Designing image segmentation studies: statistical power, sample size and reference standard quality

Publication date: Available online 22 July 2017
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Eli Gibson, Yipeng Hu, Henkjan J. Huisman, Dean C. Barratt
Segmentation algorithms are typically evaluated by comparison to an accepted reference standard. The cost of generating accurate reference standards for medical image segmentation can be substantial. Since the study cost and the likelihood of detecting a clinically meaningful difference in accuracy both depend on the size and on the quality of the study reference standard, balancing these trade-offs supports the efficient use of research resources.In this work, we derive a statistical power calculation that enables researchers to estimate the appropriate sample size to detect clinically meaningful differences in segmentation accuracy (i.e. the proportion of voxels matching the reference standard) between two algorithms. Furthermore, we derive a formula to relate reference standard errors to their effect on the sample sizes of studies using lower-quality (but potentially more affordable and practically available) reference standards.The accuracy of the derived sample size formula was estimated through Monte Carlo simulation, demonstrating, with 95% confidence, a predicted statistical power within 4% of simulated values across a range of model parameters. This corresponds to sample size errors of less than 4 subjects and errors in the detectable accuracy difference less than 0.6%. The applicability of the formula to real-world data was assessed using bootstrap resampling simulations for pairs of algorithms from the PROMISE12 prostate MR segmentation challenge data set. The model predicted the simulated power for the majority of algorithm pairs within 4% for simulated experiments using a high-quality reference standard and within 6% for simulated experiments using a low-quality reference standard. A case study, also based on the PROMISE12 data, illustrates using the formulae to evaluate whether to use a lower-quality reference standard in a prostate segmentation study.

Graphical abstract

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Spatiotemporal estimation of historical PM2.5 concentrations using PM10, meteorological variables, and spatial effect

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 166
Author(s): Lianfa Li, Anna H. Wu, Iona Cheng, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Jun Wu
Monitoring of fine particulate matter with diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) started from 1999 in the US and even later in many other countries. The lack of historical PM2.5 data limits epidemiological studies of long-term exposure of PM2.5 and health outcomes such as cancer. In this study, we aimed to design a flexible approach to reliably estimate historical PM2.5 concentrations by incorporating spatial effect and the measurements of existing co-pollutants such as particulate matter with diameter <10 μm (PM10) and meteorological variables. Monitoring data of PM10, PM2.5, and meteorological variables covering the entire state of California were obtained from 1999 through 2013. We developed a spatiotemporal model that quantified non-linear associations between PM2.5 concentrations and the following predictor variables: spatiotemporal factors (PM10 and meteorological variables), spatial factors (land-use patterns, traffic, elevation, distance to shorelines, and spatial autocorrelation), and season. Our model accounted for regional-(county) scale spatial autocorrelation, using spatial weight matrix, and local-scale spatiotemporal variability, using local covariates in additive non-linear model. The spatiotemporal model was evaluated, using leaving-one-site-month-out cross validation. Our final daily model had an R² of 0.81, with PM10, meteorological variables, and spatial autocorrelation, explaining 55%, 10%, and 10% of the variance in PM2.5 concentrations, respectively. The model had a cross-validation R² of 0.83 for monthly PM2.5 concentrations (N = 8170) and 0.79 for daily PM2.5 concentrations (N = 51,421) with few extreme values in prediction. Further, the incorporation of spatial effects reduced bias in predictions. Our approach achieved a cross validation R² of 0.61 for the daily model when PM10 was replaced by total suspended particulate. Our model can robustly estimate historical PM2.5 concentrations in California when PM2.5 measurements were not available.



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Field assessment of the impacts of landscape structure on different-sized airborne particles in residential areas of Beijing, China

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 166
Author(s): Shuxin Fan, Xiaopeng Li, Jing Han, Yu Cao, Li Dong
In high-density metropolis, residential areas are important human living environments. Aimed at investigating the impacts of landscape structure on the levels of different-sized airborne particle in residential areas, we conducted field monitoring of the levels of TSP, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 using mobile traverses in 18 residential areas during the daytime in winter (Dec. 2015–Feb. 2016) and summer (Jun.–Aug. 2016) in Beijing, China. The net concentration differences (d) of the four-sized particles (dTSP, dPM10, dPM2.5 and dPM1) between residential environments and nearby corresponding urban backgrounds, which can be regarded as the reduction of particle concentration in residential environments, were calculated. The effects and relative contributions of different landscape structure parameters on these net concentration differences were further investigated. Results showed that the distribution of particle concentrations has great spatial variation in urban environments. Within the residential environment, there were overall lower concentrations of the four-sized particles compared with the nearby urban background. The net concentration differences of the four-sized particles were all significantly different among the 18 studied residential areas. The average dTSP, dPM10, dPM2.5 and dPM1 reached 18.92, 12.28, 2.01 and 0.53 μg/m³ in summer, and 9.91, 7.81, 1.39 and 0.38 μg/m³ in winter, respectively. The impacts and relative contribution of different landscape structure parameters on the reductions of TSP, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 in residential environments differed and showed seasonal variation. Percentage of vegetation cover (PerVC) and building cover (PerBC) had the greatest impact. A 10% increase in PerVC would increase about 5.03, 8.15, 2.16 and 0.20 μg/m³ of dTSP, dPM10, dPM2.5 and dPM1 in summer, and a 10% increase in PerBC would decreased about 41.37, 16.54, 2.47 and 0.95 μg/m³ of them in winter. Increased vegetation coverage and decreased building construction were found to be conducive to ameliorate airborne particle levels in residential environments. Moreover, landscape structure parameters can be served as indicators for predicting the potential particle reduction at local scale.



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Constraints on primary and secondary particulate carbon sources using chemical tracer and 14C methods during CalNex-Bakersfield

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 166
Author(s): Rebecca J. Sheesley, Punith Dev Nallathamby, Jason D. Surratt, Anita Lee, Michael Lewandowski, John H. Offenberg, Mohammed Jaoui, Tadeusz E. Kleindienst
The present study investigates primary and secondary sources of organic carbon for Bakersfield, CA, USA as part of the 2010 CalNex study. The method used here involves integrated sampling that is designed to allow for detailed and specific chemical analysis of particulate matter (PM) in the Bakersfield airshed. To achieve this objective, filter samples were taken during thirty-four 23-hr periods between 19 May and 26 June 2010 and analyzed for organic tracers by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Contributions to organic carbon (OC) were determined by two organic tracer-based techniques: primary OC by chemical mass balance and secondary OC by a mass fraction method. Radiocarbon (¹⁴C) measurements of the total organic carbon were also made to determine the split between the modern and fossil carbon and thereby constrain unknown sources of OC not accounted for by either tracer-based attribution technique.From the analysis, OC contributions from four primary sources and four secondary sources were determined, which comprised three sources of modern carbon and five sources of fossil carbon. The major primary sources of OC were from vegetative detritus (9.8%), diesel (2.3%), gasoline (<1.0%), and lubricating oil impacted motor vehicle exhaust (30%); measured secondary sources resulted from isoprene (1.5%), α-pinene (<1.0%), toluene (<1.0%), and naphthalene (<1.0%, as an upper limit) contributions. The average observed organic carbon (OC) was 6.42 ± 2.33 μgC m⁻³. The ¹⁴C derived apportionment indicated that modern and fossil components were nearly equivalent on average; however, the fossil contribution ranged from 32 to 66% over the five week campaign. With the fossil primary and secondary sources aggregated, only 25% of the fossil organic carbon could not be attributed. Whereas, nearly 80% of the modern carbon could not be attributed to primary and secondary sources accessible to this analysis, which included tracers of biomass burning, vegetative detritus and secondary biogenic carbon. The results of the current study contributes source-based evaluation of the carbonaceous aerosol at CalNex Bakersfield.



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Comparison of air pollutant emissions and household air quality in rural homes using improved wood and coal stoves

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 166
Author(s): Wei Du, Guofeng Shen, Yuanchen Chen, Xi Zhu, Shaojie Zhuo, Qirui Zhong, Meng Qi, Chunyu Xue, Guangqing Liu, Eddy Zeng, Baoshan Xing, Shu Tao
Air pollutant emissions, fuel consumption, and household air pollution were investigated in rural Hubei, central China, as a revisited evaluation of an intervention program to replace coal use by wood in gasifier stoves. Measured emission factors were comparable to the results measured two years ago when the program was initiated. Coal combustion produced significantly higher emissions of CO2, CH4, and SO2 compared with wood combustion; however, wood combustion in gasifier stoves had higher emissions of primary PM2.5 (particles with diameter less than 2.5 μm), Elemental Carbon (EC) and Organic Carbon (OC). In terms of potential impacts on climate, although the use of wood in gasifier stoves produced more black carbon (6.37 vs 910 gCO2e per day per capita from coal and wood use) and less SO2 (-684 vs -312), obvious benefits could be obtained owing to greater OC emissions (-15.4 vs -431), fewer CH4 emissions (865 vs 409) and, moreover, a reduction of CO2 emissions. The total GWC100 (Global Warming Potential over a time horizon of 100 years) would decrease by approximately 90% if coal use were replaced with renewable wood burned in gasifier stoves. However, similar levels of ambient particles and higher indoor OC and EC were found at homes using wood gasifier stoves compared to the coal-use homes. This suggests critical investigations on potential health impacts from the carbon-reduction intervention program.



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Computational training for the next generation of neuroscientists

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 46
Author(s): Mark S Goldman, Michale S Fee
Neuroscience research has become increasingly reliant upon quantitative and computational data analysis and modeling techniques. However, the vast majority of neuroscientists are still trained within the traditional biology curriculum, in which computational and quantitative approaches beyond elementary statistics may be given little emphasis. Here we provide the results of an informal poll of computational and other neuroscientists that sought to identify critical needs, areas for improvement, and educational resources for computational neuroscience training. Motivated by this survey, we suggest steps to facilitate quantitative and computational training for future neuroscientists.



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Effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) bark essential oil on the halitosis-associated bacterium Solobacterium moorei and in vitro cytotoxicity

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 83
Author(s): Geneviève LeBel, Bruno Haas, Andrée-Ann Adam, Marie-Pier Veilleux, Amel Ben Lagha, Daniel Grenier
ObjectivesHalitosis, also known as bad breath or oral malodour, is a condition affecting a large proportion of the population. Solobacterium moorei is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that has been specifically associated with halitosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of essential oils, more particularly cinnamon bark oil, on growth, biofilm formation, eradication and killing, as well as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production by S. moorei.MethodsA broth microdilution assay was used to determine the antibacterial activity of essential oils. Biofilm formation was assessed by a crystal violet staining assay and scanning electron microscopy. The biofilm of S. moorei was characterized by enzymatic treatments. Biofilm killing was determined by a luminescence assay monitoring ATP production. H2S production was quantified with a colorimetric assay. The biocompatibility of cinnamon oil was investigated using a gingival keratinocyte cell line.ResultsAmong the ten essential oils tested, cinnamon oil was found to be the most powerful against S. moorei with MIC and MBC values of 0.039% and 0.156%, respectively. The biofilm formed by S. moorei was then characterized. The fact that DNase I and to a lesser extent proteinase K significantly reduced biofilm formation by S. moorei and induced its eradication suggests that the extracellular matrix of S. moorei biofilm may be mainly containing a DNA backbone associated with proteins. At concentrations below the MIC, cinnamon oil reduced S. moorei biofilm formation that resulted from an attenuation of bacterial growth. It was also found that treatment of a pre-formed biofilm of S. moorei with cinnamon oil significantly decreased its viability although it did not cause its eradication. Cinnamon oil had an inhibitory effect on the production of H2S by S. moorei. Lastly, it was found that at concentrations effective against S. moorei, no significant loss of viability in gingival keratinocytes occurred after a 1-h exposure.ConclusionsOur study brought evidence that cinnamon oil may be a promising substance to incorporate into oral hygiene products for controlling bad breath by inhibiting growth, killing biofilm, and reducing H2S production by S. moorei. Moreover, at the effective concentrations, cinnamon oil was found to have no toxic effects on oral keratinocytes.



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The protective effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on traumatic brain injury (TBI) induced memory deficits in rats

Publication date: Available online 22 July 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Seyed Asaad Karimi, Narges Hosseinmardi, Mahyar Janahmadi, Mohammad Sayyah, Razieh Hajisoltani
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as an expanding public health epidemic, is a common cause of death among youth. TBI is associated with cognitive deficits and memory impairment. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a novel gaseous mediator, has been recognized as an important neuromodulator and neuroprotective agent in the central nervous system. In the present study the potential neuroprotective role of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), an H2S donor on TBI induced memory deficit in a rat model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury was investigated. CCI model was used to induce TBI. Male rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: control, sham, sham treated with NaHS, TBI, and TBI treated with NaHS (3 and 5 mg/kg). NaHS was injected intraperitoneally 5min before TBI induction. Learning and memory were assessed using Morris water maze (MWM) on days 8-12 following injury. CCI resulted in MWM deficits. Injured animals showed a slower rate of acquisition with respect to the sham-operated animals [F (1, 24)=13.97, P<0.01, two-way ANOVA]. NaHS improved spatial memory impairment of injured rats. Treatment with NaHS (5 mg/kg) decreased the escape latency [F (1, 24)=7.559, P<0.05, two-way ANOVA] and traveled distance [F (1, 12)=6.398, P<0.05, Two way ANOVA)]. In probe test, injured animals spent less time in target zone (P<0.05, unpaired t test) and NaHS did not have any effect on this parameter (p>0.05, one way ANOVA). These findings suggest that NaHS has a neuroprotective effect on TBI-induced memory impairment in rats.



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Context dependence of acorn handling by the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus)

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Acta Oecologica, Volume 84
Author(s): D. Gallego, T. Morán-López, I. Torre, Á. Navarro-Castilla, I. Barja, M. Díaz
Perceived predation risk and competition for acorns are expected to affect scatter-hoarding decisions by Algerian mice (Mus spretus). We manipulated both factors by means of predator fecal scents and ungulate exclosures. We hypothesized that high-risk perception and ungulate presence would promote acorn dispersal. In the former case, it would stimulate acorn mobilization to safe microhabitats rather than in situ consumption. In the latter, increased competition for acorns would promote their storage for later consumption. We also expected that mice would adapt their foraging behavior to previous experience modulating the strength of these effects.In the presence of ungulates, mice focused their foraging activities on food acquisition at the expenses of vigilant behaviors. However, a more efficient foraging did not entail enhanced dispersal services. Lack of anti-predatory cover in tree surroundings may have deterred mice from transporting seeds outside canopies. Increased risk interacted with previous experience. In control trees (no predator odor), mice confidence increased throughout the night resulting in decreased vigilance and enhanced acorn mobilization rates. In contrast, in risky conditions (trees with predator odor) mice maintained a base-line vigilant behavior. Contrary to our expectations, increased risk did not result in higher acorn mobilization, but the opposite. Again, the scarcity of safe microhabitats for mobilization may have been the underlying cause of this behavior.Our results show that successful acorn dispersal depends, at least partly, on plant-animal relationships that are beyond the oak-rodent mutualism. Thus, any conservation policy aimed at restoring natural regeneration of oaks should take into account the interaction network in which oak-rodent encounters are embedded. In addition, they suggest that mice incorporate direct and indirect cues of risks (habitat structure) through recent experience. A better understanding of this process will improve our ability to incorporate such temporal and spatial variability in models of acorn dispersal.



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Icaritin induces MC3T3-E1 subclone14 cell differentiation through estrogen receptor-mediated ERK1/2 and p38 signaling activation

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 94
Author(s): Zhidi Wu, Ling Ou, Chaopeng Wang, Li Yang, Panpan Wang, Hengrui Liu, Yingquan Xiong, Kehuan Sun, Ronghua Zhang, Xiaofeng Zhu
Icaritin (ICT), a hydrolytic product of icariin from the genus Epimedium, has many indicated pharmacological and biological activities. Several studies have shown that ICT has potential osteoprotective effects, including stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. However, the molecular mechanism for this anabolic action of ICT remains largely unknown. Here, we found that ICT could enhance MC3T3-E1 subclone 14 preosteoblastic cell differentiation associated with increased mRNA levels and protein expression of the differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type 1 collagen (COL1), osteocalcin (OC), osteoponin (OPN) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and improved mineralization, confirmed by bone nodule formation and collagen synthesis. To characterize the underlying mechanisms, we examined the effect of ICT on estrogen receptor (ER) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. ICT treatment induced p38 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation, but it demonstrated at the same time point no effect on activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). ER antagonist ICI182780, p38 antagonist SB203580 and ERK1/2 antagonist PD98059 markedly inhibited the ICT-induced the mRNA expression of ALP, COL1, OC and OPN. ICI182780 attenuated the ICT-induced phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2. These observations indicate a potential mechanism of osteogenic effects of ICT involving the ERK1/2 and p38 pathway activation through the ER.

Graphical abstract

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Traditional knowledge to clinical trials: A review on therapeutic actions of Emblica officinalis

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 93
Author(s): Suraj Singh Yadav, Manish Kumar Singh, Pawan Kumar Singh, Vipin Kumar
Plants are the integral part of the traditional indigenous healthcare system and are becoming concrete source of new drug discovery, evident by the increasing numbers of modern drugs derived from the phytochemicals. Emblica officinalis Gaertn. or Phyllanthus emblica Linn (family Phyllanthaceae) has been explained extensively and well documented for its therapeutic efficacies in indigenous system of medicine, in India. Every part of this plant possesses high medicinal value but fruits are the most valuable part in folklore and therapeutic uses. The polyphenols found in E.officinalis, especially tannins and flavonoids are key responsible elements for major bioactivities. E.officinalis is one of the major component in various health tonics, also exerts synergistic effects in enhancing the medicinal efficacy. E.officinalis exhibits broad spectrum of pharmacological activities through various mode of actions including antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, cyto-protective properties etc. Medical practitioners across the globe also advocated its application in managing diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, several types of cancer, liver disorders, arthritis, gingivitis, wound healing etc.The present review analysed and summarized the pharmacological actions, experimental studies and clinical trials of E. officinalis with emphasis on its immuno-enhancer, antiinflammatory and anticancer activities and possible mechanism of actions to provide future directions in translating these findings clinically.



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Estrogen can restore Tamoxifen sensitivity in breast cancer cells amidst the complex network of resistance

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 93
Author(s): Sepideh Mansouri, Leila Farahmand, Aysooda Hosseinzade, Zahra Eslami-S, Keivan Majidzadeh-A
Breast cancer-related deaths have been on the decline ever since the application of systemic therapies. Chiefly, endocrine therapy, such as Tamoxifen, enhances the survival of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive patients. More than a decade has passed since the introduction of Tamoxifen, however, drug resistance, particularly to Tamoxifen, still remains a major challenge. It has been shown that not only does chronic Tamoxifen exposures induce resistance, but estrogen deprivation can as well. There are two Tamoxifen resistant cell lines, long term estrogen deprived (LTED) cells and cells that have acquired resistance due to long-term exposure to Tamoxifen (Tam-R). Despite having similar cytosolic pathways over-activated in Tam-R and LTED-R cells during the development of resistance, the administration of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) inhibitors fail to restore Tamoxifen sensitivity in LTED-Rs. This alludes to existing differences in the underlying molecular mechanisms of resistance. Surprisingly, despite estrogen being recognized as a breast cancer stimulator; it has recently been introduced as an apoptotic inducer in unresponsive cells. Furthermore, the addition of estrogen to the media of LTED and Tam-R cells triggers cell death, perhaps is functioning as an anti-proliferative agent. In this review, we outline the molecular pathways potentially facilitating estrogen-induced apoptosis in resistant cells.



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MicroRNAs and adipocytokines: Promising biomarkers for pharmacological targets in diabetes mellitus and its complications

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 93
Author(s): Mohamad Reza Ashoori, Mohammad Rahmati-Yamchi, Alireza Ostadrahimi, Sedigheh Fekri Aval, Nosratollah Zarghami
Nowadays, diabetes mellitus (DM) along with its complications is considered as a fundamental problem in both developing and industrial countries, and is causing millions of people to suffer worldwide. Currently, diabetes mellitus is diagnosed traditionally or classically in the world by measuring fasting blood glucose and conducting oral glucose tolerance test. New alternatives are required for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), at its early levels due to the ineffective control of its development in patients. In recent years, by further identifying of molecular agents such as microRNAs (miRNAs), studies have focused on miRNAs in diabetes as well as in other diseases. These small non-coding RNA molecules have a significant role in the regulation of insulin gene expression and also, obesity problems. White adipose tissue, as an important tissue in obese subjects, is directly related to type 2 diabetes and its complications via synthesis of adipokines. Prevention and treatment of obesity should be noted since childhood. Our aim in this review is to briefly provide a new glance at types of potential biomarkers, which can be used as pharmacological targets for prevention and treatment of prediabetic subjects, and patients with T2DM.



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Graphical Abstracts

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Meet Our Editorial Board Member

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The Endocannabinoid System Modulating Levels of Consciousness, Emotions and Likely Dream Contents

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Dopaminergic Modulation of Sleep-Wake States

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Neuroprotective Effects of Citrus Fruit-Derived Flavonoids, Nobiletin and Tangeretin in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

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Immune System Modulators with Antidepressant Effects: Evidence from Animal Models

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Alzheimer's Disease and the Routine Clinical Use of CSF Biomarkers

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Utilizing Delta Opioid Receptors and Peptides for Cytoprotection: Implications in Stroke and Other Neurological Disorders

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Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitors in Parkinson's Disease

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Abnormalities in Kynurenine Pathway Metabolism in Treatment-Resistant Depression and Suicidality: A Systematic Review

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Suicide Prevention in Schizophrenia: Do Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics (LAIs) have a Role?

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Therapeutic Role of Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in Modulating Epileptogenesis

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IgA/IgM Responses to Gram-Negative Bacteria are not Associated with Perinatal Depression, but with Physio-somatic Symptoms and Activation of the Tryptophan Catabolite Pathway at the End of Term and Postnatal Anxiety

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Parkinson's Disease is Accompanied by Intertwined Alterations in Iron Metabolism and Activated Immune-inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Pathways

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Further Evaluation of Mechanisms Associated with the Antidepressantlike Signature of Scopolamine in Mice

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Clinically Relevant Drug Interactions with Anti-Alzheimer's Drugs

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Elevated C-reactive Protein Levels in Women with Bipolar Disorder may be Explained by a History of Childhood Trauma, Especially Sexual Abuse, Body Mass Index and Age

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The treatment and outcome analysis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid

Publication date: Available online 22 July 2017
Source:Auris Nasus Larynx
Author(s): Ryuji Yasumatsu, Masanobu Sato, Ryutaro Uchi, Takafumi Nakano, Kazuki Hashimoto, Ryunosuke Kogo, Masahiko Taura, Mioko Matsuo, Torahiko Nakashima, Takashi Nakagawa
ObjectivesPrimary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the thyroid is a rare disease. It usually presents with locally advanced disease and has an overall poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the characteristics and outcomes of patients with SCC of the thyroid, and reported our experience with chemotherapy with lenvatinib in the treatment of SCC of the thyroid.MethodsThe management outcome of 10 patients who had SCC of the thyroid between January 2000 and 2015 at Kyushu University Hospital or associated facilities was reviewed.ResultsThere were 3 males and 7 females, ranging in age from 53 to 77 years. Extent of disease was staged as follows: stage IVA, 3 cases; stage IVB, 3 cases; stage IVC, 4 cases. Only tracheostomy was applied for 2 cases, surgical resection, such as total thyroidectomy and neck dissection, for the other 8 cases. Radiotherapy following surgical treatment was applied for 9 cases. Four patients started on oral lenvatinib due to recurrent or progressive SCC of the thyroid. The one year actuarial survival rate of patients was 22.7%. There was no 2-year survivor of all patients.ConclusionsTreatment should primarily be targeted at surgical resection with negative margins in patients with resectable disease. Lenvatinib may show promise to potentially extend survival.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: 8 August 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics, Volume 165





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Erratum to “Absolute venomics: Absolute quantification of intact venom proteins through elemental mass spectrometry”

Publication date: 8 August 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics, Volume 165
Author(s): Francisco Calderón-Celis, Laura Cid-Barrio, Jorge Ruiz Encinar, Alfredo Sanz-Medel, Juan J. Calvete




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Differential proteomics reveals S100-A11 as a key factor in aldosterone-induced collagen expression in human cardiac fibroblasts

Publication date: Available online 22 July 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Ernesto Martínez-Martínez, Jaime Ibarrola, Mercedes Lachén-Montes, Amaya Fernández-Celis, Frederic Jaisser, Enrique Santamaria, Joaquín Fernández-Irigoyen, Natalia López-Andrés
Aldosterone (Aldo) could induce cardiac fibrosis, a hallmark of heart disease. Aldo direct effects on collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts remain controversial. Our aim is to characterize changes in the proteome of adult human cardiac fibroblasts treated with Aldo to identify new proteins altered that might be new therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases. Aldo increased collagens expressions in human cardiac fibroblasts. Complementary, using a quantitative proteomic approach, 30 proteins were found differentially expressed between control and Aldo-treated cardiac fibroblasts. Among these proteins, 7 were up-regulated and 23 were down-regulated by Aldo. From the up-regulated proteins, collagen type I, collagen type III, collagen type VI and S100-A11 were verified by Western blot. Moreover, protein interaction networks revealed a functional link between a third of Aldo-modulated proteome and specific survival routes. S100-A11 was identified as a possible link between Aldo and collagen. Interestingly, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-down of S100-A11 blocked Aldo-induced collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts. In adult human cardiac fibroblasts treated with Aldo, proteomic analyses revealed an increase in collagen production. S100-A11 was identified as a new regulator of Aldo-induced collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts. These data could identify new candidate proteins for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis in cardiovascular diseases.SignificanceS100-A11 is identified by a proteomic approach as a novel regulator of Aldosterone-induced collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts. Our data could identify new candidate proteins of interest for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis in cardiovascular diseases.

Graphical abstract

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Sesame allergy in adults

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) allergy is the most common seed allergy and has been increasingly reported worldwide.1 The variation in prevalence between populations is likely due to different food habits and awareness. Similar to peanut, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated sesame allergy begins early in life (usually before 2 years of age) and persists in 80% of patients.2 Clinical manifestations range from mucocutaneous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal manifestations to life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis.

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Identifying the relationship between beliefs and medication adherence in asthma

Many individuals with asthma choose not to take their medication in the way it was prescribed despite strong evidence recommending regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs).1 Medication nonadherence in asthma is associated with the majority of asthma-related morbidity, mortality, and excess health care use.2,3

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Utility of minor determinants for skin testing in inpatient penicillin allergy evaluation

Most patients with a history of penicillin allergy can tolerate penicillin. Skin testing can identify tolerant patients, but not all known allergenic determinants are commercially available. Protocols exist that use only available reagents, but the sensitivity and safety of these protocols, particularly for hospitalized patients, are controversial.

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Blood eosinophil-to-basophil ratio in patients with sinonasal polyps

In a recent preliminary study, eosinophil and basophil counts were calculated in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) using conventional histologic and immunohistochemical methods. The tissue eosinophil-to-basophil ratio differed in the CRSwNP endotypes considered.

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The effects of adenotonsillar hypertrophy corrective surgery on left ventricular functions and pulmonary artery pressure in children

Comparison of left ventricular functions in preoperative and postoperative periods of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) who have findings of upper airway obstruction (UAO), using echocardiographic parameters.

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Sesame allergy in adults

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) allergy is the most common seed allergy and has been increasingly reported worldwide.1 The variation in prevalence between populations is likely due to different food habits and awareness. Similar to peanut, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated sesame allergy begins early in life (usually before 2 years of age) and persists in 80% of patients.2 Clinical manifestations range from mucocutaneous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal manifestations to life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis.

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Identifying the relationship between beliefs and medication adherence in asthma

Many individuals with asthma choose not to take their medication in the way it was prescribed despite strong evidence recommending regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs).1 Medication nonadherence in asthma is associated with the majority of asthma-related morbidity, mortality, and excess health care use.2,3

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Utility of minor determinants for skin testing in inpatient penicillin allergy evaluation

Most patients with a history of penicillin allergy can tolerate penicillin. Skin testing can identify tolerant patients, but not all known allergenic determinants are commercially available. Protocols exist that use only available reagents, but the sensitivity and safety of these protocols, particularly for hospitalized patients, are controversial.

http://ift.tt/2vwEU1i

Blood eosinophil-to-basophil ratio in patients with sinonasal polyps

In a recent preliminary study, eosinophil and basophil counts were calculated in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) using conventional histologic and immunohistochemical methods. The tissue eosinophil-to-basophil ratio differed in the CRSwNP endotypes considered.

http://ift.tt/2uTKhKI

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the skull base: A diagnostic challenge

Recently, we came across a patient that posed a significant diagnostic challenge and decided to present this as a letter to the editor to the Journal of Oral Oncology as a case example for discussion.

http://ift.tt/2vMu1aO

Corrigendum to “Orthotopic non-metastatic and metastatic oral cancer mouse models” [Oral Oncol. 51(5) (2015) 476–482]

The authors regret that the following information was misidentified in the original manuscript:

http://ift.tt/2uTGg96

The urge to move and breathe─the impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treatment in patients with previously diagnosed, clinically significant restless legs syndrome

The association between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has seldom been reported. There is one study reporting improvement of RLS symptoms severity in patients naive of treatment after initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for OSAS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the OSAS treatment in patients with previously diagnosed, clinically significant RLS in a usual clinical setting.

http://ift.tt/2un326g

Associations between sleep duration and physical activity and dietary behaviors in Chinese adolescents: Results from the Youth Behavioral Risk Factor Surveys of 2015

To assess the association between sleep duration and physical activity and dietary behaviors among adolescents in a representative sample.

http://ift.tt/2gTz9Hv

QT interval variability index and QT interval duration during different sleep stages in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the QT interval variability and duration in patients during different sleep stages.

http://ift.tt/2untexK

Restless legs syndrome is highly prevalent in patients with post-polio syndrome

Few studies have quantified the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with post-polio syndrome (PPS). Our objective was to assess the prevalence and severity of RLS in patients with PPS and to examine the demographic characteristics of this population.

http://ift.tt/2gTpoct

Identifying Clinically Important Difference on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale: Results from a Narcolepsy Clinical Trial of JZP-110

While scores ≤10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) are within the normal range, the reduction in elevated ESS score that is clinically meaningful in narcolepsy patients has not been established.

http://ift.tt/2un7Rwf

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Pelargonium asperum and Ormenis mixta essential oils and their synergistic antibacterial effect

Abstract

In this work, the chemical composition, the antioxidant, and the antibacterial activities of two Moroccan essential oils less studied, extracted from Pelargonium asperum and Ormenis mixta, were investigated. According to the gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis, citronellol (25.07%), citronellyl ester (10.52%), geraniol (10.46%), and buthyl anthranilate (5.93%) were found to be the major components of P. asperum, while O. mixta was mainly composed of D-germacrene (11.46%), 1,8-cineole (10.28%), and cis-methyl isoeugenol (9.04%). Moreover, O. mixta essential oil exhibited an important antioxidant activity being significantly higher than that exhibited by P. asperum oil (P < 0.001). As regards the antimicrobial activity of both essential oils, the zones of growth inhibition and the minimum inhibitory concentration values showed that P. asperum essential oil was more active than that of O. mixta. Thereafter, the impact of the binary combination of essential oils on their antimicrobial effect was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus using the fractional inhibitory concentration index calculation. The results showed a promising synergistic antibacterial interaction between essential oils studied.

http://ift.tt/2tpSwde

Otorhinolaryngology and Neurosurgery Team Up to Maximize the Outcome for a Patient with Pituitary Tumor

After an unexplained "brain glitch" led to the discovery of a large pituitary tumor, retired corrosion engineer Niell Strickland joined... Read the full article...

http://ift.tt/2vvXQ0b

UT Physicians Otorhinolaryngology Holds Annual Free Cancer Screening Clinic

UT Physicians Otorhinolaryngology – Texas Medical Center, which is staffed by faculty members in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head & Neck... Read the full article...

http://ift.tt/2vwb78P

Audiology Open House

The Audiology team at UT Physicians Otorhinolaryngology – Texas Medical Center held a well-attended, daylong open house January 12, 2017,... Read the full article...

http://ift.tt/2vvXMNZ

Breast Implant Capsule-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Report of Two Cases

Publication date: Available online 22 July 2017
Source:Human Pathology
Author(s): Daniel L. Olsen, Gary L. Keeney, Beiyun Chen, Daniel W. Visscher, Jodi M. Carter
The use of prosthetic implants for breast augmentation has become commonplace. While implants do not increase the risk of conventional mammary carcinoma, they are rarely associated with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. We report two cases of breast implant capsule-associated squamous cell carcinoma with poor clinical outcomes. Both patients (56-year-old female and 81-year-old female) had long-standing implants (>25years) and presented with acute unilateral breast enlargement. In both cases, squamous cell carcinoma arose in (focally dysplastic) squamous epithelium-lined breast implant capsules, and widely invaded surrounding breast parenchyma or chest wall. Neither patient had evidence of a primary mammary carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma at any other anatomic site. Within one year, one patient developed extensive, treatment-refractory, loco-regional soft tissue metastasis and the second patient developed hepatic and soft tissue metastases and died of disease.There are two prior reported cases of implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma in the plastic surgery literature; one provides no pathologic staging or outcome information and the second case was a capsule-confined squamous cell carcinoma. Together, all four cases share notable commonalities: the patients had long-standing breast implants, and presented with acute unilateral breast pain and enlargement secondary to tumors arising on the posterior aspect of squamous epithelialized implant capsules. Due both to its rarity and unusual clinical presentation, implant capsule-associated squamous cell carcinoma may be under-recognized. The aggressive behavior of the tumors in this series underscores the importance of excluding malignancy in patients with long-standing breast implants who present with acute unilateral breast pain and enlargement.



http://ift.tt/2tQ3uIc

Assessing parents’ receptiveness to a vegetable-focussed in-school nutrition intervention

Publication date: 1 October 2017
Source:Appetite, Volume 117
Author(s): Michelle I. Jongenelis, Simone Pettigrew, Iain S. Pratt, Shannon Wright, Gael Myers
ObjectiveCrunch&Sip is an Australian school-based initiative designed to increase the consumption of fruit, vegetables, and water among primary school children. To address the significant deficiencies in children's vegetable intake, the present study aimed to examine the responsiveness of parents (the main providers of food for Crunch&Sip) to a modified version of the program that focuses primarily on vegetable consumption.ParticipantsA total of 329 Western Australian parents completed an online questionnaire examining their support for a vegetable focus for Crunch&Sip and any perceived barriers, motivators, and facilitators.ResultsMost (80%) parents were supportive of a shift to a vegetable focus for Crunch&Sip. Belief in the effectiveness of Crunch&Sip at improving children's attitudes towards vegetables and increasing children's vegetable consumption was found to be significantly associated with levels of support. The most commonly nominated motivator was to improve their children's eating habits and the main facilitator was the perceived ability of teachers and peers to influence children's food consumption behaviours. Identified potential barriers included the difficulties associated with providing a variety of vegetables, maintaining freshness, and the preparation time required. The primary suggested strategy to overcome these barriers was for schools to conduct education sessions to provide information about vegetable provision options.Conclusions and implicationsThe results suggest that parents can be supportive of school-based nutrition programs that specifically encourage the consumption of vegetables but they may require guidance to reduce the identified barriers related to vegetable provision.



http://ift.tt/2vwfT6l

¿Qué es t4 libre?

La glándula tiroides produce, entre otras hormonas, la tiroxina o T4. Junto con la triyodotironina (T3). Esta contribuye al correcto desempeño de diversas funciones del organismo, entre las cuales están el consumo de energía en el cuerpo, el control de la temperatura corporal y el ritmo del corazón. También participa en la producción de proteínas.

Los efectos de las hormonas tiroideas en el cuerpo dependen de la cantidad de éstas que llegan a los tejidos y se unen a éstos para ejercer su función. La T4 libre es la tiroxina que no se ha unido a proteínas y circula "libre".

A veces, para comprobar si la tiroides está funcionando correctamente, se llevan a cabo análisis de T4 libre. Así se evita la distorsión que podría derivar de cambios no en la T4, sino en las proteínas ligadas a ésta (proteínas transportadoras). Por eso se considera que la fracción de T4 libre es más importante para determinar si la tiroides está funcionando bien.

En los individuos con hipertiroidismo (actividad excesiva de la glándula tiroides), los niveles de T4 libre suelen ser elevados, mientras que la detección de niveles de T4 por debajo de lo normal se considera un indicio de hipotiroidismo (déficit de actividad en la tiroides).

 

Utilidad

Con la determinación de niveles de T4 libre, los médicos pueden conocer mejor el estado de la tiroides:

• En personas enfermas u hospitalizadas
• En pacientes con alguna condición que afecta a las proteínas
• En pacientes de pediatría

 

Información clínica

• La T3 y la T4 son las dos hormonas tiroideas biológicamente activas
• La T4 representa más del 80% de las hormonas tiroideas circulantes
• Tras su producción en la glándula tiroides, aproximadamente el 70% de la T4 se une a la proteína denominada TGB (globulina fijadora de tiroxina, que transporta la tiroxina en el riego sanguíneo)
• Entre el 10% y el 20% de la T4 restante se unen a otras proteínas:
  • Transtiretina (conocida anteriormente como prealbúmina transportadora de tiroxina)
  • Albúmina
• Menos del 0,1% de la T4 circula libre (sin unirse a proteínas)
• Sus valores de referencias son 0,8-2,0 ng/dL (nanogramos por decilitro)
• Ese intervalo es el que se aplica a pacientes de todas las edades
• Se recomienda usar la medición de T4 libre junto con un análisis de los niveles de TSH (hormona estimulante de la tiroides, o tirotropina)
• En recién nacidos, los niveles de T4 libre pueden estar elevados, ya que tardan unos días (en ocasiones, semanas) en madurar y estabilizarse

 

Hay algunos medicamentos que causan alteraciones a corto plazo en los niveles de T4:

• Heparina
• Salicilatos como:
  • Ácido acetilsalicílico (aspirina)
  • Ácido salicilsalicílico (salsalato)
• Furosemida
• Fenclofenac
• Ácido mefenámico
• Ácido flufenámico
• Diclofenaco
• Diflunisal
• Fenitoína
• Carbamacepina

 

Interpretación de resultados de T4 libre fuera del rango de normalidad

• Niveles elevados TSH con FT4 baja-hipotiroidismo
• Niveles bajos de TSH con elevación de FT4 y FT3 elevada-hipertiroidismo
• Niveles anormalmente elevados de TSH con FT4 normal-en situación de riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad de la tiroides
• Niveles bajos de TSH junto con FT4 baja-indicio de trastorno de la hipófisis

Los resultados de las pruebas pueden verse alterados por algunos fármacos o ciertas enfermedades. Informe a quien realice los análisis de cualquier situación que pudiera influir en la interpretación de los mismos.

La entrada ¿Qué es t4 libre? se publicó primero en Cuida tu tiroides.

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Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) deficiency, Carney triad and the epigenome

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Nikolaos Settas, Fabio R. Faucz, Constantine A. Stratakis
In this report, we review the relationship between succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) deficiency and the epigenome, especially with regards to two clinical conditions. Carney triad (CT) is a very rare disease with synchronous or metachronous occurrence of at least three different tumor entities; gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), paraganglioma (PGL), and pulmonary chondroma. This condition affects mostly females and it is never inherited. Another disease that shares two of the tumor components of CT, namely GIST and PGL is the Carney-Stratakis syndrome (CSS) or dyad. CSS affects both genders during childhood and adolescence. We review herein the main clinical features and molecular mechanisms behind those two syndromes that share quite a bit of similarities, but one is non-hereditary (CT) whereas the other shows an autosomal-dominant, with incomplete penetrance, inheritance pattern (CSS). Both CT and CSS are caused by the deficiency of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme. The key difference between the two syndromes is the molecular mechanism that causes the SDH deficiency. Most cases of CT show down-regulation of SDH through site-specific hyper-methylation of the SDHC gene, whereas CSS cases carry inactivating germline mutations within one of the genes coding for the SDH subunits A, B, C, or D (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD). There is only partial overlap between the two conditions (there are a few patients with CT that have SDH subunit mutations) but both lead to increased methylation of the entire genome in the tumors associated with them. Other tumors (outside CT and CSS) that have SDH deficiency are associated with increased methylation of the entire genome, but only in CT there is site-specific methylation of the SDHC gene. These findings have implications for diagnostics and the treatment of patients with these, often metastatic tumors.



http://ift.tt/2uKsYeG

Clinico-radiological Co-relation of Carcinoma Larynx and Hypopharynx: A Prospective Study

Abstract

The successful management of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers requires accurate diagnosis, staging, assessment of patient wishes, and the selection of the most appropriate treatment for the individual patient. Imaging plays an important complementary role to clinical examination and endoscopy in the evaluation of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. The combined information allows the disease to be staged accurately. To correlate carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx clinically and radiologically and to know the accurate pre-therapeutic stage of the disease. A total of 50 cases were included in this study. After clinical TNM staging, CT scan was done to know the real extent of tumor, volume and nodal status. After that, TNM staging was revised based on radiological findings. The number of people who had been upstaged and downstaged after CT evaluation was measured. There were total of 50 cases of carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx in this study. There were 26 (52%) cases of carcinoma larynx and 24 (48%) cases of carcinoma hypopharynx. There were significant changes in T stage after radiological evaluation. Major changes were observed in T2 and T3 stages. Majority of cases (17) were having N1 disease after radiological evaluation. On comparing clinical and radiological staging of neck nodes, it was observed that upstaging occurred mainly in N0. Overall after radiological evaluation, 48% of our cases were upstaged, 48% remained in same stage and 4% were downstaged. By combining both clinical and radiological evaluation in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, a correct pre therapeutic staging can be obtained and thereby prompt treatment can be given.

http://ift.tt/2uLIjLC

Clinico-radiological Co-relation of Carcinoma Larynx and Hypopharynx: A Prospective Study

Abstract

The successful management of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers requires accurate diagnosis, staging, assessment of patient wishes, and the selection of the most appropriate treatment for the individual patient. Imaging plays an important complementary role to clinical examination and endoscopy in the evaluation of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. The combined information allows the disease to be staged accurately. To correlate carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx clinically and radiologically and to know the accurate pre-therapeutic stage of the disease. A total of 50 cases were included in this study. After clinical TNM staging, CT scan was done to know the real extent of tumor, volume and nodal status. After that, TNM staging was revised based on radiological findings. The number of people who had been upstaged and downstaged after CT evaluation was measured. There were total of 50 cases of carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx in this study. There were 26 (52%) cases of carcinoma larynx and 24 (48%) cases of carcinoma hypopharynx. There were significant changes in T stage after radiological evaluation. Major changes were observed in T2 and T3 stages. Majority of cases (17) were having N1 disease after radiological evaluation. On comparing clinical and radiological staging of neck nodes, it was observed that upstaging occurred mainly in N0. Overall after radiological evaluation, 48% of our cases were upstaged, 48% remained in same stage and 4% were downstaged. By combining both clinical and radiological evaluation in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, a correct pre therapeutic staging can be obtained and thereby prompt treatment can be given.

http://ift.tt/2uLIjLC

Clinico-radiological Co-relation of Carcinoma Larynx and Hypopharynx: A Prospective Study

Abstract

The successful management of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers requires accurate diagnosis, staging, assessment of patient wishes, and the selection of the most appropriate treatment for the individual patient. Imaging plays an important complementary role to clinical examination and endoscopy in the evaluation of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. The combined information allows the disease to be staged accurately. To correlate carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx clinically and radiologically and to know the accurate pre-therapeutic stage of the disease. A total of 50 cases were included in this study. After clinical TNM staging, CT scan was done to know the real extent of tumor, volume and nodal status. After that, TNM staging was revised based on radiological findings. The number of people who had been upstaged and downstaged after CT evaluation was measured. There were total of 50 cases of carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx in this study. There were 26 (52%) cases of carcinoma larynx and 24 (48%) cases of carcinoma hypopharynx. There were significant changes in T stage after radiological evaluation. Major changes were observed in T2 and T3 stages. Majority of cases (17) were having N1 disease after radiological evaluation. On comparing clinical and radiological staging of neck nodes, it was observed that upstaging occurred mainly in N0. Overall after radiological evaluation, 48% of our cases were upstaged, 48% remained in same stage and 4% were downstaged. By combining both clinical and radiological evaluation in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, a correct pre therapeutic staging can be obtained and thereby prompt treatment can be given.

http://ift.tt/2uLIjLC

Clinico-radiological Co-relation of Carcinoma Larynx and Hypopharynx: A Prospective Study

Abstract

The successful management of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers requires accurate diagnosis, staging, assessment of patient wishes, and the selection of the most appropriate treatment for the individual patient. Imaging plays an important complementary role to clinical examination and endoscopy in the evaluation of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. The combined information allows the disease to be staged accurately. To correlate carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx clinically and radiologically and to know the accurate pre-therapeutic stage of the disease. A total of 50 cases were included in this study. After clinical TNM staging, CT scan was done to know the real extent of tumor, volume and nodal status. After that, TNM staging was revised based on radiological findings. The number of people who had been upstaged and downstaged after CT evaluation was measured. There were total of 50 cases of carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx in this study. There were 26 (52%) cases of carcinoma larynx and 24 (48%) cases of carcinoma hypopharynx. There were significant changes in T stage after radiological evaluation. Major changes were observed in T2 and T3 stages. Majority of cases (17) were having N1 disease after radiological evaluation. On comparing clinical and radiological staging of neck nodes, it was observed that upstaging occurred mainly in N0. Overall after radiological evaluation, 48% of our cases were upstaged, 48% remained in same stage and 4% were downstaged. By combining both clinical and radiological evaluation in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, a correct pre therapeutic staging can be obtained and thereby prompt treatment can be given.

http://ift.tt/2uLIjLC

Quantitative models of feline lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia neuronal cell density

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Anastasia K. Ostrowski, Zachariah J. Sperry, Grant Kulik, Tim M. Bruns
BackgroundDorsal root ganglia (DRG) are spinal root components that contain the cell bodies of converging primary sensory neurons. DRG are becoming a therapeutic target for electrical neural interfaces. Our purpose was to establish methods for quantifying the non-random nature and distribution of neuronal cell bodies within DRG.New methodWe identified neuronal cell body locations in 26 feline lumbosacral DRG cross-section histological images and used computational tools to quantify spatial trends. We first analyzed spatial randomness using the nearest-neighbor distance method. Next we overlaid a 6×6 grid, modeling neuronal cellular density in each grid square and comparing regions statistically. Finally we transformed DRG onto a polar map and calculated neuronal cellular density in annular sectors. We used a recursive partition model to determine regions of high and low density, and validated the model statistically.ResultsWe found that the arrangement of neuronal cell bodies at the widest point of DRG is distinctly non-random with concentration in particular regions. The grid model suggested a radial trend in density, with increasing density toward the outside of the DRG. The polar transformation model showed that the highest neuronal cellular density is in the outer 23.9% radially and the dorsal ±61.4° angularly.Comparison with existing methodsTo our knowledge, DRG neuronal cell distribution has not been previously quantified.ConclusionsThese results confirm and expand quantitatively on the existing understanding of DRG anatomy. Our methods can be useful for analyzing the distribution of cellular components of other neural structures or expanding to three-dimensional models.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2umxSfa

Refining Forelimb Asymmetry Analysis: Correlation with Montoya Staircase Contralateral Function Post-Stroke

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Moner Ragas, Devipriyanka Nagarajan, Adrian M. Corbett
BackgroundForelimb Asymmetry Test is a simple test of motor function, using exploration behavior of a rat in a novel environment and counting the number of times that a rat touches the wall with either forepaw. Our lab has noticed, however, that there appears to be an increased number of fingertip touches to the wall following a stroke in the impaired forelimb.New MethodWe counted the number of times that the animal either laid its palm flat against the wall of the chamber or touched the wall with only its fingertips, for both the left and right forepaws. We also separated bouts of exploration, so we could clearly determine if fingertip touches normally were associated with a transition from resting state to exploration state.Results and Comparison with Existing MethodsFishers exact test indicated that there were significant differences in the way that the animals touched the wall pre-stroke compared to post-stroke, with more fingertip touches occurring post-stroke. Counting palm touches as normal and fingertip touches as abnormal increases the sensitivity of the Forelimb Asymmetry analysis and gives a good correlation with the contralateral functional deficits determined by Montoya Staircase post-stroke. If we counted every wall touch as normal (palm touches and fingertip touches), we see a loss of sensitivity and a poor correlation with contralateral function as determined by Montoya Staircase.ConclusionsThis refinement of the Forelimb Asymmetry analysis improves correlation with Montoya Staircase contralateral function after stroke.



http://ift.tt/2umKm6s

Automated Face Recognition of Rhesus Macaques

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Claire L. Witham
BackgroundRhesus macaques are widely used in biomedical research. Automated behavior monitoring can be useful in various studies (including neuroscience), as well as having applications to animal welfare but current technology lags behind that developed for other species. One difficulty facing developers is the reliable identification of individual macaques within a group especially as pair- and group-housing of macaques becomes standard. Current published methods require either implantation or wearing of a tracking device.New Method<ABS-P>I present face recognition, in combination with face detection, as a method to non-invasively identify individual rhesus macaques in videos. The face recognition method utilizes local-binary patterns in combination with a local discriminant classification algorithm.ResultsA classification accuracy of between 90 and 96% was achieved for four different groups. Group size, number of training images and challenging image conditions such as high contrast all had an impact on classification accuracy. I demonstrate that these methods can be applied in real time using standard affordable hardware and a potential application to studies of social structure.Comparison with Existing Method(s)Face recognition methods have been reported for humans and other primate species such as chimpanzees but not rhesus macaques. The classification accuracy with this method is comparable to that for chimpanzees. Face recognition has the advantage over other methods for identifying rhesus macaques such as tags and collars of being non-invasive.ConclusionsThis is the first reported method for face recognition of rhesus macaques, has high classification accuracy and can be implemented in real time.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2uLKy1m

Strategies for statistical thresholding of source localization maps inmagnetoencephalography and estimating source extent

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Kostiantyn Maksymenko, Bernard Giusiano, Nicolas Roehri, Christian-G. Bénar, Jean-Michel Badier
Background: Magnetoencephalography allows defining non-invasively the spatio-temporal activation of brain networks thanks to source localization algorithms. A major difficulty of MNE and Beamforming methods, two classically used techniques, is the definition of proper thresholds that allow deciding the extent of activated cortex.New method: We investigated two stategies for computing a threshold, taking into account the difficult multiple comparison issue. The strategies were based either on parametric statistics (Bonferroni, FDR correction) or on empirical estimates (local FDR and a custom measure based on the survival function).Results: We found thanks to the simulations that parametric methods based on the sole estimation of H0 (Bonferroni, FDR) performed poorly, in particular in high SNR situations. This is due to the spatial leakage originating from the source localization methods, which give a 'blurred' reconstruction of the patch extension: the higher the SNR, the more this effect is visible.Comparison with existing methods: Adaptive methods such as local FDR or our proposed 'concavity threshold' performed better than Bonferroni or classical FDR. We present an application to real data originating from auditory stimulation in MEG.Conclusion: In order to estimate source extent, adaptive strategies should be preferred to parametric statistics when dealing with 'leaking' source reconstruction algorithms.



http://ift.tt/2uLJquF

The immunopathology of dengue and Zika virus infections

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Immunology, Volume 48
Author(s): Abigail Culshaw, Juthathip Mongkolsapaya, Gavin R Screaton
A large proportion of the world's population live in areas with dengue virus (DENV) transmission resulting in tens of millions of symptomatic dengue cases each year. Serious complications following DENV infection occur more frequently in those suffering from a second or subsequent infection implicating virus-specific immunity as having a role in pathogenesis. In recent years outbreaks of the related Zika virus (ZIKV) have been associated with birth defects and neurological complications. As DENV and ZIKV share a viral vector sequential infections can occur. Given the sequence homology between the two viruses, the generation of cross-reactive immune responses is highly likely. This review examines the role immunopathogenesis plays during DENV infection as well as highlighting recent studies that demonstrate DENV immunity may have an effect on the outcome of ZIKV infection.



http://ift.tt/2uRSlMg

Germinal center enhancement by extended antigen availability

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Immunology, Volume 47
Author(s): Kimberly M Cirelli, Shane Crotty
Vaccine elicitation of protective antibody responses has proved difficult for a number of important human pathogens, including HIV-1. The amount of somatic hypermutation associated with the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV has not been achieved using conventional immunization strategies. An underexplored aspect of vaccine design is modulation of antigen kinetics. Immunization strategies with extended antigen availability have recently been shown to enhance humoral responses. In this review, we explore the mechanisms through which sustained antigen availability can enhance germinal center responses and the potency of antibody responses. These potential mechanisms include shifting B cell recognition away from non-neutralizing immunodominant epitopes, altered kinetics of immune complex deposition, improved T follicular helper (Tfh) cell responses, enhanced affinity maturation, and enhanced development of B cell memory. Finally, we discuss immunization strategies that result in extended antigen availability.



http://ift.tt/2vKmAB8

A phase I/II trial and pharmacokinetic study of mithramycin in children and adults with refractory Ewing sarcoma and EWS–FLI1 fusion transcript

Abstract

Purpose

In a preclinical drug screen, mithramycin was identified as a potent inhibitor of the Ewing sarcoma EWS–FLI1 transcription factor. We conducted a phase I/II trial to determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and pharmacokinetics (PK) of mithramycin in children with refractory solid tumors, and the activity in children and adults with refractory Ewing sarcoma.

Patients and methods

Mithramycin was administered intravenously over 6 h once daily for 7 days for 28 day cycles. Adult patients (phase II) initially received mithramycin at the previously determined recommended dose of 25 µg/kg/dose. The planned starting dose for children (phase I) was 17.5 µg/kg/dose. Plasma samples were obtained for mithramycin PK analysis.

Results

The first two adult patients experienced reversible grade 4 alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation exceeding the MTD. Subsequent adult patients received mithramycin at 17.5 µg/kg/dose, and children at 13 µg/kg/dose with dexamethasone pretreatment. None of the four subsequent adult and two pediatric patients experienced cycle 1 DLT. No clinical responses were observed. The average maximal mithramycin plasma concentration in four patients was 17.8 ± 4.6 ng/mL. This is substantially below the sustained mithramycin concentrations ≥50 nmol/L required to suppress EWS–FLI1 transcriptional activity in preclinical studies. Due to inability to safely achieve the desired mithramycin exposure, the trial was closed to enrollment.

Conclusions

Hepatotoxicity precluded the administration of a mithramycin at a dose required to inhibit EWS–FLI1. Evaluation of mithramycin in patients selected for decreased susceptibility to elevated transaminases may allow for improved drug exposure.

http://ift.tt/2uSSTkI

How to choose the best journal for your case report

Since the establishment of the Journal of Medical Case Reports in 2006, the number of journals that publish case reports has increased rapidly, and most of these journals are open access. Open access publishing u...

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Thyroid Education & Awareness Blooms with July Donations – Earn a Sunflower!

Please help us reach "31 Donations in 31 Days" during the month of July to support thyroid education and awareness in 2017.

• Your donation of just $25-$100 allows us to send patient information through the mail weekly to those who do not have a computer to access information online.
• Donations of $150-$200 helps us to manage printing and website costs for our thyroid patient information brochures.
• Support of $250 – $500 helps us to accomplish collaboration with thyroid experts in developing vital ATA thyroid treatment guidelines as well as, the processes necessary to carry out our research efforts.

Your support is valuable and keeps our work in motion!

The post Thyroid Education & Awareness Blooms with July Donations – Earn a Sunflower! appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2uKtlWI

Thyroid Education & Awareness Blooms with July Donations – Earn a Sunflower!

Please help us reach "31 Donations in 31 Days" during the month of July to support thyroid education and awareness in 2017.

• Your donation of just $25-$100 allows us to send patient information through the mail weekly to those who do not have a computer to access information online.
• Donations of $150-$200 helps us to manage printing and website costs for our thyroid patient information brochures.
• Support of $250 – $500 helps us to accomplish collaboration with thyroid experts in developing vital ATA thyroid treatment guidelines as well as, the processes necessary to carry out our research efforts.

Your support is valuable and keeps our work in motion!

The post Thyroid Education & Awareness Blooms with July Donations – Earn a Sunflower! appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

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Tumor heterogeneity determined with a γH2AX foci assay: A study in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (hHNSCC) models

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Treewut Rassamegevanon, Steffen Löck, Ursula Range, Mechthild Krause, Michael Baumann, Cläre von Neubeck
PurposeThis study aimed to analyze the intra-tumoral heterogeneity of γH2AX foci in tumor specimens following ex vivo radiation to evaluate the potential of γH2AX foci as predictors for radiosensitivity.Material and methodsγH2AX foci were quantified in tumor specimens of 3hHNSCC tumor models with known differences in radiosensitivity after reoxygenation in culture medium (10h, 24h), single dose exposure (0Gy, 4Gy), and fixation 24h post-irradiation. Multiple, equally treated samples of the same tumor were analyzed for foci, normalized and fitted in a linear mixed-effects model.ResultsThe ex vivo reoxygenation time had no significant effect on γH2AX foci counts. A significant intra model heterogeneity could be shown for FaDu (p=0.033) but not for SKX (p=0.167) and UT-SCC-5 (p=0.082) tumors, respectively. All tumor models showed a significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity between specimens of the same tumor (p<0.01) or among microscopic fields of a particular tumor specimen (p<0.0001).ConclusionSimilar results for ex vivo γH2AX foci between 10h and 24h reoxygenation time support the applicability of the assay in a clinical setting. The high intra-tumoral heterogeneity underlines the necessity of multiple analyzable samples per patient and therewith the need for an automated foci analysis.



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Patient-reported intestinal toxicity from whole pelvis intensity-modulated radiotherapy: First quantification of bowel dose–volume effects

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Carla Sini, Barbara Noris Chiorda, Pietro Gabriele, Giuseppe Sanguineti, Sara Morlino, Fabio Badenchini, Domenico Cante, Viviana Carillo, Marcella Gaetano, Tommaso Giandini, Valeria Landoni, Angelo Maggio, Lucia Perna, Edoardo Petrucci, Vincenzo Sacco, Riccardo Valdagni, Tiziana Rancati, Claudio Fiorino, Cesare Cozzarini
Background and purposeIntestinal toxicity is commonly experienced during whole-pelvis intensity-modulated radiotherapy (WPRT) for prostate cancer. The aim of the current study was to assess bowel dose–volume relationships for acute patient-reported intestinal symptoms of patients treated with WPRT for prostate cancer.Materials and methodsComplete data of 206 patients were available; the median dose to pelvic nodes was 51.8Gy (range 50.4–54.4, 1.7–2Gy/fr). Intestinal symptoms were assessed as changes in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores relative to the Bowel Domain (IBDQ-B) between baseline and radiotherapy mid-point/end. The 25th percentiles of the most severe worsening from baseline (ΔIBDQ-B) were set as end-points. The impact of bowel loops and sigmoid colon dose–volume/surface parameters as well as selected clinical parameters were investigated using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAnalyses were focused on the four questions showing a median ΔIBDQ-B>0. No dose volume/surface parameters were predictive, other than ΔIBDQ5≥3 (loose stools): when grouping patients according to bowel DVHs (high risk: V20>470cc, V30>245cc, V42>110cc; low risk: all the remaining patients), a two-variable model including high-risk DVH-shape (OR: 9.3) and age (protective, OR: 0.94) was assessed. The model showed good calibration (slope: 1.003, R²=0.92) and was found to be robust after bootstrap-based internal validation.ConclusionsConstraining the bowel loops may reduce the risk of loose stools. The risk is higher for younger patients.



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The Cost of Oropharyngeal Cancer in England: a Retrospective Hospital Data Analysis

Abstract

Objectives

To estimate the total costs of treating head and neck cancers, specifically oropharyngeal, laryngeal and oral cavity cancer, in secondary care facilities in England during the period 2006/2007 to 2010/2011.

Design

Patient records were extracted from an English hospital database to estimate the number of patients treated for oropharyngeal, laryngeal and oral cavity cancer in England. Identified resource use was linked to published United Kingdom cost estimates to quantify the reimbursement of treatment through the Payment by Results system.

Setting

Retrospective hospital data analysis.

Participants

From the hospital data, patient records of patients treated for oropharyngeal, laryngeal and oral cavity cancer were selected.

Main outcome measures

Annual total costs of treatment, stratified by inpatient and outpatient setting and by male and female patients.

Results

From 2006/2007 to 2010/2011, total costs of treatment across the three head and neck cancer sites were estimated to be approximately £309 million, with 90% attributable to inpatient care (bundled costs). Oropharyngeal cancer accounted for 37% of total costs. Costs and patient numbers increased over time, largely due to a rise in oropharyngeal cancer, where total costs increased from £17.21 million to £30.32 million, with over 1400 (52%) more inpatients treated in 2010/11 compared to 2006/07.

Conclusions

In four years the number of patients with oropharyngeal cancer receiving some form of inpatient care increased by more than half, and associated costs increased by three quarters. This reinforces the case for prevention and early detection strategies to help contain this epidemiological and economic burden.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2uJUd9a

The Cost of Oropharyngeal Cancer in England: a Retrospective Hospital Data Analysis

Abstract

Objectives

To estimate the total costs of treating head and neck cancers, specifically oropharyngeal, laryngeal and oral cavity cancer, in secondary care facilities in England during the period 2006/2007 to 2010/2011.

Design

Patient records were extracted from an English hospital database to estimate the number of patients treated for oropharyngeal, laryngeal and oral cavity cancer in England. Identified resource use was linked to published United Kingdom cost estimates to quantify the reimbursement of treatment through the Payment by Results system.

Setting

Retrospective hospital data analysis.

Participants

From the hospital data, patient records of patients treated for oropharyngeal, laryngeal and oral cavity cancer were selected.

Main outcome measures

Annual total costs of treatment, stratified by inpatient and outpatient setting and by male and female patients.

Results

From 2006/2007 to 2010/2011, total costs of treatment across the three head and neck cancer sites were estimated to be approximately £309 million, with 90% attributable to inpatient care (bundled costs). Oropharyngeal cancer accounted for 37% of total costs. Costs and patient numbers increased over time, largely due to a rise in oropharyngeal cancer, where total costs increased from £17.21 million to £30.32 million, with over 1400 (52%) more inpatients treated in 2010/11 compared to 2006/07.

Conclusions

In four years the number of patients with oropharyngeal cancer receiving some form of inpatient care increased by more than half, and associated costs increased by three quarters. This reinforces the case for prevention and early detection strategies to help contain this epidemiological and economic burden.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Assessment of performance indicators of a radiotherapy department using an electronic medical record system

Publication date: September–October 2017
Source:Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy, Volume 22, Issue 5
Author(s): Yasir A. Bahadur, Camelia Constantinescu, Ammar Y. Bahadur, Ruba Y. Bahadur
AimTo retrospectively assess the performance indicators of our radiotherapy department and their temporal trends, using a commercially available electronic-medical-record (EMR) system.BackgroundA recent trend in healthcare quality is to define and evaluate performance indicators of the service provided.Materials and methodsPatient and external-beam-radiotherapy-treatments data were retrieved using the Mosaiq EMR system from 1-January-2012 till 31-December-2015.Annual performance indicators were evaluated as: productivity (number of new cases/year and diagnosis distribution); complexity (ratio of Volumetric-Modulated-Arc-Therapy (VMAT) courses, average number of imaging procedures/patient); and quality (average, median and 90th percentile waiting times from admission to first treatment).The temporal trends of all performance indicators were assessed by linear regression.ResultsProductivity: the number of new cases/year increased with an average rate of 4%. Diagnosis distribution showed that breast is the main pathology treated, followed by gastro-intestinal and head-and-neck.Complexity: the ratio of VMAT courses increased from 13% to 35%, with an average rate of 7% per year. The average number of imaging procedures/patient increased from 8 to 11.Quality: the waiting times from admission to treatment remained stable over time (R²≤0.1), with average, median and 90th percentile values around 20, 15, and 31 days, respectively.ConclusionsAn EMR system can be used to: monitor the performance indicators of a radiotherapy department, identify workflow processes needing attention and improvement, estimate future demands of resources.Temporal analysis of our data showed an increasing trend in productivity and complexity paired with constant waiting times.



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Contrast Enhancement in Breast Cancer and Background Mammary-Gland Tissue During the Super-Early Phase of Dynamic Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Tetsuya Tomida, Atsushi Urikura, Takayoshi Uematsu, Kensei Shirata, Yoshihiro Nakaya
Rationale and ObjectivesWe aimed to compare the contrast enhancement between tumor and mammary-gland tissue to distinguish lesions in the super-early phase, during which minimal contrast media uptake is observed in mammary-gland tissue.Materials and MethodsDynamic magnetic resonance imaging, including the super-early phase with bolus tracking (BT) method (to determine the optimal imaging start time), was performed by using identical parameters to obtain transverse fat-suppressed T1-weighted images of both breasts. The percent enhancement (PE) and the contrast ratio (CR) indicators for tumor and mammary-gland tissue were assessed in each dynamic phase.ResultsThe PE values of the tumor were 62.4% and 151.6%, and those of the mammary gland were 0.3% and 20.7% in the super-early and early phases, respectively. Therefore, virtually no background parenchymal enhancement was observed in the super-early phase. The variation in the PE values during the super-early phase was significantly smaller when the values were determined with the BT method (P < .05). The CR was highest in the early phase, and the CR in the super-early phase was lower than in the other phases. Early-phase PE and CR were significantly higher in invasive cancer cases than in noninvasive cancer cases (P < .01). A significant difference in the imaging start time was observed for the anatomic side factor by the BT method.ConclusionBackground parenchymal enhancement almost never appeared in the super-early phase, but the CR was lower in the super-early phase than in the early phase. The BT method allowed for an optimal imaging start time for the super-early phase and yielded images with less deviation of contrast enhancement.



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How to choose the best journal for your case report

Since the establishment of the Journal of Medical Case Reports in 2006, the number of journals that publish case reports has increased rapidly, and most of these journals are open access. Open access publishing u...

http://ift.tt/2uLk5kT

Measuring the social impact of dental research: An insight into the most influential articles on the Web

Abstract

Objectives

To identify the most discussed dental articles on the Web and to assess the association between the intensity of online attention, publication characteristics and citations.

Materials & Methods

An Altmetric Explorer search was conducted for articles published in the 91 dental journals included in 2015 InCites^™ Journal Citation Report^® and mentioned online at all times. The 100 articles with the highest online attention, as measured by the 'Altmetric Attention Score' (AAS), were screened for journal title, quartile of impact factor distribution (Q1-Q4), publication date, origin and affiliation of first author, article topic, type and access. Citation counts were harvested from Scopus.

Results

The top 100 articles presented a median AAS of 119, and were mostly discussed on news outlets, Twitter and Mendeley. Forty-one articles were published in Q1 journals, 24 in Q2 journals, 32 in Q3 journals and 3 in Q4 journals. AAS was significantly higher in articles of Q2 journals (median AAS=398, range=70-513) than of Q1. A weak reverse correlation existed between AAS and time since publication (r=-0.25, p<0.05). No correlation was detected between AAS and other publication characteristics or number of citations.

Conclusions

Increased social impact of dental articles is not significantly associated with high citation rates.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Association of reduced zinc status with poor glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 44
Author(s): Verônica da Silva Bandeira, Liliane Viana Pires, Leila Leiko Hashimoto, Luciane Luca de Alencar, Kaluce Gonçalves Sousa Almondes, Simão Augusto Lottenberg, Silvia Maria Franciscato Cozzolino
This study evaluated the relationship between the zinc-related nutritional status and glycemic and insulinemic markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 82 individuals with T2DM aged between 29 and 59 years were evaluated. The concentration of zinc in the plasma, erythrocytes, and urine was determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day 24-h recall. In addition, concentrations of serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin percentage, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, and serum insulin were determined. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA- β) were calculated. The markers of zinc status (plasma: 83.3±11.9μg/dL, erythrocytes: 30.1±4.6μg/g Hb, urine: 899.1±622.4μg Zn/24h, and dietary: 9.9±0.8mg/day) were classified in tertiles and compared to insulinemic and glycemic markers. The results showed that lower zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, as well as its high urinary excretion, were associated with higher percentages of glycated hemoglobin, reflecting a worse glycemic control in individuals with T2DM (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant inverse correlation between plasma zinc levels and glycated hemoglobin percentage (r=−0.325, p=0.003), and a positive correlation between urinary zinc excretion and glycemia (r=0.269, p=0.016), glycated hemoglobin percentage (r=0.318, p=0.004) and HOMA-IR (r=0.289, p=0.009). According to our study results, conclude that T2DM individuals with reduced zinc status exhibited poor glycemic control.



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Clinical Thyroidology High-Impact Articles

FREE ACCESS through August 4, 2017.
Read Now:

Teprotumumab, an Antibody that Blocks the IGF-I Receptor, Causes Dramatic Improvement in Graves' Orbitopathy
Jerome M. Hershman

For Papillary Thyroid Cancer Discovered During Pregnancy, Delayed Thyroid Surgery with Active Surveillance Is Appropriate
Jacques Orgiazzi

Can Imaging with FDG-PET Help Exclude Malignancy in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules?
Martin Biermann

 

The post Clinical Thyroidology High-Impact Articles appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

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Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology for the Public:  Bariatric surgery for weight loss is becoming very common in the US. Obesity and hypothyroidism often occur in the same patient and ~18% of bariatric surgery patients require thyroid hormone therapy. Read More….

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Let us know what you want to see in this publication.

Feedback & Suggestions

The post Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2uk1xHC

Clinical Thyroidology High-Impact Articles

FREE ACCESS through August 4, 2017.
Read Now:

Teprotumumab, an Antibody that Blocks the IGF-I Receptor, Causes Dramatic Improvement in Graves' Orbitopathy
Jerome M. Hershman

For Papillary Thyroid Cancer Discovered During Pregnancy, Delayed Thyroid Surgery with Active Surveillance Is Appropriate
Jacques Orgiazzi

Can Imaging with FDG-PET Help Exclude Malignancy in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules?
Martin Biermann

 

The post Clinical Thyroidology High-Impact Articles appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2uk6boU

Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology for the Public:  Bariatric surgery for weight loss is becoming very common in the US. Obesity and hypothyroidism often occur in the same patient and ~18% of bariatric surgery patients require thyroid hormone therapy. Read More….

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Let us know what you want to see in this publication.

Feedback & Suggestions

The post Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2uk1xHC

Low-concentration BPAF- and BPF-induced cell biological effects are mediated by ROS in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by bisphenol A (BPA) have been implicated in cellular oxidative damage and carcinogenesis. It is not known whether the potential alternatives of BPA, bisphenol AF (BPAF), and bisphenol F (BPF) can also induce ROS involved in mediating biological responses. This study evaluated the toxicity of BPAF and BPF on cell proliferation, DNA damage, intracellular calcium homeostasis, and ROS generation in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The results showed that BPAF at 0.001–1 μM and BPF at 0.01–1 μM significantly increased cell viability and at 25 and 50 μM, both compounds decreased cell viability. At 0.01–10 μM, both BPAF and BPF increased DNA damage and significantly elevated ROS and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in MCF-7 cells. These biological effects were attenuated by the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC), indicating that ROS played a key role in the observed biological effects of BPAF and BPF on MCF-7 cells. These findings can deepen our understanding on the toxicity of BPAF and BPF, and provide basis data to further evaluate the potential health harm and establish environmental standard of BPAF and BPF.

http://ift.tt/2ulAiuv

Heterogeneous reaction of NO 2 with soot at different relative humidity

Abstract

The influences of relative humidity (RH) on the heterogeneous reaction of NO₂ with soot were investigated by a coated wall flow tube reactor at ambient pressure. The initial uptake coefficient (γ _initial) of NO₂ showed a significant decrease with increasing RH from 7 to 70%. The γ _initial on "fuel-rich" and "fuel-lean" soot at RH = 7% was (2.59 ± 0.20) × 10⁻⁵ and (5.92 ± 0.34) × 10⁻⁶, respectively, and it decreased to (5.49 ± 0.83) × 10⁻⁶ and (7.16 ± 0.73) × 10⁻⁷ at RH = 70%, respectively. Nevertheless, the HONO yields were almost independent of RH, with average values of (72 ± 3)% for the fuel-rich soot and (60 ± 2)% for the fuel-lean soot. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism was used to demonstrate the negative role of RH in the heterogeneous uptake of NO₂ on soot. The species containing nitrogen formed on soot can undergo hydrolysis to produce carboxylic species or alcohols at high RH, accompanied by the release of little gas-phase HONO and NO.

http://ift.tt/2uL9qGL

Adolescent peer networks and the moderating role of depressive symptoms on developmental trajectories of cannabis use

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 76
Author(s): Michael S. Pollard, Joan S. Tucker, Harold D. Green, Kayla de la Haye, Dorothy L. Espelage
This paper investigated how depressive symptoms moderate the role of peer cannabis use on developmental patterns of individual cannabis use from adolescence to young adulthood, controlling for a broad set of individual and family factors. Data from two sources were analyzed separately: two saturated schools in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health Waves I–III (N=1550) covering 1994–2001; and three schools in the CARBIN study, covering 2012–2014. Discrete mixture models identified developmental trajectories of cannabis use in each data source, and logit models linked network and depressive symptom information to the trajectories. Five similar cannabis use trajectories were identified in both datasets: Nonuse, Low, Moderate, Increasing, and High. Peer cannabis use at baseline predicted higher individual cannabis use trajectories, controlling for a wide range of factors. However, the association between peer cannabis use and higher levels of use (Moderate and High) attenuated as the adolescent's level of depressive symptoms increased. Although these results may suggest that depression dampers adolescents' susceptibility to peer influence, these results are also consistent with the notion that depressed adolescents withdraw from their peer groups, distancing them from the initial source of peer influence over time. The resulting isolation may place adolescents at higher risk of adverse outcomes.



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Thalamus segmentation using multi-modal feature classification: Validation and pilot study of an age-matched cohort

Publication date: September 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 158
Author(s): Jeffrey Glaister, Aaron Carass, Tziona NessAiver, Joshua V. Stough, Shiv Saidha, Peter A. Calabresi, Jerry L. Prince
Automatic segmentation of the thalamus can be used to measure differences and track changes in thalamic volume that may occur due to disease, injury or normal aging. An automatic thalamus segmentation algorithm incorporating features from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and thalamus priors constructed from multiple atlases is proposed. Multiple atlases with corresponding manual thalamus segmentations are registered to the target image and averaged to generate the thalamus prior. At each voxel in a region of interest around the thalamus, a multidimensional feature vector that includes the thalamus prior as well as a set of DTI features, including fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and fiber orientation is formed. A random forest is trained to classify each voxel as belonging to the thalamus or background within the region of interest. Using a leave-one-out cross-validation on nine subjects, the proposed algorithm achieves a mean Dice score of 0.878 and 0.890 for the left and right thalami, respectively, which are higher Dice scores than the three state-of-art methods we compared to. We demonstrate the utility of the method with a pilot study exploring the difference in the thalamus fraction between 21 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 21 age-matched healthy controls. The left and right thalamic volumes (normalized by intracranial volumes) are larger in healthy controls by 7.6% and 7.3% respectively, compared to MS patients (though neither result is statistically significant).



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Conceptualizing successful psychopathy: An elaboration of the moderated-expression model

Publication date: Available online 21 July 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Steven W. Steinert, David A. Lishner, Michael J. Vitacco, Phan Y. Hong
Hall and Benning (2006) and Lilienfeld, Watts, and Smith (2015) proposed the differential-severity, differential-configuration, and moderated-expression models as potential frameworks for conceptualizing successful psychopathy. We argue that two of the three proposed frameworks (the differential-severity model and differential-configuration model) suffer from key conceptual challenges that will impede understanding and limit research on the possible links between psychopathy and successful behavior. Instead, we propose an elaboration of the moderated-expression model offers the most potential for advancing understanding of successful psychopathy. This elaboration is accomplished by (a) defining success in a more nuanced manner that encompasses consideration of both avoidance of negative outcomes and attainment of positive outcomes; (b) distinguishing between core psychopathic traits versus moderating traits external to psychopathy; (c) emphasizing the importance of situational context in determining success; and (d) providing a categorization scheme for different classes of potential moderators (structural, environmental, contextual) of the link between psychopathy and success.



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Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage During Temporal Bone Surgery: Selecting Intra-operative Dural Closure with a Dumbbell-Shaped Muscle Graft as a Surgical Approach

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakages of the temporal bone may arise during mastoid surgery. The leakages can have multiple potential etiologies, for instance, using a cutting burr near the bony tegmen or monopolar electrocautery on the surface of the dura mater. In this paper, we introduced an effective and simple technique for the management of CSF leakages of the temporal bone. In a prospective case series, 36 patients (16 males and 20 females) who have had an experience of incidental or inevitable CSF otorrhea or otorhinorrhea during temporal bone surgery were selected. All patients were treated using a muscle graft in a dumbbell-shaped design through the dura defect at the Amir-Alam University Hospital between April 2005 and November 2008. The mean size of the defects was 5 mm (a range of 2–10 mm). A dumbbell-shaped autologous muscle graft was immediately successful in sealing the leakage in all patients. Only five patients (13.8%) had some evidence of leakage remaining on the day after the operation, which was subsequently resolved by conservative management in four of them (11.1%). Only one patient (2.7%) was subjected to a second operation for a new defect. Recurrence of CSF leakage or other related complications were not observed during about 7 years of follow up. A free autologous muscle graft, using the dumbbell technique through a small to moderate dura defect is an effective, easily performed, and safe method to seal iatrogenic leakages of the temporal bone.

http://ift.tt/2ulk7h6