Head and Neck Diseases by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 03/15/17

Τετάρτη 15 Μαρτίου 2017

Phase behavior of aqueous polyacrylic acid solutions using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of model oligomers

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Ratna S. Katiyar, Prateek K. Jha
We have performed fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous solutions of a weak, pH-responsive polyelectrolyte, polyacrylic acid (PAA). Model oligomers of PAA of different tacticities, molecular weights, degrees of deprotonation, and deprotonation patterns are simulated with water molecules. Deprotonation of PAA chains that occurs with an increase in pH results in an increase in Coulomb repulsion between chain segments on one hand, and a non-monotonic change in the hydrogen bonding between chain segments on the other hand. Consequently, at the single chain level, PAA chains are stretched at higher pH values, where the amount of stretching varies with chain tacticity. For the multiple chains case, PAA forms aggregates at higher concentrations, which are relatively denser and contain lesser water (solid-like) at lower pH than compared to higher pH (liquid-like). Such phase transitions of PAA aggregates with pH has possible implications in the design of pH-responsive polyelectrolytes for applications in drug delivery.

Graphical abstract

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Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of granulomatous mastitis

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Amanda N. Chu, Stephen J. Seiler, Jody C. Hayes, Rachel Wooldridge, Jessica H. Porembka, Basak Dogan
Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a benign chronic inflammatory condition of the breast. This study was performed to determine the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating GM from malignancy. MRI findings in 12 women with clinical or histopathologically-proven GM were retrospectively reviewed. Non-mass enhancement on MRI was present in all 12 patients with clustered ring enhancement being the most common pattern (n=7, 58%). Architectural distortion (n=10, 83%), skin thickening (n=10, 83%) and focal skin enhancement (n=10, 83%) were also very common. MRI features of GM are often identical to features considered suspicious for malignancy on MRI.

http://ift.tt/2nH9Hn6

Absence of the right common carotid artery: a rare case without separate origins of the internal and external carotid arteries

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Gretchen Quinones, Ashok Srinivasan
Absence of the common carotid artery (CCA) is a rare anomaly. In the few cases described in the literature, it has been typically associated with separate origins of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) Fife (1921), Boyd (1934), Rossiti and Raininko (2001), Cerase et al. (2009), Drazin et al. (2010), Yim et al. (2009), Monaco et al. (2009), Jerius et al. (1995), Dahn et al. (1999), Cakirer et al. (2002), Choi et al. (2015), Bryan et al. (1978), Horowitz et al. (2003), Roberts and Gerald (1978), Rajeshwari (2013), Purkayastha et al. (2006), Maybody et al. (2003), Wood et al. (2011) . To the best of our knowledge, absence of the CCA without separate origins of the ECA and ICA has only been described five times before, one of them in conjunction with a persistent proatlantal intersegmental artery (PIA) Cao et al. (2011) and four with agenesis of the ICA Kobayashi et al. (2013), Kunishio et al. (1987), Chen et al. (2008), Xie et al. (2010) . We present a case of a previously undescribed variation of this rare vascular anomaly.

http://ift.tt/2nq75OF

Comparison of MRI grading for cervical neural foraminal stenosis based on axial and oblique sagittal images: Concordance and reliability study

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Wooil Kim, Kyung-Sik Ahn, Chang Ho Kang, Woo Young Kang, Kyung-Sook Yang
The aim of this study was to assess the concordance between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading for cervical neural foraminal stenosis (CNFS) based on axial and oblique sagittal images and evaluate the reliability of each grading plane. CNFS was graded at C2–3 to C7–T1 levels based on axial and oblique sagittal images separately by three radiologists. The concordance between CNFS grading based on axial and oblique sagittal images was strong for all three observers (Kendall's W=0.80, 0.79, and 0.82), despite the tendency of higher grading with oblique sagittal images. Both imaging planes supported strong interobserver reliability.

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Masthead

Publication date: March–April 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 2

http://ift.tt/2nHu03X

Publication date: March–April 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 2

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Editorial Board

Publication date: March–April 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 2

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Possible additional role for nasal jet oxygen insufflation

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A Study of Trastuzumab Emtansine in Participants With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Positive Breast Cancer Who Have Received Prior Anti-HER2 And Chemotherapy-based Treatment

Condition: Breast Cancer
Intervention: Drug: Trastuzumab Emtansine
Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche
Recruiting - verified March 2017

http://ift.tt/2npWTpa

A Study of Trastuzumab Emtansine in Participants With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Positive Breast Cancer Who Have Received Prior Anti-HER2 And Chemotherapy-based Treatment

Condition: Breast Cancer
Intervention: Drug: Trastuzumab Emtansine
Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche
Recruiting - verified March 2017

http://ift.tt/2npWTpa

MKRN3 levels in girls with central precocious puberty and correlation with sexual hormone levels: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose

Recently, mutations of makorin RING-finger protein 3 (MKRN3) have been described in familial central precocious puberty. Serum levels of this protein decline before the pubertal onset in healthy girls and boys. The aim of the study is to investigate MKRN3 circulating levels in patients with central precocious puberty.

Methods

We performed an observational cross-sectional study. We enrolled 17 patients with central precocious puberty aged 7 years (range: 2–8 years) and breast development onset <8 years; 17 prepubertal control age-matched patients aged 6.3 years (2–8.2); and 10 pubertal stage-matched control patients aged 11.4 years (9–14). Serum values of MKRN3, gonadotropins, (17)estradiol and Anti-Müllerian Hormone were evaluated and the MKRN3 genotyped in central precocious puberty patients.

Results

No MKRN3 mutation was found among central precocious puberty patients. MKRN3 levels were lower in patients with central precocious puberty compared to prepubertal age-matched ones (p: 0.0004) and comparable to those matched for pubertal stage. MKRN3 levels were inversely correlated to Body Mass Index Standard Deviations (r:−0.35; p:0.02), Luteinizing Hormone (r:−0.35; p:0.03), FSH (r:−0.37; p:0.02), and (17)estradiol (r: −0.36; p:0.02).

Conclusions

We showed that girls with central precocious puberty had lower peripheral levels of MKRN3 compared to age-matched pairs and that they negatively correlated to gonadotropins, estrogen, and BMI. Our findings support the MKRN3 involvement in central precocious puberty also in absence of deleterious mutations, although our sample size is small.

In addition our data suggest the role of MKRN3 in the complex mechanism controlling puberty onset and its interaction with other factors affecting puberty such as nutrition.

http://ift.tt/2ncr17f

Understanding cross-cultural adoption of a first aid app

Abstract

The increased availability of Wi-Fi and Internet coverage, coupled with the widespread use of Smartphones and tablet computers has facilitated the quick and efficient transfer of information through digital media, as well as the structured organisation of information into third-party apps. This paper focuses specifically on the use of a First Aid App in emergency situations, including large-scale critical events. We provide a comparative analysis of user engagement with a first aid app across nine culturally diverse countries. Due to the reported lack of reliable information provided by first aid and emergency apps generally, we analyse how organisational reputation affects user engagement with the app and provide a comparative analysis of user engagement during crises across countries with varying levels of risk. We determine that the key motivations influencing app uptake are largely dependent on users' risk awareness and the local reputation of the app provider. We illustrate how such apps may contribute valuable insights into user behaviour during critical events across varying contexts of risk that can help fine tune user requirements for health and emergency apps across different risk contexts.

http://ift.tt/2m2YaSX

The Effects of Transcutaneous and Intraoral Low-Level Laser Therapy After Extraction of Lower Third Molars: A Randomized Single Blind, Placebo Controlled Dual-Center Study

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery , Vol. 0, No. 0.

http://ift.tt/2nujGNh

Histopathological, Microbiological, and Radiographic Analysis of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Teeth with Apical Periodontitis: A Study in Rats' Molars

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery , Vol. 0, No. 0.

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American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting

http://ift.tt/2nueCZy

MKRN3 levels in girls with central precocious puberty and correlation with sexual hormone levels: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

In addition our data suggest the role of MKRN3 in the complex mechanism controlling puberty onset and its interaction with other factors affecting puberty such as nutrition.

http://ift.tt/2ncr17f

Molecular effects of fractional ablative erbium:YAG laser treatment with multiple stacked pulses on standardized human three-dimensional organotypic skin models

Abstract

The molecular changes in gene expression following ablative laser treatment of skin lesions, such as atrophic scars and UV-damaged skin, are not completely understood. A standardized in vitro model of human skin, to study the effects of laser treatment on human skin, has been recently developed. Therefore, the aim of the investigation was to examine morphological and molecular changes caused by fractional ablative erbium:YAG laser treatment on an in vitro full-thickness 3D standardized organotypic model of human skin. A fractional ablative erbium:YAG laser was used to irradiate organotypic human 3D models. Laser treatments were performed at four different settings using a variety of stacked pulses with similar cumulative total energy fluence (60 J/cm²). Specimens were harvested at specified time points and real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and microarray studies were performed. Frozen sections were examined histologically. Three days after erbium:YAG laser treatment, a significantly increased mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors (MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, TIMP1, and TIMP2), chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, and CXCL6), and cytokines such as IL6, IL8, and IL24 could be detected. qRT-PCR studies confirmed the enhanced mRNA expression of IL6, IL8, IL24, CXCLs, and MMPs. In contrast, the mRNA expression of epidermal differentiation markers, such as keratin-associated protein 4, filaggrin, filaggrin 2, and loricrin, and antimicrobial peptides (S100A7A, S100A9, and S100A12) as well as CASP14, DSG2, IL18, and IL36β was reduced. Four different settings with similar cumulative doses have been tested (N10%, C10%, E10%, and W25%). These laser treatments resulted in different morphological changes and effects on gene regulations. Longer pulse durations (1000 μs) especially had the strongest impact on gene expression and resulted in an upregulation of genes, such as collagen-1A2, collagen-5A2, and collagen-6A2, as well as FGF2. Histologically, all treatment settings resulted in a complete regeneration of the epidermis 3 days after irradiation. Fractional ablative erbium:YAG laser treatment with a pulse stacking technique resulted in histological alterations and shifts in the expression of various genes related to epidermal differentiation, inflammation, and dermal remodeling depending on the treatment setting applied. A standardized in vitro 3D model of human skin proved to be a useful tool for exploring the effects of various laser settings both on skin morphology and gene expression during wound healing. It provides novel data on the gene expression and microscopic architecture of the exposed skin. This may enhance our understanding of laser treatment at a molecular level.

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A split-face comparison of Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser for facial rejuvenation in Nevus of Ota patients

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of using the 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (QSNYL) for skin rejuvenation in patients with Nevus of Ota. A retrospective, randomized, split-faced, clinical study was conducted. Twenty-nine patients with unilateral moderate to severe Nevus of Ota were enrolled. The participants completed 3–13 sessions of QSNYL treatments 3–6 months apart. Two independent physicians compared the treated and untreated sides of the face to evaluate the clearance of Nevus of Ota, the wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS), the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS), and adverse event reporting. Patients' satisfaction levels were also considered. Of the 29 patients, 28 (96.6%) achieved nearly complete pigmentation clearance. After an average of 7.76 ± 2.99 sessions, statistically significant improvement in wrinkles and skin texture were observed, compared with the untreated side. The degree of skin rejuvenation was positively correlated with the number of treatment sessions. No clinically adverse effects were observed. Repeated QSNYL treatments not only remove the pigment in Nevus of Ota effectively and safely but also improve facial rejuvenation.

http://ift.tt/2mQFGUk

RECENT ADVANCES IN GENITOURINARY TUMORS: A REVIEW FOCUSED ON BIOLOGY AND SYSTEMIC TREATMENT

Publication date: Available online 14 March 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Aránzazu González del Alba, José Ángel Arranz, Javier Puente, María José Méndez-Vidal, Enrique Gallardo, Enrique Grande, Begoña Pérez-Valderrama, Enrique González-Billalabeitia, Martín Lázaro-Quintela, Álvaro Pinto, Nuria Lainez, Josep M. Piulats, Emilio Esteban, José Pablo Maroto Rey, Jorge A. García, Cristina Suárez
Updated information published up to 2016 regarding major advances in renal cancer, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer is here presented. Based on an ever better understanding of the genetic and molecular alterations that govern the initial pathogenic mechanisms of tumor oncogenesis, an improvement in the characterization and treatment of urologic tumors has been achieved in the past year. According to the Cancer Genome Atlas (ATLAS) project, alterations in the MET pathway are characteristics of type 1 papillary renal cell carcinomas, and activation of NRF2-ARE pathway is associated with the biologically distinct type 2. While sunitinib and pazopanib continue to be the standard first-line treatment in metastatic renal cell carcinoma of clear cell histology, nivolumab and and cabozantinib are now the agents of choice in the second-line setting. In relation to urothelial bladder carcinoma, new potential molecular targets such as FGFR3, PI3K/AKT, RTK/RAS, CDKN2A, ARIDIA, ERBB2 have been identified. Response to adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy appears to be related to basal, luminal, and p53-like intrinsic subtypes. A phase II study with eribulin and a maintenance phase II trial with vinflunine have shown promising results. Similarly, the use of the check point inhibitors in advanced disease is likely to revolutionize the management of patients who have progressed after cisplatin-based chemotherapy. In prostate cancer, seven mutually exclusive molecular subtypes have been identified by the TCGA project. Chemotherapy has been consolidated as a key treatment for castration-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer, and abiraterone, enzalutamide, cabazitaxel, and radium-223 remain standard therapeutic options for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. All this progress will undoubtedly contribute to the development of new treatments and therapeutic strategies that will improve the survival and quality of life of our patients.

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Effects of androgen receptor mutation on testicular histopathology of patient having complete androgen insensitivity

Abstract

Androgens are required for normal male sex differentiation and development of male secondary sexual characteristics. Mutations in AR gene are known to cause defects in male sexual differentiation. In current study, we enrolled a 46,XY phenotypically female patient bearing testes in inguinal canal. DNA sequencing of the AR gene detected a missense mutation C.1715A > G (p. Y572C) in exon 2 which is already known to cause complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). We focused on the effects of this mutation on the testicular histopathology of the patient. Surface spreading of testicular tissues showed an absence of spermatocytes while H&E staining showed that seminiferous tubules predominantly have only Sertoli cells. This meiotic failure is likely due to the effect of the AR mutation which ultimately leads to Sertoli cell only syndrome. Tubules were stained with SOX9 and AMH which revealed Sertoli cells maturation arrest. Western blot and realtime PCR data showed that patient had higher levels of AMH, SOX9 and inhibin-B in the testis. Therefore, we suggest that the dysfunctioning of AR by mutation enhances AMH expression which ultimately leads to the failure in maturation of Sertoli cells.

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SOX10 mutation causes Waardenburg syndrome associated with distinctive phenotypic features in an Iranian family: a clue for phenotype-directed genetic analysis

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a neurocristopathy characterized by hearing impairment and pigmentary disturbances in hair, eyes, and skin. WS is clinically heterogeneous and can be subdivided into four major types (WS1–WS4) where WS4 or Shah–Waardenburg is diagnosed when WS2 is accompanied by Hirschsprung disease (HD). Mutations of SOX10, EDN3/EDNRB have been identified in association with WS4. This study was aimed to determine the pathogenic variant in an Iranian pedigree affected with WS4.

http://ift.tt/2nprFi7

Double-Handed endoscopic myringoplasty with a holding system in children: Preliminary observations

Endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty is a newly-introduced technique for reconstruction of tympanic membrane perforation that offers the advantage to obviate postauricular incision. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a double-handed endoscope holder transcanal myringoplasty in children. This technique permits bimanual execution of the procedure and allows the surgeon to overcome the two significant issues of single-handed endoscope surgery, i.e. easy domination of a bloody field and smooth introduction of the graft.

http://ift.tt/2mutbua

Psychometric properties and Dutch norm values of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire in toddlers

The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was developed in the USA for children aged 4-10 years. The Dutch CSHQ has been validated for this age group, but not yet for toddlers. Furthermore, Dutch norm values for toddlers are unavailable. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties and collect norm values of the Dutch CSHQ in toddlers.

http://ift.tt/2m23mGE

Development of oral cancer vaccine using recombinant Bifidobacterium displaying Wilms’ tumor 1 protein

Abstract

Several types of vaccine-delivering tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) have been developed in basic and clinical research. Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1), identified as a gene responsible for pediatric renal neoplasm, is one of the most promising TAA for cancer immunotherapy. Peptide and dendritic cell-based WT1 cancer vaccines showed some therapeutic efficacy in clinical and pre-clinical studies but as yet no oral WT1 vaccine can be administrated in a simple and easy way. In the present study, we constructed a novel oral cancer vaccine using a recombinant Bifidobacterium longum displaying WT1 protein. B. longum 420 was orally administered into mice inoculated with WT1-expressing tumor cells for 4 weeks to examine anti-tumor effects. To analyze the WT1-specific cellular immune responses to oral B. longum 420, mice splenocytes were isolated and cytokine production and cytotoxic activities were determined. Oral administrations of B. longum 420 significantly inhibited WT1-expressing tumor growth and prolonged survival in mice. Immunohistochemical study and immunological assays revealed that B. longum 420 substantially induced tumor infiltration of CD4⁺T and CD8⁺T cells, systemic WT1-specific cytokine production, and cytotoxic activity mediated by WT1-epitope specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, with no apparent adverse effects. Our novel oral cancer vaccine safely induced WT1-specific cellular immunity via activation of the gut mucosal immune system and achieved therapeutic efficacy with several practical advantages over existing non-oral vaccines.

http://ift.tt/2m1WM31

Biodiversity effects on resource use efficiency and community turnover of plankton in Lake Nansihu, China

Abstract

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is a central issue in ecology, especially in aquatic ecosystems due to the ecophysiological characteristics of plankton. Recently, ecologists have obtained conflicting conclusions while analyzing the influence of species diversity on plankton resource use efficiency (RUE) and community turnover. In this study, both phytoplankton and zooplankton communities were investigated seasonally from 2011 to 2013 in Lake Nansihu, a meso-eutrophic and recovering lake in China. The effects of phytoplankton diversity on RUE of phytoplankton (RUE_PP), zooplankton (RUE_ZP), and community turnover were analyzed. Results showed that both phytoplankton species richness and evenness were positively correlated with RUE_PP. RUE_ZP had a negative relationship with phytoplankton species richness, but a weak unimodal relationship with phytoplankton evenness. Cyanobacteria community had the opposite influence on RUE_PP and RUE_ZP. Thus, cyanobacteria dominance will benefit RUE_PP in eutrophic lakes, but the growth and reproduction of zooplankton are greatly limited. The strong negative relationship between total phosphorus and RUE_ZP confirmed these results. Phytoplankton community turnover tended to decrease with increasing phytoplankton evenness, which was consistent with most previous studies. The correlation coefficient between phytoplankton species richness and community turnover was negative, but not significant (p > 0.05). Therefore, phytoplankton community turnover was more sensitive to the variation of evenness than species richness. These results will be helpful in understanding the effects of species diversity on ecosystem functioning in aquatic ecosystems.

http://ift.tt/2muJGrc

Comparison of the effectiveness of soil heating prior or during in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of aged PAH-contaminated soils

Abstract

Thermal treatments prior or during chemical oxidation of aged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated soils have already shown their ability to increase oxidation effectiveness. However, they were never compared on the same soil. Furthermore, oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (O-PACs), by-products of PAH oxidation which may be more toxic and mobile than the parent PAHs, were very little monitored. In this study, two aged PAH-contaminated soils were heated prior (60 or 90 °C under Ar for 1 week) or during oxidation (60 °C for 1 week) with permanganate and persulfate, and 11 O-PACs were monitored in addition to the 16 US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) PAHs. Oxidant doses were based on the stoichiometric oxidant demand of the extractable organic fraction of soils by using organic solvents, which is more representative of the actual contamination than only the 16 US EPA PAHs. Higher temperatures actually resulted in more pollutant degradation. Two treatments were about three times more effective than the others: soil heating to 60 °C during persulfate oxidation and soil preheating to 90 °C followed by permanganate oxidation. The results of this study showed that persulfate effectiveness was largely due to its thermal activation, whereas permanganate was more sensitive to PAH availability than persulfate. The technical feasibility of these two treatments will soon be field-tested in the unsaturated zone of one of the studied aged PAH-contaminated soils.

http://ift.tt/2muGOKZ

Life cycle analysis of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts in China

Abstract

China has been the largest producer and emitter of perfluorooctanoic acid and its salts (PFOA/PFO). However, the flows of PFOA/PFO from manufacture and application to the environment are indistinct, especially flows from waste treatment sites to the environment. Here, a life cycle analysis of PFOA/PFO is conducted in which all major flows of PFOA/PFO have been characterized for 2012. Processes related to uses and possible releases of PFOA/PFO include manufacture and use, waste management, and environmental storage. During manufacture and use, emission from application was the most important (117.0 t), regardless of whether it flowed first to waste treatment facilities or was directly released to the environment, followed by manufacture of PFOA/PFO (3.9 t), while flows from the service life and end of life of consumer products were the lowest (1.2 t). Among five waste treatment routes, flows through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were the highest (10.6 t), which resulted in 12.8 t of PFOA/PFO being emitted into the environment. Masses of PFOA/PFO emission were estimated to be 96.3 t to the hydrosphere, 25.6 t to the atmosphere, and 3.2 t to soils. Therefore, control over reduction of PFOA/PFO should focus on application of reliable alternatives and emission reduction from WWTPs using effective treatment techniques.

http://ift.tt/2m1Rjcs

Time-lapse effect of ancient plant coal biochar on some soil agrochemical parameters and soil characteristics

Abstract

Biochar is a solid material obtained from reductive, oxygen-free processes, i.e. the thermo-chemical conversion of biomass in oxygen-limited environment. The obtained products have high carbon sequestration potential and strong nutrient-water absorption capacities because of the enlarged carbon surfaces. It is not yet clear how carbon stimulates agrochemical parameters in soil and how those characteristics are developing as time goes on a long-term basis. Samples of ancient (25, 35, 80 years old) plant coal-affected soils were collected in a temperate deciduous forest site located in the south part of the Bükk Mountains (in North Eastern Hungary). Physical–chemical soil characteristics, such as soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), the organic and inorganic nitrogen (NH₄⁺, NH₃⁻) and the available nutrients (P₂O₅ and K₂O), were estimated beside organic matter (SOM) content, measured by two different methods. Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds in soil and in various biochar samples were assessed in relation with permissible limit values and potential toxicity. Positive correlation was found between the amount of available nutrients, total organic nitrogen content, cation exchange capacity and the age of plant coal-affected soils. The sample soils were exposed to continuous plant coal biochar effect for 25 years, during which macronutrients absorbed and accumulated in the plant coal surfaces. After this period, the degradation of carbon developed simultaneously with the reduction of the amount of available nutrients, till the end of the studied 80-year-affecting period. Measured CEC level indicated positive correlation with nutrient availability and the age of biochar-affected soils. Our results support the hypothesis that biochar in soil can improve its general agrochemical characteristics in relation with its persistence in a specific soil-plant system. Potential PAH content and toxicity of biochar products are key issues of developing proper application rates in sustainable agricultural practices.

http://ift.tt/2mv1suf

Associations of FoxP3 gene polymorphisms with severe recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in Korean patients

Abstract

Background

FoxP3 is the most dependable marker for regulatory T cells which play a major role in immune tolerance. Foxp3 gene polymorphisms were associated with various autoimmune diseases and clearance of viral infections. We studied the association of Foxp3 polymorphisms in severe RRP patients.

Methods

A total of 30 Korean severe RRP patients and 195 healthy controls were enrolled. Foxp3 polymorphisms (rs5902434 del/ATT, rs3761548 C/A, rs3761549 C/T, and rs2232365 G/A) were determined by PCR and sequencing.

Results

Genotype frequencies (GF) of rs5902434 ATT/ATT and rs2232365 GG were significantly decreased in female RRP patients than controls (0.0% vs 23.0%, p = 0.039, OR = 9.4 for both).

Conclusions

We showed that Foxp3 polymorphism of rs5902434 and rs2232365 could be an important protective factor in the susceptibility of severe RRP in female Koreans. Further studies on larger number of patients and other ethnic groups are needed to clarify the association.

http://ift.tt/2npbrpk

Associations of FoxP3 gene polymorphisms with severe recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in Korean patients

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Genotype frequencies (GF) of rs5902434 ATT/ATT and rs2232365 GG were significantly decreased in female RRP patients than controls (0.0% vs 23.0%, p = 0.039, OR = 9.4 for both).

Conclusions

http://ift.tt/2npbrpk

Associations of FoxP3 gene polymorphisms with severe recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in Korean patients

Sorafenib: A Review in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Sorafenib (Nexavar^®) is currently the only systemic agent approved for use in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its approval was based on the results of the pivotal SHARP and Sorafenib Asia-Pacific (AP) trials in Child-Pugh (CP) class A patients with advanced HCC, which showed significantly longer median overall survival (OS) and time to radiological progression (TTP) with sorafenib 400 mg twice daily than with placebo, with no significant between-group difference in the median time to symptomatic progression (TTSP). Subsequent results from real-world studies such as GIDEON also support the use of sorafenib in HCC, including in carefully selected CP class B patients, although the median OS achieved in these patients appears relatively short. Sorafenib has a well characterized tolerability and safety profile, with strategies available to prevent and manage adverse effects such as hand-foot skin reactions. In conclusion, sorafenib remains an important option for the treatment of HCC.

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Replacing a pediatric tracheostomy tube

Augusta University medical professional demonstrate how to replace a pediatric tracheostomy tube.

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Utility of Store and Forward Teledermatology for Skin Patch Test Readings

Background: Teledermatology (TD) is the use of imaging technology to provide dermatology services at a distance. To date, studies assessing its application for grading skin patch test reactions have been lacking. Objectives: The aim was to compare conventional, in-person (IP) grading of skin patch test reactions with store-forward TD. Methods: Patients undergoing patch testing to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) screening series were invited to participate in this repeated-measures study. Photographs of the NACDG screening series patch sites were obtained at 2 time points (48-hour and final readings). Teledermatology assessments were completed by the same staff dermatologist who performed the IP readings; 48-hour and final TD photographs were viewed at weeks 4 and 8 after the IP encounter, respectively, to prevent recall bias. Staff dermatologists were blinded to IP grading results. The main outcome was percent agreement. Eight categories of agreement were created according to possible pairings of TD and IP reading results. Three final outcome groups of "success," "indeterminate," and "failure" were defined based on clinical significance. Results: One hundred one participants completed the study. There were 7070 comparison points between IP and TD final readings. Excluding negative/negative agreement, there was "success" of TD in 54% of final readings. "Indeterminate" agreement with possible clinical significance was present in 40% of final readings. There was "failure" (definite clinical significance) in 6% of final readings. Conclusions: Teledermatology may be a viable option for grading skin patch test reactions, particularly for clinicians who perform limited patch testing. However, a clinically significant "failure" rate of 6% and practical barriers to TD implementation may preclude its widespread use for skin patch testing in tertiary referral centers where large numbers of patches are tested per patient.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2m1zdYd

Contact Allergy to (Ingredients of) Toothpastes

The literature on contact allergy to (ingredients of) toothpastes is critically reviewed. We have found 47 case reports, small case series (n = 2-5) and citations published between 1900 and 2016 describing more than 60 patients allergic to toothpastes, and in addition 3 larger case series and many descriptions of toothpaste allergy among selected groups of patients. Allergic reactions usually manifest as cheilitis with or without dermatitis around the mouth, less frequently by oral symptoms. Formerly, many reactions were caused by cinnamon derivatives; more recently, reported allergens are diverse. A semiopen test or closed patch test with the toothpaste "as is" may be performed as an initial test, but a positive reaction should always be followed by confirmatory tests. The role of contact allergy to toothpastes in patients with oral symptoms (stomatitis, glossitis, gingivitis, buccal mucositis, burning, soreness, and possibly burning mouth syndrome and recurrent aphthous ulcers) is unclear and should be further investigated.

http://ift.tt/2m1I3VP

Periorbital Allergic Contact Dermatitis Due to Ketotifen

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2m1MBvk

Gallate Contact Dermatitis: Product Update and Systematic Review

Allergic contact dermatitis related to cosmetic use can result from allergens not routinely evaluated by standard patch test protocols. Propyl, octyl, and dodecyl gallates are commonly used antioxidant preservatives with reports of associated allergic contact dermatitis in the literature. The objectives of this review were to investigate the role of gallates in allergic contact dermatitis and to explore products containing these preservatives. A systematic review of the literature through April 2016 was performed to explore cases of reported gallate allergy. Food and cosmetic product databases were searched for products containing gallates. Seventy-four cases of gallate contact allergy have been reported. In addition, a variety of commercially available cosmetic products and foods contain gallate chemicals. Propyl gallate is the most commonly reported gallate contact allergen and often causes facial and/or hand dermatitis.

http://ift.tt/2m1yp5n

Interleukin 4 –590C/T (rs2243250) Polymorphism Is Associated With Increased Risk of Atopic Dermatitis: Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

Background: Interleukin 4 (IL-4) −590C/T polymorphism has been reported to influence atopic dermatitis (AD) susceptibility, but the results are controversial. Objective: This meta-analysis was performed to study the association between IL-4 −590C/T polymorphism and AD susceptibility. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed to estimate the strength of the association. Results: Ten studies comprising 923 cases and 1215 controls were included. The overall population revealed significant associations between IL-4 −590C/T polymorphism and AD susceptibility under the allele (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03–1.38; I2 = 0.0%), recessive (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.002–1.61; I2 = 0.0%), and dominant (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.003–1.76; I2 = 0.0%) models; similar results were found under the allele (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01–1.39; I2 = 0.0%) and recessive (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.001–1.62; I2 = 0.0%) models after excluding not-in–Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium studies. However, subgroup analyses by ethnicity showed no significant association in Asians or whites. Subgroup analyses by age indicated a significant association in children under the allele (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06–1.60; I2 = 0.0%) and dominant (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.02–1.97; I2 = 0.0%) models, children in articles with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium under the allele model (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.05–1.69; I2 = 0.0%), and Asian children under the allele model (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02–1.95; I2 = 0.0%) but not in white children. Conclusions: The IL-4 −590C/T polymorphism may contribute to AD susceptibility in the overall population and children, especially for Asian children, but large well-designed studies are warranted to confirm this conclusion.

http://ift.tt/2noMxps

Contact Allergy Cross-reactions: Retrospective Clinical Data and Review of the Literature

We discuss cross-reactions that can occur when a patient allergic to a specific allergen also reacts to a similar allergen. Currently, The American Contact Dermatitis Society Contact Allergy Management Program, which allows physicians to identify safe products for their patients, uses a 10% threshold to distinguish significant cross-reactors. New clinical data from a patch testing center along with previous data in the literature are analyzed to help determine whether current cross-reactor definitions are reasonable or should be altered.

http://ift.tt/2noPqHa

Toothpaste-Induced Oral Mucosal Desquamation

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2noyiRB

American Contact Dermatitis Society Core Allergen Series: 2017 Update

The American Contact Dermatitis Society Core Allergen Series was introduced in 2012. After 4 years of use, changes in our recommended allergens are necessary. For the updated series, we have reordered the first 4 panels to approximately mirror the current TRUE Test and removed parthenolide, triclosan, glutaraldehyde, and jasmine. Polymyxin B, lavender, sodium benzoate, ethylhexylglycerin, and benzoic acid are new additions to the American Contact Dermatitis Society series.

http://ift.tt/2noNbDL

Dandelion: An Important Allergen in Atopic Children

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2noIHwW

Replacing a pediatric tracheostomy tube

Augusta University medical professional demonstrate how to replace a pediatric tracheostomy tube.

http://ift.tt/2mKhotO

Contact Allergy Cross-reactions: Retrospective Clinical Data and Review of the Literature

Utility of Store and Forward Teledermatology for Skin Patch Test Readings

SELF-ASSESSMENT

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2m1zdYd

Contact Allergy to (Ingredients of) Toothpastes

Periorbital Allergic Contact Dermatitis Due to Ketotifen

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2m1MBvk

Gallate Contact Dermatitis: Product Update and Systematic Review

Interleukin 4 –590C/T (rs2243250) Polymorphism Is Associated With Increased Risk of Atopic Dermatitis: Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

Toothpaste-Induced Oral Mucosal Desquamation

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2noyiRB

American Contact Dermatitis Society Core Allergen Series: 2017 Update

Dandelion: An Important Allergen in Atopic Children

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2noIHwW

Erratum to: Acknowledgment to reviewers—2016

http://ift.tt/2nFTbDZ

Examining the construct and known-group validity of a composite endpoint for The Older Persons and Informal Caregivers Survey Minimum Data Set (TOPICS-MDS); A large-scale data sharing initiative

by Cynthia S. Hofman, Jennifer E. Lutomski, Han Boter, Bianca M. Buurman, Anton J. M. de Craen, Rogier Donders, Marcel G. M. Olde Rikkert, Peter Makai, René J. F. Melis, TOPICS-MDS research consortium

Background

Preference-weighted multi-faceted endpoints have the potential to facilitate comparative effectiveness research that incorporates patient preferences. The Older Persons and Informal Caregivers Survey—Composite endpoint (TOPICS-CEP) is potentially a valuable outcome measure for evaluating interventions in geriatric care as it combines multiple outcomes relevant to older persons in a single metric. The objective of this study was to validate TOPICS-CEP across different study settings (general population, primary care and hospital).

Methods

Data were extracted from TOPICS Minimum Dataset (MDS), a pooled public-access national database with information on older persons throughout the Netherlands. Data of 17,603 older persons were used. Meta-correlations were performed between TOPICS-CEP indexed scores, EuroQol5-D utility scores and Cantril's ladder life satisfaction scores. Mixed linear regression analyses were performed to compare TOPICS-CEP indexed scores between known groups, e.g. persons with versus without depression.

Results

In the complete sample and when stratified by study setting TOPICS-CEP and Cantril's ladder were moderately correlated, whereas TOPICS-CEP and EQ-5D were highly correlated. Higher mean TOPICS-CEP scores were found in persons who were: married, lived independently and had an education at university level. Moreover, higher mean TOPICS-CEP scores were found in persons without dementia, depression, and dizziness with falls, respectively. Similar results were found when stratified by subgroup.

Conclusion

This study supports that TOPICS-CEP is a robust measure which can potentially be used in broad settings to identify the effect of intervention or of prevention in elderly care.

http://ift.tt/2mOKs4S

Reporting of harm and safety results in randomized controlled trials published in 5 dermatology journals

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for assessing efficacy and short-term harm of medicines. However, several studies have come to the conclusion that harm is less well reported than efficacy outcomes.

http://ift.tt/2ntkX7r

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome: An update and review

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to multiple cutaneous leiomyomas, renal cell carcinomas, and in women, uterine leiomyomas. Also known as Reed syndrome, it is caused by a germline heterozygous mutation of the fumarate hydratase tumor suppressor gene. HLRCC is associated with significant morbidity because of pain from cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas, the cutaneous pain often of unique character. Although genetic testing is currently considered the criterion standard to diagnose HLRCC, newer immunohistochemistry markers may provide rapid and cost effective alternatives to genetic testing.

http://ift.tt/2n1jEyH

The adverse prognostic effect of tumor budding on the evolution of cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Tumor budding is a readily detectable histopathologic feature that has been recognized as an adverse prognostic factor in several human cancers.

http://ift.tt/2ntr4bR

Association of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with osteoporosis and pathological fractures

Previous studies examining the relationship between psoriasis (Pso), osteoporosis, and pathological fractures found conflicting results.

http://ift.tt/2n10xoB

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with extension into the middle cranial fossa and internal carotid canal

This report presents the case of an extensive synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), with extension into the middle cranial fossa, middle ear, and carotid canal. Synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ is rare, particularly when associated with intracranial involvement. This case is unique owing to its size and the involvement with the internal carotid artery. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the surgical management of such a rare and complex form of this condition is highlighted.

http://ift.tt/2mtIt2m

The role of Kupffer cells in hepatic diseases

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 85
Author(s): Peizhi Li, Kun He, Jinzheng Li, Zuojin Liu, Jianping Gong
Kupffer cells (KCs) constitute 80–90% of the tissue macrophages present in the body. Essential to innate and adaptive immunity, KCs are responsible for the swift containment and clearance of exogenous particulates and immunoreactive materials which are perceived as foreign and harmful to the body. Similar to other macrophages, KCs also sense endogenous molecular signals that may result from perturbed homeostasis of the host. KCs have been implicated in host defense and the pathogenesis of various hepatic diseases, including endotoxin tolerance, liver transplantation, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and alcoholic liver disease. In this review, we summarized some novel findings associated with the role of KCs in hepatic diseases, such as the origin and mechanisms KCs polarization, molecular basis for caspase-1 activation called "non-canonical inflammasome pathway" involving the cleavage of Gsdmd by caspase-11, the important role of microRNA in liver transplantation, and so on. A better understanding of KCs biological characteristics and immunologic function in liver homeostasis and pathology may pave the way to investigate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for hepatic diseases.

http://ift.tt/2mtNb14

Gene delivery of TIPE2 inhibits breast cancer development and metastasis via CD8+ T and NK cell-mediated antitumor responses

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 85
Author(s): Zhenhua Zhang, Li Liu, Shousong Cao, Yizhun Zhu, Qibing Mei
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the female patients which was mainly caused by metastasis. Development of target gene therapy for breast cancer to suppress tumor progress and metastasis will improve the therapeutic options and be of great benefit to the patients. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 8-like 2 is a novel molecule for maintaining immune homeostasis and is involved in cancer development. In the present study, we overexpressed TIPE2 in breast cancer cells to investigate the role of TIPE2 in the development of breast cancer. Our results showed that overexpression of TIPE2 significantly inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 cells in vitro and in vivo. We constructed a non-viral targeted gene therapeutic system by using the minicircle plasmids expressing TIPE2. We found that the growth and metastasis of breast cancer was significantly inhibited by hydrodynamic gene delivery of TIPE2 plasmids in vivo. Mechanistically, TIPE2 increased T and NK cells, and decreased MDSCs. Gene delivery of TIPE2 up-regulated the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α by CD8⁺ T and NK cells in spleens and tumor microenvironment, and enhanced the cytotoxic activity of CD8⁺ T and NK cells. Taken together, TIPE2 inhibited breast cancer development and metastasis possibly via promoting CD8⁺ T and NK cell-mediated antitumor immune responses. Thus, the results indicate that TIPE2 may be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer therapy.

http://ift.tt/2mPiHJx

Gene delivery of TIPE2 inhibits breast cancer development and metastasis via CD8+ T and NK cell-mediated antitumor responses

The role of Kupffer cells in hepatic diseases

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Expression in Metastasized Iodine-Negative Thyroid Cancer May Provide a Novel Therapeutic Approach

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 94-96.

http://ift.tt/2mPm8jr

Active Surveillance of Small, Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancers Can Be a Safe Alternative to Surgery in Selected Patients

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 97-99.

http://ift.tt/2mtP1yR

The “GREAT” Score Predicts the Outcome of Antithyroid Drug Therapy of Graves’ Disease

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 110-113.

http://ift.tt/2nFBEvI

Multimodality Treatment with Surgery, External-Beam Radiation, and Chemotherapy Improves Survival for Selected Patients with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 90-93.

http://ift.tt/2mtIOTI

Treatment of Subclinical Hypothyroidism Has Diverse Effects on Obstetric Outcomes

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 116-118.

http://ift.tt/2nbacJI

Incidental Thyroid Nodules Detected on CT, MRI, or PET-CT Correlate Well with Subsequent Ultrasound Evaluation

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 107-109.

http://ift.tt/2mP6Mv7

Pregnancy Has Little Effect on the Progression of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Women with an Excellent, Indeterminate, or Biochemically Incomplete Risk Classification Status

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 100-103.

http://ift.tt/2mtG4pr

Among Myxedema Coma Patients, Older Age and Catecholamine Use Are Associated with Higher Risk for In-Hospital Mortality

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 114-115.

http://ift.tt/2nFCB7k

Large NIFTP Have a Very Low Risk of Recurrence

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 104-106.

http://ift.tt/2nbmlym

Are Changes in Cardiac Deiodinase Activities Involved in Certain Cardiac Disorders?

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 119-121.

http://ift.tt/2nFQzpH

The “GREAT” Score Predicts the Outcome of Antithyroid Drug Therapy of Graves’ Disease

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 110-113.

http://ift.tt/2nFBEvI

Multimodality Treatment with Surgery, External-Beam Radiation, and Chemotherapy Improves Survival for Selected Patients with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 90-93.

http://ift.tt/2mtIOTI

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Expression in Metastasized Iodine-Negative Thyroid Cancer May Provide a Novel Therapeutic Approach

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 94-96.

http://ift.tt/2mPm8jr

Treatment of Subclinical Hypothyroidism Has Diverse Effects on Obstetric Outcomes

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 116-118.

http://ift.tt/2nbacJI

Active Surveillance of Small, Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancers Can Be a Safe Alternative to Surgery in Selected Patients

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 97-99.

http://ift.tt/2mtP1yR

Incidental Thyroid Nodules Detected on CT, MRI, or PET-CT Correlate Well with Subsequent Ultrasound Evaluation

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 107-109.

http://ift.tt/2mP6Mv7

Pregnancy Has Little Effect on the Progression of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Women with an Excellent, Indeterminate, or Biochemically Incomplete Risk Classification Status

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 100-103.

http://ift.tt/2mtG4pr

Among Myxedema Coma Patients, Older Age and Catecholamine Use Are Associated with Higher Risk for In-Hospital Mortality

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 114-115.

http://ift.tt/2nFCB7k

Large NIFTP Have a Very Low Risk of Recurrence

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 104-106.

http://ift.tt/2nbmlym

Are Changes in Cardiac Deiodinase Activities Involved in Certain Cardiac Disorders?

Clinical Thyroidology Mar 2017, Vol. 29, No. 3: 119-121.

http://ift.tt/2nFQzpH

Panorama Dermatologische Praxis

http://ift.tt/2nFza0f

Immunologische Mechanismen der allergenspezifischen Immuntherapie

Zusammenfassung

Die allergenspezifische Immuntherapie (SIT) geht sowohl auf zellulärer als auch auf humoraler Ebene mit einer Vielzahl an immunologischen Veränderungen einher. Im Wesentlichen kommt es zu einem Shift der Th2-Immunantwort in eine Immunantwort vom Th1-Typ, der mit einem Anstieg an regulatorischen T‑ und B‑Zellen sowie dem Zytokin IL-10 und einer Abnahme von Effektorzellen und Eosinophilen im Gewebe zusammen mit der Reduktion von IgE zugunsten der Zunahme von IgG4-Antikörpern im Blut der Patienten einhergeht. Ein besseres Verständnis der immunologischen Mechanismen, die der SIT zugrunde liegen, ist essenziell für die weitere Optimierung der Therapie sowie die Entwicklung von Biomarkern zum Monitoring des Therapieansprechens sowie der Patienten-Compliance.

http://ift.tt/2nbiuRX

Contributors

SUJANA S. CHANDRASEKHAR, MD

http://ift.tt/2nbf8hM

Copyright

Elsevier

http://ift.tt/2nFQkuC

Index

Note: Page numbers of article titles are in boldface type.

http://ift.tt/2nbgpFi

Evaluation of Patients with Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

A wide variety of tumors present in the sinonasal and ventral skull base. Patients often have nonspecific symptoms initially and present with advanced tumors, affecting the orbit and other adjacent structures. Evaluation of these malignancies with modern imaging techniques can define tumor invasion, but biopsy is often required to establish a diagnosis because most have a nonspecific appearance. A thorough understanding of the anatomy is the key to treatment planning, and a multidisciplinary approach determines the optimal strategy.

http://ift.tt/2nFw0ts

Population-Based Results in the Management of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Population-based cancer registries allow for data collection on the scale of large populations, outside the limits of a single institution, and facilitate study of rare entities. The SEER database has been used to study more than 7000 cases encompassing a wide variety of relatively rare sinonasal malignant histologies. Clinically useful parameters have been gleaned from these analyses. Important limitations, such as omission of chemotherapy data, surgical approach used, type of radiation administered, and selection and confounding bias, should be considered. Nevertheless, population-based analyses yield readily generalizable and clinically relevant information regarding the management of sinonasal malignancies for the practicing clinician.

http://ift.tt/2naYXRk

Staging of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Tremendous pathologic diversity among sinonasal and ventral skull base malignancies complicates development of a uniform and prognostically relevant staging system. Because of the comparatively low incidence of these tumors, comprehensive evaluation and comparison of specific staging systems is difficult. The current American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system for sinonasal malignancies is the most common and widely used system in current clinical practice. Alternative systems have been proposed for use with individual histopathologic subtypes. Many of these staging systems are of great utility and accurately predict patient survival. Further research and adjustment of these current staging systems remains an important area of research.

http://ift.tt/2nFsL5d

Sujana S. Chandrasekhar

http://ift.tt/2nb6lMH

Endoscopic Resection of Clival Malignancies

Surgical management of clival lesions presents numerous therapeutic challenges because of the close proximity of surrounding critical structures. With a detailed understanding of the endoscopic endonasal approach and relevant considerations, appropriate lesions can be removed in a safe and minimally invasive manner. Use of this technique as a primary approach represents the standard of care for many lesions at leading skull base centers, although adjunct techniques may be necessary in extensive lesions and those with significant lateral extension.

http://ift.tt/2nFGk4N

Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

OTOLARYNGOLOGIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA

http://ift.tt/2nb6wHZ

Anterior Skull Base Malignancies—The Otolaryngologist’s Contribution

The anterior skull base represents a challenging space necessitating surgical collaboration between Otolaryngology, Neurosurgery, and Ophthalmology. The input of those specialties as well as from Medical and Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging, and affiliated Allied Healthcare Specialists is vital. It enables optimal patient outcome, from a tumor removal and disease-free survival perspective as well as in how it pertains to quality of life.

http://ift.tt/2naZ5k8

Forthcoming Issues

Technological Advances in Sinus and Skull Base Surgery

http://ift.tt/2naZ2EY

Combined Endoscopic and Open Approaches in the Management of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approaches remain useful in the treatment of ventral skull base malignancies. The extended bifrontal transbasal approach provides wide access to the anterior ventral skull base and paranasal sinuses without transfacial incisions. In more extensive lesions, the bifrontal transbasal approach can then be combined with an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) from below. This article reviews the indications, surgical technique, and operative nuances of combined transbasal and EEA (cranionasal) approaches for the surgical management of ventral skull base malignancies.

http://ift.tt/2nFqIhM

CME Accreditation Page

http://ift.tt/2nbgngE

Management of Orbital Involvement in Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

The orbit may be frequently involved by sinonasal or ventral skull base malignancy. This involvement bodes a poorer prognosis for survival. Multimodality therapy with surgery and radiation therapy is usually attempted to optimize local control and overall survival. Oncologic surgical resection with negative margins is critical to local control and survival. In the past, any involvement of the orbit was deemed to necessitate orbital sacrifice. However, contemporary studies show that in carefully selected cases, orbital preservation does not adversely impact survival. In addition, novel reconstructive techniques can help minimize complications and optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes.

http://ift.tt/2nFw5xr

Management of Cavernous Sinus Involvement in Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Cavernous sinus (CS) involvement by sinonasal and ventral skull base malignancies is infrequently encountered in neurosurgical practice. Despite advancements in skull base microneurosurgery and endoscopic techniques, detailed knowledge and experience of the surgical management of these lesions are limited. This article elaborates on surgical strategies and approaches for CS involvement of malignant ventral skull base tumors. The article discusses the indications, techniques, nuances, advantages, limitations, and complications of minimally invasive CS biopsy, transcranial microscopic, and transfacial endoscopic approaches to the CS using illustrative diagrams and operative videos. The principles and nuances of a high-flow cerebral revascularization procedure are mentioned.

http://ift.tt/2nFtJPc

The Role of Targeted Therapy in the Management of Sinonasal Malignancies

Cancers develop secondary to genetic and epigenetic changes that provide the cell with a survival advantage that promotes cellular immortality. Malignancy arises when tumors use mechanisms to evade detection and destruction by the immune system. Many malignancies seem to elicit an immune response, yet somehow manage to avoid destruction by the cells of the immune system. Cancers may evade this immune response by numerous mechanisms. Several targeted immune therapies are available that block some of these inhibitory signals and enhance the cell-mediated immune response. Many of these agents hold significant promise for future treatment of sinonasal and ventral skull base malignancies.

http://ift.tt/2nbeyAp

The Role of Robotic Surgery in Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancy

Over the past decade, robotic surgery has gained wide popularity, making a significant impact on multiple surgical specialties. In the head and neck arena, transoral robotic surgery has proven to be safe and associated with acceptable oncological and superior functional outcomes for surgery of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, supraglottis, and glottis; thus, changing the paradigm for the management of tumors in these anatomic locations. Robotic surgery of the ventral skull base is at an early stage of development. In this article reviews the literature discussing the role of robotic surgery in managing sinonasal and ventral skull base malignant lesions.

http://ift.tt/2nFIUYp

Management of Skull Base Defects After Surgical Resection of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Over the past 2 decades, there has been a significant increase in the resection of larger and more complex ventral skull base malignancies. The resection of these lesions has resulted in the creation of larger and more difficult to repair skull base defects. There are many available options for ventral skull base reconstruction. Despite the variety of reconstructive options, the key objective is to eliminate any communication between the intracranial space and the sinonasal cavity. This article discusses some of the more common techniques currently used for repair of these skull base defects.

http://ift.tt/2nFJyW4

Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Over the last decades, management of sinonasal and ventral skull base malignancies has evolved significantly as a result of new advances in surgical instrumentations and optical devices, newer endoscopic and open techniques, better understanding of the sinonasal and ventral skull base anatomy, and improvement in radiotherapeutic, chemotherapeutic, and targeted treatment of these lesions. In addition, emphasis on multidisciplinary approach and closer collaborations between surgical teams has improved the ability to resect these lesions with less morbidity.

http://ift.tt/2nbbbcZ

Contributors

SUJANA S. CHANDRASEKHAR, MD

http://ift.tt/2nbf8hM

Evaluation of Patients with Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Development of PARP inhibitors in gynaecological malignancies

Publication date: Available online 14 March 2017
Source:Current Problems in Cancer
Author(s): Yvonne LE Ang, David SP Tan
PARP inhibitors demonstrate synthetic lethality in tumours with BRCA1/2 mutations and other homologous recombination repair deficiencies by interfering with DNA repair and causing direct toxicity to DNA through PARP trapping. PARP inhibitors have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of BRCA1/2 mutated ovarian cancers, which has led to a shift in the treatment paradigm of this disease. Further studies to establish the role of PARP inhibitors during earlier stages of treatment are ongoing. The use of PARP inhibitors in other cancers with homologous recombination repair deficiencies, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, is gradually evolving as well, including use in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. PARP inhibitor combination strategies with chemotherapy, targeted agents, radiotherapy and immunotherapy are also being explored. The role of predictive biomarkers, including molecular signatures and homologous recombination deficiency scores based on loss of heterozygosity and other structural genomic aberrations will be crucial to improved patient stratification in order to enhance the clinical utility of PARP inhibitors. This may also allow the use of PARP inhibitors to be extended beyond tumours with specific homologous recombination DNA repair gene mutations in the future. An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying PARP inhibitor resistance will also be important to enable the development of new approaches to increase efficacy. This is a field rich in opportunity, and the coming years should see a better understanding of which patients we should be treating with PARP inhibitors and where these agents should come in over the course of treatment.

http://ift.tt/2mtxhCR

Copyright

Elsevier

http://ift.tt/2nFQkuC

Index

Note: Page numbers of article titles are in boldface type.

http://ift.tt/2nbgpFi

Anterior Skull Base Malignancies—The Otolaryngologist’s Contribution

Staging of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Population-Based Results in the Management of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Sujana S. Chandrasekhar

http://ift.tt/2nb6lMH

Endoscopic Resection of Clival Malignancies

Combined Endoscopic and Open Approaches in the Management of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

CME Accreditation Page

http://ift.tt/2nbgngE

Management of Orbital Involvement in Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Forthcoming Issues

Technological Advances in Sinus and Skull Base Surgery

http://ift.tt/2naZ2EY

Management of Cavernous Sinus Involvement in Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

The Role of Targeted Therapy in the Management of Sinonasal Malignancies

The Role of Robotic Surgery in Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancy

Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

OTOLARYNGOLOGIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA

http://ift.tt/2nb6wHZ

Management of Skull Base Defects After Surgical Resection of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Plant growth in amended molybdenum mine waste rock

Abstract

This greenhouse study examined the use of organic and inorganic soil amendments in waste rock material from the former Questa Molybdenum Mine in northern New Mexico to promote beneficial soil properties. Waste rock material was amended with 11 soil amendment treatments that included municipal composted biosolids, Biosol®, inorganic fertilizer, and two controls (pure waste rock and sand). Elymus trachycaulus and Robinia neomexicana growth performance and plant chemistry were assessed across all treatments over a period of 99 and 141 days, respectively. Even though waste rock material had more than 200 times the molybdenum concentration of native soils, adverse effects were not observed for either species. The two main limiting factors in this study were soil nutritional status and soil water retention. The biosolid amendment was found to provide the greatest buffer against these limiting factors due to significant increases in both nutrition and soil water retention. As a result, both species responded with the highest levels of biomass production and the least amount of required water demands. Use of organic amendments such as biosolids, even though short lived in the soil, may provide plants the necessary growth stimulus to become more resilient to the harsh conditions found on many mine reclamation sites.

http://ift.tt/2m12thG

Influence of long-term chronic exposure and weather conditions on Scots pine populations

Abstract

Over a period of 8 years (2007–2014), we were evaluating seed quality and morphological abnormalities in Scots pine trees affected as a result of the Chernobyl accident. The calculated dose rates for the trees at the study sites varied from background values at the reference sites to 40 mGy/year at the most contaminated site. We investigated whether radioactive contamination and/or weather factors could decrease the reproductive capacity or increase the frequency of morphological abnormalities of needles in pine trees. Scots pine seeds are characterized by high interannual variability of viability, which is largely determined by weather conditions. No consistent differences in reproductive capacity were detected between the impacted and reference populations. Brachyblasts with three needles were found only in the affected populations; however, their frequency was very low and only at the very border of significance at the p < 0.10 level.

http://ift.tt/2mJPXjN

A comparative analysis of composts and vermicomposts derived from municipal solid waste for the growth and yield of green bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris )

Abstract

This work was conducted to evaluate and compare the responses of Phaseolus vulgaris to three types of composts and vermicomposts derived from municipal solid waste (MSW). Different amendment rates were used and evaluated for their effect on germination, growth, and marketable yield. MSW-derived vermicomposts and composts were substituted into mineral brown-earth soil, applied at rates of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100% (v/v) in plastic pots of 7.2-L capacity. Green beans which are grown in 40% vermicompost/soil mixtures and compost/soil mixtures yielded 78.3–89.5% higher fruit weights as compared to control. Results showed that MSW vermicomposts consistently outperformed equivalent quantities of composts in terms of fruit yield, shoot, and root dry weights, which can be attributed to the contributions of physicochemical properties and nutrients content (N, P, and K) in the potting experiments. Consequently, it seemed likely that MSW vermicompost provided other biological inputs such as plant growth regulators (PGRs) and plant growth hormones (PGHs), which could have a considerably positive effect on the growth and yields of P. vulgaris as compared to composts. More in-depth scientific investigation is required in order to identify the distinctive effects and the exact mechanisms of these PGRs in MSW vermicomposts which influenced plant growth responses.

http://ift.tt/2m11FJL

PM2.5 emissions from different types of heavy-duty truck: a case study and meta-analysis of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Abstract

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region in China is affected seriously by the hazy weather that has a large impact on human health. PM_2.5 is one of the most important reasons for hazy weather. Understanding the PM_2.5 emission characteristics from different types of heavy-duty trucks (HDTs) is valuable in policies and regulations to improve urban air quality and mitigate vehicle emission in China. The investigation and analysis on HDT population and PM_2.5 emission in BTH region are carried out. The results show that the population and PM_2.5 emission of HDTs in BTH has risen for the last four consecutive years, from 404 thousand and 1795 tons in 2012 to 551 thousand and 2303 tons in 2015. The PM_2.5 emission from HDTs in Hebei is about 10 times more than that of Beijing and 9 times more than that of Tianjin. The proportion of natural gas HDTs is about 5%; however, its PM_2.5 emission only accounts for 0.94% in 2015, which indicates the utilization of HDTs powered by natural gas facilitate PM_2.5 mitigation more than diesel in BTH. The tractor and pickup trucks are the main source of PM_2.5 emission from different types of HDT, while special and dump trucks are relatively clean. This study has provided insights for management method and policy-making of vehicle in terms of environmental demand.

http://ift.tt/2mJXyi7

Temporal and spatial distributions of PBDEs in atmosphere at Shanghai rural regions, China

Abstract

Atmospheric samples were collected using polyurethane foam (PUF) passive air sampling device for every 3 months from June 2012 to May 2013 in Shanghai rural regions in order to investigate the concentrations, profiles, spatial distributions, and seasonal variations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Twelve PBDE congeners (BDE-17, BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-49, BDE-66, BDE-85, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-138, BDE-153, BDE-154, and BDE-183) were measured and analyzed by GC-MS. The results showed that detectable PBDEs were examined in all air samples, which indicated that these pollutants are widespread in the research areas. The ∑₁₂PBDE concentrations in Shanghai rural air ranged from 4.49 to 77.5 pg m⁻³, with mean value up to 26.7 pg m⁻³. The highest concentration was found at Jinshan sampling site in summer (from June to August in 2012). Furthermore, among the PBDE compounds investigated, the most frequently detected and the major congeners were BDE-17, BDE-28, BDE-47, and BDE-99. And the lower brominated diphenyl ethers (accounting for 75.0%) were the majority of the PBDE congeners. Finally, the result of principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the lower and higher brominated diphenyl ethers in Shanghai rural regions were emitted from different pollutant sources.

http://ift.tt/2mJVO8A

Utility of thermo-alkali-stable γ-CA from polyextremophilic bacterium Aeribacillus pallidus TSHB1 in biomimetic sequestration of CO 2 and as a virtual peroxidase

Abstract

Aeribacillus pallidus TSHB1 polyextremophilic bacterium produces a γ-carbonic anhydrase (ApCA), which is a homotrimeric biocatalyst with a subunit molecular mass of 32 ± 2 kDa. The enzyme is stable in the pH range between 8.0 and 11.0 and thus alkali-stable and moderately thermostable with T_1/2 values of 40 ± 1, 15 ± 1, and 8 ± 0.5 min at 60, 70, and 80 °C, respectively. Activation energy for irreversible inactivation "E _d " of carbonic anhydrase is 67.119 kJ mol⁻¹. The enzyme is stable in the presence of various flue gas contaminants such as SO₃²⁻,SO₄²⁻, and NO₃⁻ and cations Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ba²⁺. Fluorescence studies in the presence of N-bromosuccinimide and fluorescence quenching using KI and acrylamide revealed the importance of tryptophan residues in maintaining the structural integrity of the enzyme. ApCA is more efficient than the commercially available bovine carbonic anhydrase (BCA) in CO₂ sequestration. The enzyme was successfully used in biomineralization of CO₂ from flue gas. Replacement of active site Zn²⁺ with Mn²⁺ enabled ApCA to function as a peroxidase which exhibited alkali-stability and moderate thermostability like ApCA.

http://ift.tt/2m12guT

Thawing Human Milk for Hospitalized Infants: Use of a Laboratory Bead Bath May Be an Effective Method for Large Quantities

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Caroline Steele, Brittnee Gonzalez, Wendi Gornick

http://ift.tt/2nb1QSb

No Fat, No Sugar, No Salt . . . No Problem? Prevalence of “Low-Content” Nutrient Claims and Their Associations with the Nutritional Profile of Food and Beverage Purchases in the United States

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Lindsey Smith Taillie, Shu Wen Ng, Ya Xue, Emily Busey, Matthew Harding
BackgroundNutrient claims are a commonly used marketing tactic, but the association between claims and nutritional quality of products is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine trends in the proportion of packaged food and beverage purchases with a nutrient claim, whether claims are associated with improved nutritional profile, and whether the proportion of purchases with claims differs by race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status.MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined nutrient claims on more than 80 million food and beverage purchases from a transaction-level database of 40,000 US households from 2008 to 2012. χ² Tests were used to examine whether the proportion of purchases with a low/no-content claim changed over time or differed by race/ethnicity or household socioeconomic status. Pooled transactions were examined using t-tests to compare products' nutritional profiles overall and by food and beverage group.ResultsThirteen percent of food and 35% of beverage purchases had a low-content claim. Prevalence of claims among purchases did not change over time. Low-fat claims were most prevalent for both foods and beverages (10% and 19%, respectively), followed by low-calorie (3% and 9%), low-sugar (2% and 8%), and low-sodium (2% for both) claims. Compared to purchases with no claim, purchases with any low-content claim had lower mean energy, total sugar, total fat, and sodium densities. However, the association between particular claim types and specific nutrient densities varied substantially, and purchases featuring a given low-content claim did not necessarily offer better overall nutritional profiles or better profiles for the claimed nutrient, relative to products without claims. In addition, there was substantial heterogeneity in associations between claims and nutrient densities within food and beverage groups.ConclusionsVariations in nutrient density by claim type and food and beverage group suggests that claims may have differential utility for certain foods or nutrients and, in some cases, may mislead about the overall nutritional quality of the food.

http://ift.tt/2nFyg48

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Weight-Loss Strategies among US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Becky Marquez, Rosenda Murillo
BackgroundDieting, exercising, and seeking professional help have been associated with intentional weight loss among adults.ObjectiveThis study examined the use of diet (eg, ate less, ate less fat, or switched to low-calorie foods), exercise, diet and exercise, and professional help (eg, weight-loss program or prescribed diet pills) for weight loss among non-Hispanic whites, Mexican Americans, and non-Hispanic blacks.DesignCross-sectional data from the 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used.ParticipantsMales and females (n=9,046) aged 20 to 65 years were included.Main outcome measureThe weight history questionnaire assessed weight-loss attempts and use of weight-loss strategies in the past year.Statistical analyses performedMultivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate associations of race/ethnicity with strategies to lose weight. Models controlled for age, sex, education, and body mass index. In fully adjusted models, interactions of race/ethnicity by sex were tested.ResultsLower proportions of Mexican Americans (35%) and non-Hispanic blacks (35%) than non-Hispanic whites (39%) reported trying to lose weight. Among those who tried to lose weight, non-Hispanic blacks were less likely than non-Hispanic whites to use diet (odds ratio [OR] 0.78, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.90) or exercise (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.99) for weight loss. Mexican Americans (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.95) and non-Hispanic blacks (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.95) were also less likely than non-Hispanic whites to use professional help for weight loss. The relationships between race/ethnicity and weight-loss strategy were stronger for females than males.ConclusionsTargeted efforts are needed to address racial/ethnic disparities in weight-loss attempts and use of recommended strategies especially among females.

http://ift.tt/2naUDll

Paediatric infectious keratitis: a case series of 107 children presenting to a tertiary referral centre

Background/aims

Corneal ulcers can result in severe visual impairment in children. The recent trends of paediatric microbial ulcerative keratitis in the USA are unknown. The purpose of this study is to report the risk factors, microbiological profile and treatment outcomes of paediatric microbial keratitis in South Florida.

Methods

A university-based tertiary eye care centre retrospective case series between 1992 and 2015. Medical records of 107 paediatric patients (age <18 years) with the diagnosis of microbial ulcerative keratitis were analysed. Patient demographics, culture data, microbial susceptibility, management trends and patient outcomes were collected.

Results

Mean age of patients was 13±4.6 years (range 0.2–17 years). The most common associated risk factor was contact lens wear (77.6%), followed by ocular trauma (8.4%). Systemic factors were present in 4.7% of cases. Cultures were taken from 89 patients. A total of 74 organisms were isolated from the 52 corneal scrapings with growth, yielding a 58.4% positivity rate. Seventeen microbial species were identified, with a predominance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (46.2%), followed by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (19.2%) and Fusarium (13.5%). Combined fortified antibiotics were the most common treatment (51.4%). Mean follow-up time was 40.6±91.6 weeks (range: 0.3–480 weeks). The mean visual acuity improved from 20/160 to 20/50 (p<0.0001). No therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty was needed.

Conclusions

In this study, contact lens wear was the most frequent risk factor in infectious keratitis in children. P. aeruginosa was the most common microorganism present in our setting. The majority of the cases responded well to medical management.

http://ift.tt/2n0fZ49

Dermatology Consultations in Patients With Inflammatory Skin Diseases

This study investigates the association of dermatology consultations with outcomes of hospitalized patients with skin diseases.

http://ift.tt/2naNpOi

Patients With Cellulitis Requiring Intensive Care

This cohort study describes the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with intensive care unit–necessitating cellulitis and compares them with patients with necrotizing fasciitis.

http://ift.tt/2nFskb6

An Asymptomatic Hyperpigmented Eruption on the Lower Extremities

A woman in her early 20s presented with 1 year of discrete asymptomatic brown lesions distributed over her lower extremities; she denied any history of trauma or prior lesions at these sites and denied fever, arthralgias, myalgias, or constitutional symptoms. What is your diagnosis?

http://ift.tt/2naVBhr

Trends in Geographic Distribution of US Dermatology Workforce Density

This study examines the geographic distribution of the US dermatology workforce density using data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants.

http://ift.tt/2nF8c9e

SJS/TEN Standard Reporting and Evaluation Guidelines

This Consensus Statement reports on efforts to establish a standardized case report form for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis to facilitate comparisons and maintain data quality based on an international panel experts who performed a Delphi consensus-building exercise.

http://ift.tt/2naDHv0

Characteristics of the Infiltrating Cells in Histiocytoid Sweet Syndrome

This case series study characterizes the immunohistochemical phenotype of the infiltrate in histiocytoid Sweet syndrome and evaluates whether this variant of Sweet syndrome is more frequently associated with hematologic malignancies than classic Sweet syndrome.

http://ift.tt/2nF6F30

Bradycardia in a Child After Using Brimonidine as Toothpaste

This case report describes the occurrence of bradycardia in a child after using brimonidine as toothpaste.

http://ift.tt/2nF9BN8

Patient-derived xenografts: A platform for accelerating translational research in prostate cancer

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Alastair H. Davies, Yuzhuo Wang, Amina Zoubeidi
Recently, there has been renewed interest in the development and characterization of patient-derived tumour xenograft (PDX) models. Numerous PDX models have been established for prostate cancer and, importantly, retain the principal molecular, genetic, and histological characteristics of the donor tumour. As such, these models provide significant improvements over standard cell line xenograft models for biological studies, preclinical drug development, and personalized medicine strategies. This review summarizes the current state of the art in this field, illustrating the opportunities and limitations of PDX models in translational prostate cancer research.

http://ift.tt/2nFfcTx

Epigenetic regulation of RET receptor tyrosine kinase and non-coding RNAs in MTC

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Lauren Jin Suk Joo, Jing Ting Zhao, Matti L. Gild, Anthony R. Glover, Stan B. Sidhu
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an aggressive and rare cancer with limited treatment options for metastatic disease. Due to this, there is a need for a better understanding of MTC biology in the hope of improved treatments. One area of improved understanding of cancer biology is epigenetics. Epigenetics is defined as cellular processes which alter gene expression independent of changes in the primary DNA sequence. These processes include modifications such as DNA methylation, microRNA deregulation and post-translational histone modifications, all of which have been implicated in tumorigenesis of MTC. Transcription of the main driver of MTC - the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene can also be modulated by epigenetic alterations. This review will present a review of MTC and its epigenetic links with a particular focus on targeting epigenetic mechanisms as novel therapeutic strategies.

http://ift.tt/2naGNiW

Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

! # Ola via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader

Η λίστα ιστολογίων μου

Τετάρτη 15 Μαρτίου 2017

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