Defining the value of magnetic resonance imaging in prostate brachytherapy using time-driven activity-based costing

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): Nikhil G. Thaker, Peter F. Orio, Louis Potters
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) simulation and planning for prostate brachytherapy (PBT) may deliver potential clinical benefits but at an unknown cost to the provider and healthcare system. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) is an innovative bottom-up costing tool in healthcare that can be used to measure the actual consumption of resources required over the full cycle of care. TDABC analysis was conducted to compare patient-level costs for an MRI-based versus traditional PBT workflow. TDABC cost was only 1% higher for the MRI-based workflow, and utilization of MRI allowed for cost shifting from other imaging modalities, such as CT and ultrasound, to MRI during the PBT process. Future initiatives will be required to follow the costs of care over longer periods of time to determine if improvements in outcomes and toxicities with an MRI-based approach lead to lower resource utilization and spending over the long-term. Understanding provider costs will become important as healthcare reform transitions to value-based purchasing and other alternative payment models.



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Enhanced high-energy protocol using a fractional bipolar radiofrequency device combined with bipolar radiofrequency and infrared light for improving facial skin appearance and wrinkles

Summary

Background

Fractional bipolar radiofrequency treatment and treatment with bipolar radiofrequency combined with infrared light have been shown in previous trials to safely and effectively improve the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Aims

To evaluate a high-energy protocol with combined bipolar radiofrequency and infrared light energies for improvement in photoaged facial skin.

Patients/Methods

Seventy-two patients presenting with mild to moderate facial wrinkles underwent a single full-face treatment (n=54) or two treatments (n=18) at 6-week intervals. Independent blinded assessment and investigator assessment were performed, using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale (0-9) and the Global Aesthetic Improvement scale. Patients also completed a self-assessment questionnaire concerning satisfaction with the treatment.

Results

All patients achieved some degree of improvement in their wrinkles and skin appearance, following a single treatment or two treatments with the enhanced-energy protocol. Blinded evaluation demonstrated 71% and 70% of the patients showing improvement of one unit or greater on the Fitzpatrick Scale, at the 12-week and 24-week follow-ups post-treatment, respectively. Similar results were reported by investigators. Under the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, investigators observed 87%, 91% and 81% of patients showing improvement at the 6-, 12-, and 24-week post-treatment end, respectively. Patients tolerated the treatments well and were satisfied with the clinical results.

Conclusion

The enhanced-energy treatment protocol, with fractional bipolar radiofrequency treatment and treatment with bipolar radiofrequency combined with infrared light applications, yields significant improvement of skin texture, wrinkling, and overall appearance following a single treatment. The results appear gradually over time and are maintained for at least 6 months' post-treatment.

http://ift.tt/2k5mYbU

Enhanced high-energy protocol using a fractional bipolar radiofrequency device combined with bipolar radiofrequency and infrared light for improving facial skin appearance and wrinkles

Summary

Background

Fractional bipolar radiofrequency treatment and treatment with bipolar radiofrequency combined with infrared light have been shown in previous trials to safely and effectively improve the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Aims

To evaluate a high-energy protocol with combined bipolar radiofrequency and infrared light energies for improvement in photoaged facial skin.

Patients/Methods

Seventy-two patients presenting with mild to moderate facial wrinkles underwent a single full-face treatment (n=54) or two treatments (n=18) at 6-week intervals. Independent blinded assessment and investigator assessment were performed, using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale (0-9) and the Global Aesthetic Improvement scale. Patients also completed a self-assessment questionnaire concerning satisfaction with the treatment.

Results

All patients achieved some degree of improvement in their wrinkles and skin appearance, following a single treatment or two treatments with the enhanced-energy protocol. Blinded evaluation demonstrated 71% and 70% of the patients showing improvement of one unit or greater on the Fitzpatrick Scale, at the 12-week and 24-week follow-ups post-treatment, respectively. Similar results were reported by investigators. Under the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, investigators observed 87%, 91% and 81% of patients showing improvement at the 6-, 12-, and 24-week post-treatment end, respectively. Patients tolerated the treatments well and were satisfied with the clinical results.

Conclusion

The enhanced-energy treatment protocol, with fractional bipolar radiofrequency treatment and treatment with bipolar radiofrequency combined with infrared light applications, yields significant improvement of skin texture, wrinkling, and overall appearance following a single treatment. The results appear gradually over time and are maintained for at least 6 months' post-treatment.

http://ift.tt/2k5mYbU

China’s landscape in regenerative medicine

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 124
Author(s): Xin Tang, Hua Qin, Xiaosong Gu, Xiaobing Fu
Regenerative medicine is a burgeoning interdisciplinary research field that can impact healthcare by offering new therapeutic strategies to replace or regenerate human cells, tissues, or organs with the ultimate goal of restoring or establishing normal human functions. The past decade has seen significant progress of regenerative medicine in China, the world's most populous developing country. With government backing, the progress in regenerative medicine is driven by increasing medical demands of people, accompanied by the economic growth, population aging, and lifestyle change in China. Although regenerative medicine encompasses many components, tissue engineering and stem cell technology are generally considered the two key players. In this review article, we outline the representative achievements in the research and application of tissue engineering, stem cell technology, and other regenerative medical strategies attained by various research groups in China, and highlight the major contributions and features of several outstanding studies made by leading Chinese researchers. Where possible, we discuss the unique opportunities and challenges for advancement of regenerative medicine in China. It is our hope that this review will stimulate new research directions for regenerative medicine in general, and encourage strategic collaborations between the east and the west in particular, so that the clinical translation of regenerative medicine can be accelerated to benefit mankind.



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Development of ciprofloxacin-loaded contact lenses using fluorous chemistry

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 124
Author(s): Guoting Qin, Zhiling Zhu, Siheng Li, Alison M. McDermott, Chengzhi Cai
In this work, we developed a simple method to load drugs into commercially available contact lenses utilizing fluorous chemistry. We demonstrated this method using model compounds including fluorous-tagged fluorescein and antibiotic ciprofloxacin. We showed that fluorous interactions facilitated the loading of model molecules into fluorocarbon-containing contact lenses, and that the release profiles exhibited sustained release. Contact lenses loaded with fluorous-tagged ciprofloxacin exhibited antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro, while no cytotoxicity towards human corneal epithelial cells was observed. To mimic the tear turnover, we designed a porcine eye infection model under flow conditions. Significantly, the modified lenses also exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the ex vivo infection model. Overall, utilizing fluorous chemistry, we can construct a drug delivery system that exhibits high drug loading capacity, sustained drug release, and robust biological activity.



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Dual delivery of growth factors with coacervate-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofiber improves neovascularization in a mouse skin flap model

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 124
Author(s): Min Suk Lee, Taufiq Ahmad, Jinkyu Lee, Hassan K. Awada, Yadong Wang, Kyobum Kim, Heungsoo Shin, Hee Seok Yang
Random skin flaps are commonly used in plastic and reconstructive surgery for patients suffering from severe or large scale wounds or in facial reconstruction. However, skin flaps are sometimes susceptible to partial or complete necrosis at the distal parts of the flaps due to insufficient blood perfusion in the defected area. In order to improve neovascularization in skin flaps, we developed an exogenous growth factor (GF) delivery platform comprised of coacervate-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers. We used a coacervate that is a self-assembled complex of poly(ethylene argininyl aspartate diglyceride) (PEAD) polycation, heparin, and cargo GFs (i.e., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and/or transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3)). The coacervate was coated onto a nanofibrous PLGA membrane for co-administration of dual GFs. In vitro proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and endothelial tube formation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells indicated an enhanced bioactivity of released GFs when both VEGF and TGF-β3 were incorporated into coacervate-coated PLGA nanofibers (Coa-Dual NFs). Moreover, an in vivo study using a mouse skin flap model demonstrated that implantation of Coa-Dual NF reduced necrosis and enhanced blood perfusion in skin flap areas after 10 days, as compared to any single GF-loaded coacervate/PLGA fiber (Coa-Single NF) along with direct administration of the other GF onto the defect site. Moreover, Coa-Dual NFs exhibited a well-composed skin appendage and a significantly higher number of blood vessels. Based upon these results, we conclude that Coa-Dual NFs may stimulate cellular activity by enhancing the bioactivity of the released GF, leading to a synergetic effect of dual GFs for reducing necrosis in the random skin flaps. Therefore, Coa-Dual NFs could be a valuable drug delivery platform for a variety of potential clinical applications for skin tissue regeneration applications.



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Evaluation of multivalent H2 influenza pandemic vaccines in mice

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Brian J. Lenny, Stephanie Sonnberg, Angela F. Danner, Kimberly Friedman, Richard J. Webby, Robert G. Webster, Jeremy C. Jones
Subtype H2 Influenza A viruses were the cause of a severe pandemic in the winter of 1957. However, this subtype no longer circulates in humans and is no longer included in seasonal vaccines. As a result, individuals under 50years of age are immunologically naïve. H2 viruses persist in aquatic birds, which were a contributing source for the 1957 pandemic, and have also been isolated from swine. Reintroduction of the H2 via zoonotic transmission has been identified as a pandemic risk, so pre-pandemic planning should include preparation and testing of vaccine candidates against this subtype. We evaluated the immunogenicity of two inactivated, whole virus influenza vaccines (IVV) in mice: a monovalent IVV containing human pandemic virus A/Singapore/1/1957 (H2N2), and a multivalent IVV containing human A/Singapore/1/1957, avian A/Duck/HongKong/319/1978 (H2N2), and swine A/Swine/Missouri/2124514/2006 (H2N3) viruses. While both vaccines induced protective immunity compared to naïve animals, the multivalent formulation was advantageous over the monovalent in terms of level and breadth of serological responses, neutralization of infectious virus, and reduction of clinical disease and respiratory tissue replication in mice. Therefore, multivalent pandemic H2 vaccines containing diverse viruses from animal reservoirs, are a potential option to improve the immune responses in a pre-pandemic scenario where antigenic identity cannot be predicted.



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Glutathione is a highly efficient thermostabilizer of poliovirus Sabin strains

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Rana Abdelnabi, Leen Delang, Johan Neyts
Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant thiol peptide in animal cells and has a critical role in antioxidation. GSH was reported to be essential for stabilization of some enteroviruses, including poliovirus (PV), during viral morphogenesis. Here, we explored the potential use of GSH as a thermostabilizer of oral poliomyelitis vaccine (OPV) formulations. GSH significantly protected the three types of PV from heat-inactivation in a concentration-dependent manner. At a GSH concentration of 20mM, nearly complete protection was observed against heating temperatures up to 53°C for 2min.GSH also markedly protected PV1 from heat-inactivation and this up to 6 h at temperatures of 44°C and 46°C and 3 h at 48°C. The fact that GSH is naturally present at high concentration in the human body makes it an efficient candidate stabilizer for OPV formulations.



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Heritability of vaccine-induced measles neutralizing antibody titers

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Daniel J. Schaid, Iana H. Haralambieva, Beth R. Larrabee, Inna G. Ovsyannikova, Richard B. Kennedy, Gregory A. Poland
Understanding how genetics influences inter-individual variation of antibody titers in response to measles vaccination is vital to understanding possible sources of vaccine failure as well as improved vaccine development. Although it is recognized that both the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and the immunoglobulin allotype genes play significant roles in immune response, there is significant variation in antibody titers that is not explained by these genes. To obtain a more complete estimate of the role of the entire genome, we used a large panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms to estimate the heritability of antibody response to measles vaccine. Based on 935 subjects with European ancestry, we estimated the heritability to be 49% (standard error 0.17). We also estimated the heritability attributable to each chromosome, and found a large range in chromosome-specific heritabilities. Notably, chromosome 1 had the largest estimate (28%), while chromosome 6, which harbors HLA, had an estimated heritability of 13%. Compared with a prior study of twins in the same community, which resulted in a heritability estimate of 88.5%, our study suggests there are either many rare genetic variants, or many common genetic variants of small effect sizes that contribute to variations of antibody titers in response to measles vaccine.



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Vial usage, device dead space, vaccine wastage, and dose accuracy of intradermal delivery devices for inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Courtney Jarrahian, Annie Rein-Weston, Gene Saxon, Ben Creelman, Greg Kachmarik, Abhijeet Anand, Darin Zehrung
IntroductionIntradermal delivery of a fractional dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) offers potential benefits compared to intramuscular (IM) delivery, including possible cost reductions and easing of IPV supply shortages. Objectives of this study were to assess intradermal delivery devices for dead space, wastage generated by the filling process, dose accuracy, and total number of doses that can be delivered per vial.MethodsDevices tested included syringes with staked (fixed) needles (autodisable syringes and syringes used with intradermal adapters), a luer-slip needle and syringe, a mini-needle syringe, a hollow microneedle device, and disposable-syringe jet injectors with their associated filling adapters. Each device was used to withdraw 0.1-mL fractional doses from single-dose IM glass vials which were then ejected into a beaker. Both vial and device were weighed before and after filling and again after expulsion of liquid to record change in volume at each stage of the process. Data were used to calculate the number of doses that could potentially be obtained from multidose vials.ResultsResults show wide variability in dead space, dose accuracy, overall wastage, and total number of doses that can be obtained per vial among intradermal delivery devices. Syringes with staked needles had relatively low dead space and low overall wastage, and could achieve a greater number of doses per vial compared to syringes with a detachable luer-slip needle. Of the disposable-syringe jet injectors tested, one was comparable to syringes with staked needles.DiscussionIf intradermal delivery of IPV is introduced, selection of an intradermal delivery device can have a substantial impact on vaccine wasted during administration, and thus on the required quantity of vaccine that needs to be purchased. An ideal intradermal delivery device should be not only safe, reliable, accurate, and acceptable to users and vaccine recipients, but should also have low dead space, high dose accuracy, and low overall wastage to maximize the potential number of doses that can be withdrawn and delivered.



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Role of Rho-specific guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor α regulation in cell migration

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Fei Xie, Shuai Shao, Aziz ur Rehman Aziz, Baohong Zhang, Hanqin Wang, Bo Liu
Cell migration is a vital process for many physiological and pathological events, and Rho GTPases have been confirmed as key factors in its regulation. The most studied negative regulator of Rho GTPases, Rho-specific guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor α (RhoGDIα), mediates cell migration through altering the overall expression and spatiotemporal activation of Rho GTPases. The RhoGDIα-Rho GTPases dissociation can be mediated by signal pathways targeting RhoGDIα directly. This review summarizes the research about the regulation of RhoGDIα during cell migration, which can be in a Rho GTPases association independent manner. Non-kinase proteins regulation, phosphorylation, SUMOylation and extracellular environmental factors are classified to discuss their direct signal regulations on RhoGDIα, which provide varied signal pathways for selective activation of Rho GTPases in cell migration.



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Cutaneous manifestations in treated Whipple's disease

http://ift.tt/2kVjoQQ

Presence of antibodies against Legionella pneumophila in patients with pemphigus vulgaris

http://ift.tt/2lqDU8O

Sebaceous carcinoma in solid organ transplant recipients

Abstract

Background

Though a rare tumor, sebaceous carcinoma is relatively well-described in immunocompetent patients, in whom it often occurs in a periorbital distribution where it has an overall poor prognosis with a high metastasis rate. The effect of transplant-related immunosuppression on the development of sebaceous carcinoma and its outcomes has not been characterized.

Methods

We collected 9 cases from a single institution of patients developing sebaceous carcinoma after solid organ transplantation. We analyzed clinicopathologic features.

Results

We estimate the prevalence of sebaceous carcinoma post-solid organ transplantation to be 0.09%. The mean age at diagnosis was 66.1 years (std 7.0 years). The mean time between transplantation and sebaceous carcinoma diagnosis was 7.1 years (std 5.1 years). All tumors occurred in extra-ocular distribution. Two patients likely had Muir-Torre syndrome, of whom 1 died from metastatic sebaceous carcinoma. No other patients developed metastatic disease or had disease-related death. Mohs micrographic surgery and wide local excision were equally effective and there were no recurrences with either procedure.

Conclusions

Our study found that sebaceous carcinoma in solid organ transplant recipients occurs in in an extraorbital distribution with only 1 patient developing metastatic disease. Both Mohs micrographic surgery and wide local excision are acceptable treatment modalities for sebaceous carcinoma in transplant recipients.

http://ift.tt/2kVywh3

Thyrotropin receptor gene expression in the association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Abstract

Background

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) may be associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases, and the Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST) is an autoreactivity marker. The thyrotropin (TSH) and TSH receptor (TSHR) could play a role in the pathogenesis of CSU. The aim of this study was to evaluate ASST positivity and TSHR gene expression in healthy skin and ASST wheals in euthyroid women with CSU, with (14 patients) and without (15 patients) Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).

Methods

ASST was performed and TSHR gene expression studied in wheals induced by ASST and in healthy skin.

Results

ASST presented greater positivity (86% × 40%) and larger diameter (10.8 × 9.6 mm) in the HT group (P < 0.05). TSHR gene expression was higher in the ASST area and healthy skin of HT group (P < 0.01). Positive correlation of antibodies levels with ASST wheal measurements and TSHR gene expression was seen.

Conclusions

Women with CSU and HT presented greater positivity and larger measurements for ASST and higher TSHR expression in the skin, suggesting association between CSU, thyroid autoimmunity, and TSHR.

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Erratum

http://ift.tt/2lqom5e

Issue Information - TOC

http://ift.tt/2kVjnMM

Systematic review of laser therapy in xanthelasma palpebrarum

Abstract

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is a benign periorbital xanthoma with substantial cosmetic and psychosocial burden for patients. Treatment modalities should be considered based on efficacy as well as cosmetic outcome. Laser modalities in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum have not been comprehensively reviewed and discussed. Accordingly, this study seeks to systematically and critically review the available literature discussing laser treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. PubMed was systematically reviewed for reports on laser therapy in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. A total of 21 studies were included in this review discussing laser treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. Laser types included carbon dioxide, yttrium aluminum garnet, pulsed dye, argon, and a 1450 nm diode laser. The carbon dioxide laser was the most commonly reported modality followed by yttrium aluminum garnet laser. All of the laser modalities offered moderate to excellent clearance rates with minimal side effect profiles. Further large scale studies comparing different laser modalities are required to determine the best laser modality. However, laser modalities as a whole offer a treatment option for xanthelasma palpebrarum, that is, cosmetically excellent with a reasonable side-effect profile.

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Modifications of body surface: piercings, tattoos, and scarification

http://ift.tt/2kVfnMh

Opening new horizons in regenerative dermatology using platelet-based autologous therapies

Abstract

Biological therapeutic therapies are gaining the attention of scientists and medical doctors. Accumulating evidence suggests that blood-derived autologous therapies are safe and effective treatments for skin repair and wound healing. The fibrin network formed after plasmatic activation and the autologous growth factors released when platelets degranulate constitute a real biological medicine that has been shown to promote cell recruitment, stimulate new blood vessel formation, reduce inflammation as well as protect from local infections. This perspective highlights recent basic and clinical results published on blood-derived autologous therapies in the field of regenerative dermatology and discusses potential challenges and future prospects.

http://ift.tt/2lqwzWU

Stimulation of Thyroid Function by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin During Pregnancy: A Risk Factor for Thyroid Disease and a Mechanism for Known Risk Factors

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2lqsHFw

Consanguinity and the Risk of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2kViILe

Stimulation of Thyroid Function by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin During Pregnancy: A Risk Factor for Thyroid Disease and a Mechanism for Known Risk Factors

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2lqsHFw

Consanguinity and the Risk of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2kViILe

Nano-on-micro fibrous extracellular matrices for scalable expansion of human ES/iPS cells

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 124
Author(s): Li Liu, Ken-ichiro Kamei, Momoko Yoshioka, Minako Nakajima, Junjun Li, Nanae Fujimoto, Shiho Terada, Yumie Tokunaga, Yoshie Koyama, Hideki Sato, Kouichi Hasegawa, Norio Nakatsuji, Yong Chen
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold great potential for industrial and clinical applications. Clinical-grade scaffolds and high-quality hPSCs are required for cell expansion as well as easy handling and manipulation of the products. Current hPSC culture methods do not fulfill these requirements because of a lack of proper extracellular matrices (ECMs) and cell culture wares. We developed a layered nano-on-micro fibrous cellular matrix mimicking ECM, named "fiber-on-fiber (FF)" matrix, which enables easy handling and manipulation of cultured cells. While non-woven sheets of cellulose and polyglycolic acid were used as a microfiber layer facilitating mechanical stability, electrospun gelatin nanofibers were crosslinked on the microfiber layer, generating a mesh structure with connected nanofibers facilitating cell adhesion and growth. Our results showed that the FF matrix supports effective hPSC culture with maintenance of their pluripotency and normal chromosomes over two months, as well as effective scaled-up expansion, with fold increases of 54.1 ± 15.6 and 40.4 ± 8.4 in cell number per week for H1 human embryonic stem cells and 253G1 human induced pluripotent stem cells, respectively. This simple approach to mimick the ECM may have important implications after further optimization to generate lineage-specific products.



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Shape-controlled fabrication of magnetite silver hybrid nanoparticles with high performance magnetic hyperthermia

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 124
Author(s): Qi Ding, Dongfang Liu, Dawei Guo, Fang Yang, Xingyun Pang, Renchao Che, Naizhen Zhou, Jun Xie, Jianfei Sun, Zhihai Huang, Ning Gu
Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs)-based hyperthermia is a promising non-invasive approach for cancer therapy. However, the heat transfer efficiency of Fe3O4 NPs is relative low, which hinders their practical clinical applications. Therefore, it is promising to improve the magnetic hyperthermia efficiency by exploring the higher performance magnetic NPs-based hybrid nanostructures. In the current study, it presents a straightforward in situ reduction method for the shape-controlled preparation of magnetite (Fe3O4) silver (Ag) hybrid NPs designed as magnetic hyperthermia heat mediators. The magnetite silver hybrid NPs with core-shell (Fe3O4@Ag) or heteromer (Fe3O4-Ag) structures exhibited a higher biocompatibility with SMMC-7721 cells and L02 cells than the individual Ag NPs. Importantly, in the magnetic hyperthermia, with the exposure to alternating current magnetic field, the Fe3O4@Ag and Fe3O4-Ag hybrid NPs indicated much better tumor suppression effect against SMMC-7721 cells than the individual Fe3O4 NPs in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate that the hybridisation of Fe3O4 and Ag NPs could greatly enhance the magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of Fe3O4 NPs. Therefore, the Fe3O4@Ag and Fe3O4-Ag hybrid NPs can be used to be as high performance magnetic hyperthermia mediators based on a simple and effective preparation approach.



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Antibacterial effects of titanium embedded with silver nanoparticles based on electron-transfer-induced reactive oxygen species

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 124
Author(s): Guomin Wang, Weihong Jin, Abdul Mateen Qasim, Ang Gao, Xiang Peng, Wan Li, Hongqing Feng, Paul K. Chu
Although titanium embedded with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs@Ti) are suitable for biomedical implants because of the good cytocompatibility and antibacterial characteristics, the exact antibacterial mechanism is not well understood. In the present work, the antibacterial mechanisms of Ag-NPs@Ti prepared by plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) are explored in details. The antibacterial effects of the Ag-NPs depend on the conductivity of the substrate revealing the importance of electron transfer in the antibacterial process. In addition, electron transfer between the Ag-NPs and titanium substrate produces bursts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the bacteria cells and culture medium. ROS leads to bacteria death by inducing intracellular oxidation, membrane potential variation, and cellular contents release and the antibacterial ability of Ag-NPs@Ti is inhibited appreciably after adding ROS scavengers. Even though ROS signals are detected from osteoblasts cultured on Ag-NPs@Ti, the cell compatibility is not impaired. This electron-transfer-based antibacterial process which produces ROS provides insights into the design of biomaterials with both antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility.



http://ift.tt/2kkocMq

Vitamin K Deficiency Presenting in an Infant with an Anterior Mediastinal Mass: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report a case of a 1-month-old infant with spontaneous thymic hemorrhage secondary to severe vitamin K deficiency. He was brought to medical attention due to scrotal bruising and during evaluation was noted to be tachypneic and hypoxemic. Chest X-ray revealed an enlarged cardiothymic silhouette, and a follow-up echocardiogram revealed a mass in the anterior mediastinum. Routine laboratory work-up revealed severe coagulopathy. Further questioning revealed the patient had not received prophylactic vitamin K at birth. The coagulopathy resolved with administration of vitamin K, and a biopsy confirmed the anterior mediastinal mass was due to spontaneous thymic hemorrhage.

http://ift.tt/2kJCzuT

Inhibitory deficits in prepulse inhibition, sensory gating, and antisaccade eye movement in schizotypy

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Li Wan, Zachary Thomas, Sindhura Pisipati, Stephen P. Jarvis, Nash N. Boutros
Schizotypy is a term that refers to a continuum of personality characteristics, emerging from mental states ranging from organized and normal to unorganized and disordered; with the latter tending to include individuals with high schizotypal scores as well as those diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder. Evidence from psychophysiological studies has found a relative weakness in the inhibitory functioning, including prepulse inhibition (PPI), sensory gating (SG), and antisaccade eye movement (AEM) in schizotypy and schizophrenia. As schizotypy and schizophrenia are in the same spectrum, understanding the nature of sensory and motor inhibitory weakness associated with schizotypy will optimize the prevention and intervention for both schizotypy and schizophrenia populations.This review aims at examining the deficits of sensory gating, saccade control, and prepulse inhibition in schizotypy; examining the relationship between the three measures and schizotypal symptoms and traits; examining the effect of nicotine on the three measures; and examining the relevant brain regions to the three measures. We searched multiple databases (such as MEDLINE, Pubmed, PsychINFO, Google Scholar) using combinations of the keywords: schizotypy, schizotypal personality disorder, prepulse inhibition, sensory gating and antisaccade for articles published in English since 1980.We found that three measures (SG, PPI and AEM) are associated with major schizotypal symptoms, suggesting that three measures could be used to predict the disease etiology and prognosis. Secondly, the three measures are modulated by nicotine administration at a certain level, providing a potential tool to study the role of nicotine in the cognition and symptom improvement in schizotypy. Thirdly, brain-imaging studies have localized activity in brain regions associated with sensory gating, saccade control, and prepulse inhibition, narrowing the search for brain regions to target for the treatment and prevention of schizotypy. Overall, the three measures are suggested to be a valuable tool to study the inhibitory deficits in schizotypy, and maybe used as a tool for the prevention and treatment of schizotypy as well.



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Multitarget sensing of glucose and cholesterol based on Janus hydrogel microparticles

Publication date: 15 June 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 92
Author(s): Xiao-Ting Sun, Ying Zhang, Dong-Hua Zheng, Shuai Yue, Chun-Guang Yang, Zhang-Run Xu
A visualized sensing method for glucose and cholesterol was developed based on the hemispheres of the same Janus hydrogel microparticles. Single-phase and Janus hydrogel microparticles were both generated using a centrifugal microfluidic chip. For glucose sensing, concanavalin A and fluorescein labeled dextran used for competitive binding assay were encapsulated in alginate microparticles, and the fluorescence of the microparticles was positively correlated with glucose concentration. For cholesterol sensing, the microparticles embedded with γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were used as catalyst for the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine by H2O2, an enzymatic hydrolysis product of cholesterol. And the color transition was more sensitive in the microparticles than in solutions, indicating the microparticles are more applicable for visualized determination. Furthermore, Janus microparticles were employed for multitarget sensing in the two hemespheres, and glucose and cholesterol were detected within the same microparticles without obvious interference. Besides, the particles could be manipulated by an external magnetic field. The glucose and cholesterol levels were measured in human serum utilizing the microparticles, which confirmed the potential application of the microparticles in real sample detection.



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Synovial Sarcoma of the Larynx: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

Sarcomas account for less than 1% of malignant neoplasms arising in the head and neck in adults. Laryngeal synovial sarcoma is an extremely rare form of laryngeal malignancy with less than 20 cases reported in the literature. We report the case of a 48-year-old man with synovial sarcoma of the larynx. He underwent excision of the tumor followed by radiation. He is alive in remission at 36 months. The literature on synovial sarcoma of the larynx is reviewed.

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Synovial Sarcoma of the Larynx: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

Sarcomas account for less than 1% of malignant neoplasms arising in the head and neck in adults. Laryngeal synovial sarcoma is an extremely rare form of laryngeal malignancy with less than 20 cases reported in the literature. We report the case of a 48-year-old man with synovial sarcoma of the larynx. He underwent excision of the tumor followed by radiation. He is alive in remission at 36 months. The literature on synovial sarcoma of the larynx is reviewed.

http://ift.tt/2lqaR5A

Regulation of aldosterone secretion by mineralocorticoid receptor-mediated signaling

We posit the existence of a paracrine/autocrine negative feedback loop, mediated by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), regulating aldosterone secretion. To assess this hypothesis, we asked whether altering MR activity in zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells affects aldosterone production. To this end, we studied ex vivo ZG cells isolated from male Wistar rats fed chow containing either high (1.6% Na⁺ (HS)) or low (0.03% Na⁺ (LS)) amount of sodium. Western blot analyses demonstrated that MR was present in both the ZG and zona fasciculata/zona reticularis (ZF/ZR/ZR). In ZG cells isolated from rats on LS chow, MR activation by fludrocortisone produced a 20% and 60% reduction in aldosterone secretion basally and in response to angiotensin II (ANGII) stimulation, respectively. Corticosterone secretion was increased in these cells suggesting that aldosterone synthase activity was being reduced by fludrocortisone. In contrast, canrenoic acid, an MR antagonist, enhanced aldosterone production by up to 30% both basally and in response to ANGII. Similar responses were observed in ZG cells from rats fed HS. Modulating glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity did not alter aldosterone production by ZG cells; however, altering GR activity did modify corticosterone production from ZF/ZR/ZR cells both basally and in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Additionally, activating the MR in ZF/ZR/ZR cells strikingly reduced corticosterone secretion. In summary, these data support the hypothesis that negative ultra-short feedback loops regulate adrenal steroidogenesis. In the ZG, aldosterone secretion is regulated by the MR, but not the GR, an effect that appears to be secondary to a change in aldosterone synthase activity.

http://ift.tt/2koOnSc

Key Lessons Learned from Moffitt's Molecular Tumor Board: The Clinical Genomics Action Committee Experience

Background.

The increasing practicality of genomic sequencing technology has led to its incorporation into routine clinical practice. Successful identification and targeting of driver genomic alterations that provide proliferative and survival advantages to tumor cells have led to approval and ongoing development of several targeted cancer therapies. Within many major cancer centers, molecular tumor boards are constituted to shepherd precision medicine into clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

In July 2014, the Clinical Genomics Action Committee (CGAC) was established as the molecular tumor board companion to the Personalized Medicine Clinical Service (PMCS) at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. The processes and outcomes of the program were assessed in order to help others move into the practice of precision medicine.

Results.

Through the establishment and initial 1,400 patients of the PMCS and its associated molecular tumor board at a major cancer center, five practical lessons of broad applicability have been learned: transdisciplinary engagement, the use of the molecular report as an aid to clinical management, clinical actionability, getting therapeutic options to patients, and financial considerations. Value to patients includes access to cutting-edge practice merged with individualized preferences in treatment and care.

Conclusions.

Genomic-driven cancer medicine is increasingly becoming a part of routine clinical practice. For successful implementation of precision cancer medicine, strategically organized molecular tumor boards are critical to provide objective evidence-based translation of observed molecular alterations into patient-centered clinical action. Molecular tumor board implementation models along with clinical and economic outcomes will define future treatment standards. The Oncologist 2017;22:000–000

Implications for Practice: It is clear that the increasing practicality of genetic tumor sequencing technology has led to its incorporation as part of routine clinical practice. Subsequently, many cancer centers are seeking to develop a personalized medicine services and/or molecular tumor board to shepherd precision medicine into clinical practice. This article discusses the key lessons learned through the establishment and development of a molecular tumor board and personalized medicine clinical service. This article highlights practical issues and can serve as an important guide to other centers as they conceive and develop their own personalized medicine services and molecular tumor boards.

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Association Between Tumor Progression Endpoints and Overall Survival in Patients with Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors

Endpoints related to tumor progression are commonly used in clinical trials of novel therapeutic agents for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Whether improved tumor control translates into improved overall survival (OS), however, is uncertain. We assessed associations between tumor progression endpoints and OS in observational cohorts of patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors treated with somatostatin analogs or with everolimus. We identified 440 patients with advanced NET who had received treatment with single-agent somatostatin analogs and 109 patients treated with everolimus, all of whom were treated at our institution and were evaluable for both tumor progression and survival. We assessed associations between progression-free survival (PFS) and OS by using the Kendall tau test, and we assessed associations between tumor progression and OS by using a landmark analysis. In the 440 patients treated with somatostatin analogs, we observed a significant correlation between PFS and OS by using the Kendall tau test (0.31; p < .0001). Additionally, the development of progressive disease was associated with OS in a landmark analysis, at landmark times of 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. In the 109 patients treated with everolimus, we similarly observed a significant correlation between PFS and OS by using the Kendall tau test (0.44; p < .0001) and associations between progressive disease and OS by using a landmark analysis at 3, 6, and 12 months. In these observational cohorts of patients with metastatic NET treated with single-agent somatostatin analogs or everolimus, longer times to disease progression and longer PFS were both associated with improved OS. Our findings support the continued use of disease progression endpoints in NET clinical trials. The Oncologist 2017;22:000–000

Implications for Practice: Clinical trials in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors have used progression-free survival as a primary endpoint. While there is a general assumption that slowing or halting tumor growth is beneficial, little direct evidence links improvements in progression endpoints to improvements in overall survival. This study assessed associations between tumor progression endpoints and overall survival in observational cohorts of patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumor treated with somatostatin analogs or everolimus. Longer times to disease progression and improved progression-free survival were both associated with improved overall survival. The findings support the continued use of tumor progression endpoints in clinical trials for neuroendocrine tumors.

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Radiology Education of Physician Extenders: What Role Should Radiologists Play?

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Jamie L. RiChard, Benjamin P. Liu, David D. Casalino, Eric J. Russell, Jeanne M. Horowitz
As physician extenders (PEs) enter the medical community in large numbers, they have an increasing impact on imaging utilization and imaging-based procedures. Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) have an advanced level of education and some practice autonomously. However, PA and NP programs are not required to provide any basic radiology education. For PEs who did receive basic radiology education during their graduate program, the curriculum is nonstandard and there is a wide variation. PEs working in primary care and nonradiology specialties place imaging orders, review report findings, and answer patient questions. Other PEs working within radiology practices operate as liaisons with patients in diagnostic radiology or perform an increasing number of interventional procedures. Basic radiology education in formal PE certificate programs as well as on-the-job education about radiology may benefit patients, radiologists, and the health-care system. What role, if any, should the radiologist assume for educating PE students and practicing PAs and NPs? This review analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of radiologists educating PEs.



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Radiology-Pathology Conference: Reviving the Art of Oral Case Presentation in Residency

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Susan Sotardi, Meir H. Scheinfeld, Judah Burns, Mordecai Koenigsberg, Jose G. Mantilla, Shlomit Goldberg-Stein
Rationale and ObjectivesTo improve resident oral case communication and preparatory skills by providing residents an opportunity to prepare for and conduct a new interdisciplinary Radiology-Pathology (Rad-Path) conference series.Materials and MethodsTo assess whether conference goals were being achieved, we surveyed trainees and attendings in the radiology and pathology departments. Percentages were examined for each variable. Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal variable significance was applied to determine statistical significance between radiology trainee and attending survey responses.ResultsMost surveyed radiology trainees (57.1%) strongly agreed or agreed with: "I wish I felt more comfortable with oral presentations." Sixty-five percent of radiology attendings (34 of 52) either agreed or strongly agreed that the residents should be more comfortable with oral case presentations. Of resident Rad-Path conference presenters, 69% (9 of 13) either agreed or strongly agreed that the conference improved their confidence and/or ability to present case information orally. Of responders who attended at least one Rad-Path conference in person, 83% of residents (19/23) and 61% (17/28) of attendings agreed or strongly agreed that the conference improved their ability to formulate a differential diagnosis. Using the Mann-Whitney U test, no significant difference was found between radiology trainees and attendings' responses.ConclusionsOur Rad-Path correlation conference was specifically designed and structured to provide residents with focused experience in formal oral case preparation and presentation. We consider our conference a success, with 69% of resident presenters reporting that the Rad-Path conference improved their confidence and/or ability to present case information orally.



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How Does the Display Luminance Level Affect Detectability of Breast Microcalcifications and Spiculated Lesions in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) Images?

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Claudio Ferranti, Alessandra Primolevo, Francesco Cartia, Claudia Cavatorta, Chiara Maura Ciniselli, Manuela Lualdi, Silvia Meroni, Emanuele Pignoli, Maddalena Plebani, Claudio Siciliano, Paolo Verderio, Gianfranco Scaperrotta
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study evaluates the influence of the calibrated luminance level of medical displays in the detectability of microcalcifications and spiculated lesions in digital breast tomosynthesis images.Materials and MethodsFour models of medical displays with calibrated maximum and minimum luminance, respectively, ranging from 500 to 1000 cd/m² and from 0.5 to 1.0 cd/m², were investigated. Forty-eight studies were selected by a senior radiologist: 16 with microcalcifications, 16 with spiculated lesions, and 16 without lesions. All images were anonymized and blindly evaluated by one senior and two junior radiologists. For each study, lesion presence or absence and localization statements, interpretative difficulty level, and overall quality were reported. Cohen's kappa statistic was computed between monitors and within or between radiologists to estimate the reproducibility in correctly identifying lesions; for multireader-multicase analysis, the weighted jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic statistical tool was applied.ResultsIntraradiologist reproducibility ranged from 0.75 to 1.00. Interreader as well as reader-truth agreement values were >0.80 and higher with the two 1000 cd/m² luminance displays than with the lower luminance displays for each radiologist. Performances in the detectability of breast lesions were significantly greater with the 1000 cd/m² luminance displays when compared to the display with the lowest luminance value (P value <0.001).ConclusionsOur findings highlight the role of display luminance level on the accuracy of detecting breast lesions.



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Missteps in Estimates of Cancer Overdiagnosis

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Archie Bleyer




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Cysteine-based amphiphilic peptide-polymer conjugates via thiol-mediated radical polymerization: Synthesis, self-assembly, RNA polyplexation and N-terminus fluorescent labeling for cell imaging

Publication date: 10 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 112
Author(s): Madhab Dule, Mrinmoy Biswas, Yajnaseni Biswas, Kuheli Mandal, Nikhil R. Jana, Tarun K. Mandal
A water-soluble amphiphilic peptide-poly (1-vinylimidazole) [Boc-Cys (PVim)-Trp-OMe] bioconjugate is synthesized by 'grafting from' technique based on thiol-mediated radical polymerization. The attachment of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) at the N-terminus of the peptide moiety of the bioconjugate results in the generation of fluorescent bioconjugate [FITC-Cys (PVim)-Trp-OMe]. MALDI-TOF-MS analysis confirms the attachment dipeptide moiety as well as FITC group. Owing to the amphiphilic nature, the [Boc-Cys (PVim)-Trp-OMe] bioconjugate undergoes spontaneous self-assembly into primary micelles and their subsequent secondary aggregation into spherical micellar aggregates (nanospheres) in water. The aqueous FITC-Cys (PVim)-Trp-OMe bioconjugate solution emits green light and exhibits a fluorescence emission with a maximum at 520 nm. The amphiphilicity of the fluorescent bioconjuagte molecules also triggers their self-assembly into micelles and micellar aggregates (nanospheres) with hydrophobic FITC-tagged dipeptide core and hydrophilic PVim cell in water. Further, the highly stable and non-toxic fluorescent bioconjugates are used for imaging of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Finally, the polyplex formation between the untagged cationic Boc-Cys (PVim)-Trp-OMe bioconjugate and ribonucleic acid (RNA) at pH 5.5 is studied by fluorescence spectroscopy.

Graphical abstract

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A novel host-pathogen interaction potentially driving antibiotic resistance in livestock feedlots

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Vermicompost as a natural adsorbent: evaluation of simultaneous metals (Pb, Cd) and tetracycline adsorption by sewage sludge-derived vermicompost

Abstract

The simultaneous adsorption of heavy metals (Pb, Cd) and organic pollutant (tetracycline (TC)) by a sewage sludge-derived vermicompost was investigated. The maximal adsorption capacity for Pb, Cd, and TC in a single adsorptive system calculated from Langmuir equation was 12.80, 85.20, and 42.94 mg L⁻¹, while for mixed substances, the adsorption amount was 2.99, 13.46, and 20.89 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The adsorption kinetics fitted well to the pseudo-second-order model, implying chemical interaction between adsorbates and functional groups, such as –COOH, –OH, –NH, and –CO, as well as the formation of organo-metal complexes. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area measurement were adopted to gain insight into the structural changes and a better understanding of the adsorption mechanism. The sewage sludge-derived vermicompost can be a low cost and environmental benign eco-material for high efficient wastewater remediation.

http://ift.tt/2k5v4fC

Zika Virus Pathogenesis and Tissue Tropism

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): Jonathan J. Miner, Michael S. Diamond
Although Zika virus (ZIKV) was isolated approximately 70 years ago, few experimental studies had been published prior to 2016. The recent spread of ZIKV to countries in the Western Hemisphere is associated with reports of microcephaly, congenital malformations, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. This has resulted in ZIKV being declared a public health emergency and has greatly accelerated the pace of ZIKV research and discovery. Within a short time period, useful mouse and non-human primate disease models have been established, and pre-clinical evaluation of therapeutics and vaccines has begun. Unexpectedly, ZIKV exhibits a broad tropism and persistence in body tissues and fluids, which contributes to the clinical manifestations and epidemiology that have been observed during the current epidemic. In this Review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of ZIKV pathogenesis, tissue tropism, and the resulting pathology and discuss areas for future investigation.

Teaser

The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Western Hemisphere has prompted accelerated research and discovery in this area. Miner and Diamond review some of the key recent advances in our understanding of ZIKV pathogenesis, tissue tropism, and the resulting pathology and discuss areas for future investigation.


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The CAT(2) Comes Back

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): Musoki Mwimba, Xinnian Dong
Genetic and biochemical evidence supporting CATALASE2 as a salicylic acid (SA) receptor has finally emerged. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Yuan et al. (2017) show that SA binds to CATALASE2 to inhibit auxin and jasmonic acid biosynthetic enzymes as a means to strengthen plant immunity against biotrophic pathogens.

Teaser

Genetic and biochemical evidence supporting CATALASE2 as a salicylic acid (SA) receptor has finally emerged. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Yuan et al. (2017) show that SA binds to CATALASE2 to inhibit auxin and jasmonic acid biosynthetic enzymes as a means to strengthen plant immunity against biotrophic pathogens.


http://ift.tt/2lq8ZKa

Strange New World: Bacteria Catalyze Ubiquitylation via ADP Ribosylation

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): David Komander, Felix Randow
Three recent papers, including one by Kotewicz et al. (2016) in this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, show that Legionella deploys a novel form of ubiquitylation to generate its replicative vacuole. Without E1 and E2 enzymes, SidE effectors ubiquitylate serine residues in substrates via an ADP-ribosylated ubiquitin intermediate.

Teaser

Three recent papers, including one by Kotewicz et al. in this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, show that Legionella deploys a novel form of ubiquitylation to generate its replicative vacuole. Without E1 and E2 enzymes, SidE effectors ubiquitylate serine residues in substrates via an ADP-ribosylated ubiquitin intermediate.


http://ift.tt/2kV2CBf

Take Your Pick: Vitamins and Microbiota Facilitate Pathogen Clearance

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): Vanessa Sperandio
The gut microbiota plays a chief role in vitamin production. Changes in its membership impact the gut metabolome and host susceptibility to pathogens. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Miki et al. (2017) show that RegIIIβ impacts microbiota composition, decreasing vitamin B6 production and promoting sustained colonization by Salmonella.

Teaser

The gut microbiota plays a chief role in vitamin production. Changes in its membership impact the gut metabolome and host susceptibility to pathogens. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Miki et al. (2017) show that RegIIIβ impacts microbiota composition, decreasing vitamin B6 production and promoting sustained colonization by Salmonella.


http://ift.tt/2lqaXKb

HO-2 Pockets Myristoylated Gag

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): Marilyn D. Resh
Membrane binding of viral and cellular N-myristoylated proteins can be regulated by selectively sequestering myristate. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Zhu et al. (2017) report on a myristate binding site within the cellular protein heme oxygenase-2 that acts as a trap to inhibit N-myristoylated protein function.

Teaser

Membrane binding of viral and cellular N-myristoylated proteins can be regulated by selectively sequestering myristate. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Zhu et al. (2017) report on a myristate binding site within the cellular protein heme oxygenase-2 that acts as a trap to inhibit N-myristoylated protein function.


http://ift.tt/2kV8Sco

CATALASE2 Coordinates SA-Mediated Repression of Both Auxin Accumulation and JA Biosynthesis in Plant Defenses

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): Hong-Mei Yuan, Wen-Cheng Liu, Ying-Tang Lu
Plants defend against pathogen attack by modulating auxin signaling and activating the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways. SA and JA act antagonistically in resistance to specific pathogen types, yet how plants coordinate these phytohormones remains elusive. Here we report that biotrophic-pathogen-induced SA accumulation dampens both auxin and JA synthesis by inhibiting CATALASE2 (CAT2) activity in the model plant Arabidopsis. SA suppression of CAT2 results in increased H2O2 levels and subsequent sulfenylation of tryptophan synthetase β subunit 1, thus depleting the auxin biosynthetic precursor tryptophan. In addition, we find that CAT2 promotes JA biosynthesis by facilitating direct interaction of the JA biosynthetic enzymes ACX2 and ACX3, and thus SA repression of CAT2 inhibits JA accumulation. As such, the cat2-1 mutant exhibits increased resistance to biotrophic pathogens and increased susceptibility to necrotrophic pathogens. Our study illustrates how CAT2 coordinates SA repression of auxin accumulation and JA biosynthesis in plant defense.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and auxin function in plant defense responses against biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens. How these phytohormones are coordinated in plant immunity remains elusive. Yuan et al. showed that CATALASE2 coordinates salicylic-acid-mediated repression of auxin and jasmonic acid biosynthesis in plant resistance to different pathogens.


http://ift.tt/2kUXtsU

Pseudogenization of the Secreted Effector Gene sseI Confers Rapid Systemic Dissemination of S. Typhimurium ST313 within Migratory Dendritic Cells

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): Sarah E. Carden, Gregory T. Walker, Jared Honeycutt, Kyler Lugo, Trung Pham, Amanda Jacobson, Donna Bouley, Juliana Idoyaga, Renee M. Tsolis, Denise Monack
Genome degradation correlates with host adaptation and systemic disease in Salmonella. Most lineages of the S. enterica subspecies Typhimurium cause gastroenteritis in humans; however, the recently emerged ST313 lineage II pathovar commonly causes systemic bacteremia in sub-Saharan Africa. ST313 lineage II displays genome degradation compared to gastroenteritis-associated lineages; yet, the mechanisms and causal genetic differences mediating these infection phenotypes are largely unknown. We find that the ST313 isolate D23580 hyperdisseminates from the gut to systemic sites, such as the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), via CD11b⁺ migratory dendritic cells (DCs). This hyperdissemination was facilitated by the loss of sseI, which encodes an effector that inhibits DC migration in gastroenteritis-associated isolates. Expressing functional SseI in D23580 reduced the number of infected migratory DCs and bacteria in the MLN. Our study reveals a mechanism linking pseudogenization of effectors with the evolution of niche adaptation in a bacterial pathogen.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Genome degradation is associated with host adaptation in bacteria. Carden et al. show that the bacteremia-associated ST313 Salmonella Typhimurium lineage hyperdisseminates to systemic sites in mice compared to gastroenteritis-associated lineages. They demonstrate that pseudogenization of a single gene, sseI, contributes to hyperdissemination of ST313 isolates via infected DCs.


http://ift.tt/2kV2xNX

Microbial Respiration and Formate Oxidation as Metabolic Signatures of Inflammation-Associated Dysbiosis

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): Elizabeth R. Hughes, Maria G. Winter, Breck A. Duerkop, Luisella Spiga, Tatiane Furtado de Carvalho, Wenhan Zhu, Caroline C. Gillis, Lisa Büttner, Madeline P. Smoot, Cassie L. Behrendt, Sara Cherry, Renato L. Santos, Lora V. Hooper, Sebastian E. Winter
Intestinal inflammation is frequently associated with an alteration of the gut microbiota, termed dysbiosis, which is characterized by a reduced abundance of obligate anaerobic bacteria and an expansion of facultative Proteobacteria such as commensal E. coli. The mechanisms enabling the outgrowth of Proteobacteria during inflammation are incompletely understood. Metagenomic sequencing revealed bacterial formate oxidation and aerobic respiration to be overrepresented metabolic pathways in a chemically induced murine model of colitis. Dysbiosis was accompanied by increased formate levels in the gut lumen. Formate was of microbial origin since no formate was detected in germ-free mice. Complementary studies using commensal E. coli strains as model organisms indicated that formate dehydrogenase and terminal oxidase genes provided a fitness advantage in murine models of colitis. In vivo, formate served as electron donor in conjunction with oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor. This work identifies bacterial formate oxidation and oxygen respiration as metabolic signatures for inflammation-associated dysbiosis.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Intestinal inflammation is associated with changes in the microbiota composition (dysbiosis), such as the expansion of the commensal Enterobacteriaceae population. Hughes and Winter et al. show that utilization of microbiota-derived formate as electron donor and oxygen as terminal electron acceptor contribute to the bloom of Enterobacteriaceae in the inflamed gut.


http://ift.tt/2kVdFuh

Conserved Fever Pathways across Vertebrates: A Herpesvirus Expressed Decoy TNF-α Receptor Delays Behavioral Fever in Fish

Publication date: 8 February 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe, Volume 21, Issue 2
Author(s): Krzysztof Rakus, Maygane Ronsmans, Maria Forlenza, Maxime Boutier, M. Carla Piazzon, Joanna Jazowiecka-Rakus, Derek Gatherer, Alekos Athanasiadis, Frédéric Farnir, Andrew J. Davison, Pierre Boudinot, Thomas Michiels, Geert F. Wiegertjes, Alain Vanderplasschen
Both endotherms and ectotherms (e.g., fish) increase their body temperature to limit pathogen infection. Ectotherms do so by moving to warmer places, hence the term "behavioral fever." We studied the manifestation of behavioral fever in the common carp infected by cyprinid herpesvirus 3, a native carp pathogen. Carp maintained at 24°C died from the infection, whereas those housed in multi-chamber tanks encompassing a 24°C–32°C gradient migrated transiently to the warmest compartment and survived as a consequence. Behavioral fever manifested only at advanced stages of infection. Consistent with this, expression of CyHV-3 ORF12, encoding a soluble decoy receptor for TNF-α, delayed the manifestation of behavioral fever and promoted CyHV-3 replication in the context of a temperature gradient. Injection of anti-TNF-α neutralizing antibodies suppressed behavioral fever, and decreased fish survival in response to infection. This study provides a unique example of how viruses have evolved to alter host behavior to increase fitness.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Ectotherms can express behavioral fever to limit pathogen infection. Rakus et al. show that a carp herpesvirus delays behavioral fever by expressing a soluble decoy receptor for TNF-α, thus promoting its own replication. In addition, they demonstrate a role for TNF-α in the induction of behavioral fever in teleost fish.


http://ift.tt/2lq8VtU

A systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies assessing the effect of nicotine on osseointegration

Nicotine has been associated with vasoconstriction and an impaired cellular healing response. It is therefore likely that nicotine jeopardizes osseointegration. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess pre-clinical studies on the effect of nicotine on implant osseointegration. Databases were searched up to and including March 2016 for animal/non-human studies using the following Keywords: bone to implant contact; implant; nicotine; osseointegration; bone healing; and new bone formation.

http://ift.tt/2k5iblM

Surgical removal of keratocystic odontogenic tumours via a Le Fort I osteotomy approach: a retrospective study of the recurrence rate

The keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is one of the most aggressive odontogenic cysts and has a high recurrence rate. The treatment of these tumours is the subject of debate. A KCOT in the posterior maxilla with sinus involvement is rare. Few reports have been published in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recurrence rate after surgical removal of maxillary KCOTs via a Le Fort I osteotomy. A search was performed to identify patients with a follow-up time of at least 5 years.

http://ift.tt/2kQgQny

The relationship between neurofibromatosis type 1, juvenile xanthogranuloma, and malignancy: A retrospective case-control study

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) predisposes individuals to the development of benign and malignant tumors. The association of NF-1, juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia has been described in the literature. It is unclear whether JXG alone constitute a risk factor for leukemia or other malignancies in children with NF-1.

http://ift.tt/2lqewjJ

Understanding the cost of dermatologic care: A survey study of dermatology providers, residents, and patients

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends dermatologists understand the costs of dermatologic care.

http://ift.tt/2kUWjhf

NEOSCOPE: A randomised phase II study of induction chemotherapy followed by oxaliplatin/capecitabine or carboplatin/paclitaxel based pre-operative chemoradiation for resectable oesophageal adenocarcinoma

Publication date: March 2017
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 74
Author(s): Somnath Mukherjee, Christopher Nicholas Hurt, Sarah Gwynne, David Sebag-Montefiore, Ganesh Radhakrishna, Simon Gollins, Maria Hawkins, Heike I. Grabsch, Gareth Jones, Stephen Falk, Ricky Sharma, Andrew Bateman, Rajarshi Roy, Ruby Ray, Jo Canham, Gareth Griffiths, Tim Maughan, Tom Crosby
BackgroundOxaliplatin-capecitabine (OxCap) and carboplatin-paclitaxel (CarPac) based neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) have shown promising activity in localised, resectable oesophageal cancer.Patients and methodsA non-blinded, randomised (1:1 via a centralised computer system), 'pick a winner' phase II trial. Patients with resectable oesophageal adenocarcinoma ≥ cT3 and/or ≥ cN1 were randomised to OxCapRT (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m² day 1, 15, 29; capecitabine 625 mg/m² bd on days of radiotherapy) or CarPacRT (carboplatin AUC2; paclitaxel 50 mg/m² day 1, 8, 15, 22, 29). Radiotherapy dose was 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. Both arms received induction OxCap chemotherapy (2 × 3 week cycles of oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² day 1, capecitabine 625 mg/m² bd days 1–21). Surgery was performed 6–8 weeks after nCRT. Primary end-point was pathological complete response (pCR). Secondary end-points included toxicity, surgical morbidity/mortality, resection rate and overall survival.StatisticsBased on pCR ≤ 15% not warranting future investigation, but pCR ≥ 35% would, 76 patients (38/arm) gave 90% power (one-sided alpha 10%), implying that arm(s) having ≥10 pCR out of first 38 patients could be considered for phase III trials. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01843829. Funder: Cancer Research UK (C44694/A14614).ResultsEighty five patients were randomised between October 2013 and February 2015 from 17 UK centres. Three of 85 (3.5%) died during induction chemotherapy. Seventy-seven patients (OxCapRT = 36; CarPacRT = 41) underwent surgery. The 30-d post-operative mortality was 2/77 (2.6%). Grade III/IV toxicity was comparable between arms, although neutropenia was higher in the CarPacRT arm (21.4% versus 2.6%, p = 0.01). Twelve of 41 (29.3%) (10 of first 38 patients) and 4/36 (11.1%) achieved pCR in the CarPacRT and OxcapRT arms, respectively. Corresponding R0 resection rates were 33/41 (80.5%) and 26/36 (72.2%), respectively.ConclusionBoth regimens were well tolerated. Only CarPacRT passed the predefined pCR criteria for further investigation.



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Response to the Reply to the letter to the editor “Robotic-assisted Nipple Sparing Mastectomy: A feasibility study on cadaveric models”

It was with great interest that we read the reply of Toesca et al. regarding our feasibility study on robotic nipple sparing mastectomy techniques on cadaveric models, especially their comments and advice.

http://ift.tt/2k4RiDp

Treating submucous clefts with a double-opposing Z-plasty

Baek et al describe that the double-opposing Z-plasty could be a very valuable technique to treat hypernasality in submucous clefts1. Although this study is a valuable adjunct to the cleft literature, some factors need attention. The authors demonstrate that numerous patients still had articulation problems. The speech was analysed by plastic surgeons and although I am fully aware that some surgeons are able in doing this, for future studies I would suggest that the speech and articulation should be analysed by speech- and language pathologists.

http://ift.tt/2kosMcy

Prevalence of Skin Sensitization to Pollen of Date Palm in Marrakesh, Morocco

Background. Date palm's pollen has been identified as a source of allergy; the rate of sensitization of this pollen is between 6 and 29%. Objective. To determine the prevalence of sensitization to date palm in Marrakesh and to identify the clinical profile. Patients and Methods. This study is based on a questionnaire and the prick test on 7 allergens, in population aged 5 years and above with clinical symptoms suggesting allergic diseases, from November 2012 to February 2013 in Marrakech. Results. We included 468 patients (women: 79.5%). The prick tests were considered interpretable in 467 cases. The prevalence of skin sensitization to pollen of date palm was 6.6%. The 31 cases of sensitization to date palm involved 7 men and 24 women with an average age of 37.5 years. Cutaneous monosensitization to date palm's pollen was observed in 2 cases. Asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis were recorded, respectively, in 48.4%, 93.5%, and 67.7%. Conclusion. Skin sensitization to pollen of date palm does not seem unusual among allergic patients in Marrakech and is comparable to that found in Casablanca (7%), Barcelona (6.6%), and Cartagena (6.1%).

http://ift.tt/2kL6IfV

Prevalence of Skin Sensitization to Pollen of Date Palm in Marrakesh, Morocco

Background. Date palm's pollen has been identified as a source of allergy; the rate of sensitization of this pollen is between 6 and 29%. Objective. To determine the prevalence of sensitization to date palm in Marrakesh and to identify the clinical profile. Patients and Methods. This study is based on a questionnaire and the prick test on 7 allergens, in population aged 5 years and above with clinical symptoms suggesting allergic diseases, from November 2012 to February 2013 in Marrakech. Results. We included 468 patients (women: 79.5%). The prick tests were considered interpretable in 467 cases. The prevalence of skin sensitization to pollen of date palm was 6.6%. The 31 cases of sensitization to date palm involved 7 men and 24 women with an average age of 37.5 years. Cutaneous monosensitization to date palm's pollen was observed in 2 cases. Asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis were recorded, respectively, in 48.4%, 93.5%, and 67.7%. Conclusion. Skin sensitization to pollen of date palm does not seem unusual among allergic patients in Marrakech and is comparable to that found in Casablanca (7%), Barcelona (6.6%), and Cartagena (6.1%).

http://ift.tt/2kL6IfV

Perioperative participation of orthopedic patients and surgical staff in a nasal decolonization intervention to reduce Staphylococcus spp surgical site infections

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Anildaliz Mullen, Helen J. Wieland, Eric S. Wieser, Ernst W. Spannhake, Rebecca S. Marinos
With the goal of reducing rates of surgical site infections in our spine patients, we initiated a trial to investigate the impact of adding perisurgical nasal decolonization involving patients and surgical and nursing staff. We combined immediate presurgical application of a nonantibiotic alcohol-based nasal antiseptic with existing chlorhexidine bath or wipes in a comprehensive pre- and postoperative decolonization protocol. Mean infection rates were significantly decreased by 81% from 1.76 to 0.33 per 100 surgeries during the 15-month trial, when compared with the prior 9-month baseline.



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An online course improves nurses' awareness of their role as antimicrobial stewards in nursing homes

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Brigid M. Wilson, Sue Shick, Rebecca R. Carter, Barbara Heath, Patricia A. Higgins, Basia Sychla, Danielle M. Olds, Robin L.P. Jump
BackgroundTo support the role of nurses as active proponents of antimicrobial stewardship in long-term care facilities, we developed an educational intervention consisting of a free online course comprised of 6 interactive modules. Here, we report the effect of the course on the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward antimicrobial stewardship of nurses working in long-term care facilities.MethodsWe used a paired pre- and postcourse survey instrument to assess nurses' knowledge regarding the care of long-term care facility residents with infections and attitudes and beliefs regarding antimicrobial stewardship.ResultsThere were 103 respondents, registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, who completed the pre- and postsurveys. Their mean knowledge scores improved from 75% (precourse) to 86% (postcourse, P < .001). After the course, nurses' agreement that their role influences whether residents receive antimicrobials increased significantly (P < .001).ConclusionsThe online course improves nurses' knowledge regarding the care of long-term care facility residents with infections and improves their confidence to engage in antimicrobial stewardship activities. Empowering nurses to be antimicrobial stewards may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use among institutionalized older adults.



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Outcome of strict implementation of infection prevention control measures during an outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Hassan E. El Bushra, Hussain A. Al Arbash, Mutaz Mohammed, Osman Abdalla, Mohamed N. Abdallah, Zayid K. Al-Mayahi, Abdallah M. Assiri, Abdulaziz A. BinSaeed
BackgroundThe objective of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the impact of implementation of different levels of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures during an outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in a large tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. The setting was an emergency room (ER) in a large tertiary hospital and included primary and secondary MERS patients.MethodsRapid response teams conducted repeated assessments of IPC and monitored implementation of corrective measures using a detailed structured checklist. We ascertained the epidemiologic link between patients and calculated the secondary attack rate per 10,000 patients visiting the ER (SAR/10,000) in 3 phases of the outbreak.ResultsIn phase I, 6 primary cases gave rise to 48 secondary cases over 4 generations, including a case that resulted in 9 cases in the first generation of secondary cases and 21 cases over a chain of 4 generations. During the second and third phases, the number of secondary cases sharply dropped to 18 cases and 1 case, respectively, from a comparable number of primary cases. The SAR/10,000 dropped from 75 (95% confidence interval [CI], 55-99) in phase I to 29 (95% CI, 17-46) and 3 (95% CI, 0-17) in phases II and III, respectively.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated salient evidence that proper institution of IPC measures during management of an outbreak of MERS could remarkably change the course of the outbreak.



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Barriers, perceptions, and adherence: Hand hygiene in the operating room and endoscopy suite

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Laura Pedersen, Kimberly Elgin, Barbara Peace, Nadia Masroor, Michelle Doll, Kakotan Sanogo, Wilhelm Zuelzer, Gene Peterson, Michael P. Stevens, Gonzalo Bearman
We examined the perceptions and barriers to nonsurgical scrubbed hand hygiene in the operating room and endoscopy procedure room using 2 anonymous Likert-scale surveys. Results indicated poor role modeling, inconvenience, and the need to monitor hand hygiene and feedback data to providers because of poor self-awareness of hand hygiene practices.



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Pseudo-outbreak of Penicillium in an outpatient obstetrics and gynecology clinic

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Geetika Sood, Kerri Huber, Lisa Dam, Stefan Riedel, Lisa Grubb, Jonathan Zenilman, Trish M. Perl, Cynthia Argani
We report an unusual pseudo-outbreak of Penicillium that occurred in patients seen in an outpatient obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The pseudo-outbreak was detected in late 2012, when the microbiology department reported a series of vaginal cultures positive for Penicillium spp. Our investigation found Penicillium spp in both patient and environmental samples and was potentially associated with the practice of wetting gloves with tap water by a health care worker prior to patient examination.



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Distribution of Endomorphin-like-immunoreactive neurones in the brain of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus

Abstract

Endomorphins are tetrapeptides involved in pain and neuroendocrine responses with high affinity for mu opioid receptors in mammals. In the present investigation, we studied the distribution of endomorphin-like-immunoreactive (EM-L-ir) neurones in the brain of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Application of antisera against endomorphin 1 and 2 (EM-1-2) revealed the presence of EM-L-ir somata and fibres throughout the different subdivisions of the olfactory bulb such as the olfactory nerve layer and the granule cell layer. While the extensions of EM-L-ir fibres were seen along the medial olfactory tract, intensely labeled EM-L-ir somata were found in different subdivisions of the telencephalon. In the diencephalon, intensely stained EM-L-ir neurones were noticed in the preoptic area, the nucleus preopticus pars magnocellularis, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the nucleus lateralis tuberis pars lateralis (NLTl) and the nucleus lateralis tuberis pars medialis (NLTm) regions, whereas projections of EM-L-ir fibres were also seen along the hypothalamo-hypophyseal tract suggested a possible hypophysiotrophic role for these neurones. Intense to moderately stained EM-L-ir neurones were noticed in different subdivisions of thalamic nucleus such as the dorsal posterior thalamic nucleus, commissura posterior, ventromedial thalamic nucleus, nucleus posterior tuberis, ventrolateral thalamic nucleus and medial preglomerular nucleus. Numerous intensely stained perikarya and axonal fibres were also noticed throughout the inferior lobe, along the periventricular margin of the reccessus lateralis, and in the nucleus recesus lateralis regions. In addition, numerous moderately labeled EM-like neuronal populations were found in the secondary gustatory nucleus and rostral spinal cord. The widespread distribution of EM-L-ir neurones throughout the brain and spinal cord indicate diverse roles for these cells in neuroendocrine and neuromodulatory responses for the first time in fish. The study provides further insight into the possible existence of EM-like peptides in early vertebrate lines and suggests that these peptides might have been well-conserved during the course of evolution.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Improving Nutrition Students’ Knowledge and Perceived Competence to Provide Nutrition Education to Adults with Disabilities via Experiential Learning

Publication date: Available online 7 February 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Sandra Baker, Jillian Trabulsi, Taylor Evans, Elizabeth Smith




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A Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire Validated in Hispanic Infants and Toddlers Aged 0 to 24 Months

Publication date: Available online 7 February 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Cristina Palacios, Sona Rivas-Tumanyan, Eduardo J. Santiago-Rodríguez, Olga Sinigaglia, Elaine M. Ríos, Maribel Campos, Beatriz Diaz, Walter Willett
BackgroundThere are limited validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) for infants and toddlers, most of which were evaluated in Europe or Oceania, and the ones available for use in the United States have important limitations.ObjectiveOur aim was to assess the validity of an FFQ developed for infants and toddlers.DesignA semi-quantitative FFQ was developed that included 52 food items, their sources, and portion sizes. The FFQ inquired about diets over the previous 7 days. Its validity was assessed in a cross-sectional study. Participants completed the FFQ, followed by a 24-hour recall on two occasions with 1 week between data collection.Participants/settingA total of 296 caregivers of infants and toddlers aged 0 to 24 months enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, Puerto Rico.Main outcome measuresIntake of nutrients and food groups were averaged for the two FFQs and the two 24-hour food recalls, and adjusted for energy intake.Statistical analyses performedSpearman correlations were performed for intakes of energy, nutrients, and foods between administrations and between instruments. Correlation coefficients were de-attenuated to account for variation in the 24-hour recalls.ResultsA total of 241 participants completed the study. Intake of all nutrients and foods were significantly correlated between FFQs and 24-hour recalls and between the means of FFQs and 24-hour food recalls. The de-attenuated correlation for nutrients between the FFQs and 24-hour recalls ranged from 0.26 (folate) to 0.77 (energy), with a mean correlation of 0.53. The de-attenuated correlation for food groups between the FFQs and 24-hour recalls ranged from 0.28 (sweets) to 0.80 (breast milk), with a mean correlation of 0.55. When analyses were restricted to those consuming foods other than breast milk or formula (n=186), results were similar.ConclusionsThis semi-quantitative FFQ is a tool that offers reasonably valid rankings for intake of energy, nutrients, foods, and food groups in this sample of infants and toddlers.



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Dose-time-response relationship in peanut allergy using a human model of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis

The extensive use of the double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenge in the diagnosis of food allergy and the growing uncertainties about the appropriate time interval between dose steps highlight the need to better understand which factors govern the reaction time in anaphylaxis, that is, the time it takes for an allergic reaction to develop after a patient has ingested the allergen.1 The purpose of this study was to determine whether the serum level of allergen specific IgE (sIgE) and/or the oral challenge dose affect the reaction time (Treact) and the size of the wheal (Swheal) in IgE-mediated, cutaneous reactions in vivo.

http://ift.tt/2kor76W

Histone deacetylase 7 silencing induces apoptosis and autophagy in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells

Abstract

Background

The overexpression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) has been observed in many cancers and inhibition of specific HDACs has emerged as a new target for cancer therapy. We found that HDAC7 expression was selectively reduced by HDAC inhibitor apicidin in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) cells. Here, we show that HDAC7 suppression has a potent anti-tumor effect in MEC cells.

Methods

HDAC7 was knocked down using HDAC7 siRNAs and cell proliferation was quantified. Cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and autophagy were measured by flow cytometry and immunoblotting.

Results

HDAC7 siRNAs inhibited cell proliferation and c-Myc expression, increased p27 expression caused G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in both YD-15 and Mc3 cells. HDAC7 silencing increased the sub-G1 population, Annexin V positive apoptotic cells and cleaved caspase3 levels. HDAC7 silencing induced an increase in autophagic markers, number of acidic vesicular organelles, and LC3B II levels, and decrease in p62 levels. HDAC7 siRNAs reduced the activation of ERK. HDAC7 knockdown resulted in grow inhibition through G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and induced both apoptosis and autophagy in MEC cells.

Conclusions

This study indicates that inhibition of HDAC7 might become a novel and effective therapeutic approach for treating to MEC.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Incidence of lip malignancies in Germany – data from 9 population-based cancer registries

Abstract

Background

The objective of this study was to analyse the incidence of lip malignancies in Germany.

Methods

Data from population-based cancer registries covering a population of 39 million inhabitants from 14 federal states were pooled. Lip malignancies were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Age-standardised incidence rates and annual percentage changes in the incidence trends of lip cancer (C00), melanoma of the lip (C43.0), and non-melanoma skin cancer of the lip (C44.0) were calculated.

Results

Lip cancer (C00) incidence rate was 0.57/0.15 per 100,000 (men/women) in 2003 and 0.52/0.18 in 2012. In women, the change was statistically significant.

Melanoma lip cancer (C43.0) incidence rates both in men and women were 0.02 in 2003 and 0.01 in 2012. Incidence rates of non-melanoma skin cancer of the lip (C44.0) significantly increased from 1.6 in 2003 to 2.1 in 2012 in men and from 1.5 in 2003 to 2.4 in 2012 in women.

In lip cancer (C00), the vast majority (98% in men / 93% in women) were squamous cell carcinomas and 2% / 7% were basal-cell carcinoma. In men, 56% of non-melanoma skin cancers (C44.0) were squamous cell carcinoma, whereas these were only 27% in women.

Conclusions

The incidences of non-melanoma skin cancer of the lip increased over time in Germany in both sexes. Lip cancer incidence increased in women, while it stayed stable in men. Melanoma of the lip did not change in incidence. The distribution of histology in non-melanoma skin cancer of the lip differed by sex.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2lpVVo6

Cognitive and behavioral therapies in the treatment of insomnia: a meta-analysis

Insomnia is a major public health problem considering its high prevalence, impact on daily life, co-morbidity with other disorders and societal costs. Cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBTI) is currently considered to be the preferred treatment. However, no meta-analysis exists of all studies using at least one component of CBTI for insomnia, which also uses modern techniques to pool data and to analyze subgroups of patients. We included 87 randomized controlled trials, comparing 118 treatments (3724 patients) to non-treated controls (2579 patients).

http://ift.tt/2kJEoYJ

Zum Tode von Claus Walter – Pionier der plastischen Gesichtschirurgie

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol 2017; 96: 8-9
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-122401

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
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Zum Tode von Claus Walter – Pionier der plastischen Gesichtschirurgie

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol 2017; 96: 8-9
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-122401

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

http://ift.tt/2lm2BHE

Prognosefaktoren für Langzeit-Tracheostoma nach Chemoradiatio

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol 2017; 96: 4-5
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-113593

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

http://ift.tt/2lswtiB

Prognosefaktoren für Langzeit-Tracheostoma nach Chemoradiatio

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol 2017; 96: 4-5
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-113593

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

http://ift.tt/2lswtiB

BAHA-Implantation: Weniger Hautkomplikationen durch lineare Inzision statt Flap

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol 2017; 96: 6-7
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-121779

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
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http://ift.tt/2lswV06

BAHA-Implantation: Weniger Hautkomplikationen durch lineare Inzision statt Flap

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol 2017; 96: 6-7
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-121779

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
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A Tribute to Tony Bull Surgeon, Teacher, Leader, Gentleman (1934 – 2016)

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol 2017; 96: 10-10
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-122402

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
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http://ift.tt/2llZ6Bc

A Tribute to Tony Bull Surgeon, Teacher, Leader, Gentleman (1934 – 2016)

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol 2017; 96: 10-10
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-122402

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

http://ift.tt/2llZ6Bc

Einfluss des Überlappungsbereichs zwischen akustischer und elektrischer Stimulation

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-117639

Patienten mit residualem Tieftonhörvermögen sowie Hochtonsteilabfall mit an Taubheit grenzendem Hörvermögen bei mittleren und hohen Frequenzen werden durch Cochlea-Implantate mit elektrisch-akustischer Stimulation (EAS, „hybride" Stimulation) versorgt. Im Grenzbereich zwischen elektrischer und akustischer Stimulation kann es zu einer Überlagerung der beiden Reizformen kommen. Die Überlagerung wird bestimmt durch die Einführtiefe der Reizelektrode und der oberen Grenze des akustisch stimulierbaren Bereichs, sowie der Festlegung der Übertragungsbereiche (akustisch/elektrisch) durch den CI-Sprachprozessor. Die Studie untersuchte den Einfluss der Variation des elektrisch-akustischen Überlagerungsbereichs auf das Sprachverstehen im Störgeräusch, wobei die Breite der „Übertragungslücke" zwischen den beiden verschiedenen Reizmodalitäten durch 2 unterschiedliche Verfahren variiert wurde. Die an 9 erfahrenen Nutzern des MED-EL Duet 2 Prozessors ermittelten Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der elektrisch-akustische Übertragungsbereich und mit ihm die Trennfrequenz zwischen Akustik-Teil und CI individuell angepasst werden sollten. Weitere Studien müssen zeigen, ob allgemeingültige Aussagen zur Auswirkung der Überlagerung zwischen elektrischer und akustischer Stimulation möglich sind, wobei eine Vergrößerung des Probandenkollektivs sowie eine längere Eingewöhnungszeit vor Durchführung der Hörtests notwendig erscheinen.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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

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Einfluss des Überlappungsbereichs zwischen akustischer und elektrischer Stimulation

Laryngo-Rhino-Otol
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-117639

Patienten mit residualem Tieftonhörvermögen sowie Hochtonsteilabfall mit an Taubheit grenzendem Hörvermögen bei mittleren und hohen Frequenzen werden durch Cochlea-Implantate mit elektrisch-akustischer Stimulation (EAS, „hybride" Stimulation) versorgt. Im Grenzbereich zwischen elektrischer und akustischer Stimulation kann es zu einer Überlagerung der beiden Reizformen kommen. Die Überlagerung wird bestimmt durch die Einführtiefe der Reizelektrode und der oberen Grenze des akustisch stimulierbaren Bereichs, sowie der Festlegung der Übertragungsbereiche (akustisch/elektrisch) durch den CI-Sprachprozessor. Die Studie untersuchte den Einfluss der Variation des elektrisch-akustischen Überlagerungsbereichs auf das Sprachverstehen im Störgeräusch, wobei die Breite der „Übertragungslücke" zwischen den beiden verschiedenen Reizmodalitäten durch 2 unterschiedliche Verfahren variiert wurde. Die an 9 erfahrenen Nutzern des MED-EL Duet 2 Prozessors ermittelten Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der elektrisch-akustische Übertragungsbereich und mit ihm die Trennfrequenz zwischen Akustik-Teil und CI individuell angepasst werden sollten. Weitere Studien müssen zeigen, ob allgemeingültige Aussagen zur Auswirkung der Überlagerung zwischen elektrischer und akustischer Stimulation möglich sind, wobei eine Vergrößerung des Probandenkollektivs sowie eine längere Eingewöhnungszeit vor Durchführung der Hörtests notwendig erscheinen.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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

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Low cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin levels during sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk period

The temporal association between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sleep suggests that the arousability from sleep provides a protective mechanism for survival. Recently, the hypocretin system, which promotes wakefulness, has been implicated in SIDS, since it has been reported that SIDS victims have fewer hypocretin neurons than infants who have died from other causes. To understand the role of hypocretin in SIDS, it is essential to better understand how this system matures. The present study compared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin in children aged 2-6 months, which is the age of peak incidence for SIDS, to both younger and older children.

http://ift.tt/2lm3AaK

Influence of gender of the teaching staff on students’ acceptance of a virtual implant planning course

Acceptance of new technology is influenced by a number of situational and social factors. So far, only limited data are available on the influence of the teaching staff's gender on the acceptance of virtual dental implant planning by students. This study aimed at assessing the influence of the teaching staff's gender on the acceptance of a virtual implant planning course by male and female undergraduate dental students and their general attitude toward implantology.Two groups of third-year dental students (group 1, 9 males, 22 females; group 2, 12 males, 20 females) attended a virtual dental implant planning course.

http://ift.tt/2kPYTp7

A Preterm Newborn in “the Barrel Syndrome”

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Bárbara Muñoz Amat, Sara Vázquez Román, Carmen Gallego Herrero, Noemí Núñez-Enamorado, Óscar Toldos González, Carmen R. Pallás Alonso




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Growth and psychological development in post-operative patients of anterior encephaloceles

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Hemonta K. Dutta, C. Wachana Khangkeo, Kaberi Baruah, Debasish Borbora
PurposeAnterior encephaloceles are rare malformations frequently associated with other brain anomalies. This study evaluates the growth and psychological development of children following encephalocele repair.Materials & methodsGrowth and psychological assessment was done in 24 children with only encephalocele (group-I), 9 children with encephalocele and hydrocephalus (group-II), 7 children with encephalocele, hydrocephalus and secondary malformations (group-III) and 40 apparently healthy controls. Psychological assessment was done by evaluating intelligence and temperament.ResultsSingle-stage repair was performed in 38 children, 2 underwent multistage repair. Major post-operative complications were noted in 3 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 168 months, during which the growth velocity declined significantly among group-II and group-III patients when compared to controls. After age-adjusting body mass index (BMI), our data revealed that group-III participants had a significantly (p=0.02) lower BMI than the control group. Group III also had poor indices for intelligence quotient (IQ) (p≤0.01) and temperament (p≤0.01). Female patients had lower temperament indices as compared to unaffected females- approach withdrawal (p≤0.01), mood (p=0.026) and intensity (p=0.03). Overall, increased disease severity adversely affected psychological indices.ConclusionAnterior encephalocele patients without associated intracranial defects had excellent post-operative outcomes in terms of growth and psychological developments. Hydrocephalus and agenesis of corpus callosum had least impact on the psychological development. However the presence of secondary brain defects led to developmental delays. Gender differences in temperament explains the need for distinct treatment regimen to assess psychosocial well-being for male and female cases.



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Outcomes of diagnostic exome sequencing in patients with diagnosed or suspected autism spectrum disorders

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Mari Rossi, Dima El-Khechen, Mary Helen Black, Kelly Farwell Hagman, Sha Tang, Zoe Powis
BackgroundExome Sequencing has recently proven to be a successful diagnostic method for complex neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing for autism spectrum disorders has not been extensively evaluated in large cohorts to date.Materials and MethodsWe performed diagnostic exome sequencing in a cohort of 163 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; 66.3%) or autistic features (33.7%).ResultsThe diagnostic yield observed in patients in our cohort was 25.8% (42/163) for positive/likely positive findings in characterized disease genes, while a candidate genetic etiology was reported for an additional 3.3% (4/120) of patients. Among the positive findings in the patients with ASD or autistic features, 61.9% were the result of de novo mutations. Patients presenting with psychiatric conditions or ataxia and/or paraplegia in addition to ASD or autistic features were significantly more likely to receive positive results compared to patients without these clinical features (95.6% vs. 27.1%, p <0.0001 83.3% vs. 21.2%, p <0.0001respectively). The majority of the positive findings were in recently identified ASD genes, supporting the importance of diagnostic exome sequencing for patients with ASD or autistic features as the causative genes might evade traditional sequential or panel testing.ConclusionsThese results suggest that diagnostic exome sequencing would be an efficient primary diagnostic method for patients with ASDs or autistic features. Moreover, our data may aid clinicians to better determine which subset of patients with ASD with additional clinical features would benefit the most from diagnostic exome sequencing.



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Editorial Board and Masthead

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology, Volume 67





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Early-Onset Parkinsonism: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology, Volume 67
Author(s): Ahmed Al-Rumayyan, Christine Klein, Majid Alfadhel
BackgroundEarly-onset parkinsonism can be caused by PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) gene defects and is usually characterized by an age of onset in the fourth decade of life, slow disease progression, resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability, and levodopa-induced dyskinesia.MethodsWe evaluated a child with early-onset symptoms and performed a literature review for previously reported examples of children aged 18 years or less with PINK1 gene defects.ResultsWe describe a five-year-old boy with autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism caused by a homozygous missense mutation in the PINK1 gene. This is the youngest individual yet reported with early-onset parkinsonism.ConclusionPINK1-type of early-onset parkinsonism can occur in very young patients, and phenotypic expression of PINK1 mutations may depend on age of onset and ethnicity.



http://ift.tt/2llU73b