberrant mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) as an essential element of chronic epileptogenic circuit. These data suggest that BBR could mitigate SE and SRS in intrahippocampal kainate model of epilepsy and exert neuroprotective effect and its influence is mainly mediated via suppression of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and possibly apoptosis.
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Anti-oxidative effects of curcumin on immobilization-induced oxidative stress in rat brain, liver and kidney
Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 87
Author(s): Saeed Samarghandian, Mohsen Azimi-Nezhad, Tahereh Farkhondeh, Fariborz Samini
Restraint stress has been indicated to induce oxidative damage in tissues. Several investigations have reported that curcumin (CUR) may have a protective effect against oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of CUR on restraint stress induced oxidative stress damage in the brain, liver and kidneys. For chronic restraint stress, rats were kept in the restrainers for 1h every day, for 21 consecutive days. The animals received systemic administrations of CUR daily for 21days. In order to evaluate the changes of the oxidative stress parameters following restraint stress, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as antioxidant enzyme activities superoxide dismutase (SOD) glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) were measured in the brain, liver and kidney of rats after the end of restraint stress. The restraint stress significantly increased MDA level, but decreased the level of GSH and activists of SOD, GPx, GR, and CAT the brain, liver and kidney of rats in comparison to the normal rats (P<0.001). Intraperitoneal administration of CUR significantly attenuated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, prevented apoptosis, and increased antioxidant defense mechanism activity in the tissues versus the control group (P<0.05). This study shows that CUR can prevent restraint stress–induced oxidative damage in the brain, liver and kidney of rats and propose that CUR may be useful agents against oxidative stress in the tissues.
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Mechanism of Synergistic DNA Damage induced by the Hydroquinone Metabolite of Brominated Phenolic Environmental Pollutants and Cu(II): Formation of DNA-Cu Complex and Site-specific Production of Hydroxyl Radicals
Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Bo Shao, Li Mao, Na Qu, Ya-Fen Wang, Hui-Ying Gao, Feng Li, Li Qin, Jie Shao, Chun-Hua Huang, Dan Xu, Lin-Na Xie, Chen Shen, Xiang Zhou, Ben-Zhan Zhu
2,6-Dibromohydroquinone (2,6-DBrHQ) has been identified as an reactive metabolite of many brominated phenolic environmental pollutants such as tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), bromoxynil and 2,4,6-tribromophenol, and was also found as one of disinfection byproducts in drinking water. In this study, we found that the combination of 2,6-DBrHQ and Cu(II) together could induce synergistic DNA damage as measured by double strand breakage in plasmid DNA and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) formation, while either of them alone has no effect. 2,6-DBrHQ/Cu(II)-induced DNA damage could be inhibited by the Cu(I)-specific chelating agent bathocuproine disulfonate and catalase, but not by superoxide dismutase, nor by the typical hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavengers such as DMSO and mannitol. Interestingly, we found that Cu(II)/Cu(I) could be combined with DNA to form DNA-Cu(II)/Cu(I) complex by complementary application of low temperature direct ESR, circular dichroism, cyclic voltammetry and oxygen consumption methods; and the highly reactive •OH were produced synergistically by DNA-bound-Cu(I) with H2O2 produced by the redox reactions between 2,6-DBrHQ and Cu(II), which then immediately attack DNA in a site-specific manner as demonstrated by both fluorescent method and by ESR spin-trapping studies. Further DNA sequencing investigations provided more direct evidence that 2,6-DBrHQ/Cu(II) caused preferential cleavage at guanine, thymine and cytosine residues. Based on these data, we proposed that the synergistic DNA damage induced by 2,6-DBrHQ/Cu(II) might be due to the synergistic and site-specific production of •OH near the binding site of copper and DNA. Our findings may have broad biological and environmental implications for future research on the carcinogenic polyhalogenated phenolic compounds.
Graphical abstract
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Redox Signaling In The Gastrointestinal Tract
Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Salvador Pérez, Raquel Taléns-Visconti, Sergio Rius-Pérez, Isabela Finamor, Juan Sastre
Redox signaling regulates physiological self-renewal, proliferation, migration and differentiation in gastrointestinal epithelium by modulating Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways mainly through NADPH oxidases (NOXs). In the intestine, intracellular and extracellular thiol redox status modulates the proliferative potential of epithelial cells. Furthermore, commensal bacteria contribute to intestine epithelial homeostasis through NOX1- and dual oxidase 2-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). The loss of redox homeostasis is involved in the pathogenesis and development of a wide diversity of gastrointestinal disorders, such as Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer, ischemic intestinal injury, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The overproduction of superoxide anion together with inactivation of superoxide dismutase are involved in the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus and its transformation to adenocarcinoma. In Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcer, oxidative stress derived from the leukocyte infiltrate and NOX1 aggravates mucosal damage, especially in HspB+ strains that downregulate Nrf2. In celiac disease, oxidative stress mediates most of the cytotoxic effects induced by gluten peptides and increases transglutaminase levels, whereas nitrosative stress contributes to the impairment of tight junctions. Progression of inflammatory bowel disease relies on the balance between pro-inflammatory redox-sensitive pathways, such as NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB, and the adaptive up-regulation of Mn superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase 2. In colorectal cancer, redox signaling exhibits two Janus faces: On the one hand, NOX1 up-regulation and derived hydrogen peroxide enhance Wnt/β-catenin and Notch proliferating pathways; on the other hand, ROS may disrupt tumor progression through different pro-apoptotic mechanisms. In conclusion, redox signaling plays a critical role in the physiology and pathophysiology of gastrointestinal tract.
Graphical abstract
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Aspirin plus sorafenib potentiates cisplatin cytotoxicity in resistant head and neck cancer cells through xCT inhibition
Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Jong-Lyel Roh, Eun Hye Kim, Hyejin Jang, Daiha Shin
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug aspirin and the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib have both shown experimental and clinical anticancer activities. The present study investigated whether aspirin and sorafenib synergize to potentiate cisplatin treatment in resistant head and neck cancer (HNC) cells. The effects of aspirin, sorafenib and cisplatin, and combinations thereof were assessed by measuring cell viability, death, glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, protein and mRNA expression, genetic inhibition and overexpression of cystine–glutamate antiporter (xCT) and tumor xenograft mouse models. Even at low concentrations, aspirin plus sorafenib synergized to induce cell death of cisplatin-resistant HNC cells. The combination of aspirin and sorafenib induced xCT inhibition, GSH depletion, and ROS accumulation in cancer cells. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of xCT potentiated the cytotoxic effects of aspirin plus sorafenib; this effect was diminished by xCT overexpression. Low-dose aspirin plus sorafenib enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in resistant HNC cells through xCT inhibition and oxidant and DNA damage. The in vivo effects of aspirin plus sorafenib on cisplatin therapy were also confirmed in resistant HNC xenograft models, in terms of growth inhibition, GSH depletion, and increased γH2AX formation and apoptosis in tumors. Aspirin and sorafenib synergize to potentiate the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in resistant HNC cells. This therapeutic strategy may help to eliminate resistant HNC.
Graphical abstract
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Oxysterols and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal contribute to atherosclerotic plaque destabilization
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Simona Gargiulo, Gabriella Testa, Paola Gamba, Erica Staurenghi, Giuseppe Poli, Gabriella Leonarduzzi
A growing bulk of evidence suggests that cholesterol oxidation products, known as oxysterols, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), the major proatherogenic components of oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDLs), significantly contribute to atherosclerotic plaque progression and destabilization, with eventual plaque rupture. These oxidized lipids are involved in various key steps of this complex process, mainly thanks to their ability to induce inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the effects induced by these compounds on vascular cells, after their accumulation in the arterial wall and in the atherosclerotic plaque.
http://ift.tt/2iBzuvK
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Regenerative therapies in autoimmune Addisons disease
The treatment for autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) has remained virtually unchanged in the last 60 years. Most patients have symptoms that are relatively well controlled with exogenous steroid replacement, but there may be persistent symptoms, recurrent adrenal crisis and poor quality of life, despite good compliance with optimal current treatments. Treatment with conventional exogenous steroid therapy is also associated with premature mortality, increased cardiovascular risk and complications related to excessive steroid replacement. Hence, novel therapeutic approaches have emerged in the last decade attempting to improve the long-term outcome and quality of life of patients with AAD. This review discusses the recent developments in treatment innovations for AAD, including the novel exogenous steroid formulations with the intention of mimicking the physiological biorhythm of cortisol secretion. Our group has also carried out a few studies attempting to restore endogenous glucocorticoid production via immunomodulatory and regenerative medicine approaches. The recent advances in the understanding of adrenocortical stem cell biology, and adrenal plasticity will also be discussed to help comprehend the science behind the therapeutic approaches adopted.
http://ift.tt/2iGn7kB
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Growth and growth hormone therapy in short children born preterm
Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm across the world every year, with less than 37 completed weeks of gestation. Survival rates increased during the last decades with the improvement of neonatal care. With premature birth, babies are deprived of the intense intrauterine growth phase, and postnatal growth failure might occur. Some children born prematurely will remain short at later ages and adult life. The risk of short stature increases if the child is also born small for gestational age. In this review, the effects of being born preterm on childhood growth and adult height and the hormonal abnormalities possibly associated with growth restriction are discussed, followed by a review of current information on growth hormone treatment for those who remain with short stature during infancy and childhood.
http://ift.tt/2iGiAi8
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Diabetes mellitus, a state of low bone turnover - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective
To investigate the differences in bone turnover between diabetic patients and controls.
DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis.
MethodsA literature search was conducted using the databases Medline at PubMed and EMBASE. The free text search terms 'diabetes mellitus' and 'bone turnover', 'sclerostin', 'RANKL', 'osteoprotegerin', 'tartrate-resistant acid' and 'TRAP' were used. Studies were eligible if they investigated bone turnover markers in patients with diabetes compared with controls. Data were extracted by two reviewers.
ResultsA total of 2881 papers were identified of which 66 studies were included. Serum levels of the bone resorption marker C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide (–0.10 ng/mL (–0.12, –0.08)) and the bone formation markers osteocalcin (–2.51 ng/mL (–3.01, –2.01)) and procollagen type 1 amino terminal propeptide (–10.80 ng/mL (–12.83, –8.77)) were all lower in patients with diabetes compared with controls. Furthermore, s-tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes (–0.31 U/L (–0.56, –0.05)) compared with controls. S-sclerostin was significantly higher in patients with type 2 diabetes (14.92 pmol/L (3.12, 26.72)) and patients with type 1 diabetes (3.24 pmol/L (1.52, 4.96)) compared with controls. Also, s-osteoprotegerin was increased among patients with diabetes compared with controls (2.67 pmol/L (0.21, 5.14)).
ConclusionsMarkers of both bone formation and bone resorption are decreased in patients with diabetes. This suggests that diabetes mellitus is a state of low bone turnover, which in turn may lead to more fragile bone. Altered levels of sclerostin and osteoprotegerin may be responsible for this.
http://ift.tt/2j2DDrv
Ectopic Molar Removal from the Ramus/Condyle Unit: A Minimally Invasive Approach
Cranial Maxillofac Trauma Reconstruction
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1594275
Ectopic molars within the mandibular ramus/condyle unit, although rare, present a unique challenge to the surgeon. Multiple approaches have been described in the literature for their removal. A review of the English literature on the subject of mandibular ectopic molars and their epidemiology, etiology, indications for removal, and surgical techniques was completed. In addition, a case report is presented of an ectopic mandibular molar in the mid-ramus region which was removed via a minimally invasive, intraoral, technique combining the use of endoscopy and piezoelectric surgery. The authors advocate this technique as it offers the following advantages: avoidance of injury to branches of the facial nerve, unaesthetic scars, and sialocele formation; maximization of surgical field visualization with limited dissection; ability for safe sectioning of the tooth with minimal risks to adjacent structures; and precise bone removal, reducing the risk of iatrogenic or postoperative mandible fracture.
[...]
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Article in Thieme eJournals:
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Three-Dimensional Printing: Custom-Made Implants for Craniomaxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery
Cranial Maxillofac Trauma Reconstruction
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1594277
Craniomaxillofacial reconstructive surgery is a challenging field. First it aims to restore primary functions and second to preserve craniofacial anatomical features like symmetry and harmony. Three-dimensional (3D) printed biomodels have been widely adopted in medical fields by providing tactile feedback and a superior appreciation of visuospatial relationship between anatomical structures. Craniomaxillofacial reconstructive surgery was one of the first areas to implement 3D printing technology in their practice. Biomodeling has been used in craniofacial reconstruction of traumatic injuries, congenital disorders, tumor removal, iatrogenic injuries (e.g., decompressive craniectomies), orthognathic surgery, and implantology. 3D printing has proven to improve and enable an optimization of preoperative planning, develop intraoperative guidance tools, reduce operative time, and significantly improve the biofunctional and the aesthetic outcome. This technology has also shown great potential in enriching the teaching of medical students and surgical residents. The aim of this review is to present the current status of 3D printing technology and its practical and innovative applications, specifically in craniomaxillofacial reconstructive surgery, illustrated with two clinical cases where the 3D printing technology was successfully used.
[...]
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
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"J BUON"[jour]; +43 new citations
43 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:
These pubmed results were generated on 2017/01/03
PubMed comprises more than 24 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
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Use of nanoparticles with Escherichia coli receptors for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in children
Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Ilke Beyitler, Salih Kavukcu
http://ift.tt/2iBooXC
Plant-based Diets Relatively Low in Bioavailable Phosphate and Calcium May Aid Prevention and Control of Prostate Cancer by Lessening Production of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23
Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Mark F. McCarty
Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a hormonal regulator of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism produced primarily in bone by osteocytes and mature osteoblasts, is now known to have growth factor activity for many prostate cancers. In some of these cancers, autocrine production of FGF23 drives their proliferation. FGF23 synthesized within bone likely promotes the expansion of prostate cancer bone metastases. Hence, dietary or lifestyle factors which boost bone's production of FGF23 may encourage the induction and spread of prostate cancer. High dietary intakes of bioavailable phosphorus and of calcium have been found to boost FGF23 levels, and this accords well with prospective epidemiology pointing to high intakes of both phosphate and calcium as risk factors for aggressive prostate cancer. Hence, prospective studies correlating baseline FGF23 levels with subsequent risk for prostate cancer, or advanced prostate cancer, are needed. Natural plant-based diets, though not inherently low in calcium or phosphorus, provide forms of these that are less bioavailable than those in animal products, and hence may be expected to down-regulate bone's production of FGF23. This may play a role in the lower risk for clinical prostate cancer observed in vegans and quasi-vegan cultures. Other factors, such as decreased IGF-I levels and mTORC1 activity, may also play a role in this regard.
http://ift.tt/2hQhtLp
Role of Interleukin-17A on the Chemotactic Responses to CCL7 in a Murine Allergic Rhinitis Model
by Yu-Lian Zhang, Doo Hee Han, Dong-Young Kim, Chul Hee Lee, Chae-Seo Rhee
BackgroundThe proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17A is associated with eosinophil infiltration into the nasal mucosa in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis. Chemotaxis of eosinophils is mediated primarily through C-C chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3). However, the mechanism underlying the IL-17A-mediated enhancement of eosinophil recruitment via chemoattractants/chemokines remains unknown.
ObjectivesIn this study, we assessed the contribution of IL-17A to eosinophil-related inflammation via the CCL7/CCR3 pathway in experimental allergic rhinitis.
MethodsIL-17A knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally and challenged intranasally with OVA to induce allergic rhinitis. Various parameters of the allergic response were evaluated, and mRNA and protein levels of CCL7 and CCR3 in nasal tissue and serum were compared between the two groups. The chemotactic response to CCL7 with or without IL-17A in bone marrow-derived eosinophils (bmEos) from BALB/c mice was measured.
ResultsIn the allergic rhinitis model, IL-17A deficiency significantly decreased nasal symptoms, serum IgE levels, and eosinophil recruitment to the nasal mucosa. CCL7 and CCR3 mRNA and protein levels were decreased in the nasal mucosa of IL-17A KO mice compared with the WT mice. BmEos showed a significantly increased chemotactic response to -low concentration of CCL7 in the presence of IL-17A compared with its absence.
ConclusionThe suppression of nasal inflammation due of IL-17A deficiency in allergic rhinitis is partly responsible for the regulation of CCL7 secretion and eosinophil infiltration, which may be regulated via the CCL7/CCR3 pathway.
http://ift.tt/2j1h9Yb
Role of Interleukin-17A on the Chemotactic Responses to CCL7 in a Murine Allergic Rhinitis Model
by Yu-Lian Zhang, Doo Hee Han, Dong-Young Kim, Chul Hee Lee, Chae-Seo Rhee
BackgroundThe proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17A is associated with eosinophil infiltration into the nasal mucosa in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis. Chemotaxis of eosinophils is mediated primarily through C-C chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3). However, the mechanism underlying the IL-17A-mediated enhancement of eosinophil recruitment via chemoattractants/chemokines remains unknown.
ObjectivesIn this study, we assessed the contribution of IL-17A to eosinophil-related inflammation via the CCL7/CCR3 pathway in experimental allergic rhinitis.
MethodsIL-17A knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally and challenged intranasally with OVA to induce allergic rhinitis. Various parameters of the allergic response were evaluated, and mRNA and protein levels of CCL7 and CCR3 in nasal tissue and serum were compared between the two groups. The chemotactic response to CCL7 with or without IL-17A in bone marrow-derived eosinophils (bmEos) from BALB/c mice was measured.
ResultsIn the allergic rhinitis model, IL-17A deficiency significantly decreased nasal symptoms, serum IgE levels, and eosinophil recruitment to the nasal mucosa. CCL7 and CCR3 mRNA and protein levels were decreased in the nasal mucosa of IL-17A KO mice compared with the WT mice. BmEos showed a significantly increased chemotactic response to -low concentration of CCL7 in the presence of IL-17A compared with its absence.
ConclusionThe suppression of nasal inflammation due of IL-17A deficiency in allergic rhinitis is partly responsible for the regulation of CCL7 secretion and eosinophil infiltration, which may be regulated via the CCL7/CCR3 pathway.
http://ift.tt/2j1h9Yb
Responses of CO2 emission and pore water DOC concentration to soil warming and water table drawdown in Zoige Peatlands
Publication date: March 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 152
Author(s): Gang Yang, Mei Wang, Huai Chen, Liangfeng Liu, Ning Wu, Dan Zhu, Jianqing Tian, Changhui Peng, Qiuan Zhu, Yixin He
Peatlands in Zoige Plateau contains more than half of peatland carbon stock in China. This part of carbon is losing with climate change through dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, both of which are vulnerable to the environmental changes, especially on the Zoige Plateau with a pace of twice the observed rate of global climate warming. This research aimed to understand how climate change including soil warming, rainfall reduction and water table change affect CO2 emissions and whether the trends of changes in CO2 emission are consistent with those of pore water DOC concentration. A mesocosm experiment was designed to investigate the CO2 emission and pore water DOC during the growing seasons of 2009–2010 under scenarios of passive soil warming, 20% rainfall reduction and changes to the water table levels. The results showed a positive relationship between CO2 emission and DOC concentration. For single factor effect, we found no significant relationship between water table and CO2 emission or DOC concentration. However, temperature at 5 cm depth was found to have positive linear relationship with CO2 emission and DOC concentration. The combined effect of soil warming and rainfall reduction increased CO2 emission by 96.8%. It suggested that the drying and warming could stimulate potential emission of CO2. Extending this result to the entire peatland area in Zoige Plateau translates into 0.45 Tg CO2 emission per year over a growing season. These results suggested that the dryer and warmer Zoige Plateau will increase CO2 emission. We also found the contribution rate of DOC concentration to CO2 emission was increased by 12.1% in the surface layer and decreased by 13.8% in the subsurface layer with combined treatment of soil warming and rainfall reduction, which indicated that the warmer and dryer environmental conditions stimulate surface peat decomposition process.
Graphical abstract
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Geschichte der Deutsch-Japanischen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft
Zusammenfassung
Zwischen der Deutschen und Japanischen Dermatologie bestehen traditionell starke Beziehungen. Diese Tatsache bewog Prof. Hornstein und Prof. Nishiyama, gemeinsame Tagungen von Dermatologen beider Länder zu organisieren. Das erste Treffen der Deutsch-Japanischen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft wurde in Erlangen im Anschluss an den 16. Weltkongress der Dermatologie im Jahr 1967 ausgerichtet. Seitdem wurden alternierend Tagungen in Deutschland und Japan abgehalten. Diese Tagungen wurden erfolgreich von Professoren beider Länder organisiert. In diesem Beitrag werden Erinnerungsfotos der gemeinsamen Tagungen präsentiert.
http://ift.tt/2iNlz5E
Autotransplantation of third molars with completely formed roots into surgically created sockets and fresh extraction sockets: a 10-year comparative study
The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the long-term clinical outcomes of mature third molar autotransplantation in surgically created sockets and fresh extraction sockets with regard to survival and functional success rates. A total of 65 third molars with completely formed roots were autotransplanted in 60 patients (average age 33.1 years). Thirty-six of the teeth were autotransplanted into surgically created sockets with or without guided bone regeneration (GBR; delayed autotransplantation), while 29 were autotransplanted into fresh extraction sockets (immediate autotransplantation; control group).
http://ift.tt/2hNxKO5
Effects of low-level laser irradiation on human blood lymphocytes in vitro
Abstract
Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) has various effects on cultured human lymphocytes in vitro, but little is known about such effects in whole blood. This study investigated whether LLLI affected lymphocyte count in human whole blood in vitro. A total number of 130 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy adult patients through venipuncture into tubes containing EDTA. Each sample was divided into two equal aliquots to be used as a non-irradiated control sample and an irradiated sample. The irradiated aliquot was subjected to laser wavelengths of 405, 589, and 780 nm with different fluences of 36, 54, 72, and 90 J/cm2, at a fixed irradiance of 30 mW/cm2. A paired student t test was used to compare between non-irradiated and irradiated samples. The lymphocyte counts were measured using a computerized hematology analyzer and showed a significant (P < 0.02) maximum increase (1.6%) at a fluence of 72 J/cm2 when compared with non-irradiated samples. This increase in lymphocyte count upon irradiation was confirmed by flow cytometry. At a wavelength of 589 nm and fluence of 72 J/cm2, irradiation of whole blood samples showed a significant increase in CD45 lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) (CD16, CD56) cells, but no significant changes in CD3 T lymphocytes, T-suppressor (CD3, CD8) cells, T-helper (CD3, CD4) cells, and CD19 B lymphocytes when compared with their non-irradiated counterparts. Our results clearly demonstrate that NK cell count is altered by irradiation, which ultimately affects the whole lymphocyte count significantly.
http://ift.tt/2j4nh60
Predictors of extracapsular extension in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer treated surgically
The management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has undergone significant transformation over the last 10years with the advent of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the setting of the human papilloma virus (HPV) epidemic [1–4]. The incidence of HPV-related OPSCC is dramatically rising with approximately 45–75% of oropharyngeal malignancy being associated with HPV [2,5–8]. Patients with HPV-related OPSCC also tend to be younger and carry an improved prognosis over traditional HPV negative disease [9].
http://ift.tt/2iFQkfF
A three-lncRNA signature derived from the Atlas of ncRNA in cancer (TANRIC) database predicts the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignant lesion in the head and neck region, with an estimated incidence rate of approximately 135.1 per 100,000 in China each year [1]. HNSCC is a heterogeneous solid tumour with more aggressive phenotypes and poor clinical outcomes primarily due to local tumour recurrence and regional lymph node and distant metastasis [2]. Therefore, better understanding of the genetic and epigenetic molecular alterations in HNSCC is the key to improving diagnosis, facilitating the development of appropriate treatments and promoting the prognosis of patients with HNSCC.
http://ift.tt/2j28a8Q
Short-Chain Fatty Acids Inhibit Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mesangial Cells Induced by High Glucose and Lipopolysaccharide
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-121493
Recently, an connection between Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by intestinal microbiota and kidney has been revealed. The aim of this study was to explore whether SCFAs or their specific G protein-coupled receptors 43 (GPR43) agonist inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) induced by high glucose and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our research showed that treatment with SCFAs, especially acetate and butyrate, or GPR43 agonist significantly inhibited GMCs proliferation induced by high glucose and LPS, and then reversed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) but increased levels of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, SCFAs or GPR43 agonist obviously increased the protein expression of GPR43 induced by high glucose and LPS, but diminished the expression of adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and then decreased the proinflammatory cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release from GMCs stimulated by the high glucose and LPS. These combined results support the hypothesis that SCFAs or GPR43 agonist can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation of GMCs induced by high glucose and LPS, suggesting that SCFAs induced signaling pathway may act as new therapeutic targets of diabetic nephropathy (DN).
[...]
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
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Selective induction of IL-1β after a brief isoflurane anesthetic in children undergoing MRI examination
Abstract
Purpose
To determine if isoflurane anesthesia without surgery causes systemic inflammation in children. Inflammation is targeted as responsible for the development of many neurologic pathologies. The effect will be evaluated by measuring serum cytokine levels before and after isoflurane anesthesia. The possible neurotoxic effect of anesthetic agents is a concern in pediatric anesthesia. Questions remain as to the true effects of anesthesia alone on systemic inflammation. The current study assesses systemic inflammatory response to general anesthesia in children not exposed to surgical stress.
Methods
Twenty-five patients, aged 6 months to 11 years undergoing MRI scanning were recruited. Patients with ASA Physical Status Classification >II, known neurologic disease, prematurity, recent infection, or current treatment with anti-inflammatory medications were excluded. Each patient received a sevoflurane induction, peripheral intravenous catheterization, and laryngeal mask airway placement. Isoflurane was titrated to ensure adequate depth of anesthesia. Two peripheral blood samples were obtained: one immediately after placement of the PIV and one upon arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit. Serum cytokine levels were compared between pre- and post-isoflurane time points using paired t tests.
Results
For all patients, interleukin-1β increased after isoflurane when compared to pre-isoflurane samples (pre = 25.97 ± 9.01, post = 38.53 ± 16.56, p = 0.0002). Serum levels of IL-6 (pre = 2.28 ± 2.27, post = 2.04 ± 2.15, p = 0.146) and tumor necrosis factor-α (pre = 94.26 ± 18.07, post = 85.84 ± 12.12, p = 0.057) were not significantly changed. Interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor were undetectable in pre- and post-isoflurane samples at a minimum detection threshold of 6.6 and 10 pg/ml, respectively.
Conclusions
A brief (approximately 60 min) exposure to isoflurane general anesthesia, without induced surgical stress, significantly increased serum IL-1β, a selective activation marker of systemic inflammation (IL-1β pathway).
http://ift.tt/2iwXTof