Resting state brain connectivity patterns before eventual relapse into cocaine abuse

Publication date: 1 June 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research SreeTestContent1, Volume 327
Author(s): M. Berlingeri, D. Losasso, A. Girolo, E. Cozzolino, T. Masullo, M. Scotto, M. Sberna, G. Bottini, E. Paulesu
According to recent theories, drug addicted patients suffer of an impaired response inhibition and salience attribution (I-RISA) together with a perturbed connectivity between the nuclei accumbens (NAcs) and the orbito-prefrontal (oPFC) and dorsal prefrontal (dPFC) cortices, brain regions associated with motivation and cognitive control. To empirically test these assumptions, we evaluated the (neuro)psychological trait and the functional organization of the resting state brain networks associated with the NAcs in 18 former cocaine abusers (FCAs), while being in drug abstinence since 5 months. The psychological data were grouped into three empirical variables related with emotion regulation, emotion awareness and strategic and controlled behaviour.Comparison of the resting state patterns between the entire sample of FCAs and 19 controls revealed a reduction of functional connectivity between the NAcs and the dPFC and enhanced connectivity between the NAcs and the dorsal-striatum. In the 8 FCAs who relapsed into cocaine use after 3 months, the level of functional connectivity between the NAcs and dPFC was lower than the functional connectivity estimated in the group of patients that did not relapsed. Finally, in the entire sample of FCAs, the higher the connectivity between the NAc and the oPFC the lower was the level of strategic and controlled behaviour.Taken together, these results are compatible with models of the interactions between the NAcs, the dorsal striatum and frontal cortices in the I-RISA syndrome, showing that such interactions are particularly perturbed in patients at greater risk of relapse into cocaine abuse.



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Free Triiodothyronine/Free Thyroxine Ratio rather than Thyrotropin is more associated with Metabolic Parameters in Healthy Euthyroid Adult Subjects

Abstract

Objective

The interrelation between TSH, thyroid hormones, and metabolic parameters is complex and has not been confirmed. This study aimed to determine the association of TSH and thyroid hormones in euthyroid subjects and the relationship between thyroid function and metabolic risk factors. Furthermore, this study examined whether thyroid function has predictive power for metabolic syndrome.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study that included subjects in a medical health check-up program at a single institution.

Patients

The study included 132,346 participants (66,991 men and 65,355 women) aged over 18 years who had TSH, free T4 (FT4), and free T3 (FT3) levels within the institutional reference ranges.

Measurements

TSH, FT4, FT3, and metabolic parameters including height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, and glucose were measured.

Results

There was a positive association between FT3/FT4 ratio and TSH in both men and women after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking status, and menopausal status (in women). The FT3/FT4 ratio and TSH were positively associated with risk of metabolic syndrome parameters including insulin resistance. The FT3/FT4 ratio had a greater predictive power than TSH for metabolic syndrome in both men and women.

Conclusions

TSH levels were positively associated with FT3/FT4 ratio within the euthyroid range. The higher FT3/FT4 ratio is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome parameters and insulin resistance. FT3/FT4 ratio has a better predictive power for metabolic syndrome than TSH.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Safety and Efficacy of Treatment with Asfotase Alfa in Patients with Hypophosphatasia: Results from a Japanese Clinical Trial

Summary

Objective

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare skeletal disease characterized by hypomineralization and low alkaline phosphatase activity. Asfotase alfa (AA) has been recently developed to treat HPP complications. This study evaluated its safety and efficacy in Japan.

Design

Open-label, multicenter, prospective trial. Patients were enrolled in 11 hospitals from June 2014 to July 2015.

Patients

Thirteen patients (9 females, 4 males) ages 0 days to 34 years at baseline were enrolled and treated with AA (2 mg/kg three times weekly subcutaneously in all but one patient). All had ALPL gene mutations. HPP forms were perinatal (n = 6), infantile (n = 5), childhood (n = 1), and adult (n = 1).

Measurements

Safety determined from adverse events (AEs) and laboratory data was the primary outcome measure. Efficacy was assessed as a secondary outcome measure from overall survival, respiratory status, rickets severity, and gross motor development.

Results

Injection site reactions were the most frequent AEs. Serious AEs possibly related to treatment were convulsion and hypocalcemia observed in a patient with the perinatal form. In addition, hypercalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia was observed in three patients with the infantile form and a low-calcium and/or low-phosphate formula was given to these patients. With respect to efficacy, all patients survived and the radiographic findings, developmental milestones, and respiratory function improved.

Conclusion

AA therapy improved skeletal, respiratory, and physical symptoms with a few serious AEs in patients with HPP. Our results add support to the safety and efficacy of AA therapy for HPP patients.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Distal appendicular skeletal involvement of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on technetium-99m methylenediphosphonate bone scintigraphy and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography: a case report

We report a case of a patient with appendicular bone involvement of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma visualized by whole-body technetium-99m methylenediphosphonate bone scintigraphy (bone scan) and 18F-fluorodeoxygl...

http://ift.tt/2nyCMkd

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) of the vitreous humor in abused children with retinal hemorrhages

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Misun Hwang, Samuel S. Shin, Matthew A. Thimm, Anish Ghodadra, Christin L. Sylvester, Ken Nischal, Ashok Panigrahy, Giulio Zuccoli
This study speculated that the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the vitreous humor might be altered in the setting of abusive head trauma (AHT) with retinal hemorrhages (RH). Fourty-four subjects were analyzed (n=20 AHT cases; n=24 controls). There was no statistically significant difference in normalized ADC values between the cases and controls (−0.14 and −0.08 respectively, p=0.46), but analysis of RH by susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) compared to dilated funduscopic exam demonstrated statistically significant correlation (p=0.003 and 0.012). Our results suggest that SWI serves as a more sensitive diagnostic tool for detection of RH in AHT than ADC.



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A large giant cell tumor of the larynx: case report and review of the literature

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are typically found in the metaphyseal-epiphyseal area of long bones but can also occur in the head and neck region. GCT of the larynx is a rare entity with only 42 reported cases in t...

http://ift.tt/2n6oIDe

The first Canadian experience with the Afirma® gene expression classifier test

Thyroid nodules are common and often benign, although prove to be malignant upon surgical pathology in 5–15% of cases. When assessed with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (USFNA), 15–30% of the nodules...

http://ift.tt/2oDIYJK

Striae distensae: Immunohistochemical assessment of hormone receptors in multigravida and nulligravida

Summary

Background

Striae distensae (SD), a type of dermal scarring, are psychologically disappointing. To date, information and scientific research behind the role of hormonal factors in the development of SD are still unclear. It is vital to understand striae to offer patients the best therapeutic options.

Objectives

To investigate early alterations regarding the expression of estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors (estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in skin samples of multigravida (MG) and nulligravida (NG) cases and to compare them with normal controls.

Methods

This study included 30 subjects (10 MG and 10 NG cases with early SD and 10 healthy controls). Biopsies from SD lesions, perilesional normal skin of cases and normal skin of controls were examined immunohistochemically for ER, AR, and GR expression using immune peroxidase technique.

Results

Comparing MG and NG with controls, ER expression appeared reduced in MG and NG (P-value<.001), AR was elevated in MG (P-value<.05) with no considerable difference in NG (P-value>.05), while GR was elevated in both MG and NG (P-value<.05). On comparing perilesional skin with SD lesions in each of MG and NG groups, SD lesions revealed reduced ER expression in both groups (P-value<.05), whereas in MG group: AR expression was elevated with no difference detected regarding GR (P-value˃.05); meanwhile in NG, elevated expression in both AR and GR expression was noted (P-Value<.001)

Conclusions

Striae distansae lesions demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of AR and GR and a declined expression of ER indicating their involvement in the development of early SD.

http://ift.tt/2nRMUX1

Striae distensae: Immunohistochemical assessment of hormone receptors in multigravida and nulligravida

Summary

Background

Striae distensae (SD), a type of dermal scarring, are psychologically disappointing. To date, information and scientific research behind the role of hormonal factors in the development of SD are still unclear. It is vital to understand striae to offer patients the best therapeutic options.

Objectives

To investigate early alterations regarding the expression of estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors (estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in skin samples of multigravida (MG) and nulligravida (NG) cases and to compare them with normal controls.

Methods

This study included 30 subjects (10 MG and 10 NG cases with early SD and 10 healthy controls). Biopsies from SD lesions, perilesional normal skin of cases and normal skin of controls were examined immunohistochemically for ER, AR, and GR expression using immune peroxidase technique.

Results

Comparing MG and NG with controls, ER expression appeared reduced in MG and NG (P-value<.001), AR was elevated in MG (P-value<.05) with no considerable difference in NG (P-value>.05), while GR was elevated in both MG and NG (P-value<.05). On comparing perilesional skin with SD lesions in each of MG and NG groups, SD lesions revealed reduced ER expression in both groups (P-value<.05), whereas in MG group: AR expression was elevated with no difference detected regarding GR (P-value˃.05); meanwhile in NG, elevated expression in both AR and GR expression was noted (P-Value<.001)

Conclusions

Striae distansae lesions demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of AR and GR and a declined expression of ER indicating their involvement in the development of early SD.

http://ift.tt/2nRMUX1

A large giant cell tumor of the larynx: case report and review of the literature

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are typically found in the metaphyseal-epiphyseal area of long bones but can also occur in the head and neck region. GCT of the larynx is a rare entity with only 42 reported cases in t...

http://ift.tt/2n6oIDe

The first Canadian experience with the Afirma® gene expression classifier test

Thyroid nodules are common and often benign, although prove to be malignant upon surgical pathology in 5–15% of cases. When assessed with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (USFNA), 15–30% of the nodules...

http://ift.tt/2oDIYJK

Informatics Initiatives at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): L. Steven Molinar, Ann F. Childers, Lindsey Hoggle, Sue Kent, Holly Porter, Sarah Rusnak




http://ift.tt/2oDP7pl

Gratitude !

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

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Fever After Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Infusion in Haploidentical Transplantation with Post-transplant Cyclophosphamide

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2017
Source:Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy
Author(s): Marcos Arango, Juan F. Combariza
Objective/Background: Noninfection-related fever can occur after peripheral blood stem cell infusion in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of fever and characterize some clinical features of affected patients.Methods: A retrospective case-series study with 40 patients who received haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was carried out.Results: Thirty-three patients (82.5%) developed fever; no baseline characteristic was associated with its development. Median time to fever onset was 25.5 hours (range, 9.5–100 hours) and median peak temperature was 39.0°C (range, 38.1–40.5°C). Not a single patient developed hemodynamic or respiratory compromise that required admission to the intensive care unit. Fever was not explained by infection in any case. Ninety-one percent of the febrile episodes resolved within 96 hours of cyclophosphamide administration. No significant difference in overall survival, event-free survival, or graft versus host disease-free/relapse-free survival was found in the group of febrile individuals after peripheral blood stem cell infusion.ConclusionFever after peripheral blood stem cell infusion in this clinical setting was common; it usually subsides with cyclophosphamide administration. The development of fever was not associated with an adverse prognosis.



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Evaluation of cytology in lung cancer diagnosis based on EBUS-TBNA

Zhengwei Dong, Hui Li, Hongbin Jiang, Chunyan Wu

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):73-77

Aims: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a relatively new modality that can be used to guide transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of mediastinal lymph nodes. At present, researches on the sensitivity and specificity of cytopathology based on the EBUS-TBNA are deficient; therefore, we want to evaluate the value of cytology based on the EBUS-TBNA in this article. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the 379 cases that underwent the EBUS-TBNA in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from April 2010 to May 2011. Discarding the 139 cases with insufficient cells, we analyzed the remaining 240 cases that had enough cells on the smears. Statistical Analysis Used: The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was used for data analysis. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: We found that the cytologic diagnosis of sensitivity and specificity reached 94.52% and 95.12%, respectively. The sensitivity of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell carcinoma was up to 88.24%, 100.00%, and 96.00%, respectively. The specificity of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell carcinoma reached to 100.00%, 100.00%, and 99.25%, respectively. Conclusion: Here, we report that the cytological examination of EBUS-TBNA should be acknowledged as a simple, fast, and safe procedure that provides a reasonable sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis in lung cancer.

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Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma with mixed histology: Cytomorphological features of two unusual cases

Surbhi Goyal, Ruchi Rathore, Sonal Sharma, Vinod Kumar Arora, Gopal Krushna Das, Archana Singal

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):115-118

Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a slow growing locally aggressive malignant tumor. It is usually diagnosed on histopathological examination of the excised biopsy. Recently, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is emerging as a simple alternative technique for rapid diagnostic work of nodular and plaque-like skin lesions. We report the cytomorphological features of two cases of cutaneous BCC having unusual clinical presentation and mixed histology (MH); emphasizing the diagnostic difficulties encountered on cytology, the plausible explanation and the precautions to keep in mind to avoid misdiagnosis.

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Hypercellular round cell liposarcoma: A comprehensive cytomorphologic study and review of 8 cases

Sanjay S Chufal, Kundan S Chufal, Prabhat Pant, Ghazala Rizvi, Hari S Pandey, Kedar S Shahi

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):78-83

Background: Myxoid and round cell liposarcomas (RCL) are low and high-grade counterparts of a common subtype of liposarcomas (LPS), representing a histologic continuum. Aims: The aim was to study the cytomorphology of hypercellular RCL and to look for features that differentiate RCL from other sarcomas displaying round cells with myxoid change. Materials and Methods: Eight cases of hypercellular RCL were identified retrospectively in which round cell component constituted greater than 75% of the area. Cytomorphological features were studied in detail. Results: Four cases were predominantly composed of round cells, out of which 2 were entirely composed of round cells. Myxoid metachromatic stroma was absent in 2 cases, while it was present in ample amounts in the remaining 6 cases. Spindle cells were completely absent in 5 cases and lipoblasts were observed in a single case of RCL. Plexiform vascular capillaries were seen in 4 cases. Adherence of neoplastic round cells around thin capillaries (ANAC) was observed in 7 cases. Conclusions: Plexiform capillary plexus and ANAC should be separately evaluated. The latter feature is the most consistent one, and is an important clue to the adipocytic nature of the neoplasm when hypercellular round cell areas are aspirated. Confident diagnosis of hypercellular RCL can be made on the basis of this feature. Lipoblasts, although specific, are seen in few cases. The rest of the features are nonspecific and useful only in combination.

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Cytodiagnosis of papillary carcinoma of the male breast: Report of a case with histological correlation

Ranjan Agrawal, Nitesh Mohan, Mithila Bisht, Parbodh Kumar

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):110-112

Papillary lesions of the breast pose great diagnostic challenges on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) due to overlapping features between benign and malignant entities. Preoperative cytodiagnosis is difficult. We present a case of a 52-year-old male who presented with a progressively increasing firm swelling in the left breast for 3 years. The nipple was eroded with ulceration and bleeding. Ultrasonography (USG) revealed a mass measuring 2.9 cm × 1.5 cm in the left breast. FNAC smears were hypercellular with ductal cells arranged in papillae and glandular clusters. At places, the cells had irregular nuclear membrane, prominent nucleoli, fine chromatin, scanty-to-moderate cytoplasm, and high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio with pleomorphism. Histopathology of the excised swelling was consistent with intracystic papillary carcinoma (IPC) supported with immunohistochemistry markers. The case is being presented due to its rarity.

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Fine needle aspiration biopsy: An entrustable professional activity in cytopathology postgraduate training

Harresh B Kumar, Amir M Khan, Vinod K Arora, Navjeevan Singh

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):84-89

Context: In the context of competency-based medical education being advocated worldwide, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is considered as an entrustable professional activity (EPA). There is no information regarding how much time and training are required to achieve a "competent level" for performing and documenting FNAB in the Indian context. Aim: To determine the time taken by an average postgraduate pathology trainee to become competent in performing FNAB with respect to history taking, clinical examination, and fine needle aspirate adequacy. Settings and Design: A descriptive, retrospective, chart-based audit was conducted in the Department of Pathology. Materials and Methods: FNAB chart records documented during 3 years of postgraduate training by a cohort of 13 postgraduate (PG) resident trainees admitted in 2010 were included in the study. Adequacy rates and criteria for adequacy were defined for the purpose of the study. Statistical analysis: Data was entered in MS Excel and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. The adequacy rates are presented as percentages and time taken to achieve adequacy rates as median values. Results: A total of 3272 charts were audited. Median time taken to achieve 85% adequacy rate for history taking, for clinical examination by the first and the second criteria, and for FNAB were 1 month, 1 month and 3.5 months, and 1 month, respectively. Conclusions: Although the mean time taken to achieve 85% adequacy rates for FNAB was 1 month, there was wide variation in the time durations between the residents to achieve this level.

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Littoral cell angioma of the spleen: Cytological findings and review of the literature

Mohammad H Anbardar, Perikala V Kumar, Hamid R Forootan

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):121-124

Littoral cell angioma (LCA) is a unique lesion of the spleen that arises from the cells lining the venous sinuses of the splenic red pulp and shows the features of combined endothelial and histiocytic differentiation. Several cases of LCA have been reported in the literature; however, the cytological findings have been described for only a few cases. We report the case of an 11-year-old boy with anemia, epigastric abdominal pain, and splenomegaly. The splenic lesions showed anastomosing vascular channels with cyst-like spaces filled by many sloughed endothelial cells, which were positive for CD68 and CD31 and negative for CD34. Scraping cytology revealed isolated and clusters of three-dimensional bland looking, epithelioid foamy tumoral cells with low nuclear cytoplasmic ratio, which mostly contained intracytoplasmic hemosiderin pigment. Although the fine needle aspiration cytology of splenic lesions is uncommon and LCA is a rare splenic lesion, it must be noted in the differential diagnosis of any splenic vascular neoplasm.

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Cervical cytopathological changes among women with vaginal discharge attending teaching hospital

Magdi M Salih, Fatma Tage El Sir Alhag, Mohammed Ahmed Khalifa, Abdulla H El Nabi

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):90-94

Aims: To find cytology changes among women attending obstetrics and gynaecology clinic with complaints of vaginal discharges. Settings and Design: This descriptive hospital-based cytological study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the obstetrics and gynaecology department. Materials and Methods: Two hundred women with complaints of vaginal discharge were selected. Their detailed histories were documented on a special request form. Pap smears were then obtained and sent for cytological examination to the cytopathology department. All low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cases were advised to follow-up with Pap smears in the next 6–12 months. Those with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) were further investigated by a cervical biopsy and managed accordingly. Statistical analysis used: The statistical analysis was performed using, the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Chi-square and cross-tabulation were used in this study. Results: The cytological examination of Pap smears showed no changes (i.e. negative findings) in 88 (44%) cases, while Candida species infection was the most prevalent, which was found in 67 (33.5%) of the cases. Bacterial vaginosis was found in 39 women (19.5%); 6 women (3%) were reported with dyskaryotic changes. Two cases were found to have LSIL and 4 women had HSIL. Conclusion: Infection is common among the illiterate group of women. Women with vaginal discharges should undergo screening tests for evaluation by cervical smear for the early detection of cervical precancer conditions. There is an urgent need to establish a screening program for cervical cancer in Sudan.

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A rare tumor of salivary gland: Diagnostic Dilemma on fine needle aspiration cytology

Charu Agarwal, Manju Kaushal, Minakshi Bhardwaj

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):107-109

Salivary gland cytopathology is a diagnostically challenging area with overlapping cytomorphological features between benign, malignant, and metastatic tumors. We report the case of 45-year-old male who presented with two swellings in right retroauricular and infraauricular region along with a palpable single right cervical lymph node. On ultrasonography of the neck, a possibility of malignant lesion was given. Contrast enhanced computed tomography of the head showed a large well-defined space occupying lesion in right temporooccipital region eroding the skull bone with both extra and intracranial extension. Fine needle aspiration was performed from both swellings and cervical lymph node. Based on cytological features and clinicoradiological examination, a possibility of metastasis from epithelial malignancy (adenocarcinoma) was suggested. The retroauricular region swelling was excised, and a diagnosis of salivary duct carcinoma was given on histopathology. In this article, we discuss the diverse presentation, cytomorphological features, and differential diagnosis of this rare salivary gland tumor.

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Impact of SurePath® liquid-based preparation in cytological analysis of peritoneal washing in practice of gynecologic oncology

Ruchita Tyagi, Nalini Gupta, Priyanka Bhagat, Shalini Gainder, Bhavna Rai, LK Dhaliwal, Arvind Rajwanshi

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):95-100

Context: Peritoneal washing is performed for staging of gynecologic tumors to detect subclinical intraperitoneal metastases. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of SurePathTM liquid-based cytology (LBC) in peritoneal washing in various gynecological malignancies. Settings and Design: An audit of peritoneal-fluid/washing (January 2012 to July 2013) was performed with corresponding gynecologic specimens. All peritoneal washings were processed using both conventional and LBC technique. Suspicious cases on cytology were reported along with gynecologic specimens. Results: There were a total of 393 peritoneal fluids. Eighty-three (21.1%) were positive for malignancy, and the corresponding histology was available in 352 (89.6%) cases. Sixty-nine positive samples had ovarian malignancies and 5 had uterine causes. There were 9 cases of peritoneal washings in which no histopathology was available. The most common cause of positive peritoneal cytology was ovarian serous carcinoma in 55/84 (65.5%) cases. Other causes included mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, dysgerminoma, squamous cell carcinoma in teratoma, yolk sac tumor, and granulosa cell tumor. Uterine causes included 2/45 (4.4%) cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma, ¼ (25%) cases of clear cell carcinoma, ½ (50%) cases of carcinosarcoma, and ¼ (25%) cervix carcinoma. On review of positive cases (n = 83), 10 cases were identified, which had nil (n = 4) to low cellularity (<3 tumor clusters/smear; n = 6) on conventional smears, and were confirmed malignant on LBC. Conclusions: The most common ovarian malignancy causing positive peritoneal cytology is papillary serous carcinoma. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma rarely leads to positive peritoneal cytology. LBC technique leads to concentration of tumor cells causing reduction in false negative cases, especially in hemorrhagic and low-cellular cases.

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Solitary fibular metastasis from nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

Mohammad Akram, Samreen Zaheer, Asif Hussain, Shahid A Siddiqui, Ruquiya Afrose, Saifullah Khalid

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):113-115

Solitary bone metastasis to fibula in patients of lung carcinoma is a rare entity, with only four cases reported in literature. We, hereby, present a case of a 50 year-old-male who was given three cycles of chemotherapy for lung carcinoma with no distant metastasis but presented 2 months later with a fusiform, painful swelling around the knee that was clinically suspected to be inflammatory in nature but proved to be fibular metastasis on cytology. There was no evidence of skeletal metastasis on initial bone scan. He was given palliative radiotherapy for this with symptomatic relief.

http://ift.tt/2nVOEAg

Significance of pigmented urothelial and non-urothelial cells in voided urine specimens: A case report and review

Joseph Alan Kagan, Susan Wu, Svetoslav Bardarov

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):101-103

We present a case of metastatic malignant melanoma to the urinary bladder diagnosed on a voided urinary cytology specimen in a patient who visited the emergency department complaining of right flank pain, and dark urine. The patient reported having previous episodes of kidney stones. Additionally, more detailed clinical history obtained after the cytological diagnosis, revealed a previous excision of malignant melanoma on the back 10 years ago. The diagnosis of metastatic malignant melanoma was based solely on voided urine cytology. While metastases of malignant melanoma to urinary bladder are well known, the significance of pigmented cells in voided urine specimens is not well documented. In this article we provide a discussion as well as a review of the literature about possible disease entities associated with pigment containing urothelial as well as non-urothelial cells.

http://ift.tt/2oDzdeh

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in a patient with gallbladder carcinoma

Nisha Jose, Harsha Teja Perla, Ramya Iyadurai, Geeta Chacko

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):118-121

Carcinomatous meningitis is a rare manifestation of malignancy. It is increasingly being recognized in lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, melanomas, gastrointestinal malignancies, lymphomas, and leukemia and it is almost never seen in gallbladder malignancies. We present a case whose primary presentation was as a carcinomatous meningitis that was subsequently found to be secondary to a gallbladder primary.

http://ift.tt/2oTjiI3

Fine needle aspiration cytology of solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit

Vani Krishnamurthy, S Suchitha, M Asha, GV Manjunath

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):104-106

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a distinct and a rare spindle cell neoplasm, commonly known to occur in the pleura and other serosal sites. With the advent of immunohistochemistry, varied extraserosal sites are being recognized as common locations for this rare tumor. We report a case of SFT in a 50-year-old male patient who presented with multiple swellings in the eyelid, with emphasis on the cytological features.

http://ift.tt/2nVNSDx

Malignant mixed mullerian tumor of ovary-scrape cytology: Findings with review of literature

Amita J Gupta, Meeta Singh, Poonam Rani, Shyama Jain, Nita Khurana, Latika Sahu

Journal of Cytology 2017 34(2):125-126



http://ift.tt/2oTmfsd

Distal appendicular skeletal involvement of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on technetium-99m methylenediphosphonate bone scintigraphy and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography: a case report

We report a case of a patient with appendicular bone involvement of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma visualized by whole-body technetium-99m methylenediphosphonate bone scintigraphy (bone scan) and 18F-fluorodeoxygl...

http://ift.tt/2nyCMkd

The Immunoregulatory Roles of Antibody Glycosylation

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Madeleine F. Jennewein, Galit Alter
Beyond their role in neutralization, antibodies mediate functions such as phagocytosis, cytotoxicity, and maintenance of immune homeostasis. Two modifications to the constant domain control antibody activity: theirreversible genomic selection of isotype/subclass and alterations in glycosylation. Because glycosylation alters the affinity of antibodies for Fc receptors, evidence suggests that glycosylation is a central mechanism for the immune system to tune a broad range of biological activities. While monoclonal therapeutics have exploited glycosylation to improve function, its in vivo control and whether it may be selectively harnessed to target pathogens and/or tumors isunknown. Here, we review the process of antibody glycosylation, how it changes with disease, how it impacts antibody functionality, and the potential for deliberately controlling this biological activity.



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Mechanical behavior of homogeneous and nearly homogeneous Ti3Sn: Role of composition and microstructure

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 125
Author(s): Oleksandr Vdovychenko, Olga Ivanova, Yuriy Podrezov, Maryna Bulanova, Iuliia Fartushna
The impact of composition and grain size on mechanical behavior of as-cast Ti3Sn and near Ti3Sn alloys is investigated at room temperature in uni-axial compression and three-point bending tests. The concentration dependencies of both yield strength and bending failure strain show extreme behavior in the room temperature homogeneity range with minimum (about 90MPa) and maximum (15%), respectively, for the Ti75.6Sn24.4 composition. The failure strain in adjacent two-phase regions does not depend on Ti/Sn ratio and is about 2–3%. The yield strength of all the alloys is shown to increase according to the Hall-Petch type relation. A defect structure evolution during the process of deformation, studied with optical and electron microscopy, is indicative of the activation of a twinning deformation mechanism in a matrix phase. Inter-grain and inter-phase boundaries impede this deformation and affect nucleation and propagation of cracks.

Graphical abstract

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Determining stress distribution by tension and by compression applied to steel: Special analysis for TRIP steel sheets

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 125
Author(s): A. Martínez, V. Miguel, J. Coello, M.C. Manjabacas
For steel, a symmetric distribution of stresses for compression and tension is usually proposed, but it is unclear whether this hypothesis can be applied to materials such as transformation-induced by plasticity (TRIP) steels. The mechanical behavior of TRIP steels depends on the martensitic transformation of part of the retained austenite in the microstructure. The volume of created martensite might depend on the type of mechanical system that leads to plastic deformation. Designing a sufficiently accurate test to probe the possible differences between tension and compression is very difficult for metallic sheets. In this work, several procedures, based on tension and compression tests were designed to verify the real behavior of steel, including sheets. The stack disc compression has proved to be a valid method for determining the compressive behavior of steels. Tensile and compressive curves for the TRIP steels herein considered, a multiphase TRIP and an austenitic stainless, were found to be not coincident. The effects found in both steels were opposite and their specific responses were quantified for large deformations.

Graphical abstract

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Ultrasonic and impact spectroscopy monitoring on internal sulphate attack of cement-based materials

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 125
Author(s): V. Genovés, F. Vargas, J. Gosálbez, A. Carrión, M.V. Borrachero, J. Payá
An exhaustive monitoring of an internal sulphate attack of Portland cement-based materials is addressed. Four series of Portland cement mortars with different amounts of gypsum (0%–2% SO3 respect to the cement by mass) were monitored by means of physical, microstructural and non-destructive tests, studying specimens with a low expansion rate to examine the sensitivity of the applied techniques. The expansion analysis has shown the suitability of a fitting model, allowing the examination of two characteristic parameters: the characteristic time of the expansion reaction and the maximum amplitude of the expansion. In the mechanical analysis, higher values of Rc and Rf were attained as the gypsum content decreased. A microstructural analysis (thermogravimetry and FESEM) supported ettringite formation and expansion process. These results have been correlated with non-destructive tests: impact resonance acoustic spectroscopy and ultrasonic measures. The dynamic modulus and ultrasonic pulse velocity have closely predicted the stiffness of the specimens. The total material attenuation (absorbed energy of the chirp signal ultrasonic wave) presented different trends, showing clear differences for the most damaged series (2% SO3). Attenuation supplied interesting information about the hardening process and the microcracking effect due to a mortar expansion higher than 0.04%. The novelties of this study are the exhaustive monitoring of an internal sulphate attack, as well as the examination of the sensitivity of brand new NDT techniques when this damage process overlaps with the curing process.

Graphical abstract

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A high performance martensitic stainless steel containing 1.5wt% Si

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 125
Author(s): Tao Jiang, Junjie Sun, Hongji Liu, Yingjun Wang, Shengwu Guo, Yu Sun, Yongning Liu
Usually, martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steels (MPHSSs) contain ultralow carbon concentration to ensure its high performance in corrosion resistance, weldability and toughness. Meanwhile, high content of alloy elements (such as Mo, Ni, Ti and Cu) is inevitably added in order to obtain superb strength by precipitation hardening. In this work, a new idea of alloying design in stainless steels has been proposed, in which carbon serves as the main strengthening element and high silicon concentration (1.5wt%) is used to suppress carbide precipitation and coarsening during tempering. A steel with composition of Fe-0.2C-15Cr-3Ni-1.5Si-1.0Mn has been designed and prepared, and its excellent mechanical performance (ultimate tensile strength of 1680MPa, total elongation of 16%), pitting corrosion resistance and weldability have been displayed. Moreover only low-cost alloying components and ordinary treatments are needed to obtain those outstanding properties which are comparable to commercialized MPHSSs (such as 17–4 PH, PH 13–8 Mo).



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A Ti-Fe-Sn thin film assembly for joining tungsten and reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steels

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 125
Author(s): Wen Zhu, Jianbing Qiang, Yingmin Wang, Jizhong Sun, Jianbao Wang, Youyun Lian, Fan Feng, Xiang Liu
The effective joining of tungsten and reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steels is crucial to fabrication of the divertor components of fusion reactors. In the present work, a low neutron-activation filler metal system of Ti-Fe-Sn was designed to realize the so-called exothermic-reaction-assisted brazing. A series of three-layered Ti-Fe-Sn thin film assemblies were made by electroplating, which allowed the brazing of tungsten with a CLF-1 RAFM steel to be carried out at a temperature as low as 1090°C. The joint structures made from the Sn-bearing filler metals demonstrated high strength and high resistance against thermocycling. The Sn-film layer in the filler assembly has delivered favorable alloying effects on depressing separation of Ti element in the W grain boundaries and the formation of pores, and on microstructure refinement in the brazed joints as well.

Graphical abstract

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Nanoparticle/solder hybrid joints for next-generation power semiconductor modules

Publication date: 15 June 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 124
Author(s): Toshikazu Satoh, Toshitaka Ishizaki, Masanori Usui
The properties of hybrid joints between SiC chips and direct-bond Cu (DBC) plates, which were composed of Cu nanoparticles and eutectic Bi-Sn solder particles, have been examined. The produced bonding layer contained metallic Cu, Cu-Sn compounds, and metallic Bi species. The interfacial region of the bonding layer along both the SiC chip and DBC plate was formed by wetting of Bi. The hybrid joint exhibited >30MPa of bonding strength without applying high pressure. The bonding strength is higher than that of conventional Cu nanoparticle joints, and exhibited a lower dependence on the need for additional pressure during firing. The bonding strength was also higher than that of Pb-based solder joints measured at temperatures as high as 498K, although it decreased with the testing temperature. The obtained results indicate that the proposed hybrid bonding method enables a low pressure process of soldering and results in a high heat resistance of nanoparticle joints, which is required for packaging next-generation power semiconductor modules.

Graphical abstract

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Bending behavior of multilayered textile composite prepregs: Experiment and finite element modeling

Publication date: 15 June 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 124
Author(s): Hassan Alshahrani, Mehdi Hojjati
An accurate model and assessment of out-of-plane bending properties can improve the forming predictions of multilayered textile prepregs using a suitable modeling technique. This paper aims to investigate the bending properties of multilayered textile thermosetting composite prepregs under conditions relevant to the forming process. A finite element model based on a viscoelastic approach has been developed to predict the bending behavior of different stacking sequences at different processing parameters, including temperature and rate. This model allows the modeler to determine the correct bending parameter values to set during the forming simulation process. The effect of stacking sequences on out-of-plane bending deformation was studied experimentally and numerically through the developed modeling methodology. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the feasibility of using a viscoelastic material model to model the bending behavior of rate-dependent material and its application in forming simulation. A comparison between elastic and viscoelastic material models showed the importance of considering the rate dependency to describe the bending behavior of prepreg materials. The experimental and numerical results show that the bending properties strongly depend on the fabric lay-up inside multiple stacked plies. Bending and friction properties were also found to significantly influence the occurrence of wrinkles during the forming simulation.

Graphical abstract

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Editorial Board

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 122





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Contradictory roles of Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway in cancer prevention/promotion and chemoresistance

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2017
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): Farhad Jeddi, Narges Soozangar, Mohammad Reza Sadeghi, Mohammad Hossein Somi, Nasser Samadi
NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein is a cytosolic transcription factor that regulates antioxidant and stress-related enzymes. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) binds Nrf2 and accelerates ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation of Nrf2. Nrf2 modifies the sensitivity of the cell environment to electrophiles and oxidants by inducing the transcriptional activation of more than 100 detoxification and cytoprotective genes. Prior investigations have found documentary evidence indicating that temporary activation of Nrf2 by pharmaceutical inducers plays a protective role against cancer initiation in normal cells. The impact of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in development of tumorigenesis and drug resistance has also been well documented. Inhibition of the permanent Nrf2 activation, especially in combination with chemotherapeutics against cancer, may be considered as an important strategy to inhibit tumor growth and overcome chemoresistance. Here, we review the importance of Nrf2-keap1 pathway in the prevention or promotion of cancer, and resistance mechanisms to chemotherapeutic agents.



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ITK inhibition for the targeted treatment of CTCL

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): Itzel Bustos-Villalobos, Jennifer Williams Bergstrom, Nathan E. Haigh, Jesus I. Luna, Anupam Mitra, Alina I. Marusnia, Alexander A. Merellev, Elizabeth A. Wang, Andrea Sukhov, Hawa Sultani, Ruiwu Liu, Gaurav Bhardwaj, Wenchang Guo, Hsing-Jien Kung, Kit S. Lam, Emanual Maverakis




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As vivid as a weed… Medicinal and cosmetic plant uses amongst the urban youth in French Guiana

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 203
Author(s): Marc Alexandre Tareau, Marianne Palisse, Guillaume Odonne
Ethnopharmacological relevanceFrench Guiana is a French overseas territory with a rich history of migration that has led to a highly intercultural society. Today, its population is one of the youngest in the French territory and is rapidly increasing. Despite a context of cultural revival seeking "tradition", a distanced baseline of local practices is still lacking. This work addresses some aspects of the cultural hybridizations in progress in urban areas.MethodsSemi directed interviews were conducted with willing participants aged between 18 and 40. Interviews took place in French Guiana's two main urban centres: Cayenne and Saint Laurent du Maroni. People were interviewed about the last medicinal plant they used in the preceding year. Due to the high use of plant baths in French Guiana, a focus was made on baths.Results and discussionEighty-three people answered: 43 women and 40 men (mean age of 28.7 years old). In total, 226 remedies were counted in our study, 155 single plant remedies and 71 compound remedies leading to 316 use reports of plants from 16 cultural groups. A surprising number of 108 botanical species were recorded. Eighty-one recipes for baths were also collected.Despite this high citation rate, a rather low proportion of people declare a systematic and regular recourse upon local pharmacopoeia (46%; 38/83). Although many interviewees used plants, far from the majority used them on a regular basis.In practice, 50% of the species (54/108 spp.; 99/316 URs) are non-native but domesticated exotic species, imported from Asia, Europe, Africa or remote parts of America, either during colonization, the slave trade era, or more recently with the latest migrations.ConclusionAlthough phytotherapy use is often thought to be related to countryside dwellers and older people, medicinal plants seem to play an important role in the lives of urban French Guianese youth. Research shows a large diversity of medicinal species used linked with the great cultural diversity of the Guianese cities. One characteristic of this population is the hybridization process leading to a perpetual renewal of practices, both in terms of species and practice.

Graphical abstract

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RNA isolation from alveolar bone and gene expression analysis of RANK, RANKL and OPG: A new tool to monitor bone remodeling and healing in different bone substitutes used for prosthetic rehabilitation

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 80
Author(s): Elena Canciani, Claudia Dellavia, Monica Gioia Marazzi, Davide Augusti, Daniela Carmagnola, Elena Vianello, Luigi Canullo, Emanuela Galliera
Objective(i) To validate a simple and efficient method for extracting high quality RNA from small samples of bone tissue, (ii) to test its application on limited amounts of grafted oral bone and (iii) to analyze the gene expression of the OPG/RANK/RANKL system and IL-6 in "spontaneous healing" and grafted tissue.Design26 patients in need of extraction of one lower molar tooth were divided in 3 groups. In group A (8 patients) the alveolar socket was left for spontaneous healing, in group B (8 patients) it was filled with a hydroxyapatite scaffold while in group C (10 patients) it was filled with hydroxyapatite granules. A small amount of bone was scraped from the alveolar site and sent for analysis. Four months later a new bone specimen was harvested during implant bed preparation.ResultsIL-6 increased over time in all groups and in particular to the grafted groups. RANK, RANKL and OPG increased over time in all groups, except for RANK in group B. The RANKL/OPG ratio showed a negative value in group A and even more in group B, while it was positive in group C.ConclusionsThe alveolar site grafted with a granular biomaterial behaved similar to the physiological healing group but displayed a slow remodeling process. RANK, RANKL, OPG and the RANKL/OPG ratio might be able to distinguish among different biomaterials and represent different healing patterns according to different clinical conditions.



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Relationship of mast cell density with lymphangiogenesis and prognostic parameters in breast carcinoma

Publication date: April 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 33, Issue 4
Author(s): Sevinc H. Keser, Nilufer O. Kandemir, Dilek Ece, Gonca G. Gecmen, Aylin E. Gul, Nagehan O. Barisik, Sibel Sensu, Cagatay Buyukuysal, Figen Barut
In many cancers, mast cell density (MCD) in the tumor microenvironment is associated with tumor progression and, to a greater extent, angiogenesis. Our study was designed to investigate the correlation between MCD, tumor lymphangiogenesis, and several well-established prognostic parameters in breast cancer. One hundred and four cases of invasive breast carcinoma diagnosed in our clinic between 2007 and 2011 were included. Mast cells and lymphatic vessels were stained with toluidine blue and D2-40, respectively, and their densities were calculated in various areas of tumors and lymph nodes. The variables of MCD and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) were compared using prognostic parameters as well as with each other. As tumor size and volume increased, MCD increased comparably in metastatic lymph nodes; intratumoral and peritumoral LVD also increased. Lymphovascular invasion, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, and estrogen receptor positivity were positively related to intratumoral MCD. The relationship between peritumoral MCD and nontumoral breast tissue MCD was statistically significant. Stage was correlated with MCD in metastatic lymph nodes. Metastatic lymph node MCD and intratumoral MCD were also significantly related. Stage, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and metastatic lymph node MCD were all correlated with intratumoral and/or peritumoral LVD. As nuclear grade increased, intratumoral LVD became higher. In breast carcinoma, MCD, depending on its location, was related to several prognostic parameters. Notably, mast cells may have at least some effect on lymphangiogenesis, which appears to be a predictor of tumor progression.



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Effects of nicorandil on renal function and histopathology in rats with partial unilateral ureteral obstruction

Publication date: Available online 31 March 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Hayrettin Ozturk, Tulin Firat, Buket Kin Tekce, Fahri Yilmaz, Hulya Ozturk
To evaluate the effects of nicorandil in a rat kidney model of partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO). Thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups as follows: (1) Group 1 (Sham-control), ureters of the rats were manipulated but not ligated; (2) Group 2 (PUUO-untreated), PUUO was performed with two-thirds of the left ureter embedded in the psoas muscle; and (3) Group 3 (PUUO-nicorandil treated). After PUUO was established, nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) was administered by gastric lavage for 21 days to determine its effects on PUUO-induced histopathological-, functional-, and oxidative stress-induced changes. The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were reduced in Group 3. The level of urinary albumin and the ratio of urinary protein/creatinine were increased in the kidneys of Group 2 but decreased in Group 3. Malondialdehyde value was decreased in Group 3 compared with Group 2. Antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) were decreased in Group 2. Nicorandil treatment caused an increase in these enzyme activities. In Group 3, leukocyte infiltration and tubular dilatation were significantly reduced. Other parameters, such as degeneration of tubular epithelium and fibrosis, also showed a marked improvement in Group 3. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in Group 2 and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in Group 3 were significantly elevated. Nicorandil can inhibit renal tubular damage and tubulointerstitial fibrosis by reducing the effects of oxidative stress after PUUO.



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Copyright transfer statement

Publication date: April 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 33, Issue 4





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Firefighting and the Heart: Implications for Prevention.

Author: Kales, Stefanos N. MD, MPH; Smith, Denise L. PhD

Page: 1296-1299

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The eIF3a Arg803Lys genetic polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to and chemoradiotherapy efficacy in cervical carcinoma

Publication date: April 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 33, Issue 4
Author(s): Jia-Zhen Xu, Fang Wen, Xian-Rong Wang
We aimed to explore the correlations between eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, subunit A (eIF3a) polymorphisms and susceptibility to and chemoradiotherapy efficacy in cervical carcinoma. Between August 2007 and August 2011, 176 patients with cervical carcinoma were enrolled as the case group, and 180 healthy individuals were selected as the control group. eIF3a Arg803Lys C>T genotypes were detected by hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. All patients received chemoradiotherapy and were evaluated for efficacy. Compared with carriers of the CC genotype, carriers of the T genotype of the eIF3a Arg803Lys C>T polymorphism had a higher risk of cervical carcinoma. The eIF3a Arg803Lys C>T polymorphism was associated with tumor size, differentiation degree, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and lymph node metastasis (LNM). The overall response rate of the case group was 69.32% (122/176). The response rate of CC genotype carriers was higher compared to patients with the CT+TT genotypes. Binary-logistic regression analysis showed that tumor size, FIGO stage, LNM, and the eIF3a Arg803Lys C>T polymorphism were influencing factors for chemoradiotherapy efficacy. Univariate analysis revealed that age, eIF3a Arg803Lys C>T polymorphism, differentiation degree, FIGO stage, and LNM were prognostic factors of cervical carcinoma, and multivariate analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years, higher FIGO stage, and LNM, as well as the CT and TT genotypes of the eIF3a Arg803Lys C>T polymorphism, were risk factors related to the prognosis of cervical carcinoma. The eIF3a Arg803Lys C>T polymorphism is connected with a higher susceptibility to cervical carcinoma and may affect chemoradiotherapy efficacy in and prognosis of cervical carcinoma.



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Role of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in the survival outcome of colorectal cancer patients: A population-based cohort study

Publication date: Available online 2 April 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Wan-Wen Huang, Kun-Pin Hsieh, Ru-Yu Huang, Yi-Hsin Yang
The aim of this study is to investigate whether use of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors as auxiliary drug in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients will lead to better survival outcome. This population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The cohort consisted of newly diagnosed CRC adult patients during 2003–2010 with at least one prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammation drugs. Analysis groups were defined as users or nonusers of COX-2 inhibitors based on their usage prior to or 1 year after diagnosis of CRC. The outcome measurement was overall survival. The application of propensity scores through the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to the study groups. Subgroup analyses included stratification of different cancer site, treatment modalities, and first chemotherapy regimens. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regressions were used to compare survival outcome. We identified 14,688 patients with newly diagnosed CRC. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with IPTW was 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86–0.96] in patients using COX-2 inhibitors in before and after diagnosis groups, and statistical significance was not reached for usages at only prior to or only after diagnosis. In subgroup analyses, patients with rectal cancer (adjusted HR with IPTW=0.86; 95% CI, 0.79–0.94) who received surgery followed by chemoradiation (adjusted HR with IPTW=0.57; 95% CI, 0.47–0.77) and with adjuvant chemotherapy of FOLFOX regimen (adjusted HR with IPTW=0.81; 95% CI, 0.67–0.99) had survival benefits in using COX-2 inhibitors both prior to and after diagnosis. Use of COX-2 inhibitors was found to be associated with reduction in mortality for CRC patients when taken both prior to and after cancer diagnosis.



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Instructions to Authors

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Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 33, Issue 4





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Checklist

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Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 33, Issue 4





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Authorship and conflict statements

Publication date: April 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 33, Issue 4





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Permission request

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Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 33, Issue 4





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Correlations of dietary energy and protein intakes with renal function impairment in chronic kidney disease patients with or without diabetes

Publication date: Available online 1 April 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Mei-En Chen, Shang-Jyh Hwang, Hung-Chun Chen, Chi-Chih Hung, Hsin-Chia Hung, Shao-Chun Liu, Tsai-Jiin Wu, Meng-Chuan Huang
Dietary energy and protein intake can affect progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD complicated with diabetes is often associated with a decline in renal function. We investigated the relative importance of dietary energy intake (DEI) and dietary protein intake (DPI) to renal function indicators in nondiabetic and diabetic CKD patients. A total of 539 Stage 3–5 CKD patients [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 mL/min/1.73 m² using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation] with or without diabetes were recruited from outpatient clinics of Nephrology and Nutrition in a medical center in Taiwan. Appropriateness of DEI and DPI was used to subcategorize CKD patients into four groups:(1) kidney diet (KD) A (KD-A), the most appropriate diet, was characterized by low DPI and adequate DEI; (2) KD-B, low DPI and inadequate DEI; (3) KD-C, excess DPI and adequate DEI; and (4) KD-D, the least appropriate diet, excess DPI and inadequate DEI. Inadequate DEI was defined as a ratio of actual intake/recommended intake less than 90% and adequate DEI as over 90%. Low DPI was defined as less than 110% of recommended intake and excessive when over 110%. Outcome measured was eGFR. In both groups of CKD patients, DEI was significantly lower (p<0.001) and DPI higher (p=0.002) than recommended levels. However, only in the nondiabetic CKD patients were KD-C and KD-D significantly correlated with reduced eGFR compared with KD-A at increments of −5.63 mL/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.029) and −7.72 mL/min/1.73 m² (p=0.015). In conclusion, inadequate energy and excessive protein intakes appear to correlate with poorer renal function in nondiabetic CKD patients. Patients with advanced CKD are in need of counseling by dietitians to improve adherence to diets.



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Assessment of therapeutic effect of human choriogonadotropin in a chemical cystitis model

Publication date: Available online 27 March 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Serhat Tanik, Kürsad Zengin, Sebahattin Albayrak, Abdullah Gurel, Muhittin Atar, Sevinc Sahin, Nevin Tuzcu, Mehmet Tuzcu, Muhammet Abdurrahim Imamoglu, Mesut Gurdal
In this study, female rats induced with chemical cystitis were administered the hormone human choriogonadotropin (HCG), and it was aimed to reveal the usefulness of HCG in the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. The materials for this study were 32 Wistar albino female rats. The study groups were formed as follows: the cystitis group (Group 1), the cystitis + HCG protection group (Group 2), the cystitis + HCG treatment group (Group 3), and the control group (Group 4), with eight rats in each group. In this study, blood and urine samples were taken from the rats, they were euthanized, and their bladders were removed for glutathione, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma measurements. It was observed that tissue damage in Group 2 was lower than that in the other two groups. Glutathione levels in Groups 2 and 4 were significantly higher than in Groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.01). Malondialdehyde levels of Groups 2 and 4 were significantly lower than the values in Groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.001). When the cystitis groups were compared in terms of their interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, the lowest interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were detected in Group 3. It was found that HCG has positive effects on experimental cystitis in rats. This study revealed that HCG should be researched as a therapeutic agent and formed a step for studies to be carried out on this subject.



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Association between the eruption of the third molar and caries and periodontitis distal to the second molars in elderly patients

Publication date: Available online 27 March 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Yu-Hsiang Chou, Pei-Shan Ho, Kun-Yen Ho, Wen-Chen Wang, Kai-Fang Hu
The objective of this study was to verify whether caries and periodontal diseases, when present on the distal surface of the second molars (M2s), are associated with the eruption of the third molars (M3s). In this split-mouth study, we evaluated 70 elderly patients with unilateral maxillary or mandibular M3s who presented to the outpatient clinics of two hospitals. Patients underwent comprehensive oral examinations and radiographical measurements, and we assessed the outcomes of periodontal disease and caries. Periodontal measurements included plaque index, bleeding on probing, and periodontal probing pocket depth (PD). Moreover, caries were assessed through visual–tactile examination and radiography. We performed the χ² test to determine factors associated with M3 and non-M3 outcomes. Eighty-one unilateral erupted M3s were observed in the study patients. Both the distobuccal region (p<0.0001) and the distolingual region (p=0.006) had a higher PD on the nonextraction side than the extraction side, and the caries rate was significantly higher on the nonextraction side than on the extraction side (p <0.0001 on M2 with caries and p=0.003 on M2 with distal caries). M3 eruption, at the same or different occlusal plane levels of M2, is a risk factor for periodontal diseases and caries in M2s in elderly patients. M3s may continue to negatively impact dental health well into later life.



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Is reflux symptom index reliable to assess the reflux status of chronic rhinosinusitis patients?

Publication date: Available online 18 March 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Jian-Jun Ren, Yu Zhao, Xue Ren, Jing Wang




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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Strongyloides stercoralis: Highlighting a neglected parasitic infection

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Chun-En Kuo, Seng-Kee Chuah, Wei-Chen Tai, Chen-Hsiang Lee




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Neurocognitive function in clinically stable individuals with long-term bipolar I disorder: Comparisons with schizophrenia patients and controls

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Pei-Yun Lin, Peng-Wei Wang, Cheng-Sheng Chen, Cheng-Fang Yen
This study compared the levels of the five domains of neurocognitive function—executive function, attention, memory, verbal comprehension, and perceptual organization—among clinically stable individuals with long-term bipolar I disorder, individuals with long-term schizophrenia, and a group of controls. We recruited a total of 93 clinically stable individuals with bipolar I disorder, 94 individuals with schizophrenia, and 106 controls in this study. Their neurocognitive function was measured using a series of neurocognitive function tests: the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Third Edition (WAIS-III), Line Cancellation Test, Visual Form Discrimination, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Continuous Performance Task, and Wechsler Memory Scale—Third Edition. Neurocognitive function was compared among the three groups through a multivariate analysis of variance. The results indicated that when the effect of age was controlled, clinically stable individuals with bipolar I disorder and those with schizophrenia demonstrated poor neurocognitive function on all tests except for the WAIS-III Similarity and Information and the Line Cancellation Test. The individuals with bipolar I disorder had similar levels of neurocognitive function compared with the schizophrenia group, but higher levels of neurocognitive function on the WAIS-III Comprehension, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, and Wechsler Memory Scale—Third Edition Auditory Immediate and Delayed Index and Visual Immediate and Delayed Index. The conclusions of this study suggest that compared with controls, individuals with long-term bipolar I disorder and those with long-term schizophrenia have poorer neurocognitive function, even when clinically stable. Individuals with long-term bipolar I disorder and those with long-term schizophrenia have similar levels of deficits in several domains of neurocognitive function.



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Bridging Disciplines.

Author: Hill, Joseph A. MD, PhD

Page: 1277-1278

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Fussing Over the Middle Child: Heart Failure With Mid-Range Ejection Fraction.

Author: Lam, Carolyn S.P. MBBS, PhD; Solomon, Scott D. MD

Page: 1279-1280

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Three-Dimensional Bioprinting: Emerging Technology in Cardiovascular Medicine.

Author: Ameri, Kurosh PhD; Samurkashian, Raffi; Yeghiazarians, Yerem MD

Page: 1281-1283

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Fire Simulation and Cardiovascular Health in Firefighters.

Author: Hunter, Amanda L. MB ChB; Shah, Anoop S.V. MB ChB, PhD; Langrish, Jeremy P. MB ChB, PhD; Raftis, Jennifer B. BSc, PhD; Lucking, Andrew J. MB ChB, PhD; Brittan, Mairi BSc, PhD; Venkatasubramanian, Sowmya MB ChB; Stables, Catherine L. MSci, MA; Stelzle, Dominik MD; Marshall, James MB BS; Graveling, Richard MSc, PhD; Flapan, Andrew D. MB ChB, MD; Newby, David E. MB BS, PhD; Mills, Nicholas L. MB ChB, PhD

Page: 1284-1295

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A systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo versus no treatment for insomnia symptoms

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the size of the placebo effect for insomnia symptoms when comparing placebo treatment with no treatment. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for studies allocating participants with insomnia symptoms (diagnosed or self-reported) to receive a placebo that they were led to believe was an active treatment or to a no treatment control group. Thirteen independent studies (n=566) met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicated a reliable placebo effect whereby placebo treatment led to improved percevied sleep onset latency (SOL; Hedges g = 0.272), total sleep time (TST; Hedges g = 0.322), and global sleep quality (GSQ; Hedges' g = 0.581), when compared with no treatment.

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Cortical auditory evoked potentials in children who stutter

It has been hypothesized that impaired auditory processing influence the occurrence of stuttering. Also, it is suggested that speech perception in children who stutter differed from normal. Auditory processing should be investigated in children who stutter shortly after the onset of stuttering in order to evaluate the extent to which impaired auditory processing contributes to the development of stuttering. CAEPs provide the necessary temporal and spatial resolution to detect differences in auditory processing and the neural activity that is related or time-locked to the auditory stimulus.

http://ift.tt/2nD9XUz

Multimodale Therapie des kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnosestellung kleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom (SCLC) sind etwa 30 % der Patienten im Stadium „limited disease". Dies entspricht in der Maximalausbreitung dem befallenen Hemithorax, dem Mediastinum und den supraklavikulären Lymphknoten. Diese Patienten haben eine kurative Chance durch eine kombinierte thorakale Radiochemotherapie.

Ergebnisse

Die Gesamtbehandlungszeit und frühe thorakale Bestrahlung simultan zur Chemotherapie sind für den Therapieerfolg wichtig. Dagegen scheint eine Dosiseskalation über 45–50 Gy hinaus keinen eindeutigen Vorteil zu bieten. Weiterhin trägt als wichtige Säule auch die prophylaktische Bestrahlung des Gehirns (PCI) bei, die Rate intrakranieller Rezidive zu senken.

Schlussfolgerung

Eine abgestimmte interdisziplinäre, multimodale Radiochemotherapie konnte sich in den letzten Jahren fest etablieren und ist essenziell für den Behandlungserfolg des kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms.

http://ift.tt/2nzUR27

SOP – Atemnot bei erwachsenen Palliativpatienten

http://ift.tt/2nRQSk2

The vagal nerve stimulation outcome, and laryngeal effect: Otolaryngologists roles and perspective

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), first investigated in 1938 and subsequently studied as a potential therapy for epilepsy. The FDA approved the use of VNS in 1997 as an adjunctive non-pharmacologic symptomatic treatment option for refractory epilepsy for adults and adolescents over 12years.VNS can cause laryngeal and voice side effects that can be managed by otolaryngologists safely and effectively.

http://ift.tt/2oSoLyQ

Xylitol nasal irrigation in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis

To evaluate the efficacy of xylitol nasal irrigation (XNI) treatment on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to investigate the effect of XNI on nasal nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in maxillary sinus.

http://ift.tt/2ovzLpm

The vagal nerve stimulation outcome, and laryngeal effect: Otolaryngologists roles and perspective

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), first investigated in 1938 and subsequently studied as a potential therapy for epilepsy. The FDA approved the use of VNS in 1997 as an adjunctive non-pharmacologic symptomatic treatment option for refractory epilepsy for adults and adolescents over 12years.VNS can cause laryngeal and voice side effects that can be managed by otolaryngologists safely and effectively.

http://ift.tt/2oSoLyQ

Xylitol nasal irrigation in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis

To evaluate the efficacy of xylitol nasal irrigation (XNI) treatment on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to investigate the effect of XNI on nasal nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in maxillary sinus.

http://ift.tt/2ovzLpm

Prognostic significance of gene amplification of ACTN4 in stage I and II oral tongue cancer

Despite complete resection of the early stage of oral tongue cancer by partial glossectomy, late cervical lymph node metastasis is frequently observed. Gene amplification of ACTN4 (protein name: actinin-4) is closely associated with the metastatic potential of various cancers. This retrospective study was performed to demonstrate the potential usefulness of ACTN4 gene amplification as a prognostic biomarker in patients with stage I/II oral tongue cancer. Fifty-four patients with stage I/II oral tongue cancer were enrolled retrospectively, in accordance with the reporting recommendations for tumour marker prognostic studies (REMARK) guidelines.

http://ift.tt/2oSKTsZ

Carotid jugular fistula after Le Fort I osteotomy

Le Fort I osteotomy is the technique most applied worldwide in the treatment of dentoskeletal deformity involving the maxilla. Even though it is considered a very safe technique with good intra- and postoperative results, many complications have been described. This paper presents a case of carotid jugular fistula developed in a 22-year-old white male submitted to Le Fort I osteotomy for the treatment of anteroposterior maxillary deficiency, and discusses the possible aetiology and management of this serious complication.

http://ift.tt/2oSPnQA

Trajectories of sleep quality during the first three years after breast cancer diagnosis

To identify trajectories of sleep quality up to three years after breast cancer diagnosis and to assess differences in characteristics of patients across distinct trajectories.

http://ift.tt/2nxSnAA

Circadian phase, dynamics of subjective sleepiness and sensitivity to blue light in young adults complaining of a delayed sleep schedule

To assess factors that might contribute to a delayed sleep schedule in young adults with sub-clinical features of delayed sleep phase disorder.

http://ift.tt/2n5Sbxl

Blood Pressure after Modified Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: Results from the SKUP3 Randomized Controlled Trial

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for hypertension. The SKUP3 study showed that modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) significantly improved nocturnal respiration, sleepiness, and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgery on blood pressure in patients with OSA.

http://ift.tt/2nxNvvk

Occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology in the neonatal intensive care unit: Patterns of therapy usage in a level IV NICU

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 64
Author(s): Katherine Ross, Elizabeth Heiny, Sandra Conner, Patricia Spener, Roberta Pineda
Objectives1) To describe the use of occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) services in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), 2) to describe predictors of early therapy usage, and 3) to test the hypothesis that more NICU-based therapy will relate to better neurobehavioral outcomes.MethodsSeventy-nine infants born ≤32 weeks gestation had therapy interventions, as standard of care, tracked across NICU hospitalization. Infants received neurobehavioral testing prior to NICU discharge.ResultsAll (100%) received OT and PT, and 41 (51%) received SLP. The average age at initiation of OT, PT, and SLP was 30.4±1.4, 30.3±1.4, and 35.9±2.3 weeks postmenstrual age, respectively. Infants received therapy an average of 1.8±.4, 1.8±.4 and 1.1±.5 times per week for OT, PT and SLP, respectively. There were 56 different therapeutic interventions performed. There was overlap in the interventions provided by different NICU therapists; however, interventions unique to each discipline were identified. More therapy was not related to better neurobehavioral outcomes, but rather more frequent therapy could be attributed to more complex medical conditions (p<0.05).ConclusionEarly therapy services in the NICU can start early in gestation and continue routinely until NICU discharge in order to optimize outcomes. These findings can aid our understanding of how neonatal therapy services are implemented in a level IV NICU.



http://ift.tt/2ovNwVe

Prognostic factors in head and neck mucosal malignant melanoma

Primary mucosal malignant melanoma of the head and neck (HN-PMMM) is an aggressive and uncommon neoplasm. Herein, we present a series of 33 patients and the results of treatment, and aimed to determine prognostic factors in HN-PMMM.

http://ift.tt/2nRawLH

Prognostic factors in head and neck mucosal malignant melanoma

Primary mucosal malignant melanoma of the head and neck (HN-PMMM) is an aggressive and uncommon neoplasm. Herein, we present a series of 33 patients and the results of treatment, and aimed to determine prognostic factors in HN-PMMM.

http://ift.tt/2nRawLH

Lignocellulosic sugar management for xylitol and ethanol fermentation with multiple cell recycling by Kluyveromyces marxianus IIPE453

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2017
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Diptarka Dasgupta, Debashish Ghosh, Sheetal Bandhu, Dilip K. Adhikari
Optimum utilization of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass to deliver multiple products under biorefinery concept has been reported in this work. Alcohol fermentation has been carried out with multiple cell recycling of Kluyveromyces marxianus IIPE453. The yeast utilized xylose-rich fraction from acid and steam treated biomass for cell generation and xylitol production with an average yield of 0.315±0.01g/g while the entire glucose rich saccharified fraction had been fermented to ethanol with high productivity of 0.9±0.08g/L/h. A detailed insight into its genome illustrated the strain's complete set of genes associated with sugar transport and metabolism for high-temperature fermentation. A set flocculation proteins were identified that aided in high cell recovery in successive fermentation cycles to achieve alcohols with high productivity. We have brought biomass derived sugars, yeast cell biomass generation, and ethanol and xylitol fermentation in one platform and validated the overall material balance. 2 Kg sugarcane bagasse yielded 193.4g yeast cell, and with multiple times cell recycling generated 125.56g xylitol and 289.2g ethanol (366ml).



http://ift.tt/2nUUdz4

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-(carbobenzyloxy)-l-phenylalanine and N-(carbobenzyloxy)-l-aspartic acid-β-benzyl ester derivatives as potent topoisomerase IIα inhibitors

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Xiaoyan Han, Yifan Zhong, Guan Zhou, Hui Qi, Shengbin Li, Qiang Ding, Zhenming Liu, Yali Song, Xiaoqiang Qiao
A new series of thirteen N-(carbobenzyloxy)-l-phenylalanine and N-(carbobenzyloxy)-l-aspartic acid-β-benzyl ester compounds were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity against four different human cancer cell lines: cervical cancer (HeLa), lung cancer (A549), gastric cancer (MGC-803) and breast cancer (MCF-7) as well as topoisomerase I and IIα inhibitory activity. Compounds (5a, 5b, 5e, 8a, 8b) showed significant antiproliferative activity with low IC50 values against the four cancer cell lines. Equally, compounds 5a, 5b, 5e, 5f, 8a, 8d, 8e and 8f showed topoisomerase IIα inhibitory activity at 100 μM with 5b, 5e, 8f exhibiting potential topoisomerase IIα inhibitory activity compared to positive control at 100 μM and 20 μM, respectively. Conversely compounds 5e, 5f, 5g and 8a showed weaker topoisomerase I inhibitory activity compared to positive control at 100 μM. Compound 5b exhibited the most potent topoisomerase IIα inhibitory activity at low concentration and better antiproliferative activity against the four human cancer cell lines. The molecular interactions between compounds 5a-5g, 8a-8f and the topoisomerase IIα (PDB ID: 1ZXM) were further investigated through molecular docking. The results indicated that these compounds could serve as promising leads for further optimization as novel antitumor agents.

Graphical abstract

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Chemoembolization with Drug-eluting Microspheres Loaded with Doxorubicin for the Treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma

Aim: To report clinical outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using drug-eluting beads (DEBs) loaded with doxorubicin for the treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Patients and Methods: We treated 127 patients with doxorubicin via TACE. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of unresectable CCA; indication for TACE, performance status (PS) 0-2, >3 months of life expectancy, >18 years old, written consent. TACE was performed using DEBs for 109 (86%) patients and polythylene glycol drug-elutable microspheres (PEG) loaded with doxorubicin for 18 (14%) patients. Results: Tumor response of the whole sample of 127 patients was partial response (PR) in 19 (15%) patients, stable disease (SD) in 101 (80%) and progressive disease (PD) in seven (5%) 3 months after therapy, with no complete responses. There were differences between type of embolics: PR was 7% and 77%, SD was 88% and 8%, and PD was 5% and 15%, and the disease control rate was 95% and 85% in the DEB and PEG groups, respectively. Most frequent side-effects were: abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and transaminase rise. Conclusion: TACE was effective and safe for CCA treatment, with a high disease control rate. The best response of PEG-TACE was PR, whereas it was SD for DEB-TACE.

http://ift.tt/2nR5kaJ

Detection of Free Cancer Cells in Pelvic Lavage with Double Immunocytochemistry at Rectal Cancer Surgery

Background/Aim: The aim of the present study was to describe a double immunocytochemical staining method for detecting free cancer cells after rectal cancer surgery and to evaluate their extent and prognostic role. Materials and Methods: Immunocytochemistry was performed using antibodies against cytokeratin 20/caudal-typehomeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) and mucin glycoprotein-2 (MUC2)/p53 protein. The study included 29 patients with infraperitoneal rectal cancer who underwent bowel resection and four controls. The pelvic lavage was retrieved at the start of laparotomy, after total mesorectal excision and after abdominal lavage with sterile water. Results: Free cancer cells were detected with the double immunocytochemical method in the two controls with carcinomatosis and one control with sigmoidal cancer. None of the patients with rectal tumours had presence of free cancer cells. Conclusion: Immunocytochemical analysis of peritoneal lavage was feasible and negative in patients with infraperitoneal rectal cancer. Further studies are encouraged to investigate the clinical relevance in cases with free cancer cells after incomplete total mesorectal excision.

http://ift.tt/2nUPdKO

Short- and Long-term Progress of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis After Subtotal Esophagectomy

Aim: To clarify risk factors and long-term progress of postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (PRNP) in patients with esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five esophageal cancer patients, who underwent subtotal esophagetomy, including recurrent laryngeal nerve lymphadenectomy, were analyzed. A laryngoscopy was routinely performed to assess the motility of vocal cords. Results: PRNP was detected in 79 patients and 26 (20.8%) patients required medical interventions (Grade II or more by the Clavien-Dindo classification; group II). Forty-one of 66 (62.1%) patients recovered from PRNP with a median postoperative time of 135 days. The three-field lymphadenectomy and long operative time were the independent prognostic factors of group II. Conclusion: Radical operation caused PRNP with grade II or more. The long-term follow-up of vocal cords was necessary to detect patients with either transient or permanent PRNP.

http://ift.tt/2nR3yWV

Antitumor and Cancer-preventative Function of Fucoxanthin: A Marine Carotenoid

Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid mainly found in brown seaweeds. Its antitumor and cancer-preventative function has been extensively investigated. Investigations have indicated that fucoxanthin and its metabolite fucoxanthinol induce G₁ cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in various cell lines and can inhibit cancer development in animal models. It is imperative that the underlying mechanism of action of fucoxanthin be elucidated in order to facilitate the development of cancer-prevention strategies in humans. Key molecules that require consideration include mitogen-activated protein kinase, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45, AP-1 transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B and several others, including cell cycle-related molecules for G₁ cell-cycle arrest and the B cell lymphoma-2 family, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein and AKT serine/threonine kinase/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase for apoptosis. In this review, the mechanisms by which fucoxanthin exerts its antitumor and cancer-preventative action in cell lines and mouse models is discussed, in addition to the potential use of fucoxanthin as a promising compound for cancer prevention.

http://ift.tt/2nUUOk6

A Locally Advanced Breast Cancer that Achieved pCR with Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab and Docetaxel: Case Report

We herein report a case of locally advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer that achieved a pathological complete response (pCR) with pertuzumab, trastuzumab and docetaxel therapy. A 70-year-old female presented with an elastic hard mass, 5.0 cm in diameter with broad redness and edema of the skin in her right breast. Swollen lymph nodes were also recognized in the right axilla. The pathological diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma and its biological character was estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, progesterone receptor (PgR)-negative, HER2 3+ and Ki-67 index 60%. The patient was finally diagnosed with primary unresectable, locally advanced breast cancer and started on pertuzumab, trastuzumab and docetaxel combination therapy. The tumor subsequently reduced in size and, after 4 cycles of this therapy, she underwent surgery. The histopathological examination of the postoperative specimen showed pCR in both the primary tumor and axillary lymph nodes.

http://ift.tt/2nQWJom

On-site Cytology for Development of Patient-Derived Three-dimensional Organoid Cultures - A Pilot Study

Background/Aim: Development of patient-derived three-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures is an emerging technique in the field of precision oncology. We aimed to integrate on-site adequacy evaluation using cytology into the tumor organoid development workflow to ensure precise characterization and growth of these cultures. Patients and Methods: Cancer patients were consented to a Precision Medicine trial. Fresh tissue was procured for genomic analyses as well as organoid development. Fresh tissue destined for organoid development was evaluated by preparing on-site cytology smears to ensure that only lesional tissue would be submitted for further cell culture work. Results: Cytology preparations were made from 64 different tumor samples and evaluated prior to tissue submission for organoid development. In 53 (82.2%) of those tumor samples, the cytology preparation was diagnostic, thus providing adequate material for organoid development. Conclusion: Characterizing the tissue prior to submission for organoid development ensures submission of lesional tissue only. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective method that can help document patient diagnosis. This can be of importance in biopsies, since the tissue submitted for organoid development cannot be retrieved for clinical diagnosis afterwards. Our findings in this pilot study led to the implementation of on-site cytological evaluation in the tumor organoid development workflow at the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, NY, USA.

http://ift.tt/2nVaKTr

Effects of Lidocaine on HT-29 and SW480 Colon Cancer Cells In Vitro

Background: Evidence is growing that the risk of cancer dissemination may be enhanced during the perioperative period. Whether particular anesthetic techniques influence oncological outcome is still under discussion. For pain management, lidocaine can be administered perioperatively by intravenous, intraperitoneal or epidural infusion. Here we investigated the effect of lidocaine on colon carcinoma cell lines (HT-29 and SW480) in vitro. Materials and Methods: ELISA BrdU (Roche) for cell proliferation and FITC Annexin V detection kit (BD Pharming) for apoptosis analysis were applied. Cell-cycle profiles were investigated by flow cytometry. Results: Cell-cycle arrest was induced in both cell lines by 1000 μM lidocaine, while no inhibition of cell proliferation was detected. Apoptosis decreased in SW480 but not in HT-29 cells. Conclusion: Lidocaine induces cell-cycle arrest in both colon carcinoma cell lines in vitro. The effective drug concentration can be obtained by local infiltration.

http://ift.tt/2nQY2ne

Self-efficacy for Coping Moderates the Effects of Distress on Quality of Life in Palliative Cancer Care

Recent aggressive chemotherapeutic and combined treatments have resulted in increased survivorship for advanced stage breast cancer. In some patients, treatment produces an actual abatement of their cancer, while in others treatment mitigates the progression of cancer bringing those patients into palliative care where their chronic disease requires continuous management. There is also evidence that the majority of palliative-care cancer patients have a deteriorating quality of life that only precipitously declines in the final few weeks of life. The new paradigm of patient-centered care for palliative patients is resulting in a new model of treatment in which the self-efficacy seems to play an important role. The present study represents an extension of the role of self-efficacy for coping to palliative care. Using a stress-coping model, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate a process model, in which self-efficacy for coping with cancer is a moderator between stress and the quality of life in a sample of breast cancer patients in palliative care. The secondary aim was to validate a specific domain coping self-efficacy scale, the Cancer Behavior Inventory. The current study confirmed the role of self-efficacy for coping with cancer as moderator of the relationship between stress and quality of life of a sample of breast cancer patients in palliative care. In addition, this study confirmed the structure, reliability and validity of the scale.

http://ift.tt/2nV3irL

New and Old Genes Associated with Topotecan Resistance Development in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines

Background: Low effectiveness of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer results from development of drug resistance. Topotecan is a drug used as second-line chemotherapy for this cancer type. We analyzed development of topotecan resistance in ovarian cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: A chemosensitivity assay, MTT test, was performed to assess drug resistance. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) assays were performed to determine ABCB1, ABCG2, ALDH1A1, IFIH1, SAMD4 and EPHA3 gene expression. Results: We observed dose-dependent responses to topotecan. In all topotecan-resistant cell lines an overexpression of ABCG2, IFIH1 and SAMD4 genes was observed. Expression of ABCB1 gene was observed in one cell line. Expression of ALDH1A1 was up-regulated in A2780 and down-regulated in SKOV-3-resistant cell lines. Short-time exposure led to similar patterns of gene expression for the investigated genes. Conclusion: Expression of ABCG2 and ABCB1 genes plays the most important role in topotecan resistance. The role of other investigated genes seems to be complementary.

http://ift.tt/2nUTKg4

Analysis of Factors Affecting Short-term Results in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Surgical Resection for Stage I-II Colon Cancer

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of comorbidities and to compare the short-term results of elective surgical resection of stage I-II colon adenocarcinoma in elderly (≥65 years) versus younger patients. Patients and Methods: Two groups of sex-matched younger and older patients were compared: Group A: N=36, median age 58 (range=43-65) years; and group B: N=67, median age 73 (range=66-86) years. Results: Overall, 71 out of 103 (68.9%) patients had one or more comorbidities. A greater number of older patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score >2 (p=0.004) and were on multiple medications (polypharmacy) (p=0.016), but the distribution of the other parameters was similar (p≥0.05). Intra- and postoperative complications in group A vs. B occurred in 25.0% vs. 26.9%, and 47.2% vs. 64.2%, respectively (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Elderly patients with colon cancer scheduled to elective surgical resection should not be considered at increased risk of intra- or short-term postoperative complications with respect to younger patients. However, they require careful individual preoperative evaluation because they are usually polypharmacy users and have a higher ASA score.

http://ift.tt/2nQXPAt

Structure-Activity Relationships of Methylquercetin on Anti-migration and Anti-proliferation Activity in B16 Melanoma Cells

Background: Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor and quercetin has been reported to inhibit metastasis. A quercetin glycoside and 7 methylquercetins were synthesized from rutin to investigate structure-activity relationships. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the anti-proliferative and anti-migration activity of quercetin glycoside and 7 methylquercetins in murine B16 melanoma cells by commercially available kits. We also examined the effect of these compounds on growth of human fibroblast cells to evaluate cytotoxicity. Results: 3-O-methylquercetin (2) exhibited 30, 38, 45% migration activity at 25, 12.5, 6.25 μM respectively. Furthermore, 3,4',7-O-trimethylquercetin (5) and 3,4'-O-dimethylquercetin (3) inhibited migration more potent than 2 with no cytotoxicity. 3-hydroxymethylquercetin and quercetin glycoside exhibited no anti-migration activity. Furthermore, the 3 and 4 inhibited melanoma proliferation with no cytotoxicity. Conclusion: The methoxyl group at the C-3 position plays an important role in inhibiting the migration of B16 melanoma cells.

http://ift.tt/2nV4vyX

Defining New Colorectal Cancer Syndromes in a Population-based Cohort of the Disease

Background/Aim: Most known cancer syndromes confer an increased risk of more than one tumour types, and families with more than one colorectal cancer often segregate other cancers as well. The aim of this study was to examine if there is a general increased risk of other cancers in colorectal cancer families, which are defined as having two or more cases of colorectal cancer in close relatives. Materials and Methods: The study used a detailed family history of cancer diagnoses in a cohort of more than 3,000 consecutive colorectal cancer cases. A comparison was made between families with sporadic and those with familial colorectal cancer cases. Detailed morphology data were used to find further support for putative syndromes. Results: There were significantly more non-colorectal cancers in the family history of the familial CRC cases (p<0.001), with significantly more gastric cancers (p<0.001), prostate cancers (p<0.001), urinary bladder cancers (p<0.001) and melanomas (p=0.002), leukaemia/lymphomas (p=0.004), gynaecological cancers (p=0.007) and breast cancers (p=0.023). There was also some support for different morphological profiles for four of the five tested syndromes. Conclusion: This study found support for a general increased risk of one or more different cancer syndromes involving families with colorectal cancer and other cancers. Further studies will define the different possible syndromes and determine the genetic background.

http://ift.tt/2nQWnOh

Differing Mechanisms of Death Induction by Fluorinated Taxane SB-T-12854 in Breast Cancer Cells

Background/Aim: Classical taxanes are routinely used in cancer therapy. In this study, mechanisms involved in death induction by the novel fluorine-containing taxane SB-T-12854 were investigated. Materials and Methods: We employed breast cancer SK-BR-3, MCF-7 and T47D cell lines to assess activation of individual caspases, changes in the expression of proteins of the Bcl-2 family, and the release of pro-apoptotic factors from mitochondria into the cytosol after SB-T-12854 treatment. Results: Caspase-2, -8, and -9 were activated in SK-BR-3 and MCF-7 cells. Only caspase-8 was activated in T47D cells. Caspase-7 and -6 were activated in all tested cells while caspase-3 was activated only in SK-BR-3 cells. Pro-apoptotic Bad protein seems to be important for cell death induction in all tested cells. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic Bim, Bok, Bid and Bik seem to be also associated with cell death induction in some of the tested cells. The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was significantly activated in association with the release of cytochrome c and Smac from mitochondria, but only in SK-BR-3 cells, not in MCF-7 and T47D cells. Conclusion: Cell death induced by SB-T-12854, in the tested breast cancer cells, differs regarding activation of caspases, changes in levels of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family and activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

http://ift.tt/2nUQpO2

Retrospective Investigation of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Lip Treated with Peplomycin Administered Through a Superficial Temporal Artery

Background: Continuous intra-arterial (IA) administration of peplomycin (PEP) through a tumor-feeding artery is one of the most effective treatments for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in cosmetic areas. Patients and Methods: In order to determine the effective and safe dose of PEP and the curative rate of IA-PEP, we retrospectively investigated a case series of 24 patients with cSCC on the lips who were treated with IA-PEP. Results: IA-PEP reduced the tumor mass in all 24 cases (100%). A complete response occurred in 17 patients (70.8%), and a partial response occurred in seven (29.2%). Moreover, 17 patients (70.8%) were cured, three patients developed cervical lymph node metastasis (12.5%), and four developed local recurrence (16.7%). Three out of the 24 patients developed interstitial pneumonia (12.5%). Conclusion: Low-dose IA-PEP administered through a superficial temporal artery was a highly effective treatment that achieved a curative response for 70.8% of patients with cSCC on the lips.

http://ift.tt/2nQHEDm

Antitumor Activities of the Novel Isosteviol Derivative 10C Against Liver Cancer

Background/Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and the fifth most common primary malignancy with worldwide increasing incidence. The current study aimed to investigate the anticancer activities of novel isosteviol derivatives towards human HepG2 hepatocellular cancer cells and in an animal model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Twelve isosteviol derivatives were screened for their anti-proliferative activities against HepG2 and IC₅₀ was calculated for all designed derivatives. The impact of the potent isosteviol derivative 10C on HepG2 cells was further studied by MTT assay, Annexin V/PI staining, flow cytometry and western blotting. In vivo studies were performed to assess the anticancer effect of isosteviol derivative 10C on Diethyl Nitrosamine-induced liver cancer in female rats by evaluating the physiological processes. Results: isosteviol derivative 10C induced growth inhibition with IC₅₀ of 2 μM mainly through induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Additionally, isosteviol derivative 10C induced G₁ phase arrest, which was further confirmed by increased expression of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A, p21). It also increased BAX, BID and PARP-1 and while it reduced pro-CASPASE-3 expression and phosphorylation levels of AKT in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, western blotting data showed that E-cadherin, β-catenin, VEGF and COX-2 expressions were suppressed by isosteviol derivative 10C in HepG2 cells. The in vivo study demonstrated that dose-dependent treatment of isosteviol derivative 10C led to significant reduction in tumor size compared to the untreated group after the fourth injection with no significant effects on major physiological processes. Conclusion: Taken together, in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that isosteviol derivative 10C induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, blocked angiogenic signaling and it did not induce any apparent toxicity towards the treated hosts which merits further investigation at clinical level.

http://ift.tt/2nUXuy4

Y-box Binding Protein 1 Is Involved in Regulating the G2/M Phase of the Cell Cycle

Background/Aim: The transcription factor Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB1) is overexpressed in many types of human cancers. YB1 regulates the G₁ phase of the cell cycle by controlling transcription of G₁ regulators. Here, we report that YB1 is also involved in regulating G₂/M phase. Materials and Methods: YB1-depleted TKO cells were subjected to quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and cell-cycle analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-chip assay was performed using anti-YB1 antibodies. Precipitated RNAs were subjected to microarray analysis. Results: Silencing YB1 inhibited the proliferation of TKO cells, which lost the machinery required for G₁ phase arrest. Cell-cycle analysis showed that silencing YB1 caused G₂/M phase cell-cycle arrest. RIP-chip assay showed that YB1 associated with mRNA of multiple cell-cycle-related genes, including G₂/M phase regulators. Conclusion: YB1 positively regulates not only the G₁ phase but also G₂/M phase by regulating multiple cell-cycle-related genes.

http://ift.tt/2nV1vTh