Validation of a Parent-Reported Diagnostic Instrument in a U.S. Referral Population: The Childhood Eczema Questionnaire

Abstract

Background/Objectives

There is a paucity of validated tools for diagnosing atopic dermatitis (AD) in very young children that do not rely on clinical evaluation. The Childhood Eczema Questionnaire (CEQ)—a diagnostic tool for AD in children younger than 2 years that a caretaker can complete—was recently validated in Sweden. The objective of this study was to validate the tool in a U.S. population. As a substudy, we added an additional question that was independently assessed.

Methods

Children younger than 2 years old were recruited from a dermatology clinic. Their caretakers completed a questionnaire containing the original tool's three questions as well as a fourth question that increased the time frame measured from 1 week to 6 months. Questionnaires with all "yes" answers were considered positive and were compared with a dermatologist diagnosis of AD.

Results

A total of 283 subjects were recruited. The first three questions (the original CEQ) predicted a positive diagnosis of AD with a sensitivity of 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58, 0.82) and a specificity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.87, 0.95). In a separate analysis we included the first two questions and the fourth question and found that the sensitivity increased to 0.82 (95% CI 0.69, 0.90) with a specificity of 0.89 (95% CI 0.83, 0.93).

Conclusion

This study validates a novel parental questionnaire for the diagnosis of AD in children younger than 2 years in a U.S. clinic population.

http://ift.tt/2qzFH1m

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Due to Methylisothiazolinone in a Young Girl's Laundry Detergent

Abstract

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is an emerging and increasing cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children. We present the case of a 7-year-old girl with an unusual dermatitis suspicious for contact allergy. Patch testing confirmed allergy to MI, found only in the patient's laundry detergent. This case highlights the importance of checking household product ingredients and the role of MI as an increasing cause of ACD in children.

http://ift.tt/2qzHzHy

Air pollution abatement performances of green infrastructure in open road and built-up street canyon environments – A review

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 162
Author(s): K.V. Abhijith, Prashant Kumar, John Gallagher, Aonghus McNabola, Richard Baldauf, Francesco Pilla, Brian Broderick, Silvana Di Sabatino, Beatrice Pulvirenti
Intensifying the proportion of urban green infrastructure has been considered as one of the remedies for air pollution levels in cities, yet the impact of numerous vegetation types deployed in different built environments has to be fully synthesised and quantified. This review examined published literature on neighbourhood air quality modifications by green interventions. Studies were evaluated that discussed personal exposure to local sources of air pollution under the presence of vegetation in open road and built-up street canyon environments. Further, we critically evaluated the available literature to provide a better understanding of the interactions between vegetation and surrounding built-up environments and ascertain means of reducing local air pollution exposure using green infrastructure. The net effects of vegetation in each built-up environment are also summarised and possible recommendations for the future design of green infrastructure are proposed. In a street canyon environment, high-level vegetation canopies (trees) led to a deterioration in air quality, while low-level green infrastructure (hedges) improved air quality conditions. For open road conditions, wide, low porosity and tall vegetation leads to downwind pollutant reductions while gaps and high porosity vegetation could lead to no improvement or even deteriorated air quality. The review considers that generic recommendations can be provided for vegetation barriers in open road conditions. Green walls and roofs on building envelopes can also be used as effective air pollution abatement measures. The critical evaluation of the fundamental concepts and the amalgamation of key technical features of past studies by this review could assist urban planners to design and implement green infrastructures in the built environment.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ry7xsb

Atmospheric emission of mercury due to combustion of steam coal and domestic coal in China

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 162
Author(s): Shaobin Wang, Kunli Luo
To study the mercury emission due to the combustion of steam coal and domestic coal in China, we analyzed the mercury contents of coal, fly ash, bottom ash and sluicing water in thermal power plants, steam boilers as well as domestic coal-stoves, in Shaanxi, Shanxi, Shandong and Yunnan Provinces. This study conduct an estimate of the Hg emission rates from steam coal and domestic coal combustion based on the method of mass distribution ratio of fly ash and bottom ash. The results show that the Hg emission rate of coal combustion in thermal power plants is about 50.21% (electrostatic precipitators + wet flue gas desulfurization), and that in heating boilers is about 67.23%, and 92.28% in industrial boilers without flue gas desulphurisation equipment. Furthermore, Hg emission rate is 83.61% due to domestic coal combustion in coal-stoves. The Hg emission amount into the atmosphere from power and heat generation, industrial boilers, domestic coal-stoves and spontaneous combustion of coal gangue is roughly estimated to be 133 ± 4, 100 ± 17, 11 ± 0.1 and 47 ± 26 tons in China in 2014, respectively, and the total Hg emission amount from this paper is estimated at 292 tons. The trends of Hg emission in China from 1991 to 2014 show an accelerating growth after 2002. The proportion of mercury emission due to thermal power, heating generation and industrial energy utilization continuously increased. The atmospheric emission of mercury due to combustion of steam coal, domestic coal and coal gangue accounts nearly 50% in total anthropogenic Hg emissions in China, indicating one of the largest sources of Hg emission in China which should draw more public and scientific attention in the future.



http://ift.tt/2ry3yvs

Spatially and chemically resolved source apportionment analysis: Case study of high particulate matter event

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 162
Author(s): Byeong-Uk Kim, Changhan Bae, Hyun Cheol Kim, Eunhye Kim, Soontae Kim
This article presents the results of a detailed source apportionment study of the high particulate matter (PM) event in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), South Korea, during late February 2014. Using the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions with its Particulate Source Apportionment Technology (CAMx-PSAT), we defined 10 source regions, including five in China, for spatially and chemically resolved analyses. During the event, the spatially averaged PM10 concentration at all PM10 monitors in the SMA was 129 μg/m³, while the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations at the BulGwang Supersite were 143 μg/m³ and 123 μg/m³, respectively. CAMx-PSAT showed reasonably good PM model performance in both China and the SMA. For February 23–27, CAMx-PSAT estimated that Chinese contributions to the SMA PM10 and PM2.5 were 84.3 μg/m³ and 80.0 μg/m³, respectively, or 64% and 70% of the respective totals, while South Korea's respective domestic contributions were 36.5 μg/m³ and 23.3 μg/m³. We observed that the spatiotemporal pattern of PM constituent concentrations and contributions did not necessarily follow that of total PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. For example, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei produced high nitrate concentrations, but the two most-contributing regions to PM in the SMA were the Near Beijing area and South Korea. In addition, we noticed that the relative contributions from each region changed over time. We found that most ammonium mass that neutralized Chinese sulfate mass in the SMA came from South Korean sources, indicating that secondary inorganic aerosol in the SMA, especially ammonium sulfates, during this event resulted from different major precursors originating from different regions.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ry0b7Q

Focal Capillary Dropout Associated With Optic Disc Drusen Using Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiography.

Optic disc drusen may be a cause of visual field defects and visual loss. The mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. We report a patient who developed decreased vision in the right eye and was found to have a heavy burden of superficial optic disc drusen. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed focal retinal nerve fiber layer thinning that corresponded with the distribution of drusen. OCT angiography, with superficial laminar segmentation, showed focal capillary attenuation overlying the most prominent drusen. These findings demonstrate alterations in the superficial retinal capillary network associated with optic disc drusen. (C) 2017 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

http://ift.tt/2qCc0dW

Prognostic value of chemotherapy-resistant CK19 mRNA-positive circulating tumor cells in patients with advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Background

The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is of prognostic significance in several tumor types. The present study evaluated the detection and the clinical relevance of CK19mRNA(+) CTCs in patients with advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer before and after front-line chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

Peripheral blood was obtained from 642 patients with treatment-naïve unresectable stage IIIB and IV non-small cell lung cancer and from 455 patients after the completion of 1st line chemotherapy. RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the detection of CK19mRNA-positive cells was performed using a quantitative PCR assay.

Results

Based on the detection limit of the assay, 167 (26.0%) patients had detectable CK19mRNA(+) CTCs at baseline. The detection of CK19mRNA(+) CTCs before treatment was not associated with the clinical outcome, but their detection at the end of chemotherapy was associated with significantly decreased PFS and OS [PFS: 2.6 vs 3.8 months (p = 0.008); OS: 5.7 vs 10.0 months (p = 0.006) for CK19mRNA(+) vs CK19mRNA(−) patients, respectively]. Multivariate analysis revealed that the detection of CK19mRNA(+) CTCs both before and after chemotherapy emerged as an independent factor associated with reduced PFS (HR: 1.778; p < 0.001) and OS (HR: 1.608; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The detection of peripheral blood CK19mRNA(+) CTCs before and after the completion of front-line chemotherapy is an adverse prognostic factor associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer.

http://ift.tt/2qzJtbd

Pharmacokinetics and safety of vismodegib in patients with advanced solid malignancies and hepatic impairment

Abstract

Purpose

Vismodegib is a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor approved for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Currently, the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of vismodegib in patients with hepatic dysfunction are unknown and are the objective of this study.

Methods

Patients with advanced solid malignancies and hepatic impairment were enrolled into one of four cohorts: normal [bilirubin (bili) < upper limit of normal (ULN)], mild (ULN < bili ≤ 1.5 × ULN), moderate (1.5 × ULN < bili ≤ 3×ULN), and severe (3 × ULN < bili < 10 × ULN) dysfunction. Patients received oral vismodegib 150 mg daily. Plasma PK samples on days 1, 3, 5, and 8 were collected. Vismodegib therapy was continued until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent.

Results

Thirty-one patients were accrued: nine normal, eight mild, eight moderate, and six severe. Four patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity of hyperbilirubinemia on study: one in the moderate cohort and three in the severe cohort. Six patients died within 30 days after the last dose of vismodegib. All deaths were attributed to disease progression. Observed maximal and average steady-state concentrations and AUC of vismodegib at steady state (day 8) were similar across cohorts. Average AAG concentrations in patients with hepatic impairment were comparable to those of patients with normal hepatic function.

Conclusions

Hepatic impairment does not appear to impact vismodegib PK, and therefore, dose adjustment is not necessary in this special population. The study was influenced by the high number of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with advanced cirrhosis; rendering it difficult to draw any causal relationships between vismodegib exposure and the serious adverse events.

http://ift.tt/2pYpS12

Ecotoxicological assessment of the impact of fluoride (F − ) and turbidity on the freshwater snail Physella acuta in a polluted river receiving an industrial effluent

Abstract

We carried out field studies and laboratory experiments to assess the impact of fluoride (F⁻) and turbidity on the freshwater snail Physella acuta in a polluted river receiving an industrial effluent (the middle Duraton River, Central Spain). Fluoride concentrations and turbidity levels significantly increased downstream from the industrial effluent (with the highest values being 0.6 mg F⁻/L and 55.2 nephelometric turbidity unit). In addition, higher deposition of fine inorganic matter was evident at polluted sampling sites. Conversely, the abundance of P. acuta significantly declined (until its virtual disappearance) downstream from the industrial effluent. Toxicity bioassays showed that P. acuta is a relatively tolerant invertebrate species to fluoride toxicity, with estimated safe concentrations (expressed as LC_0.10 values for infinite hours of exposure) for juvenile and adult snails being 2.4 and 3.7 mg F⁻/L, respectively. Furthermore, juvenile snails (more sensitive than adult snails) did not show significant alterations in their behavior through 15 days of exposure to 2.6 mg F⁻/L: mean values of the proportion of test snails located on the water surface habitat, as well as mean values of the sliding movement rate (velocity) of test snails, never showed significant differences when comparing control and treatment glass vessels. It is concluded that instream habitat degradation, derived from increased turbidity levels, might be a major cause for significant reductions in the abundance of P. acuta downstream from the industrial effluent. The presence of the competing gastropod Ancylus fluviatilis could also affect negatively the recovery of P. acuta abundance.

http://ift.tt/2rktRci

Effect of calcium bentonite on Zn and Cu mobility and their accumulation in vegetable growth in soil amended with compost during consecutive planting

Abstract

In this study, greenhouse pot experiment was carried out to investigate the Cu and Zn mobility and their accumulations in pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapachinensis L.) growth in Ca-bentonite-pig manure co-compost (CBC)–soil system during three consecutive planting. Five composts (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% Ca-bentonite-pig manure co-composts) amended soil with 5% (w/w) application rate and compared to control without any additive. The results showed that the addition of CBC increased the biomass and chlorophyll content of pakchoi, and the maximum overall yield was found in 7.5% CBC treatment (12.89 ± 0.25 g), while when compared with the 0% CBC (15.89 ± 0.52 g) treatment, the Ca-bentonite amendment slightly decreased the Chinese cabbage yield (14.65 ± 0.11–15.41 ± 1.97 g). Additionally, compared to the 0% CBC treatment (11.81 ± 0.57–25.75 ± 0.89 mg/kg), the Ca-bentonite amendments showed a positive effect on restraining the diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid Zn mobilization (4.43 ± 0.41–12.48 ± 2.54 mg/kg) in pakchoi and Chinese cabbage; beside this, no obvious effect was observed on DTPA-Cu. Furthermore, there were great potential impacts for plant-available Zn in Ca-bentonite amended treatments during the consecutive planting, which decreased the content of Zn in plants. DTPA extraction results showed significantly higher Cu and Zn contents in compost–soil mixture, but its availability for grown plant was not confirmed during the consecutive planting, because of the consecutive decrease heavy metals contents in crops. Overall, the Ca-bentonite could be a useful additive for restricting the heavy metal mobility and increase the pakchoi yield.

http://ift.tt/2pZzrwC

A facile route for preparation of magnetic biomass activated carbon with high performance for removal of dye pollutants

Abstract

A novel and simple method for preparing magnetic biomass activated carbon (BAC) was developed. The BAC was prepared by decomposing fallen leaves, and magnetic nanoparticles were grown in situ on BAC using solvothermal method. The prepared magnetic BAC was characterized with FT-IR, XRD, vibrating sample magnetometer, thermo-gravimetric apparatus, SEM, and high-resolution transmission electron microscope, and results indicate that BAC and magnetic nanoparticles were combined together successfully. To investigate the adsorption ability of the composites, several dyes were selected as sample pollutants, and the sorbent showed high adsorption capacity for the dyes. The solution pH had no significant effect on the adsorption in the range of 5–9. The adsorption behavior of magnetic BAC for dyes followed the Langmuir isotherm model, and the adsorption capacity of congo red, neutral red, and methyl green were 396.8, 171.2, and 403.2 mg/g, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity in natural water showed no obvious decrease, indicating the strong anti-interference ability of the sorbents. The Gibbs free energy calculated from the thermodynamics data was negative, demonstrating that the adsorption of these dyes on the magnetic BAC was spontaneous. The magnetic BAC showed a great potential for the removal of dye pollutants from environment water.

http://ift.tt/2rkrLZQ

Occurrence and fractionation of Cr along the Loushan River affected by a chromium slag heap in East China

Abstract

This study investigated the chromium (Cr) occurrence and distribution along the Loushan River adjacent to a chromium slag heap. The speciation and chemical fractionation of Cr in different environmental media were determined. The potential ecological risks for the surrounding environment were assessed on the basis of both potential ecological risk index (RI) and risk assessment code (RAC). The results show that the surface soil experienced severe Cr contamination with Cr(T) and Cr(VI) values of 3220 ± 6266 and 64 ± 94 mg/kg, respectively, even though the chromium slag heap had already been removed. The chromium slag enhanced the Cr concentration level in the surface soil, water, and sediment samples more than the background level to different extents, which indicates that Cr released from the chromium slag actually affects the surrounding environment. The spatial distribution variety of Cr implies that their transport might have been affected by soil leaking, atmospheric transport, and fluvial hydraulics. The chemical fractionation results demonstrate that the residual fraction was the dominant form, accounting for 54.6 and 66.1% Cr(T) in surface soil and sediment samples, respectively. The content of bioavailable exchangeable Cr fraction correlated with the organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and pH value. The ecological risk assessment suggests no considerable ecological risk toward the biota despite a relatively high Cr(T) level. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to the potential long-term risks owing to the slow release of oxidizable and residual fractions.

http://ift.tt/2pZ3sNn

Two important limitations relating to the spiking of environmental samples with contaminants of emerging concern: How close to the real analyte concentrations are the reported recovered values?

Abstract

Occurrence and effects of contaminants of emerging concern pose a special challenge to environmental scientists. The investigation of these effects requires reliable, valid, and comparable analytical data. To this effect, two critical aspects are raised herein, concerning the limitations of the produced analytical data. The first relates to the inherent difficulty that exists in the analysis of environmental samples, which is related to the lack of knowledge (information), in many cases, of the form(s) of the contaminant in which is present in the sample. Thus, the produced analytical data can only refer to the amount of the free contaminant ignoring the amount in which it may be present in other forms; e.g., as in chelated and conjugated form. The other important aspect refers to the way with which the spiking procedure is generally performed to determine the recovery of the analytical method. Spiking environmental samples, in particular solid samples, with standard solution followed by immediate extraction, as is the common practice, can lead to an overestimation of the recovery. This is so, because no time is given to the system to establish possible equilibria between the solid matter—inorganic and/or organic—and the contaminant. Therefore, the spiking procedure need to be reconsidered by including a study of the extractable amount of the contaminant versus the time elapsed between spiking and the extraction of the sample. This study can become an element of the validation package of the method.

http://ift.tt/2rkc8Se

Analysis of the environmental issues concerning the deployment of an OTEC power plant in Martinique

Abstract

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a form of power generation, which exploits the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater. Suitable conditions for OTEC occur in deep warm seas, especially the Caribbean, the Red Sea and parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The continuous power provided by this renewable power source makes a useful contribution to a renewable energy mix because of the intermittence of the other major renewable power sources, i.e. solar or wind power. Industrial-scale OTEC power plants have simply not been built. However, recent innovations and greater political awareness of power transition to renewable energy sources have strengthened the support for such power plants and, after preliminary studies in the Reunion Island (Indian Ocean), the Martinique Island (West Indies) has been selected for the development of the first full-size OTEC power plant in the world, to be a showcase for testing and demonstration. An OTEC plant, even if the energy produced is cheap, calls for high initial capital investment. However, this technology is of interest mainly in tropical areas where funding is limited. The cost of innovations to create an operational OTEC plant has to be amortized, and this technology remains expensive. This paper will discuss the heuristic, technical and socio-economic limits and consequences of deploying an OTEC plant in Martinique to highlight respectively the impact of the OTEC plant on the environment the impact of the environment on the OTEC plant. After defining OTEC, we will describe the different constraints relating to the setting up of the first operational-scale plant worldwide. This includes the investigations performed (reporting declassified data), the political context and the local acceptance of the project. We will then provide an overview of the processes involved in the OTEC plant and discuss the feasibility of future OTEC installations. We will also list the extensive marine investigations required prior to installation and the dangers of setting up OTEC plants in inappropriate locations.

http://ift.tt/2pZjjLN

The effect of sewage sludge on heavy metal concentrations in wheat plant ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

The use of sewage sludge in agricultural soils can improve soil physical and chemical properties and soil fertility by increasing organic materials; however, the presence of heavy metals in sewage sludge is a significant problem for the quality of agricultural products and the environment. Most heavy metals, due to their inactive nature, are stable and can affect human health. This study investigates the effect of sewage sludge on the concentration of copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, iron, and manganese in two varieties of wheat, i.e., Sivand (Triticum aestivum cv. Sivand) and Roshan (Triticum aestivum cv. Roshan). Results were obtained from a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications and at three levels (0, 60, and 120 kg soil) and were carried out in a research greenhouse. This research concluded that in the treated seed and stem of Sivand variety, concentrations of Zn, Cd, Fe, and Mn were below the standard toxicity limit, and concentrations of Cu and Pb were above the standard limit. In the Roshan variety, the concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Mn were below the standard limit, and Cu concentration was above the standard. The results of this study lead to the recommendation that farmers avoid using sewage sludge in farming, as much as possible. Instead, it is far more appropriately employed as a fertilizer for green space, ornamental trees, and parks, where edible products for human consumption are not grown.

http://ift.tt/2rkMMUa

The effect of multiple contamination of soil on LMW and MMW PAHs accumulation in the roots of Rubus fruticosus L. naturally growing near The Copper Mining and Smelting Complex Bor (East Serbia)

Abstract

Samples of roots and spatial soils of native Rubus fruticosus L. were collected from the spots positioned at different distances from the copper smelter and city heating plants in the industrial zone of the town of Bor (Serbia) and subjected to chemical analyses in order to determine the content of several heavy metals, and 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, the results for 9 low and medium molecular weight PAHs (LMW and MMW PAHs) are represented and processed using the calculation of bio-concentration factors and statistical methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis and Pearson's correlation study with the aim of investigating the plant capabilities for their uptake from the soil and later accumulation into the root tissue, under the hostile circumstances of multiple contamination. The obtained data revealed different accumulation rates for the investigated PAHs and showed that in several cases, the contents of root PAHs were under the strong influence of present contaminants such as soil copper and some soil PAHs, indicating at the same time that R. fruticosus can regulate the processes of LMW and MMW PAHs extraction/accumulation using different mechanisms, depending on the existing environmental circumstances. The used mechanisms could be exploited in phytoremediation methods based not only on the extraction and concentration of PAHs in plant roots but also on PAH degradation or stabilization in the soil. Also, the results of this study confirmed that, except in the case of naphthalene and fluoranthene, there was no PAH pollution, which originated solely from the industrial zone.

http://ift.tt/2pZwlsB

Eco-friendly and cost-effective Ag nanocrystals fabricated using the leaf extract of Habenaria plantaginea : toxicity on six mosquito vectors and four non-target species

Abstract

Recently, the biofabrication of metal nanoparticles has gained wide interest owing to its inherent features such as swift, simplicity, eco-friendliness, and cheaper costs. Different green-reducing agents led to the production of nanoparticles with varying toxicity on insects. In the current study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized using Habenaria plantaginea leaf extract. Ag nanoparticles were studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). H. plantaginea extract and AgNPs were tested for mosquito larvicidal activity on Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, An. subpictus, Ae. albopictus, and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. LC₅₀ values were 102.51, 111.99, 123.47, 123.96, 136.56, 149.42 μg/ml and 12.23, 13.38, 14.78, 14.37, 15.39, 16.89 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, H. plantaginea aqueous extract and AgNPs were tested against the non-target species Anisops bouvieri, Diplonychus indicus, Poecilia reticulata, and Gambusia affinis obtaining LC₅₀ values ranging from 831.82 to 36,212.67 μg/ml. Overall, this study showed the effectiveness of H. plantaginea-fabricated nanoparticles on a wide range of important mosquito vectors, highlighting their scarce toxicity on four natural enemies predating mosquito larvae and pupae.

http://ift.tt/2rkxPl3

One-pot synthesis of lightly doped Zn 1−x Cu x O and Au–Zn 1−x Cu x O with solar light photocatalytic activity in liquid phase

Abstract

We report on the facile and low-temperature one-pot chemical synthesis of lightly doped Zn_1−x Cu_x O and hybrid Au–Zn_1−x Cu_x O photocatalysts with low Cu molar content (0 < x < 0.7%) using 1,3-propanediol polyol simultaneously as solvent, reducing and a stabilizing agent, without any final thermal treatment. The photocatalysts have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption study, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The lightly doped hybrid Au–Zn_1−x Cu_x O photocatalysts consisted in faceted quasi-spherical large-size Au nanoparticle cores surrounded by closely packed small-size Zn_1−x Cu_x O nanoparticles. Taking the photocatalytic degradation of Diuron under solar light as liquid-phase test reaction, the lightly doped Au–Zn_1−x Cu_x O hybrid photocatalysts with optimized x = 0.09% Cu content showed strongly enhanced photocatalytic activity when compared to the bare ZnO counterpart. The observed 16-fold higher degradation rate constant resulted jointly from the light doping of ZnO with Cu to form Zn_1−x Cu_x O photocatalyst and further from the addition of gold nanoparticles allowing interfacial oxide-to-metal electron transfer within the hybrid Au–Zn_1−x Cu_x O photocatalyst.

http://ift.tt/2pZ87P1

Exogenous phosphatidylcholine supplementation retrieve aluminum-induced toxicity in male albino rats

Abstract

This study investigated the ameliorative potential of exogenous phosphatidylcholine (PC) against aluminum-induced toxicity in male albino rats. Four groups of rats were used for this study (N = 8): group I served as the control, group II (PC treated) received l-α-phosphatidylcholine (egg yolk-derived) 100 mg/kg bwt/day orally, group III (aluminum treated) received aluminum chloride 100 mg/kg bwt/day orally, and group VI (aluminum + PC treated) received similar oral dose of aluminum and PC (100 mg/kg bwt/day). Treatment was continued for 8 weeks. Results revealed that aluminum chloride treatment leading to a significant elevation in serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde, serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6), and brain content of acetylcholine, as well as a significant reduction in serum-reduced glutathione, serum testosterone, and brain content of acetylcholinesterase. Moreover, aluminum administration caused significant histopathological alteration in liver, kidney, brain, testes, and epididymis. Co-treatment with exogenous PC resulted in significant improvement in intensity of histopathologic lesions, serum parameters, testosterone level, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative/antioxidative status. However, it does not affect the brain content of acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase. Conclusively, treatment with exogenous PC can retrieve the adverse effect of aluminum toxicities through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

http://ift.tt/2rkrJBc

Mineralocorticoid receptor associates with pro-inflammatory bias in hippocampus of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract

Damage observed in the hippocampus of the adult spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) resembles the neuropathology of mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension, supporting a similar endocrine dysfunction in both entities. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that increased expression of the hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in SHR animals is associated with a prevalent expression of pro-inflammatory over anti-inflammatory factors. For this purpose we measured in hippocampus mRNA expression and immunoreactivity of the MR and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) using qPCR and histochemistry. We also measured the serum-glucocorticoid-activated kinase 1 (Sgk1 mRNA), the number and phenotype of Iba1+ microglia, mRNA expression levels of the proinflammatory factors cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2), Nlrp3 inflammasome and tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα). The expression of anti-inflammatory Tgfβ mRNA and the NADPH-diaphorase activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was also determined. The results showed that in the hippocampus of SHR rats the expression of MR and the number of immunoreactive MR / GR co-expressing cells is increased as compared to the Wistar Kyoto control animals. The expression of Sgk1, Cox2, Nlrp3 and the number of ramified glia cells positive for Iba1+ is increased, while Tgfβ mRNA expression and the NADPH-diaphorase activity of NOS are decreased. We propose that in the SHR hippocampus increased MR expression causes a bias towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype characteristic for hypertensive encephalopathy.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2rxJmde

Additional effects of dietary advanced glycation end products

The excellent review by Smith et al1 makes a convincing case for the contribution of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to the development of food allergy. There is also additional evidence that AGEs may be involved in asthma. Induced sputum levels of the AGE pentosidine are higher in patients with asthma than in those without asthma, and increase with age at a markedly faster rate in patients with asthma than in controls, such that they are higher in young patients with asthma than in old people without asthma.

http://ift.tt/2rxWKxT

Polyfunctionality of bona fide resident lung CD69+ natural killer cells

We read with great interest the recent article from Marquardt et al1 dedicated to the detailed characterization of human lung natural killer (NK) cells. On the basis of the expression of CD69, they nicely distinguished bona fide resident CD69+ from circulating CD69− CD56dim NK cells in a large cohort of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. They have shown that NK cells in the lung are highly differentiated and predominantly circulating ones, which contrasts with lung CD3+ T cells.

http://ift.tt/2qzGCPr

Reply

We thank Hervier et al1 for providing comments on our article2 characterizing natural killer (NK) cells in the human lung. Based on analysis of CD69 expression, our results suggest that most CD56bright NK cells are tissue-resident, whereas most CD56dim NK cells in the lung circulate.2 Our results also indicate that the total lung NK cell population is largely hypofunctional. Hervier et al1 regret the fact that we studied NK cell functionality only as a whole, that is, regardless of the cells' status as tissue-resident (CD69-expressing) or circulating.

http://ift.tt/2rxSwXc

Reply

We thank Dr Miller for his letter1 in response to our recent Rostrum article in the Journal.2 We agree that there is a strong body of literature linking advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the diet and diseases such as atherosclerosis, renal failure, cataracts, and forms of dementia such as Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease.3-5 The focus of our article was to point out that increase in dietary AGEs and sugars (particularly fructose), which leads to the formation of AGEs, appears to have epidemiological associations with the rise of severe food allergy and there are laboratory correlates showing that the activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has pivotal roles in allergic inflammation.

http://ift.tt/2rxWrDj

Extracellular ATP is a key modulator of alveolar bone loss in periodontitis

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 81
Author(s): Itzhak Binderman, Nasir Gadban, Avinoam Yaffe
Periodontal diseases are initiated by pathogenic bacterial biofilm activity that induces a host inflammatory cells immune response, degradation of dento gingival fibrous tissue and its detachment from root cementum. It is well accepted, that osteoclastic alveolar bone loss is governed exclusively through secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that once degradation of collagen fibers by MMPs occurs, a drop of cellular strains cause immediate release of ATP from marginal gingival fibroblasts, cell deformation and influx of Ca+2. Increased extracellular ATP (eATP) by interacting with P2×7 purinoreceptors, present on fibroblasts and osteoblasts, induces generation of receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) that further activates osteoclastic alveolar bone resorption and bone loss. In addition, increased eATP levels may amplify inflammation by promoting leukocyte recruitment and NALP3-inflammasome activation via P2×7. Then, the inflammatory cells secrete cytokines, interleukin IL-1, TNF and RANKL that further trigger alveolar bone resorption. Moreover, eATP can be secreted from periodontal bacteria that may further contribute to inflammation and bone loss in periodontitis. It seems therefore, that eATP is a key modulator that initiates the pathway of alveolar bone resorption and bone loss in patients with periodontal disease. In conclusion, we propose that strain release in gingival fibroblasts aligned on collagen fibers, due to activity of MMP, activates release of ATP that triggers the pathway of alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis. We predict that by controlling the eATP interaction with its cellular purinoreceptors will reduce significantly bone loss in periodontitis.



http://ift.tt/2rxUuXv

Hyperlipidemia is involved in apoptosis in rat submandibular glands

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 81
Author(s): Koichiro Irie, Takaaki Tomofuji, Daisuke Ekuni, Tetsuji Azuma, Toshiki Yoneda, Yoshihiro Shimazaki, Manabu Morita
ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of hyperlipidemia on histological changes and apoptosis in submandibular glands using apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient rats.DesignHistopathological findings related to induced apoptosis in the submandibular glands were compared between apoE-deficient rats (n=6; male; age, 16 weeks) and the corresponding wild-type rats (n=6).ResultsApoE-deficient rats showed significantly higher plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, very LDL and LDL, and lower plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein when compared to control rats (P<0.05). Lipid deposition in the submandibular gland was observed in apoE-deficient rat group and in none of the control group. Significant increases in vacuolization and apoptosis in acinar cells were observed in apoE-deficient rats, as compared to control rats (P<0.05). The number of active caspase-3-positive cells was also higher in the apoE-deficient rat group when compared with the control group (P<0.01).ConclusionsAccording to our results, hyperlipidemia induced apoptosis in apoE-deficient rat submandibular glands. Oxidized LDL generation in case of hyperlipidemia may trigger off a reaction of apoptotic acinar cells with vacuolization in the submandibular glands.



http://ift.tt/2qziDjd

Maintenance of claudin-3 expression and the barrier functions of intercellular junctions in parotid acinar cells via the inhibition of Src signaling

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 81
Author(s): Megumi Yokoyama, Takanori Narita, Hajime Sakurai, Osamu Katsumata-Kato, Hiroshi Sugiya, Junko Fujita-Yoshigaki
ObjectivesSalivary acinar and duct cells show different expression patterns of claudins, which may reflect their different functions. To study the role of claudins in saliva secretion, we examined alterations in the expression patterns of cell adhesion molecules in parotid glands of γ-irradiated rats and analyzed the influence of those changes on intercellular barrier function using primary cultures of parotid acinar cells.DesignRats were γ-irradiated with doses of 5, 15 or 20Gy, and expression levels of cell adhesion molecules were examined by immunoblotting analysis. Acinar cells were isolated from parotid glands and were cultured in the absence or presence of the Src kinase inhibitor PP1. Changes in protein and mRNA expression patterns were determined by immunoblotting and by RT-PCR analyses, respectively. Intercellular barrier function was examined by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance and the paracellular flux of FITC-dextran.ResultsIn irradiated parotid glands, the expression of claudin-4 was enhanced at 15Gy or higher, levels that induce the hyposecretion of saliva, although that increase was transient. At 30days after irradiation, expression levels of cell adhesion molecules were decreased. In primary cultures, the expression of claudin-4 was also increased transiently but the expression of claudin-3 and E-cadherin was decreased. The barrier function of tight junctions was disrupted although the localization of occludin was maintained. The Src kinase inhibitor PP1 suppressed those changes in gene expression and retained the intercellular barrier function.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the inhibition of Src signaling maintains the barrier functions of intercellular junctions in salivary glands, which can be lost due to tissue injury.



http://ift.tt/2rxTLWu

Nominations Open for the Safe-in-Sound Excellence Award

​​The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in collaboration with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), is calling for nominations for the Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award™. The award seeks to recognize notable contributions in hearing loss prevention and innovation to improve hearing health practices at work. Nominations are due on June 2, 2017 for third-party nominations and July 15, 2017 for self-nominations. The awards will be presented at the NHCA Annual Conference on February 16, 2018 in Orlando, FL.

This annual recognition has been conferred since 2009. Nominees are assessed using key performance indicators and a review process designed to evaluate hearing loss prevention programs. In-person assessments will also be done to review the award finalists. The review panel includes internationally-known experts. Individuals and organizations, including business with novel hearing conservation activities, are encouraged to get involved. For more information, visit the award website at www.safeinsound.us

Published: 5/18/2017 2:59:00 PM

http://ift.tt/2rkJIYf

Scarlet Fever

http://otorhinolaryngology-crete.blogspot.com/2017/05/scarlet-fever.html

A 20-year-old man presented to his primary care physician with a 3-day history of swollen tonsils, sore throat, fevers, chills, and rash. The nonpruritic rash had started on his abdomen, spread to his chest and back, and then appeared on his arms, legs, and face. He had no known allergies or exposures to new medications and had no history of similar rash. Examination revealed exudative tonsillitis (Panel A), strawberry tongue, and cervical adenopathy with tenderness. Skin examination revealed diffuse blanching erythema with punctate papules that caused the skin on his chest, abdomen, back, arms, and legs to have a sandpaper-like quality (Panel B shows the left side of his abdomen). His neck and right flank had linear petechial patches. A rapid test for streptococcal pharyngitis was positive. The finding of acute streptococcal pharyngitis along with the diffuse rash led to a diagnosis of scarlet fever. The rash of scarlet fever is a delayed-type hypersensitivity to an exotoxin and therefore occurs in persons who have had a previous exposure to Streptococcus pyogenes. The rash classically manifests with linear petechial confluences that are known as Pastia's lines, which were seen in this patient. The patient was treated with antibiotic agents and had complete resolution of his symptoms within 3 days.

Alyson Brinker, M.D.

Navy Hospital Guam, Yigo, Guam 

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

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Antioxidant peroxiredoxin 3 expression is regulated by 17beta-estradiol in rat white adipose tissue

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Marco Bauza-Thorbrügge, M. Bel Galmés-Pascual, Miquel Sbert-Roig, J. Francisco García-Palmer, Magdalena Gianotti, M. Ana Proenza, Isabel Lladó
Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) plays a role as a regulator of the adipocyte mitochondrial function due to its antioxidant activity. We have previously reported the existence of a sexual dimorphism in the mitochondrial oxidative stress status of many rat tissues such as white (WAT) and brown (BAT) adipose tissues. The aim was to elucidate whether sex hormones may play a role in PRX3 expression in the adipose tissues of rats. In in vivo experiments, male and female standard diet fed rats, high fat diet (HFD) fed rats and rosiglitazone-supplemented HFD (HDF+Rsg) fed rats, as well as ovariectomized (OVX) and 17beta-estradiol-supplemented OVX (OVX+E2) female rats were used. 3T3-L1 adipocytes and brown adipocyte primary culture were used to study the roles of both E2 and testosterone in in vitro experiments. PRX3 levels were greater in the WAT of female rats than in males. This sexual dimorphism disappeared by HFD feeding but was magnified with Rsg supplementation. PRX3 sexual dimorphism was not observed in BAT, and neither HFD nor ovariectomy modified PRX3 levels. Rsg increased Prx3 expression in the BAT of both sexes. In vitro studies supported the results obtained in vivo and confirmed the contribution of E2 to sex differences in WAT Prx3 expression. Finally, we reported an E2 upregulation of both PRX3 and thioredoxin 2 (TRX2) in WAT but not in BAT that could play a key role in the sex dimorphism reported in the antioxidant defence of WAT in order to palliate the detrimental effect of the oxidative stress.



http://ift.tt/2qYuhW0

Role of GPER in the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Natalie C. Fredette, Matthias R. Meyer, Eric R. Prossnitz
Estrogens are potent regulators of vascular tone, yet underlying receptor- and ligand-specific signaling pathways remain poorly characterized. The primary physiological estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2), a non-selective agonist of classical nuclear estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) as well as the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), stimulates formation of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cells. Here, we studied the contribution of GPER signaling in E2-dependent activation of endothelial NO formation and subsequent vasodilation. Employing E2 and the GPER-selective agonist G-1, we investigated eNOS phosphorylation and NO formation in human endothelial cells, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the aortae of wild-type and Gper-deficient mice. Both E2 and G-1 induced phosphorylation of eNOS at the activation site Ser1177 to similar extents. Endothelial NO production to E2 was comparable to that of G-1, and was substantially reduced after pharmacological inhibition of GPER. Similarly, the clinically used ER-targeting drugs 4OH-tamoxifen, raloxifene, and ICI182,780 (faslodex, fulvestrant™) induced NO formation in part via GPER. We identified c-Src, EGFR, PI3K and ERK signaling pathways to be involved in GPER-dependent NO formation. In line with activation of NO formation in cells, E2 and G-1 induced equally potent vasodilation in the aorta of wild-type mice. Gper deletion completely abrogated the vasodilator response to G-1, while reducing the response to E2 by ∼50%. These findings indicate that a substantial portion of E2-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation and NO formation is mediated by GPER. Thus, selective targeting of vascular GPER may be a suitable approach to activate the endothelial NO pathway, possibly leading to reduced vascular tone and inhibition of atherosclerotic vascular disease.



http://ift.tt/2rxxLvA

Estrogen Receptor-α36 is Involved in Icaritin Induced Growth Inhibition of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Xue Wang, Nan Zheng, Jing Dong, Xuming Wang, Lijiang Liu, Jian Huang
A sub-class of ER-negative breast cancer that is negative for ER, PR and HER2 expression known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly malignant and lacks effective treatment. Recently, it has been reported that an isoform of estrogen receptor-alpha ER-α36 is expressed and plays a critical role in development of TNBC. ER-α36 forms a positive regulatory loop with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which promotes malignant growth of TNBC cells. Thus, ER-α36 has been proposed as an important target for development of novel drugs for TNBC. In this study, we evaluated the effects of icaritin, a prenylflavonoid derivant purified from Epimedium Genus, on growth of TNBC cells and examined the possible underlying mechanisms. Our study demonstrated that icartin decreased both ER-α36 and EGFR protein expression, and induced apoptosis in TNBC MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells. We also found that icaritin inhibited ER-α36-mediated MAPK/ERK pathway and cyclin D1 induction by estrogen. Our results thus indicated that icaritin has a potential to be developed into a novel therapeutic agent for human TNBC.

Graphical abstract

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Panobinostat Enhances Growth Suppressive Effects of Progestin on Endometrial Carcinoma by Increasing Progesterone Receptor and Mitogen-Inducible Gene-6

Abstract

Although progestin has been used to treat endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma (EC), its therapeutic efficacy is limited. In order to improve this, the underlining mechanisms of the effects of progestin need to be elucidated in more detail. In the present study, we examined the involvement of mitogen-inducible gene-6 (MIG6), a negative regulator of the EGF receptor, in the progestin-mediated growth suppression of endometrial epithelia. The immunohistochemical expression of MIG6 was elevated in the early to mid-secretory phases of normal endometrium and also with endometrial hyperplasia after medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) therapy. The addition of progesterone (P4) to progesterone receptor (PR)-positive EC cells reduced the viability and induced MIG6 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression. The silencing of MIG6 using siRNA eliminated the P4-mediated reduction of EC cell viability, indicating that MIG6 is an essential downstream component of PR-mediated growth suppression. In order to enhance PR-driven signals, we examined the effects of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors because histone acetylation has been shown to increase the expression of PR. The addition of three HDAC inhibitors (panobinostat, LBH589; trichostatin A, TSA; suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, SAHA) decreased the viability of EC cells and up-regulated the expression of PR and MIG6, and these effects were the strongest with LBH589. The addition of LBH589 and MPA synergistically decreased the viability and increased apoptosis in EC cells. These results indicate that LBH589 has potential as an enhancer of progestin therapy via the up-regulation of PR and MIG6.

http://ift.tt/2rxyhtk

Allergic respiratory disease (ARD), setting forth the basics: proposals of an expert consensus report

The variability of symptoms observed in patients with respiratory allergy often hampers classification based on the criteria proposed in guidelines on rhinitis and asthma.

http://ift.tt/2pZsZG2

American Board of Dermatology Examination Dates

http://ift.tt/2pZDPff

Allergic respiratory disease (ARD), setting forth the basics: proposals of an expert consensus report

The variability of symptoms observed in patients with respiratory allergy often hampers classification based on the criteria proposed in guidelines on rhinitis and asthma.

http://ift.tt/2pZsZG2

Cancer incidence in the Western Australian mining industry (1996–2013)

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 49
Author(s): Nita Sodhi-Berry, Alison Reid, Lin Fritschi, AW (Bill) Musk, Roel Vermeulen, Nicholas de Klerk, Susan Peters
BackgroundMiners are frequently exposed to established and potential carcinogens. We aimed to assess cancer incidence in miners relative to the general population and identify high-risk subgroups.MethodsIncident cancers in Western Australian miners (n=153,922; 86% male) during 1996–2013 were identified. Indirectly standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated and mixed-effects Poisson models were used to calculate Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) to identify high-risk within-cohort subgroups.ResultsCompared with the general population, the overall cancer incidence in miners (n=4194 cases) was lower for both females (SIR:0.83, 95%CI:0.74–0.92) and males (SIR:0.96, 95%CI:0.93–0.99). Overall, cancer incidence did not differ by employment duration or employment commencement time. Ever-underground work was associated with lung cancer (IRR:1.81, 95%CI:1.11–2.93). Relative to multi-ore miners, IRRs for specific cancers were significantly different when exclusively mining: iron (prostate:0.73, 95%CI:0.56–0.94); gold (lung:1.77, 95%CI:1.04–3.01 and colorectum:1.70, 95%CI:1.16–2.51); and other metals (urinary tract:1.85, 95%CI:1.03–3.31 and leukaemia:0.36, 95%CI:0.14–0.96).ConclusionWorking underground emerged as a significant determinant of lung cancer risk in our contemporary mining cohort. Increased risks of lung, prostate, colorectal and urinary tract cancers and leukaemia were identified in miners of specific ores. These findings underline the importance of continued surveillance of the health and exposures of this relatively young cohort of miners.



http://ift.tt/2pZagKS

Modelling lung cancer mortality rates from smoking prevalence: Fill in the gap

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 49
Author(s): Juan Carlos Martín-Sánchez, Usama Bilal, Ramon Clèries, Cristina Lidón-Moyano, Marcela Fu, Luís González-de Paz, Manuel Franco, Esteve Fernandez, Jose M. Martínez-Sánchez
BackgroundThe objective of this study is to estimate the gap between smoking prevalence and lung cancer mortality and provide predictions of lung cancer mortality based on previous smoking prevalence.Materials and methodsWe used data from the Spanish National Health Surveys (2003, 2006 and 2011) to obtain information about tobacco use and data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute to obtain cancer mortality rates from 1980 to 2013. We calculated the cross-correlation among the historical series of smoking prevalence and lung cancer mortality rate (LCMR) to estimate the most likely time gap between both series. We also predicted the magnitude and timing of the LCMR peak.ResultsAll cross-correlations were statistically significant and positive (all above 0.8). For men, the most likely gap ranges from 20 to 34 years. The age-adjusted LCMR increased by 3.2 deaths per 100,000 people for every 1 unit increase in the smoking prevalence 29 years earlier. The highest rate for men was observed in 1995 (55.6 deaths). For women, the most likely gap ranges from 10 to 37 years. The age-adjusted LCMR increased by 0.28 deaths per 100,000 people for every 1 unit increase in the smoking prevalence 32 years earlier. The maximum rate is expected to occur in 2026 (10.3 deaths).ConclusionThe time series of prevalence of tobacco smoking explains the mortality from lung cancer with a distance (or gap) of around 30 years. According to the lagged smoking prevalence, the lung cancer mortality among men is declining while in women continues to rise (maximum expected in 2026).



http://ift.tt/2rklayp

The association of lifetime physical inactivity with bladder and renal cancer risk: A hospital-based case-control analysis

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 49
Author(s): Rikki Cannioto, John Lewis Etter, Lauren Beryl Guterman, Janine M. Joseph, Nicholas R. Gulati, Kristina L. Schmitt, Michael J. LaMonte, Ryan Nagy, Albina Minlikeeva, James Brian Szender, Kirsten B. Moysich
ObjectivesRecreational physical inactivity has been gaining recognition as an independent epidemiological exposure of interest in relation to cancer endpoints due to evidence suggesting that it may associate with cancer independent of obesity. In the current analyses, we examined the associations of lifetime recreational physical inactivity with renal and bladder cancer risk.MethodsIn this hospital-based case-control study, we identified N=160 renal cancer patients, N=208 bladder cancer patients, and N=766 age frequency-matched controls without cancer. Participants self-reporting never participating in any regular/weekly recreational physical activity throughout their lifetime were classified as physically inactive. Utilizing unconditional multivariable logistic regression analyses, we estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to represent the associations between lifetime physical inactivity and renal and bladder cancer risk.ResultsIn multivariable logistic regression models, we observed significant positive associations between lifetime recreational physical inactivity and renal cancer and bladder cancer risk: odds ratio=1.77 (95% CI: 1.10–2.85) and odds ratio=1.73 (95% CI: 1.13–2.63), respectively. Similar associations also persisted among individuals who were not obese for both renal and bladder cancer: odds ratio=1.75 (95% CI: 1.03–2.98) and odds ratio=1.70 (95% CI: 1.08–2.69), respectively.ConclusionsIn this case-control study, we observed evidence of a positive association between renal and bladder cancer with lifetime recreational physical inactivity. These data add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that physical inactivity may be an important independent risk factor for cancer. However, additional studies using a larger sample and prospectively collected data are needed to substantiate the current findings.



http://ift.tt/2pZ9ayy

Therapie der akuten lymphatischen Leukämie des Erwachsenen

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Die akute lymphatische Leukämie (ALL) ist die häufigste maligne Erkrankung im Kindesalter und hat an den akuten Leukämien des Erwachsenenalters einen Anteil von etwa 20 %.

Ergebnisse

In den vergangenen Jahrzehnten wurden bezüglich der Charakterisierung der ALL und der Optimierung ihrer Therapie wesentliche Fortschritte erzielt. Es wurden biologische Subgruppen und Risikogruppen mit unterschiedlichem klinischem Verlauf identifiziert. Auf der Zuordnung zu diesen Untergruppen basieren aktuelle, individualisierte risikoadaptierte Therapieprotokolle. Etwa 90% der erwachsenen ALL-Patienten erreichen nun eine komplette Remission, und die Heilungschancen erhöhten sich in den vergangenen 30 Jahren von unter 10 % auf über 50 %.

Schlussfolgerungen

Wesentlich für die Verbesserung der Therapieergebnisse waren eine Optimierung der Chemotherapie und Supportivbehandlung, die Integration der Stammzelltransplantation in die Erstlinienbehandlung, individualisierte Therapiemodifikationen unter Berücksichtigung der minimalen Resterkrankung und zielgerichtete Therapien wie der Einsatz von Tyrosinkinaseinhibitoren bei der Ph/BCR-ABL-positiven ALL (Ph: Philadelphia-Chromosom, BCR: „breakpoint cluster region", ABL: „Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1").

http://ift.tt/2rxJhHx

Patterns of Initial Recurrence in Completely Resected Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2qCG0X8

Keeping the Voice Fit in the Group Fitness Industry: A Qualitative Study to Determine What Instructors Want in a Voice Education Program

This study aimed to provide a descriptive summary of (1) group fitness instructors' (GFIs') experiences of occupational voice use and education, and (2) the content and mode of delivery desired by GFIs in an education and training program.

http://ift.tt/2qYc22Q

Inspiratory Phonation in Baby Voice

This study aimed to evaluate the developmental occurrence of inspiratory phonations (IPs) in the spontaneous cries of healthy infants across the first 10 weeks of life.

http://ift.tt/2rxjizQ

Patterns of Initial Recurrence in Completely Resected Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2qCG0X8

Acoustic Perturbation Measures Improve with Increasing Vocal Intensity in Individuals With and Without Voice Disorders

In vocally healthy children and adults, speaking voice loudness differences can significantly confound acoustic perturbation measurements. This study examines the effects of voice sound pressure level (SPL) on jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) in adults with voice disorders and a control group with normal vocal status.

http://ift.tt/2qYbhXx

Resonance Tube Phonation in Water—the Effect of Tube Diameter and Water Depth on Back Pressure and Bubble Characteristics at Different Airflows

Resonance tube phonation with tube end in water is a voice therapy method in which the patient phonates through a glass tube, keeping the free end of the tube submerged in water, creating bubbles. The purpose of this experimental study was to determine flow-pressure relationship, flow thresholds between bubble types, and bubble frequency as a function of flow and back volume.

http://ift.tt/2rxA6qr

Management of Treatment-Related Adverse Events with Agents Targeting the MAPK Pathway in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma

This review provides an overview of the adverse events associated with BRAFi and MEKi in melanoma, with a focus on the most commonly reported and serious adverse events, and offers practical guidance from a clinical perspective for optimal management.

http://ift.tt/2rxGexU

p16, HPV, and Cetuximab: What Is the Evidence?

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It has recently been appreciated that human papillomavirus (HPV) status (or p16 status, which is a frequently used surrogate for HPV status) is prognostic for oropharyngeal SCCHN. Here, we review and contextualize existing p16 and HPV data, focusing on the cetuximab registration trials in previously untreated, locoregionally advanced, nonmetastatic SCCHN (LA SCCHN) and in recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN (R/M SCCHN): the IMCL-9815 and EXTREME clinical trials, respectively. Taken together, the available data suggest that, while p16 and HPV are prognostic biomarkers in patients with LA SCCHN and R/M SCCHN, it could not be shown that they are predictive for the outcomes of the described cetuximab-containing trial regimens. Consequently, although HPV status provides prognostic information, it is not shown to predict therapy response, and so is not helpful for assigning first-line therapy in patients with SCCHN. In addition, we discuss assays currently used to assess p16 and HPV status, as well as the differentiation between these two biomarkers. Ultimately, we believe HPV E6/E7 polymerase chain reaction–based mRNA testing may represent the most informative technique for assessing HPV status in patients with SCCHN. While p16 is a valid surrogate for HPV status in oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC), there is a higher risk of discordance between p16 and HPV status in non-OPC SCCHN. Collectively, these discussions hold key implications for the clinical management of SCCHN. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–12

Implications for Practice.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) status (or its commonly utilized surrogate p16) is a known prognostic biomarker in oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We evaluated implications of the available evidence, including cetuximab registration trials in previously untreated locoregionally advanced (LA) SCCHN and recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) SCCHN. We conclude that, although p16 and HPV are prognostic biomarkers for both LA and R/M SCCHN, they have not been shown to be predictive of response to the described cetuximab-containing regimens for either indication. Thus, current evidence suggests that benefits of cetuximab are observed in both p16-/HPV-positive and -negative SCCHN.

http://ift.tt/2qzi35a

Efficacy of Trabectedin in Patients With Advanced Translocation-Related Sarcomas: Pooled Analysis of Two Phase II Studies

Background.

Trabectedin is reported as effective, especially against translocation-related sarcomas (TRSs) after failure of or intolerance to standard chemotherapy. We conducted two phase II studies of TRS, confirming high efficacy of 1.2 mg/m² trabectedin. The updated data of 66 patients in these studies was integrated to evaluate the efficacy of trabectedin against each histological subtype, and analyze final overall survival (OS).

Methods.

Trabectedin was administered on day one of a 21-day cycle. Efficacy was assessed using progression-free survival (PFS), OS, and best overall response. An analysis of OS and PFS was performed for subgroups divided by baseline lymphocyte count (<1,000/μL, ≥1,000/μL) or number of previous chemotherapy regimens (0, 1, 2, ≥3 regimens), and a Weibull parametric model was used to estimate the numerical relationship between lymphocyte count and PFS and OS.

Results.

Median PFS and OS in overall patients were 5.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.1–7.3) and 17.5 months (95% CI: 12.6–23.6), respectively. PFS in the myxoid and round-cell liposarcoma (MRCL) group (7.4 months [95% CI: 5.6–11.1]) was longer than in the other subtypes. The response rate was also highest in the MRCL group. Median OS was longer in patients with baseline lymphocyte counts ≥1,000/μL than in those with counts of <1,000/μL, but median PFS was not different between the two subgroups.

Conclusion.

Our updated and pooled data showed that trabectedin exerted prolonged disease control and antitumor effects in patients with advanced TRS, especially in MRCL. We consider that the subgroup analyses also provide important information for trabectedin treatment in patients with TRS. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–10

Implications for practice.

The progression-free survival (PFS) for the integrated data of 66 patients with translocation-related sarcomas (TRSs) in two phase II studies of trabectedin 1.2 mg/m² was 5.6 months (95% confidence interval: 4.1–7.3). PFS and response rate in myxoid/round-cell liposarcoma was longer than that of other subtypes. The overall survival (OS) in all TRS subtypes was similar to previous data of TRS patients. In subgroup analysis, the patients with baseline lymphocyte count ≥1,000/μL exhibited better OS, although PFS was not different by baseline lymphocyte count. Our data are considered important information for trabectedin treatment in TRS patients.

http://ift.tt/2rxI9CB

Understanding the common themes and diverse roles of the second extracellular loop (ECL2) of the GPCR super-family

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Volume 449
Author(s): Michael J. Woolley, Alex C. Conner
The extracellular loops (ECLs) of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can bind directly to docked orthosteric or allosteric ligands, they can contain transient contact points for ligand entry into the transmembrane (TM) bundle and they can regulate the activation of the receptor signalling pathways. Of the three ECLs, ECL2 is the largest and most structurally diverse reflecting its functional importance. This has been shown through biochemical techniques and has been supported by the many subsequent crystal structures of GPCRs bound to both agonists and antagonists. ECL2 shares common structural features between (and sometimes across) receptor sub-families and can facilitate ligand entry to the TM core or act directly as a surface of the ligand-binding pocket. Structural similarities seem to underpin common binding mechanisms; however, where these exist, variations in primary sequence ensure ligand-binding specificity. This review will compare current understanding of the structural themes and main functional roles of ECL2 in ligand binding, activation and regulation of the major families of GPCRs.



http://ift.tt/2pQWSfQ

Mathematical modeling of gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Volume 449
Author(s): Amitesh Pratap, Kathryn L. Garner, Margaritis Voliotis, Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, Craig A. McArdle
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acts via G-protein coupled receptors on pituitary gonadotropes to control reproduction. These are Gq-coupled receptors that mediate acute effects of GnRH on the exocytotic secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as the chronic regulation of their synthesis. GnRH is secreted in short pulses and GnRH effects on its target cells are dependent upon the dynamics of these pulses. Here we overview GnRH receptors and their signaling network, placing emphasis on pulsatile signaling, and how mechanistic mathematical models and an information theoretic approach have helped further this field.



http://ift.tt/2qCW0s7

Pleiotropic GPCR signaling in health and disease

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Volume 449
Author(s): Aylin C. Hanyaloglu, Dimitris K. Grammatopoulos




http://ift.tt/2pR2vdS

Gq and Gs signaling acting in synergy to control GLP-1 secretion

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Volume 449
Author(s): Maria Hauge, Jeppe Pio Ekberg, Maja Storm Engelstoft, Pascal Timshel, Andreas N. Madsen, Thue W. Schwartz
GPR40 is generally known to signal through Gq. However, in transfected cells, certain synthetic agonists can make the receptor signal also through Gs and cAMP (Hauge et al., 2015).Here we find that, in colonic crypt cultures, the GLP-1 secretion induced by such Gq + Gs GPR40 agonists is indeed inhibited by blockers of both Gq and Gs and is eliminated by combining these. This in contrast to Gq-only GPR40 agonists which only are affected by the Gq inhibitor. Importantly, Gq-only GPR40 agonists in combination with low doses of selective synthetic agonists for Gs coupled receptors, e.g. GPR119 and TGR5 provide more than additive GLP-1 secretion both ex vivo and in vivo in mice.It is concluded that under physiological circumstances triglyceride metabolites, i.e. long chain fatty acids and 2-monoacyl glycerol plus bile acids, act synergistically through their respective receptors, GPR40, GPR119 and TGR5 to stimulate GLP-1 secretion robustly by combining Gq and Gs signaling pathways.



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Patterns of Recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding to Diagnostic Radiology Departments

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Ana M. Franceschi, Andrew B. Rosenkrantz
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for diagnostic radiology departments at US medical schools.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study did not use private identifiable information and thus did not constitute human subjects research. The public NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditure and Results system was used to extract information regarding 887 NIH awards in 2015 to departments of "Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology." Internet searches were conducted to identify each primary investigator (PI)'s university web page, which was used to identify the PI's departmental affiliation, gender, degree, and academic rank. A total of 649 awards to diagnostic radiology departments, based on these web searches, were included; awards to radiation oncology departments were excluded. Characteristics were summarized descriptively.ResultsA total of 61 unique institutions received awards. The top five funded institutions represented 33.6% of all funding. The most common institutes administering these awards were the National Cancer Institute (29.0%) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (21.6%). Women received 15.9% of awards and 13.3% of funding, with average funding per award of $353,512 compared to $434,572 for men. PhDs received 77.7% of all awards, with average funding per award of $457,413 compared to $505,516 for MDs. Full professors received 51.2% of awards (average funding per award of $532,668), compared to assistant professors who received 18.4% of awards ($260,177). Average funding was $499,859 for multiple-PI awards vs. $397,932 for single-PI awards. Common spending categories included "neurosciences," "cancer," "prevention," and "aging."ConclusionsNIH funding for diagnostic radiology departments has largely been awarded to senior-ranking male PhD investigators, commonly at large major academic medical centers. Initiatives are warranted to address such disparities and promote greater diversity in NIH funding among diagnostic radiology investigators.



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Passing the Baton

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): N. Reed Dunnick




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Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma and Collecting Duct Carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Jonathan R. Young, Jocelyn A. Young, Daniel J.A. Margolis, Steven Sauk, James Sayre, Allan J. Pantuck, Steven S. Raman
Rationale and ObjectivesTo investigate whether imaging features on multiphasic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can help discriminate sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) from other solid renal masses.Materials and MethodsWith institutional review board approval for this HIPAA-compliant study, we derived a cohort of 7 sarcomatoid RCCs, 4 CDCs, 165 clear cell RCCs, 56 papillary RCCs, 22 chromophobe RCCs, 49 oncocytomas, and 16 lipid-poor angiomyolipomas with preoperative multiphasic MDCT with up to four phases (unenhanced, corticomedullary, nephrographic, and excretory). Each lesion was reviewed for contour, spread pattern, pattern of enhancement, neovascularity, and calcification.ResultsSarcomatoid RCCs and CDCs were more likely than other solid renal masses to have an irregular contour (64% vs 2%, P < 0.001) and an infiltrative spread pattern, defined as infiltration into adjacent renal parenchyma, collecting system, or neighboring structures (82% vs 7%, P < 0.001). When used to discriminate sarcomatoid RCC and CDC from other solid renal masses, an infiltrative spread pattern had a specificity of 93% (287/308) and sensitivity of 82% (9/11), and an irregular contour had a specificity of 98% (303/308) and sensitivity of 64% (7/11).ConclusionsSolid renal lesions with an irregular contour or an infiltrative spread pattern are suspicious for sarcomatoid RCC or CDC.



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The Radiologist in the Crypt

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Katherine van Schaik, Ronald Eisenberg, Jelena Bekvalac, Frank Rühli
Rationale and ObjectivesOur study provides a critical assessment of osteological and radiological techniques in the analysis of bioarchaeological samples for evidence of pathology. Teams of physicians, anthropologists, historians, and archaeologists have used these methods to provide a clearer picture of health and disease burden in the past. Of relevance for clinicians, these efforts have led to a reconsideration of the physiology and epidemiology of contemporary disease.Materials and MethodsWe examined 213 18th- to 19th-century adult skeletons from the crypt of St. Bride's Church in London using two methods of skeletal analysis (osteological and radiological). All available bones were examined by an osteologist. Radiographs of the crania, humeri, pelvises, femora, and tibiae were examined by a radiologist. Identified lesions were grouped into nine standard categories used in an osteological examination, and statistical analysis was completed.ResultsAmong lesion categories, and between lesion categories and age, correlations were weaker among the radiologically analyzed data than among data evaluated osteologically. Correlations between age at death and total number of lesions identified were nearly identical, regardless of the method of lesion identification.ConclusionsAlthough osteological analysis seemed more sensitive in identifying infectious and neoplastic lesions, radiological analysis often provided a clearer illustration of the extent of these conditions, especially when the lesion involved a large area (eg, osteoporosis or Paget disease). Radiological analysis suggested that, as they age, men accumulate skeletal lesions more rapidly than women. Using bioarchaeological data, our study suggests the potential that radiological analysis might have in the establishment of general baseline levels of ill health in both past and present populations.



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Erratum to “Creation and Validation of a Simulator for Neonatal Brain Ultrasonography: A Pilot Study”

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Andy Tsai, Carol E. Barnewolt, Sanjay P. Prabhu, Reimi Yonekura, Andrew Hosmer, Noah E. Schulz, Peter H. Weinstock




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Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Trends and Their Relationship with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in United States Adolescents, 1999–2014

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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"Stomatologiia (Mosk)"[jour]; +16 new citations

16 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Stomatologiia (Mosk)"[jour]

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PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

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Ternary graph as a questionnaire: a new approach to assessment of quality of life?

This study was prompted by awareness of the importance of research into quality of life (QoL) for patients with diseases of the head and neck, the important part questionnaires currently play in this field, and awareness of the "questionnaire fatigue" experienced by many patients. Our multidisciplinary research group raised coincidental awareness of the widespread use of ternary graphs in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities as a graphical tool for quantitative, semiquantitative, or purely graphical characteristics of ternary mixtures.

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Laser additive processing of a functionally graded internal fracture fixation plate

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): D.D. Lima, S.A. Mantri, C.V. Mikler, R. Contieri, C.J. Yannetta, K.N. Campo, E.S. Lopes, M.J. Styles, T. Borkar, R. Caram, R. Banerjee
Although bone fracture fixation implants are crucial for fracture site stability, undesirable stress shielding will be problematic if stiffness mismatch between the bone and the fracture fixation implant is significant. Thus, the need for fracture fixation implant design that provides sufficient stability at the fracture site to avoid potential stress shielding that may be associated with modulus mismatch is paramount. This potential issue can be addressed efficiently by fabricating stiffness-graded (compositionally graded) titanium alloys with low elastic modulus (or stiffness) at the ends, comparable to the bone modulus; and higher elastic modulus at the center, close to the site of the fracture. Additive manufacturing processes such as laser engineered net shaping (LENS™), a near-net shape processing technology, has the potential to fabricate functionally graded biomedical implants. This study focuses on the development of a novel LENS™ deposited, compositionally and functionally graded Ti-based metallic plate for potential bone fixation. The gradation has been achieved between a low modulus Ti-35Nb-15Zr (wt%) alloy and the higher modulus, commercially pure Ti near the center of the plate. Site-specific microstructure and mechanical properties along the compositional gradient are presented.

Graphical abstract

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Rapid spark plasma sintering to produce dense UHTCs reinforced with undamaged carbon fibres

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): L. Zoli, A. Vinci, L. Silvestroni, D. Sciti, M. Reece, S. Grasso
Short fibre reinforced ceramic composites, based on ZrB2 with a carbon fibre content of 45vol%, were produced by ball-milling and rapid Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) at 1800–2300°C by varying the holding times. Careful control of the sintering parameters, such as the heating rate, dwell temperature and holding time are required to produce a fully dense matrix and avoid fibre degradation. The sintered materials were characterized in terms of relative density, morphology of the fibres and microstructural features of the matrix. The final residual porosity ranged from 16 to 3vol%. The carbon fibres maintained their original morphology and the matrix consisted of ZrB2, SiC and ZrC phases. In spite of the good adhesion between the fibre surface and the matrix promoted by SPS processing, extensive fibre pull-out was observed in the fracture surfaces of all of the composites sintered at or below 1900°C.

Graphical abstract

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Pilates instruction affects stability and muscle recruitment during the long stretch exercise

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Alessandra Fayh Paulitsch, Guilherme Auler Brodt, Catiane Souza, Jefferson Fagundes Loss
PurposeTo examine pelvic stability with and without instruction regarding the voluntary recruitment of the 'powerhouse' muscles during a long stretch exercise on the Pilates Reformer.ScopeEvaluation of the muscle activity and pelvic stability during a Pilates exercise of 12 physically active volunteers. Volunteers performed five repetitions of the long stretch in sets of two, one with and one without instruction regarding the voluntary recruitment of the powerhouse muscles. Electromyography of the external oblique (EO), multifidus (MU), gluteus maximus (GM) and adductor longus (AL) muscles and pelvic angle stability were recorded.ConclusionWhen asked to perform the exercise with instruction regarding the voluntary recruitment of the powerhouse muscles, all muscles were more activated, with the exception of the EO. In the voluntary recruitment situation, lumbopelvic stability, as measured by the coefficient of variation of the pelvic angle, was higher than in instances without instruction. Lumbopelvic stability undergoes changes with and without instruction regarding the voluntary recruitment of the powerhouse muscles when the long stretch exercise is performed on a Reformer.



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Patients with motor conversion disorder use early developmental motor patterns

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Iftah Biran, Yona Shahar Levy
Objective– To assess psychological factors of individuals suffering from conversion disorder/Functional Neurological Disorder (CD/FND) as observed through their motor behavior.Methods– We analyzed the psychomotor behavior of 6 patients (all male, average age – 52.8 years) with CD/FND in a specialized clinic using a binary motor - psychological developmental paradigm (Emotorics - Emotive Body Movement Mind Paradigm [Emotorics-EBMMP]).ResultsAll patients showed dominance of an early developmental prototype (P0) characterized by flexed postures resembling the infant held by his caregivers and relative paucity of a more developed prototype (P1) characterized by erect position typical for a face to face interaction.ConclusionsThe P0 preponderance suggests impingement on the core self and regression to/or fixation in an early developmental stage.



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The immediate effect of osteopathic cervical spine mobilization on median nerve mechanosensitivity: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Gary Whelana, Ross Johnston, Charles Millward, Darren J. Edwards
BackgroundNeurodynamics is a clinical medium for testing the mechanical sensitivity of peripheral nerves which innervate the tissues of both the upper and lower limb. Currently, there is paucity in the literature of neurodynamic testing in osteopathic research, and where there is research, these are often methodologically flawed, without the appropriate comparators, blinding and reliability testing.AimsThis study aimed to assess the physiological effects (measured through Range of Motion; ROM), of a commonly utilized cervical mobilization treatment during a neurodynamic test, with the appropriate methodology, i.e., compared against a control and sham. Specifically, this was to test whether cervical mobilization could reduce upper limb neural mechanical sensitivity.MethodologyThirty asymptomatic participants were assessed and randomly allocated to either a control, sham or mobilization group, where they were all given a neurodynamic test and ROM was assessed.ResultsThe results showed that the mobilization group had the greatest and most significant increase in ROM with Change-Left p < 0.05 and Change-Right p < 0.05 compared against the control group, and Change-Left p <0.01 and Change-Right p< 0.05 compared against the sham group.ConclusionsThis study has highlighted that, as expected, cervical mobilization has an effect at reducing upper limb neural mechanical sensitivity. However, there may be other factors interacting with neural mechanosensitivity outside of somatic influences such as psychological expectation bias. Further research could utilize the methodology employed here, but with other treatment areas to help develop neural tissue research. In addition to this, further exploration of psychological factors should be made such as utilizing complex top-down cognitive processing theories such as the neuromatrix or categorization theories to help further understand cognitive biases such as the placebo effect, which is commonly ignored in osteopathic research, as well as other areas of science, and which would further complete a holistic perspective.



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A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – June 2017

Publication date: Available online 17 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Jan Dommerholt, Li-Wei Chou, Michelle Finnegan, Todd Hooks
We would like to welcome Dr. Li-Wei Chou, MD, PhD as our newly appointed contributing author. Dr. Chou is Assistant Professor at China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan and he has an impressive publication record with many research studies and book chapters. The current overview includes several articles comparing dry needling (DN) to acupuncture with sharply contrasting points of view. Several basic studies shed further light on the nature of myofascial pain, myalgia, fascia and examination techniques, such as sonoelastography. Neuroimaging studies demonstrated microstructural abnormalities in brain gray matter of chronic myofascial pain patients, which is an important new finding. As usual, many manual TrP papers and DN papers were published in the past several months.



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Prevalence of myofascial pain syndrome in patients with incurable cancer

Publication date: Available online 17 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Hiroto IshikiMDJunya KinkawaMScAya WatanabeMScChie WatanabeMATsukuru ChibaMDHiroki YasuiMDNaoki ShimadaMD Ph.DKeisuke AriyoshiMScMasanori NojimaMD Ph.DSatoru IwaseMD Ph.DArinobu TojoMD Ph.DKohzoh ImaiMD Ph.D
BackgroundMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a condition that involves skeletal muscles. It is caused by overload or disuse of muscles and is characterized by extreme tenderness in the muscles with taut bands. Treatment for MPS is different from that for cancer-related pain. Cancer patients have many factors that cause restriction of body movement and posture. Although cancer patients appear to demonstrate risk factors for MPS, its prevalence has not been reported in patients with incurable cancer. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MPS in patients with incurable cancer.MethodsA retrospective chart review. The data for patients with incurable cancer who received palliative care at our department between September 2015 and March 2016 were investigated. We examined the prevalence of MPS, which was diagnosed on the basis of the Rivers criteria (RC) and Simons criteria (SC). We also examined the following factors associated with MPS: performance status (PS), use of medical devices, and primary cancer sites. The primary outcome was the prevalence of MPS based on RC. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of MPS based on SC and the relationship between MPS and either PS or medical devices.ResultsThirty-four patients with incurable cancer were identified. MPS based on RC or SC was detected in 10 (29%) and 20 (59%) patients, respectively. Twenty-two of 34 patients who complained of pain, 10 (45%) had MPS based on RC and 20 (90%) had MPS based on SC. Age and central venous port were risk factors for MPS by multivariate analysis.ConclusionA very high prevalence of MPS was detected in our study population. MPS should be considered when patients with incurable cancer complain of pain.



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Bioinformaticians wrestling with the big biomedical data

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Yu Xue, Xiu-Jie Wang




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Anticonvulsant activity of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. hydroethanolic leaf extract in mice: the role of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission and nitric oxide pathway

Publication date: Available online 17 May 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Donatus W. Adongo, Priscilla K. Mante, Kennedy K.E. Kukuia, Robert P. Biney, Eric Boakye-Gyasi, Charles K. Benneh, Elvis O. Ameyaw, Eric Woode
Ethnopharmacological relevancePseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. is a plant used for managing various diseases including central nervous system disorders.Aim of the studyThis study explored the anticonvulsant activity of P. microcarpa hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) as well as possible mechanism(s) of action in animal models.MethodsEffects of PME was assessed in electroconvulsive (the maximal electroshock and 6-Hz seizures) and chemoconvulsive (pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin-, isoniazid-, 4-aminopyridine-, and strychnine-induced seizures) models of epilepsy. In addition, effect of the extract on the nitric oxide pathway and GABAA receptor complex was evaluated.ResultsThe extract (30, 100 and 300mgkg^-1, p.o.) significantly delayed the onset as well as decreased the duration and frequency of pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin- and strychnine-induced seizures. In addition, PME pre-treatment significantly improved survival in the 4-aminopyridine- and isoniazid-induced seizure tests. Furthermore, the extract protected against 6-Hz psychomotor seizures but had no effect in the maximal electroshock test. The anticonvulsant effect of PME (100mgkg^-1, p.o.) was also reversed by pre-treatment with flumazenil, L-arginine or sildenafil. However, L-NAME or methylene blue (MB) augmented its effect.ConclusionResults show that PME has anticonvulsant activity and may probably be affecting GABAergic, glycinergic, NMDA, K⁺ channels and nitric oxide-cGMP pathways to exert its effect.

Graphical abstract

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Place de la vaccination

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2017
Source:Revue des Maladies Respiratoires
Author(s): M. Revest, P. Tattevin




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Intérêt du suivi thérapeutique pharmacologique dans le cadre des infections pulmonaires

Publication date: Available online 18 May 2017
Source:Revue des Maladies Respiratoires
Author(s): C. Padoin
Les infections pulmonaires sont dues à des virus, des bactéries, des parasites ou encore à des champignons. Elles correspondent aux infections respiratoires basses avec les pneumonies aiguës communautaires et nosocomiales, les bronchites, les pneumopathies, les abcès du poumon, des infections fongiques ou encore la tuberculose. La prise en charge de ces infections va être guidée par les recommandations prenant en compte les micro-organismes les plus souvent impliqués dans le cadre de traitements empiriques, ou par l'identification de celui-ci pour les traitements ciblés. Le statut immunitaire du patient, les modifications physiologiques à l'origine de modifications pharmacocinétiques et les caractéristiques des médicaments utilisés peuvent aboutir à un échec microbiologique et/ou clinique lors de l'utilisation de posologies standard. L'objectif du suivi thérapeutique pharmacologique est d'aboutir à une individualisation de la posologie administrée au regard de la mesure d'une ou plusieurs concentrations et d'objectifs pharmacocinétiques/pharmacodynamiques définis. Il permet d'optimiser la réponse et de prévenir la survenue d'une résistance ou d'une toxicité. Il est indispensable de définir les médicaments et les patients pour lesquels le bénéfice attendu est optimal. Cette démarche doit s'inscrire dans une démarche globale de prise en charge des patients.Pulmonary infections are common and caused by a wide range of viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. They consist of lower respiratory tract infections with community and hospital acquired acute pneumonia, bronchitis, lung abscess, fungal infections and tuberculosis. The management of these infections should be based on guidelines that take into account the microorganisms most frequently involved as a basis for empirical treatment, with identification of causative microorganisms allowing targeted treatments. The patient's immune status, physiological changes leading to changes in pharmacokinetics, and the characteristics of drugs may result in a microbiological and/or clinical failure when using standard doses. Knowledge of these elements is essential for optimal management. The goal of therapeutic drug monitoring is to use drug concentrations and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic objectives to manage a patient's medication regimen, optimize outcome and prevent resistance or toxicity. To make the best use of the resources, it is not possible to carry out systematic therapeutic drug monitoring. We need to define drugs and patients where there is most likely to be benefit from therapeutic drug monitoring. This must be a part of a comprehensive approach to patient care.



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Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Unplanned Re-Operations following Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Unplanned re-operation (UR) is an outcome measure with multiple advantages that can be used as a standardized tool to assess an institution's quality and safety of medical care. The goal of our study was to identify parameters associated with an increased likelihood of UR following plastic surgery in patients less than eighteen years of age using a large validated national multi-center database.

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Comparing Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery with Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Case-Matched Patient Reported Outcomes

Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (OBCS) allows women who may otherwise have mastectomy and immediate reconstruction (MxIR) the choice to conserve their breast yet avoid deformity. We compared the outcome of these options.

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DIEP flap for breast reconstruction: Is abdominal fat thickness associated with postoperative complications?

Some surgeons consider a high body mass index (BMI) or important abdominal fat excess as contraindications for breast reconstruction with free DIEP flap. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with postoperative complications using this type of flap, with an emphasis on BMI and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness.

http://ift.tt/2qz3yye

Sensory Outcomes Following Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy: A Systematic Review

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) affects close to 1.5 in 1,000 live births and can lead to significant functional impairment and reduced quality-of-life. To date, studies have focused on grading motor function and strength to assess patient outcomes, with less attention paid to sensory recovery. The authors aimed to systematically review the current literature on sensory outcomes following BPBP.

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Characterizing infections in prosthetic breast reconstruction: A validity assessment of national health databases

Current guidelines in the United States only require reporting 30-day postoperative outcomes to standardized databases, including the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Thus, many breast implant related complications go unreported in standard databases. We sought to characterize late periprosthetic infections following implant-based breast reconstruction.

http://ift.tt/2qz8Klx

Breast-conserving therapy for breast cancer: Cosmetic results and options for delayed reconstruction

Optimizing of the cosmetic outcome after breast conservative therapy (BCT) is important. We aim to determine the cosmetic outcome following BCT, factors influencing this cosmesis, and identify the most favourable options for delayed breast reconstruction.

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Targeting T cell metabolism to regulate T cell activation, differentiation and function in disease

Chirag H Patel | Jonathan D Powell

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Overexpression of long noncoding RNA H19 indicates a poor prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma and promotes cell migration and invasion by affecting epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 92
Author(s): Yi Xu, Zhidong Wang, Xingming Jiang, Yunfu Cui
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a deadly disease that poorly responds to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and whose incidence has increased worldwide. Furthermore, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in multiple biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Specifically, H19, the first discovered lncRNA, has been reported to be overexpressed in diverse human carcinomas, but the overall biological role and clinical significance of H19 in CCA remains unknown. In the present study, expression levels of H19 were investigated in CCA tissues and cell lines and were correlated with clinicopathological features. Moreover, we explored the functional roles of H19 depletion in QBC939 and RBE cells, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The results indicated that H19 was upregulated in CCA tissue samples and cell lines, and this upregulation was associated with tumor size, TNM stage, postoperative recurrence and overall survival in 56 patients with CCA. Moreover, knockdown of H19 followed by RNA silencing restrained cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. In addition, H19 suppression impaired migration and invasion potential by reversing EMT. Overall, our findings may help to develop diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics that target H19 for the treatment of CCA.



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PAQR3 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion in human glioma cells

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 92
Author(s): Shi-lei Tang, Yuan-lin Gao, Wen-zhong Hu
Progestin and AdipoQ Receptor 3 (PAQR3), a member of the PAQR family, is down-regulated in several types of cancers and has been closely associated with tumor progression and development. However, little is known about the functions of PAQR3 in the tumorigenesis of human glioma. Therefore, in this report, we investigated the role of PAQR3 in human glioma. Our results showed that the expression of PAQR3 was significantly reduced in human glioma tissues and cell lines. PAQR3 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and attenuated tumor xenograft growth in vivo. In addition, PAQR3 overexpression suppressed the migration and invasion of glioma cells, as well as prevented the EMT process. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that PAQR3 overexpression significantly down-regulated the levels of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt in U251 cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that PAQR3 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma cells, at least in part, through the inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, PAQR3 may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.



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