The efficiency of Eichhornia crassipes in the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater: a review

Abstract

Water is a basic necessity of life, but due to overextraction and heavy input of nutrients from domestic and industrial sources, the contamination level of water bodies increase. In the last few decades, a potential interest has been aroused to treat wastewater by biological methodologies before discharge into the natural water bodies. Phytoremediation using water hyacinth is found to be an effective biological wastewater treatment method. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), a notorious weed, being the most promising plant for removal of contaminants from wastewater is studied extensively in this regard. It has been successfully used to accumulate heavy metals, dyes, radionuclides, and other organic and inorganic contaminants from water at laboratory, pilot, and large scale. The plant materials are also being used as sorbent to separate the contaminant from water. Other than phytoremediation, the plant has been explored for various other purposes like ethanol production and generation of biogases and green manures. Such applications of this have been good support for the technocrats in controlling the growth of the plant. The present paper reviews the phytoremedial application of water hyacinth and its capability to remove contaminants in produced water and wastewater from domestic and isndustrial sources either used as a whole live plant grown in water or use of plant body parts as sorbent has been discussed.

http://ift.tt/2irU0lS

Oropharyngeal swabs analyzed by ddPCR is a quantitative, rapid, and effective method for minimally invasive oncogenic HPV detection. This assay represents the most sensitive and accurate mode of HPV detection in OPSCC without a tissue biopsy in the available literature.

http://sfaki.blogspot.com/2017/01/hpv-opscc-is-commonly-diagnosed-by-rt.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Tumor uptake of 18F-BPA and 11C-Met : The distribution of 4-borono-2-18F-fluoro-phenylalanine (18F-BPA) and L-[methyl-11C] methionine (11C-Met) in normal organs and tumors and to evaluate the usefulness of 11C-Met/PET in screening potential candidates for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).

http://sfaki.blogspot.com/2017/01/relationship-between-uptake-of-18f.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Establishment of critical limits of indicators and indices of soil quality in rice-rice cropping systems under different soil orders

Publication date: 15 April 2017
Source:Geoderma, Volume 292
Author(s): Sunanda Biswas, G.C. Hazra, T.J. Purakayastha, N. Saha, Tarik Mitran, Satadeep Singha Roy, Nirmalendu Basak, Biswapati Mandal
Rice-rice is one of the major cropping systems in Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of South Asia. Assessment of soil quality and identification of key indicators with their critical limits are very much important for maintaining normal functioning of the soil and productivity of crops, particularly of wet land rice. The present investigation was undertaken to identify sensitive soil quality indicators and to develop soil quality indices and establishment of their critical limits in Inceptisols, Entisols and Alfisols collected from farmers' fields with long-term rice-rice cropping system in sub-tropical India. The soil samples were analysed for 37 physical, chemical and biological properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to create minimum data set (MDS) of physical, chemical and biological indicators which were encompassed to develop unified soil quality index (SQI) under different soil orders. The SQI thus developed was highest in Inceptisols (0.66 to 0.89) followed by Entisols (0.23 to 0.76) and Alfisols (0.37 to 0.60). The upper and lower critical limits for key indicators as well as SQI were determined using scattered plot technique involving relative yields of rice (RY) and different soil quality indicators as well as SQI. The critical limit equivalent to 80% and 40% of relative yield were treated as upper and lower critical limits of selected key indicators and SQI. The adequacy classes for each of selected key indicator as a function of relative yield of rice were established based on the following criteria: <40% low, 40–80% moderate and >80% adequate. The upper and lower critical limits of the indicators selected under rice-rice cropping systems in Inceptisols were available Zn (1.7 and 1.2mgkg⁻¹), bulk density (1.2 and 1.6Mgm⁻³), β-glucosidase activity (68 and 18μgp-nitrophenolg⁻¹soilh⁻¹) and urease activity (64 and 24μgNH4g⁻¹soil2h⁻¹), in Entisols were dehydrogenase activity (93 and 12μgTPFg⁻¹soil24h⁻¹), aggregate stability (66 and 11%), total organic C (11.6 and 10.7gkg⁻¹) and pHw (5.7 and 5.3) and in Alfisols were oxidisable organic C (7.8 and 5.0gkg⁻¹), β-glucosidase activity (51 and 15μgp-nitrophenolg⁻¹soilh⁻¹), aggregate stability (52 and 19%) and mineralizable C (273 and 173μgCg⁻¹ soil), respectively. The upper and lower critical limits established for key soil quality indicators as well for Inceptisols (0.85 and 0.56), Entisols (0.23 and 0.65) and Alfisols (0.37 and 0.56) could periodically be judged for maintaining/enhancing soil quality and yield sustainability through the employment of optimum management practices in rice-rice cropping systems of subtropical India.



http://ift.tt/2jVlUH3

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunct for treatment of deep carious lesions—a systematic review

Publication date: Available online 15 January 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Fabian Cieplik, Wolfgang Buchalla, Elmar Hellwig, Ali Al-Ahmad, Karl-Anton Hiller, Tim Maisch, Lamprini Karygianni
For deep carious lesions, a more conservative treatment modality ("selective caries removal") has been proposed, where only the heavily contaminated dentine is removed. In this regard, effective adjuncts for cavity disinfection such as the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) can be valuable clinically prior to definitive restoration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically assess clinical studies on the effectiveness of aPDT as a supplementary tool in the treatment of deep caries lesions. Searches were performed in four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov) from 1st January, 2011 until 21st June, 2016 for search terms relevant to the observed parameters, pathological condition, intervention and anatomic entity. The pooled information was evaluated according to PRISMA guidelines. At first, 1,651 articles were recovered, of which 1,249 full-text articles were evaluated, 270 articles thereof were reviewed for eligibility and finally 6 articles met all inclusion criteria. The aPDT protocols involved Methylene Blue, Toluidine Blue and aluminium-chloride-phthalocyanine as photosensitizers and diode lasers, light-emitting diodes and halogen light-sources. The data from five reports, utilizing both culture-dependent and −independent methods, disclosed significant reduction of cariogenic bacterial load after mechanical caries removal with adjunct aPDT. As these studies exhibit some methodological limitations, e.g. lack of positive controls, this systematic review can support the application of aPDT to a limited extent only in terms of reducing the microbial load in deep carious lesions before restorative treatment.



http://ift.tt/2iBU4xB

Update on Auditory Evoked Responses: Evidence-Based ABR Protocol for Infant Hearing Assessment

Learning Outcomes Introduction Dr. Jay Hall: Today's course will focus on an evidence-based protocol for infant hearing assessment that has evolved over the past 45 years.  This webinar is part of a 2-part series on infant hearin

http://ift.tt/2ise8Ea

Book Review—Hematopathology, 2nd edition

http://ift.tt/2iYK3sd

The association between sclerostin and incident type 2 diabetes risk: a cohort study

Abstract

Objective

To determine whether sclerostin is associated with fasting glucose, insulin levels, insulin resistance or increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes.

Background

Type 2 diabetic patients have a higher risk of fractures. Recent studies suggest sclerostin, a regulator of osteoblast activity, is associated with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Sclerostin levels were obtained from 1,778 individuals with no history of type 2 diabetes participating in the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) cohort. Participants were followed until diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, death, or end of the study period (December 31, 2013). The relationship of sclerostin with fasting glucose, insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was studied in linear regression models. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association of sclerostin levels and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes during a mean 7.5 years of follow-up.

Results

Fasting glucose, fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR were weakly correlated with sclerostin levels (Spearman's correlation coefficient: 0.11, p<0.05; -0.09, p<0.05; and -0.07, p=0.02 respectively). Multiple linear regression analyses confirmed a significant association between sclerostin and fasting insulin and HOMA-IR but no significant association with fasting glucose levels. Sclerostin levels were not found to be significantly associated with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes (HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.37-4.57).

Conclusions

We observed an association between sclerostin levels with fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR, but there was no clear association with type 2 diabetes risk. Further studies are needed to understand the role of sclerostin in type 2 diabetes.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2isbv5i

Can't intubate can't ventilate, use a small size Air-Q and the Pudgy-Baby maneuver

The incidence of difficult mask ventilation and difficult tracheal intubation is higher in obese and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients [1]. When a "cannot intubate cannot ventilate" (CICV) situation is encountered, a supraglottic airway device (SAD) should be inserted to rescue ventilation. Unfortunately, failure to achieve adequate ventilation with a SAD is also common in obese and OSA patients [2] which may lead to a catastrophic outcome if a surgical airway is not immediately established.

http://ift.tt/2iAp7tH

Acute renal injury in the course of a large pleural effusion

Furst B. and colleagues described in this journal [1] an abrupt hemodynamic decompensation after performing pericardial window in a patient with malignant pericardial effusion (PRE). The hemodynamic consequences promptly reversed when a concurrent large pleural effusion (PLE) was evacuated.

http://ift.tt/2iv50Kl

The sedative effects of the intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine in children undergoing surgeries compared to other sedation methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation is comfortable and effective in children who are afraid of needles, and it offers efficient sedation similar to that of intravenous administration. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical effects of the pre-procedural administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine.

http://ift.tt/2iAfdIw

Immune transcriptome reveals the mincle C-type lectin receptor acts as a partial replacement for TLR4 in lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory response in barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 83
Author(s): Emmanuelle Zoccola, Stuart Kellie, Andrew C. Barnes
Fish represent the most diverse and abundant extant vertebrate infraclass. They are also one of the earliest divergent phyla with adaptive immunity based on antigen recognition by MHC and immunoglobulin. The aquaculture industry, which currently provides more than half of the fish for human consumption globally, has successfully exploited the adaptive immune system of fish through mass vaccination programs. However, vaccination against highly diverse antigens, mostly carbohydrates, such as capsular polysaccharides and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is challenging. Fish have a subdued innate response to LPS, but adaptive response is generally high and type-specific. To better understand the link between initial innate response and early onset of adaptive immunity to carbohydrate antigens in the perciform barramundi (Lates calcarifer), an immune transcriptome was prepared from pronephros and spleen following vaccination with LPS and peptidoglycan. From 163,661 transcripts derived by Illumina mRNA-Seq, most grouped in neuronal, endocrine or immune system categories, suggesting a close relationship between the three systems. Moreover, digestive enzyme transcripts in spleen appeared to be highly inducible in barramundi. Most of the known TLRs were transcribed in the barramundi spleen and HK transcriptome, with the notable exception of TLR4, which is primarily responsible for LPS recognition in mammals. Several C-type lectin receptors were also identified, including CD209, CD205, and CLEC4E (Mincle). As Mincle has been shown to bind LPS and is abundant on dendritic cells, its role in response to LPS in barramundi was further investigated. A high dose of LPS induced TNF-alpha expression via Mincle. However, IL-6 regulation, whilst still regulated in response to LPS, did not depend upon the Mincle pathway, suggesting other routes of activation. This study thus suggests that Mincle acts as a partial substitute for TLR4 in barramundi in the processing of LPS.



http://ift.tt/2jlOctv

Immune transcriptome reveals the mincle C-type lectin receptor acts as a partial replacement for TLR4 in lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory response in barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 83
Author(s): Emmanuelle Zoccola, Stuart Kellie, Andrew C. Barnes
Fish represent the most diverse and abundant extant vertebrate infraclass. They are also one of the earliest divergent phyla with adaptive immunity based on antigen recognition by MHC and immunoglobulin. The aquaculture industry, which currently provides more than half of the fish for human consumption globally, has successfully exploited the adaptive immune system of fish through mass vaccination programs. However, vaccination against highly diverse antigens, mostly carbohydrates, such as capsular polysaccharides and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is challenging. Fish have a subdued innate response to LPS, but adaptive response is generally high and type-specific. To better understand the link between initial innate response and early onset of adaptive immunity to carbohydrate antigens in the perciform barramundi (Lates calcarifer), an immune transcriptome was prepared from pronephros and spleen following vaccination with LPS and peptidoglycan. From 163,661 transcripts derived by Illumina mRNA-Seq, most grouped in neuronal, endocrine or immune system categories, suggesting a close relationship between the three systems. Moreover, digestive enzyme transcripts in spleen appeared to be highly inducible in barramundi. Most of the known TLRs were transcribed in the barramundi spleen and HK transcriptome, with the notable exception of TLR4, which is primarily responsible for LPS recognition in mammals. Several C-type lectin receptors were also identified, including CD209, CD205, and CLEC4E (Mincle). As Mincle has been shown to bind LPS and is abundant on dendritic cells, its role in response to LPS in barramundi was further investigated. A high dose of LPS induced TNF-alpha expression via Mincle. However, IL-6 regulation, whilst still regulated in response to LPS, did not depend upon the Mincle pathway, suggesting other routes of activation. This study thus suggests that Mincle acts as a partial substitute for TLR4 in barramundi in the processing of LPS.



http://ift.tt/2jlOctv

Linking organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3) interaction profiles to hepatotoxicity - The hyperbilirubinemia use case

Publication date: 30 March 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 100
Author(s): Eleni Kotsampasakou, Sylvia E. Escher, Gerhard F. Ecker
Hyperbilirubinemia is a pathological condition of excessive accumulation of conjugated or unconjugated bilirubin in blood. It has been associated with neurotoxicity and non-neural organ dysfunctions, while it can also be a warning of liver side effects. Hyperbilirubinemia can either be a result of overproduction of bilirubin due to hemolysis or dyserythropoiesis, or the outcome of impaired bilirubin elimination due to liver transporter malfunction or inhibition. There are several reports in literature that inhibition of organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3) might lead to hyperbilirubinemia. In this study we created a set of classification models for hyperbilirubinemia, which, besides physicochemical descriptors, also include the output of classification models of human OATP1B1 and 1B3 inhibition. Models were based on either human data derived from public toxicity reports or animal data extracted from the eTOX database VITIC. The generated models showed satisfactory accuracy (68%) and area under the curve (AUC) for human data and 71% accuracy and 70% AUC for animal data. However, our results did not indicate strong association between OATP inhibition and hyperbilirubinemia, neither for humans nor for animals.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2jNbTrz

Sitagliptin inhibit human lymphocytes proliferation and Th1/Th17 differentiation in vitro

Publication date: 30 March 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 100
Author(s): Marcelo Maia Pinheiro, Caroline Lais Stoppa, Claudete Justina Valduga, Cristina Eunice Okuyama, Renata Gorjão, Regina Mara Silva Pereira, Susana Nogueira Diniz
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new class of anti-diabetic agents that are widely used in clinical practice to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. DPP-4 is also known as lymphocyte cell surface protein, CD26, and plays an important role in T-cell immunity. Recent studies suggest that DPP-4 inhibitors improve beta-cell function and attenuate autoimmunity in type 1 diabetic mouse models. To investigate the direct effect of DPP4 in immune response, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy volunteers were obtained by Ficoll gradient and cultivated in the absence (control) or presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA), or stimulated with PHA and treated with sitagliptin. The immune modulation mechanisms analyzed were: cell proliferation, by MTT assay; cytokine quantification by ELISA or cytometric bead array (CBA), Th1/Th2/Th17 phenotyping by flow cytometric analysis and CD26 gene expression by real time PCR. The results showed that sitagliptin treatment inhibited the proliferation of PBMC-PHA stimulated cells in a dose dependent manner and decreased CD26 expression by these cells, suggesting that sitagliptin may interfere in CD26 expression, dimerization and cell signaling. Sitagliptin treatment not only inhibited IL-10 (p<0.05) and IFN-gamma (p=0.07) cytokines, but also completely abolish IL-6 expression by PBMCs (p<0.001). On the other hand, IL-4 were secreted in culture supernatants from sitagliptin treated cells. A statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the ratio of TGF-beta/proliferation index after sitagliptin treatment (2627.97±1351.65), when comparing to untreated cells (646.28±376.94), was also demonstrated, indicating higher TGF-beta1 production by viable cells in cultures. Sitagliptin treatment induced a significantly (p<0.05) decrease in IL-17 and IFN-gamma intracellular expression compared with PHA alone. Also, the percentage of T CD4⁺IL-17⁺, T CD4⁺IFNgamma⁺ and T CD4⁺IL-4⁺ cells were significantly reduced (p<0.05) by sitagliptin. Our data demonstrated an immunosuppressive effect of sitagliptin on Th1, Th17 and Th2 lymphocytes differentiation that leads to the generation of regulatory TGF-beta1 secreting cells with low CD26 gene expression that may influence the state of pancreatic beta-cells and controlling DM1 patients.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2jN6HnA

A calix[4]arene derivative and its selective interaction with drugs (clofibric acid, diclofenac and aspirin)

Publication date: 30 March 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 100
Author(s): Angela F Danil de Namor, Maan Al Nuaim, Jose A Villanueva Salas, Sophie Bryant, Brendan Howlin
The synthesis and characterisation of a partially substituted calix[4]arene, namely, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl,25,27-bis[aminoethoxy] 26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene are reported. Its interaction with commonly used pharmaceuticals (clofibric acid, diclofenac and aspirin) was investigated by spectroscopic (¹H NMR and UV), electrochemical (conductance measurements) and thermal (titration calorimetry) techniques. It is concluded on the basis of the experimental work and molecular simulation studies that the receptor interacts selectively with these drugs. Preliminary studies on the selective extraction of these pharmaceuticals from water by the calix receptor are reported and the potential for a carrier mediated sensor based on this ligand for 'onsite' monitoring of pharmaceuticals is discussed.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2izUkgO

Immune regulatory network in successful pregnancy and reproductive failures

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Mahnaz Ghaebi, Mohammad Nouri, Aliyeh Ghasemzadeh, Laya Farzadi, Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh, Majid Ahmadi, Mehdi Yousefi
Maternal immune system must tolerate semiallogenic fetus to establish and maintain a successful pregnancy. Despite the existence of several strategies of trophoblast to avoid recognition by maternal leukocytes, maternal immune system may react against paternal alloantigenes. Leukocytes are important components in decidua. Not only T helper (Th)1/Th2 balance, but also regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in pregnancy. Although the frequency of Tregs is elevated during normal pregnancies, their frequency and function are reduced in reproductive defects such as recurrent miscarriage and preeclampsia. Tregs are not the sole population of suppressive cells in the decidua. It has recently been shown that regulatory B10 (Breg) cells participate in pregnancy through secretion of IL-10 cytokine. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature developing precursors of innate myeloid cells that are increased in pregnant women, implying their possible function in pregnancy. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are also detected in mouse and human decidua. They can also affect the fetomaternal tolerance. In this review, we will discuss on the role of different immune regulatory cells including Treg, γd T cell, Breg, MDSC, and NKT cells in pregnancy outcome.



http://ift.tt/2jdZwFX

A systems pharmacology perspective to decipher the mechanism of action of Parangichakkai chooranam, a Siddha formulation for the treatment of psoriasis

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Sudharsana Sundarrajan, Mohanapriya Arumugam
Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing immune mediated disorder of the skin. The disease presents itself with well featured clinical and histological characteristics however the aetiology of the disease still remains obscure. The current systemic therapies aim to eliminate the symptoms of disease rather than offering a complete cure. Parangichakkai chooranam (PC), a Siddha oral herbal formulation has been widely prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. Though the medication is highly prescribed by the Siddha healers the mechanism of PC for the treatment of psoriasis remains to be elucidated. The current study utilizes an integrated systems pharmacology approach to decipher the mechanism of action of PC. The comprehensive network pharmacological approach resulted in the construction of a Compound-Target network which encloses 155 compounds and 583 protein targets. A Disease-Target network was constructed by assembling disease proteins and their partners. When the compound targets were mapped to the network their involvement as controllers of the disease and triggers of disease associated comorbidities were identified. A Target-Pathway network raised from the pathway enrichment analysis not only identified disease specific pathways but also the pathways mediating secondary complications such as skin hemostasis, wound healing, desquamation and itch. The present work sheds light on the mechanism of action of PC in treating psoriasis. This work not only highlights the pharmacological action of the formulation but also emphasis on safe herbal remedies offered by the Siddha medicinal system.



http://ift.tt/2ir2dq8

Establishment of a fluorescence-based method to evaluate endocytosis of desialylated glycoproteins in vitro

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Cheng Luo, Song Chen, Na Xu, Wen bo Sai, Wei Zhao, Ying chun Li, Xiao jing Hu, Hong Tian, Xiang dong Gao, Wen bing Yao
Insufficient sialylation can result in rapid clearance of therapeutic glycoproteins by intracellular degradation, which is mainly mediated by asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) on hepatic cells. In contrast, for glycoproteins, a long half-life is often related to high level of terminal sialic acid. These could be extremely important for insufficient sialylated biomedicines in clinic, and development of therapeutic glycoproteins in laboratory. However, how the desialylated glycoproteins are removed and how to evaluate the ASGPRs mediated endocytosis in vitro needs further investigate. Herein we described an integrative characterization of ASGPRs in vitro to elucidate its endocytosis properties. The endocytosis was determined by a fluorescence-based quantization method. The results showed that the ASGPRs could bind to poorly sialylated glycoproteins including asialofetuin and low sialylated recombinant Factor VIIa with a relatively higher ASGPRs binding affinity, and induce a more rapid endocytosis in vitro. Moreover, the mechanism under the internalization of ASGPRs was also investigated, which was found to depend on clathrin and caveolin. Utilizing the relative fluorescence quantification can be suitable for measurement of insufficient sialylated glycoprotein endocytosis and quality control of therapeutic glycoproteins, which could be useful for the understanding of the development of therapeutic glycoproteins.



http://ift.tt/2jdUkll

Heliangin inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through signaling NF-κB pathway on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): XinGang Lu, Li Min, JiongLin Wei, HaiXin Gou, ZhiJun Bao, JiaoFeng Wang, Zheng Wang, YiZhi Huang, BingChen An
The heliangin is a natural agent mainly isolated from Helianthus tuberosus L. (Asteraceae). In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of heliangin, several typical models in vivo and in vitro were performed. The RAW264.7 mouse macrophages cells were employed in vitro and dexamethasone were conducted as positive. The cytotoxicity results of heliangin on RAW 264.7 cells provided the safety in vitro for further study. The mRNA of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 were degraded under heliangin exposure in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The protein expression of iNOS, COX-2 were decreased via heliangin exposure in a dose-dependent manner. Heliangin inhibited TNF-α, NO, IL-6 and PGE2 expression levels in macrophage cells lysate. The immunocytochemistry assay showed the fluorescence image of heliangin treatment intercepted the p65 translocation process from outside to inside of nuclei triggered by LPS. Moreover, we founded that MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway play important roles in heliangin's activity on RAW264.7 cells. Secondly, the acute toxic study results of heliangin manifested the safety in vivo. Heliangin exerted anti-inflammation effect in a xylene-induced ear swelling in BALB/C mice and carrageenan-induced paw edema model in SD rats. The cytokines levels (TNF-α, IL-6 and PGE2) were decreased. The paw tissue immunochemistry assay demonstrated the IL-6 protein level changes in carrageenan-induced paw edema model under heliangin administration.



http://ift.tt/2iqUcBN

American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy Published in Thyroid Journal

New evidence-based recommendations from the American Thyroid Association (ATA) provide guidance to clinicians in diagnosing and managing thyroid disease during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Pregnancy has a profound effect on thyroid gland function, and thyroid disease is common in pregnancy. The 97 recommendations presented in the new Guidelines help define current best practices for thyroid function testing, iodine nutrition, pregnancy complications, and treatment of thyroid disease during pregnancy and lactation. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines are available free on the website of Thyroid, the official peer-reviewed journal of the ATA, published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.

The "2017 Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease during Pregnancy and the Postpartum" were coauthored by an international task force of expert clinicians and researchers in the field of thyroidology. Led by Co-chairs Erik Alexander MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Elizabeth Pearce, MD, MSc, Boston University School of Medicine, the task force provides a solid foundation of knowledge on the assessment and treatment of thyroid disease in women during pregnancy, preconception, and the postpartum period. The Guidelines include recommendations related to the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer, as well as thyroid considerations in infertile women, fetal and neonatal considerations, and directions for future research.

"These guidelines provide a superb overview on the pathophysiology and the clinical management of thyroid disorders during and after pregnancy. In addition, they also define areas where additional research is needed; this will allow keeping the document living with further updates in the coming years," says Peter A. Kopp, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Thyroid and Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.

"Produced by an international panel of recognized experts, these updated guidelines add to the library of similar documents on thyroid disease that serve as the gold standard for diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders and identify critical areas where more research and knowledge is needed," says, John C. Morris, III, MD, President of the ATA, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

"With an estimated 300,000 pregnancies impacted by thyroid disease in the United States annually, these guidelines coalesce the best available evidence into clear clinical recommendations, and will improve the health of many, many mothers and newborns alike," say Dr. Alexander and Dr. Pearce.

About the Journal
Thyroid, the official journal of the American Thyroid Association, is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published monthly online with open access options and in print. The Journal publishes original articles and timely reviews that reflect the rapidly advancing changes in our understanding of thyroid physiology and pathology, from the molecular biology of the cell to clinical management of thyroid disorders. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Thyroid  website. The complete Thyroid Journal Program includes the highly valued abstract and commentary publication Clinical Thyroidology, led by Editor-in-Chief Jerome M. Hershman, MD and published monthly, and the groundbreaking videojournal companion VideoEndocrinology, led by Editor Gerard Doherty, MD and published quarterly. Complete tables of content and sample issues may be viewed on the Thyroid website.

About the Society
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the leading worldwide organization dedicated to the advancement, understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. ATA is an international multi-discipline medical society with over 1,700 endocrinologists, surgeons, oncologists from 43 countries around the world. Celebrating its 94^th anniversary, the ATA delivers its mission—of being devoted to thyroid biology and to the treatment of thyroid disease through excellence in research, clinical care, education, and public health—through several key endeavors: the publication of highly regarded professional journals, Thyroid, Clinical Thyroidology, and VideoEndocrinology; annual scientific meetings; biennial clinical and research symposia; research grant programs for young investigators, support of online professional, public and patient educational programs; and the development of guidelines for clinical management of thyroid disease and thyroid cancer. The ATA promotes thyroid awareness and information through its online Clinical Thyroidology for the Public (distributed free of charge to over 11,000 patients and public subscribers) and extensive, authoritative explanations of thyroid disease and thyroid cancer in both English and Spanish. The ATA website serves as the clinical resource for patients and the public who look for reliable information on the Internet.

About the Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Journal of Women's Health, and Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's more than 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.

 

The post American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy Published in Thyroid Journal appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2jybeL4

American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy Published in Thyroid Journal

New evidence-based recommendations from the American Thyroid Association (ATA) provide guidance to clinicians in diagnosing and managing thyroid disease during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Pregnancy has a profound effect on thyroid gland function, and thyroid disease is common in pregnancy. The 97 recommendations presented in the new Guidelines help define current best practices for thyroid function testing, iodine nutrition, pregnancy complications, and treatment of thyroid disease during pregnancy and lactation. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines are available free on the website of Thyroid, the official peer-reviewed journal of the ATA, published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.

The "2017 Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease during Pregnancy and the Postpartum" were coauthored by an international task force of expert clinicians and researchers in the field of thyroidology. Led by Co-chairs Erik Alexander MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Elizabeth Pearce, MD, MSc, Boston University School of Medicine, the task force provides a solid foundation of knowledge on the assessment and treatment of thyroid disease in women during pregnancy, preconception, and the postpartum period. The Guidelines include recommendations related to the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer, as well as thyroid considerations in infertile women, fetal and neonatal considerations, and directions for future research.

"These guidelines provide a superb overview on the pathophysiology and the clinical management of thyroid disorders during and after pregnancy. In addition, they also define areas where additional research is needed; this will allow keeping the document living with further updates in the coming years," says Peter A. Kopp, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Thyroid and Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.

"Produced by an international panel of recognized experts, these updated guidelines add to the library of similar documents on thyroid disease that serve as the gold standard for diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders and identify critical areas where more research and knowledge is needed," says, John C. Morris, III, MD, President of the ATA, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

"With an estimated 300,000 pregnancies impacted by thyroid disease in the United States annually, these guidelines coalesce the best available evidence into clear clinical recommendations, and will improve the health of many, many mothers and newborns alike," say Dr. Alexander and Dr. Pearce.

About the Journal
Thyroid, the official journal of the American Thyroid Association, is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published monthly online with open access options and in print. The Journal publishes original articles and timely reviews that reflect the rapidly advancing changes in our understanding of thyroid physiology and pathology, from the molecular biology of the cell to clinical management of thyroid disorders. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Thyroid  website. The complete Thyroid Journal Program includes the highly valued abstract and commentary publication Clinical Thyroidology, led by Editor-in-Chief Jerome M. Hershman, MD and published monthly, and the groundbreaking videojournal companion VideoEndocrinology, led by Editor Gerard Doherty, MD and published quarterly. Complete tables of content and sample issues may be viewed on the Thyroid website.

About the Society
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the leading worldwide organization dedicated to the advancement, understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. ATA is an international multi-discipline medical society with over 1,700 endocrinologists, surgeons, oncologists from 43 countries around the world. Celebrating its 94^th anniversary, the ATA delivers its mission—of being devoted to thyroid biology and to the treatment of thyroid disease through excellence in research, clinical care, education, and public health—through several key endeavors: the publication of highly regarded professional journals, Thyroid, Clinical Thyroidology, and VideoEndocrinology; annual scientific meetings; biennial clinical and research symposia; research grant programs for young investigators, support of online professional, public and patient educational programs; and the development of guidelines for clinical management of thyroid disease and thyroid cancer. The ATA promotes thyroid awareness and information through its online Clinical Thyroidology for the Public (distributed free of charge to over 11,000 patients and public subscribers) and extensive, authoritative explanations of thyroid disease and thyroid cancer in both English and Spanish. The ATA website serves as the clinical resource for patients and the public who look for reliable information on the Internet.

About the Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Journal of Women's Health, and Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's more than 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.

 

The post American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy Published in Thyroid Journal appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

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The stability of gadolinium-based contrast agents in human serum: A reanalysis of literature data and association with clinical outcomes

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volume 38
Author(s): John P. Prybylski, Richard C. Semelka, Michael Jay
PurposeTo reanalyze literature data of gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in plasma with a kinetic model of dissociation to provide a comprehensive assessment of equilibrium conditions for linear GBCAs.MethodsData for the release of Gd from GBCAs in human serum was extracted from a previous report in the literature and fit to a kinetic dissociation/association model. The conditional stabilities (logKcond) and percent intact over time were calculated using the model rate constants. The correlations between clinical outcomes and logKcond or other stability indices were determined.ResultsThe release curves for Omniscan®, gadodiamide, OptiMARK®, gadoversetamide Magnevist® and Multihance® were extracted and all fit well to the kinetic model. The logKconds calculated from the rate constants were on the order of ~4–6, and were not significantly altered by excess ligand or phosphate. The stability constant based on the amount intact by the initial elimination half-life of GBCAs in plasma provided good correlation with outcomes observed in patients.ConclusionsEstimation of the kinetic constants for GBCA dissociation/association revealed that their stability in physiological fluid is much lower than previous approaches would suggest, which correlates well with deposition and pharmacokinetic observations of GBCAs in human patients.



http://ift.tt/2jydK48

Assessment of gait and sensorimotor deficits in the D1CT-7 mouse model of Tourette syndrome

Publication date: Available online 15 January 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Stephen C. Fowler, Laura J. Mosher, Sean C. Godar, Marco Bortolato
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor and phonic tics. While TS patients have been also shown to exhibit subtle abnormalities of sensorimotor integration and gait, animal models of this disorder are seldom tested for these functions. To fill this gap, we assessed gait and sensorimotor integration in the D1CT-7 mouse, one of the best-validated animal models of TS. D1CT-7 mice exhibit spontaneous tic-like manifestations, which, in line with the clinical phenomenology of TS, are markedly exacerbated by environmental stress. Thus, to verify whether stress may affect sensorimotor integration and gait functions in D1CT-7 mice, we subjected these animals to a 20-min session of spatial confinement, an environmental stressor that was recently shown to worsen tic-like manifestations. Immediately following this manipulation (or no confinement, for controls), animals were subjected to either the sticky-tape task, to test for sensorimotor integration; or a 60-min session in an open field (42×42cm) force-plate actometer for gait analysis. Gait analyses included spatial, temporal, and dynamic (force) parameters. D1CT-7 mice displayed a longer latency to remove a sticky tape, indicating marked impairments in sensorimotor integration; furthermore, these mutants exhibited shortened stride length, increased stride rate, nearly equal early-phase velocity, and higher late-phase velocity. D1CT-7 mice also ran with greater force amplitude than wild-type (WT) littermates. None of these phenotypes was worsened by spatial confinement. These results highlight the potential importance of testing sensorimotor integration and gait functions as a phenotypic correlate of cortical connectivity deficits in animal models of TS.



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Autophagy and autoimmunity

Publication date: Available online 15 January 2017
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Dennis J. Wu, Iannis E. Adamopoulos
Autophagy is a highly conserved protein degradation pathway from yeasts to humans that is essential for removing protein aggregates and misfolded proteins in healthy cells. Recently, autophagy-related genes polymorphisms have been implicated in several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis. Numerous studies reveal autophagy and autophagy-related proteins also participate in immune regulation. Conditional deletions of autophagy-related proteins in mice have rendered protection from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and TNF-mediated joint destruction in animal models of multiple sclerosis and experimental arthritis respectively. As autophagy is strongly implicated in immune functions such as removal of intracellular bacteria, inflammatory cytokine secretion, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte development, in this review we summarized current understanding of the roles of autophagy and autophagy proteins in autoimmune diseases.



http://ift.tt/2jMBYa8

Autophagy and autoimmunity

Publication date: Available online 15 January 2017
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Dennis J. Wu, Iannis E. Adamopoulos
Autophagy is a highly conserved protein degradation pathway from yeasts to humans that is essential for removing protein aggregates and misfolded proteins in healthy cells. Recently, autophagy-related genes polymorphisms have been implicated in several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis. Numerous studies reveal autophagy and autophagy-related proteins also participate in immune regulation. Conditional deletions of autophagy-related proteins in mice have rendered protection from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and TNF-mediated joint destruction in animal models of multiple sclerosis and experimental arthritis respectively. As autophagy is strongly implicated in immune functions such as removal of intracellular bacteria, inflammatory cytokine secretion, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte development, in this review we summarized current understanding of the roles of autophagy and autophagy proteins in autoimmune diseases.



http://ift.tt/2jMBYa8

Ultrasensitive detection of oncogenic human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal tissue swabs

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) caused by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is rising worldwide. HPV-OPSCC is commonly diagnosed by RT-qPCR of HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins or by...

http://ift.tt/2jxYQuF

Ultrasensitive detection of oncogenic human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal tissue swabs

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) caused by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is rising worldwide. HPV-OPSCC is commonly diagnosed by RT-qPCR of HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins or by...

http://ift.tt/2jxYQuF

Use of an intraoperative navigation system for retrieving a broken dental instrument in the mandible: a case report

A fracture of root canal instruments, with a fractured piece protruding beyond the apex, is a troublesome incident during an endodontic treatment. Locating and retrieving them represents a challenge to maxillo...

http://ift.tt/2jlcVyb

The implantable loop recorder and its mammographic appearance: A case based approach

Publication date: Available online 15 January 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Sharon Steinberger, Laurie Margolies
The normal radiographic appearance of implantable loop recorders has been illustrated in the radiology literature; however, their mammographic appearance has not been described. Breast imagers should become familiar with the appearance of loop recorders in order to create an accurate report. In this paper we report 3 cases of patients with implantable loop recorders who underwent mammography. We describe the types and components of implantable loop recorders, indications for their placement, and their classic appearance on mammography.



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Emergency color Doppler sonography of the extremity artery: A pictorial essay

Publication date: Available online 15 January 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Kevin Mennitt, Madhvi Deol, Jing Gao
Arterial color duplex sonography (CDUS) of the extremities is routinely analyzed in the field of emergency radiology. A retrospective review of 500 consecutive arterial CDUS extremity studies was performed in our emergency department. Abnormal CDUS examinations were classified into two groups according to their primary etiology: 1) traumatic arterial injuries (accidents or post-operative complications) and 2) acute arterial ischemia (thrombosis or embolism outside of the setting of acute trauma). This article reviews common CDUS imaging findings in a busy emergency radiology division including traumatic pseudoaneurysm, secondary pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, acute ischemic arterial disease and chronic peripheral arterial disease. This essay highlights the crucial role of CDUS in the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities in the emergency setting. CDUS provides several advantages over other imaging modalities including high accuracy, rapid results, portability, lack of radiation, and low cost.



http://ift.tt/2jmOJLo

Use of an intraoperative navigation system for retrieving a broken dental instrument in the mandible: a case report

A fracture of root canal instruments, with a fractured piece protruding beyond the apex, is a troublesome incident during an endodontic treatment. Locating and retrieving them represents a challenge to maxillo...

http://ift.tt/2jlcVyb

Anti-angiogenic treatment in breast cancer: Facts, successes, failures and future perspectives.

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Anti-angiogenic treatment in breast cancer: Facts, successes, failures and future perspectives.

Cancer Treat Rev. 2017 Jan 03;53:98-110

Authors: Aalders KC, Tryfonidis K, Senkus E, Cardoso F

Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer and a crucial requisite in the development of tumors. Interrupting this process by blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab has been considered a possible breakthrough in the treatment of various types of cancer, especially for advanced disease. However in breast cancer, studies have shown ambivalent results causing debate about the value of this drug. In this article, we review the evidence for anti-angiogenic treatment options for breast cancer, as well as discuss the possible factors limiting the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic agents and offer a recommendation regarding the future research on these therapies for the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID: 28088074 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Strategies to design clinical studies to identify predictive biomarkers in cancer research.

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Strategies to design clinical studies to identify predictive biomarkers in cancer research.

Cancer Treat Rev. 2016 Dec 30;53:79-97

Authors: Perez-Gracia JL, Sanmamed MF, Bosch A, Patiño-Garcia A, Schalper KA, Segura V, Bellmunt J, Tabernero J, Sweeney CJ, Choueiri TK, Martín M, Fusco JP, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Calvo A, Prior C, Paz-Ares L, Pio R, Gonzalez-Billalabeitia E, Gonzalez Hernandez A, Páez D, Piulats JM, Gurpide A, Andueza M, de Velasco G, Pazo R, Grande E, Nicolas P, Abad-Santos F, Garcia-Donas J, Castellano D, Pajares MJ, Suarez C, Colomer R, Montuenga LM, Melero I

Abstract
The discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict efficacy and toxicity of anticancer drugs remains one of the key challenges in cancer research. Despite its relevance, no efficient study designs to identify promising candidate biomarkers have been established. This has led to the proliferation of a myriad of exploratory studies using dissimilar strategies, most of which fail to identify any promising targets and are seldom validated. The lack of a proper methodology also determines that many anti-cancer drugs are developed below their potential, due to failure to identify predictive biomarkers. While some drugs will be systematically administered to many patients who will not benefit from them, leading to unnecessary toxicities and costs, others will never reach registration due to our inability to identify the specific patient population in which they are active. Despite these drawbacks, a limited number of outstanding predictive biomarkers have been successfully identified and validated, and have changed the standard practice of oncology. In this manuscript, a multidisciplinary panel reviews how those key biomarkers were identified and, based on those experiences, proposes a methodological framework-the DESIGN guidelines-to standardize the clinical design of biomarker identification studies and to develop future research in this pivotal field.

PMID: 28088073 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jmOqQJ

Diverse role of Survival Motor Neuron Protein

Publication date: Available online 15 January 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
Author(s): Ravindra N. Singh, Matthew D. Howell, Eric W. Ottesen, Natalia N. Singh
The multifunctional Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein is required for the survival of all organisms of the animal kingdom. SMN impacts various aspects of RNA metabolism through the formation and/or interaction with ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. SMN regulates biogenesis of small nuclear RNPs, small nucleolar RNPs, small Cajal body-associated RNPs, signal recognition particles and telomerase. SMN also plays an important role in DNA repair, transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, histone mRNA processing, translation, selenoprotein synthesis, macromolecular trafficking, stress granule formation, cell signaling and cytoskeleton maintenance. The tissue-specific requirement of SMN is dictated by the variety and the abundance of its interacting partners. Reduced expression of SMN causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. SMA displays a broad spectrum ranging from embryonic lethality to an adult onset. Aberrant expression and/or localization of SMN has also been associated with male infertility, inclusion body myositis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and osteoarthritis. This review provides a summary of various SMN functions with implications to a better understanding of SMA and other pathological conditions.



http://ift.tt/2jSQxgg

TDP-43 pathology and memory impairment in elders without pathologic diagnoses of AD or FTLD.

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TDP-43 pathology and memory impairment in elders without pathologic diagnoses of AD or FTLD.

Neurology. 2017 Jan 13;:

Authors: Nag S, Yu L, Wilson RS, Chen EY, Bennett DA, Schneider JA

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology with memory, other cognitive domains, and dementia in community-dwelling elders without pathologic diagnoses of Alzheimer disease (AD) or frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).
METHODS: Of 1,058 autopsied participants, 343 (32.4%) did not have pathologic diagnoses of AD or FTLD. Diagnosis of dementia was based on clinical evaluation and cognitive performance tests, which were used to create summary measures of global cognition and of 5 cognitive domains. TDP-43 pathology evaluated in 6 brain regions by immunohistochemistry was converted into a summary measure of TDP-43 severity.
RESULTS: Of 343 participants, 135 (39.4%) had TDP-43 pathology with a mean TDP-43 severity score of 0.394 (SD 0.490). TDP-43 inclusions were confined to the amygdala (stage 1) in 43.7% of participants, 40% showed additional involvement of the hippocampus or entorhinal cortex (stages 2), while fewer (16.3%) showed additional TDP-43 pathology in the temporal and frontal cortices (stage 3). Severity of TDP-43 pathology was independently related to lower function in global cognition and episodic and semantic memory while increased odds of dementia was only a trend. When participants with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) were excluded from the models, TDP-43 pathology remained associated with lower episodic memory but relationships with global cognition, semantic memory, and dementia were attenuated.
CONCLUSIONS: TDP-43 pathology in elders, without pathologic diagnoses of AD or FTLD, is common and independently associated with lower function in episodic memory, while its associations with global cognitive impairment and dementia are difficult to separate from HS.

PMID: 28087828 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jSyLtI

Neuropathology of SUDEP: Role of inflammation, blood-brain barrier impairment, and hypoxia.

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Neuropathology of SUDEP: Role of inflammation, blood-brain barrier impairment, and hypoxia.

Neurology. 2017 Jan 13;:

Authors: Michalak Z, Obari D, Ellis M, Thom M, Sisodiya SM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To seek a neuropathologic signature of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in a postmortem cohort by use of immunohistochemistry for specific markers of inflammation, gliosis, acute neuronal injury due to hypoxia, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, enabling the generation of hypotheses about potential mechanisms of death in SUDEP.
METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated the expression of 6 markers (CD163, human leukocyte antigen-antigen D related, glial fibrillary acid protein, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α [HIF-1α], immunoglobulin G, and albumin) in the hippocampus, amygdala, and medulla in 58 postmortem cases: 28 SUDEP (definite and probable), 12 epilepsy controls, and 18 nonepileptic sudden death controls. A semiquantitative measure of immunoreactivity was scored for all markers used, and quantitative image analysis was carried out for selected markers.
RESULTS: Immunoreactivity was observed for all markers used within all studied brain regions and groups. Immunoreactivity for inflammatory reaction, BBB leakage, and HIF-1α in SUDEP cases was not different from that seen in control groups.
CONCLUSIONS: This study represents a starting point to explore by immunohistochemistry the mechanisms underlying SUDEP in human brain tissue. Our approach highlights the potential and importance of considering immunohistochemical analysis to help identify biomarkers of SUDEP. Our results suggest that with the markers used, there is no clear immunohistochemical signature of SUDEP in human brain.

PMID: 28087824 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2iqpcSc

Spontaneous ischaemic stroke lesions in a dog brain: neuropathological characterisation and comparison to human ischaemic stroke.

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Spontaneous ischaemic stroke lesions in a dog brain: neuropathological characterisation and comparison to human ischaemic stroke.

Acta Vet Scand. 2017 Jan 13;59(1):7

Authors: Thomsen BB, Gredal H, Wirenfeldt M, Kristensen BW, Clausen BH, Larsen AE, Finsen B, Berendt M, Lambertsen KL

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dogs develop spontaneous ischaemic stroke with a clinical picture closely resembling human ischaemic stroke patients. Animal stroke models have been developed, but it has proved difficult to translate results obtained from such models into successful therapeutic strategies in human stroke patients. In order to face this apparent translational gap within stroke research, dogs with ischaemic stroke constitute an opportunity to study the neuropathology of ischaemic stroke in an animal species.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 7 years and 8 months old female neutered Rottweiler dog suffered a middle cerebral artery infarct and was euthanized 3 days after onset of neurological signs. The brain was subjected to histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Neuropathological changes were characterised by a pan-necrotic infarct surrounded by peri-infarct injured neurons and reactive microglia/macrophages and astrocytes.
CONCLUSIONS: The neuropathological changes reported in the present study were similar to findings in human patients with ischaemic stroke. The dog with spontaneous ischaemic stroke is of interest as a complementary spontaneous animal model for further neuropathological studies.

PMID: 28086932 [PubMed - in process]

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Care pathway of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in daily practice in France: Results from the REPERE national survey.

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Care pathway of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in daily practice in France: Results from the REPERE national survey.

Bull Cancer. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Hammel P, Coriat R, Lledo G, de Bausset M, Selosse M, Obled S, Bonnetain F

Abstract
Data in the literature regarding the care pathway of pancreatic cancer patients are limited. The objective of the REPERE survey was to identify and describe the initial stages of the care pathway of pancreatic patients in the metastatic phase. From May to October 2015, 62 oncologists (ON) or gastroenterologists specialized in digestive oncology (GESDO) and 300 general practitioners (GP) completed an electronic questionnaire on the pathway of 728 patients recently diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Of these patients, 200 completed a questionnaire given by a specialized physician (ON/GESDO). Weight loss (65%), fatigue (53%) or anorexia (49%) were the main signs/symptoms that motivated the patients to seek medical advice. For 87% of patients, the general practitioner was the first medicine doctor they consulted. According to the respondents (patient, general practitioner or specialist), the median delay between the onset of the first symptoms and the final diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was between 41 and 65 days. This time lapse tended to decrease with associated jaundice (-15 days on average, standard deviation=8, P<0.1 NS) or with patient concerns triggered by the first symptoms (-11 days on average, standard deviation=6, P<0.05). On the contrary, the time lapse was longer (+14 days on average, standard deviation=6, P<0.05) when the general practitioner prescribed symptomatic treatment. In conclusion, diagnostic management of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer should be accelerated with efforts to raise practitioners' awareness.

PMID: 28087054 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jSoC02

[La Société Française du Cancer is moving forward].

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[La Société Française du Cancer is moving forward].

Bull Cancer. 2017 Jan;104(1):2-3

Authors: Dutreix M, Marty M

PMID: 28086996 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2jxVveX

Cochlear synaptopathy in acquired sensorineural hearing loss: Manifestations and mechanisms.

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Cochlear synaptopathy in acquired sensorineural hearing loss: Manifestations and mechanisms.

Hear Res. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Liberman MC, Kujawa SG

Abstract
Common causes of hearing loss in humans - exposure to loud noise or ototoxic drugs and aging - often damage sensory hair cells, reflected as elevated thresholds on the clinical audiogram. Recent studies in animal models suggest, however, that well before this overt hearing loss can be seen, a more insidious, but likely more common, process is taking place that permanently interrupts synaptic communication between sensory inner hair cells and subsets of cochlear nerve fibers. The silencing of affected neurons alters auditory information processing, whether accompanied by threshold elevations or not, and is a likely contributor to a variety of perceptual abnormalities, including speech-in-noise difficulties, tinnitus and hyperacusis. Work described here will review structural and functional manifestations of this cochlear synaptopathy and will consider possible mechanisms underlying its appearance and progression in ears with and without traditional 'hearing loss' arising from several common causes in humans.

PMID: 28087419 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jSR4ib

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species regulate fungal protease-induced inflammatory responses.

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Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species regulate fungal protease-induced inflammatory responses.

Toxicology. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Kim YH, Lee SH

Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that fungal infections are a main cause of respiratory tract diseases, such as asthma, bronchopneumonia, intoxication, and invasive fungal disease. Fungi such as Aspergillus and Candida species have become increasingly important pathogens as the global climate changes. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the toxicological potential of Aspergillus protease in the lower respiratory tract. Exposure of Aspergillus protease to A549 cells induced upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 mRNAs and increased production of interleukin (IL)-8 and MCP-1 protein through enhanced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein (AP)-1. Furthermore, the mitochondrial ROS scavenger Mito-TEMPO, which inhibited MAPK and AP-1, significantly reduced MCP-1 and IL-1β mRNA expression and reduced HL-60 cell migration through the suppression of MCP-1 and IL-8 protein secretion. Thus, our results demonstrated that mitochondria were an important source of Aspergillus protease-stimulated ROS and that regulation of mitochondrial ROS modulated inflammatory responses by preventing activation of MAPK and AP-1 in A549 cells.

PMID: 28087464 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2iz9cvL

Regulatory T cells and IL10 suppress pulmonary host defense during early-life exposure to radical containing combustion derived ultrafine particulate matter.

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Regulatory T cells and IL10 suppress pulmonary host defense during early-life exposure to radical containing combustion derived ultrafine particulate matter.

Respir Res. 2017 Jan 13;18(1):15

Authors: Jaligama S, Saravia J, You D, Yadav N, Lee GI, Shrestha B, Cormier SA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exposure to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to respiratory tract viral infections in infants. Recent identification of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in the PM from a variety of combustion sources suggests its role in the enhancement of disease severity of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). Our previous studies demonstrated that acute exposure to EPFRs induces pulmonary immunosuppression allowing for enhanced influenza disease severity. Here, we determine the mechanism of EPFR-induced immunosuppression and its impact on the immune response towards influenza infection.
METHODS: Neonatal mice (3 days old) were acutely exposed to DCB (combustion derived PM with chemisorbed EPFR) for seven consecutive days. Four days post-exposure (dpe), mice were infected with influenza virus. Pulmonary T cell phenotypes including regulatory T cells (Tregs) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The role of IL10 in EPFR-induced exacerbation of influenza disease severity was determined by administering recombinant IL10 (rIL10) to wild type mice or by using IL10 deficient (IL10(-/-)) neonatal mice. Mice were assessed for morbidity by measuring percent weight change and pulmonary viral load.
RESULTS: Neonatal mice exposed to EPFRs had a significant increase in pulmonary Tregs and the immunosuppressive cytokine IL10 following influenza infection, which coincided with decreased protective T cell responses to influenza infection at 6 dpi. Depletion of Tregs in EPFR-exposed neonatal mice resulted in increased protective, adaptive T cell responses, whereas adoptive transfer of Tregs from EPFR-exposed neonates to air-exposed neonatal mice suppressed adaptive T cell responses towards influenza infection. Further, treatment with rIL10 could recapitulate EPFR-induced exacerbation of morbidity and pulmonary viral load compared to air exposed and influenza infected mice, whereas, EPFR-exposed IL10(-/-) neonates exhibited significant reductions in morbidity, pulmonary viral load and adaptive T cell responses following influenza infection.
CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal exposure to EPFRs induced Tregs and IL10 resulting in suppressed adaptive T cell responses and enhanced influenza disease severity in neonatal mice. Depletion of Tregs increased adaptive T cell responses and deficiency of IL10 reduced morbidity and conferred enhanced protection against influenza virus.

PMID: 28086957 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2iz3M3W

Aspirin prevents TNF-α-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by regulating the NF-κB-dependent miR-155/eNOS pathway: Role of a miR-155/eNOS axis in preeclampsia.

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Aspirin prevents TNF-α-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by regulating the NF-κB-dependent miR-155/eNOS pathway: Role of a miR-155/eNOS axis in preeclampsia.

Free Radic Biol Med. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Kim J, Lee KS, Kim JH, Lee DK, Park M, Choi S, Park W, Kim S, Choi YK, Hwang JY, Choe J, Won MH, Jeoung D, Lee H, Ryoo S, Ha KS, Kwon YG, Kim YM

Abstract
Preeclampsia is an inflammatory disease with endothelial cell dysfunction that occurs via decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (eNOS/NO) activity. Aspirin reduces the incidence of hypertensive pregnancy complications. However, the underlying mechanism has not been clearly explained. Here, we found that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, microRNA (miR)-155, and eNOS levels as well as endothelial redox phenotype were differentially regulated in preeclamptic patients, implying the involvement of TNF-α- and redox signal-mediated miR-155 biogenesis and eNOS downregulation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Aspirin prevented the TNF-α-mediated increase in miR-155 biogenesis and decreases in eNOS expression and NO/cGMP production in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Similar effects of aspirin were also observed in HUVECs treated with H2O2. The preventive effects of aspirin was associated with the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-dependent MIR155HG (miR-155 host gene) expression. Aspirin recovered the TNF-α-mediated decrease in wild-type, but not mutant, eNOS 3'-untranslated region reporter activity, whose effect was blocked by miR-155 mimic. Moreover, aspirin prevented TNF-α-mediated endothelial cell dysfunction associated with impaired vasorelaxation, angiogenesis, and trophoblast invasion, and the preventive effects were blocked by miR-155 mimic or an eNOS inhibitor. Aspirin rescued TNF-α-mediated eNOS downregulation coupled with endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting NF-κB-dependent transcriptional miR-155 biogenesis. Thus, the redox-sensitive NF-κB/miR-155/eNOS axis may be crucial in the pathogenesis of vascular disorders including preeclampsia.

PMID: 28087411 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jd5kzu

miR-24 Inhibition Increases Menin Expression and Decreases Cholangiocarcinoma Proliferation.

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miR-24 Inhibition Increases Menin Expression and Decreases Cholangiocarcinoma Proliferation.

Am J Pathol. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Ehrlich L, Hall C, Venter J, Dostal D, Bernuzzi F, Invernizzi P, Meng F, Trzeciakowski JP, Zhou T, Standeford H, Alpini G, Lairmore TC, Glaser S

Abstract
Menin (MEN1) is a tumor-suppressor protein in neuroendocrine tissue. Because cholangiocytes can take on a neuroendocrine phenotype, we tested the novel hypothesis that menin regulates cholangiocarcinoma proliferation. Menin and miR-24 expression levels were measured in the following intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell lines, Mz-ChA-1, TFK-1, SG231, CCLP, HuCCT-1, and HuH-28, as well as the nonmalignant human intrahepatic biliary line, H69. miR-24 miRNA and menin protein levels were manipulated in vitro in Mz-ChA-1 cell lines. Markers of proliferation and angiogenesis (Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factors A/C, Tie1/2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 2/3, and Ang1/2) were evaluated. Invasion and migration were evaluated with Boyden chamber and scratch assays. Mz-ChA-1 cells were injected into the flanks of nude mice and treated with miR-24 inhibitor or inhibitor scramble. Menin expression was decreased in advanced CCA specimens, whereas miR-24 expression was increased in CCA. Menin overexpression decreased proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion. Inhibition of miR-24 increased menin protein expression while decreasing proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion. miR-24 was shown to negatively regulate menin expression by luciferase assay. Tumor burden and expression of proliferative and angiogenic markers was decreased in the miR-24 inhibited tumor group compared to controls. Interestingly, treated tumors were more fibrotic than the control group. miR-24-dependent expression of menin may be important in the regulation of nonmalignant and CCA proliferation and may be an additional therapeutic tool for managing CCA progression.

PMID: 28087162 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2iWgCap

Delta-like 4/Notch signaling promotes Apc (Min/+) tumor initiation through angiogenic and non-angiogenic related mechanisms.

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Delta-like 4/Notch signaling promotes Apc (Min/+) tumor initiation through angiogenic and non-angiogenic related mechanisms.

BMC Cancer. 2017 Jan 13;17(1):50

Authors: Badenes M, Trindade A, Pissarra H, Lopes-da-Costa L, Duarte A

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Delta like 4 (Dll4)/Notch signaling is a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, the role of Dll4 has been studied on tumor stem cells. However, as these cells are implicated in tumor angiogenesis, it is conceivable that the effect of Dll4 on these cells may be a consequence of its angiogenic function. Our aim was to evaluate the expression and dissect the functions of Dll4 in the Apc (Min/+) model of colorectal cancer.
METHODS: We evaluated the protein expression pattern of Dll4 and other Notch members in the Apc (Min/+) tumors relatively to the normal gut and compared endothelial-specific with ubiquitous Dll4 knockout mice on an Apc (Min/+) background.
RESULTS: All Notch pathway members were present in the normal small and large intestine and in the adenomas of the same regions. Dll4, all Notch receptors and Hes1 expression seemed upregulated in the tumors, with some regional differences. The same members and Hes5, instead of Hes1, presented ectopic expression in the tumor parenchyma. Dll4 expression was most pronounced in the tumor cells but it was also present in the tumor blood vessels and in other stromal cells. Ubiquitous and endothelial-specific Dll4 deletion led to an equivalent reduction of tumor growth because of a similarly marked tumoral angiogenic phenotype promoting non-productive vasculature and consequently hypoxia and apoptosis. The ubiquitous Dll4 inhibition led to a stronger decrease of tumor multiplicity than the endothelial-specific deletion by further reducing tumor proliferation and tumor stem cell density through upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors 1C and 1B and downregulation of Myc, Cyclin D1 and D2 independently of β-catenin activation. This phenotype was associated to the observed increased epithelial differentiation deviated towards the secretory lineages by Atoh1 and Klf4 upregulation only in the ubiquitous Dll4 mutants.
CONCLUSIONS: Dll4 seems to promote Apc (Min/+) tumorigenesis through both angiogenic and non-angiogenic related mechanisms.

PMID: 28086833 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2iW6IWg

Anti-angiogenic treatment in breast cancer: Facts, successes, failures and future perspectives.

Anti-angiogenic treatment in breast cancer: Facts, successes, failures and future perspectives.

Cancer Treat Rev. 2017 Jan 03;53:98-110

Authors: Aalders KC, Tryfonidis K, Senkus E, Cardoso F

Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer and a crucial requisite in the development of tumors. Interrupting this process by blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab has been considered a possible breakthrough in the treatment of various types of cancer, especially for advanced disease. However in breast cancer, studies have shown ambivalent results causing debate about the value of this drug. In this article, we review the evidence for anti-angiogenic treatment options for breast cancer, as well as discuss the possible factors limiting the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic agents and offer a recommendation regarding the future research on these therapies for the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID: 28088074 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jxz6yE

Strategies to design clinical studies to identify predictive biomarkers in cancer research.

Strategies to design clinical studies to identify predictive biomarkers in cancer research.

Cancer Treat Rev. 2016 Dec 30;53:79-97

Authors: Perez-Gracia JL, Sanmamed MF, Bosch A, Patiño-Garcia A, Schalper KA, Segura V, Bellmunt J, Tabernero J, Sweeney CJ, Choueiri TK, Martín M, Fusco JP, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Calvo A, Prior C, Paz-Ares L, Pio R, Gonzalez-Billalabeitia E, Gonzalez Hernandez A, Páez D, Piulats JM, Gurpide A, Andueza M, de Velasco G, Pazo R, Grande E, Nicolas P, Abad-Santos F, Garcia-Donas J, Castellano D, Pajares MJ, Suarez C, Colomer R, Montuenga LM, Melero I

Abstract
The discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict efficacy and toxicity of anticancer drugs remains one of the key challenges in cancer research. Despite its relevance, no efficient study designs to identify promising candidate biomarkers have been established. This has led to the proliferation of a myriad of exploratory studies using dissimilar strategies, most of which fail to identify any promising targets and are seldom validated. The lack of a proper methodology also determines that many anti-cancer drugs are developed below their potential, due to failure to identify predictive biomarkers. While some drugs will be systematically administered to many patients who will not benefit from them, leading to unnecessary toxicities and costs, others will never reach registration due to our inability to identify the specific patient population in which they are active. Despite these drawbacks, a limited number of outstanding predictive biomarkers have been successfully identified and validated, and have changed the standard practice of oncology. In this manuscript, a multidisciplinary panel reviews how those key biomarkers were identified and, based on those experiences, proposes a methodological framework-the DESIGN guidelines-to standardize the clinical design of biomarker identification studies and to develop future research in this pivotal field.

PMID: 28088073 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jmOqQJ

Overview of the benefits and potential issues of the nonavalent HPV vaccine.

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Overview of the benefits and potential issues of the nonavalent HPV vaccine.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2016 Dec 07;:

Authors: Mariani L, Preti M, Cristoforoni P, Stigliano CM, Perino A

Abstract
HPV-related diseases affect anogenital and oropharyngeal regions, heavily affecting the psychosexual dimension of both male and female individuals. HPV vaccination programs based on a bivalent or quadrivalent vaccine have opened broad perspectives for primary prevention. A nonavalent HPV vaccine (9vHPV), covering nine genotypes (HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV45, HPV52, and HPV58), might provide further improvement in terms of direct protection. In the present report, efficacy and safety data from 9vHPV vaccine development programs are examined. Efficacy data come from a pivotal trial, which was conducted among women aged 16-26 years randomly assigned to receive either the 9vHPV or the quadrivalent HPV (4vHPV) vaccine. The 9vHPV vaccine was shown to have potential benefits as compared with 4vHPV, increasing the overall estimated rate of prevention to 90% for cervical cancer and up to 80% for precancerous cervical lesions. For all other HPV-related pre-invasive and invasive lesions, 9vHPV showed potentially greater disease reduction, depending on the anatomic region examined. Thus, the 9vHPV vaccine shows clinical potential for the prevention of HPV-related diseases in both sexes. Future adoption of 9vHPV will depend on factors including market price, cost-effectiveness data, use of a two-dose schedule, and safety and efficacy monitoring in real-life programs.

PMID: 28087890 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jxOHhp

Prognostic and predictive indicators in early-stage breast cancer and the role of genomic profiling: Focus on the Oncotype DX(®) Breast Recurrence Score Assay.

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Prognostic and predictive indicators in early-stage breast cancer and the role of genomic profiling: Focus on the Oncotype DX(®) Breast Recurrence Score Assay.

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2016 Dec 14;:

Authors: Curtit E, Mansi L, Maisonnette-Escot Y, Sautière JL, Pivot X

Abstract
Although useful prognostic and predictive insights can be gained from patient and tumour characteristics in early-stage breast cancer, it is not always straightforward to predict the likely risk of recurrence for each individual patient following breast surgery. One of the most difficult challenges faced by clinicians is identifying patients who may benefit most from adjuvant chemotherapy, and distinguishing these cases from those where endocrine therapy may be sufficient for cure. Genomic tests such as the Oncotype DX(®) Breast Recurrence Score(®) Assay have been developed to provide a robust and clinically validated assessment of a patient's individual tumour signature. The Oncotype DX Assay is included in treatment guidelines for estimating both the risk of distant recurrence and predicting adjuvant chemotherapy benefit for early-stage breast cancer patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, oestrogen-receptor positive, and axillary lymph node negative or positive (1-3 positive nodes) disease. In this article, we review unmet needs for prognostication and prediction in early-stage breast cancer, and consider how the information provided by the Recurrence Score is complementary to that gained from the assessment of more traditional clinicopathologic criteria. Routine use of the assay in clinical practice, limitations and possible future directions are also discussed.

PMID: 28087099 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jxC1Ht

In vitro eye irritation testing using the open source reconstructed hemicornea - a ring trial.

In vitro eye irritation testing using the open source reconstructed hemicornea - a ring trial.

ALTEX. 2017 Jan 14;:

Authors: Mewes KR, Engelke M, Zorn-Kruppa M, Bartok M, Tandon R, Brandner JM, Petersohn D

Abstract
Aim of the present ring trial was to prove whether two new methodological approaches for the in vitro classification of eye irritating chemicals can be reliably transferred from the developers' laboratories to other sites.Both test methods are based on the well-established open source reconstructed 3D hemicornea models. In the first approach, the initial depth of injury in the hemicornea model after chemical treatment is derived from the quantitative analysis of histological sections. In the second approach tissue viability, as a measure for corneal damage after chemical treatment, is analyzed separately for epithelium and stroma of the hemicornea model. The 3 independent laboratories which participated in the ring trial produced their own hemicornea models according to the test producer's instructions, thus supporting the open source concept. A total of 9 chemicals with different physico-chemical and eye-irritating properties were tested to assess the between-laboratory reproducibility (BLR), the predictive performance as well as possible limitations of the test systems. The BLR was 62.5% for the first and 100% for the second method. Both methods enabled to discriminate cat 1 chemicals from all non-cat 1 substances, which qualifies them to be used in a top-down approach. However, the selectivity between no cat and cat 2 chemicals still needs optimization.

PMID: 28088129 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jxE12v

Severe hypoalbuminemia and steatohepatitis leading to death in a young vegetarian female, 8 months after mini gastric bypass: A case report.

Severe hypoalbuminemia and steatohepatitis leading to death in a young vegetarian female, 8 months after mini gastric bypass: A case report.

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2016 Dec 11;31:17-19

Authors: Kermansaravi M, Abdolhosseini MR, Kabir A, Pazouki A

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hypoalbuminemia is an important complication after Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) and is more frequent in vegetarians, diabetic nephropathy, and alcoholic and liver disease patients. The patients must be followed in regular intervals and serum albumin must be checked in every visit after MGB. Hypoalbuminemia must be prevented by good protein regimes.
CASE SUMMARY: A 29 years old female was admitted 8 month after Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass with malaise, dyspnea, icter, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and edema of extremities from 2 weeks before admission. She had become vegetarian autonomously and had not participated in routine postop follow up, and also discontinued her high protein regimen. In para clinictest results, she had severe hypoalbuminemia, anemia, elevated liver enzymes and direct bilirubinemia, metabolic acidosis in Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), and in Core Needle Biopsy (CNB) marked Steatohepatitis was shown. Unfortunately, the patient did not respond to medical care and died.
CONCLUSION: Regular follow up after Mini Gastric Bypass is very important for many reasons such as early diagnosis and treatment of hypoalbuminemia.

PMID: 28088126 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2iWkW9m

Underuse of screening in Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome.

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Underuse of screening in Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome.

QJM. 2017 Jan 12;:

Authors: Jolobe OM

PMID: 28087692 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jl5BCH

Reply to letter regarding submission entitled: Cracking the perfusion code? - Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography and combined laser Doppler spectrophotometry for intraoperative evaluation of tissue perfusion in autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP or ms-TRAM flaps.

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Reply to letter regarding submission entitled: Cracking the perfusion code? - Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography and combined laser Doppler spectrophotometry for intraoperative evaluation of tissue perfusion in autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP or ms-TRAM flaps.

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2017 Jan 08;:

Authors: Ludolph I, Horch RE, Beier JP

PMID: 28087405 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jkYc6B

A phase II study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and erlotinib for inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

A phase II study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and erlotinib for inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Oncotarget. 2016 Aug 30;7(35):57310-57316

Authors: Zhao C, Lin L, Liu J, Liu R, Chen Y, Ge F, Jia R, Jin Y, Wang Y, Xu J

Abstract
Cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with unresectable, locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is associated with significant toxicities that are often intolerable. Prognosis for this subgroup of patients remains poor, and new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. We investigated the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel combined with erlotinib and concurrent radiotherapy in patients with inoperable ESCC. Erlotinib (150 mg) was administered daily for 60 days beginning at the start of radiotherapy, and paclitaxel (45 mg/m²) was administered weekly along with intensity modulated conformal radiotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions). The median follow-up time was 21 months. The associations between EGFR and VEGF expression and treatment outcome were evaluated. Among the 21 patients treated, the overall response rate (CR + PR) was 85.6%. The median LPFS, PFS and OS were: 17.5, 14.3, and 22.9 months, respectively. Treatment-related grade 3 toxicities included esophagitis (two patients) and hypoleukemia (one patient). Grade 4 pulmonary toxicity was observed in one patient. Patients expressing EGFR had longer PFS, while those expressing VEGF or with a history of smoking had worse outcomes. Weekly paclitaxel combined with erlotinib and concurrent radiotherapy shows promise as an effective, tolerated regimen for patients with inoperable ESCC.

PMID: 28087951 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2jd4vXq

Retraction note: Triptolide contributes to decrease in TLR4 expression by upregulating miR-224-3p to inhibit the inflammatory reaction in diabetic nephropathy.

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Retraction note: Triptolide contributes to decrease in TLR4 expression by upregulating miR-224-3p to inhibit the inflammatory reaction in diabetic nephropathy.

Oncotarget. 2016 Dec 20;7(51):85675

Authors: Sun B, Hu S, Li Y, Zhu E, Li L, Han F, Li CJ, Chen L

Abstract
.

PMID: 28087860 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2iq9MO8

Morel-Lavallée Injuries: A Multimodality Approach to Imaging Characteristics.

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Morel-Lavallée Injuries: A Multimodality Approach to Imaging Characteristics.

Acad Radiol. 2017 Feb;24(2):220-225

Authors: Spain JA, Rheinboldt M, Parrish D, Rinker E

Abstract
Morel-Lavallée lesions are relatively rare closed degloving injuries caused by a shearing force resulting in separation of the dermis and the hypodermis from the subjacent deeper fascia. Although most commonly encountered lateral to the greater trochanter, these injuries may occur throughout the body in a variety of locations. Separation of the hypodermal tissue planes results in a complex serosanguinous fluid collection with areas of internal fat necrosis. The imaging appearance is variable and nonspecific, potentially mimicking superficial hemorrhagic bursitis, or cystic or necrotic primary soft tissue neoplasms. If not treated in the acute or early subacute setting, these collections are at risk of superinfection, overlying tissue necrosis, and continued expansion. In this article, we will review the pathophysiology, cross-sectional imaging features, and differential diagnostic considerations of Morel-Lavallée lesions as well as discuss management and treatment options.

PMID: 28087046 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2itZU13

Immunohistochemical study of Metallothionein in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

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Immunohistochemical study of Metallothionein in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

J Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Juárez-Rebollar D, Alonso-Vanegas M, Nava-Ruíz C, Buentello-García M, Yescas-Gómez P, Díaz-Ruíz A, Rios C, Méndez-Armenta M

Abstract
Epilepsy is characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common serious neurological example of acquired and frequent epilepsy. Oxidative stress is recognized as playing a contributing role in several neurological disorders, and most recently have been implicated in acquired epilepsies. The MTs occur in several brain regions and may serve as neuroprotective proteins against reactive oxygen species causing oxidative damage and stress. The main aim of this work was to describe the immunohistochemical localization of MT in the specimens derived from the patients affected by TLE. Histopathological examination showed NeuN, GFAP and MT immunopositive cells that were analyzed for determinate in hippocampal and parietal cortex samples. An increase in the reactive gliosis associated with increased MT expression was observed in patients with TLE.

PMID: 28087193 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jkRKfW

Spontaneous peritoneal catheter knot formation: A rare cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction.

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Spontaneous peritoneal catheter knot formation: A rare cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction.

J Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Sher I, Gambhir S, Pinto S, Mujic A, Peters-Willke J, Hunn A

Abstract
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting remains invaluable in the management of hydrocephalus. It is a common procedure that can be complicated by shunt malfunction due to infection, blockage and disconnection. Spontaneous peritoneal catheter knot formation causing CSF flow obstruction is a rare phenomenon. We present a case of a 12years old boy with spontaneous knot formation in the peritoneal catheter causing VP shunt obstruction and hydrocephalus.

PMID: 28087192 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jkSTnw

Alterations of brain activity in fibromyalgia patients.

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Alterations of brain activity in fibromyalgia patients.

J Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Sawaddiruk P, Paiboonworachat S, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC

Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain with diffuse tenderness at multiple tender points. Despite intense investigations, the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia remains elusive. Evidence shows that it could be due to changes in either the peripheral or central nervous system (CNS). For the CNS changes, alterations in the high brain area of fibromyalgia patients have been investigated but the definite mechanisms are still unclear. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Functional Magnetic Resonance (fMRI) have been used to gather evidence regarding the changes of brain morphologies and activities in fibromyalgia patients. Nevertheless, due to few studies, limited knowledge for alterations in brain activities in fibromyalgia is currently available. In this review, the changes in brain activity in various brain areas obtained from reports in fibromyalgia patients are comprehensively summarized. Changes of the grey matter in multiple regions such as the superior temporal gyrus, posterior thalamus, amygdala, basal ganglia, cerebellum, cingulate cortex, SII, caudate and putamen from the MRI as well as the increase of brain activities in the cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, somatosensory cortex, insula in fMRI studies are presented and discussed. Moreover, evidence from pharmacological interventions offering benefits for fibromyalgia patients by reducing brain activity is presented. Because of limited knowledge regarding the roles of brain activity alterations in fibromyalgia, this summarized review will encourage more future studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved in the brains of these patients.

PMID: 28087191 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jkQ7ia

Report of a familial case of proatlas segmentation abnormality with late clinical onset.

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Report of a familial case of proatlas segmentation abnormality with late clinical onset.

J Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jan 10;:

Authors: Umegaki M, Miyao Y, Sasaki M, Yoshimura K, Iwatsuki K, Yoshimine T

Abstract
Although proatlas segmentation abnormalities as developmental remnants around the foramen magnum have been reported in postmortem studies, they are rarely documented in a clinical setting. This report details the clinical and radiological characteristics of a rare case of proatlas segmentation abnormalities with clinical onset during the seventh decade of life. This case was suspected to have a familial factor. We also review the literature regarding this condition.

PMID: 28087190 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2jkRLk0