Oncogene addiction in non-small cell lung cancer: focus on ROS1 inhibition

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Francesco Facchinetti, Giulio Rossi, Emilio Bria, Jean-Charles Soria, Benjamin Besse, Roberta Minari, Luc Friboulet, Marcello Tiseo
Detection of molecular aberrations driving the biology and the clinical behavior of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) allows the adoption of specific therapeutic strategies dramatically impacting disease courses. Among these, ROS1 rearrangements are present in1-2% of lung adenocarcinomas. Thanks to similarities between ALK and ROS1 oncogenes, lessons inferred from ALK can be applied to ROS1-positive NSCLC; nevertheless, disparities exist between diseases mastered by these two fusion genes. In the absence of more common genetic alterations detected in NSCLC (e. g. EGFR and KRAS mutations, ALK gene fusions), seeking for ROS1 rearrangements is crucial. Dedicated molecular diagnostics should be standardized, hopefully relying upon practical and efficient algorithms, comprehending immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridisation. The major clinical impact exerted by crizotinib represents the main reason for which not even a sole ROS1-positive tumor should be undetected. The recent approval of the inhibitor by both American and European health agencies would hopefully boost the widespread testing for ROS1, eventually increasing the absolute number of positive cases, potential further source of information regarding molecular and clinical resistance. In vitro and clinical evidence have already been generated concerning crizotinib resistance and strategies to maintain patients under specific driver-inhibition are being successfully developed. Gathering data concerning diagnostics, preclinical evidence, clinical practice and ongoing studies, the present review depicts the current scenario of ROS1 inhibition in NSCLC.



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Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology for the Public: There are clear effects of thyroid hormone on the heart. Some clinical studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease and death in patients with hypothyroidism, both mild and overt. Read More….

The post Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2nejXr1

Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology for the Public: There are clear effects of thyroid hormone on the heart. Some clinical studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease and death in patients with hypothyroidism, both mild and overt. Read More….

The post Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2nejXr1

Structural, rheological and nutraceutical potential of β-glucan from barley and oat

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre
Author(s): Asima Shah, Adil Gani, F.A. Masoodi, Shoib M. Wani, Bilal Ahmad Ashwar
β-glucan in oat and barley were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography and purity estimation by Megazyme β-glucan assay kit. Oat and barley β-glucan had average molecular weights of 2.0×103kDa and 1.79 ×10³kDa, respectively. Rheological analysis suggested that β-glucan consisted of interchain aggregations and showed shear thinning behavior as revealed from Herschel-Bulkely model and frequency sweep. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by three complementary assays. Oat β- glucan showed increased DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power, and protection against DNA damage than barley β-glucan. Further, the antiproliferative potential of β-glucan was tested against three human cancer cell lines using MTT assay (3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)−2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). β-glucan exhibited dose dependent cancer cell growth inhibition with oat β-glucan being more potent than barley β-glucan. This study demonstrates that barley and oat beta glucans hold nutraceutical potential of importance for functional food development and human health in general.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2neol9e

Genetics of coronary artery disease: discovery, biology and clinical translation

The past decade has seen tremendous progress in understanding the genetic architecture of coronary artery disease (CAD). Khera and Kathiresan review research efforts that have improved our understanding of the genetic drivers of CAD, and discuss the promises and challenges of integrating genetic information into routine clinical practice.

http://ift.tt/2mYRyoq

Transplant genetics and genomics

Advances in genetics and genomics have transformed the field of organ transplantation. Here, the authors review the role of genetic dissimilarities between donor and recipient in transplant tolerance and rejection, and how the identification of genetic variants that predict adverse transplant outcomes can be used for personalized medicine.

http://ift.tt/2nuKhJt

Integration site selection by retroviruses and transposable elements in eukaryotes

Next-generation sequencing has facilitated the study of how transposable elements and retroviruses select their diverse genomic sites of integration, and revealed integration site preferences that range from specific nucleotide sequences to particular chromatin states. The authors review the various mechanisms of integration site selection in eukaryotes, as well as the molecular and cellular determinants that guide this process.

http://ift.tt/2mZ08Di

A paperless office – what does it mean?

http://ift.tt/2mYSsRA

Letter re: Radiation shielding in dentistry: an update

http://ift.tt/2nuxV44

Corrigendum

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Comment: ‘Radiation shielding in dentistry: an update’

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Continuing Professional Development Quiz

http://ift.tt/2mYSIA3

Continuing Professional Development Calendar

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Issue Information - TOC and JEB

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Heritability of brain activity related to response inhibition: A longitudinal genetic study in adolescent twins

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Andrey P. Anokhin, Simon Golosheykin, Julia D. Grant, Andrew C. Heath
The ability to inhibit prepotent but context- or goal-inappropriate responses is essential for adaptive self-regulation of behavior. Deficits in response inhibition, a key component of impulsivity, have been implicated as a core dysfunction in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD and addictions. Identification of genetically transmitted variation in the neural underpinnings of response inhibition can help to elucidate etiological pathways to these disorders and establish the links between genes, brain, and behavior. However, little is known about genetic influences on the neural mechanisms of response inhibition during adolescence, a developmental period characterized by weak self-regulation of behavior. Here we investigated heritability of ERPs elicited in a Go/No-Go task in a large sample of adolescent twins assessed longitudinally at ages 12, 14, and 16. Genetic analyses showed significant heritability of inhibition-related frontal N2 and P3 components at all three ages, with 50 to 60% of inter-individual variability being attributable to genetic factors. These genetic influences included both common genetic factors active at different ages and novel genetic influences emerging during development. Finally, individual differences in the rate of developmental changes from age 12 to age 16 were significantly influenced by genetic factors. In conclusion, the present study provides the first evidence for genetic influences on neural correlates of response inhibition during adolescence and suggests that ERPs elicited in the Go/No-Go task can serve as intermediate neurophysiological phenotypes (endophenotypes) for the study of disinhibition and impulse control disorders.



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Improving the impact strength of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in fused layer modeling (FLM)

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Lu Wang, William M. Gramlich, Douglas J. Gardner
Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most popular thermoplastics for fused deposition modeling (FDM). Attributed to its semi-crystalline nature, the relation between printing parameters and properties are more complicated than amorphous thermoplastics like acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). This study was designed to investigate two printing parameters, layer height (0.2 and 0.4 mm) and plate temperature (30 and 160 °C) on the Izod impact strength of printed PLA. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the existence of α crystals in parts printed from 160 °C-plate temperature and α′ crystals in those printed at 30 °C-plate temperature. Parts printed with a 160 °C (plate temperature) had higher crystallinity. Polarized optical microscope (POM) observations illustrated that the plate temperature of 160 °C and layer height of 0.2 mm induced higher crystallinity, smaller crystals and interfacial crystal bands. The Izod impact strength of printed PLA at higher plate temperature was up to 114% higher than injection molded PLA made using conventional molding parameters.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2mBLdOG

Structure, Synthesis and Biological Properties of the Pentacyclic Guanidinium Alkaloids

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Yunlong Shi, Yasamin Moazami, Joshua G. Pierce
The pentacyclic guanidinium alkaloids (PGAs) are a family of marine natural products that possess a polycyclic guanidine-containing core and a long alkyl chain tethered spermidine-derived tail that is rarely observed in other natural products. These natural products exhibit potent activities on a wide range of organisms and therefore have attracted the attention of many synthetic chemists; however, the structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action of PGAs remain largely elusive. Herein we summarize the structure, synthesis, toxicity and mechanisms of action of PGAs and highlight their potential as chemical probes and/or therapeutic leads.

Graphical abstract

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Radiosurgery for intracranial meningiomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Valentina Pinzi, Elena Biagioli, Anna Roberto, Francesca Galli, Michele Rizzi, Federica Chiappa, Greta Brenna, Laura Fariselli, Irene Floriani
BackgroundRadiosurgery(RS), both in single and multiple sessions, have been performed for intracranial meningiomas. Different aspects are still controversial on this field. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current literature on long-term efficacy and safety of RS for meningiomas.MethodsOnline databases were searched for studies published until April 2015. The primary outcomes were disease control and progression-free-survival(PFS). The secondary outcomes were symptom control and radiation-induced toxicity.ResultsThe estimate of disease control rate ranged from 87.0% to 100.0% at 5 years and from 67.0% to 100.0% at 10 years. The PFS rate ranged 78.0%–98.9% and 53.1%–97.2% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. The overall symptom control was 92.3%, the overall toxicity was 8.1%.ConclusionsRS can be considered a safe and effective treatment. Efforts are needed in standardizing the definition of local and symptom control and toxicity in order to properly compare different treatment schedules.



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Perception of oral and maxillofacial surgery by Brazilian healthcare professionals: what has changed in ten years?

http://ift.tt/2nupqWF

A novel SERS-based magnetic aptasensor for prostate specific antigen assay with high sensitivity

Publication date: 15 August 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 94
Author(s): Kang Yang, Yongjun Hu, Ning Dong, Guichi Zhu, Tingfeng Zhu, Ningjing Jiang
The accurate and highly sensitive detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is particularly important, especially for obese men and patients. In this report, we present a novel aptamer-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor that employs magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) core-Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) satellite assemblies to detect PSA. The high specific biorecognition between aptamer and PSA caused the dissolution of the core-satellite assemblies, thus the concentration of functionalized AuNPs (signal probes) existing in the supernatant was on the rise with the continual addition of PSA. The aptamer-modified MNPs were used as supporting materials and separation tools in the present sensor. With the assistance of magnet, the mixture was removed from the supernatant for the concentration effects. It was found that the corresponding SERS signals from the supernatant were in direct correlation to PSA concentrations over a wide range and the limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 5.0pg/mL. Excellent recovery was also obtained to assess the feasibility of this method for human serum samples detection. All of these results show a promising application of this method. And this novel sensor can be used for the accurate and highly sensitive detection of PSA in clinic samples in the future.



http://ift.tt/2mOo8sv

Fluorescent nanoprobe for in-vivo ratiometric imaging of endogenous hydrogen peroxide resulted from drug-induced organ damages

Publication date: 15 August 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 94
Author(s): Jin Peng, Xianfeng Hou, Fang Zeng, Shuizhu Wu
Drug-induced organ damages have been considered as a grave problem regarding public health; hence effective method for in vivo detection of drug-induced organ damages is of great significance. Herein we developed a ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe (NPs-A), which was prepared by loading the probe molecules into phospholipid bilayer, for assaying hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, an organ damage biomarker) level in vivo. The photophysical behavior of the probe molecule depends on the electron-withdrawing ability of the group at the 6- position of anthracene ring, on which the recognition moiety for hydrogen peroxide (dicarbonyl coupled with nitrophenyl, referred to as nitrophenyl-dicarbonyl) was introduced. Upon the reaction of the probe with H2O2, nitrophenyl-dicarbonyl group transforms into carboxyl group, and due to the variation of the electron-withdrawing ability of the 6th substituent, the fluorescent properties of the probe molecule alters accordingly, thus ensuring the ratiometric detection for H2O2 with high selectivity with the detection limit of 0.49μM. In addition, the nanoprobe (NPs-A) was applied for cell and in vivo imaging applications; and the results indicate that it can detect and track the level of H2O2 in living cells and to monitor and spatially map endogenous H2O2 levels in a drug-induced organ damage model of zebrafish.

Graphical abstract

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Retrospective study of rare cutaneous malignant adnexal tumors of the head and neck in a tertiary care cancer hospital: a case series

Adnexal tumors of the skin are a large and diverse group of benign and malignant neoplasms, which exhibit morphological differentiation toward one of the different types of adnexal epithelium present in normal...

http://ift.tt/2mA3daD

Patterns of age related changes for phosphodiesterase type-10A in comparison with dopamine D2/3 receptors and sub-cortical volumes in the human basal ganglia: A PET study with 18F-MNI-659 and 11C-raclopride with correction for partial volume effect

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 152
Author(s): Patrik Fazio, Martin Schain, Ladislav Mrzljak, Nahid Amini, Sangram Nag, Nabil Al-Tawil, Cheryl J. Fitzer-Attas, Juliana Bronzova, Bernhard Landwehrmeyer, Cristina Sampaio, Christer Halldin, Andrea Varrone
Phosphodiesterase 10A enzyme (PDE10A) is an important striatal target that has been shown to be affected in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Huntington´s disease (HD). PDE10A is expressed on striatal neurones in basal ganglia where other known molecular targets are enriched such as dopamine D2/3 receptors (D2/3 R). The aim of this study was to examine the availability of PDE10A enzyme in relation with age and gender and to compare those changes with those related to D2/3 R and volumes in different regions of the basal ganglia. As a secondary objective we examined the relative distribution of D2/3 R and PDE10A enzyme in the striatum and globus pallidus. Forty control subjects (20F/20M; age: 44±11y, age range 27–69) from an ongoing positron emission tomography (PET) study in HD gene expansion carriers were included. Subjects were examined with PET using the high-resolution research tomograph (HRRT) and with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The PDE10A radioligand ¹⁸F-MNI-659 and D2/3 R radioligand ¹¹C-raclopride were used. The outcome measure was the binding potential (BPND) estimated with the two-tissue compartment model (¹⁸F-MNI-659) and the simplified reference tissue model (¹¹C-raclopride) using the cerebellum as reference region. The PET data were corrected for partial volume effects. In the striatum, PDE10A availability showed a significant age-related decline that was larger compared to the age-related decline of D2/3 R availability and to the age-related decline of volumes measured with MRI. In the globus pallidus, a less pronounced decline of PDE10A availability was observed, whereas D2/3 R availability and volumes seemed to be rather stable with aging. The distribution of the PDE10A enzyme was different from the distribution of D2/3 R, with higher availability in the globus pallidus. These results indicate that aging is associated with a considerable physiological reduction of the availability of PDE10A enzyme in the striatum. Moreover as result of the analysis, in the striatum for both the molecular targets, we observed a gender effect with higher BPND the female group.



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Spinal cord grey matter segmentation challenge

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 152
Author(s): Ferran Prados, John Ashburner, Claudia Blaiotta, Tom Brosch, Julio Carballido-Gamio, Manuel Jorge Cardoso, Benjamin N. Conrad, Esha Datta, Gergely Dávid, Benjamin De Leener, Sara M. Dupont, Patrick Freund, Claudia A.M. Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott, Francesco Grussu, Roland Henry, Bennett A. Landman, Emil Ljungberg, Bailey Lyttle, Sebastien Ourselin, Nico Papinutto, Salvatore Saporito, Regina Schlaeger, Seth A. Smith, Paul Summers, Roger Tam, Marios C. Yiannakas, Alyssa Zhu, Julien Cohen-Adad
An important image processing step in spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging is the ability to reliably and accurately segment grey and white matter for tissue specific analysis. There are several semi- or fully-automated segmentation methods for cervical cord cross-sectional area measurement with an excellent performance close or equal to the manual segmentation. However, grey matter segmentation is still challenging due to small cross-sectional size and shape, and active research is being conducted by several groups around the world in this field. Therefore a grey matter spinal cord segmentation challenge was organised to test different capabilities of various methods using the same multi-centre and multi-vendor dataset acquired with distinct 3D gradient-echo sequences. This challenge aimed to characterize the state-of-the-art in the field as well as identifying new opportunities for future improvements. Six different spinal cord grey matter segmentation methods developed independently by various research groups across the world and their performance were compared to manual segmentation outcomes, the present gold-standard. All algorithms provided good overall results for detecting the grey matter butterfly, albeit with variable performance in certain quality-of-segmentation metrics. The data have been made publicly available and the challenge web site remains open to new submissions. No modifications were introduced to any of the presented methods as a result of this challenge for the purposes of this publication.



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Retrospective study of rare cutaneous malignant adnexal tumors of the head and neck in a tertiary care cancer hospital: a case series

Adnexal tumors of the skin are a large and diverse group of benign and malignant neoplasms, which exhibit morphological differentiation toward one of the different types of adnexal epithelium present in normal...

http://ift.tt/2mA3daD

A Rapid Quantification of Binocular Misalignment without Recording Eye Movements: Vertical and Torsional Alignment Nulling

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Kara H. Beaton, Mark J. Shelhamer, Dale C. Roberts, Michael C. Schubert
BackgroundSmall, innate asymmetries between the left and right otolith organs can cause ocular misalignment with symptoms that include double vision and motion sickness. Additionally, ocular misalignment affects nearly 5% of the US population. We have developed a portable, non-invasive technology that uses subjective perception of binocular visual signals to estimate relative binocular alignment.New Method and ResultsThe Vertical Alignment Nulling (VAN) and Torsional Alignment Nulling (TAN) tests ask subjects to view one red and one blue line on a tablet computer while looking through color-matched red and blue filters so that each eye sees only one of the lines. Subjects align the red and blue lines, which are initially vertically offset from one another during VAN or rotated relative to one another during TAN, until they perceive a single continuous line. Ocular misalignments are inferred from actual offsets in the final line positions. During testing, all binocular visual cues are eliminated by employing active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) technology and testing in darkness. VAN and TAN can accurately account for visual offsets induced by prisms, and test-retest reliability is excellent, with resolution better than many current standard clinical tests.Comparison with Existing Method(s)VAN and TAN tests are similar to the clinical Lancaster red-green test. However, VAN and TAN employ inexpensive, hand-held hardware that can be self-administered with results that are quickly quantifiable.ConclusionsVAN and TAN provide simple, sensitive, and quantitative measures of binocular positioning alignment that may be useful for detecting subtle abnormalities in ocular positioning.



http://ift.tt/2lRo2kt

Delivery of glycerol trinitrate after reconstruction with an oral free flap

We write to highlight an important clinical point that we recently encountered in a patient who had been treated by resection of the floor of the mouth. His past medical history included ischaemic heart disease and he was admitted for operation with an already prescribed glycerol trinitrate spray "as required" for his cardiac problems. Although there are many different ways to deliver the drug, a spray on to the sublingual mucosa provides the fastest response.

http://ift.tt/2mXRIw8

Intraoperative cell isolation for a cytological assessment of bone resection margins in patients with head and neck cancer

The intraoperative cytological assessment of bony resection margins (ICAB) is a feasible diagnostic approach to support frozen section for assessment of invasion of margins of soft and hard tissue. However, complex resection margins could challenge both diagnostic approaches. Our objective here was to identify the limitations of intraoperative diagnostic methods for assessing margins. We present an advanced cytological approach to assess complex margins that may solve the problem. Data from 119 patients in whom frozen section was supported by ICAB, were reviewed and the reasons for false results analysed.

http://ift.tt/2ntBfMD

Grilling enhances antidiarrheal activity of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. fruits

Publication date: 18 April 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 202
Author(s): Garima Pandey, Shyam Sundar Gupta, Anil Bhatia, O.P. Sidhu, A.K.S. Rawat, Ch V. Rao
Ethnopharmacological relevanceTerminalia bellerica Roxb. fruits are rich in a variety of biologically active ingredients. Tharu and Buksa tribes of Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India use grilled fruits of Terminalia bellerica as an effective cure for diarrheaAim of the studyWe validated the ethnobotanical claim by comparing the antidiarrheal effect of grilled fruits (GF) with dried fruits (DF).Materials and methodsThe 50% ethanolic extracts of GF and DF were successively fractionated; the antioxidant and bacterial inhibition activity were studied using DPPH free radical scavenging, anti-lipid peroxidation and broth dilution method respectively. Difference in metabolites of ethyl acetate fractions of GF and DF was analyzed using GC-MS, gallic acid content was determined through HPTLC. Further the in-vivo antidiarrheal effect of ethyl acetate fractions of DF and GF was studied on castor oil induced diarrhea model.ResultsThe ethyl acetate fractions showed potential DPPH free radical scavenging (IC50 11.13µg/ml in DF and 8.56µg/ml in GF), anti-lipid peroxidation and antibacterial activity. The non-targeted metabolic profiling showed higher content of tartaric acid, valeric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, 1,2,3 trisbenzene, uridine and 11-eicosenoic acid in GF. The HPTLC results indicated that gallic acid content was 2.8 (±0.14) and 4.92 (±0.28) mg/g while ellagic acid content was 4.7 (±0.32) and 4.45 (±0.45) mg/g dry powder in DF and GF respectively. According to in vivo antidiarrheal activity DF and GF (100mg/kg oral) inhibited diarrhea by 41.87% and 71.72% respectively.ConclusionGrilling significantly altered the levels of metabolites in T. bellerica fruits which could be responsible for its increased therapeutic potential.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2mgGm2y

Thyroid High-Impact Articles

FREE ACCESS through March 24, 2017
Read now:

Latest Impact Factor: 3.784
The Official Journal of: American Thyroid Association

2017 Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and the Postpartum
Erik K. Alexander, Elizabeth N. Pearce, Gregory A. Brent, Rosalind S. Brown, Herbert Chen, Chrysoula Dosiou, William A. Grobman, Peter Laurberg, John H. Lazarus, Susan J. Mandel, Robin P. Peeters, Scott Sullivan

Consanguinity and the Risk of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Raja Y. Zaghlol, Alireza Haghighi, Motasem M. Alkhayyat, Othman F. Theyab, Amal M. Owaydah, Mu'taz M. Massad, Mohammad A. Atari, Ayman A. Zayed

Response to Therapy Status Is an Excellent Predictor of Pregnancy-Associated Structural Disease Progression in Patients Previously Treated for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Luba Rakhlin, Stephanie Fish, R. Michael Tuttle

Can an Educational Intervention Improve Iodine Nutrition Status in Pregnant Women? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Parisa Amiri, Najmeh Hamzavi Zarghani, Pantea Nazeri, Fazlollah Ghofranipour, Mehrdad Karimi, Atieh Amouzegar, Parvin Mirmiran, Fereidoun Azizi

Stimulation of Thyroid Function by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin During Pregnancy: A Risk Factor for Thyroid Disease and a Mechanism for Known Risk Factors
Tim I.M. Korevaar, Yolanda B. de Rijke, Layal Chaker, Marco Medici, Vincent W.V. Jaddoe, Eric A. P. Steegers, Theo J. Visser, Robin P. Peeters

Biochemical Markers Reflecting Thyroid Function in Athyreotic Patients on Levothyroxine Monotherapy
Mitsuru Ito, Akira Miyauchi, Mako Hisakado, Waka Yoshioka, Akane Ide, Takumi Kudo, Eijun Nishihara, Minoru Kihara, Yasuhiro Ito, Kaoru Kobayashi, Akihiro Miya, Shuji Fukata, Mitsushige Nishikawa, Hirotoshi Nakamura, Nobuyuki Amino

The post Thyroid High-Impact Articles appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2mgkuV0

Thyroid High-Impact Articles

FREE ACCESS through March 24, 2017
Read now:

Latest Impact Factor: 3.784
The Official Journal of: American Thyroid Association

2017 Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and the Postpartum
Erik K. Alexander, Elizabeth N. Pearce, Gregory A. Brent, Rosalind S. Brown, Herbert Chen, Chrysoula Dosiou, William A. Grobman, Peter Laurberg, John H. Lazarus, Susan J. Mandel, Robin P. Peeters, Scott Sullivan

Consanguinity and the Risk of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Raja Y. Zaghlol, Alireza Haghighi, Motasem M. Alkhayyat, Othman F. Theyab, Amal M. Owaydah, Mu'taz M. Massad, Mohammad A. Atari, Ayman A. Zayed

Response to Therapy Status Is an Excellent Predictor of Pregnancy-Associated Structural Disease Progression in Patients Previously Treated for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Luba Rakhlin, Stephanie Fish, R. Michael Tuttle

Can an Educational Intervention Improve Iodine Nutrition Status in Pregnant Women? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Parisa Amiri, Najmeh Hamzavi Zarghani, Pantea Nazeri, Fazlollah Ghofranipour, Mehrdad Karimi, Atieh Amouzegar, Parvin Mirmiran, Fereidoun Azizi

Stimulation of Thyroid Function by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin During Pregnancy: A Risk Factor for Thyroid Disease and a Mechanism for Known Risk Factors
Tim I.M. Korevaar, Yolanda B. de Rijke, Layal Chaker, Marco Medici, Vincent W.V. Jaddoe, Eric A. P. Steegers, Theo J. Visser, Robin P. Peeters

Biochemical Markers Reflecting Thyroid Function in Athyreotic Patients on Levothyroxine Monotherapy
Mitsuru Ito, Akira Miyauchi, Mako Hisakado, Waka Yoshioka, Akane Ide, Takumi Kudo, Eijun Nishihara, Minoru Kihara, Yasuhiro Ito, Kaoru Kobayashi, Akihiro Miya, Shuji Fukata, Mitsushige Nishikawa, Hirotoshi Nakamura, Nobuyuki Amino

The post Thyroid High-Impact Articles appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2mgkuV0

hOCT1 gene expression predict for optimal response to Imatinib in Tunisian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Purpose

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is considered as a highly effective therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. However, a minority of patients fail to achieve optimal response due to impaired bioavailability of IM. The human organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1; SLC22A1) has been reported to be the main influx transporter involved in IM uptake into CML cells. Genetic variants and/or hOCT1 expression changes may influence IM response. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of both hOCT1 polymorphisms located in exon 7 and hOCT1 mRNA levels on the clinical outcome in CML patients.

Methods

hOCT1 expression profile was determined using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 69 CML patients treated with IM (35 responders to IM patients and 34 IM-resistant patients), while genotyping of 69 cases and 51 controls for hOCT1 polymorphisms was performed by direct sequencing after amplification of exon7.

Results

Our results showed that the hOCT1 gene was significantly downregulated in the samples of the IM-resistant group when compared with the IM-responder group (p = 0.0211). Moreover, sequencing data show an association in all cases between the SNP 408V>M (g.1222G>A) and an intronic 8 bp (base pairs) insertion of GTAAGTTG (rs36056065) at the 3′ end of exon 7. The genotype and allele distribution of the different SNPs did not differ significantly between the two groups of patients.

Conclusions

hOCT1 mRNA expression may serve as a clinical biomarker of response to imatinib and could be useful to predict IM therapy outcome of CML patients.

http://ift.tt/2ntteY6

The effect of paravertebral block on maxillofacial free flap survival

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether continuous paravertebral block at levels T1 and T2 with bupivacaine infusion can improve the survival of free flaps in maxillofacial reconstruction. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and included 36 adult patients scheduled for maxillofacial free flap reconstruction under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: patients in group A received continuous paravertebral block at levels T1 and T2, while patients in group B served as controls.

http://ift.tt/2mXOo43

Quality assessment of systematic reviews of the significance of keratinized mucosa on implant health

The aim of this overview was to assess the methods, quality, and outcomes of systematic reviews conducted to evaluate the importance of keratinized mucosa (KM) for the maintenance of peri-implant tissue health in humans. An electronic search was conducted without date or language restriction using the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to December 2015. The eligibility criteria included systematic reviews with/without meta-analysis and with a focus on the influence of KM on peri-implant health around implants.

http://ift.tt/2ntMp3Y

Commentary on “Regional Versus Local Anaesthesia for Haemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Formation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis”

Publication date: Available online 11 March 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): J.H.M. Tordoir




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Toe Pressure and Toe Brachial Index are Predictive of Cardiovascular Mortality, Overall Mortality, and Amputation Free Survival in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

Publication date: Available online 11 March 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): J.-E. Wickström, M. Laivuori, E. Aro, R.T. Sund, O. Hautero, M. Venermo, J. Jalkanen, H. Hakovirta
Objective/BackgroundPeripheral haemodynamic parameters are used to assess the presence and severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The prognostic value of ankle brachial index (ABI) has been thoroughly delineated. Nonetheless, the relative usefulness of ankle pressure (AP), ABI, toe pressure (TP), and toe brachial index (TBI) in assessing patient outcome has not been investigated in a concurrent study setting. This study aimed to resolve the association of all four non-invasive haemodynamic parameters in clinically symptomatic patients with PAD with cardiovascular mortality, overall mortality, and amputation free survival (AFS).MethodsIn total, 732 symptomatic patients with PAD admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery for conventional angiography at Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland, between January 2009 and August 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic factors, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, and above foot level amputations were obtained and assessed in relation to AP, ABI, TP, and TBI by means of Kaplan–Meier life tables and a multivariate Cox regression model.ResultsThe haemodynamic parameter that was associated with poor 36 month general outcome was TP < 30 mmHg. Univariate Cox regression analysis of stratified values showed that TP and TBI associated significantly with mortality. In multivariate analysis both TP and TBI were associated with a significant risk of death. For TP < 30 mmHg and TBI < 0.25 the risk of cardiovascular mortality was hazard ratio [HR] 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75–4.61 [p<.001]; HR 3.68, 95% CI 1.48–9.19 [p=.050], respectively; all-cause mortality (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.44–2.92 [p<.001]; HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.35–4.74 [p=.040], respectively); and amputation or death (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.52–2.98 [p<.001]; HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.38–4.40 [p=.050], respectively)...ConclusionAmong non-invasive haemodynamic measurements and pressure indices both TP and TBI appear to be associated with cardiovascular and overall mortality and AFS for patients with PAD presenting symptoms of the disease.



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Intratympanal gentamicin in Meniere’s disease: Effects on individual semicircular canals

In this retrospective study the aim of the authors was to examine the effect of gentamicin on the individual semicircular canals after low dose, single injection intratympanal gentamicin therapy in Meniere's disease.

http://ift.tt/2mgjPD9

Intratympanal gentamicin in Meniere’s disease: Effects on individual semicircular canals

In this retrospective study the aim of the authors was to examine the effect of gentamicin on the individual semicircular canals after low dose, single injection intratympanal gentamicin therapy in Meniere's disease.

http://ift.tt/2mgjPD9

Effect of laser-assisted scaling and root planing on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis: A systematic review

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 18
Author(s): Sergio Varela Kellesarian, Vanessa Ros Malignaggi, Hasham Abdullah Majoka, Abdulaziz A. Al-Kheraif, Tammy Varela Kellesarian, Georgios E. Romanos, Fawad Javed
BackgroundThe aim of the present systematic review was to assess the efficacy of laser-assisted (low level laser therapy [LLLT], high intensity laser therapy [HILT], or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy [aPDT]) scaling and root planing (SRP) compared with SRP alone on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the gingival crevicular (GCF) of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).MethodsIn order to address the focused question: "What is the efficacy of SRP with and without laser and/or aPDT on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the GCF of patients with CP?" an electronic search without time or language restrictions was conducted up to and including February 2017 in indexed databases using various key words.ResultsTwenty-two randomized control trials were included in the present systematic review. Nine studies and six studies assessed the efficacy of LLLT and HILT, as adjunct to SRP, respectively. Seven studies assessed the efficacy of aPDT as adjunct to SRP on down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the GCF among patients with CP. The outcomes of the studies included based upon the reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were inconsistent.ConclusionThe role of laser-assisted SRP on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the GCF of patients with CP remains unclear. Further long term and well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed in this regard.



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Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis of expression stability of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans fimbria-associated gene in response to photodynamic therapy

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 18
Author(s): Maryam Pourhajibagher, Abbas Monzavi, Nasim Chiniforush, Mohammad Moein Monzavi, Shaghayegh Sobhani, Sima Shahabi, Abbas Bahador
BackgroundAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an etiological agent of both chronic and aggressive periodontitis. Dissemination of A. actinomycetemcomitans from the oral cavity and initiation of systemic infections has led to new approaches for treatment being needed. In this study, a series of experiments presented investigated the effect of methylene blue (MB)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on cell viability and expression of fimbria-associated gene (rcpA) in A. actinomycetemcomitans.Materials and methodsTo determine the dose-depended effects of aPDT, A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 33384 strain photosensitized with MB was irradiated with diode laser following bacterial viability measurements. Cell-surviving assay and expression ratio of rcpA were assessed by colony forming unit and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays, respectively.ResultsIn the current study, MB-mediated aPDT using 100μg/mL showed significant reduction in A. actinomycetemcomitans growth when compared to the control (P<0.05). Sub-lethal dose of aPDT against A. actinomycetemcomitans was 25μg/mL MB at fluency of 93.75J/cm². Sub-lethal dose of aPDT could lead to about four-fold suppression of expression of rcpA.ConclusionHigh doses of MB-mediated aPDT could potentially exhibit antimicrobial activity, and the expression of rcpA as an important virulence factor of this strain is reduced in cells surviving aPDT with MB. So, aPDT can be a valuable tool for the treatment of A. actinomycetemcomitans infections.



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Nuclear medicine for photodynamic therapy in cancer: planning, monitoring and nuclear PDT

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Dris Kharroubi Lakouas, Damien Huglo, Serge Mordon, Maximilien Vermandel
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a modality with promising results for the treatment of various cancers. PDT is increasingly included in the standard of care for different pathologies. This therapy relies on the effects of light delivered to photosensitized cells. At different stages of delivery, PDT requires imaging to plan, evaluate and monitor treatment. The contribution of molecular imaging in this context is important and continues to increase. In this article, we review the contribution of nuclear medicine imaging in oncology to PDT for planning and therapeutic monitoring purposes. Several solutions have been proposed to plan PDT from nuclear medicine imaging. For instance, photosensitizer biodistribution has been evaluated with a radiolabeled photosensitizer or with conventional radiopharmaceuticals on positron emission tomography. The effects of PDT delivery have also been explored with specific SPECT or PET radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate the effects on cells (apoptosis, necrosis, proliferation, metabolism) or vascular damage. Finally, the synergy between photosensitizers and radiopharmaceuticals has been studied considering the Cerenkov effect to activate photosensitized cells.



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Methylene blue, curcumin and ion pairing nanoparticles effects on photodynamic therapy of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Reza Hosseinzadeh, Khatereh Khorsandi
PurposeThe aim of current study was to use methylene blue-curcumin ion pair nanoparticles and single dyes as photosensitizer for comparison of photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy on MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, also various light sources effect on activation of photosensitizer (PS) was considered.MethodIon pair nanoparticles were synthesized using opposite charge ions precipitation and lyophilized. The PDT experiments were designed and the effect of PSs and light sources (Red LED (630nm; power density: 30mWcm⁻²) and blue LED (465nm; power density: 34mWcm⁻²)) on the human breast cancer cell line were examined. The effect of PS concentration (0–75μg.mL⁻¹), incubation time, irradiation time and light sources, and priority in irradiation of blue or red lights were determined.ResultsThe results show that the ion pairing of methylene blue and curcumin enhance the photodynamic activity of both dyes and the cytotoxicity of ion pair nanoparticles on the MDA-231 breast cancer cell line. Blue and red LED light sources were used for photo activation of photosensitizers. The results demonstrated that both dyes can activate using red light LED better than blue light LED for singlet oxygen producing.ConclusionNano scale ion pair precipitating of methylene blue-curcumin was enhanced the cell penetrating and subsequently cytotoxicity of both dyes together.



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Diagnosis of occlusal caries lesions in deciduous molars by coherent light scattering pattern speckle

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Silvia Regina Garcia Olivan, Alessandro Melo Deana, Marcelo Mendes Pinto, Ravana Angelini Sfalcin, Kristianne Porta Santos Fernandes, Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferrari, Renato Araujo Prates, Sandra Kalil Bussadori
BackgroundIn this study is presented the correlation between laser speckle images and detection of incipient caries lesions by changing the microstructure of the surface of tooth enamel.MethodsWe used 30 healthy deciduous molar teeth collected from the Biobank Human Teeth, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo who had carious lesions induced by the pH cycling method. The samples were evaluated for the diagnosis of caries by twomethodsICDAS and speckle pattern of coherent light scattering after 5, 10 and 15days and the results were statistically analyzed using α=0.05 significance level.ResultsA significant difference was observed between the image of the speckle scattering of healthy and injured areas within the 3 study groups, but not when comparing the three groups, showing us that it is an innovative technique that needs further study, but can be used as a diagnostic method for the detection of early caries lesions.ConclusionIt can be concluded that the analysis of scattering speckle pattern is a diagnostic technique that provides information on the microstructure of the surface of tooth enamel which has sensitivity for detection of incipient caries lesions.



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Effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy on keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis in condyloma acuminatum

Publication date: Available online 11 March 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Guangwen Yin, Ke Sha, Bingjie Cai, Fangfang Li, Xuyang Li, Xianxian Xia, Xinxin Pan
BackgroundThe effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy on keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis in condyloma acuminatum tissues was evaluated.MethodsAn immunohistochemical method and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling were performed to detect the positive expression of the keratinocyte proliferation-related gene Ki-67 and apoptosis, respectively, in condyloma acuminatum tissues.ResultsOf 52 cases, 44 showed positive expression of Ki-67 in condyloma acuminatum keratinocytes before the treatment, with a positive expression rate of 84.62% (44/52), an expression strength of mostly ++ − +++, and a Ki-67 proliferation index of 80.25±5.07%. After treatment, 22 cases showed positive expression of Ki-67 in condyloma acuminatum keratinocytes, with a positive expression rate of 42.31% (22/52), an expression strength of mostly −−++, and a proliferation index of 42.67±3.06%. The differences in the positive expression rate, expression strength, and proliferation index in the before- and after-treatment groups were statistically significant (χ²=20.070, P<0.001). For visible apoptotic cells in condyloma acuminatum keratinocytes before the 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic treatment, the expression strength was mostly+−++, and the average apoptotic index was 13.94±2.35%; after treatment, the expression strength was mostly ++ − +++, and the average apoptotic index was 73.88±7.65%; the difference in the apoptotic index between the before and after treatment groups was statistically significant (P<0.001).Conclusion5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of keratinocytes, and represents an effective mechanism for treating condyloma acuminatum.



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The significance of closed kinematic chains to biological movement and dynamic stability

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Stephen Levin, Susan Lowell de Solórzano, Graham Scarr
Closed kinematic chains (CKCs) are widely used in mechanical engineering because they provide a simple and efficient mechanism with multiple applications, but they are much less appreciated in living tissues. Biomechanical research has been dominated by the use of lever models and their kinematic analysis, which has largely ignored the geometric organization of these ubiquitous and evolutionary-conserved systems, yet CKCs contribute substantially to our understanding of biological motion.Closed-chain kinematics couple multiple parts into continuous mechanical loops that allow the structure itself to regulate complex movements, and are described in a wide variety of different organisms, including humans. In a biological context, CKCs are modular units nested within others at multiple size scales as part of an integrated movement system that extends throughout the organism and can act in synergy with the nervous system, where present. They provide an energy-efficient mechanism that enables multiple mechanical functions to be optimized during embryological development and increases evolutionary diversity.



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18F-FDG PET/CT in initial staging and treatment response evaluation in a patient with thymoma

Publication date: Available online 11 March 2017
Source:Revista Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular
Author(s): L. Uslu-Beşli, Y. Akın, T.F. Çermik




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A model to relate wind tunnel measurements to open field odorant emissions from liquid area sources

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 157
Author(s): F. Lucernoni, L. Capelli, V. Busini, S. Sironi
Waste Water Treatment Plants are known to have significant emissions of several pollutants and odorants causing nuisance to the near-living population. One of the purposes of the present work is to study a suitable model to evaluate odour emissions from liquid passive area sources. First, the models describing volatilization under a forced convection regime inside a wind tunnel device, which is the sampling device that typically used for sampling on liquid area sources, were investigated. In order to relate the fluid dynamic conditions inside the hood to the open field and inside the hood a thorough study of the models capable of describing the volatilization phenomena of the odorous compounds from liquid pools was performed and several different models were evaluated for the open field emission. By means of experimental tests involving pure liquid acetone and pure liquid butanone, it was verified that the model more suitable to describe precisely the volatilization inside the sampling hood is the model for the emission from a single flat plate in forced convection and laminar regime, with a fluid dynamic boundary layer fully developed and a mass transfer boundary layer not fully developed. The proportionality coefficient for the model was re-evaluated in order to account for the specific characteristics of the adopted wind tunnel device, and then the model was related with the selected model for the open field thereby computing the wind speed at 10 m that would cause the same emission that is estimated from the wind tunnel measurement furthermore, the field of application of the proposed model was clearly defined for the considered models during the project, discussing the two different kinds of compounds commonly found in emissive liquid pools or liquid spills, i.e. gas phase controlled and liquid phase controlled compounds. Lastly, a discussion is presented comparing the presented approach for emission rates recalculation in the field, with other approaches possible, i.e. the ones relying on the recalculation of the wind speed at the emission level, instead of the wind speed that would cause in the open field the same emission that is measured with the hood.



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Changes in Circulating Peptide YY and Ghrelin Are Associated With Early Smoking Relapse

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Andrine M. Lemieux, Mustafa al'Absi
Ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) during ad libitum smoking have been associated with decreased reported craving (ghrelin) and increased positive affect (PYY), and higher baseline ghrelin levels predicted subsequent increased risk of smoking relapse. The current study assessed PYY and ghrelin during ad libitum smoking and again after the initial 48hours of a smoking cessation attempt. The data compared smokers who abstained for 28days (n=37), smokers who relapsed (n=54), and nonsmokers (n=37). Plasma samples and subjective measures assessing craving and mood were collected at the beginning of each session. Results showed that relapsers experienced greater levels of distress (ps <.01). While nonsmokers and abstainers showed no change in ghrelin across the initial 48h, relapsers declined (p <.01). With PYY relapsers increased (p <.05) across the early abstinent phase. PYY and ghrelin may be useful predictors of relapse, specifically in reference to early withdrawal.



http://ift.tt/2mX0med

Pulmonary injury associated with radiation therapy – Assessment, complications and therapeutic targets

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 89
Author(s): Rasmi Rajan Radha, Guruvayoorappan Chandrasekharan
Pulmonary injury is more common in patients undergoing radiation therapy for lungs and other thoracic malignancies. Recently with the use of most-advanced technologies powerful doses of radiation can be delivered directly to tumor site with exquisite precision. The awareness of technical and clinical parameters that influence the chance of radiation induced lung injury is important to guide patient selection and toxicity minimization strategies. At the cellular level, radiation activates free radical production, leading to DNA damage, apoptosis, cell cycle changes, and reduced cell survival. Preclinical research shows the potential for therapies targeting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-B), Toll like receptor (TLRs), Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and so on that may restore lung function. At present Amifostine (WR-2721) is the only approved broad spectrum radioprotector in use for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Newer techniques also offer the opportunity to identify new biomarkers and new targets for interventions to prevent or ameliorate these late effects of lung damage.

Graphical abstract

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Dopaminergic modulation of reward-guided decision making in alcohol-preferring AA rats

Publication date: 30 May 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 326
Author(s): Ville Oinio, Pia Bäckström, Johanna Uhari-Väänänen, Atso Raasmaja, Petteri Piepponen, Kalervo Kiianmaa
R**esults from animal gambling models have highlighted the importance of dopaminergic neurotransmission in modulating decision making when large sucrose rewards are combined with uncertainty. The majority of these models use food restriction as a tool to motivate animals to accomplish operant behavioral tasks, in which sucrose is used as a reward. As enhanced motivation to obtain sucrose due to hunger may impact its reward-seeking effect, we wanted to examine the decision-making behavior of rats in a situation where rats were fed ad libitum. For this purpose, we chose alcohol-preferring AA (alko alcohol) rats, as these rats have been shown to have high preference for sweet agents. In the present study, AA rats were trained to self-administer sucrose pellet rewards in a two-lever choice task (one pellet vs. three pellets). Once rational choice behavior had been established, the probability of gaining three pellets was decreased over time (50%, 33%, 25% then 20%). The effect of d-amphetamine on decision making was studied at every probability level, as well as the effect of the dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF-81297 and D2 agonist quinpirole at probability levels of 100% and 25%. d-Amphetamine increased unprofitable choices in a dose-dependent manner at the two lowest probability levels. Quinpirole increased the frequency of unprofitable decisions at the 25% probability level, and SKF-82197 did not affect choice behavior. These results mirror the findings of probabilistic discounting studies using food-restricted rats. Based on this, the use of AA rats provides a new approach for studies on reward-guided decision making.



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Characterization of facet joint cartilage properties in the human and interspecies comparisons

Publication date: Available online 11 March 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Siobhan A. O'Leary, Jarrett M. Link, Eric O. Klineberg, Jerry C. Hu, Kyriacos A. Athanasiou
The facet joint, a synovial joint located on the posterior-lateral spine, is highly susceptible to degenerative changes and plays a significant role in back-related morbidities. Despite its significance, the facet is rarely studied and thus current treatment strategies are lacking. This study aimed to characterize, for the first time, the properties of human, pig, monkey, and rabbit lumbar facet cartilage providing much-needed design criteria for tissue engineering approaches. In this study, where possible, the facet's morphological, histological, mechanical, and biochemical properties were evaluated. Comparisons between the properties of the inferior and superior facet surfaces, as well as among spinal levels were performed within each species. In addition, interspecies comparisons of the properties were determined. The human facet joint was found to be degenerated; 100% of joint surfaces showed signs of pathology and approximately 71% of these were considered to be grade 4. Joint morphology varied among species, demonstrating that despite the mini-pig facet being closest to the human in terms of width and length, it was far more curved than the human or any of the other species. No notable differences were found in the mini-pig, monkey, and rabbit mechanical and biochemical properties, suggesting that these species, despite morphological differences, may serve as suitable animal models for studying structure-function relationships of the human facet joint. The characterization data reported in this study may increase our understanding of this ill-described joint as well as provide the foundation for the development of new treatments such as tissue engineering.Statement of significanceThis work provides the first comprehensive description of the properties of lumbar facet joint cartilage. Importantly, this work establishes that histological, biochemical, and mechanical properties are comparable between bipedal and quadrupedal animals, helping to guide future selection of appropriate animal models. This work also suggests that the human facet joint is highly susceptible to pathology. The mechanical properties of facet cartilage, found to be inferior to those of other synovial joints, provide a greater understanding of the joint's structure-function relationships as well as the potential etiology of facet joint pathology. Lastly, this work will serve as the foundation for the development of much-needed facet joint treatments, especially those based on tissue engineering approaches.

Graphical abstract

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Effect of hydrogel elasticity and ephrinB2-immobilized manner on Runx2 expression of human mesenchymal stem cells

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Hiroyuki Toda, Masaya Yamamoto, Hiroshi Uyama, Yasuhiko Tabata
The objective of this study is to design the manner of ephrinB2 immobilized onto polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels with varied elasticity and evaluate the effect of hydrogels elasticity and the immobilized manner of ephrinB2 on the Runx2 expression of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). The PAAm hydrogels were prepared by the radical polymerization of acrylamide (AAm), and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS). By changing the BIS concentration, the elasticity of PAAm hydrogels changed from 1 to 70 kPa. For the bio-specific immobilization of ephrinB2, a chimeric protein of ephrinB2 and Fc domain was immobilized onto protein A-conjugated PAAm hydrogels by making use of the bio-specific interaction between the Fc domain and protein A. When hMSC were cultured on the ephrinB2-immobilized PAAm hydrogels with varied elasticity, the morphology of hMSC was of cuboidal shape on the PAAm hydrogels immobilized with ephrinB2 compared with non-conjugated ones, irrespective of the hydrogels elasticity. The bio-specific immobilization of ephrinB2 enhanced the level of Runx2 expression. The expression level was significantly high for the hydrogels of 3.6 and 5.9 kPa elasticity with bio-specific immobilization of ephrinB2 compared with other hydrogels with the same elasticity. The hydrogels showed a significantly down-regulated RhoA activity. It is concluded that the Runx2 expression of hMSC is synergistically influenced by the hydrogels elasticity and their immobilized manner of ephrinB2 immobilized.Statement of SignificanceDifferentiation fate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is modified by biochemical and biophysical factors, such as elasticity and signal proteins. However, there are few experiments about combinations of them. In this study, to evaluate the synergistic effect of them on cell properties of MSC, we established to design the manner of Eph signal ligand, ephrinB2, immobilized onto polyacrylamide hydrogels with varied elasticity. The gene expression level of an osteogenic maker, Runx2, was enhanced by the immobilized manner, and significantly enhanced for the hydrogels of around 4 kPa elasticity with bio-specific immobilization of ephrinB2. This is the novel report describing to demonstrate that the Runx2 expression of MSC is synergistically influenced by the hydrogels elasticity and their manner of ephrinB2 immobilized.

Graphical abstract

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Neurotoxicity of the steroidal alkaloids tomatine and tomatidine is RIP1 kinase- and caspase-independent and involves the eIF2α branch of the endoplasmic reticulum

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Daniela Correia da Silva, Paula B. Andrade, Patrícia Valentão, David M. Pereira
Steroidal alkaloids are a class of natural products that occur in several species of the Solanaceae family. In the case of tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), tomatine and its aglycone, tomatidine, are the most representative molecules. These steroidal alkaloids have already shown several potentially useful biological activities, from anticancer to anti-inflammatory or antibacterial. In this work, the toxicity of these molecules in neuronal cells, namely in the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, was assessed, emphasis being given to the cellular mechanisms underlying the effects observed.The results show that tomatine/tomatidine-induced cell death is caspase- and RIP1 kinase-independent, as cell death is not prevented by the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD.fmk or by RIP1 inhibitor necrostatin-1. Analysis of Ca²⁺ levels using the fluorescent probe Fura-2/AM indicates that both tomatine and tomatidine have a marked effect upon Ca²⁺ homeostasis by increasing cytosolic Ca²⁺, an event that might be associated with their effect upon the endoplasmic reticulum. We show that the toxicity of these molecules require the PERK/eIF2α branch of the unfolded protein response, but not the IRE1α branch. Given the role of the endoplasmic reticulum in proteostasis, the ability of these molecules to inhibit the proteasome was also evaluated. Tomatine was able to inhibit the chymotrypsin-like catalytic core of purified human 20S proteasome, as shown by its ability to prevent degradation of the fluorogenic substrate Suc-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC, thus suggesting that interference with proteostasis can be responsible for the toxicity of these steroidal alkaloids. This study is relevant as it sheds a light regarding the toxicity of molecules present in one of the most consumed plants worldwide.

Graphical abstract

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Potential Prevention By Oral DHEA Of Superficial Tears In Elderly Atrophy Skin

Publication date: Available online 12 March 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Harry W. Daniell




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Heavy metal bioaccumulation in two passerines with differing migration strategies

Publication date: 15 August 2017
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 592
Author(s): Zoë Cooper, Robert Bringolf, Robert Cooper, Kathy Loftis, Albert L. Bryan, James A. Martin
Various anthropogenic activities have resulted in concentration of heavy metals and contamination of surrounding environments. Historically, heavy metal contamination at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina has resulted from accidental releases of stored waste generated from nuclear weapon production in the early 1950s. Songbirds inhabiting and using resources from these areas have the potential to bioaccumulate metals but there is limited information on metal concentration levels in areas suspected of contamination as well as uncontaminated sites. Nonlethal tissues samples from avian blood and feathers provide a reliable approach for determining the bioavailability of these pollutants (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn). The objectives of this study were to survey terrestrial heavy metal contamination at the SRS on potentially bioavailable contaminated (PBC) sites through blood and feather samples from resident Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and migratory Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) and quantify sex-specific concentrations within species. Samples were collected in April to June of 2016. Cardinals had lower blood concentrations of Hg (β=−0.17, 85% CL=−0.26, −0.09) and Se (β=−0.33, 85% CL=−0.50, −0.16) than flycatchers. Cr feather concentrations were less in cardinals (β=−1.46, 85% CL=−2.44, −0.49) and all feathers of both species from reference locations had significantly less Zn (β=−67.92, 85% CL=−128.71, −7.14). Results indicate flycatchers were exposed to differing heavy metal levels during feather formation on their wintering grounds as compared to their recent exposure (through bloods samples) on their breeding grounds. Sex of individuals did not have a significant impact on bioaccumulation in either species. Overall, metal concentration levels in both species indicate minimal risk for acute toxicity; however, there is limited research on wild passerine populations with similar concentration levels. Therefore, further research on reproductive success of these birds should be explored.

Graphical abstract

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Dielectric and electrical characteristics of mechanically synthesized Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles

Publication date: 25 June 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 708
Author(s): A. Hajalilou, H. Mohamed Kamari, K. Shameli
Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized via mechanical activation of Zn, NiO and Fe2O3 powders in a high energy planetary ball mill. The 30 h-milled samples in argon, oxygen and air atmospheres were pressed in pellet and toroid shape form and were sintered from 500 °C to 900 °C with 100 °C increments. The X-ray diffraction patterns results indicated a single phase Ni-Zn ferrite formation with a cubic-spinel structure in all the samples sintered at 500 °C. The milling atmosphere had a key role in the synthesis, microstructure and properties of the samples in such a way that this effect sustained even after the completion of sintering process. Thus, the main goal of this study is to scrutinize the effect of sintering temperature in the 30-h-milled samples in different atmospheres on DC electrical resistivity and dielectric behavior of Ni-Zn ferrite samples. The results indicated that although electrical resistivity decreased, dielectric behaviors, i.e. constant, loss and tanδ increased with increase in sintering temperature. The milled samples in argon had the highest resistivity of 1.2 × 10⁶ Ωcm at 500 °C, and lowest dielectric constant and loss (∼4.67 × 10² and 1.7 at 300 K and frequency 10⁶ MHz, respectively) compared to other samples owing to more homogeneity and smaller average crystallite size, making them a good candidate for high frequency applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the presence of metal ions in their proper valence in the Ni-Zn ferrite crystal structure. Noticeably, a variation in the binding energy for the milled samples in different atmospheres is attributed to the changes in surroundings of Fe³⁺ and Zn²⁺/or Ni²⁺, due to non-equilibrium distribution of cations in tetrahedral and octahedral sites, which is further confirmed by the XRD patterns.



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Promotion effect of ZnO on the photocatalytic activity of coupled Al2O3-Nd2O3-ZnO composites prepared by the sol − gel method in the degradation of phenol

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Volume 208
Author(s): J.E. Casillas, F. Tzompantzi, S.G. Castellanos, G. Mendoza-Damián, R. Pérez-Hernández, A. López-Gaona, A. Barrera
The photocatalytic activity of coupled Al2O3-Nd2O3-ZnO composites (Al-Nd-Zn-x; where x=0.8, 1.2, 2.0, 5.0, and 15.0wt% of ZnO) prepared by the sol-gel method was studied in the photo-degradation of phenol in aqueous medium. The Al-Nd-Zn-x composites were characterized by physical adsorption of N2, XRD, TEM, SEM, Raman, UV–vis, XPS and fluorescence spectroscopies. Al-Nd-Zn-x composites with ZnO concentration in the range 0.8–2.0wt% showed high efficiency to photo-convert phenol and mineralize dissolved organic carbon to CO2with UV light irradiation. The Al-Nd-Zn-1.2 composite was the material with the highest efficacy to photodegradate phenol in aqueous medium photo-converting about 90.0% of phenol and mineralizing 75.0% of dissolved organic carbon after 3h of UV light. It is proposed that the intimate contact between Al2O3, Nd2O3 and ZnO phases of the coupled Al-Nd-Zn-x composites are beneficial characteristics for the separation of the photogenerated charge carriers in order to decrease the recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. These Al-Nd-Zn-x composites are characterized by a high BET specific surface area and a bimodal pore size distribution which are excellent characteristics for the adsorption and diffusion of phenol molecules to the active sites resulting in enhanced photocatalytic properties for the degradation of phenol in aqueous medium.

Graphical abstract

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Infectious Complications of Pediatric Cochlear Implants are Highly Influenced by Otitis Media

Determine the incidence of ear infections in cochlear implant patients, evaluate the contribution of otitis media to complications, describe the bacteriology of otitis media in the cochlear implant population, the treatment provided at our center, and the long term outcome.

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Rare Gingival Metastasis by Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) uncommonly metastasizes to the gingiva, which always means a poor outcome. We reported a rare HCC case with multiple metastases to gingiva, lungs, and brain. A 60-year-old man was initially diagnosed as HCC with metastases to double lungs. He was subjected to a transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (5-fluorouracil, 750 mg) and two cycles of intravenous chemotherapy (gemcitabine 1.8 g at days 1 and 8, oxaliplatin 200 mg at day 2, every 4 weeks). However, the volume of liver tumor still increased. A bean-size gingival nodule growing with occasional bleeding was also found. TACE (5-fluorouracil 750 mg, perarubicin 40 mg, cisplatin 20 mg) was performed again and an oral sorafenib therapy (400 mg, twice per day) was adopted. The disease maintained relatively stable for about 6 months until a second obvious progress. The gingival nodule was then palliatively excised and identified as a poorly differentiated metastatic HCC by histopathological examination. Best supportive treatments were made since the performance score was too bad. Finally, cerebral metastases occurred and the patient died of systemic failure. Upon review of previous reports, we discussed risk factors, clinical and pathological characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of gingival metastasis by HCC.

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Beware the Betel Nut Addiction: A Case of Hepatitis C

His skin reminded me of the sooty wax on car engines. At another place, at another time, I might have eyed him suspiciously and clutched my purse more tightly. After all, there were all these ...

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People with chronic low back pain have poorer balance than controls in challenging tasks.

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People with chronic low back pain have poorer balance than controls in challenging tasks.

Disabil Rehabil. 2017 Mar 10;:1-7

Authors: da Silva RA, Vieira ER, Fernandes KB, Andraus RA, Oliveira MR, Sturion LA, Calderon MG

Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare the balance of individuals with and without chronic low back pain during five tasks.
METHOD: The participants were 20 volunteers, 10 with and 10 without nonspecific chronic low back pain, mean age 34 years, 50% females. The participants completed the following balance tasks on a force platform in random order: (1) two-legged stance with eyes open, (2) two-legged stance with eyes closed, (3) semi-tandem with eyes open, (4) semi-tandem with eyes closed and (5) one-legged stance with eyes open. The participants completed three 60-s trials of tasks 1-4, and three 30-s trials of task 5 with 30-s rests between trials. The center of pressure area, velocity and frequency in the antero-posterior and medio-lateral directions were computed during each task, and compared between groups and tasks.
RESULTS: Participants with chronic low back pain presented significantly larger center of pressure area and higher velocity than the healthy controls (p < 0.001). There were significant differences among tasks for all center of pressure variables (p < 0.001). Semi-tandem (tasks 3 and 4) and one-leg stance (task 5) were more sensitive to identify balance impairments in the chronic low back pain group than two-legged stance tasks 1 and 2 (effect size >1.37 vs. effect size <0.64). There were no significant interactions between groups and tasks.
CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with chronic low back pain presented poorer postural control using center of pressure measurements than the healthy controls, mainly during more challenging balance tasks such as semi-tandem and one-legged stance conditions. Implications for Rehabilitation People with chronic low back had poorer balance than those without it. Balance tasks need to be sensitive to capture impairments. Balance assessments during semi-tandem and one-legged stance were the most sensitive tasks to determine postural control deficit in people with chronic low back. Balance assessment should be included during rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic low back pain for better clinical decision making related to balance re-training as necessary.

PMID: 28282992 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Pituitary Carcinoma in a Patient with an SDHB Mutation.

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Pituitary Carcinoma in a Patient with an SDHB Mutation.

Endocr Pathol. 2017 Mar 10;:

Authors: Tufton N, Roncaroli F, Hadjidemetriou I, Dang MN, Dénes J, Guasti L, Thom M, Powell M, Baldeweg SE, Fersht N, Korbonits M

Abstract
We present the first case of pituitary carcinoma occurring in a patient with a succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) mutation and history of paraganglioma. She was initially treated for a glomus tumour with external beam radiotherapy. Twenty-five years later, she was diagnosed with a non-functioning pituitary adenoma, having developed bitemporal hemianopia. Recurrence of the pituitary lesion (Ki-67 10% and p53 overexpressed) occurred 5 years after her transsphenoidal surgery, for which she underwent two further operations followed by radiotherapy. Histology showed large cells with vacuolated clear cytoplasm with positive immunostaining for steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) and negative staining for pituitary hormones. Four years after the pituitary radiotherapy, two metastatic deposits were identified: a foramen magnum lesion and an intradural extra-medullary cervical lesion at the level of C3/C4. There was also significant growth of the primary pituitary lesion with associated visual deterioration. A biopsy of the foramen magnum lesion, demonstrating cells with vacuolated, clear cytoplasm and positive SF1 staining confirmed a pituitary carcinoma, for which she was commenced on temozolomide chemotherapy. There was dramatic clinical improvement after three cycles and reduction in the size of the lesions was observed following six cycles of temozolomide, and further shrinkage after 10 cycles. The plan is for a total of 12 cycles of temozolomide chemotherapy. SDH mutation-related pituitary tumours have an aggressive phenotype which, in this case, led to metastatic disease. SF1 immunostaining was helpful to identify the tissue origin of the metastatic deposit and to confirm the pituitary carcinoma.

PMID: 28284009 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Clinical presentation and outcome of dogs treated medically or surgically for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.

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Clinical presentation and outcome of dogs treated medically or surgically for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.

Vet Rec. 2017 Mar 10;:

Authors: Crawford AH, De Decker S

Abstract
To date, few studies have investigated the clinical characteristics of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion (IVDP). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the presentation and outcome of dogs receiving medical or surgical treatment for thoracolumbar IVDP. Eighty-four dogs were included, with a median age of 9.4 years. German shepherd dogs and Staffordshire bull terriers were the most common breeds. Significantly more surgically treated dogs (n=53) had neurological deficits and were non-ambulatory, compared with medically treated (n=31). Outcome data were available for 27 of 31 medically managed dogs; 11 initially improved, 7 remained stable and 9 deteriorated. Of 18 dogs that initially improved or stabilised, 10 (55.6 per cent) demonstrated recurrence of clinical signs within 12 months of diagnosis. Outcome data were available for 45 of 50 surgically treated dogs that survived to hospital discharge; 34 improved, 9 remained stable and 2 deteriorated following surgery. Of 43 dogs that improved or stabilised with surgical treatment, 11 (25.6 per cent) demonstrated recurrence of clinical signs within 12 months of surgery. Overall, significantly more surgically treated dogs (71.1 per cent) had a successful outcome, consisting of sustained clinical improvement of more than 12 months duration, compared with medically treated dogs (29.6 per cent).

PMID: 28283670 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Mutations in noncoding regions of GJB1 are a major cause of X-linked CMT.

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Mutations in noncoding regions of GJB1 are a major cause of X-linked CMT.

Neurology. 2017 Mar 10;:

Authors: Tomaselli PJ, Rossor AM, Horga A, Jaunmuktane Z, Carr A, Saveri P, Piscosquito G, Pareyson D, Laura M, Blake JC, Poh R, Polke J, Houlden H, Reilly MM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) due to mutations in noncoding regions of the gap junction β-1 gene (GJB1).
METHODS: Mutations were identified by bidirectional Sanger sequence analysis of the 595 bases of the upstream promoter region, and 25 bases of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) sequence in patients in whom mutations in the coding region had been excluded. Clinical and neurophysiologic data were retrospectively collected.
RESULTS: Five mutations were detected in 25 individuals from 10 kindreds representing 11.4% of all cases of CMTX1 diagnosed in our neurogenetics laboratory between 1996 and 2016. Four pathogenic mutations, c.-17G>A, c.-17+1G>T, c.-103C>T, and c.-146-90_146-89insT were detected in the 5'UTR. A novel mutation, c.*15C>T, was detected in the 3' UTR of GJB1 in 2 unrelated families with CMTX1 and is the first pathogenic mutation in the 3'UTR of any myelin-associated CMT gene. Mutations segregated with the phenotype, were at sites predicted to be pathogenic, and were not present in the normal population.
CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in noncoding DNA are a major cause of CMTX1 and highlight the importance of mutations in noncoding DNA in human disease. Next-generation sequencing platforms for use in inherited neuropathy should therefore include coverage of these regions.

PMID: 28283593 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in children.

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Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in children.

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Mar 10;:

Authors: Leichtle A, Hollfelder D, Wollenberg B, Bruchhage KL

Abstract
Endonasal ballon dilatation of the Eustachian tube (BET) is a promising treatment for Eustachian tube dysfunction with encouraging results over the last years in adults. In addition, in children, single studies demonstrated promising results, but revealed the necessity for broader and additional studies. Our retrospective analysis presents outcomes with BET in children with chronic obstructive dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, showing resistance to the conventional therapy after adenotomy with paracentesis or grommets (ventilation tubes). The data of 52 children, having undergone BET from April 2011 to April 2016, were retrospectively evaluated. Most children in our study presented middle ear effusion (47%), adhesive (21%), chronic otitis media (13%), or recurrent acute otitis media (11%). In 24 (37%) children, we combined BET with a paracentesis, in 5 (8%) patients with a tympanoplasty type I and in 3 (5%) patients with a type III. All children were assessed using an audiogram, tympanometry, and tubomanometry (50 mbar) before and after BET. In addition, we evaluated the results of the Lübecker questionnaire, which we performed before and after BET. The childrens' ear-related and quality of life-related symptoms, such as pressure equalization, ear pressure, hearing loss, pain and limitation in daily life, and satisfaction pre- and postoperatively, were analyzed. In the majority of patients, we could see an improvement in the ear pressure, hearing loss, limitation in daily life, and satisfaction with recurrent inflammations, underlined by better outcomes in the tubomanometry and the tympanogram. BET in children is a safe, efficient, and promising method to treat chronic tube dysfunction, especially as a second line treatment, when adenotomy, paracentesis, or grommets failed before.

PMID: 28283791 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Cerebral metabolic changes related to clinical parameters in idiopathic anosmic patients during olfactory stimulation: a pilot investigation.

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Cerebral metabolic changes related to clinical parameters in idiopathic anosmic patients during olfactory stimulation: a pilot investigation.

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Mar 10;:

Authors: Micarelli A, Chiaravalloti A, Danieli R, Schillaci O, Alessandrini M

Abstract
Idiopathic olfactory loss neural consequences have been studied especially by means of magnetic resonance imaging. Since other functional neuroimaging technique findings are lacking in the literature, present study used a validated (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) functional positron emission tomography procedure under olfactory stimulation (OS) to assess brain changes in idiopathic anosmic patients (IAPs) in comparison with healthy subjects (HS). A voxel-based analysis between these groups was used to evaluate FDG uptake in the brain and perform a correlation analysis between metabolic responses and the Sniffin' stick test as well as intensity visuo-analogue scores and disease duration (DD). A significant relative decrease of glucose metabolism in the right and left frontal lobes, left insula, right parietal lobe, and left occipital, temporal and parietal lobes was found in IAPs during OS. The same condition resulted in a relative higher glucose metabolism in the right cerebellum in IAPs. Moreover, a negative correlation between DD and FDG uptake in the left temporo-parietal joint was found in IAPs. Such a correlation suggested a possible involvement of this area metabolic decrease in self-consciousness impairment, which is known to affect IAPs. Present preliminary functional results could be of interest to further deepen such neural impairments possibly useful for future perspective in pharmaceutical and rehabilitative protocols.

PMID: 28283789 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Clinical and Metabolic Response to Vitamin D Supplementation in Endometrial Hyperplasia: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

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Clinical and Metabolic Response to Vitamin D Supplementation in Endometrial Hyperplasia: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Horm Cancer. 2017 Mar 10;:

Authors: Tabassi Z, Bagheri S, Samimi M, Gilasi HR, Bahmani F, Chamani M, Asemi Z

Abstract
There was inconsistent evidence showing that vitamin D intake may be associated with reduced cancer risk due to optimized metabolic profile and reduced oxidative stress. However, we are not aware of any study evaluating the effects of vitamin D supplementation on clinical response and metabolic status of patients with endometrial hyperplasia (EH). This research was done to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on clinical response and metabolic status of patients with EH. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 women diagnosed with EH. EH diagnosis was made based on specific diagnostic procedures of biopsy. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to intake either 50,000 IU vitamin D3 supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, vitamin D supplementation increased serum-25(OH) vitamin D levels (+12.0 ± 10.4 vs. +1.9 ± 7.1 ng/mL, P < 0.001). In addition, vitamin D administration was associated with significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (-1.6 ± 7.0 vs. +2.1 ± 6.1 mg/dL, P = 0.03), serum insulin levels (-0.8 ± 1.9 vs. +1.1 ± 3.5 μIU/mL, P = 0.01), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-0.2 ± 0.6 vs. +0.3 ± 0.8, P = 0.01), and a significant increase in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0.003 ± 0.01 vs. -0.01 ± 0.02, P = 0.02) compared with the placebo. Additionally, a significant decrease in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (-1.9 ± 2.8 vs. -0.003 ± 2.0 μg/mL, P = 0.003) and a significant rise in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values (+62.5 ± 53.5 vs. +7.5 ± 34.1 mmol/L, P < 0.001) were observed following supplementation with vitamin D compared with the placebo. In conclusion, vitamin D3 supplementation for 12 weeks among women with EH had beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, serum hs-CRP, and plasma TAC concentrations. In addition, vitamin D may have played an indirect role in reducing complications of EH due to its effect on improved glycemic control, hs-CRP, and TAC concentrations.

PMID: 28283863 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Woes of Adolescent Life – Overthinking, Mental Stress and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

The capacity of the human brain is what distinguishes mankind from other living beings. It endows us with an awareness of our own thought processes, i.e. consciousness. Our consciousness allows us to mull over our ...

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Fanconi anemia: correlating central nervous system malformations and genetic complementation groups.

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Fanconi anemia: correlating central nervous system malformations and genetic complementation groups.

Pediatr Radiol. 2017 Mar 10;:

Authors: Johnson-Tesch BA, Gawande RS, Zhang L, MacMillan ML, Nascene DR

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Congenital central nervous system abnormalities in children with Fanconi anemia are poorly characterized, especially with regard to specific genetic complementation groups.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the impact of genetic complementation groups on central nervous system anatomy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through chart review we identified 36 patients with Fanconi anemia with available brain MRIs at the University of Minnesota (average age, 11.3 years; range, 1-43 years; M:F=19:17), which we reviewed and compared to 19 age- and sex-matched controls (average age, 7.9 years; range, 2-18 years; M:F=9:10). Genotypic information was available for 27 patients (15 FA-A, 2 FA-C, 3 FA-G, and 7 FA-D1 [biallelic mutations in BRCA2 gene]).
RESULTS: Of the 36 patients, 61% had at least one congenital central nervous system or skull base abnormality. These included hypoplastic clivus (n=12), hypoplastic adenohypophysis (n=11), platybasia (n=8), pontocerebellar hypoplasia (n=7), isolated pontine hypoplasia (n=4), isolated vermis hypoplasia (n=3), and ectopic neurohypophysis (n=6). Average pituitary volume was significantly less in patients with Fanconi anemia (P<0.0001) than in controls. Basal angle was significantly greater in Fanconi anemia patients (P=0.006), but the basal angle of those with FA-D1 was not significantly different from controls (P=0.239). Clivus length was less in the Fanconi anemia group (P=0.002), but significance was only observed in the FA-D1 subgroup (P<0.0001). Of the seven patients meeting criteria for pontocerebellar hypoplasia, six belonged to the FA-D1 group.
CONCLUSION: Patients with Fanconi anemia have higher incidences of ectopic neurohypophysis, adenohypophysis hypoplasia, platybasia and other midline central nervous system skull base posterior fossa abnormalities than age- and sex-matched controls. Patients with posterior fossa abnormalities, including pontocerebellar hypoplasia, are more likely to have biallelic BRCA2 mutations.

PMID: 28283722 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Guillain-Barré Syndrome Presenting with Sinus Node Dysfunction and Refractory Shock.

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Guillain-Barré Syndrome Presenting with Sinus Node Dysfunction and Refractory Shock.

Am J Case Rep. 2017 Mar 11;18:251-254

Authors: Ha LD, Abbas F, Rao M

Abstract
BACKGROUND Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy that is usually associated with preceding respiratory or gastrointestinal infection and has the hallmark manifestation of ascending flaccid paralysis. We report an atypical presentation of GBS. CASE REPORT A 76-year-old male presented with acute onset of diaphoresis and altered mental status. He subsequently developed severe bradycardia and refractory hypotension, which initially responded to dopamine infusion. A temporary pacemaker wire was placed to stabilize the heart rate but hypotension persisted. Acute autonomic dysfunction was suspected. Head and chest imaging was unrevealing. Lumbar puncture revealed albuminocytologic dissociation that was consistent with a diagnosis of GBS. Hospital course was complicated with acute kidney injury and metabolic acidosis. Plasmapharesis was initiated. The patient eventually died of multi-organ failure. CONCLUSIONS Autonomic dysfunction is a known but rare presentation of GBS. In patients presenting with refractory bradycardia and hypotension, GBS should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

PMID: 28283677 [PubMed - in process]

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The effect of image enhancements and dual observers on proximal caries detection.

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The effect of image enhancements and dual observers on proximal caries detection.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2017 Apr;123(4):e133-e139

Authors: Gray BM, Mol A, Zandona A, Tyndall D

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if the use of certain image enhancements and dual observers had an effect on the detection of caries, dentin extension, and cavitation.
STUDY DESIGN: Seven observers viewed unenhanced and enhanced images taken on photostimulable phosphor plates (PSP) and Schick 33 sensors and were asked to determine whether proximal caries lesions, dentin extension, and cavitation were present. Pairs of observers also evaluated the unenhanced PSP images and recorded their confidence. Micro-computed tomography was used as the gold standard.
RESULTS: For caries lesion detection, PSP outperformed Schick sensors, although the differences are most likely not clinically significant. Observers (single and dual) and filters had no effect on any of the diagnostic tasks. Schick sensors and unfiltered images were more specific for dentin extension.
CONCLUSIONS: Caries detection was statistically greater with the PSP plate, but both detectors allowed for high accuracy. Expensive software or time-consuming consultations did not improve outcomes.

PMID: 28283097 [PubMed - in process]

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Impact of routine open-mouth osseous temporomandibular joint tomography on diagnosis and therapeutic options.

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Impact of routine open-mouth osseous temporomandibular joint tomography on diagnosis and therapeutic options.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2017 Apr;123(4):508-514

Authors: Al-Ekrish AA, AlKofide EA, Al-Shawaf MD, Nooh NS, Daabash RD, Alsanouni M, Tamimi D

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of routine open mouth osseous temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tomography on diagnosis and treatment planning of TMJ conditions. Investigating the need for such images is important to justify the additional radiation exposure imparted by such procedures.
STUDY DESIGN: The records of patients who underwent closed- and open-mouth osseous TMJ tomography (planar film tomography up to the beginning of 2006; cone beam computed tomography from 2006 onward) were reviewed. Three examiners formulated a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the history, clinical findings, and tomography interpretation reports of closed-mouth images. Then they reviewed the interpretations of the open-mouth images and recorded whether they would change their original diagnosis and/or treatment plan on the basis of the findings. Descriptive analysis of the results was performed.
RESULTS: The impact of routine open-mouth imaging on diagnosis and treatment planning was variable among the examiners. Examiners 1, 2, and 3 had a change in diagnosis in 7%, 5%, and 3% of cases, respectively, and a change in treatment plan in 1%, 1%, and 8%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Routine open-mouth osseous TMJ tomography had a minimal impact on diagnosis and treatment planning of TMJ conditions, which varied according to the treating clinician.

PMID: 28283096 [PubMed - in process]

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Is it Sjögren's syndrome or burning mouth syndrome? Distinct pathoses with similar oral symptoms.

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Is it Sjögren's syndrome or burning mouth syndrome? Distinct pathoses with similar oral symptoms.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2017 Apr;123(4):482-495

Authors: Aljanobi H, Sabharwal A, Krishnakumar B, Kramer JM

Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and burning mouth syndrome (BMS) typically occur in postmenopausal women. Although these conditions have significantly different etiopathogeneses, patients with SS or BMS often present with analogous oral complaints. The similarities between the two conditions have led to considerable confusion on the part of medical and dental practitioners, and those with BMS or SS often wait years to receive a diagnosis. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to understand the characteristic subjective and objective features of each disease and how these can be used to distinguish them. This review will discuss the proposed etiology, clinical manifestations, histopathology, diagnostic criteria, and patient management of SS and BMS. We also identify key differences between the two pathoses that aid in establishing the correct diagnosis. Recognition of the defining features of each condition will lead to reduced time to diagnosis and improved patient management for these poorly understood conditions.

PMID: 28283095 [PubMed - in process]

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The relationship of Candida colonization of the oral and vaginal mucosae of mothers and oral mucosae of their newborns at birth.

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The relationship of Candida colonization of the oral and vaginal mucosae of mothers and oral mucosae of their newborns at birth.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2017 Apr;123(4):459-463

Authors: Al-Rusan RM, Darwazeh AM, Lataifeh IM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Vaginal Candida colonization is common during pregnancy. Vaginal Candida may transmit vertically to the mouth of newborns during labor. The aim of this study was to assess and compare oral Candida colonization between vaginally born newborns and cesarean-born newborns and to investigate the association of the mother's vaginal and oral Candida colonization and the newborn's oral colonization at the time of delivery.
STUDY DESIGN: Culture swabs were collected from the oral and vaginal mucosae of 100 pregnant women and from the oral mucosa of their 100 full-term newborns. Fifty (50%) of the mothers gave birth vaginally and the other 50 (50%) by cesarean section.
RESULTS: The prevalence of oral and vaginal Candida in pregnant mothers was 49% and 40%, respectively. Oral Candida colonization in newborns was 7%. Oral Candida was isolated from 5 of 50 (10%) in the vaginally born group and from 2 of 50 (4%) in the cesarean-born group (P = .44). In vaginally born group, oral Candida was isolated from 5 of 20 (25%) in those born to mothers with vaginal colonization of Candida, and 0 of 30 (0.0%) in mothers without vaginal colonization of Candida (P = .007).
CONCLUSIONS: The mother's vaginal Candida may constitute an important source of oral Candida in the newborns, particularly in those delivered vaginally.

PMID: 28283094 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2ncvuao