Chronological Order of Lipofilling during Implant Exchange

No abstract available

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Greater Omental Lymph Node Flap for Upper Limb Lymphedema with Lymph Nodes–depleted Patient

Background: The greater omentum is supplied by the right, middle, and left omental arteries, which arise from the right and left gastroepiploic arteries. All or part of the greater omentum can be harvested based on this blood supply for free tissue transfer. It has stimulated new interest in its use as the donor site in the treatment of lymphedema. For patients who have failed other management options or have limited peripheral lymph node donor sites, the greater omental lymph node flap may offer the best chance for lymphedema treatment. Methods: We report a 59-year-old woman with a history of left breast cancer who was treated with left modified radical mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection and developed left upper extremity Grade IV lymphedema. She received vascularized groin lymph node transfer and lymphaticovenous anastomosis, but the result was not satisfactory. She also had nasopharyngeal cancer that was treated with radiotherapy to the head and neck, making use of the submental lymph nodes flap impossible. Due to a lack of other options of lymph node donor sites, the split greater omental lymph node flap (GOLF) was used. Results: After surgery, it showed an arm circumference reduction of 42.9% above the elbow and 36.4% below the elbow at an 8-month follow-up. There was no intraabdominal complication. Conclusions: The split GOLF has shown good results in a peripheral lymph node–depleted lymphedema patient. Using a laparoscopic technique for flap harvest has less risk of donor site morbidity and hides scarring.

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Skin Necrosis Caused by Simple Massage Equipment

No abstract available

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Establishment and genomic characterization of primary salivary duct carcinoma cell line

Salivary duct carcinoma, a rare highly aggressive epithelial malignancy, commonly presents at advanced stage in elderly patients of both sexes [1–3]. The primary management of SDCs is surgery and/or post-operative radio-therapy while advanced primary and metastatic disease are empirically treated with either conventional chemo-radiotherapy or targeted agents with limited success [4,5]. SDC, like mammary ductal carcinoma, manifest high expression of HER-2 and Androgen Receptor (AR) and frequent alterations of the PI3K signaling pathway [6–13].

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Editorial Board/Aims & Scope

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In Memoriam – Crispian Scully 1945–2017

Crispian Scully

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HLA traits linked to development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma affect the progression-free survival of patients

Main risk factors for carcinogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are tobacco and/or alcohol consumption. Since exposure to both lifestyle factors is followed by immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenesis plus increased expression of cytokines and growth factors resulting in loss of proliferation control, the reasons for developing HNSCC and relapses appear to be obvious. Also the sexually transmitted and persistent infection with oncogenic high-risk subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) poses a risk for developing oropharyngeal HNSCC.

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Establishing and applying nomograms based on the 8th edition of the UICC/AJCC staging system to select patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who benefit from induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southern China and Southeast Asia. In 2015, an estimated 60,600 new cases were diagnosed in Mainland China, accounting for 40% of all cases worldwide [1]. The Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging system of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)/American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) is the most important tool for guiding treatment strategies in clinical practice. Radiotherapy alone is the recommended approach for stage I NPC, and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with or without adjuvant chemotherapy is the first choice for locoregionally advanced NPC (LANPC; stage III-IV, without distant metastasis) [2,3].

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Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Profound Hyponatremia due to Primary Polydipsia

Abstract

Objective

Hyponatremia due to excessive fluid intake (i.e. primary polydipsia (PP)) is common. It may culminate in profound hyponatremia—carrying considerable risk of morbidity. However, data on patients with PP leading to hyponatremia is lacking. Herein, we describe the characteristics of polydiptic patients hospitalised with profound hyponatremia, and assess one-year outcomes.

Design

Substudy of the prospective observational Co-MED Study.

Patients

Patients with an episode of profound hyponatremia (≤125mmol/l) due to PP in the medical emergency were eligible and classified into psychogenic polydipsia (PsyP), dipsogenic polydipsia (DiP), and beer potomania (BP).

Measurements

Symptoms, laboratory findings, and factors contributing to hyponatremia (comorbidities, medication, and liquid intake) were assessed. A one-year follow-up was performed to evaluate recurrence of hyponatremia, re-admission rate, and mortality.

Results

23 patients were included (median age 56 years [IQR 50-65], 74% female), 7 had PsyP, 8 DiP, and 8 BP. Median serum sodium of all patients was 121mmol/l (IQR 114-123), median urine osmolality 167mmol/l (IQR 105-184), and median copeptin 3.6mmol/l (IQR 1.9-5.5). Psychiatric diagnosis, particularly dependency disorder (43%) and depression (35%), were highly prevalent. Factors provoking hyponatremia were found in all patients (e.g. acute water load, medication, stress).

During the follow-up period, 67% of patients were readmitted, 52% of these with re-hyponatremia, and 3 patients (38%) with BP died.

Conclusion

Patients with PP are more likely to be female, and have addictive and affective disorders. Given the high recurrence, re-hospitalisation, and mortality rate, careful monitoring and long-term follow-up including controls of serum sodium, education and behavioural therapy is needed.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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High quality colloidal GdVO4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles synthesized via a protected calcination process for versatile applications

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): Yanjie Liang, Hyeon Mi Noh, Junpeng Xue, Haeyoung Choi, Sung Heum Park, Byung Chun Choi, Jung Hwan Kim, Jung Hyun Jeong
GdVO4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles with high crystallinity and water dispersibility have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach followed by a protected calcination treatment. The crude GdVO4:Yb,Er nanoparticles obtained by hydrothermal approach show cubic morphology with a diameter of about 45nm. A layer of SiO2 was coated on the surface of nanoparticles to avoid particles growth and aggregation during thermal treatment. After the dissolution of SiO2 layer by chemical etching in aqueous NaOH solution, the as-prepared highly crystalline GdVO4:Yb,Er nanoparticles not only maintain their nanostructure properties but show high chemical stability and good water dispersibility. Intense green upconversion luminescence is achieved under the 980nm laser diode excitation. The approach reported here can be "borrowed" to guide the synthesis of other oxide-based luminescent nanoparticles and will access their suitability for many technologically important applications.

Graphical abstract

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Microstructural control during laser additive manufacturing of single-crystal nickel-base superalloys: New processing–microstructure maps involving powder feeding

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): Yao-Jian Liang, Xu Cheng, Jia Li, Hua-Ming Wang
The control of solidification microstructure is critical to successful laser processing of single-crystal (SX) nickel-base superalloys and a practical tool for the microstructural control is processing–microstructure maps. However, the maps presented in literature do not consider the effects of powder feeding during laser additive manufacturing (LAM) of SX superalloys. This paper therefore presents a simple and feasible strategy to deal with the effects of powder feeding and to extend the combined numerical model used to calculate processing–microstructure maps. A characteristic ratio of epitaxial SX growth was defined to quantitatively compare the final solidification microstructure. Resulting processing–microstructure maps can estimate the influence of most processing variables, especially powder feeding rate, on the extent of epitaxial SX growth and the position of columnar-to-equiaxed transition. Using the processing parameters selected according to these processing–microstructure maps, a multi-layer SX deposit with fine dendrites was successfully fabricated by LAM. This successful SX LAM indicates that these new processing–microstructure maps involving powder feeding are reliable and useful because they can determine proper processing windows for LAM of SX superalloys and further advance the understanding of the processing–microstructure relationship in powder-feeding LAM process.

Graphical abstract

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Tunable white light emitting Sr2V2O7:Bi3+phosphors: Role of bismuth ion

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): Santosh K. Gupta, K. Sudarshan, R.M. Kadam
Phase purity, optical properties and defects in new near white light emitting rare earth free Sr2V2O7:Bi³⁺phosphors were investigated. Emission spectrum of Sr2V2O7 displayed two peaks at all excitation wavelength approximately around 450 (P1) and 600nm (P2). With increase in the excitation wavelength; emission intensity increases and there is a red and blue shift in Peak P1 and P2, respectively. On bismuth doping, the two Peaks P1 and P2 slowly starts merging and become a single broad peak at 5% doping. Bismuth doping also reduces the emission peak energy. This is attributed to substitution of Bi³⁺ at Sr²⁺ site which would distort VO4 tetrahedra, thereby reducing the energy difference between the ³T and ¹A levels of VO4³⁻ distorted tetrahedral. This dual role of bismuth doping and excitation energy leads to interesting tunability in white emission from cool to warm white. This opens a new arena in phosphor research because of great role of white LEDs (both warm and cool) in outdoor and indoor lighting.

Graphical abstract

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Light-induced antibacterial and UV-protective properties of polyamide 56 biomaterial modified with anthraquinone and benzophenone derivatives

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): Aiqin Gao, Hongjuan Zhang, Gang Sun, Kongliang Xie, Aiqin Hou
The bio-based material polyamide 56 (PA 56) is a new kind of biopolymer. Reactive Blue P-3R, which is a derivative of anthraquinone, can react directly with the amino groups on PA 56. 3,3′,4,4′-Benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid (BPTCA), which is a photoactive derivative of benzophenone, can also react directly with the amino groups on PA 56 to form amide bonds. The modified bio-based PA 56 fabrics not only exhibited excellent ultraviolet (UV) protective property, but also exhibited important photochemical properties, such as producing reactive oxygen species, including hydroxyl radicals (HO) under UV light exposure. The hydroxyl radical-generating abilities of these materials were measured, and their photochemical reactive mechanisms were discussed. The modified PA 56 fabrics demonstrated good antimicrobial activities against both E. coli and S. aureus. Reactive Blue P-3R and BPTCA exhibited good synergistic properties. These modified biomaterials could therefore be used in medical textiles and biological materials.

Graphical abstract

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Overweight in elderly people induces impaired autophagy in skeletal muscle

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 110
Author(s): Yaiza Potes, Beatriz de Luxán-Delgado, Susana Rodriguez-González, Marcela Rodrigues Moreira Guimarães, Juan J. Solano, María Fernández-Fernández, Manuel Bermúdez, Jose A. Boga, Ignacio Vega-Naredo, Ana Coto-Montes
Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and quality associated with aging. Changes in body composition, especially in skeletal muscle and fat mass are crucial steps in the development of chronic diseases. We studied the effect of overweight on skeletal muscle tissue in elderly people without reaching obesity to prevent this extreme situation. Overweight induces a progressive protein breakdown reflected as a progressive withdrawal of anabolism against the promoted catabolic state leading to muscle wasting. Protein turnover is regulated by a network of signaling pathways. Muscle damage derived from overweight displayed by oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces inflammation and insulin resistance and forces the muscle to increase requirements from autophagy mechanisms. Our findings showed that failure of autophagy in the elderly deprives it to deal with the cell damage caused by overweight. This insufficiently efficient autophagy leads to an accumulation of p62 and NBR1, which are robust markers of protein aggregations. This impaired autophagy affects myogenesis activity. Depletion of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) without links to variations in myostatin levels in overweight patients suggest a possible reduction of satellite cells in muscle tissue, which contributes to declined muscle quality. This discovery has important implications that improve the understanding of aged-related atrophy caused by overweight and demonstrates how impaired autophagy is one of the main responsible mechanisms that aggravate muscle wasting. Therefore, autophagy could be an interesting target for therapeutic interventions in humans against muscle impairment diseases.

Graphical abstract

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Amelanotic melanoma in oculocutaneous albinism: a genetic, dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy study

Abstract

Herein we describe the usefulness of a successful combination of dermoscopy and in vivo RCM for the early diagnosis of 3 AM in 2 OCA patients OCA is a group of rare autosomal recessive disorders of pigmentation. It consists in the absence or reduction of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes due to a partial or total deficit in the activity of tyrosinase(TYR)¹ or other related genes^2,3. Those patients are at higher risk of non melanoma skin cancer, while still debated is their increased risk of melanoma, in particular amelanotic⁴. They usually lack in clinical and dermoscopic pattern, what makes them challenging to be diagnosed, especially at early stage.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Heterogeneity of trichoscopy findings in dissecting cellulitis of the scalp: correlation to disease activity and duration

Abstract

dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by recurrent nodules, abscesses and sinus tract formation.^1-3 It usually starts as a simple folliculitis with occlusion of follicular openings mainly on the scalp vertex or nape, generally followed by perifollicular pustules and painful firm or fluctuant nodules releasing a purulent discharge, either spontaneously or after a gentle pressure.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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The association between psoriasis and coeliac disease

Psoriasis is known to be associated with inflammatory comorbidities. Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy caused by permanent intolerance to dietary gliadin, which is present in wheat, barley, and rye.¹ The disease occurs in predisposed individuals, and is characterized clinically by malabsorption and histologically by villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia, which improves when the causal antigen is removed through a gluten-free diet.¹ We investigated the relationship between psoriasis and CD in Denmark.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2qoe8sU

Amelanotic melanoma in oculocutaneous albinism: a genetic, dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy study

Abstract

Herein we describe the usefulness of a successful combination of dermoscopy and in vivo RCM for the early diagnosis of 3 AM in 2 OCA patients OCA is a group of rare autosomal recessive disorders of pigmentation. It consists in the absence or reduction of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes due to a partial or total deficit in the activity of tyrosinase(TYR)¹ or other related genes^2,3. Those patients are at higher risk of non melanoma skin cancer, while still debated is their increased risk of melanoma, in particular amelanotic⁴. They usually lack in clinical and dermoscopic pattern, what makes them challenging to be diagnosed, especially at early stage.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2qnT99v

Heterogeneity of trichoscopy findings in dissecting cellulitis of the scalp: correlation to disease activity and duration

Abstract

dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by recurrent nodules, abscesses and sinus tract formation.^1-3 It usually starts as a simple folliculitis with occlusion of follicular openings mainly on the scalp vertex or nape, generally followed by perifollicular pustules and painful firm or fluctuant nodules releasing a purulent discharge, either spontaneously or after a gentle pressure.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2r8rMgO

The association between psoriasis and coeliac disease

Psoriasis is known to be associated with inflammatory comorbidities. Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy caused by permanent intolerance to dietary gliadin, which is present in wheat, barley, and rye.¹ The disease occurs in predisposed individuals, and is characterized clinically by malabsorption and histologically by villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia, which improves when the causal antigen is removed through a gluten-free diet.¹ We investigated the relationship between psoriasis and CD in Denmark.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2qoe8sU

Aspiration of Aluminum Beverage Can Tab: Case Report and Literature Review

We describe the case of a 16-year-old male who aspirated a beverage can tab resulting in significant functional impairment. Since the introduction of beverage can opening tabs ("pop-tops" or "pull-tabs") nearly 50 years ago, five cases of their aspiration have been reported in the literature and this is the first case to report tracheal lodgment. We describe the clinical course for this patient including the inadequacy of radiographic evaluation and a significant delay in diagnosis. We highlight unique features of small aluminum foreign bodies that require consideration and mention a potential change in epidemiology associated with evolving product design. Our primary objective is increased awareness among otolaryngologists that radiography is unreliable for diagnosis or localization of small aluminum foreign bodies. The patient history must therefore be incorporated with other imaging modalities and/or endoscopic evaluation. Also, given the marked prevalence of aluminum beverage cans, we suspect that the inadvertent aspiration of can tabs is more common than indicated by the paucity of published reports.

http://ift.tt/2s2LZF2

Aspiration of Aluminum Beverage Can Tab: Case Report and Literature Review

We describe the case of a 16-year-old male who aspirated a beverage can tab resulting in significant functional impairment. Since the introduction of beverage can opening tabs ("pop-tops" or "pull-tabs") nearly 50 years ago, five cases of their aspiration have been reported in the literature and this is the first case to report tracheal lodgment. We describe the clinical course for this patient including the inadequacy of radiographic evaluation and a significant delay in diagnosis. We highlight unique features of small aluminum foreign bodies that require consideration and mention a potential change in epidemiology associated with evolving product design. Our primary objective is increased awareness among otolaryngologists that radiography is unreliable for diagnosis or localization of small aluminum foreign bodies. The patient history must therefore be incorporated with other imaging modalities and/or endoscopic evaluation. Also, given the marked prevalence of aluminum beverage cans, we suspect that the inadvertent aspiration of can tabs is more common than indicated by the paucity of published reports.

http://ift.tt/2s2LZF2

Recent 210Pb, 137Cs and 241Am accumulation in an ombrotrophic peatland from Amsterdam Island (Southern Indian Ocean)

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 175–176
Author(s): Chuxian Li, Gaël Le Roux, Jeroen Sonke, Pieter van Beek, Marc Souhaut, Nathalie Van der Putten, François De Vleeschouwer
Over the past 50 years, ²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs and ²⁴¹Am have been abundantly used in reconstructing recent sediment and peat chronologies. The study of global aerosol-climate interaction is also partially depending on our understanding of ²²²Rn-²¹⁰Pb cycling, as radionuclides are useful aerosol tracers. However, in comparison with the Northern Hemisphere, few data are available for these radionuclides in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in the South Indian Ocean. A peat core was collected in an ombrotrophic peatland from the remote Amsterdam Island (AMS) and was analyzed for ²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs and ²⁴¹Am radionuclides using an underground ultra-low background gamma spectrometer. The ²¹⁰Pb Constant Rate of Supply (CRS) model of peat accumulations is validated by peaks of artificial radionuclides (¹³⁷Cs and ²⁴¹Am) that are related to nuclear weapon tests. We compared the AMS ²¹⁰Pb data with an updated ²¹⁰Pb deposition database. The ²¹⁰Pb flux of 98 ± 6 Bq·m⁻²·y⁻¹ derived from the AMS core agrees with data from Madagascar and South Africa. The elevated flux observed at such a remote location may result from the enhanced ²²²Rn activity and frequent rainfall in AMS. This enhanced ²²²Rn activity itself may be explained by continental air masses passing over southern Africa and/or Madagascar. The ²¹⁰Pb flux at AMS is higher than those derived from cores collected in coastal areas in Argentina and Chile, which are areas dominated by marine westerly winds with low ²²²Rn activities. We report a ¹³⁷Cs inventory at AMS of 144 ± 13 Bq·m⁻² (corrected to 1969). Our data thus contribute to the under-represented data coverage in the mid-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere.



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Phase I randomized study of KHK4083, an anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody, in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis

Abstract

Background

OX40 (CD134) is expressed in lesional but not healthy skin of patients with psoriasis. KHK4083 is a fully human monoclonal antibody against OX40.

Objective

The primary aim of this first-in-human phase 1 study was to determine the safety and tolerability of ascending single doses of KHK4083 in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Secondary aims were to determine the pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of KHK4083, and an exploratory objective was to assess clinical activity.

Methods

In phase 1a single doses of KHK4083 0.003 and 0.001 mg/kg IV was administered open-label in two cohorts (each n = 6). Phase 1b had a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending single-dose design in seven cohorts. Randomization was performed 3:1 to KHK4083 (n = 6) or placebo (n = 2) within each cohort. Ascending doses of KHK4083 were 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, and 10 mg/kg IV, and 1.0 mg/kg SC.

Results

There were no severe or serious adverse events (AEs), or discontinuations because of AEs. The most frequent treatment-related AEs in the 55 patients who received KHK4083 were mild or moderate chills (9.1%), and infusion/injection site reactions (7.3%). No clinically meaningful or dose-related changes from baseline in laboratory values, vital signs, ECG recordings, or physical examinations were observed. Some KHK4083 recipients (10/54) developed anti-KHK4083 antibodies following treatment. Mean elimination half-life (t_1/2) increased with dose, maximum serum concentration increased in a dose-proportional manner, and area under the serum concentration-time curve increased in a more than dose proportional manner with increasing IV dose. Absolute bioavailability following SC administration was 73%. There was some indication of improvement of PASI and sPGA scores at the highest IV doses (1.0 and 10 mg/kg) and the SC dose (1.0 mg/kg). The largest PASI 50 response and improvement of sPGA score ≥2 occurred with KHK4083 1.0 mg/kg SC.

Conclusion

KHK4083 administration as a single dose up to 10 mg/kg IV or 1.0 mg/kg SC was generally safe and well tolerated in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis with no dose-limiting AEs.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Risk stratification of women with false-positive test results in mammography screening based on mammographic morphology and density: A case control study

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 49
Author(s): Rikke Rass Winkel, My von Euler-Chelpin, Elsebeth Lynge, Pengfei Diao, Martin Lillholm, Michiel Kallenberg, Julie Lyng Forman, Michael Bachmann Nielsen, Wei Yao Uldall, Mads Nielsen, Ilse Vejborg
BackgroundThe long-term risk of breast cancer is increased in women with false-positive (FP) mammography screening results. We investigated whether mammographic morphology and/or density can be used to stratify these women according to their risk of future breast cancerMethodsWe undertook a case-control study nested in the population-based screening programme in Copenhagen, Denmark. We included 288 cases and 288 controls based on a cohort of 4743 women with at least one FP-test result in 1991–2005 who were followed up until 17 April 2008. Film-based mammograms were assessed using the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) density classification, the Tabár classification, and two automated techniques quantifying percentage mammographic density (PMD) and mammographic texture (MTR), respectively. The association with breast cancer was estimated using binary logistic regression calculating Odds Ratios (ORs) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) adjusted for birth year and age and invitation round at the FP-screenResultsSignificantly increased ORs were seen for BI-RADS D(density)2-D4 (OR 1.94; 1.30-2.91, 2.36; 1.51-3.70 and 4.01; 1.67-9.62, respectively), Tabár's P(pattern)IV (OR 1.83; 1.16-2.89), PMD Q(quartile)2-Q4 (OR 1.71; 1.02-2.88, 1.97; 1.16-3.35 and 2.43; 1.41-4.19, respectively) and MTR Q4 (1.97; 1.12-3.46) using the lowest/fattiest category as referenceConclusionAll four methods, capturing either mammographic morphology or density, could segregate women with FP-screening results according to their risk of future breast cancer − using already available screening mammograms. Our findings need validation on digital mammograms, but may inform potential future risk stratification and tailored screening strategies



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Medical image classification based on multi-scale non-negative sparse coding

Publication date: Available online 27 May 2017
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Author(s): Ruijie Zhang, Jian Shen, Fushan Wei, Xiong Li, Arun Kumar Sangaiah
With the rapid development of modern medical imaging technology, medical image classification has become more and more important in medical diagnosis and clinical practice. Conventional medical image classification algorithms usually neglect the semantic gap problem between low-level features and high-level image semantic, which will largely degrade the classification performance. To solve this problem, we propose a multi-scale non-negative sparse coding based medical image classification algorithm. Firstly, Medical images are decomposed into multiple scale layers, thus diverse visual details can be extracted from different scale layers. Secondly, for each scale layer, the non-negative sparse coding model with fisher discriminative analysis is constructed to obtain the discriminative sparse representation of medical images. Then, the obtained multi-scale non-negative sparse coding features are combined to form a multi-scale feature histogram as the final representation for a medical image. Finally, SVM classifier is combined to conduct medical image classification. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm can effectively utilize multi-scale and contextual spatial information of medical images, reduce the semantic gap in a large degree and improve medical image classification performance.



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Recurrent Meningitis

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recurrent meningitis is a rare clinical scenario that can be self-limiting or life threatening depending on the underlying etiology. This review describes the causes, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis for recurrent meningitis. As a general overview of a broad topic, the aim of this review is to provide clinicians with a comprehensive differential diagnosis to aide in the evaluation and management of a patient with recurrent meningitis.

Recent Findings

New developments related to understanding the pathophysiology of recurrent meningitis are as scarce as studies evaluating the treatment and prevention of this rare disorder. A trial evaluating oral valacyclovir suppression after HSV-2 meningitis did not demonstrate a benefit in preventing recurrences. The data on prophylactic antibiotics after basilar skull fractures do not support their use. Intrathecal trastuzumab has shown promise in treating leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from HER-2 positive breast cancer. Monoclonal antibodies used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases are new potential causes of drug-induced aseptic meningitis.

Summary

Despite their potential for causing recurrent meningitis, the clinical entities reviewed herein are not frequently discussed together given that they are a heterogeneous collection of unrelated, rare diseases. Epidemiologic data on recurrent meningitis are lacking. The syndrome of recurrent benign lymphocytic meningitis described by Mollaret in 1944 was later found to be closely related to HSV-2 reactivation, but HSV-2 is by no means the only etiology of recurrent aseptic meningitis. While the mainstay of treatment for recurrent meningitis is supportive care, it is paramount to ensure that reversible and treatable causes have been addressed for further prevention.

http://ift.tt/2s2Hbzs

Back Pain with Leg Pain

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The clinical diagnostic dilemma of low back pain that is associated with lower limb pain is very common. In relation to back pain that radiates to the leg, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) states: "Pain in the lower limb should be described specifically as either referred pain or radicular pain. In cases of doubt no implication should be made and the pain should be described as pain in the lower limb."

Recent Findings

Bogduks' editorial in the journal PAIN (2009) helps us to differentiate and define the terms somatic referred pain, radicular pain, and radiculopathy. In addition, there are other pathologies distal to the nerve root that could be relevant to patients with back pain and leg pain such as plexus and peripheral nerve involvement. Hence, the diagnosis of back pain with leg pain can still be challenging.

Summary

In this article, we present a patient with back and leg pain. The patient appears to have a radicular pain syndrome, but has no neurological impairment and shows signs of myofascial involvement. Is there a single diagnosis or indeed two overlapping syndromes? The scope of our article encompasses the common diagnostic possibilities for this type of patient. A discussion of treatment is beyond the scope of this article and depends on the final diagnosis/diagnoses made.

http://ift.tt/2rtiQpt

Primary Headaches and School Performance—Is There a Connection?

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Headache is a common complaint among children and adolescents. School functioning is one of the most important life domains impacted by chronic pain in children. This review discusses the epidemiological and pathophysiological connections between headaches and school functioning including a suggested clinical approach.

Recent Findings

The connection between recurrent and chronic headache and learning disabilities might be psychosocial (fear of failure) or anatomical (malfunctioning of the frontal and prefrontal areas). Only few population-based and clinical studies were done and good studies are still needed in order to understand the complex relationship better. However, relating to our patients' learning and school performance, history is crucial when a child with primary headaches is evaluated.

Summary

Learning disabilities seem to have a high prevalence among children with primary headache syndromes especially migraine. The connection between the two is complex and might be either part of a common brain pathophysiology and/or a consequence of poor quality of life.

http://ift.tt/2rt7Wjp

Occurrence, removal, and risk assessment of antibiotics in 12 wastewater treatment plants from Dalian, China

Abstract

In this study, the occurrence and removal efficiencies of 31 antibiotics, including 11 sulfonamides (SAs), five fluoroquinolones (FQs), four macrolides (MLs), four tetracyclines (TCs), three chloramphenicols (CAPs), and four other antibiotics (Others), were investigated in 12 municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Dalian, China. A total of 29 antibiotics were detected in wastewater samples with the concentration ranging from 63.6 to 5404.6 ng/L. FQs and SAs were the most abundant antibiotic classes in most wastewater samples, accounting for 42.2 and 23.9% of total antibiotic concentrations, respectively, followed by TCs (16.0%) and MLs (14.8%). Sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, ofloxacin, and norfloxacin were the most frequently detected antibiotics; of these, the concentration of ofloxacin was the highest in most of influent (average concentration = 609.8 ng/L) and effluent (average concentration = 253.4 ng/L) samples. The removal efficiencies varied among WWTPs in the range of −189.9% (clarithromycin) to 100% (enoxacin, doxycycline, etc), and more than 50% of antibiotics could not be efficiently removed with the removal efficiency less than 65%. An environmental risk assessment was also performed in the WWTP effluents by calculating the risk quotient (RQ), and high RQ values (>1) indicated erythromycin and clarithromycin might cause the ecological risk on organisms in surrounding water near discharge point of WWTPs in this area, which warrants further attention.

http://ift.tt/2rtaeiO

Endophytic bacterial and fungal communities transmitted from cotyledons and germs in peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) sprouts

Abstract

Seed-borne endophytes could be transmitted into sprouts. Whether this happened in peanuts and the difference between microbial taxa in peanut germs and cotyledons remain unknown. In this research, Illumina-based sequencing was employed to investigate the microbial taxa in peanut germs, cotyledons, and sprouts. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria was isolated and inoculated into peanut sprouts, and then, the growth of peanut seedlings was measured. The results illustrated that diverse bacteria and fungi were detected in peanut germs, cotyledons, and sprouts. The number of bacterial OTUs declined with the germination from germs and cotyledons to sprouts. However, the number of fungal OTUs increased during the seedling procedure. Seed-borne dominant bacterial genera Halothiobacillus and Synechococcus and fungal genera Humicola, Emericella, and Penicillium were detected in sprouts. Based on the endophytic community information, the Halothiobacillus strains were isolated from sprouts. Pot experiments that illustrated the growth of peanut seedlings inoculated with the strain were promoted. These results provide new understanding into plant-microbe interactions in peanut and suggest that the selection for biocontrol agents based on mycobiome and bacteriome analysis is reliable and feasible compared with the present greenhouse selection.

http://ift.tt/2r7Po5j

Human health risk exposure with respect to particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at mine fire-affected coal mining complex

Abstract

Particulate-bound poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of great concern due to their mutagenicity and carcinogenicity effect on human health. In this context, identification, quantification and inhalation cancer risk (ICR) assessment due to PM₁₀- and PM_2.5-bound PAHs has been carried out at six monitoring stations in a critically polluted Jharia coalfield/Dhanbad City. Identification of pollution sources at study area has been performed by using PCA statistical methods. Air quality index (AQI) and air quality health index (AQHI) were calculated based on the concentration levels of PM₁₀. Location-wise direct comparison between AQI, AQHI and ICR was performed to analyse the risk levels. Consequently, maximum concentration levels of particulate (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀)-bound total PAHs (400 and 482 ng/m³) were recorded at the monitoring station Lodna Thana, followed by Bank More and Sijua Stadium, respectively. It was also observed that mine fire-affected station Lodna Thana was exaggerated with presence of PAHs due to wood and open coal burning activities. Moreover, about 1000 and 889 cases of inhalation cancer risk were estimated due to direct exposure of PM₁₀- and PM_2.5-bound PAHs in the study area, respectively. Active mine fire-affected station Lodna Thana was recorded with maximum probability of lung tumour due to inhalation cancer risk. This study has reported higher AQHI at station Dugdha Basti, Lodna Thana and Bank More, which results increased number of tumours due to ICR. This result concludes that Jharia coalfield/Dhanbad City are not only critically polluted area but it is also an inhalation cancer prone area due to direct exposure of active mine fire.

http://ift.tt/2qnoqJK

Agricultural waste derived fuel from oil meal and waste cooking oil

Abstract

Oil meal is a by-product of the oil industry (peanut meal, sesame meal, and camellia meal). Oil is extracted from seeds, and the leftover meal is then pelletized, and this process generates a large amount of waste oil meal in Taiwan. In this study, peanut meal, sesame meal, and camellia meal derived fuels were prepared from the waste oil meal with waste cooking oil. The combustion behaviors of the oil meal derived fuels were also investigated. The characteristics of the derived fuel made from oil meal with waste cooking oil showed that the ash content is less than 10% and its calorific value reached 5000 kcal/kg. Additionally, the activation energy of the oil meal and waste cooking oil was analyzed by the Kissinger method. The results show that the fuel prepared in this work from the oil meal mixed with waste cooking oil is suitable for use as an alternative fuel and also avoids food safety issues.

http://ift.tt/2r7XxXE

Diversity and activity patterns of sympatric animals among four types of forest habitat in Guanyinshan Nature Reserve in the Qinling Mountains, China

Abstract

Environmental heterogeneity contributes to various habitats and may influence the diversity and activity patterns of wildlife among habitats. We used camera traps to assess wildlife habitat use in Guanyinshan Nature Reserve from 2009 to 2012. We focused on four types of habitat including open areas with gentle slope (<15°) (Type1), low elevation areas (about 1500–1700 m) with high bamboo coverage (Type2), high elevation areas (about 2100–2300 m) with high canopy coverage (Type3), and wildlife migration passages (Type4). We analyzed the differences in species richness, relative abundance index (RAI), species diversity, and animals' activity pattern among habitats. Total six species were analyzed on activity pattern, which are Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral), wild boar (Sus scrofa), golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), and porcupine (Hystrix hodgsoni). The results are (1) that there were significant differences in richness and RAI_t among habitats; (2) Type4 habitat had the highest richness and RAI_t while Type2 had the highest species diversity; giant pandas were found in these two habitats; (3) there were significant differences in species' activity during daytime and nighttime; and (4) differences appeared in habitat preference of the most abundant species. Takin and tufted deer preferred Type1, Himalayan goral preferred Type2, and golden pheasant preferred Type3. Type4 habitat was used by most animals. All these revealed that habitat heterogeneity plays an important role in species diversity and the importance for conservation.

http://ift.tt/2r7XxH8

Effects of Deltamethrin on striatum and hippocampus mitochondrial integrity and the protective role of Quercetin in rats

Abstract

The present work is to evaluate the neurotoxicity induced by pyrethroid insecticide "Deltamethrin" at 0.32 mg/kg/day in two main regions of the Wistar rat brain (hippocampus and striatum) and the protective effects of Quercetin at 10 mg/kg/day on this toxicity after 90 days of exposure. The assay of brain parameters showed that Deltamethrin caused a significant increase of mitochondrial metabolite level (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) and enzyme activity (glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase); a decreased amount of mitochondrial glutathione level and catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities; and an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) acid levels of the two regions. Furthermore, mitochondrial functional testing in the brains of treated rats exhibited a significant increase in permeability followed by a mitochondrial swelling. Instead, a statistically significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration (O₂ consumption) was recorded in the striatum and hippocampus. Our study showed that the pesticide caused a significant increase of the cytochrome c amount correlated with activation of neuronal apoptosis mechanisms by the significant increase of caspase-3 of hippocampus and striatum. In particular, the results of behavioral tests (open field, classic maze tests of sucrose, and Morris water maze) have significant changes, namely bad behavior of the treated rats, affecting the level of anxiety, learning, and memory, and general motor activity has mainly been shown in treated rats. In addition, the histological cuts clearly confirm cerebral necrosis in the hippocampus and the striatum caused by the pesticide. They allow us to consider the necrotic areas, black spots, reduction, and denaturation of these brain regions in the treated rats. On the other hand, we have studied the protective effects against the neurotoxicity of Deltamethrin (DLM). In this context, after the gavage of Quercetin at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day, we have noticed an improvement in the entire parameters: mitochondrial enzyme, metabolic, histological, and behavioral parameters. This confirmed the improvement of preventive and curative effect of Quercetin against free radicals induced by the DLM.

http://ift.tt/2qn7MtH

Role of biochar on composting of organic wastes and remediation of contaminated soils—a review

Abstract

Biochar is produced by pyrolysis of biomass residues under limited oxygen conditions. In recent years, biochar as an amendment has received increasing attention on composting and soil remediation, due to its unique properties such as chemical recalcitrance, high porosity and sorption capacity, and large surface area. This paper provides an overview on the impact of biochar on the chemical characteristics (greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen loss, decomposition and humification of organic matter) and microbial community structure during composting of organic wastes. This review also discusses the use of biochar for remediation of soils contaminated with organic pollutants and heavy metals as well as related mechanisms. Besides its aging, the effects of biochar on the environment fate and efficacy of pesticides deserve special attention. Moreover, the combined application of biochar and compost affects synergistically on soil remediation and plant growth. Future research needs are identified to ensure a wide application of biochar in composting and soil remediation.

Graphical abstract

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http://ift.tt/2r7L8CL

Soil calcium significantly promotes uptake of inorganic arsenic by garland chrysanthemum ( ChrysanthemumL coronarium ) fertilized with chicken manure bearing roxarsone and its metabolites

Abstract

Roxarsone (ROX), a widely used feed organoarsenic additive, occurs as itself and its metabolites in animal manure that is commonly land used as fertilizer. Soil property impacts arsenic (As) speciation and bioavailability. Fourteen soils across China were used to conduct culture experiments to investigate As uptake by garland chrysanthemum (ChrysanthemumL coronarium), with the soils fertilized with chicken manure bearing ROX and its metabolites. The results show As(III) was the sole As form in garland chrysanthemum shoots, and As(III) and As(V) occurred in roots. Only inorganic As was detected in all soils when the plants were harvested. Stepwise regression analysis shows soil-exchangeable Ca predominated shoot As(III) concentration (shoot As(III) = 1.60030 soil Ca, R ² = 0.8832***). Therefore, ROX is transferred into the human food chain finally as inorganic As in plants. Application of animal manure bearing ROX and its metabolites is not recommended in Ca-rich soils to avoid excess inorganic As dietary exposure.

http://ift.tt/2qnuoKI

Changes of foraging patch selection and utilization by a giant panda after bamboo flowering

Abstract

The bamboo flowering leads to the habitat fragmentation and food quality decline of a giant panda. Few empirical research has been conducted about the giant panda's response to the bamboo flowering. Here, we investigated the characteristics of bamboo stands, giant panda's activity, and selection and utilization of bamboo stands by giant panda in Taibaishan National Nature Reserve, China, over a 3-year period (September 2013–May 2016) during the Fargesia qinlingensis flowering period. Our results indicated that the proportion of whole bamboo stands flowering has gradually expanded from 26.7% in 2013 and 33.9% in 2014 to 52.3% in 2015. Although the flowering bamboo has lower crude protein and higher crude fiber than a non-flowering bamboo, the giant panda still fed on flowering bamboo from the evidence of droppings. The giant panda left its feeding sites and moved to the high elevation along river when the proportion of flowering reached 69.2% at elevation of 2350–2450 m in the third year. With the decline of the quality of bamboo stand of Fargesia qinlingensis, the giant panda abandoned its feeding sites when the threshold value of bamboo flowering reached 56.9–69.2%. Flexibility in foraging strategy and spatial behavior can help the giant panda to better adapt to the environment.

http://ift.tt/2qnc7xa

Recurrent Meningitis

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recurrent meningitis is a rare clinical scenario that can be self-limiting or life threatening depending on the underlying etiology. This review describes the causes, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis for recurrent meningitis. As a general overview of a broad topic, the aim of this review is to provide clinicians with a comprehensive differential diagnosis to aide in the evaluation and management of a patient with recurrent meningitis.

Recent Findings

New developments related to understanding the pathophysiology of recurrent meningitis are as scarce as studies evaluating the treatment and prevention of this rare disorder. A trial evaluating oral valacyclovir suppression after HSV-2 meningitis did not demonstrate a benefit in preventing recurrences. The data on prophylactic antibiotics after basilar skull fractures do not support their use. Intrathecal trastuzumab has shown promise in treating leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from HER-2 positive breast cancer. Monoclonal antibodies used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases are new potential causes of drug-induced aseptic meningitis.

Summary

Despite their potential for causing recurrent meningitis, the clinical entities reviewed herein are not frequently discussed together given that they are a heterogeneous collection of unrelated, rare diseases. Epidemiologic data on recurrent meningitis are lacking. The syndrome of recurrent benign lymphocytic meningitis described by Mollaret in 1944 was later found to be closely related to HSV-2 reactivation, but HSV-2 is by no means the only etiology of recurrent aseptic meningitis. While the mainstay of treatment for recurrent meningitis is supportive care, it is paramount to ensure that reversible and treatable causes have been addressed for further prevention.

http://ift.tt/2s2Hbzs

Back Pain with Leg Pain

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The clinical diagnostic dilemma of low back pain that is associated with lower limb pain is very common. In relation to back pain that radiates to the leg, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) states: "Pain in the lower limb should be described specifically as either referred pain or radicular pain. In cases of doubt no implication should be made and the pain should be described as pain in the lower limb."

Recent Findings

Bogduks' editorial in the journal PAIN (2009) helps us to differentiate and define the terms somatic referred pain, radicular pain, and radiculopathy. In addition, there are other pathologies distal to the nerve root that could be relevant to patients with back pain and leg pain such as plexus and peripheral nerve involvement. Hence, the diagnosis of back pain with leg pain can still be challenging.

Summary

In this article, we present a patient with back and leg pain. The patient appears to have a radicular pain syndrome, but has no neurological impairment and shows signs of myofascial involvement. Is there a single diagnosis or indeed two overlapping syndromes? The scope of our article encompasses the common diagnostic possibilities for this type of patient. A discussion of treatment is beyond the scope of this article and depends on the final diagnosis/diagnoses made.

http://ift.tt/2rtiQpt

Primary Headaches and School Performance—Is There a Connection?

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Headache is a common complaint among children and adolescents. School functioning is one of the most important life domains impacted by chronic pain in children. This review discusses the epidemiological and pathophysiological connections between headaches and school functioning including a suggested clinical approach.

Recent Findings

The connection between recurrent and chronic headache and learning disabilities might be psychosocial (fear of failure) or anatomical (malfunctioning of the frontal and prefrontal areas). Only few population-based and clinical studies were done and good studies are still needed in order to understand the complex relationship better. However, relating to our patients' learning and school performance, history is crucial when a child with primary headaches is evaluated.

Summary

Learning disabilities seem to have a high prevalence among children with primary headache syndromes especially migraine. The connection between the two is complex and might be either part of a common brain pathophysiology and/or a consequence of poor quality of life.

http://ift.tt/2rt7Wjp

Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution on Lung Function in Children

Abstract

Lung function in early life has been shown to be an important predictor for peak lung function in adults and later decline. Reduced lung function per se is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. With this review, we aim to summarize the current epidemiological evidence on the effect of traffic-related air pollution on lung function in children and adolescents. We focus in particular on time windows of exposure, small airway involvement, and vulnerable sub-groups in the population. Findings from studies published to date support the notion that exposure over the entire childhood age range seems to be of importance for lung function development. We could not find any conclusive data to support evidence of sup-group effects considering gender, sensitization status, and asthma status, although a possibly stronger effect may be present for children with asthma. The long-term effects into adulthood of exposure to air pollution during childhood remains unknown, but current studies suggest that these deficits may be propagated into later life. In addition, further research on the effect of exposure on small airway function is warranted.

http://ift.tt/2s10l8P

Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution on Lung Function in Children

Abstract

Lung function in early life has been shown to be an important predictor for peak lung function in adults and later decline. Reduced lung function per se is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. With this review, we aim to summarize the current epidemiological evidence on the effect of traffic-related air pollution on lung function in children and adolescents. We focus in particular on time windows of exposure, small airway involvement, and vulnerable sub-groups in the population. Findings from studies published to date support the notion that exposure over the entire childhood age range seems to be of importance for lung function development. We could not find any conclusive data to support evidence of sup-group effects considering gender, sensitization status, and asthma status, although a possibly stronger effect may be present for children with asthma. The long-term effects into adulthood of exposure to air pollution during childhood remains unknown, but current studies suggest that these deficits may be propagated into later life. In addition, further research on the effect of exposure on small airway function is warranted.

http://ift.tt/2s10l8P

MeCP2-deficient mice have reduced α4 and α6 nicotinic receptor mRNA and altered behavioral response to nicotinic agonists

Publication date: 14 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 330
Author(s): J. Leung, D.M. McPhee, A. Renda, N. Penty, F. Farhoomand, R. Nashmi, K.R. Delaney




http://ift.tt/2raNJy5

Effects of chronic restraint stress on the global DNA methylation profile of rat lung cells: Modulation by physical exercise

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): L.V. Toffoli, V.L. Volpini, L.M. Nascimento, W.R. Silva, L.F. Verissimo, V.B. Estrada, G.G. Pelosi, M.V. Gomes
The potential of behavioral stress to affect epigenetic mechanisms of non-encephalic tissues is still underestimated. In the present study we evaluated the effects of chronic behavioral stress on the DNA methylation profile of rat lung cells. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential of physical exercise to modulate the changes evoked by behavioral stress in lung cells. Male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: (1) animals submitted to chronic restraint stress (CRS) (ST group) during the period of the 67th-80th postnatal day (PND); (2) animals submitted to physical exercise (EX group) during the 53rd-79th PND; (3) animals submitted to swimming during the 53rd-79th PND and to CRS during the 67th-80th PND (EX-ST group); and (4) animals not submitted to stress or swimming protocols (CTL). Global DNA methylation was quantified using an ELISA-based approach and gene expression was evaluated by real time PCR. A decreased global DNA methylation profile was observed in the ST group, however physical exercise demonstrated protection of lung cells from this stress-related hypomethylation. Increased expression of the Dnmt1 gene was evidenced in the ST group, whereas physical exercise was shown to protect lung cells from this stress-related effect in the EX-ST group. Comparative analysis of the ST and EX groups revealed opposite effects on the expression of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b; however, a stress-related increase in expression of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b was not seen in the EX-ST group. Our data showed that behavioral stress induced significant changes in the DNA methylation profile of rat lung cells and that this could be modulated by physical exercise.



http://ift.tt/2s946bC

Prolonged deficits of associative motor learning in cynomolgus monkeys after long-term administration of phencyclidine

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Bing Wu, Xu-dong Zhao, Hui-min Zhang, Xuan Li, Guang-yan Wu, Ying-shan Yang, Chao-yang Tian, Jian-feng Sui
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a potent drug of abuse that induces sustained schizophrenia-like symptoms in humans by blocking neurotransmission at N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors. Alterations in NMDA receptor function have been linked to numerous behavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction. Classical eye-blink conditioning (EBC), including delay (dEBC) and trace (tEBC) paradigms, provides an effective means to study the neurobiology of associative motor learning in rodents, mammals and primates. To assess whether administration of low-dosage PCP for extended periods has prolonged effect to alter associative motor learning, in this study 19 adult cynomolgus monkeys were administered PCP (0.3mg/kg, intramuscularly) or saline twice a day for 14days. Twelve–fifteen months after PCP or saline injection, monkeys received dEBC, tEBC, or pseudo-paired training for 6 or 12 successive daily sessions, respectively. The results of this study show that percentage of conditioned response (CR) in dEBC increased as a function of training sessions in both PCP-treated and control monkeys and there was no significant CR% difference between the two groups. However, the CR timing in dEBC of PCP-treated monkeys was significantly impaired, as manifested by shorter CR peak latencies than those of the control group. PCP-treated animals showed significantly lower percentage of CR in tEBC compared to controls. PCP-treated animals were also more sensitive to outside stimuli in tEBC because the UR peak latency of PCP-treated group was significantly lower than the control group. These results indicated that cynomolgus monkeys manifested prolonged deficits in associative motor learning after long-term administration of phencyclidine.



http://ift.tt/2rajYxd

Regional differences in dopamine receptor blockade affect timing impulsivity that is altered by d-amphetamine on differential reinforcement of low-rate responding (DRL) behavior in rats

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Ruey-Kuang Cheng, Ruey-Ming Liao
The ability to control when to start an action and when to stop is crucial in human and animal behavior. A failure to suppress premature behavior or to carry out an action in a timely manner is commonly seen in several neuropsychological disorders. Despite the phenomenon, the exact neural mechanisms underlying this timing impulsivity remain to be elucidated. Systemic injection of d-amphetamine (AMP) has been shown to disrupt rat's performance in the differential reinforcement of low-rate (DRL) task that requires both optimal timing and proper impulsive control as measured by peak time and non-reinforced responses, respectively. By directly infusing selective D1 or D2 receptor antagonists (SCH23390 and raclopride, respectively) into three brain areas, we aimed to uncover which brain regions and which dopamine receptor subtypes are involved in counteracting the rat's deficit of DRL performance induced by the systemic injection of AMP. We found that D1, but not D2 receptors in the dorsal hippocampus (dHIP) and nucleus accumbens (NAC) played an important role in impulsive control as well as in timing. In the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), both D1 and D2 receptors played an equal role in impulsive control, but only mPFC D1 was critical in the control of timing. Together, our data revealed a regional-dependent and dopamine receptor subtype specific effect across each region tested in the mesocorticolimbic circuits on the deleterious effect of AMP in the DRL task. The current findings further advance our understanding of the neurobehavioral mechanisms involved in timing impulsivity.



http://ift.tt/2s8O3KW

Novel rodent model of breast cancer survival with persistent anxiety-like behavior and inflammation

Publication date: 14 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 330
Author(s): Leah M. Pyter, Lorena P. Suarez-Kelly, William E. Carson, Jasskiran Kaur, Joshua Bellisario, Savannah R. Bever
Breast cancer survivors are an expanding population that is troubled by lasting mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. These issues reduce quality-of-life throughout survivorhood. Research indicates that tumor biology, cancer treatments, and stress contribute to these mood disturbances. Although the mechanisms underlying these various causes remain under investigation, neuroinflammation is a leading hypothesis. To date, rodent models of recurrence-free tumor survival for understanding mechanisms by which these behavioral issues persist after cancer are lacking. Here, we test the extent to which potential behavioral symptoms persist after mammary tumor removal in mice (i.e., establishment of a cancer survivor model), while also empirically testing the causal role of tumors in the development of neuroinflammatory-mediated affective-like behaviors. Complete surgical resection of a non-metastatic orthotopic, syngeneic mammary tumor reversed tumor-induced increases of circulating cytokines (IL-6, CXCL1, IL-10) and myeloid-derived cells and modulated neuroinflammatory gene expression (Cd11b, Cxcl1). Multiple anxiety-like behaviors and some central and peripheral immune markers persisted or progressed three weeks after tumor resection. Together, these data indicate that persistent behavioral changes into cancer survivorhood may be due, in part, to changes in immunity that remain even after successful tumor removal. This novel survivor paradigm represents an improvement in modeling prevalent cancer survivorship issues and studying the basic mechanisms by which cancer/cancer treatments influence the brain and behavior.



http://ift.tt/2rayjd5

Reduced anxiety-like behavior in transgenic rats with chronically overproduction of angiotensin-(1–7): Role of the Mas receptor

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Lucas M. Kangussu, Ana Flávia Almeida-Santos, Fabrício A. Moreira, Marco A.P. Fontes, Robson A.S. Santos, Daniele C. Aguiar, Maria José Campagnole-Santos
Angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)], a counterregulatory peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), exerts its cardiovascular and renal functions through the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas. More recently, Ang-(1–7) has also been implicated in the control of emotional states related to fear and anxiety. Here, we tested the hypothesis that transgenic rats overexpressesing Ang-(1–7) (TGR) show reduced anxiety-like behavior in two distinct animals models, the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Vogel Conflict Test (VCT). Sprague-Dawley rats (SDs) were used as controls. In addition, we also verified whether this phenotype depend on activation of the Mas receptor. In line with our hypothesis, TGR rats showed an increase in the percentage of time and entries in the open arms of the EPM. There was also an increase in the number of punished licks in VCT. These phenotypes were reversed by ICV injection of the Mas receptor antagonist, A779, but not by the AT2 and MrgD receptor antagonist, PD123319. These results suggest that chronic elevation of Ang-(1–7) levels results in a phenotype characterized by reduced anxiety-like behavior, possibly due to higher activation of the Mas receptor. Therefore, facilitation of the Ang-(1–7)/Mas receptor signaling may be further investigated as an additional strategy for the treatment of anxiety-related disorders.



http://ift.tt/2s8MTyQ

Role of acetylcholine and serotonin in novelty processing using an oddball paradigm

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): S. Caldenhove, L.G.J.M. Borghans, A. Blokland, A. Sambeth
The processing of novel stimuli is known to take place in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, and is influenced by the cholinergic system. This ability is crucial to help detect changes in the environment and adapt behaviour accordingly. Previous research has shown that acetylcholine (ACh) can interact with serotonin (5-HT) at the hippocampal level, which may have consequences for cognitive functioning. However, little is known about the exact nature of this ACh and 5-HT interaction as well their possible interactive effects on novelty processing.We investigated the interactive role of ACh and 5-HT in novelty processing in healthy young participants. Levels of these neurotransmitters were manipulated with the muscarinic M1 antagonist biperiden, and with acute tryptophan depletion (ATD). Participants received either placebo, biperiden, ATD, or a combination of both in a double-blind cross-over design. Auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while a novelty oddball task was presented.Our results showed that biperiden affected ERP components considered to reflect attentional mechanisms; it increased the P50 amplitude and decreased that of the P200. Furthermore, a decrease of N100 amplitude by ATD was reversed by biperiden. The treatments did not affect the mismatch negativity (MMN) component, which is elicited when a deviant stimulus is presented in a sequence of repetitive stimuli. Importantly, biperiden decreased the amplitude of the ERP component related to novelty processing (P3a).The current study's results did not reveal an interactive effect of ACh and 5-HT on novelty processing. However, the data do suggest that ACh is involved in novelty processing and that it influences basic stimulus processing, without affecting sound-discrimination accuracy.



http://ift.tt/2raNJ13

Reward loss and the basolateral amygdala: A function in reward comparisons

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Katsuyoshi Kawasaki, Iván Annicchiarico, Amanda C. Glueck, Ignacio Morón, Mauricio R. Papini
The neural circuitry underlying behavior in reward loss situations is poorly understood. We considered two such situations: reward devaluation (from large to small rewards) and reward omission (from large rewards to no rewards). There is evidence that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) plays a role in the negative emotion accompanying reward loss. However, little is known about the function of the basolateral nucleus (BLA) in reward loss. Two hypotheses of BLA function in reward loss, negative emotion and reward comparisons, were tested in an experiment involving pretraining excitotoxic BLA lesions followed by training in four tasks: consummatory successive negative contrast (cSNC), autoshaping (AS) acquisition and extinction, anticipatory negative contrast (ANC), and open field testing (OF). Cell counts in the BLA (but not in the CeA) were significantly lower in animals with lesions vs. shams. BLA lesions eliminated cSNC and ANC, and accelerated extinction of lever pressing in AS. BLA lesions had no effect on OF testing: higher activity in the periphery than in the central area. This pattern of results provides support for the hypothesis that BLA neurons are important for reward comparison. The three affected tasks (cSNC, ANC, and AS extinction) involve reward comparisons. However, ANC does not seem to involve negative emotions and it was affected, whereas OF activity is known to involve negative emotion, but it was not affected. It is hypothesized that a circuit involving the thalamus, insular cortex, and BLA is critically involved in the mechanism comparing current and expected rewards.



http://ift.tt/2s8RPUK

Pavlovian influences on learning differ between rats and mice in a counter-balanced Go/NoGo judgement bias task

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Samantha Jones, Elizabeth S. Paul, Peter Dayan, Emma S.J. Robinson, Michael Mendl
Judgement bias tests of animal affect and hence welfare assume that the animal's responses to ambiguous stimuli, which may herald positive or negative outcomes, are under instrumental control and reflect 'optimism' or 'pessimism' about what will happen. However, Pavlovian control favours responses (e.g. approach or withdrawal) according to the valence associated with a stimulus, rather than the anticipated response outcomes. Typically, positive contexts promote action and approach whilst negative contexts promote inhibition or withdrawal. The prevalence of Go-for-reward (Go-pos) and NoGo-to-avoid-punishment (NoGo-neg) judgement bias tasks reflects this Pavlovian influence. A Pavlovian increase or decrease in activity or vigour has also been argued to accompany positive or negative affective states, and this may interfere with instrumental Go or NoGo decisions under ambiguity based on anticipated decision outcomes. One approach to these issues is to develop counter-balanced Go-pos/NoGo-neg and Go-neg/NoGo-pos tasks. Here we implement such tasks in Sprague Dawley rats and C57BL/6J mice using food and air-puff as decision outcomes. We find striking species/strain differences with rats achieving criterion performance on the Go-pos/NoGo-neg task but failing to learn the Go-neg/NoGo-pos task, in line with predictions, whilst mice do exactly the opposite. Pavlovian predispositions may thus differ between species, for example reflecting foraging and predation ecology and/or baseline activity rates. Learning failures are restricted to cues predicting a negative outcome; use of a more powerful air-puff stimulus may thus allow implementation of a fully counter-balanced task. Rats and mice achieve criterion faster than in comparable automated tasks and also show the expected generalisation of responses across ambiguous tones. A fully counter-balanced task thus offers a potentially rapidly implemented and automated method for assessing animal welfare, identifying welfare problems and areas for welfare improvement and 3Rs Refinement, and assessing the effectiveness of refinements.



http://ift.tt/2s92b70

Oral lichenoid dysplasia and exophytic oral verrucous hyperplasia: Mythical entities of oral pathology

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has replaced the terms oral precancerous lesions and conditions with "Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD)." The latter term aptly describes its wide anatomical distribution and emphasizes the fact that not all such disorders turn into malignancy [1]. OPMD presents in various forms ranging from a flat white patch to exophytic verrucous growth. Although most OPMDs have precise definitions and strict diagnostic criteria's, the existences of a few lesions including oral lichenoid dysplasia (OLD) and exophytic oral verrucous hyperplasia (OVH) are still debated.

http://ift.tt/2ravF7a

Synthesis, characterization and cells and tissues imaging of carbon quantum dots

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Optical Materials, Volume 72
Author(s): Jing Wang, Qilong Li, JingE. Zhou, Yiting Wang, Lei Yu, Hui Peng, Jianzhong Zhu
Compare to other quantum dots, carbon quantum dots have its own incomparable advantages, such as low cell toxicity, favorable biocompatibility, cheap production cost, mild reaction conditions, easy to large-scale synthesis and functionalization. In this thesis, we took citric acid monohydrate and diethylene glycol bis (3-aMinopropyl) ether as materials, used decomposition method to acquire carbon quantum dots (CQDs) which can emission blue fluorescence under ultraviolet excitation. In the aspect of application, we achieved the biological imaging of CQDs in vivo and in vitro.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2qnAJpw

Diamond Photonics for Distributed Quantum Networks

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:Progress in Quantum Electronics
Author(s): Sam Johnson, Philip R. Dolan, Jason M. Smith
The distributed quantum network, in which nodes comprising small but well-controlled quantum states are entangled via photonic channels, has in recent years emerged as a strategy for delivering a range of quantum technologies including secure communications, enhanced sensing and scalable quantum computing. Colour centres in diamond are amongst the most promising candidates for nodes fabricated in the solid-state, offering potential for large scale production and for chip-scale integrated devices. In this review we consider the progress made and the remaining challenges in developing diamond-based nodes for quantum networks. We focus on the nitrogen-vacancy and silicon-vacancy colour centres, which have demonstrated many of the necessary attributes for these applications. We focus in particular on the use of waveguides and other photonic microstructures for increasing the efficiency with which photons emitted from these colour centres can be coupled into a network, and the use of microcavities for increasing the fraction of photons emitted that are suitable for generating entanglement between nodes.



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In this issue

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Colorectal cancer molecular profiling: from IHC to NGS in search of optimal algorithm

Abstract

Advances in defining the mutational landscape of colorectal cancer (CRC) over the past decades have revolutionized the molecular understanding and clinical testing algorithms for this disease. Mutation testing is standard of care for the work-up of CRCs. This review focuses on the current indications and strategies for molecular testing in CRC and discusses the potential changes in CRC testing approach associated with the emerging clinical application of genomic-based technologies.

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MRI-sensitive contrast agent with anticoagulant activity for surface camouflage of transplanted pancreatic islets

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 138
Author(s): Yong Hwa Hwang, Min Jun Kim, Dong Yun Lee
Pancreatic islet implantation in the liver is a promising approach for diabetes therapy. However, 70% of the islet mass fails to be engrafted in the liver due to the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reactions (IBMIR) resulting from direct contact between islet cells and the bloodstream. To overcome this issue, direct monitoring is very important for establishing prognosis after islet cell therapy. Here we established a new type of MR contrast agent with anticoagulant activity via heparin-immobilized superparamagnetic iron oxide (HSPIO). The HSPIO was chemically conjugated onto islet surface ex vivo without damage of their viability and functionality. The conjugated HSPIO nanoparticles onto islet surface could attenuate IBMIR in vitro and in vivo. The HSPIO-conjugated islets could cure the blood glucose levels of diabetes animals after implantation. In addition, the HSPIO nanoparticles were well maintained on the transplanted islets for a long time during modulation of inflammation. Also, they allowed for stable visualization of the implanted islet cells for more than 150 days without reduction of the MRI signal. Furthermore, when HSPIO itself was intraportally injected, it was rapidly eliminated without accumulation in the liver, suggesting that HSPIO nanoparticles could only track the immobilized islet. Collectively, this HSPIO nanoparticle having MRI sensitivity and anticoagulant activity could be utilized for successful islet implantation.



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A bilaminated decellularized scaffold for islet transplantation: Structure, properties and functions in diabetic mice

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 138
Author(s): Xi Wang, Kai Wang, Wei Zhang, Ming Qiang, Ying Luo
Ectopic transplantation of islets provides a beta cell-replacement approach that may allow the recovery of physiological regulation of the blood sugar level in patients with Type I diabetes (T1D). In development of new extrahepatic islet transplantation protocols in support of the islet engraftment, it is pivotal to develop scaffold materials with multifaceted functions to provide beneficial microenvironment, mediate host response in favor of vascularization/islet integration and maintain long-term islet function at the transplantation site. In this study, a new composite bilaminar decellularized scaffold (CDS) was fabricated with differential structural, degradation and mechanical properties by the combination of a fast-degrading porous collagen matrix and a mechanically supportive porcine pericardium. When investigated in the epididymal fat pad in syngeneic mouse models, it was shown that CDS could serve as superior scaffolds to promote islet adhesion and viability, and islet-CDS constructs also allowed rapid reversal of the hyperglycemic condition in the host. The engraftment and effects of islets were achieved at low islet numbers, accompanied by minimal adverse tissue reactions and optimal islet integration with the surrounding fat tissue. The bioactive surface, mechanical/chemical durability and biocompatibility of the CDS may all have played important roles in facilitating the engraftment of islets. Our study provided new insights into scaffold's function in the interplay of cells, materials and host tissue and the extracellular matrix-based scaffolds have potential for clinical translation in the beta cell-replacement therapy to treat T1D.

Graphical abstract

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Combined influence of biophysical and biochemical cues on maintenance and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 138
Author(s): David Gvaramia, Eike Müller, Katrin Müller, Passant Atallah, Mikhail Tsurkan, Uwe Freudenberg, Martin Bornhäuser, Carsten Werner
Homeostasis of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) is controlled by a combination of biochemical and biophysical environmental cues in the bone marrow (BM) niche, where a tight balance of quiescence and proliferation of HSPC is maintained. Specifically, alongside soluble factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, spatial confinement and ECM stiffness have been recognized to be critical for regulation of HSPC fate. Here we employ a modular, glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-based biohybrid hydrogel system to balance proliferation of human HSPC and maintenance of quiescent hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) through simultaneous regulation of exogenous biochemical and biophysical cues. Our results demonstrate that HSPC respond to increased spatial confinement with lowered proliferation and cell cycling, which results in higher frequency of quiescent LTC-IC (long-term culture initiating cells), while GAG-rich 3D environments further support maintenance of the cells.



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Physical chitosan microhydrogels as scaffolds for spinal cord injury restoration and axon regeneration

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 138
Author(s): Jamila Chedly, Sylvia Soares, Alexandra Montembault, Ysander von Boxberg, Michèle Veron-Ravaille, Christine Mouffle, Marie-Noelle Benassy, Jacques Taxi, Laurent David, Fatiha Nothias
Recovery from traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) usually fails due to a cascade of cellular and molecular events that compromise neural tissue reconstitution by giving rise to glial scarring and cavity formation. We designed a scaffold material for SCI treatment containing only chitosan and water as fragmented physical hydrogel suspension (Chitosan-FPHS), with defined degree of acetylation (DA), polymer concentration, and mean fragment size. Implantation of Chitosan-FPHS alone into rat spinal cord immediately after a bilateral dorsal hemisection promoted reconstitution of spinal tissue and vasculature, and diminished fibrous glial scarring: with astrocyte processes primarily oriented towards the lesion, the border between lesion site and intact tissue became permissive for regrowth of numerous axons into, and for some even beyond the lesion site. Growing axons were myelinated or ensheathed by endogenous Schwann cells that migrated into the lesion site and whose survival was prolonged. Interestingly, Chitosan-FPHS also modulated the inflammatory response, and we suggest that this might contribute to tissue repair. Finally, this structural remodeling was associated with significant, long-lasting gain in locomotor function recovery. Because it effectively induces neural tissue repair, Chitosan-FPHS biomaterial may be a promising new approach to treat SCI, and a suitable substrate to combine with other strategies.



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Facile endothelium protection from TNF-α inflammatory insult with surface topography

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 138
Author(s): Georgios Stefopoulos, Costanza Giampietro, Volkmar Falk, Dimos Poulikakos, Aldo Ferrari
Adverse events triggered by the direct contact between blood and synthetic materials constitute a sincere shortcoming of cardiovascular implant technology. A well-connected autologous endothelium, generated through the process of endothelialization, impedes such interaction and endows the implant luminal interface with optimal protection. The endothelialization of artificial substrates is the result of a complex interplay between endothelial cells (ECs), surface topography, and flow-generated wall shear stress (WSS). This is however tainted by the pro-inflammatory signaling, typical of cardiovascular patients, which compromises endothelial integrity and survival. Here, we challenge human endothelial monolayers with the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α under realistic WSS conditions. In these experimental settings we demonstrate that the simple contact between ECs and an optimized surface geometry can inhibit NF-kB activation downstream of TNF-α yielding increased stability of VE-Cadherin mediated cell-to-cell junctions and of focal adhesions. Therefore the here-presented topographic modification can be implemented on a range of artificial substrates enabling their endothelialization under supra-physiological flow and in the presence of pro-inflammatory insults. These new findings constitute an important step toward achieving the full hemocompatibility of cardiovascular implants.



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Corrigendum to “LNA aptamer based multi-modal, Fe3O4-saturated lactoferrin (Fe3O4-bLf) nanocarriers for triple positive (EpCAM, CD133, CD44) colon tumour targeting and NIR, MRI and CT imaging” [Biomaterials 71C (2015) 84–99]

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 138
Author(s): Kislay Roy, Rupinder K. Kanwar, Jagat R. Kanwar




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Wheat glutenin: The “tail” of the 1By protein subunits

Publication date: Available online 25 May 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Júlio D. Nunes-Miranda, Emmanuelle Bancel, Didier Viala, Christophe Chambon, José L. Capelo, Gérard Branlard, Catherine Ravel, Gilberto Igrejas
Gluten-forming storage proteins play a major role in the viscoelastic properties of wheat dough through the formation of a continuous proteinaceous network. The high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits represent a functionally important subgroup of gluten proteins by promoting the formation of large glutenin polymers through interchain disulphide bonds between glutenin subunits. Here, we present evidences that y-type glutenin subunits encoded at the Glu-B1 locus are prone to proteolytic processing at the C-terminus tail, leading to the loss of the unique cysteine residue present at the C-terminal domain. Results obtained by intact mass measurement and immunochemistry for each proteoform indicate that the proteolytic cleavage appears to occur at the carboxyl-side of two conserved asparagine residues at the C-terminal domain start. Hence, we hypothesize that the responsible enzymes are a class of cysteine endopeptidases - asparaginyl endopeptidases - described in post-translational processing of other storage proteins in wheat.Biological significanceThe reported study provides new insights into wheat storage protein maturation. In view of the importance of gluten proteins on dough viscoelastic properties and end-product quality, the reported C-terminal domain cleavage of high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits is of particular interest, since this domain possesses a unique conserved cysteine residue which is assumed to participate in gluten polymerization.

Graphical abstract

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Serine protease isoforms in Gloydius intermedius venom: Full sequences, molecular phylogeny and evolutionary implications

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Zhang-Min Yang, Hui Yu, Zhen-Zhen Liu, Jian-Zhu Pei, Yu-E Yang, Su-Xian Yan, Cui Zhang, Wen-long Zhao, Zhe-Zhi Wang, Ying-Ming Wang, Inn-Ho Tsai
Nine distinct venom serine proteases (vSPs) of Gloydius intermedius were studied by transcriptomic, sub-proteomic and phylogenetic analyses. Their complete amino acid sequences were deduced after Expression Sequence Tag (EST) analyses followed by cDNA cloning and sequencing. These vSPs appear to be paralogs and contain the catalytic triads and 1–4 potential N-glycosylation sites. Their relative expression levels evaluated by qPCR were grossly consistent with their EST hit-numbers. The major vSPs were purified by HPLC and their N-terminal sequences matched well to the deduced sequences, while fragments of the minor vSPs were detected by LC-MS/MS identification. Specific amidolytic activities of the fractions from HPLC and anion exchange separation were assayed using four chromogenic substrates, respectively. Molecular phylogenetic tree based on the sequences of these vSPs and their orthologs revealed six major clusters, one of them covered four lineages of plasminogen activator like vSPs. N-glycosylation patterns and variations for the vSPs are discussed. The high sequence similarities between G. intermedius vSPs and their respective orthologs from American pitvipers suggest that most of the isoforms evolved before Asian pitvipers migrated to the New World. Our results also indicate that the neurotoxic venoms contain more kallikrein-like vSPs and hypotensive components than the hemorrhagic venoms.SignificanceFull sequences and expression levels of nine paralogous serine proteases (designated as GiSPs) of Gloydius intermedius venom have been studied. A kallikrein-like enzyme is most abundant and four isoforms homologous to venom plasminogen-activators are also expressed in this venom. Taken together, the present and previous data demonstrate that the neurotoxic G. intermedius venoms contain more hypotensive vSPs relative to other hemorrhagic pitviper venoms and the pitviper vSPs are highly versatile and diverse. Their structure-function relationships remain to be explored and compared. A novel, simplified phylogenetic tree based on the sequences of GiSPs and their closely related orthologs from other pitvipers reveals six major subtypes and offers a better understanding of vSP duplication and evolution in pitvipers of both the Old and New Worlds. It is well known that specific vSPs are potential therapeutic or diagnostic agents that target the plasma proteins or coagulation factors. Our results not only render deeper insights into the variation and evolution of vSPs, but may help to choose right venoms for the development of better therapeutic leads.

Graphical abstract

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WhatsApp: Improvement tool for surgical team communication

We would like to thank Dr Brewtser et al. for their comments (1) on our recent article entitled "WhatsApp: Improvement tool for surgical team communication"(2). This useful information made us review the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) research and their conclusion about security of different smart phone communication applications (3).

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Innervated dorsoradial perforator free flap: A reliable supermicrosurgery fingertip reconstruction technique

This study demonstrates the use of a modified free innervated DRAP flap utilizing the supermicrosurgery technique for fingertip reconstruction.

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Sentinel node biopsy status is strongly predictive of survival in cutaneous melanoma: Extended follow-up of Oxford patients from 1998-2014

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is widely used as a key investigatory tool for cutaneous melanoma, with results incorporated into the latest AJCC staging guidelines. We present the results of our extended follow-up of sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma over a sixteen-year period.

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Computer generated three-dimensional modeling using passive stereophotogrammetry and structured light scanning for craniomaxillofacial imaging

I read with great interest the useful and insightful manuscript by Knoops et al.1 The authors highlight several techniques for three-dimensional scanning that may be useful for craniomaxillofacial imaging,2,3 and helpfully point out newly available lower-cost approaches to facial scanning which may increase the adoption of this important technology.

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The Combined Vaginoplasty Technique for Male-to-Female Sex Reassignment Surgery: Operative Approach and Outcomes

Several therapy options exist for male-to-female (MTF) transgenders desiring sex reassignment. Surgery includes numerous different procedures. Of those, vaginoplasty is predominant and aims at providing attractive aesthetics and fully functional genitals.The goal of this study was to present the surgical results of our modified combined vaginoplasty technique in a consecutive patient cohort.

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Limitation of ischaemic tissue response in a reconstruction with short ischaemia time during free flap surgery

In free flap surgery, patency of the arterial and venous microvascular anastomoses is a major contributor to flap survival. Extended periods of vascular compromise may lead to ischaemic necrosis, which can only be minimized by tissue reperfusion. However, restoration of blood flow evokes ischaemia reperfusion injury. In this manuscript, a case is presented of a patient who demonstrated a normal oxygenation pattern of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. As an ischaemic response can be seen as a sign of temporal vascular compromise, we hypothesize that a short ischaemia time is feasible for tissue viability by eliminating ischaemia reperfusion injury.

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What triggers in trigger finger? The flexor tendons at the Flexor Digitorum Sublimis bifurcation

To define the role of the flexor tendons in trigger finger, a high resolution ultrasound examination was undertaken in 20 trigger fingers and 20 normal contralateral digits in 3 digital postures: full extension, mid flexion and near-full flexion. Precise measurements of diameter and cross sectional area of the combined tendon mass were recorded at 5 clearly defined locations: summit of metacarpal head, proximal lip of proximal phalanx (PP), at 1/8, 1⁄4 and 1/2 length of PP. In the normal tendons, there was an anatomical thickening, not previously appreciated at 1⁄4 length PP, in the region of FDS bifurcation.

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Positional patients (PP) and Non Positional patients (NPP) are two dominant phenotypes that should be included in the phenotypic approaches to Obstructive Sleep Apnea

We have read with interest the important manuscript of Eckert DJ: "Phenotypic approaches to obstructive sleep apnea – New pathways for targeted therapy"1.

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Obstructive sleep apnea: effect of comorbidities and positive airway pressure on all-cause mortality

Most studies have used cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) end-points to measure the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but pre-diagnostic morbidities involve a range of comorbidities that may influence the consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We therefore aimed to evaluate all-cause total mortality after a diagnosis of OSA, the effect of CPAP in women and men, and the potential effect of major comorbidities.

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Acute and painful exacerbation of RLS and PLM induced by opioid interaction - withdrawal syndrome

An 87-year-old, non-demented man with long-standing history of restless legs syndrome (RLS) was admitted to the emergency unit with acute pain and motor restlessness, as well as intense periodic limb movements (PLMs) occurring approximately every 20 seconds, involving the whole body(eg, both legs, arms, and the trunk).

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Dopamine and serotonin levels in cerebrospinal fluid during episodes of Kleine-Levin syndrome

Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is characterized by recurrent episodes of hypersomnia, cognitive disturbances, apathy, derealization, mood disturbances, hyperphagia, hypersexuality and dysautonomia [1]. The etiology of KLS is unknown. Increased dopamine turnover in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was shown in one patient with KLS and was greater in symptomatic than in the asymptomatic period [2]. The dopamine transporter availability decreased in the striatum of a teenager with KLS and was more marked in the symptomatic than in the asymptomatic phase [3].

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Frontal dysfunction in patients with restless legs syndrome performing a visual oddball task: An event-related potential source imaging study

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor neurological disorder that is accompanied by the compelling urge to move one's legs, and unpleasant, disturbing sensations in the legs. Several neuropsychological studies have shown that RLS is associated with deficits in cognitive functions, such as attention, working memory, and frontal executive function, presumably due to abnormal frontal activities. However, the mechanism underlying the cognitive deficits in RLS patients is mostly unknown. To investigate the cortical origin of cognitive dysfunction in RLS, we analyzed the P2 and P3 event-related potential (ERP) components evoked by a visual oddball task using distributed cortical source localization via low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) algorithm.

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Risk of obstructive sleep apnea among patients with Cushing’s syndrome: A nationwide longitudinal study

Previous studies have demonstrated the association between Cushing's syndrome (CS), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the risk factors for OSA, but rarely provided the evidence within a large population. Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we attempted to investigate the association between CS and OSA, and to provide persuading evidences.

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Consentement à l’acte médical en droit. Un état des lieux

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:Médecine & Droit
Author(s): Jean-Michel Debarre
Le consentement à un acte médical est basé sur le respect du principe universel de la dignité de la personne humaine qui pose, comme un axiome, l'égale valeur pour tous les êtres humains. Un aperçu de l'histoire de l'obtention du consentement d'un patient à chaque acte de soin est important à connaître pour mesurer que l'évidence actuelle de l'état de droit a été le résultat d'une longue lutte entre idées progressistes et conservatrices. Le consentement libre et éclairé est absolument inséparable de l'information préalable que le médecin doit donner à son patient. À propos de la corrélation information–consentement à un acte de soin, dans le monde anglo-saxon, l'expression « informed consent » est toujours utilisée. Le devoir d'information du médecin doit prendre certaines formes pour que le patient puisse valablement donner son consentement. Le consentement éclairé à un soin médical est l'expression de la volonté d'un patient de recevoir des soins, mais il peut aussi être le refus d'une proposition thérapeutique. Sauf disposition expresse de la loi, il n'y a pas de formalisme exigé quant à la preuve de l'obtention du consentement.Consent to medical care is based on respect for the universal principle of the dignity of the human person, which postulates as an axiom equal value to all human beings. An overview of the history of obtaining a patient's consent to each treatment is important to know that the current evidence of this right has been the result of a long struggle between progressive and conservative ideas. Free and informed consent is absolutely inseparable from the preceding information that the physician must give to his patient. In this way, in the Anglo-Saxon world, the expression "informed consent" is always used. The duty of information of the physician must take certain forms so that the patient can validly give his consent. Informed consent to a medical care is the expression of a patient's will to receive care, but it may also be the refusal of a therapeutic proposal. Except where expressly provided by law, there is no formalism for proof of consent in French law.



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Droit de la santé publique, 9e éd., D. Truchet (Dalloz, 2017)

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:Médecine & Droit
Author(s): Guillaume Rousset




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Droit médical et biomédical, 2e éd., G. Genicot. Larcier (2016)

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:Médecine & Droit
Author(s): Guillaume Rousset




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Mise en place d’un parcours de prévention et de soins bucco-dentaires destiné aux étudiants de l’Université Paris EST Créteil (UPEC)

Publication date: Available online 26 May 2017
Source:Médecine & Droit
Author(s): Philippe Pirnay, Patricia de Bernardi
Le besoin en soins bucco-dentaires, notamment pour les étudiants les plus fragiles, a été identifié à l'Université Paris Est Créteil. Cet article présente les actions mises en place pour aider la prise en charge dentaire des étudiants. Une étude a été menée sur les déclarations des étudiants venus consulter le service universitaire de médecine préventive et de promotion de la santé de l'Université Paris Est Créteil du 1^er septembre 2015 au 15 mai 2016. Son objectif était d'identifier les principaux facteurs de conduite à risque d'altération de la santé bucco-dentaire. À chacun des risques repérés fut associée une proposition d'action de prévention et/ou de soins. Le tabac, l'alcool, le cannabis, la détresse psychologique et les désordres alimentaires apparaissent comme autant de conduites nocives nécessitant la mise en place de conseils, d'action de prévention et de soins bucco-dentaires. Les conseils apportés aux étudiants nécessitent d'indiquer les risques de dégradation de l'état bucco-dentaire et leur prise en charge doit accorder une place importante aux recommandations liées à l'équilibre alimentaire. La mise en place d'actions de prévention dentaire au sein du SUMPPS et du parcours de soins dentaires via le réseau RESUS instituée par l'Université et le service d'odontologie du Groupe Henri-Mondor de l'AP–HP répondent à un besoin de santé publique dentaire. Couplées à un réseau de soins dans lequel l'étudiant est orienté vers une structure d'accueil, ces actions de prévention et de dépistage répondent bien plus à l'intérêt de santé générale de l'étudiant.The need for oral health care, especially for the most vulnerable students, was identified at the University Paris Est Creteil. This article presents the actions put in place to assist the dental care for students. A study was conducted on the results of the statements of students came to consult the University Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion service (SUMPPS) of the Paris Est Creteil University from 1 September 2015 to 15 May 2016. Its objective was to identify the mains driving risks factors of impaired oral health. At each of the identified risks was associated with an action of dental prevention and/or treatment. Tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, psychological distress and eating disorders appear as lines requiring the establishment of councils of action for prevention and oral care. Counseling for students required to indicate the risks of degradation of the oral health status and that management should accord importance to the recommendations related to food balance. The implementation of preventive dentistry in the SUMPPS and dental courses via the RESUS network set up by the University and the Henri-Mondor Group of the AP–HP Odontology Service makes a dental public health need. Coupled to a care network in which the student is facing a host structure, these actions of prevention and screening make more general health interest for the student.



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