Applying Quantitative CT Image Feature Analysis to Predict Response of Ovarian Cancer Patients to Chemotherapy

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Gopichandh Danala, Theresa Thai, Camille C. Gunderson, Katherine M. Moxley, Kathleen Moore, Robert S. Mannel, Hong Liu, Bin Zheng, Yuchen Qiu
Rationale and ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the role of applying quantitative image features computed from computed tomography (CT) images for early prediction of tumor response to chemotherapy in the clinical trials for treating ovarian cancer patients.Materials and MethodsA dataset involving 91 patients was retrospectively assembled. Each patient had two sets of pre- and post-therapy CT images. A computer-aided detection scheme was applied to segment metastatic tumors previously tracked by radiologists on CT images and computed image features. Two initial feature pools were built using image features computed from pre-therapy CT images only and image feature difference computed from both pre- and post-therapy images. A feature selection method was applied to select optimal features, and an equal-weighted fusion method was used to generate a new quantitative imaging marker from each pool to predict 6-month progression-free survival. The prediction accuracy between quantitative imaging markers and the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria was also compared.ResultsThe highest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve are 0.684 ± 0.056 and 0.771 ± 0.050 when using a single image feature computed from pre-therapy CT images and feature difference computed from pre- and post-therapy CT images, respectively. Using two corresponding fusion-based image markers, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve significantly increased to 0.810 ± 0.045 and 0.829 ± 0.043 (P < 0.05), respectively. Overall prediction accuracy levels are 71.4%, 80.2%, and 74.7% when using two imaging markers and RECIST, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility of predicting patients' response to chemotherapy using quantitative imaging markers computed from pre-therapy CT images. However, using image feature difference computed between pre- and post-therapy CT images yielded higher prediction accuracy.



http://ift.tt/2r83xlb

Reliability of MR Quantification of Rotator Cuff Muscle Fatty Degeneration Using a 2-point Dixon Technique in Comparison with the Goutallier Classification

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Saya Horiuchi, Taiki Nozaki, Atsushi Tasaki, Akira Yamakawa, Yasuhito Kaneko, Takeshi Hara, Hiroshi Yoshioka
Rationale and ObjectivesPresurgical assessment of fatty degeneration is important in the management of patients with rotator cuff tears. The Goutallier classification is widely accepted as a qualitative scoring system, although it is highly observer-dependent and has poor reproducibility. The objective of this study was to quantify fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus muscle using a 2-point Dixon technique in patients with rotator cuff tears by multiple readers, and to evaluate the reproducibility compared to Goutallier classification.Materials and MethodsTwo hundred patients with rotator cuff tears who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including 2-point Dixon sequence at 3.0-T, were selected retrospectively. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of fatty degeneration were performed by two radiologists and three orthopedic surgeons independently. The fat quantification was performed by measuring signal intensity values of in phase (S(In)) and fat image (S(Fat)), and calculating fat fraction as S(Fat)/S(In). The reproducibility of MR quantification was analyzed by the intra- and interclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots.ResultsThe interobserver agreement of the Goutallier classification among five readers was moderate (k = 0.51), whereas the interclass correlation coefficient regarding fat fraction value quantified in 2-point Dixon sequence was excellent (0.893). The mean differences in fat fraction values from the individual segmentation results were from −0.072 to 0.081. Proposed fat fraction grading and Goutallier grading showed similar frequency and distribution in severity of rotator cuff tears.ConclusionsFat quantification in the rotator cuff muscles using a 2-point Dixon technique at 3.0-T MRI is highly reproducible and clinically feasible in comparison to the qualitative evaluation using Goutallier classification.



http://ift.tt/2s6bzbv

Intermetallic formation and mechanical properties of Ni-Ti diffusion couples

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): Lifang Hu, Yongzhi Xue, Fangrong Shi
Samples of Ni-Ti diffusion couples were prepared by hot pressing in a furnace with a vacuum of 10⁻¹Pa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations indicated that three intermetallic compounds, namely, NiTi2, NiTi, and Ni3Ti, were formed at the Ni-Ti interface at 650°C. Ni3Ti first grew at the Ni substrate because of the diffusion of Ti into Ni, NiTi2 subsequently appeared, and NiTi finally developed between the NiTi2-Ni3Ti interface. As the thickness of the diffusion layers increased, a part of Ni3Ti was also consumed by Ti to form NiTi. The interfacial microstructure was changed by the current at 900°C. A columnar crystal initially formed inside the Ni3Ti matrix, which was immediately adjacent to NiTi, and this crystal then elongated at a direction perpendicular to the plane of the joint. Ni3Ti vanished, and pure Ti was finally produced. The observed strength variations were discussed in relation to interfacial microstructures. Shear experiments showed that fractures were observed in Ni3Ti for the sample prepared at 650°C. For the sample prepared at 900°C, fractures were detected in NiTi2.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2qpmFYq

Design of high ductility FeGa magnetostrictive alloys: Tb doping and directional solidification

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): Chongzheng Meng, Yuye Wu, Chengbao Jiang
Decent magnetostriction of ~255ppm and giant tensile strain of ~6.6% is obtained through trace Tb addition and directional solidification method in (Fe0.83Ga0.17)100−xTbx (x=0–0.5) alloys. The particle-shaped Tb-rich precipitates are formed and dispersively distributed in the matrix along the (sub-) grain boundaries; preferred 〈100〉 orientation is achieved in the alloys by appropriate directional solidification process, which makes contribution to improve the magnetostriction. The formation of Tb-rich precipitates induces the transition of the fracture mechanism from brittleness to ductility. The maximal room-temperature tensile strain is obtained in x=0.05 specimen, which is superior to existing literatures about the mechanical properties of Fe-Ga based alloys. The regular columnar grain morphologies and certain distribution pattern of granular precipitates are considered to be responsible for the excellent ductility in Fe-Ga-Tb alloys. This work may provide a new thinking to design high ductility Fe-Ga magnetostrictive alloys and significantly broaden the application of these materials in industry field.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2qthplQ

Anatomic evaluation of the retromolar canal by histologic and radiologic analyses

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 81
Author(s): Heung-Joong Kim, Hansoo Kang, Yo-Seob Seo, Do Kyung Kim, Sun-Kyoung Yu
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the detailed anatomic morphology of the retromolar canal using histologic sections and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.Materials and methodsTwenty-two sides of the mandible obtained from cadavers and CBCT images of 72 patients (144 sides) were analyzed. All mandibles were prepared using conventional methods of tissue processing, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and measured to elucidate the composition and dimensions of the retromolar canal with the aid of a light microscope. In addition, the prevalence, course, opening position, and distance of the retromolar canal from the second molar were measured on CBCT images.ResultsThe retromolar neurovascular bundle in the retromolar canal originated from the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle, and the mean areas of the neurovascular bundle and each artery and nerve contained within it were 0.59, 0.07, and 0.05mm², respectively. The mean horizontal and vertical diameters of the neurovascular bundle were 0.82 and 0.90mm, respectively. The retromolar canal was detected more often on CBCT images (43.1%, 31 out of 72 patients). It mainly arose vertically (71.0%) from the mandibular canal and opened in the middle portion (57.9%) of the retromolar triangle at a mean distance of 13.13mm from the second molar.ConclusionsThe retromolar canal is a normal anatomic structure that is relatively common and contains both a relatively large artery and a nerve. Clinicians need to pay closer attention to vascular problems as well as nerve damage when they are performing surgical procedures in the retromolar area.



http://ift.tt/2r5YXSr

Differences between the chewing and non-chewing sides of the mandibular first molars and condyles in the closing phase during chewing in normal subjects

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 81
Author(s): Hiroshi Tomonari, Sangho Kwon, Takaharu Kuninori, Shouichi Miyawaki
ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess differences between the closing paths of the chewing and non-chewing sides of mandibular first molars and condyles during natural mastication, using standardized model food in healthy subjects.DesignThirty-two healthy young adults (age: 19–25 years; 22 men, 10 women) with normal occlusion and function chewed on standardized gummy jelly. Using an optoelectric jaw-tracking system with six degrees of freedom, we recorded the path of the mandibular first molars and condyles on both sides for 10 strokes during unilateral chewing. Variables were compared between the chewing side and the non-chewing side of first molars and condyles on frontal, sagittal, and horizontal views during the early-, middle- and late-closing phases.ResultsOn superior/inferior displacements, the chewing side first molar and condyle were positioned superior to those on the non-chewing side during the early- and middle-closing phases. Conversely, the first molar and condyle on the non-chewing side were positioned significantly superior to those on the chewing side during the late-closing phase. On anterior/posterior displacements, the chewing side mandibular first molar and condyle were positioned significantly posterior to those on the non-chewing side throughout all closing phases.ConclusionOur results showed the differences between the mandibular first molars and condyles on both sides with respect to masticatory path during natural chewing of a model food. These differences can be useful for informing initial diagnostic tests for impaired masticatory function in the clinical environment.



http://ift.tt/2ql9bBn

"Gan To Kagaku Ryoho"[jour]; +18 new citations

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

"Gan To Kagaku Ryoho"[jour]

These pubmed results were generated on 2017/05/26

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.

http://ift.tt/2rIwNPW

Substrate Inhibition of 17beta-HSD1 in living cells and regulation of 17beta-HSD7 by 17beta-HSD1 knockdown

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Hui Han, Jean-François Thériault, Guang Chen, Sheng-Xiang Lin
This study addresses first the role of human 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) in breast cancer (BC). The enzyme has a high estrone-activating activity that is subject to strong substrate inhibition as shown by enzyme kinetics at the molecular level. We used BC cells to verify this phenomenon in living cells: estrone concentration increase did reduce the reaction with 0.025 to 4μM substrate. Moreover, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) demonstrated some inhibition of estrogen activation at both the molecular and cellular level. The presence of DHT did not change the tendency toward substrate inhibition for estrone conversion, but shifted the inhibition toward higher substrate concentrations. Moreover, a binding study demonstrated that both DHT and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be bound to the enzyme, thereby supporting the multi-specificity of 17β-HSD1. We then followed the concentrations of estradiol and performed Q-RT-PCR measurements of reductive 17β-HSDs after 17β-HSD1 inhibition. The estradiol decrease by the 17β-HSD1 inhibition was demonstrated lending support to this observation. Knockdown and inhibition of 17β-HSD1 produced reduction in estradiol levels and the down-regulation of another reductive enzyme 17β-HSD7, thus "amplifying" the reduction of estradiol by the 17β-HSD1 modulation itself. The critical positioning of 17β-HSD7 in sex-hormone-regulation as well as the mutual regulation of steroid enzymes via estradiol in BC, are clearly demonstrated.Our study demonstrates that fundamental enzymological mechanisms are relevant in living cells. Moreover, further enzyme study in cells is merited to advance biological and medical research. We also demonstrated the central role of 17β-HSD7 in sex-hormone conversion and regulation, supporting it as a novel target for estrogen-dependent (ER+) BC.Summary StatementWe demonstrate that fundamental enzymology is relevant in living cells with different mechanisms. We also show the mutual regulation of reductive 17β-HSDs and the central role of 17β-HSD7 controlling sex-hormones, supporting it as a novel target for ER+ breast cancer.



http://ift.tt/2rr00zp

Index report of cutaneous angiosarcoma with strong positivity for tyrosinase mimicking melanoma with further evaluation of melanocytic markers in a large angiosarcoma series

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous angiosarcoma can be challenging to diagnose particularly when poorly vasoformative and on biopsies. We report a case of a cutaneous angiosarcoma with strong positivity for tyrosinase, the first to our knowledge, initially misdiagnosed as melanoma. We subsequently evaluated the reactivity of panmelanocytic cocktail (tyrosinase, HMB-45 and melan-A), SOX10, tyrosinase and MITF in a large tissue microarray (TMA) of angiosarcoma. The TMA included 142 cases of angiosarcomas (29 cutaneous, 22 primary breast, 41 post-radiation breast, 15 visceral, 26 deep soft tissue and bone, 5 chronic lymphedema-associated, and 4 angiosarcomas arising in other sarcomas). Immunohistochemical studies were performed with anti-panmelanocytic cocktail, SOX10, anti-MITF and anti-tyrosinase antibodies. TMA staining results were scored on intensity and percentage of tumoral labeling. Aside from the index case, no cases (0/133) showed positivity for tyrosinase including 28 cutaneous angiosarcomas. One breast angiosarcoma (1/131) was positive for MITF. All cases were negative for SOX10 and panmelanocytic cocktail (0/132). Angiosarcomas can rarely be positive for tyrosinase and MITF. Pathologists should be cognizant of these rare exceptions to prevent confusion for melanoma. Additional immunohistochemical markers for vascular and melanocytic differentiation, thorough histological examination for vasoformative and in-situ areas as well as clinical impression are helpful in these exceptionally problematic cases.

http://ift.tt/2qt13tF

[Anaphylactic reactions to vaccines : Chicken egg allergy and the influenza H1N1 vaccination].

Related Articles

[Anaphylactic reactions to vaccines : Chicken egg allergy and the influenza H1N1 vaccination].

HNO. 2017 May 24;:

Authors: Klimek L, Wicht-Langhammer S, von Bernus L, Thorn C, Cazan D, Pfaar O, Hörmann K

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions to influenza vaccinations are a well-known phenomenon; however, only a few published statistics give information on the risks. Patients with a chicken egg allergy must be particularly carefully handled during an influenza epidemic where vaccines produced using embryonated chicken eggs are primarily employed.
METHODS: A selective literature review and analysis of the problem of allergic reactions to vaccinations was performed.
RESULTS: The two most common relative contraindications among patients to be vaccinated are the presence of an egg allergy and a previous anaphylactic reaction to vaccination. These patients have a significantly increased risk of sustaining an adverse reaction. These high-risk patients should therefore only be vaccinated on the basis of thorough assessment of medical history, and then only with caution. The emergency routine must include sufficient precautionary measures, in case an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
CONCLUSION: Current guidelines for the treatment of anaphylactic reactions are to be observed. Immediate treatment of the first symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction-i.v. administration of adrenalin, antihistamines, cortisone, and in some cases betamimetics-can usually prevent anaphylactic shock. Alternatively, a graded vaccination ("split protocol") and overnight surveillance can be considered in this group of patients.

PMID: 28540396 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2rXTE7p

Lung eosinophil recruitment in response to Aspergillus fumigatus is correlated with fungal cell wall composition and requires γδ T cells

Publication date: Available online 25 May 2017
Source:Microbes and Infection
Author(s): Nansalmaa Amarsaikhan, Evan M. O'Dea, Angar Tsoggerel, Steven P. Templeton
The differential recognition of fungal cell wall polysaccharides that program innate and adaptive immunity to the human opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus has been a focus of considerable interest. In a mouse model of fungal conidia aspiration, decreased relative levels of cell wall core carbohydrates β-1,3-glucan to chitin in A. fumigatus isolates and mutant strains were correlated with increased airway eosinophil recruitment. In addition, an increase in fungal surface chitin exposure induced by the β-1,3-glucan synthesis-targeting drug caspofungin was associated with increased murine airway eosinophil recruitment after a single challenge of conidia. The response to increased A. fumigatus chitin was associated with increased transcription of IL-17A after a single aspiration, although this cytokine was not required for eosinophil recruitment. Rather, both RAG1 and γδ T cells were required, suggesting that this subset of innate-like lymphocytes may be an important regulator of potentially detrimental type 2 immune responses to fungal inhalation and infection.



http://ift.tt/2rrihwe

Review Article: Retropharyngeal Abscess—Mimickers and Masqueraders

Abstract

To discuss a case of suspected retropharyngeal abscess having important clinical and academic significance. This paper discusses an unusual presentation and evolution of a well known condition such as retropharyngeal abscess. Though the diagnosis in this case was initially a retropharyngeal abscess, several unusual findings were evident, which interfered with the optimal management of the patient. A literature review revealed rare causes and lesions mimicking a retropharyngeal abscess, such as retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis and Kawasaki disease, which are neither familiar to otolaryngologists nor other specialists such as orthopedicians. It is possible that this patient was both over treated and undertreated at the same time. Though the diagnosis in this case could not be established with certainty, several important pieces of information came up, especially unusual causes of retropharyngeal abscess and management of the same. Retropharyngeal abscess is a well-known condition with established modes of management. However, certain variations may occur and may pose challenges in diagnosis and management. These variations are little known and need to be highlighted so that optimal management is ensured.

http://ift.tt/2qXMOAy

Invasive Fungal Infection in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Associated with Myeloid Sarcoma of the Sinonasal Cavity: A Rare Case

Abstract

Myeloid sarcoma is a rare malignant extramedullary neoplasm of myeloid precursor cells. The majority of these cases occur in patients with known leukemia or those who eventually develop the disease. It can occur in various sites but sinonasal cavity involvement along with invasive fungal infection is exceedingly rare.

http://ift.tt/2qskCSU

Invasive Fungal Infection in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Associated with Myeloid Sarcoma of the Sinonasal Cavity: A Rare Case

Abstract

Myeloid sarcoma is a rare malignant extramedullary neoplasm of myeloid precursor cells. The majority of these cases occur in patients with known leukemia or those who eventually develop the disease. It can occur in various sites but sinonasal cavity involvement along with invasive fungal infection is exceedingly rare.

http://ift.tt/2qskCSU

Review Article: Retropharyngeal Abscess—Mimickers and Masqueraders

Abstract

To discuss a case of suspected retropharyngeal abscess having important clinical and academic significance. This paper discusses an unusual presentation and evolution of a well known condition such as retropharyngeal abscess. Though the diagnosis in this case was initially a retropharyngeal abscess, several unusual findings were evident, which interfered with the optimal management of the patient. A literature review revealed rare causes and lesions mimicking a retropharyngeal abscess, such as retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis and Kawasaki disease, which are neither familiar to otolaryngologists nor other specialists such as orthopedicians. It is possible that this patient was both over treated and undertreated at the same time. Though the diagnosis in this case could not be established with certainty, several important pieces of information came up, especially unusual causes of retropharyngeal abscess and management of the same. Retropharyngeal abscess is a well-known condition with established modes of management. However, certain variations may occur and may pose challenges in diagnosis and management. These variations are little known and need to be highlighted so that optimal management is ensured.

http://ift.tt/2qXMOAy

Growth-corruption-health triaca and environmental degradation: empirical evidence from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand

Abstract

This study examines the impact of economic growth, corruption, health, and poverty on environmental degradation for three countries from ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand using annual data over the period of 1994–2014. The relationship between environmental degradation (pollution) by carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and economic growth is examined along with some other variables, namely health expenditure, poverty, agriculture value added growth, industrial value added growth, and corruption. The ordinary least squares (OLS) method is applied as an analytical technique for parameter estimation. The empirical results reveal that almost all variables are statistically significant at the 5% level of significance, whereby test rejects the null hypotheses of non-cointegration, indicating that all variables play an important role in affecting the environment across countries. Empirical results also indicate that economic growth has significant positive impact, while health expenditures show significantly negative impact on the environment. Corruption has significant positive effect on environment in the case of Malaysia; while in the case of Indonesia and Thailand, it has insignificant results. However, for the individual analysis across countries, the regression estimate suggests that economic growth has a significant positive relationship with environment for Indonesia, while it is found insignificantly negative and positive in the case of Malaysia and Thailand, respectively, during the period under the study. Empirical findings of the study suggest that policy-makers require to make technological-friendly environment sequentially to surmount unregulated pollution, steady population transfers from rural areas to urban areas are also important, and poverty alleviation and better health provision can also help to improve the environment.

http://ift.tt/2r7AMVN

The efficiency of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes used for antibiotics removal from wastewaters generated by animal farms

Abstract

In the recent years, residual antibiotics are considered to be emerging environmental pollutants due to their continuous input and persistence into the aquatic ecosystem even at low concentrations. Therefore, these are necessary to develop efficient methods for the wastewater treatment. The present paper describes the efficiency of several types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for the retention of the selected antibiotics (ampicillin, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, piperacillin, tazobactam, tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, vancomycin, gentamicin, sulfamethoxazole, and thrimetoprim) from aqueous (synthetic) solutions and wastewater samples. The functionalized MWCNTs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained antibiotic percentage of retention was evaluated by quantitative assessment using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with the diode array, fluorescence, and mass spectrometer detector (HPLC-DAD/FD/MS), after the solid-phase extraction (SPE) with Oasis HLB cartridges. The retention percentages of the selected antibiotics from waters ranged between ∼40 and 97%, with the exception of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. The best percentages of retention were obtained for norfloxacin 97.03% and ciprofloxacin 97.10%. The suspensions of the MWCNTs improved the antibiotics removal from wastewaters. Removal of antibiotics from wastewaters using nanotechnology, in order to reduce their negative effects and antibiotic resistance, is a promising tool in the future wastewaters treatment.

http://ift.tt/2s5M4H2

Long-term dispersion and availability of metals from submarine mine tailing disposal in a fjord in Arctic Norway

Abstract

Mining of Cu took place in Kvalsund in the Arctic part of Norway in the 1970s, and mine tailings were discharged to the inner part of the fjord, Repparfjorden. Metal speciation analysis was used to assess the historical dispersion of metals as well as their potential bioavailability from the area of the mine tailing disposal. It was revealed that the dispersion of Ba, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn from the mine tailings has been limited. Dispersion of Cu to the outer fjord has, however, occurred; the amounts released and dispersed from the mine tailing disposal area quantified to be 2.5–10 t, less than 5% of Cu in the original mine tailings. An estimated 80–390 t of Cu still remains in the disposal area from the surface to a depth of 16 cm. Metal partitioning showed that 56–95% of the Cu is bound in the potential bioavailable fractions (exchangeable, reducible and oxidisable) of the sediments, totalling approximately 70–340 t, with potential for continuous release to the pore water and re-precipitation in over- and underlying sediments. Surface sediments in the deposit area were affected by elevated Cu concentrations just above the probable effect level according to the Norwegian sediment quality criteria, with 50–80% Cu bound in the exchangeable, reducible and oxidisable fractions, potentially available for release to the water column and/or for uptake in benthic organisms.

http://ift.tt/2r7jyrp

Optimization of palm oil mill sludge biochar preparation for sulfur dioxide removal

Abstract

In this study, palm oil mill sludge was used as a precursor to prepare biochar using conventional pyrolysis. Palm oil mill sludge biochar (POSB) was prepared at different preparation variables, i.e., heating temperature (300–800 °C), heating rate (10–20 °C/min) and holding time (60–120 min). The prepared biochars were tested for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) adsorption in a fixed bed reactor using 300 ppm of SO₂ gas at 300 ml/min (with N₂ gas as balance). Response surface central composite experimental design was used to optimize the production of biochar versus SO₂ removal. A quadratic model was developed in order to correlate the effect of variable parameters on the optimum adsorption capacity of SO₂ gas. The experimental values and the predicted results of the model were found to show satisfactory agreement. The optimum conditions for biochar preparation to yield the best SO₂ removal was found to be at 405 °C of heating temperature, 20 °C/min of heating rate and 88 min of holding time. At these conditions, the average yield of biochar and adsorption capacity for SO₂ gas was reported as 54.25 g and 9.75 mg/g, respectively. The structure of biochar and their roles in SO₂ adsorption were investigated by surface area, morphology images, infrared spectra, and proximate analysis, respectively. The characterization findings suggested that POSB adsorbs SO₂ mainly by the functional groups.

http://ift.tt/2s5XuL5

Using two detectors concurrently to monitor ambient dose equivalent rates in vehicle surveys of radiocesium contaminated land

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 177
Author(s): Minoru Takeishi, Masaru Shibamichi, Alex Malins, Hiroshi Kurikami, Mitsuhiro Murakami, Jun Saegusa, Masayuki Yoneya
In response to the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), vehicle-borne monitoring was used to map radiation levels for radiological protection of the public. By convention measurements from vehicle-borne surveys are converted to the ambient dose equivalent rate at 1 m height in the absence of the vehicle. This allows for comparison with results from other types of survey, including surveys with hand-held or airborne instruments. To improve the accuracy of the converted results from vehicle-borne surveys, we investigated combining measurements from two detectors mounted on the vehicle at different heights above the ground. A dual-detector setup was added to a JAEA monitoring car and compared against hand-held survey meter measurements in Fukushima Prefecture. The results obtained by combining measurements from two detectors were within ±20% of the hand-held reference measurements. The mean absolute percentage deviation from the reference measurements was 7.2%. The combined results from the two detectors were more accurate than those from either the roof-mounted detector, or the detector inside the vehicle, taken alone. One issue with vehicle-borne surveys is that ambient dose equivalent rates above roads are not necessarily representative of adjacent areas. This is because radiocesium is often deficient on asphalt surfaces, as it is easily scrubbed off by rain, wind and vehicle tires. To tackle this issue, we investigated mounting heights for vehicle-borne detectors using Monte Carlo gamma-ray simulations. When radiocesium is deficient on a road compared to the adjacent land, mounting detectors high on vehicles yields results closer to the values adjacent to the road. The ratio of ambient dose equivalent rates reported by detectors mounted at different heights in a dual-detector setup indicates whether radiocesium is deficient on the road compared to the adjacent land.



http://ift.tt/2r7sKMF

Inversion analysis on vertical radiocesium distribution in pond sediment from γ-ray count measurement

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 175–176
Author(s): Hiroshi Ogawa, Kimitaka Minami, Tohru Kawamoto, Ramon Kanai, Kohei Ishikawa, Ryuichi Kamimura
Evaluation of vertical distribution of radiocesium in bottom sediment by measuring vertical γ-ray count profile was discussed. A stable inversion formula was derived based on the maximum entropy method. Efficiency of the formula was confirmed by using a low-cost apparatus composed of an array of PIN photodiodes and a single board computer with real-time inversion code. In-door experiment by using five model sediment disks showed good reproducibility of vertical radiocesium profile. On-site experiment was also carried out at a pond in Fukushima to confirm the efficiency. It was suggested that combination of the simple apparatus and MEM inversion formula gave reasonable estimates on vertical radiocesium distribution in bottom sediment of 1 kBq/kg-wet level within about 10 min.



http://ift.tt/2s5Saan

Association of TP53 codon 72 and CDH1 genetic polymorphisms with colorectal cancer risk in Bangladeshi population

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 49
Author(s): Sanzana Fareen Rivu, Mohd Nazmul Hasan Apu, Samia Shabnaz, Noor Ahmed Nahid, Md. Reazul Islam, Mir Md. Abdullah Al-Mamun, Zabun Nahar, Sikder Nahidul Islam Rabbi, Maizbha Uddin Ahmed, Mohammad Safiqul Islam, Abul Hasnat
Till now no pharmacogenetic study of TP53 codon 72 (Arg72Pro) and CDH1 rs16260 (-160C<A) genes has been reported on Bangladeshi population relating those with colorectal cancer. So the aim of the study is to determine whether there is an elevated risk of colorectal cancer development with TP53 codon 72 and CDH1 rs16260 genetic polymorphism in Bangladeshi population for the first time. To investigate the association of these two SNPs, we conducted a case-control study with 288 colorectal cancer patients and 295 healthy volunteers by using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. We found an increased risk of association between Arg/Pro heterozygosity (adjusted OR=2.58, 95% CI=1.77–3.77, p<0.05) and Pro/Pro mutant homozygosity (adjusted OR=2.92, 95% CI=1.78–4.78, p<0.05) along with the combined genotype (Arg/Pro+Pro/Pro) (adjusted OR=2.70, 95% CI=1.90–3.82, p<0.05) and colorectal cancer predisposition. In case of CDH1 rs16260 polymorphism, C/A heterozygous and A/A mutant homozygous are significantly (p<0.05) found to be associated with colorectal cancer risk with adjusted OR of 1.94 and 2.63, respectively. The combined genotype of C/A and A/A was also found to be strongly associated with colorectal cancer risk compared to C/C genotype (adjusted OR=2.02, 95% CI=1.42–2.87, p<0.05). In conclusion, heterozygosity and mutant homozygosity as well as the combination of both TP53 Arg72Pro and CDH1 rs16260 polymorphisms are responsible to increase the risk of colorectal cancer development in Bangladeshi population.



http://ift.tt/2s5OPbD

Contact Quotient of Female Singers Singing Four Pitches for Five Vowels in Normal and Pressed Phonations

The present study aimed to investigate the contact quotient (CQ) values of breathy, normal, and pressed phonation types in four different sections of the female singing range.

http://ift.tt/2r7NXWx

The Perception of Formant Tuning in Soprano Voices

At the upper end of the soprano range, singers adjust their vocal tract to bring one or more of its resonances (Rn) toward a source harmonic, increasing the amplitude of the sound; this process is known as resonance tuning. This study investigated the perception of (R1) and (R2) tuning, key strategies observed in classically trained soprano voices, which were expected to be preferred by listeners. Furthermore, different vowels were compared, whereas previous investigations have usually focused on a single vowel.

http://ift.tt/2s072Ij

Curative, Life-Extending, and Palliative Chemotherapy: New Outcomes Need New Names

http://ift.tt/2rqy3Yl

A Predictive Score for Thrombosis Associated with Breast, Colorectal, Lung, or Ovarian Cancer: The Prospective COMPASS-Cancer-Associated Thrombosis Study

Background.

The stratification of outpatients on chemotherapy for breast, colorectal, lung, and ovarian cancers at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an unmet clinical need. The derivation of a risk assessment model (RAM) for VTE in these patients was the aim of the study "Prospective Comparison of Methods for thromboembolic risk assessment with clinical Perceptions and AwareneSS in real life patients–Cancer Associated Thrombosis" (COMPASS–CAT).

Patients and Methods.

The derivation cohort consisted of 1,023 outpatients. Patients on low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) thromboprophylaxis were excluded. Documented symptomatic VTE was the endpoint of the study.

Results.

Patients had breast (61%), colorectal (17%), lung (13%), or ovarian cancer (8.6%) at localized (30%) or advanced stage (70%). In 64% of patients, cancer was diagnosed within the last 6 months prior to inclusion. Most of them were on chemotherapy when assessed. Symptomatic VTE occurred in 8.5% of patients. The COMPASS–CAT RAM includes the following variables: (a) anthracycline or anti-hormonal therapy, (b) time since cancer diagnosis, (c) central venous catheter, (d) stage of cancer, (e) presence of cardiovascular risk factors, (f) recent hospitalization for acute medical illness, (g) personal history of VTE, and (h) platelet count. At 6 months, patients stratified at low/intermediate and high-risk groups had VTE rates of 1.7% and 13.3%, respectively. The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics analysis was 0.85. The sensitivity and specificity of the RAM were 88% and 52%, respectively. The negative and positive predictive values of the RAM were 98% and 13%, respectively.

Conclusion.

The COMPASS–CAT RAM includes reliable and easily collected VTE risk predictors and, in contrast to the Khorana score, it is applicable after the initiation of anticancer treatment in patients with common solid tumors. Its robustness for stratification of patients at high and low/intermediate VTE risk needs to be externally validated. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–10

Implications for Practice.

The Prospective Comparison of Methods for thromboembolic risk assessment with clinical Perceptions and AwareneSS in real life patients–Cancer Associated Thrombosis (COMPASS–CAT) study provides a new risk assessment model (RAM) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) applicable in outpatients with breast, colorectal, lung or ovarian cancer. The COMPASS–CAT RAM is robust, applicable during chemotherapy and determines the need for VTE prévention by including reliable and easily collected VTE predictors associated with cancer status, its treatment as well as with patients' characteristics and comorbidities. An independent external validation of the RAM is indicated before its use in clinical practice.

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The Impact of a Hepatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team Assessment in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: A Population-Based Study

Background.

Assessing patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) by a liver multidisciplinary team (MDT) results in higher resection rates and improved survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potentially improved resection rate in a defined cohort if all patients with CRCLM were evaluated by a liver MDT.

Patients and Methods.

A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer during 2008 in the greater Stockholm region was conducted. All patients with liver metastases (LM), detected during 5-year follow-up, were re-evaluated at a fictive liver MDT in which previous imaging studies, tumor characteristics, medical history, and patients' own treatment preferences were presented. Treatment decisions for each patient were compared to the original management. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for factors associated with referral to the liver MDT.

Results.

Of 272 patients diagnosed with LM, 102 patients were discussed at an original liver MDT and 69 patients were eventually resected. At the fictive liver MDT, a further 22 patients were considered as resectable/potentially resectable, none previously assessed by a hepatobiliary surgeon. Factors influencing referral to liver MDT were age (OR 3.12, 1.72–5.65), American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score (OR 0.34, 0.18–0.63; ASA 2 vs. ASA 3), and number of LM (OR 0.10, 0.04–0.22; 1–5 LM vs. >10 LM), while gender (p = .194) and treatment at a teaching hospital (p = .838) were not.

Conclusion.

A meaningful number of patients with liver metastases are not managed according to best available evidence and the potential for higher resection rates is substantial. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–8

Implications for Practice.

Discussing patients with liver metastatic colorectal cancer at a hepatobiliary multidisciplinary meeting is associated with higher resection rates and improved survival. Unfortunately, patients who may benefit from resection are not always properly referred. In this study, the potential improved resection rate was assessed by re-evaluating all patients with liver metastases from a population-based cohort, including patients with extrahepatic metastases and accounting for comorbidity and patients' own preferences towards treatment. An additional 12.9% of the patients were found to be potentially resectable. The results highlight the importance of all patients being evaluated in the setting of a hepatobiliary multidisciplinary meeting.

http://ift.tt/2rZM9gd

Exceptional Response to Nivolumab and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in Neuroendocrine Cervical Carcinoma with High Tumor Mutational Burden: Management Considerations from the Center For Personalized Cancer Therapy at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix is an ultra-rare malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has rapidly developed into an emerging standard of care for several common disease types. Interestingly, in preclinical and retrospective clinical data, radiation therapy has been demonstrated to synergize with checkpoint inhibitors. Here we report a patient with metastatic, chemotherapy-refractory neuroendocrine carcinoma who presented with partial bowel obstruction due to a large tumor burden. Genomic analysis demonstrated a high number of alterations on liquid biopsy (circulating tumor DNA [ctDNA]), which prompted treatment with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) combined with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibody. Tissue rebiopsy and comprehensive genomic profiling confirmed high tumor mutational burden and a mismatch repair gene defect. The patient manifested near-complete systemic resolution of disease, ongoing at 10+ months. We discuss the novel treatment modality of SBRT combined with a checkpoint inhibitor and the implications of molecular profiling and tumor mutational burden as potential predictors of response. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–7

Key Points.

High-grade, large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix is an ultra-rare malignancy that carries a grim prognosis.

Next-generation sequencing may reveal key mutations in MSH2 genes amongst others. MSH2 mutations target the DNA mismatch repair process and can predispose patients to malignancies with high mutational burdens.

Immunotherapy combined with radiation therapy can elicit a significant response, both within and outside the field of radiation. The latter is termed the "abscopal" effect, perhaps mediated by radiation-induced cross presentation of tumor antigens resulting in immune activation.

Sequencing of blood-derived ctDNA showed a high number of alterations, and tissue sequencing confirmed a high tumor mutational burden as a consequence of a mismatch repair gene defect. This observation led to a therapeutic "match" with an anti- programmed cell death protein 1 antibody combined with SBRT, resulting in a durable (10+ months), near-complete remission in a patient with advanced chemotherapy-refractory disease.

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Pulmonary Function Changes After Radiotherapy for Lung or Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review Focusing on Dose-Volume Parameters

Background.

Despite technical developments in treatment delivery, radiation-induced lung toxicity (RILT) remains a crucial problem in thoracic radiotherapy. Clinically based RILT scores have their limitations, and more objective measures such as pulmonary functions tests (PFTs) might help to improve treatment strategies.

Purpose.

To summarize the available evidence about the effect of dose to the lung in thoracic radiotherapy on forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and diffusion capacity (DLCO) in patients with lung and esophageal cancer treated with curative intent.

Material and methods.

A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was performed, using MEDLINE and including clinical studies using (chemo)radiotherapy (CRT) or stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for lung or CRT for esophageal cancer that reported both lung dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters and changes in PFT results. Search terms included lung and esophageal neoplasms, respiratory function tests, and radiotherapy.

Results.

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven out of 13 studies on lung cancer reported significant declines (defined as a p value < .05) in PFT results. Both esophageal studies reported significant DLCO declines. One SABR study found a correlation between low lung-dose parameters and FEV1 decline. Relations between decline of FEV1 (three studies) or decline of DLCO (five studies), respectively, and DVH parameters were found in eight studies analyzing CRT. Furthermore, a heterogeneous range of clinical risk factors for pulmonary function changes were reported in the selected studies.

Conclusions.

There is evidence that pulmonary function declines after RT in a dose-dependent manner, but solid data about lung DVH parameters predicting changes in PFT results are scarce. A major disadvantage was the wide variety of methods used, frequently lacking multivariable analyses. Studies using prospective high-quality data, analyzed with appropriate statistical methods, are needed. The Oncologist 2017;22:1–8

Implications for Practice.

Radiation-induced lung toxicity remains crucial in thoracic radiotherapy. To prevent this toxicity in the future and individualize patient treatment, objective measures of pulmonary toxicity are needed. Pulmonary function tests may provide such objective measures. This systematic review, included all available clinical studies using external beam radiotherapy for lung or esophageal cancer reporting pulmonary function combined with dose-volume histogram parameters. There is preliminary evidence that pulmonary function declines post radiotherapy in a dose-dependent manner. Data quality and analyses were generally limited. Analyses of high-quality data are therefore urgently needed to improve individualization of advanced radiation therapy.

http://ift.tt/2rqJlMn

Debunking the Delusion That Precision Oncology Is an Illusion

http://ift.tt/2rZJYJH

Localized Adult Ewing Sarcoma: Favorable Outcomes with Alternating Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, and Ifosfamide, Etoposide (VDC/IE)-Based Multimodality Therapy

Although typically considered a pediatric disease, Ewing sarcoma can occur adults. Current standard treatment for localized Ewing sarcoma is a multimodality approach, combining chemotherapy and local therapy consisting of surgery and/or radiation therapy. This article evaluates outcomes for adults with localized Ewing sarcoma treated exclusively with with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine followed by ifosfamide and etoposide in combination with local therapy.

http://ift.tt/2rr82bg

Duration and exclusiveness of breastfeeding and school-age lung function and asthma

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of asthma in early childhood, but it is not clear whether its effect on respiratory morbidity is still present in later childhood.

http://ift.tt/2qlf7Ks

Association of of IgE Can f 2 and dyspnea in pet allergic patients

The widespread presence of household pets makes it difficult to avoid exposure to their allergens. Currently, only a few cat and dog allergen components are commercially available: Can f 1, Can f 2, Fel d 4 (lipocalins), Can f 3, Fel d 2 (albumins) Can f5 (kalikrein), and the Fel d1 (secretoglobin). There are several known feline and canine allergen components not available commercially, including Can f 4, Can f 6-7, Fel d 3, and Fel d 5 through 8.1 Thus, a negative test result for allergen specific IgE (asIgE) to those components does not exclude an allergy to other canine and feline proteins.

http://ift.tt/2r5Ldad

Duration and exclusiveness of breastfeeding and school-age lung function and asthma

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of asthma in early childhood, but it is not clear whether its effect on respiratory morbidity is still present in later childhood.

http://ift.tt/2qlf7Ks

Association of of IgE Can f 2 and dyspnea in pet allergic patients

The widespread presence of household pets makes it difficult to avoid exposure to their allergens. Currently, only a few cat and dog allergen components are commercially available: Can f 1, Can f 2, Fel d 4 (lipocalins), Can f 3, Fel d 2 (albumins) Can f5 (kalikrein), and the Fel d1 (secretoglobin). There are several known feline and canine allergen components not available commercially, including Can f 4, Can f 6-7, Fel d 3, and Fel d 5 through 8.1 Thus, a negative test result for allergen specific IgE (asIgE) to those components does not exclude an allergy to other canine and feline proteins.

http://ift.tt/2r5Ldad

Pulmonary hypertension evaluation by Doppler echocardiogram in children and adolescents with mouth breathing syndrome

Marcela Silva Lima, Carolina Maria Fontes Ferreira Nader, Letícia Paiva Franco, Zilda Maria Alves Meira, Flavio Diniz Capanema, Roberto Eustáquio Santos Guimarães, Helena Maria Gonçalves Becker
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:292-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqN6S0

Airway reconstruction: review of an approach to the advanced‐stage laryngotracheal stenosis

Mohamad Ahmad Bitar, Randa Al Barazi, Rana Barakeh
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:299-312

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZWwRq

Acute otitis media in children: a vaccine‐preventable disease?

Marco Aurélio Palazzi Sáfadi, Daniel Jarovsky
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:241-2

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s0asLg

Comparison of microRNA profiles between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors in tissue, blood and saliva samples: a prospective, case‐control study

Ovgu Cinpolat, Zeynep Nil Unal, Onur Ismi, Aysegul Gorur, Murat Unal
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:276-84

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqLac6

Thyroid gland invasion in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx

João Mangussi‐Gomes, Fernando Danelon‐Leonhardt, Guilherme Figner Moussalem, Nicolas Galat Ahumada, Cleydson Lucena Oliveira, Flávio Carneiro Hojaij
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:269-75

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZTWL0

The role of facial canal diameter in the pathogenesis and grade of Bell's palsy: a study by high resolution computed tomography

Onur Celik, Gorkem Eskiizmir, Yuksel Pabuscu, Burak Ulkumen, Gokce Tanyeri Toker
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:261-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqtxsO

Diagnostic value of repeated Dix‐Hallpike and roll maneuvers in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Cenk Evren, Nevzat Demirbilek, Mustafa Suphi Elbistanlı, Füruzan Köktürk, Mustafa Çelik
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:243-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZYSjc

Sound generator associated with the counseling in the treatment of tinnitus: evaluation of the effectiveness

Andressa Vital Rocha, Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia Mondelli
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:249-55

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqIbQU

Difficult septal deviation cases: open or closed technique?

Sultan Şevik Eliçora, Duygu Erdem, Hüseyin Işık, Murat Damar, Aykut Erdem Dinç
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:256-60

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s01jCd

Obstructive sleep apnea in postmenopausal women: a comparative study using drug induced sleep endoscopy

Soo Kweon Koo, Gun Young Ahn, Jang Won Choi, Young Jun Kim, Sung Hoon Jung, Ji Seung Moon, Young Il Lee
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:285-91

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZUssF

LS CE‐Chirp® vs. Click in the neuroaudiological diagnosis by ABR

Michelle Cargnelutti, Pedro Luis Cóser, Eliara Pinto Vieira Biaggio
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:313-7

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rquNfD

Ophthalmic complications of endoscopic sinus surgery

Malgorzata Seredyka‐Burduk, Pawel Krzysztof Burduk, Malgorzata Wierzchowska, Bartlomiej Kaluzny, Grazyna Malukiewicz
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:318-23

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s04pGv

Diagnostic value of repeated Dix‐Hallpike and roll maneuvers in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Cenk Evren, Nevzat Demirbilek, Mustafa Suphi Elbistanlı, Füruzan Köktürk, Mustafa Çelik
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:243-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZYSjc

Pulmonary hypertension evaluation by Doppler echocardiogram in children and adolescents with mouth breathing syndrome

Marcela Silva Lima, Carolina Maria Fontes Ferreira Nader, Letícia Paiva Franco, Zilda Maria Alves Meira, Flavio Diniz Capanema, Roberto Eustáquio Santos Guimarães, Helena Maria Gonçalves Becker
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:292-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqN6S0

Deep neck abscesses: study of 101 cases

Thiago Pires Brito, Igor Moreira Hazboun, Fernando Laffite Fernandes, Lucas Ricci Bento, Carlos Eduardo Monteiro Zappelini, Carlos Takahiro Chone, Agrício Nubiato Crespo
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:341-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqL8Rw

Combined ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential in individuals with vestibular hyporeflexia and in patients with Ménière's disease

Tatiana Rocha Silva, Luciana Macedo de Resende, Marco Aurélio Rocha Santos
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:330-40

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZTvk9

Ethics is the best professional policy

Aracy Pereira Silveira Balbani
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:370

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s0g8VF

Comparison of microRNA profiles between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors in tissue, blood and saliva samples: a prospective, case‐control study

Ovgu Cinpolat, Zeynep Nil Unal, Onur Ismi, Aysegul Gorur, Murat Unal
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:276-84

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqLac6

Relation between chronic rhinosinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux in adults: systematic review

Guilherme Constante Preis Sella, Edwin Tamashiro, Wilma Terezinha Anselmo‐Lima, Fabiana Cardoso Pereira Valera
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:356-63

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqFAWX

First branchial cleft fistula: a difficult challenge

Corneliu Mircea Codreanu, Corneliu Codreanu, Margareta Codreanu
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:364-6

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZHsmJ

Sound generator associated with the counseling in the treatment of tinnitus: evaluation of the effectiveness

Andressa Vital Rocha, Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia Mondelli
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:249-55

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqIbQU

Acute otitis media in children: a vaccine‐preventable disease?

Marco Aurélio Palazzi Sáfadi, Daniel Jarovsky
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:241-2

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s0asLg

Ophthalmic complications of endoscopic sinus surgery

Malgorzata Seredyka‐Burduk, Pawel Krzysztof Burduk, Malgorzata Wierzchowska, Bartlomiej Kaluzny, Grazyna Malukiewicz
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:318-23

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s04pGv

Thyroid gland invasion in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx

João Mangussi‐Gomes, Fernando Danelon‐Leonhardt, Guilherme Figner Moussalem, Nicolas Galat Ahumada, Cleydson Lucena Oliveira, Flávio Carneiro Hojaij
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:269-75

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZTWL0

Role of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in the evaluation of vestibular schwannoma

Deepa Aniket Valame, Geeta Bharat Gore
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:324-9

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqJFun

Postoperative otorhinolaryngologic complications in transnasal endoscopic surgery to access the skull base

Ricardo Landini Lutaif Dolci, Marcel Menon Miyake, Daniela Akemi Tateno, Natalia Amaral Cançado, Carlos Augusto Correia Campos, Américo Rubens Leite dos Santos, Paulo Roberto Lazarini
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:349-55

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZTvAF

Vertebral artery dissection: an important differential diagnosis of vertigo

Maíra da Rocha, Bruno Higa Nakao, Evandro Maccarini Manoel, Guilherme Figner Moussalem, Fernando Freitas Ganança
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:367-9

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s04qKx

Difficult septal deviation cases: open or closed technique?

Sultan Şevik Eliçora, Duygu Erdem, Hüseyin Işık, Murat Damar, Aykut Erdem Dinç
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:256-60

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s01jCd

The role of facial canal diameter in the pathogenesis and grade of Bell's palsy: a study by high resolution computed tomography

Onur Celik, Gorkem Eskiizmir, Yuksel Pabuscu, Burak Ulkumen, Gokce Tanyeri Toker
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:261-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqtxsO

Obstructive sleep apnea in postmenopausal women: a comparative study using drug induced sleep endoscopy

Soo Kweon Koo, Gun Young Ahn, Jang Won Choi, Young Jun Kim, Sung Hoon Jung, Ji Seung Moon, Young Il Lee
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:285-91

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZUssF

Airway reconstruction: review of an approach to the advanced‐stage laryngotracheal stenosis

Mohamad Ahmad Bitar, Randa Al Barazi, Rana Barakeh
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:299-312

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZWwRq

LS CE‐Chirp® vs. Click in the neuroaudiological diagnosis by ABR

Michelle Cargnelutti, Pedro Luis Cóser, Eliara Pinto Vieira Biaggio
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:313-7

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rquNfD

Relation between chronic rhinosinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux in adults: systematic review

Guilherme Constante Preis Sella, Edwin Tamashiro, Wilma Terezinha Anselmo‐Lima, Fabiana Cardoso Pereira Valera
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:356-63

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqFAWX

First branchial cleft fistula: a difficult challenge

Corneliu Mircea Codreanu, Corneliu Codreanu, Margareta Codreanu
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:364-6

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZHsmJ

Deep neck abscesses: study of 101 cases

Thiago Pires Brito, Igor Moreira Hazboun, Fernando Laffite Fernandes, Lucas Ricci Bento, Carlos Eduardo Monteiro Zappelini, Carlos Takahiro Chone, Agrício Nubiato Crespo
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:341-8

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqL8Rw

Postoperative otorhinolaryngologic complications in transnasal endoscopic surgery to access the skull base

Ricardo Landini Lutaif Dolci, Marcel Menon Miyake, Daniela Akemi Tateno, Natalia Amaral Cançado, Carlos Augusto Correia Campos, Américo Rubens Leite dos Santos, Paulo Roberto Lazarini
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:349-55

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZTvAF

Role of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in the evaluation of vestibular schwannoma

Deepa Aniket Valame, Geeta Bharat Gore
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:324-9

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rqJFun

Combined ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential in individuals with vestibular hyporeflexia and in patients with Ménière's disease

Tatiana Rocha Silva, Luciana Macedo de Resende, Marco Aurélio Rocha Santos
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:330-40

Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2rZTvk9

Vertebral artery dissection: an important differential diagnosis of vertigo

Maíra da Rocha, Bruno Higa Nakao, Evandro Maccarini Manoel, Guilherme Figner Moussalem, Fernando Freitas Ganança
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:367-9

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s04qKx

Ethics is the best professional policy

Aracy Pereira Silveira Balbani
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017;83:370

Texto Completo - PDF

http://ift.tt/2s0g8VF

When and where do dogs improve hunting productivity? The empirical record and some implications for early Upper Paleolithic prey acquisition

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Volume 47
Author(s): Karen D. Lupo
Recent archeological finds of protodogs dating to 35,000years ago have ignited controversy over the function of canids in early Upper Paleolithic societies. Reconstructions nominate the use of proto and early dogs in hunting and hauling as underwriting changes in subsistence technology, catalyzing human population growth and supporting the spread of modern humans at the expense of Neanderthals. These reconstructions assume that the use of canids in hunting will always have profound impacts on human subsistence. In this paper, I summarize existing quantitative data derived from the ethnographic record to evaluate productivity gains derived from the use of dogs in hunting. To augment this sparse information, I present some of the only data on the deployment of unspecialized Central African dogs (basenji's) by hunter-gatherers. These data show that while dogs can enhance hunting returns in certain circumstance, their overall impact on hunting productivity is highly variable and often restricted to specific prey types. Furthermore, the complex circumstances surrounding the emergence and spread of dogs globally precludes simple applications of these data to the archaeological record. These data invite a reexamination of when and how we expect dogs to have a significant impact on human subsistence and the circumstances that supported the emergence and spread of canids as effective hunting aids.



http://ift.tt/2rZThcu

Cover 2/Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Volume 46





http://ift.tt/2rIaZ78

Clinicopathologic profile of glomerular diseases associated with autoimmune thyroiditis

Kunal Gandhi, Karamvir Godara, Dhananjai Agrawal, Vinay Malhotra, Pankaj Beniwal, Amith Dsouza

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):71-74

Introduction: Thyroid hormones are known to influence renal function, development, and renal hemodynamics. In this study, we aimed to de ne the frequency and characteristics of various glomerular diseases associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively 36 patients with autoimmune thyroiditis referred for evaluation of proteinuria, hematuria, and/or renal impairment. Renal biopsy was performed in 32 patients and was examined with light microscopy and immunofluorescence. Six months follow-up data of 22 patients was reviewed. Results: The mean age of study population was 43.6 years. Most of them were females (n = 28). Mean duration of hypothyroidism (HT) was 1.5 years. Hypertension was seen in 16 patients and deranged renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) in 18 with a mean serum creatinine of 1.28 mg/dl at time of biopsy. 10 patients presented with nephrotic syndrome, 33 presented with isolated proteinuria and 22 presented with hematuria with or without significant proteinuria The most common histopathologic finding was membranous nephropathy (MGN) (n = 16), followed by minimal-change nephropathy (n = 5), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 5), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (n = 3), amyloidosis (n = 2), and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n = 1). Membranous nephropathy was the most common finding inn patients with the nephrotic syndrome. Conclusion: Glomerular pathologies associated with HT are diverse and similar to those found in the general population; therefore, renal biopsy should be performed in cases with progressive renal failure or urinary abnormalities.

http://ift.tt/2rqtai1

A rare presentation of autoimmune thyroid disease in mother and neonate postpartum

Mythili Ayyagari

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):86-88

This is a case of long-standing hypothyroidism on levothyroxine (LT4) replacement developing Graves' disease postpartum and the newborn presenting with transient congenital hypothyroidism. The clinical and laboratory data of the case are reported along with a brief literature review. A 27-year-old female who has hypothyroidism for the past 3 years and gestational diabetes mellitus delivered uneventfully. The thyroid function tests (TFTs) of the newborn showed congenital hypothyroidism which was transient and resolved by 3 months' age. An ultrasound of thyroid showed gland in situ. The diagnosis of the newborn is transient congenital hypothyroidism probably due to thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor-blocking antibodies (TBAbs). The mother who has hypothyroidism for the past 3 years was stable with euthyroidism and was on LT4 100 ug daily. Seven months postpartum, she had lid lag and proptosis of her left eye. Her TFTs revealed thyrotoxicosis and was advised to stop LT4. Magnetic resonance imaging orbits were normal and her TBAbs are elevated at 4.65 IU/L (<1.22). Antimicrosomal antibodies and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were negative. The orbitopathy resolved over 6 weeks and the mother remains euthyroid without LT4 on a follow-up period of 8 months. Close monitoring of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in pregnancy and postpartum is necessary due to the immune switching in this period and may obviate the need for LT4 therapy. The suspicion of transient congenital hypothyroidism due to TBAb should be high in neonates born to mothers with AITD.

http://ift.tt/2rZSDMl

Thyroid dysfunction in critically ill patients in a tertiary care hospital in Sikkim, India

M Suresh, Nitin K Srivastava, Amit Kumar Jain, Parvati Nandy

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):58-62

Background: During critical illness, patients with no history of thyroid disorders may experience multiple changes in their thyroid hormone levels. Such changes are termed as euthyroid sick syndrome. The extent of change correlates with the severity of the illness and its outcomes in critically ill patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify critically ill patients and grade them clinically according to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) severity scale and evaluate the thyroid function tests (TFTs) and to document the outcome and relate the APACHE II severity scale with TFTs. Methods: A descriptive, observational hospital-based study was conducted on critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All data were entered into Microsoft Excel sheet and were analyzed using GraphPad InStat software. Results: The majority of the patients belonged to geriatric age group (49%) and were male (55%). Cardiovascular diseases (43%) constituted the major morbidity. The majority had APACHE II score ≥20 (71%) and succumbed (45%) to their illness within 10 days. The majority of them had a low total triiodothyronine (T3) (49%), and there was a significant inverse correlation (P = 0.0235) between severity of illness and low serum total T3 levels whereas there was no relationship between total thyroxine or thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and severity of illness. Conclusions: Serum T3 has a significant inverse relationship to the severity of critically ill patients.

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Distant skeletal muscle metastasis to sternocleidomastoid in the setting of recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma

Nitish Virmani, Jyoti Dabholkar

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):77-80

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most common form of differentiated thyroid cancer, is characterized by an indolent course and excellent prognosis. Although its spread to regional lymph nodes is well known, distant metastases are seen only in a minority of patients with lungs being the most common site. Skeletal muscle metastases are extremely rare even in follicular thyroid carcinoma, in which hematogenous spread is known to occur. We describe a case of skeletal muscle metastasis to sternocleidomastoid muscle in a case of PTC in the setting of local recurrence.

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Clinical approach to congenital hypothyroidism

Sunetra Mondal, Pradip Mukhopadhyay, Sujoy Ghosh

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):45-53

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a preventable cause of mental retardation. The principal causes include thyroid dysgenesis and dyshormonogenesis. Central CH is rare. Due to absence of overt symptoms at birth, diagnosis is often delayed. There are some known syndromic associations with extrathyroidal anomalies. Neonatal screening programs help in early detection and categorization of cases requiring immediate treatment or close follow-up. Results of screening tests could guide further tests required for confirmation diagnosis and urgency of replacement therapy. A diagnostic protocol starting with an ultrasonography of thyroid and serum thyroglobulin levels can aid identify the probable underlying etiology and dictate the cases requiring scintigraphy or genetic tests. Early initiation of treatment with oral levothyroxine improves neurocognitive outcomes. Some cases might have transient hypothyroidism and reevaluation at 3 years of age may help in further discontinuation of treatment.

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The kidney and the thyroid – Together in function and disease

Krishna G Seshadri

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):43-44



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National health programs related to thyroid

Kanica Kaushal, Sanjay Kalra

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):54-57

Identification of health objectives is one of the more visible strategies to direct the activities of the health sector. The government of India and its nodal ministry – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare undoubtedly has the central and primary role in the implementation of the health program. In this article, the authors have tried to review the available national programs for prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases; National Newborn Screening Programme including congenital hypothyroidism, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, National Guidelines for Screening of Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy, National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme and National Family Health Survey 3 and 4.

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Transoral thyroidectomy, vestibular approach using two ports: A novel technique

Vivek Aggarwal, Raja Bhanu Kiran, Monika Garg, Deepak Khandelwal

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):75-76

Cosmesis is a prime concern for many patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Postthyroidectomy scar-related apprehension among patients has forced the surgeons to develop techniques to reduce the scar or even without scar. We report a case of a young female with thyroid nodule who underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy done through a novel technique (transoral vestibular approach using two ports) at our center as potentially scarless thyroid surgery.

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Prevalence of hypothyroidism in Assam: A clinic-based observational study

Anindita Mahanta, Sushmita Choudhury, Sarojini Dutta Choudhury

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):63-70

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a common functional disorder of the thyroid gland. Despite extensive research, data on this subject are lacking from the northeastern part of India, which falls in the Sub-Himalayan goitrogenic belt. Therefore, we decided to study the profile of hypothyroidism in Assam, a northeastern state with the following objectives: to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism and to describe the various modes of clinical presentation. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at a clinic-cum-radioimmunoassay laboratory in Guwahati, Assam, from January to November 2011. Two thousand and four hundred fifty-six patients referred to our center from different parts of Assam were evaluated clinically and their thyroid profile was estimated. Antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody was estimated in 1950 patients. Results: The prevalence of overt hypothyroidism was 10.9% (n = 267) and that of subclinical hypothyroidism was 13.1% (n = 321). Male:female ratio was 1:3. Among the cases of overt hypothyroidism, 247 (92.51%) were adult hypothyroids, 15 (5.62%) juvenile hypothyroids, and 5 (1.87%) cretins. The common presenting features of hypothyroidism were weakness (98%), lethargy (95%), dry and coarse skin (87%), and body ache (85%). Uncommon modes of presentation were pleural and pericardial effusion, low body weight, frequent motions, and palpitations. Postthyroidectomy and drug-induced hypothyroidism accounted for 2.38% cases each and postpartum hypothyroidism for 3.74% cases. Thirteen percent cases presented with goiter. The prevalence of anti-TPO antibody in the study population was 8.41%. Conclusion: Hypothyroidsm is no longer a rarity, and Assam is no exception to this phenomenon. A population-based epidemiological study of thyroid disorders in Northeast India is an urgent need.

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Primary hypothyroidism presenting as a pituitary macroadenoma and precocious puberty

Balram Sharma, Hema Singh, Sanjay Saran, Sandeep Kumar Mathur

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):81-85

The association in young females of long-standing primary hypothyroidism, isosexual precocious pseudopuberty, and multicystic enlarged ovaries was first described in 1960 by Van Wyk and Grumbach. In this case study, we report a girl with precocious puberty, poor linear growth, decreased vision, and a large pituitary pseudotumor due to long-standing hypothyroidism with regression of all components following thyroxine (T4) supplementation. This girl aged 12 years and 3 months presented in Endocrinology Department with complaints of early menarche starting at the age of 8 years with normal cycles along with early progressive breast development starting almost simultaneously. On examination, she had a reduced growth for age (<5th centile) with adequate breast development (Tanner Stage 3) but no pubic or axillary hair development. Physical and biochemical examination for blood indices revealed a microcytic hypochromic anemia. Most importantly, she had an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone >150 μIU/ml (0.35–5.5) and a free T4 (FT4) and free triiodothyronine below normal limits suggestive of primary hypothyroidism. Furthermore, serum prolactin levels were elevated along with an elevated serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol. Multicystic ovaries and a bulky uterus on ultrasound were suggestive of precocious puberty. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the sella turcica was suggestive of a pituitary macroadenoma. Posttreatment with gluten-free diet, iron supplements, and T4 replacement, her thyroid function, hemoglobin, and prolactin normalized along with a regression in the size of the ovary. Therefore, in patients of this age presenting with a pituitary macroadenoma, anemia, precocious puberty, and primary hypothyroidism, medical management was preferred over neurosurgical intervention so as to avoid permanent hypopituitarism and lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

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Hashimoto's encephalopathy in a 10-year-old girl

V Shobi Anandi, Shaila Bhattacharyya, Bidisha Banerjee

Thyroid Research and Practice 2017 14(2):89-91

Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is a rare but probably an unrecognized and underdiagnosed condition in children. Early diagnosis is critical since these patients respond dramatically to corticosteroid therapy. The diagnosis of HE requires a strong clinical suspicion along with a triad of positive antithyroid antibodies, encephalopathy not explained by another etiology, and a response to corticosteroids. We report the case of a 10-year-old female child with HE and review the literature.

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Long-term reliability of the visual EEG Poffenberger paradigm

Publication date: 14 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 330
Author(s): Patrick Friedrich, Sebastian Ocklenburg, Lisa Mochalski, Caroline Schlüter, Onur Güntürkün, Erhan Genc
The Poffenberger paradigm is a simple perception task that is used to estimate the speed of information transfer between the two hemispheres, the so-called interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT). Although the original paradigm is a behavioral task, it can be combined with electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the underlying neurophysiological processes during task execution. While older studies have supported the validity of both paradigms for investigating interhemispheric interactions, their long-term reliability has not been assessed systematically before. The present study aims to fill this gap by determining both internal consistency and long-term test-retest reliability of IHTTs produced by using the two different versions of the Poffenberger paradigm in a sample of 26 healthy subjects. The results show high reliability for the EEG Poffenberger paradigm. In contrast, reliability measures for the behavioral Poffenberger paradigm were low. Hence, our results indicate that electrophysiological measures of interhemispheric transfer are more reliable than behavioral measures; the later should be used with caution in research investigating inter-individual differences of neurocognitive measures.



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Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Konstantin Yenkoyan, Artem Grigoryan, Katarine Fereshetyan, Diana Yepremyan
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are common heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with typical triad of symptoms: impaired social interaction, language and communication abnormalities and stereotypical behavior. Despite extensive research, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD remain largely unclear. The lack of solid knowledge on the mechanisms of these disorders decreases the opportunities for pathogenetic treatment of autism. Various theories where proposed in order to explain the pathophysiology underlying ASD. Despite the fact that none of them is able to completely explain the impairments in the nervous system of ASD patients, these hypotheses were instrumental in highlighting the most important mechanisms in the development of this complex disorder. Some new theories are based on neurovisualization studies, others on the data from genomic studies, which become increasingly available worldwide. As the research in this field is largely dependent on the animal models, there is an ongoing discussion and search for the most appropriate one adequately reproducing the pathology. Here we provide an overview of current theories of the origin and development of ASD discussed in the context of existing and proposed rodent models of ASD.



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Relationship between the changes in M1 excitability after motor learning and arousal state as assessed by short-latency afferent inhibition

Publication date: 14 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 330
Author(s): Yoshiki Koizume, Masato Hirano, Shinji Kubota, Shinya Tanaka, Kozo Funase
To examine the factors that influence the inter-individual differences in the changes in primary motor cortex (M1) excitability seen after motor learning, we investigated the relationship between the amplitude of transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced motor evoked potentials (MEP) and short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) after motor learning, based on the working hypothesis that SAI can be used to evaluate cortical acetylcholine (ACh) activity. To confirm this working hypothesis, we manipulated the arousal state of the subjects using a vigilance task, the outcomes of which might be correlated with cortical ACh activity, and investigated the effects of arousal state on SAI. As a result, we showed that SAI was significantly affected by arousal state. Consequently, we concluded that the subjects' arousal state during motor learning tasks is one of factors to influence on inter-individual differences in the changes in M1 excitability seen after motor learning tasks.



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Neurochemical correlates of functional plasticity in the mature cortex of the brain of rodents

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Ewa Siucinska
It is commonly accepted that increase of input to sensory structures in mammals is known to produce marked changes in cortical recipient areas. This paper reviews the data concerning manifestations of changes in primary somatosensory cortex of adult animals caused by classical conditioning with reinforcement: aversive (whisker-shock) and appetitive (whisker-water) trainings. These include: anatomical, electrophysiological responses, receptor autoradiography, expression of GABA, GAD at mRNA and protein levels, expression of neuronal and astroglial GAT-1 puncta and inhibitory synaptogenesis in the hollows of "trained" barrels of the adult mouse. Here we have quoted the discovery in an earlier work of the creation of a picture of the extended perimeter of the neuronal mechanisms of coding and mediating in experience-dependent changes in the barrel cortex.



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Effects of neonatal and adolescent neuroactive steroid manipulation on locomotor activity induced by ethanol in male wistar rats

Publication date: 14 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 330
Author(s): Iris Bartolomé, Anna Llidó, Sònia Darbra, Marc Pallarès
Neonatal neuroactive steroids levels are crucial for brain development. Alterations of neonatal neuroactive steroids levels induce anxiolytic-like effects and improve exploration in novel environments in adulthood. These behavioural traits, i.e. sensation/novelty seeking, anxiety or impulsivity, are associated with vulnerability to drug use and abuse. Adolescence is also recognized as a particularly critical developmental phase to contribute to vulnerable phenotype. However, the influence of neuroactive steroids during development in the vulnerability to drug addiction has been poorly studied. The aim of the present experiment is to study the effect of early neonatal and adolescent manipulations of neuroactive steroids on the sensitivity to the stimulant effects of ethanol in adult male rats. Therefore, allopregnanolone or finasteride, an allopregnanolone synthesis inhibitor, were injected from postnatal day 5–9. In early adolescence, half of the subjects were injected with progesterone, the main allopregnanolone precursor, and the elevated plus-maze anxiety test was performed.Results indicated that early adolescent progesterone induced anxiolytic-like effects (increase in the percentage of entries and time in open arms). Neonatal finasteride administration decreased locomotor activity induced by ethanol in adolescent vehicle subjects. Interestingly, differences induced by neonatal treatments were not present in the animals that received progesterone in the early adolescence. In conclusion, neuroactive steroid manipulations in crucial stages of development could be playing an important role in behavioural effects of alcohol such as the sensitivity to locomotor stimulation.



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The amphetamine-associated context exerts a stronger motivational effect in low-anxiety rats than in high-anxiety rats

Publication date: 14 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 330
Author(s): Małgorzata Lehner, Marek Gryz, Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek, Danuta Turzyńska, Alicja Sobolewska, Anna Skórzewska, Adam Płaźnik
This study used the conditioned place preference test to explore the effects of subchronic amphetamine administration on drug-associated cues in rats with different emotional reactivity. We also examined the changes in markers of dopaminergic activity in brain regions in response to the amphetamine-paired context, after a withdrawal period preceded by subchronic amphetamine treatment. We used low-anxiety (LR) and high-anxiety (HR) rats, which are known to exhibit distinct levels of susceptibility to amphetamine. Compared to HR rats, LR rats spent significantly more time in the amphetamine-paired compartment after the withdrawal period preceded by subchronic amphetamine treatment. Compared to HR control rats, LR control rats showed higher expression of the D1 receptor in the nucleus accumbens core (NAC core) and basolateral amygdala and higher expression of the D2 receptor in the NAC core. After the amphetamine treatment and withdrawal period, the LR rats showed higher D1 receptor expression in the NAC core, an increased level of homovanilic acid (HVA) in the prefrontal cortex, the NAC and the central amygdala than HR rats, as well as lower D2 receptor expression in the NAC core and the amygdala than LR control rats.These results indicate that the differences in the activity of the dopaminergic mesolimbic system in the HR and LR rats are maintained and even enhanced after a multi-day break in the use of the drug, indicating the occurrence of sensitisation. These findings show that the innate reactivity of the limbic dopaminergic innervations, dependent on the level of emotional reactivity, may significantly and chronically modify the development and maintenance of sensitisation to amphetamine.



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The influence of a probiotic supplementation on memory in quail suggests a role of gut microbiota on cognitive abilities in birds

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Severine Parois, Ludovic Calandreau, Narjis Kraimi, Irène Gabriel, Christine Leterrier
The gut microbiota is involved in host behaviour and memory in mammals. Consequently, it may also influence emotional behaviour and memory in birds.Quail from two genetic lines with different fearfulness (LTI: long tonic immobility, n=37; STI: short tonic immobility, n=32) were either or not supplemented with a probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici) from hatching. Emotional reactivity was measured in a tonic immobility test (d6 and 7 of age) and two open-field tests (d13–15; d22–24). Memory was measured in a test rewarded with mealworms, where quail had to remember the cups previously visited (d34–36). Quail endured a 5-days stress period from days 17 to 21 to help revealing the potentially beneficial effect of the probiotic.As expected, STI quail were less fearful compared to the LTI quail (p<0.05). Probiotic supplementation had no effect on most measures of emotional reactivity (p>0.05), except in the tonic immobility test where supplemented STI quail had lower immobility duration (p=0.0001). Regarding the memory test, the two lines had similar performances. Quail fed with probiotics made fewer errors (p=0.040). There was no significant correlation between traits of emotional reactivity and of memory.In conclusion, the supplementation with Pediococcus acidilactici as a probiotic, affected a specific trait of emotional reactivity in STI quail, and improved memory in both lines, whichstrengthens the idea that the influence of gut microbiota on the host behaviour and memory seen in mammals is shared by birds.



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Short-term caloric restriction exerts neuroprotective effects following mild traumatic brain injury by promoting autophagy and inhibiting astrocyte activation

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Yuan Liu, Rong Wang, Zhiwei Zhao, Wen Dong, Xu Zhang, Xi Chen, Lina Ma
Cognitive deficits may occur after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but effective treatment modalities are presently unavailable. Caloric restriction (CR) has beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been clearly defined. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the short-term effects of CR treatment on cognitive function in mice after mTBI. Forty-five 12-week-old C57/BL6 mice were subjected to closed-head mTBI using a weight drop device. The mice were then randomly divided into three groups according to their diet for 30 days: the normal calorie group (mTBI+NC group, n=15), the caloric restriction group (mTBI+CR group, n=15), and the high energy group (mTBI+HE group, n=15). After 30 days, the Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate learning abilities. Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were used to monitor pathological changes and changes in autophagy-associated proteins in the hippocampus. The average escape latency was significantly shorter in the mTBI+CR group than in the mTBI+NC and mTBI+HE groups, and the number of target platform crossings in the mTBI+CR group was significantly higher than in the other two groups. In the hippocampus, the expression of GFAP and mTOR was increased in the mTBI+HE group and decreased in the mTBI+CR group. Conversely, the expression of LC3B was decreased in the mTBI+HE group and increased in the mTBI+CR group. Our findings suggest that short-term CR after mTBI may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction induced by mTBI by increasing the level of autophagy and suppressing astrocyte activation.



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Levodopa has primarily negative influences on postural control in patients with Parkinson's disease

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Cédrick T. Bonnet, Arnaud Delval, Sébastien Szaffarczyk, Luc Defebvre
Patients with Parkinson's disease have better functional status and motor performance under on-drug conditions. However, the administration of levodopa leads to greater postural sway. The present study's primary objective was to determine whether this on-drug problem may be related to a lack of adjustment in postural control mechanisms and body segment rotations. Fourteen patients with Parkinson's disease and 14 controls performed two gaze-shift tasks (40° to the left and 40° to the right, at 0.125 and 0.25Hz) and a stationary gaze task in two sessions (an off-drug session and an on-drug session for the patients, and two off-drug sessions for the controls). At baseline, the "on-drug" patients indeed swayed significantly more than the controls during the gaze-shift tasks. As expected, acute L-dopa administration did not increase eye, head, neck and lower back rotation of the patients during the gaze-shift tasks. Unexpectedly, levodopa appeared to enable the patients to significantly increase the contribution of their postural control mechanisms (relative to controls) during the gaze-shift tasks. However, and as expected, this adjustment was not great enough to enable the patients to maintain their postural sway as well as the controls did. Overall, the administration of levodopa seemed to destabilize the patients – especially with regard to the lower back region. In addition, the patients used hypermetric eye rotations during the gaze-shift tasks under both off- and on-drug conditions. If they had not used these compensatory eye rotations, their unsafe behavior at the hip level might have been even more pronounced. Future research should focus on this lower back weakness.



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The effect of left frontal transcranial direct-current stimulation on propranolol-induced fear memory acquisition and consolidation deficits

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Mohammad Nasehi, Mozhgan Khani-Abyaneh, Mohaddeseh Ebrahimi-Ghiri, Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
Accumulating evidence supports the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in modulating numerous cognitive functions. Despite the fact that tDCS has been used for the enhancement of memory and cognition, very few animal studies have addressed its impact on the modulation of fear memory. This study was designed to determine whether pre/post-training frontal tDCS application would alter fear memory acquisition and/or consolidation deficits induced by propranolol in NMRI mice. Results indicated that administration of β1-adrenoceptor blocker propranolol (0.1mg/kg) impaired fear memory retrieval. Pre/post-training application of anodal tDCS when propranolol was administered prior to training reversed contextual memory retrieval whereas only the anodal application prior to training could induce the same result in the auditory test. Meanwhile, anodal stimulation had no effect on fear memories by itself. Moreover, regardless of when cathode was applied and propranolol administered, their combination restored contextual memory retrieval, while only cathodal stimulation prior to training facilitated the contextual memory retrieval. Also, auditory memory retrieval was restored when cathodal stimulation and propranolol occurred prior to training but it was abolished when stimulation occurred after training and propranolol was administered prior to training. Collectively, our findings show that tDCS applied on the left frontal cortex of mice affects fear memory performance. This alteration seems to be task-dependent and varies depending on the nature and timing of the stimulation. In certain conditions, tDCS reverses the effect of propranolol. These results provide initial evidence to support the timely use of tDCS for the modulation of fear-related memories.



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Behavioural outcomes of adult female offspring following maternal stress and perinatal fluoxetine exposure

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Veronika Kiryanova, Sara J. Meunier, Richard H. Dyck
Depression, anxiety, and stress are common in pregnant women. One of the primary pharmacological treatments for anxiety and depression is the antidepressant fluoxetine (Flx). Maternal stress, depression, and Flx exposure are known to effect neurodevelopment of the offspring, however, their combined effects have been scarcely studied, especially in female offspring. The present study investigated the combined effects of maternal stress during pregnancy and perinatal exposure to Flx on the behaviour of female mice as adults.MethodsMouse dams were exposed to either chronic unpredictable stress (embryonic (E) day 7 to E18), or FLX (E15- postnatal day 12), or a combination of stress and FLX or left untreated. At two months of age, the female offspring went through a comprehensive behavioural test battery.ResultsMaternal stress led to increased activity and alterations of prepulse inhibition in the adult female offspring. Maternal treatment with Flx had a potentially beneficial effect on spatial memory. The combination of prenatal stress and perinatal Flx exposure did not interact in their effects. These results suggest that gestational Flx exposure may have a limited negative impact on female offspring.



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Food and water intake, body temperature and metabolic consequences of interleukin-1β microinjection into the cingulate cortex of the rat

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): B. Csetényi, E. Hormay, I. Szabó, G. Takács, B. Nagy, K. László, Z. Karádi
In order to elucidate whether cytokine mechanisms of the cingulate cortex (cctx) are important in the central regulation of homeostasis, in the present study, feeding-metabolic effects of direct bilateral microinjection of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) into the cctx of the rat have been investigated. Short- (2h), medium (12h) and long-term (24h) food and water intakes and body temperature were measured after the intracerebral administration of this primary cytokine or vehicle solution, with or without paracetamol pretreatment. The effect of IL-1β on the blood glucose level of animals was examined in glucose tolerance test (GTT), and concentrations of relevant plasma metabolites (total cholesterol, HDL, LDH, triglycerides, uric acid) were additionally also determined following the above microinjections. In contrast to causing no major alteration in the food and water intakes, the cytokine treatment evoked significant increase in the body temperature of the rats. Prostaglandin-mediated mechanisms were shown to have important role in the mode of this action of IL-1β, since paracetamol pretreatment partially prevented the development of the above mentioned hyperthermia. In the GTT, no considerable difference was observed between the blood glucose levels of the cytokine treated and control animals. Following IL-1β microinjection, however, significant decrease of HDL and total cholesterol was found. Our present findings indicate that elucidating the IL-1β mediated homeostatic control mechanisms in the cingulate cortex may lead to the better understanding not only the regulatory entities of the healthy organism but also those found in obesity, diabetes mellitus and other worldwide rapidly spreading feeding-metabolic disorders.



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Obesogenic diet intake during pregnancy programs aberrant synaptic plasticity and addiction-like behavior to a palatable food in offspring

Publication date: 14 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 330
Author(s): Alberto Camacho, Larisa Montalvo-Martinez, Robbi E. Cardenas-Perez, Lizeth Fuentes-Mera, Lourdes Garza-Ocañas
Contextual food conditioned behaviors require plasticity of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the reward system, involving changes in the expression of including a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole 4-propionate receptors (AMPA), N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) and metabotropic glutamate 2,3 (mGlur 2,3). However, the role of changes in glutamatergic synaptic markers on energy-dense palatable food preference during development has not been described. Here, we determine the effect of nutritional programing during gestation on fat food choices using a conditioned place preference (CPP) test and an operant training response and its effect on glutamatergic markers in the nucleus accumbens (Nac) shell and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Our data showed that rats displayed preference for palatable fat food and an increase in caloric intake when compared to a chow diet. Notably, 74% of rats showing a preference for fat food intake correlate with a positive HFD-paired score whereas 26% failed to get HFD-conditioned. Also, male rats trained under an operant training response schedule (FR1, FR5 and PR) showed high and low responder groups to work for food. Notably, hypercaloric nutritional programing of female rats leads to exacerbation for reinforcers in female offspring compared to offspring from chow diet. Finally, we found that an operant training response to palatable reinforcers correlates with upregulation of mGlur 2,3 in the NAc shell and PFC of male rats and female offspring. Also, we found selective Nr1 upregulation in NAc shell and the PFC of female offspring. Our data suggest that nutritional programing by hypercaloric intake leads to incentive motivation to work for food and synaptic plasticity alteration in the mesolimbic system.



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