Status and progress of treatment methods for root caries in the last decade: a literature review

Abstract

The aim of this literature review is to explore the treatment methods for root caries in laboratory and clinical research in the last decade. A systematic search of publications in PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed. The time-span was limited to the last 10 years and English language. Further retrieval was conducted using the search terms of specific therapies or treatments. Titles and abstracts of identified publications were screened. Reviews; case reports; conference abstracts; letters to editor; dissertation and theses; non-English articles; epidemiological studies, diagnostic methods or decision-making process for root caries treatment without assessment of its efficacy; deep carious lesions with inflamed pulp and require pulp capping or endodontic treatment and research on root cementum were excluded. The remaining papers were retrieved with full-texts. Cross-referencing was performed to identify other relevant articles in addition to manual screening of the bibliographies of the remaining papers. Eighty-two articles were included in this systematic review and full texts were retrieved. Types of studies included laboratory studies and clinical trials. Therapeutic approaches for root caries without risk of pulp exposure can be categorised into non-invasive and restorative treatment. Non-invasive treatments which targeted different causative factors of root caries have been developed in the last decade. Accordingly, several artificial caries model systems have been proposed for the study of root caries in the laboratory. Carious tissue excavation techniques and restorative materials and procedures have been modified to improve the prognosis of invasive treatment. It is of importance to determine the most appropriate therapy for root caries and further clinical trials are needed to draw firm conclusions concerning the efficacy and consistency of the various treatment methods proposed.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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External Beam Radiation Therapy for Amyloidosis of the Urinary Bladder

Publication date: Available online 16 August 2017
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Christopher T. Cooper, Bruce D. Greene, Jeffrey E. Fegan, Douglas Rovira, Morie A. Gertz, David M. Marcus




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A multi-institutional phase II trial of prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) utilizing continuous real-time evaluation of prostate motion with patient reported quality of life

Publication date: Available online 16 August 2017
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): William C. Jackson, Robert T. Dess, Dale W. Litzenberg, Pin Li, Matthew Schipper, Seth A. Rosenthal, Garrick C. Chang, Eric M. Horwitz, Robert A. Price, Jeff M. Michalski, Hiram A. Gay, John T Wei, Mary Feng, Felix Y. Feng, Howard M. Sandler, Robert E. Wallace, Daniel E. Spratt, Daniel A. Hamstra
PurposeThe use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer has been reported predominantly from single institutional studies while concerns for broader adoption exist.Methods and MaterialsFrom 2011–2013, 66 men were accrued to a phase II trial at five centers. SBRT consisted of 5 fractions of 7.4 Gy to 37 Gy using conventional linear accelerators. Electromagnetic transponders were utilized for motion management. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was evaluated via the EPIC-26 questionnaire. Acute and late toxicities were collected by common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Linear mixed modeling was performed to assess changes in HRQOL over time.ResultsMedian follow-up was 36 months. All men had low or intermediate-risk disease. There have been zero biochemical recurrences. No grade 3 urinary or bowel toxicity was reported. Twenty-three percent of patients had acute grade 2 urinary toxicity, with 9% late grade 2 urinary toxicity. Four and 5% experienced acute or late grade 2+ bowel toxicity, respectively. Urinary bother and bowel HRQOL transiently decreased during the first 6–12 months post-SBRT, and then returned to baseline. In men with good erectile function at baseline, sexual HRQOL declined during the first 6 months and stabilized thereafter. On linear mixed modeling the strongest predictor of sustained bowel and sexual HRQOL was baseline HRQOL.ConclusionsIn this multi-institutional phase II clinical trial utilizing continuous real-time evaluation of prostate motion, prostate SBRT has excellent intermediate-term tumor control with mild and expected treatment-related side effects.



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Challenges in the anesthetic management of ambulatory patients in the MRI suites.

Purpose of review: MRI is becoming an indispensable diagnostic tool. The need for prolonged motion-free periods has substantially increased the need for deep sedation or anesthesia in a challenging environment. This review summarises recent literature with respect to pharmacological sedative strategies, nonpharmacological alternative approaches, airway management and safety issues in the ambulatory setting. Recent findings: Most literature researches the pediatric patient population. The American Society of Pediatrics published guidelines for monitoring and management of pediatric patients during sedation for diagnostic procedures. Dexmedetomidine is the most researched agent for sedation. It remains uncertain what the clinical implications are of the potential neurotoxicity of repeat sedation or anesthesia in young children. Airway strategies highlight the use of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring. Technical imaging advancement and nonpharmacological sedation alternatives allow for shorter procedures with a lower need for sedation. Summary: The anesthetic management of ambulatory patients in the MRI environment has its specific challenges and safety issues. However, the implementation of safety guidelines, new pharmacological and alternative nonpharmacological sedation strategies offer interesting perspectives to tackle these challenges. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Super pulse CO2 laser therapy for benign eyelid tumors

Summary

Background

Benign eyelid tumors occur commonly in daily outpatient services.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of benign eyelid lesions with a super pulse CO₂ laser as an alternative to surgical excision.

Methods

This retrospective clinical study included 80 patients with 99 benign eyelid lesions treated with super pulse CO₂ laser photocoagulation. The following areas were involved: the upper eyelid in 38 cases, the lower eyelid in 39 cases, and the angulus oculi in seven cases (the eyelid margin was included in 18 cases). The laser spot size ranged from 120 to 200 μm and the super pulse CO₂ laser power density varied between 0.6 and 21.1 W/mm². The mean follow-up period was 14.0±7.1 months (range five to 30). Histological diagnoses were obtained in 62 of the 80 patients.

Results

The cosmetic outcomes of all of the patients were satisfactory after treatment, and the wounds formed dry scabs, with no infections. They were epithelialized within 2-4 weeks with normal-appearing epithelium. Temporarily, the treated area had less hyperpigmentation than the surrounding normal skin, showing no obvious scars or notches. No complications were observed, with no relapses during the follow-up.

Conclusions

The super pulse CO₂ laser therapy of the benign eyelid tumors provided satisfactory cosmetic results in this study. It is a convenient, cheap, accessible, and well-tolerated alternative to traditional surgery, especially for diffuse tumors, or those positioned close to the lacrimal papillae.

http://ift.tt/2w7A7q9

Myricetin protects keratinocyte damage induced by UV through IκB/NFκb signaling pathway

Summary

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential molecular mechanism of myricetin that protecting cells from photodamage.

Methods

Myricetin had broadly chemopreventive effects and anti-inflammatory properties. The effect of myricetin was assessed on HaCaT cells. Cell viability assay was carried out. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured. The expression of pro-inflammatory factor COX2 was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. The protein levels of p-IκBa and IκBa were determined by Western blot.

Results

Myricetin attenuated UV-induced keratinocyte death in a dose-dependent manner as determined by cell viability assay. Pretreatment with myricetin also reduced the UV-induced ROS levels. Myricetin suppresses the upregulation of COX2 induced by UV in keratinocyte as demonstrated by real-time PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, signal transduction studies confirmed that myricetin attenuates the upregulation of COX2 induced by UV via suppression of IκB/NFκB pathways.

Conclusion

These results showed that antioxidant property of myricetin can effectively attenuate UV-caused cell damage and suppress the expression of COX2 through the IκB/NFκB signaling pathways. Myricetin had potential protective effects on UV-induced skin cell damages, which might be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

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Table of contents

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Masthead

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Table of contents

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Super pulse CO2 laser therapy for benign eyelid tumors

Summary

Background

Benign eyelid tumors occur commonly in daily outpatient services.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of benign eyelid lesions with a super pulse CO₂ laser as an alternative to surgical excision.

Methods

This retrospective clinical study included 80 patients with 99 benign eyelid lesions treated with super pulse CO₂ laser photocoagulation. The following areas were involved: the upper eyelid in 38 cases, the lower eyelid in 39 cases, and the angulus oculi in seven cases (the eyelid margin was included in 18 cases). The laser spot size ranged from 120 to 200 μm and the super pulse CO₂ laser power density varied between 0.6 and 21.1 W/mm². The mean follow-up period was 14.0±7.1 months (range five to 30). Histological diagnoses were obtained in 62 of the 80 patients.

Results

The cosmetic outcomes of all of the patients were satisfactory after treatment, and the wounds formed dry scabs, with no infections. They were epithelialized within 2-4 weeks with normal-appearing epithelium. Temporarily, the treated area had less hyperpigmentation than the surrounding normal skin, showing no obvious scars or notches. No complications were observed, with no relapses during the follow-up.

Conclusions

The super pulse CO₂ laser therapy of the benign eyelid tumors provided satisfactory cosmetic results in this study. It is a convenient, cheap, accessible, and well-tolerated alternative to traditional surgery, especially for diffuse tumors, or those positioned close to the lacrimal papillae.

http://ift.tt/2w7A7q9

Myricetin protects keratinocyte damage induced by UV through IκB/NFκb signaling pathway

Summary

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential molecular mechanism of myricetin that protecting cells from photodamage.

Methods

Myricetin had broadly chemopreventive effects and anti-inflammatory properties. The effect of myricetin was assessed on HaCaT cells. Cell viability assay was carried out. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured. The expression of pro-inflammatory factor COX2 was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. The protein levels of p-IκBa and IκBa were determined by Western blot.

Results

Myricetin attenuated UV-induced keratinocyte death in a dose-dependent manner as determined by cell viability assay. Pretreatment with myricetin also reduced the UV-induced ROS levels. Myricetin suppresses the upregulation of COX2 induced by UV in keratinocyte as demonstrated by real-time PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, signal transduction studies confirmed that myricetin attenuates the upregulation of COX2 induced by UV via suppression of IκB/NFκB pathways.

Conclusion

These results showed that antioxidant property of myricetin can effectively attenuate UV-caused cell damage and suppress the expression of COX2 through the IκB/NFκB signaling pathways. Myricetin had potential protective effects on UV-induced skin cell damages, which might be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

http://ift.tt/2vNIX9P

Association between serum osteocalcin and body mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Osteocalcin is considered as a bone-derived hormone affecting on the body fat distribution and body mass index. Several cross-sectional studies have investigated the association between serum osteocalcin and body mass index. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence on the relationship between serum osteocalcin and body mass index.

Methods

We conducted a complete search up to November 2016 in PubMed and SCOPUS and reviewed reference list of all relevant articles and reviews. The DerSimonian–Laird method were used to pool effect sizes of eligible studies. The potential sources of heterogeneity were assessed using the standard χ ² test.To find possible the sources of between-study heterogeneity, we carried out subgroup analyses based on sex, and type of study population.

Results

There was a significant inverse association in the overall result of this study between serum osteocalcin levels and BMI(r = −0.161; 95% CI: −0.197, −0.124, p < 0.000). In the subgroup analysis to find the sources of significant heterogeneity between-study, we observed that the type of the study population may be the source of between-study heterogeneity and the most correlation was seen in metabolic syndrome studies (r = −0.265; p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Findings from the available data indicated an overall significant inverse association between serum osteocalcin and body mass index. Further studies based on the type of study population are needed to better clarify these associations.

http://ift.tt/2fQfXKM

Nationwide skin cancer screening in Germany: Evaluation of the training program

Abstract

Background

In July 2008, the German statutory health insurance introduced a nationwide skin cancer screening program. Before the introduction, eligible physicians had to qualify to perform the screening test and counsel their patients on skin cancer screening. To educate physicians, a curriculum and training materials were developed. Since 2015 a revised curriculum and training materials have been used. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the curriculum and to evaluate the revised training program.

Methods

A total of 573 completed pre- and posttests were analyzed with regard to changes in the identification of skin cancer, diagnostic accuracy, knowledge, and physicians' self-assessed-confidence. For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen's d, and chi-square test were used.

Results

General practitioners (GPs) diagnosed 7.45 of 12 skin lesions correctly before and 9.26 after the training course (P < 0.001). Compared to GPs, dermatologists' accuracy was higher at pre- and posttest (pre: 10.03, post: 10.21, P = 0.160).

The mean of correctly answered questions increased significantly in knowledge on screening and early detection (4.46–5.14, P < 0.001) as well as skin cancer and skin cancer screening (5.51–6.39, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Participating physicians got a comprehensive understanding of skin cancer screening and counseling through the training and increased their diagnostic skills. In particular, GPs identified and diagnosed significantly more skin lesions correctly after the training compared to before the training, while dermatologists' diagnostic skills were high at both times, before and after.

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Effect of Maternal Antibody Transfer on Antibody Dynamics and Control of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Infection in Offspring

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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Una etapa apasionante

Publication date: September–October 2017
Source:Revista Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular, Volume 36, Issue 5
Author(s): J.A. Vallejo Casas




http://ift.tt/2uVATCZ

Antagonistic Activities of Sox2 and Brachyury Control the Fate Choice of Neuro-Mesodermal Progenitors

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2017
Source:Developmental Cell
Author(s): Frederic Koch, Manuela Scholze, Lars Wittler, Dennis Schifferl, Smita Sudheer, Phillip Grote, Bernd Timmermann, Karol Macura, Bernhard G. Herrmann
The spinal cord and mesodermal tissues of the trunk such as the vertebral column and skeletal musculature derive from neuro-mesodermal progenitors (NMPs). Sox2, Brachyury (T), and Tbx6 have been correlated with NMP potency and lineage choice; however, their exact role and interaction in these processes have not yet been revealed. Here we present a global analysis of NMPs and their descending lineages performed on purified cells from embryonic day 8.5 wild-type and mutant embryos. We show that T, cooperatively with WNT signaling, controls the progenitor state and the switch toward the mesodermal fate. Sox2 acts antagonistically and promotes neural development. T is also involved in remodeling the chromatin for mesodermal development. Tbx6 reinforces the mesodermal fate choice, represses the progenitor state, and confers paraxial fate commitment. Our findings refine previous models and establish molecular principles underlying mammalian trunk development, comprising NMP maintenance, lineage choice, and mesoderm formation.

Teaser

The mammalian trunk arises from neuro-mesodermal progenitors (NMPs) giving rise to two fundamentally different cell lineages, one forming the spinal cord and the other mesodermal tissues. Analyzing the lineages derived from NMPs, Koch et al. find antagonistic roles for Sox2 and Brachyury in the specification of neural and mesodermal fates.


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A Real-Time Biosensor for ERK Activity Reveals Signaling Dynamics during C. elegans Cell Fate Specification

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2017
Source:Developmental Cell
Author(s): Claire de la Cova, Robert Townley, Sergi Regot, Iva Greenwald
Kinase translocation reporters (KTRs) are genetically encoded fluorescent activity sensors that convert kinase activity into a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling equilibrium for visualizing single-cell signaling dynamics. Here, we adapt the first-generation KTR for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) to allow easy implementation in vivo. This sensor, "ERK-nKTR," allows quantitative and qualitative assessment of ERK activity by analysis of individual nuclei and faithfully reports ERK activity during development and neural function in diverse cell contexts in Caenorhabditis elegans. Analysis of ERK activity over time in the vulval precursor cells, a well-characterized paradigm of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-Ras-ERK signaling, has identified dynamic features not evident from analysis of developmental endpoints alone, including pulsatile frequency-modulated signaling associated with proximity to the EGF source. The toolkit described here will facilitate studies of ERK signaling in other C. elegans contexts, and the design features will enable implementation of this technology in other multicellular organisms.

Teaser

A genetically encoded biosensor for ERK activity allows qualitative or quantitative assessment by analysis of individual nuclei during development and neural function in diverse cell contexts in C. elegans. In-depth analysis of ERK activity over time in the vulval precursor cells has identified dynamic features including pulsatile frequency-modulated signaling.


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A Novel Absorbable Radiopaque Hydrogel Spacer to Separate the Head of the Pancreas and Duodenum in Radiotherapy of Pancreatic Cancer

Publication date: Available online 14 August 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Avani D. Rao, Ziwei Feng, Eun Ji Shin, Jin He, Kevin M. Waters, Stephanie Coquia, Robert DeJong, Lauren M. Rosati, Lin Su, Dengwang Li, Juan Jackson, Stephen Clark, Jeffrey Schultz, Danielle Hutchings, Seong-Hun Kim, Ralph H. Hruban, John Wong, Amol Narang, Joseph M. Herman, Kai Ding
Purpose/Objectives: We assessed the feasibility and theoretical dosimetric advantages of an injectable hydrogel to increase space between the head of the pancreas (HOP) and duodenum in a human cadaveric model.Materials/MethodsUsing three human cadaveric specimens, an absorbable radiopaque hydrogel was injected between the HOP and duodenum via open laparotomy in one case and endoscopic-ultrasound (EUS) guidance in two cases. Cadavers were subsequently imaged using computed tomography and dissected for histologic confirmation of hydrogel placement. The duodenal dose reduction and planning target volume (PTV) coverage were characterized using pre- and post-spacer injection stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plans of the two cadavers with EUS, the delivery method which appears to be most clinically desirable. Modeling studies were performed using 60 SBRT plans consisting of 10 previously treated unresectable pancreatic cancer patients each with 6 different HOP-duodenum separation distances. Duodenal volume receiving 15 Gy (V15), 20 Gy (V20) and 33 Gy (V33) was assessed for each iteration.ResultsIn the three cadaveric studies, an average of 0.9 cm, 1.1 cm, and 0.9 cm HOP-duodenum separation was achieved, respectively. In the two EUS cases, V20 decreased from 3.86 cc→0.36 cc and 3.75 cc→1.08 cc (treatment constraint: <3 cc), and V15 decreased from 7.07 cc→2.02 cc and 9.12 cc→3.91 cc (treatment constraint: <9 cc), respectively. PTV coverage improved or was comparable between the pre- and post-injection studies. Modeling studies demonstrated that separation of 8 mm was sufficient to consistently reduce V15, V20 and V33 to acceptable clinical constraints.ConclusionsCurrently, dose-escalation is limited due to radiosensitive structures adjacent to the pancreas. We demonstrated the feasibility of hydrogel separation of the HOP and duodenum. Future studies will evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique with the potential for more effective dose-escalation using SBRT or intensity-modulated radiotherapy to improve outcomes in unresectable pancreatic cancer patients.

Teaser

We demonstrated the feasibility of an endoscopic ultrasound-guided injectable hydrogel separation technique using a cadaveric model to increase the space between the head of the pancreas and duodenum. Using modeling studies, we identified the minimum distance of this separation for optimal sparing of the duodenum, setting the foundation for future clinical trials utilizing this technique to enable dose-escalation with either stereotactic or intensity-modulated radiotherapy for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.


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Effect of application sequence of fluoride and CPP-ACP on remineralization of white spot lesions in primary teeth: An in-vitro study

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 83
Author(s): Ola B. Al-Batayneh, Reem A. Jbarat, Susan N. Al-Khateeb
ObjectiveTo explore how application sequence of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride influences remineralization of enamel white spot lesions (WSL) in primary teeth.DesignIn this in-vitro study, artificial WSLs were created in 130 primary teeth. Teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=27) and a control group (n=22) and exposed to one of the following remineralization regimens for 10 weeks: Group-1; 500ppm fluoride dentifrice; Group-2; 10% w/v CPP-ACP; Group-3; fluoride applied first, then CPP-ACP; Group-4; CPP-ACP applied first, then fluoride, and Group-5 was control. All groups were kept in a remineralizing solution. Mineral changes (ΔF) were quantified weekly using quantitative light-induced fluorescence. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0).ResultsRemineralization occurred in all groups to different degrees; changes from baseline were significant in groups 1–4 (P≤0.05). Group-4 showed the earliest significant remineralization (after 2 weeks) among groups, (P<0.001). Group-4 showed maximum changes in ΔF among groups; however, only differences with Groups 1 and 5 were significant (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Group-3 showed better remineralization than Groups 1, 2 and 5; however, the difference was only significant with Group-5 (P<0.001). There were no significant differences between Group 1and 2, however, only Group 2 showed better remineralization than Group 5, (P<0.01).ConclusionCombined treatment with CPP-ACP followed by fluoride exhibited the best remineralization of white spot lesions in primary teeth in this study. Combined treatment with fluoride followed by CPP-ACP showed a tendency towards better remineralization than fluoride or CPP-ACP alone.



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Amelogenin induces M2 macrophage polarisation via PGE2/cAMP signalling pathway

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 83
Author(s): Kensuke Yamamichi, Takao Fukuda, Terukazu Sanui, Kyosuke Toyoda, Urara Tanaka, Yuki Nakao, Karen Yotsumoto, Hiroaki Yamato, Takaharu Taketomi, Takeshi Uchiumi, Fusanori Nishimura
ObjectivesAmelogenin, the major component of the enamel matrix derivative (EMD), has been suggested as a bioactive candidate for periodontal regeneration. Apart from producing a regenerative effect on periodontal tissues, amelogenin has also been reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of amelogenin on macrophages.DesignHuman phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated U937 macrophages and CD14+ peripheral blood-derived monocytes (PBMC)-derived macrophages were stimulated with recombinant amelogenin (rM180). After performing a detailed microarray analysis, the effects of rM180 on macrophage phenotype and signal transduction pathways were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.ResultsThe microarray analysis demonstrated that rM180 increased the expression of anti-inflammatory genes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged macrophages after 24h, while it temporarily up-regulated inflammatory responses at 4h. rM180 significantly enhanced the expression of M2 macrophage markers (CD163 and CD206). rM180-induced M2 macrophage polarisation was associated with morphological changes as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. rM180 enhanced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression, and the activation of the cAMP/cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) signaling pathway was involved in amelogenin-induced M2 macrophage polarisation. Blocking of PGE2 signaling by indomethacin specifically abrogated rM180 with or without LPS-induced M2 shift in PBMC-derived macrophages.ConclusionAmelogenin could reprogram macrophages into the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. It could therefore contribute to the early resolution of inflammation in periodontal lesions and provide a suitable environment for remodeling-periodontal tissues.



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Association between serum osteocalcin and body mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Osteocalcin is considered as a bone-derived hormone affecting on the body fat distribution and body mass index. Several cross-sectional studies have investigated the association between serum osteocalcin and body mass index. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence on the relationship between serum osteocalcin and body mass index.

Methods

We conducted a complete search up to November 2016 in PubMed and SCOPUS and reviewed reference list of all relevant articles and reviews. The DerSimonian–Laird method were used to pool effect sizes of eligible studies. The potential sources of heterogeneity were assessed using the standard χ ² test.To find possible the sources of between-study heterogeneity, we carried out subgroup analyses based on sex, and type of study population.

Results

There was a significant inverse association in the overall result of this study between serum osteocalcin levels and BMI(r = −0.161; 95% CI: −0.197, −0.124, p < 0.000). In the subgroup analysis to find the sources of significant heterogeneity between-study, we observed that the type of the study population may be the source of between-study heterogeneity and the most correlation was seen in metabolic syndrome studies (r = −0.265; p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Findings from the available data indicated an overall significant inverse association between serum osteocalcin and body mass index. Further studies based on the type of study population are needed to better clarify these associations.

http://ift.tt/2fQfXKM

Editorial Board and Contents

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Trends in Cell Biology, Volume 27, Issue 9





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Spatial and Temporal Control of Senescence

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2017
Source:Trends in Cell Biology
Author(s): Yoko Ito, Matthew Hoare, Masashi Narita
Cellular senescence is an autonomous tumor suppressor mechanism leading to stable cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells are highly secretory, driving a range of different functions through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Recent findings have suggested that the composition of the SASP is dynamically and spatially regulated and that the changing composition of the SASP can determine the beneficial and detrimental aspects of the senescence program, tipping the balance to either an immunosuppressive/profibrotic environment or proinflammatory/fibrolytic state. Here, we discuss the current understanding of the temporal and spatial regulation of the SASP and the novel finding of NOTCH signaling as a regulator of SASP composition.



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Zika-Virus-Encoded NS2A Disrupts Mammalian Cortical Neurogenesis by Degrading Adherens Junction Proteins

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2017
Source:Cell Stem Cell
Author(s): Ki-Jun Yoon, Guang Song, Xuyu Qian, Jianbo Pan, Dan Xu, Hee-Sool Rho, Nam-Shik Kim, Christa Habela, Lily Zheng, Fadi Jacob, Feiran Zhang, Emily M. Lee, Wei-Kai Huang, Francisca Rojas Ringeling, Caroline Vissers, Cui Li, Ling Yuan, Koeun Kang, Sunghan Kim, Junghoon Yeo, Yichen Cheng, Sheng Liu, Zhexing Wen, Cheng-Feng Qin, Qingfeng Wu, Kimberly M. Christian, Hengli Tang, Peng Jin, Zhiheng Xu, Jiang Qian, Heng Zhu, Hongjun Song, Guo-li Ming
Zika virus (ZIKV) directly infects neural progenitors and impairs their proliferation. How ZIKV interacts with the host molecular machinery to impact neurogenesis in vivo is not well understood. Here, by systematically introducing individual proteins encoded by ZIKV into the embryonic mouse cortex, we show that expression of ZIKV-NS2A, but not Dengue virus (DENV)-NS2A, leads to reduced proliferation and premature differentiation of radial glial cells and aberrant positioning of newborn neurons. Mechanistically, in vitro mapping of protein-interactomes and biochemical analysis suggest interactions between ZIKA-NS2A and multiple adherens junction complex (AJ) components. Functionally, ZIKV-NS2A, but not DENV-NS2A, destabilizes the AJ complex, resulting in impaired AJ formation and aberrant radial glial fiber scaffolding in the embryonic mouse cortex. Similarly, ZIKA-NS2A, but not DENV-NS2A, reduces radial glial cell proliferation and causes AJ deficits in human forebrain organoids. Together, our results reveal pathogenic mechanisms underlying ZIKV infection in the developing mammalian brain.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Zika virus infects neural stem cells and causes microcephaly. In this study, Yoon et al. showed that NS2A protein encoded by Zika virus, but not by Dengue virus, impairs proliferation of radial glial cells in both embryonic mouse cortex and human forebrain organoids. Mechanistically, ZIKV-NS2A disrupts adherens junction formation.


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Owlready: Ontology-oriented programming in Python with automatic classification and high level constructs for biomedical ontologies

Publication date: Available online 14 August 2017
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Author(s): Jean-Baptiste Lamy
ObjectiveOntologies are widely used in the biomedical domain. While many tools exist for the edition, alignment or evaluation of ontologies, few solutions have been proposed for ontology programming interface, i.e. for accessing and modifying an ontology within a programming language. Existing query languages (such as SPARQL) and APIs (such as OWLAPI) are not as easy-to-use as object programming languages are. Moreover, they provide few solutions to difficulties encountered with biomedical ontologies. Our objective was to design a tool for accessing easily the entities of an OWL ontology, with high-level constructs helping with biomedical ontologies.MethodsFrom our experience on medical ontologies, we identified two difficulties: (1) many entities are represented by classes (rather than individuals), but the existing tools do not permit manipulating classes as easily as individuals, (2) ontologies rely on the open-world assumption, whereas the medical reasoning must consider only evidence-based medical knowledge as true. We designed a Python module for ontology-oriented programming. It allows access to the entities of an OWL ontology as if they were objects in the programming language. We propose a simple high-level syntax for managing classes and the associated "role-filler" constraints. We also propose an algorithm for performing local closed world reasoning in simple situations.ResultsWe developed Owlready, a Python module for a high-level access to OWL ontologies. The paper describes the architecture and the syntax of the module version 2. It details how we integrated the OWL ontology model with the Python object model. The paper provides examples based on Gene Ontology (GO). We also demonstrate the interest of Owlready in a use case focused on the automatic comparison of the contraindications of several drugs. This use case illustrates the use of the specific syntax proposed for manipulating classes and for performing local closed world reasoning.ConclusionOwlready has been successfully used in a medical research project. It has been published as Open-Source software and then used by many other researchers. Future developments will focus on the support of vagueness and additional non-monotonic reasoning feature, and automatic dialog box generation.



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Correlation between adrenal function, growth hormone secretion, and insulin sensitivity in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency

Abstract

Purpose

Patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) demonstrate an increased cortisol/cortisone ratio which could potentially explain the metabolic features of GHD, while GH treatment (GHT) could increase the cortisol metabolism.

Methods

In 35 children (27 M, mean age 10.1 years) with idiopathic GHD at baseline and after 12 months of GHT and in 25 controls, in addition to metabolic parameters, we assessed adrenal function by morning serum cortisol, its peak, and its area under the curve (AUC_COR) during insulin tolerance test (ITT).

Results

A cortisol peak <18 µg/dl was shown in 22 and 31% of GHD children at baseline and after GHT, respectively. At baseline, GHD children had lower fasting glucose (p < 0.001) and ISI-Matsuda (p = 0.042), with concomitant higher Homa-IR (p = 0.006) and morning cortisol (p = 0.012) than controls. Morning cortisol was negatively correlated with GH (p < 0.001), fasting glucose (p < 0.001) and ISI-Matsuda (p < 0.001) and positively with Homa-IR (p = 0.010). Both cortisol peak and AUC_COR were negatively correlated with GH (all p < 0.001) and ISI-Matsuda (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001, respectively). After 12 months of GHT, a significant increase in fasting glucose (p < 0.001), and Homa-IR (p = 0.011) was documented, with a concomitant decrease in morning cortisol (p = 0.002), AUC_COR (p = 0.038), total (p = 0.003) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.016). No significant correlations were found among cortisol levels and all parameters were investigated.

Conclusions

Cortisol levels correlate with GH secretion and with many metabolic parameters in GHD children, while the metabolic effects during GHT are mainly due to GHT per se and less to cortisol reduction.

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Mobile Phones—An asset or a liability: A study based on characterization and assessment of metals in waste mobile phone components using leaching tests

Publication date: 15 January 2018
Source:Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 342
Author(s): Meenakshi Hira, Sudesh Yadav, P. Morthekai, Anurag Linda, Sushil Kumar, Anupam Sharma
The prolonged use of old fashioned gadgets, especially mobile phones, is declining readily with the advancement in technology which ultimately lead to generation of e-waste. The present study investigates the concentrations of nine metals (Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn) in various components of the mobile phones using Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), Waste Extraction Test (WET) and Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP). The results were compared with the threshold limits for hazardous waste defined by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (CDTSC) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The average concentrations of metals were found high in PWBs. WET was found relatively aggressive as compared to TCLP and SPLP. Redundancy analysis (RDA) suggests that part of mobile, extraction test, manufacturer, mobile model and year of manufacturing explain 34.66% of the variance. According to the present study, waste mobile phones must be considered as hazardous due to the potential adverse impact of toxic metals on human health and environment. However, mobile phones can be an asset as systematic extraction and recycling could reduce the demand of primary metals mining and conserve the natural resources.



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Theoretical and experimental insight into zinc loading on mesoporous silica

Publication date: 15 January 2018
Source:Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, Volume 256
Author(s): Tomasz Siodla, Izabela Sobczak, Maria Ziolek, Frederik Tielens
Zinc oxide species grafted on mesostructured cellular foam (MCF) silica are investigated using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques. MCF is modelled using a realistic amorphous silica surface model surface slab. The most energetically favorable complexes grafted on the silica surface were identified and characterized at the molecular level. The Zn metal center was found in tetrahedral coordination. Moreover, the Si-O-Zn-OH species is found to be stabilized in a 5 fold coordinated silicon with an unusual trigonal bipyramidal geometry. A mechanism for the grafting process of the metal species on the support is proposed.

Graphical abstract

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In vitro bioaccessibility and health risk assessment of heavy metals in atmospheric particulate matters from three different functional areas of Shanghai, China

Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volumes 610–611
Author(s): Huang Huang, Ying Jiang, Xiaoyun Xu, Xinde Cao
The bioaccessibility and human health risks of heavy metals in PM2.5 and PM10 samples from three functional areas of Shanghai, China including a commercial area (CA), a residential area (RA), and an industrial area (IA), were investigated. Gamble's solution and physiologically based extraction test were employed to simulate human respiratory and digestive system, respectively. Both PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in the three areas exceeded the guideline of WHO, and followed the order of IA>CA≈RA. Zinc and Pb were the most abundant metals with a concentration range of 0.19–0.44 and 0.05–0.42μgm⁻³, respectively. In respiratory system, heavy metal bioaccessibility for PM2.5 and PM10 varied within the range of 5.3%–71.4% and 4.8%–51.5%, respectively. Heavy metals in RA showed higher bioaccessibility than those in CA and IA in the respiratory system. In digestive system, heavy metal bioaccessibility for PM2.5 and PM10 reached 24.6%–90.9% and 28.5%–88.9% in the gastric phase and was reduced to 8.7%–85.5% and 8.5%–81.8% in the intestinal phase, respectively. The bioaccessibility of heavy metals in CA was highest among three areas in the digestive system. Based on the bioaccessibility analysis, the hazard quotient values of heavy metals in PMs via inhalation exposure were far below 1, the safe level, for both adults and children. However, potential risks via ingestion exposure resulted from Pb existed for children of three areas and for adults of RA as their hazard quotient values could reach up to 11. The obtained results indicated that the air quality in Shanghai need to be improved and the health risks to humans via ingestion exposure to atmospheric Pb must be considered.

Graphical abstract

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Omalizumab for hypersensitive reaction to seminal plasma: A case report

Publication date: Available online 15 August 2017
Source:Allergology International
Author(s): Maria Teresa Burguete-Cabanas, Oscar R. Fajardo-Ramirez, Roberta Yesaki, Raul Estrada-Maganas, Sandra Salazar-Meza, Olga Rios-Chavez, Irene Meester, Julio C. Salas-Alanis




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Lung Ultrasound in the Critically Ill: The BLUE Protocol.

No abstract available

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Boring Is Beautiful in Preoperative Assessment.

No abstract available

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Association of STOP-Bang Questionnaire as a Screening Tool for Sleep Apnea and Postoperative Complications: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-analysis of Prospective and Retrospective Cohort Studies.

BACKGROUND: The risk of postoperative complications increases with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The high-risk OSA (HR-OSA) patients can be easily identified using the STOP-Bang screening tool. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the association of postoperative complications in patients screened as HR-OSA versus low-risk OSA (LR-OSA). METHODS: The following data bases were searched from January 1, 2008, to October 31, 2016, to identify the eligible articles: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews, Medline-in-Process & other nonindexed citations, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Sciences and Scopus. The search included studies with adult surgical patients screened for OSA with STOP-Bang questionnaire that reported at least 1 cardiopulmonary or any other complication requiring intensive care unit admission as diagnosis of outcome. We used a Bayesian random-effects analysis to evaluate the existing evidence of STOP-Bang in relation to OSA and to assess the association of postoperative complications with the identified HR-OSA patients by study design and methodologies. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using 10 cohort studies: 23,609 patients (HR-OSA, 7877; LR-OSA, 15,732). The pooled odds of perioperative complications were higher in the HR-OSA versus LR-OSA patients (odds ratio 3.93, 95% credible interval, 1.85-7.77, P= .003; 6.86% vs 4.62%). The length of hospital stay was longer in HR-OSA by 2 days when compared with LR-OSA (5.0 +/- 4.2 vs 3.4 +/- 2.8 days; mean difference 2.01; 95% credible interval, 0.77-3.24; P= .005). Meta-regression to adjust for baseline confounding factors and subgroup analysis did not materially change the results. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that HR-OSA is related with higher risk of postoperative adverse events and longer length of hospital stay when compared with LR-OSA patients. Our findings support the implementation of the STOP-Bang screening tool for perioperative risk stratification. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Impact of Simulator-Based Training in Focused Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine if training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) using a TEE simulator improves the ability of novice operators to perform and interpret a focused critical care TEE. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, controlled study with blinded outcome assessment, 44 intensive care unit trainees were randomly assigned to a control group receiving 4 hours of lecture-based training only, or an intervention group which was additionally trained for 4 hours using a TEE simulator. After the training intervention, each participant performed 2 TEEs in intensive care unit patients which were evaluated by blinded assessors. The imaging quality of TEEs was measured using a predefined examination quality score ranging from 0 to 100 points. The correct quantification of pathologies and the interpretation of the TEEs were evaluated by blinded assessors using focused and comprehensive expert TEEs as comparators. RESULTS: A total of 114 TEEs were assessed. The mean examination quality score was 55.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.3-61.5) for TEEs of the control group, 75.6 (95% CI, 70.1-81.0) for TEEs of the intervention group, and 88.5 (95% CI, 79.3-97.7) for TEEs in the expert group. The multiple comparisons revealed significant differences between all groups (19.7 [95% CI, 12.8-26.6], P

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Hypothermia Risk With Intraoperative Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

No abstract available

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Surveying the Literature: Synopsis of Recent Key Publications.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2wflwcS

Cover 2/Editorial Board

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Volume 47





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Interferon-γ-Driven iNOS: A Molecular Pathway to Terminal Shock in Arenavirus Hemorrhagic Fever

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe
Author(s): Melissa M. Remy, Mehmet Sahin, Lukas Flatz, Tommy Regen, Lifen Xu, Mario Kreutzfeldt, Benedict Fallet, Camille Doras, Toni Rieger, Lukas Bestmann, Uwe-Karsten Hanisch, Beat A. Kaufmann, Doron Merkler, Daniel D. Pinschewer
Arenaviruses such as Lassa virus (LASV) cause hemorrhagic fever. Terminal shock is associated with a systemic cytokine storm, but the mechanisms are ill defined. Here we used HLA-A2-expressing mice infected with a monkey-pathogenic strain of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV-WE), a close relative of LASV, to investigate the pathophysiology of arenavirus hemorrhagic fever (AHF). AHF manifested as pleural effusions, edematous skin swelling, and serum albumin loss, culminating in hypovolemic shock. A characteristic cytokine storm included numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites. Edema formation and terminal shock were abrogated in mice lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), although the cytokine storm persisted. iNOS was upregulated in the liver in a T cell- and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-dependent fashion. Accordingly, blockade of IFN-γ or depletion of T cells repressed hepatic iNOS and prevented disease despite unchecked high-level viremia. We identify the IFN-γ-iNOS axis as an essential and potentially druggable molecular pathway to AHF-induced shock.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are characterized by a cytokine storm, culminating in vascular leak and shock. In a model of arenavirus hemorrhagic fever, Remy et al. identify inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as a key mediator of VHF. Interferon-γ blockade prevents iNOS induction, abrogating vascular leak and terminal shock.


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Broad Targeting Specificity during Bacterial Type III CRISPR-Cas Immunity Constrains Viral Escape

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe
Author(s): Nora C. Pyenson, Kaitlyn Gayvert, Andrew Varble, Olivier Elemento, Luciano A. Marraffini
CRISPR loci are a cluster of repeats separated by short "spacer" sequences derived from prokaryotic viruses and plasmids that determine the targets of the host's CRISPR-Cas immune response against its invaders. For type I and II CRISPR-Cas systems, single-nucleotide mutations in the seed or protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) of the target sequence cause immune failure and allow viral escape. This is overcome by the acquisition of multiple spacers that target the same invader. Here we show that targeting by the Staphylococcus epidermidis type III-A CRISPR-Cas system does not require PAM or seed sequences, and thus prevents viral escape via single-nucleotide substitutions. Instead, viral escapers can only arise through complete target deletion. Our work shows that, as opposed to type I and II systems, the relaxed specificity of type III CRISPR-Cas targeting provides robust immune responses that can lead to viral extinction with a single spacer targeting an essential phage sequence.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Exploring the target specificity of type III-A CRISPR-Cas systems, Pyenson et al. find that most point mutations in the target region still allow robust immunity. As a consequence, viral escape from the type III-A CRISPR-Cas immune response requires the full deletion of the target, which is a very rare event.


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Young Age and Male Sex Are Predictors of Large-Volume Central Neck Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinical N0 Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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A Systematic Review of the Methods of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies of the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2fQcQCL

Young Age and Male Sex Are Predictors of Large-Volume Central Neck Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinical N0 Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2wVCfyH

A Systematic Review of the Methods of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies of the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2fQcQCL

Utilization of waste bittern from saltern as a source for magnesium and an absorbent for carbon dioxide capture

Abstract

During solar salt production, large quantities of bittern, a liquid by-product containing high inorganic substance concentrations, are produced. The purpose of this research was to examine the utilization of waste bittern generated from salterns as a source for Mg production and as an absorbent for carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture. The study was conducted in a sequential two-step process. At NaOH/Mg molar ratios of 2.70–2.75 and pH 9.5–10.0, > 99% Mg precipitation from the bittern was achieved. After washing with water, 100–120 g/L of precipitate containing 94% Mg(OH)₂ was recovered from the bittern. At the optimum NH₄OH concentration of 5%, 120 g of sodium bicarbonate precipitate per liter of bittern were recovered, which was equivalent to 63 g CO₂ captured per liter of bittern. These results can be used to support the use of bittern as a resource and reduce economic losses during solar salt production.

http://ift.tt/2v6fCWq

Biodiversity variability and metal accumulation strategies in plants spontaneously inhibiting fly ash lagoon, India

Abstract

Out of 29 plant species taken into consideration for biodiversity investigations, the present study screened out Cyperus rotundus L., Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, Croton bonplandianus Baill., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., and Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. as the most suitable metal-tolerant plant species (high relative density and frequency) which can grow on metal-laden fly ash (FA) lagoon. Total (aqua-regia), residual (HNO₃) and plant available (CaCl₂) metal concentrations were assessed for the clean-up of metal-contaminated FA disposal site using naturally colonized plants. The total metal concentration (in mg kg⁻¹) in FA followed an order of Mn (229.8) > Ni (228.4) > Zn (89.4) > Cr (61.2) > Pb (56.6) > Cu (51.5) > Co (41.9) > Cd (9.7). The HNO₃- and CaCl₂-extracted metals were 0.57–15.68% and 0.03–7.82% of the total metal concentration, respectively. The concentration of Ni and Cr in FA in the present study was highest among the previously studied Indian and average world power plants and Cd, Ni, and Cr were above soil toxicity limit. The variation in total, residual, and plant-available metal (single extraction) concentration indicated the presence of different proportions of metals in FA lagoon which affects the metal uptake potential of the vegetation growing on it. It has been reported that plant-available metal extractant (CaCl₂) is the most suitable extractant for assessment of metal transfer from soil to plant. However in the present study, Spearman's correlation showed best significant correlation between total metal concentration in FA and shoot metal concentration (r = 0.840; p < 0.01) which suggest aqua-regia as the best extractant for understanding the bioavailability and transfer of metal, and in calculation of BCF for moderately contaminated site. It can be stated that plant-available extractant is not always suitable for understanding the availability of metal, but total metal concentration can provide a better insight especially for moderate or low metal-contaminated sites. Principle component analysis revealed that all the plants showed positive correlation with Co and Cd which suggest its subsequent uptake in root and shoot. The biological indices (BCF, BAF, and TF) revealed that E. prostrata (10 mg Cd kg⁻¹) and C. procera (3.5 mg Cd kg⁻¹) can be utilized efficiently for the phytoextraction of Cd and phytostabilization of other potentially toxic metals (Pb, Cr, and Co) from FA lagoon. All the plants were tolerant to Pb pollution (TF > 1, BAF > 1, and BCF > 1); hence, there was a negligible translocation of Pb to the aerial tissues of these plants which shows their suitability in phytostabilization. In addition, V. cinerea accumulated elevated concentration of potentially toxic Cr (50 mg Cr kg⁻¹) and Ni (67 mg Ni kg⁻¹) which could also help in the phytoremediation of FA lagoon.

http://ift.tt/2uNm6xX

In situ remediation of chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater using ZVI/organic carbon amendment in China: field pilot test and full-scale application

Abstract

Chlorinated solvents in groundwater pose threats to human health and the environment due to their carcinogenesis and bioaccumulation. These problems are often more severe in developing countries such as China. Thus, methods for chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater remediation are urgently needed. This study presents a technique of in situ remediation via the direct-push amendment injection that enhances the reductive dechlorination of chlorinated solvents in groundwater in the low-permeability aquifer. A field-based pilot test and a following real-world, full-scale application were conducted at an active manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China. The chlorinated solvents found at the clay till site included 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA), 1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and chloroethane (CA). A commercially available amendment (EHC^®, Peroxychem, Philadelphia, PA) combining zero-valent iron and organic carbon was used to treat the above pollutants. Pilot test results showed that direct-push EHC injection efficiently facilitated the in situ reductive remediation of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents. The mean removal rates of 1,1,1-TCA, 1,1-DCA, and 1,1-DCE at 270 days post-injection were 99.6, 99.3, and 73.3%, respectively, which were obviously higher than those of VC and CA (42.3 and 37.1%, respectively). Clear decreases in oxidation-reduction potential and dissolved oxygen concentration, and increases in Fe²⁺ and total organic carbon concentration, were also observed during the monitoring period. These indicate that EHC promotes the anaerobic degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons primarily via long-term biological reductive dechlorination, with instant chemical reductive dechlorination acting as a secondary pathway. The optimal effective time of EHC injection was 0–90 days, and its radius of influence was 1.5 m. In full-scale application, the maximum concentrations of 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1-DCA in the contaminate plume fell below the relevant Dutch Intervention Values at 180 days post-injection. Moreover, the dynamics of the target pollutant concentrations mirrored those of the pilot test. Thus, we have demonstrated that the direct-push injection of EHC successfully leads to the remediation of chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater in a real-world scenario. The parameters determined by this study (e.g., effectiveness, injection amount, injection depth, injection pressures, and radius of influence) are applicable to other low-permeability contaminated sites where in situ remediation by enhanced reductive dechlorination is required.

http://ift.tt/2v6qgw5

The 12th Evidence Based Management Day on “Laryngeal Cancer” London, 3 November 2016

http://ift.tt/2wV4P3x

The 12th Evidence Based Management Day on “Laryngeal Cancer” London, 3 November 2016

http://ift.tt/2wV4P3x

Morphoproteomics, E6/E7 in-situ hybridization, and biomedical analytics define the etiopathogenesis of HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma and provide targeted therapeutic options

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as an etiopathogenetic factor in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes are instrumental in promoting proliferation and blocking differen...

http://ift.tt/2vI8O4Q

Morphoproteomics, E6/E7 in-situ hybridization, and biomedical analytics define the etiopathogenesis of HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma and provide targeted therapeutic options

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as an etiopathogenetic factor in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes are instrumental in promoting proliferation and blocking differen...

http://ift.tt/2vI8O4Q

CO2: Editorial Board/Subscription info.

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Progress in Neurobiology, Volume 156





http://ift.tt/2vNnJZE

Reproductive factors and risk of Parkinson’s disease in women: A meta-analysis of observational studies

Publication date: 29 September 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 335
Author(s): Menglian Lv, Ying Zhang, Guo-chong Chen, Guowei Li, Yehua Rui, Liqiang Qin, Zhongxiao Wan
Evidence on the relationship between reproductive factors, use of oral contraceptives (OCs) and the incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) remain inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate whether relevant reproductive factors including age at menarche, age at menopause, fertile lifespan, parity, type of menopause (surgical versus natural), and use of OCs are associated with risk of PD in women via random-effects model. PubMed and EMBASE database were used to search for case-control or cohort studies published before February17, 2017. 6 case-control and 5 cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled relative risks (RRs) of PD risk were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.79–1.28) for use of OCs (ever versus never), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.84–1.26) for age at menarche, 0.98 (95% CI: 0.75–1.29) for age at menopause, 0.98(95% CI: 0.77–1.25) for fertile lifespan, 0.99(95% CI:0.0.79–1.25) for parity, 0.93 (95% CI:0.68–1.29) for type of menopause (surgical versus natural). In the subgroup analysis stratified by study design, age, caffeine intake and smoking, an inverse association was found between surgical menopause and risk of PD for those adjusting for caffeine intake (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45–0.99) and smoking (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63–0.94); while a positive association was found between surgical menopause and PD risk for those not adjusting for smoking (RR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.29–2.83). In conclusion, our meta-analysis provided little epidemiological support for the role of reproductive factors in the incidence of PD. Whether surgical menopause is inversely associated with the risk of PD requires further explorations.



http://ift.tt/2uVyYy5

Effects of curcumin on short-term spatial and recognition memory, adult neurogenesis and neuroinflammation in a streptozotocin-induced rat model of dementia of Alzheimer’s type

Publication date: 29 September 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 335
Author(s): Taysa B. Bassani, Joelle M. Turnes, Eric L.R. Moura, Jéssica M. Bonato, Valentín Cóppola-Segovia, Silvio M. Zanata, Rúbia M.M.W. Oliveira, Maria A.B.F. Vital
Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with evidence of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Recent evidence also suggests that curcumin increases cognitive performance in animal models of dementia, and this effect would be related to its capacity to enhance adult neurogenesis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that curcumin treatment would be able to preserve cognition by increasing neurogenesis and decreasing neuroinflammation in the model of dementia of Alzheimer's type induced by an intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) in Wistar rats. The animals were injected with ICV–STZ or vehicle and curcumin treatments (25, 50 and 100mg/kg, gavage) were performed for 30days. Four weeks after surgery, STZ-lesioned animals exhibited impairments in short-term spatial memory (Object Location Test (OLT) and Y maze) and short-term recognition memory (Object Recognition Test – ORT), decreased cell proliferation and immature neurons (Ki-67- and doublecortin-positive cells, respectively) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus, and increased immunoreactivity for the glial markers GFAP and Iba-1 (neuroinflammation). Curcumin treatment in the doses of 50 and 100mg/kg prevented the deficits in recognition memory in the ORT, but not in spatial memory in the OLT and Y maze. Curcumin treatment exerted only slight improvements in neuroinflammation, resulting in no improvements in hippocampal and subventricular neurogenesis. These results suggest a positive effect of curcumin in object recognition memory which was not related to hippocampal neurogenesis.



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The rat retrosplenial cortex as a link for frontal functions: A lesion analysis

Publication date: 29 September 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 335
Author(s): Anna L. Powell, Andrew J.D. Nelson, Emma Hindley, Moira Davies, John P. Aggleton, Seralynne D. Vann
Cohorts of rats with excitotoxic retrosplenial cortex lesions were tested on four behavioural tasks sensitive to dysfunctions in prelimbic cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, or both. In this way the study tested whether retrosplenial cortex has nonspatial functions that reflect its anatomical interactions with these frontal cortical areas. In Experiment 1, retrosplenial cortex lesions had no apparent effect on a set-shifting digging task that taxed intradimensional and extradimensional attention, as well as reversal learning. Likewise, retrosplenial cortex lesions did not impair a strategy shift task in an automated chamber, which involved switching from visual-based to response-based discriminations and, again, included a reversal (Experiment 2). Indeed, there was evidence that the retrosplenial lesions aided the initial switch to response-based selection. No lesion deficit was found on an automated cost-benefit task that pitted size of reward against effort to achieve that reward (Experiment 3). Finally, while retrosplenial cortex lesions affected matching-to-place task in a T-maze, the profile of deficits differed from that associated with prelimbic cortex damage (Experiment 4). When the task was switched to a nonmatching design, retrosplenial cortex lesions had no apparent effect on performance. The results from the four experiments show that many frontal tasks do not require the retrosplenial cortex, highlighting the specificity of their functional interactions. The results show how retrosplenial cortex lesions spare those learning tasks in which there is no mismatch between the internal and external representations used to guide behavioural choice. In addition, these experiments further highlight the importance of the retrosplenial cortex in solving tasks with a spatial component.



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Developmental suppression of forebrain trkA receptors and attentional capacities in aging rats: A longitudinal study

Publication date: 29 September 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 335
Author(s): Brittney Yegla, Vinay Parikh
Basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons innervating the cortex regulate cognitive, specifically attentional, processes. Cholinergic atrophy and cognitive decline occur at an accelerated pace in age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease; however, the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon remains unknown. Here we hypothesized that developmental suppression of nerve growth factor signaling, mediated via tropomyosin-related kinase A (trkA) receptors, would escalate age-related attentional vulnerability. An adeno-associated viral vector expressing trkA shRNA (AAV-trkA) was utilized to knockdown trkA receptors in postnatal rats at an ontogenetic time point when cortical cholinergic inputs mature, and the impact of this manipulation on performance was assessed in animals maintained on an operant attention task throughout adulthood and until old (24 months) age. A within-subject comparison across different time points illustrated a gradual age-related decline in attentional capacities. However, the performance under baseline and distracted conditions did not differ between the AAV-trkA-infused and animals infused with a vector expressing shRNA against the control protein luciferase at any time point. Additional analysis of cholinergic measures conducted at 24 months showed that the capacity of cholinergic terminals to release acetylcholine following a depolarizing stimulus, cortical cholinergic fiber density and BF cholinergic cell size remained comparable between the two groups. Contrary to our predictions, these data indicate that developmental BF trkA disruption does not impact age-related changes in attentional functions. It is possible that life-long engagement in cognitive activity might have potentially rescued the developmental insults on the cholinergic system, thus preserving attentional capacities in advanced age.



http://ift.tt/2wl87PG

Elucidating the functions of brain GSK3α: Possible synergy with GSK3β upregulation and reversal by antidepressant treatment in a mouse model of depressive-like behaviour

Publication date: 29 September 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 335
Author(s): Dmitrii Pavlov, Nataliia Markova, Lucien Bettendorff, Vladimir Chekhonin, Igor Pomytkin, Viktoria Lioudyno, Andrei Svistunov, Eugene Ponomarev, Klaus-Peter Lesch, Tatyana Strekalova
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) has been linked to the mechanisms of stress, mood regulation, and the effects of antidepressants. The functions of the GSK3β isoform have been extensively investigated, but little is known about the α-isoform, although they may functionally related. In a recently established modified swim test with a third delayed swim exposure, brain GSK3β mRNA expression positively correlated with floating behaviour on the third test. A two-week-long pretreatment regime with imipramine (7.5mg/kg/day) or thiamine (200mg/kg/day), which is known to have antidepressant properties, reduced the GSK3β over-expression and decreased floating behaviour on Day 5. GSK3α mRNA levels were measured in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex on Days 1, 2 and 5. GSK3α expression was decreased in the prefrontal cortex on Day 2 and increased on Day 5. In this model, GSK3α mRNA changes were prevented by imipramine or thiamine treatment. There was a significant correlation between the expression of the two isoforms in the prefrontal cortex on Day 2 in untreated group. These results provide the first evidence for the potential involvement of GSK3α in depressive-like behaviours and as a target of anti-depressant therapy. Furthermore, the correlations suggest some cross-talk may exist between the two GSK3 isoforms.



http://ift.tt/2uVIbX6

A two-year follow-up of surgical and non-surgical treatments in patients with masticatory muscle tendon-aponeurosis hyperplasia

This study re-examined the usefulness of surgery for the management of masticatory muscle tendon-aponeurosis hyperplasia (MMTAH) through a comparison of the outcomes between patients who underwent surgery and those who did not. The duration of follow-up was 2 years. Twenty-eight patients who attended the study hospital and were given a diagnosis of MMTAH were included. Nineteen patients underwent surgery (surgical group) and nine patients were instructed to open their mouths wide once a day and did not undergo surgery (non-surgical group).

http://ift.tt/2ibd9c4

The difference between registered natural head position and estimated natural head position in three dimensions

This study determined the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of re-orientating three-dimensional (3D) facial images into the estimated natural head position. Three-dimensional facial images of 15 pre-surgical class III orthognathic patients were obtained and automatically re-orientated into natural head position (RNHP) using a 3D stereophotogrammetry system and in-house software. Six clinicians were asked to estimate the NHP of these patients (ENHP); they re-estimated five randomly selected 3D images after a 2-week interval.

http://ift.tt/2w6H76A

Marginal or segmental mandibulectomy: treatment modality selection for oral cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Surgery is the most well established mode of initial definitive treatment for the majority of oral cancers. The most important decision in terms of tumour ablation in oral cancers when the jaws are potentially involved is the management of the mandible. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in survival rate and disease control between patients undergoing marginal mandibulectomy and patients undergoing segmental mandibulectomy using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. A total of 15 cohort studies, including 1672 participants, were identified.

http://ift.tt/2vNkS2S

Virtual quad zygoma implant placement using cone beam computed tomography: sufficiency of malar bone volume, intraosseous implant length, and relationship to the sinus according to the degree of alveolar bone atrophy

The objective of this study was to investigate the malar bone volume and length that a zygomatic implant can engage, and the relationship to the sinus according to the degree of alveolar bone atrophy. A three-dimensional evaluation was performed using cone beam computed tomography scans from 23 patients with a totally edentulous maxilla; quad zygoma implants were virtually placed. The predictor variable was the amount of malar bone volume and length that a zygomatic implant can engage. The primary outcome variable was the relationship to the sinus according to the degree of alveolar bone atrophy.

http://ift.tt/2w7eFlc

Clinical multi-omics strategies for the effective cancer management

Publication date: Available online 15 August 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Byong Chul Yoo, Kyung-Hee Kim, Sang Myung Woo, Jae Kyung Myung
Cancer is a global health issue as a multi-factorial complex disease, and early detection and novel therapeutic strategies are required for more effective cancer management. With the development of systemic analytical -omics strategies, the therapeutic approach and study of the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and cancer progression have moved from hypothesis-driven targeted investigations to data-driven untargeted investigations focusing on the integrated diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer in individual patients. Predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) is a promising new approach to reduce the burden of cancer and facilitate more accurate prognosis, diagnosis, as well as effective treatment. Here we review the fundamentals of, and new developments in, -omics technologies, together with the key role of a variety of practical -omics strategies in PPPM for cancer treatment and diagnosis.Biological significanceIn this review, a comprehensive and critical overview of the systematic strategy for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) for cancer disease was described in a view of cancer prognostic prediction, diagnostics, and prevention as well as cancer therapy and drug responses. We have discussed multi-dimensional data obtained from various resources and integration of multisciplinary –omics strategies with computational method which could contribute the more effective PPPM for cancer. This review has provided the novel insights of the current applications of each and combined -omics technologies, which showed their powerful potential for the establishment of PPPM for cancer



http://ift.tt/2ib58nd

Study on the Mg-Li-Zn ternary alloy system with improved mechanical properties, good degradation performance and different responses to cells

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Yang Liu, Yuanhao Wu, Dong Bian, Shuang Gao, Sander Leeflang, Hui Guo, Yufeng Zheng, Jie Zhou
Novel Mg-(3.5, 6.5 wt.%)Li-(0.5, 2, 4 wt.%)Zn ternary alloys were developed as a new kind of biodegradable metallic materials with potential for stent applications. Their mechanical properties, degradation behavior, cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility were studied. These potential biomaterials showed higher ultimate tensile strength than those of previously reported binary Mg-Li alloys and ternary Mg-Li-X (X=Al, Y, Ce, Sc, Mn and Ag) alloys. Among the alloys studied, the Mg-3.5Li-2Zn and Mg-6.5Li-2Zn alloys exhibited comparable corrosion resistance in Hank's solution to pure magnesium and better corrosion resistance in a cell culture medium than pure magnesium. Corrosion products observed on the corroded surface were composed of Mg(OH)2, MgCO3 and Ca-free Mg/P inorganics and Ca/P inorganics. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed different behaviors of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and Human Aorta Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) to material extracts. HUVECs showed increasing nitric oxide (NO) release and tolerable toxicity, whereas VSMCs exhibited limited decreasing viability with time. Platelet adhesion, hemolysis and coagulation tests of these Mg-Li-Zn alloys showed different degrees of activation behavior, in which the hemolysis of the Mg-3.5Li-2Zn alloy was lower than 5%. These results indicated the potential of the Mg-Li-Zn alloys as good candidate materials for cardiovascular stent applications.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2uNplFy

Smart activatable and traceable dual-prodrug for image-guided combination photodynamic and chemo-therapy

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 144
Author(s): Fang Hu, Youyong Yuan, Duo Mao, Wenbo Wu, Bin Liu
Activatable photosensitizers (PSs) and chemo-prodrugs are highly desirable for anti-cancer therapy to reduce systemic toxicity. However, it is difficult to integrate both together into a molecular probe for combination therapy due to the complexity of introducing PS, singlet oxygen quencher, chemo-drug, chemo-drug inhibitor and active linker at the same time. To realize activatable PS and chemo-prodrug combination therapy, we develop a smart therapeutic platform in which the chemo-prodrug serves as the singlet oxygen quencher for the PS. Specifically, the photosensitizing activity and fluorescence of the PS (TPEPY-SH) are blocked by the chemo-prodrug (Mitomycin C, MMC) in the probe. Meanwhile, the cytotoxicity of MMC is also inhibited by the electron-withdrawing acyl at the nitrogen position next to the linker. Upon glutathione activation, TPEPY-S-MMC can simultaneously release active PS and MMC for combination therapy. The restored fluorescence of TPEPY-SH is also used to report the activation for both PS and MMC as well as to guide the photodynamic therapy.



http://ift.tt/2fPUoKg

Deciphering the breast density inform law movement: implications for practice

Publication date: Available online 14 August 2017
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Sean D. Raj, Valerie Fein-Zachary, Priscilla J. Slanetz
While dense breast tissue is a normal and routine finding on screening mammography, dense breast tissue is associated with an independent increased risk for breast cancer. It is well known that screening mammography has a decreased sensitivity for cancer detection in women with dense breasts. Over the past decade, there has been increased interest generated among patients, physicians, and legislators regarding how best to screen dense-breasted women culminating in 2009 with the passage of a breast density notification law in Connecticut. Since that time, over half the United States has passed similar notification laws. Despite this, controversy remains as to the optimal supplemental screening modality to complement mammography as each imaging modality (digital breast tomosynthesis, whole breast ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, contrast enhanced mammography, and molecular breast imaging) has variable benefits and limitations.



http://ift.tt/2wVgY8C

Noise Equally Degrades Central Auditory Processing in 2- and 4-Year-Old Children

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate developmental and noise-induced changes in central auditory processing indexed by event-related potentials in typically developing children.

Method

P1, N2, and N4 responses as well as mismatch negativities (MMNs) were recorded for standard syllables and consonants, frequency, intensity, vowel, and vowel duration changes in silent and noisy conditions in the same 14 children at the ages of 2 and 4 years.

Results

The P1 and N2 latencies decreased and the N2, N4, and MMN amplitudes increased with development of the children. The amplitude changes were strongest at frontal electrodes. At both ages, background noise decreased the P1 amplitude, increased the N2 amplitude, and shortened the N4 latency. The noise-induced amplitude changes of P1, N2, and N4 were strongest frontally. Furthermore, background noise degraded the MMN. At both ages, MMN was significantly elicited only by the consonant change, and at the age of 4 years, also by the vowel duration change during noise.

Conclusions

Developmental changes indexing maturation of central auditory processing were found from every response studied. Noise degraded sound encoding and echoic memory and impaired auditory discrimination at both ages. The older children were as vulnerable to the impact of noise as the younger children.

Supplemental materials

http://ift.tt/2uSYZQZ

http://article/60/8/2297/2647677/Noise-Equally-Degrades-Central-Auditory-Processing

An Exploration of the Associations Among Hearing Loss, Physical Health, and Visual Memory in Adults From West Central Alabama

Purpose

The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the associations among hearing loss, physical health, and visual memory in adults living in rural areas, urban clusters, and an urban city in west Central Alabama.

Method

Two hundred ninety-seven adults (182 women, 115 men) from rural areas, urban clusters, and an urban city of west Central Alabama completed a hearing assessment, a physical health questionnaire, a hearing handicap measure, and a visual memory test.

Results

A greater number of adults with hearing loss lived in rural areas and urban clusters than in an urban area. In addition, poorer physical health was significantly associated with hearing loss. A greater number of individuals with poor physical health who lived in rural towns and urban clusters had hearing loss compared with the adults with other physical health issues who lived in an urban city. Poorer hearing sensitivity resulted in poorer outcomes on the Emotional and Social subscales of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults. And last, visual memory, a working-memory task, was not associated with hearing loss but was associated with educational level.

Conclusions

The outcomes suggest that hearing loss is associated with poor physical and emotional health but not with visual-memory skills. A greater number of adults living in rural areas experienced hearing loss compared with adults living in an urban city, and consequently, further research will be necessary to confirm this relationship and to explore the reasons behind it. Also, further exploration of the relationship between cognition and hearing loss in adults living in rural and urban areas will be needed.

http://article/60/8/2346/2648885/An-Exploration-of-the-Associations-Among-Hearing

Effects of Lexical and Somatosensory Feedback on Long-Term Improvements in Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech

Purpose

Intelligibility improvements immediately following perceptual training with dysarthric speech using lexical feedback are comparable to those observed when training uses somatosensory feedback (Borrie & Schäfer, 2015). In this study, we investigated if these lexical and somatosensory guided improvements in listener intelligibility of dysarthric speech remain comparable and stable over the course of 1 month.

Method

Following an intelligibility pretest, 60 participants were trained with dysarthric speech stimuli under one of three conditions: lexical feedback, somatosensory feedback, or no training (control). Participants then completed a series of intelligibility posttests, which took place immediately (immediate posttest), 1 week (1-week posttest) following training, and 1 month (1-month posttest) following training.

Results

As per our previous study, intelligibility improvements at immediate posttest were equivalent between lexical and somatosensory feedback conditions. Condition differences, however, emerged over time. Improvements guided by lexical feedback deteriorated over the month whereas those guided by somatosensory feedback remained robust.

Conclusions

Somatosensory feedback, internally generated by vocal imitation, may be required to affect long-term perceptual gain in processing dysarthric speech. Findings are discussed in relation to underlying learning mechanisms and offer insight into how externally and internally generated feedback may differentially affect perceptual learning of disordered speech.

http://article/60/8/2151/2643504/Effects-of-Lexical-and-Somatosensory-Feedback-on

Glottal Aerodynamic Measures in Women With Phonotraumatic and Nonphonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of preliminary reports showing that glottal aerodynamic measures can identify pathophysiological phonatory mechanisms for phonotraumatic and nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction, which are each distinctly different from normal vocal function.

Method

Glottal aerodynamic measures (estimates of subglottal air pressure, peak-to-peak airflow, maximum flow declination rate, and open quotient) were obtained noninvasively using a pneumotachograph mask with an intraoral pressure catheter in 16 women with organic vocal fold lesions, 16 women with muscle tension dysphonia, and 2 associated matched control groups with normal voices. Subjects produced /pae/ syllable strings from which glottal airflow was estimated using inverse filtering during /ae/ vowels, and subglottal pressure was estimated during /p/ closures. All measures were normalized for sound pressure level (SPL) and statistically tested for differences between patient and control groups.

Results

All SPL-normalized measures were significantly lower in the phonotraumatic group as compared with measures in its control group. For the nonphonotraumatic group, only SPL-normalized subglottal pressure and open quotient were significantly lower than measures in its control group.

Conclusions

Results of this study confirm previous hypotheses and preliminary results indicating that SPL-normalized estimates of glottal aerodynamic measures can be used to describe the different pathophysiological phonatory mechanisms associated with phonotraumatic and nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction.

http://article/60/8/2159/2648608/Glottal-Aerodynamic-Measures-in-Women-With

Applying an Integrative Framework of Executive Function to Preschoolers With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose

The first goal of this research was to compare verbal and nonverbal executive function abilities between preschoolers with and without specific language impairment (SLI). The second goal was to assess the group differences on 4 executive function components in order to determine if the components may be hierarchically related as suggested within a developmental integrative framework of executive function.

Method

This study included 26 4- and 5-year-olds diagnosed with SLI and 26 typically developing age- and sex-matched peers. Participants were tested on verbal and nonverbal measures of sustained selective attention, working memory, inhibition, and shifting.

Results

The SLI group performed worse compared with typically developing children on both verbal and nonverbal measures of sustained selective attention and working memory, the verbal inhibition task, and the nonverbal shifting task. Comparisons of standardized group differences between executive function measures revealed a linear increase with the following order: working memory, inhibition, shifting, and sustained selective attention.

Conclusion

The pattern of results suggests that preschoolers with SLI have deficits in executive functioning compared with typical peers, and deficits are not limited to verbal tasks. A significant linear relationship between group differences across executive function components supports the possibility of a hierarchical relationship between executive function skills.

http://article/60/8/2170/2645739/Applying-an-Integrative-Framework-of-Executive

Electrophysiological Evidence for the Sources of the Masking Level Difference

Purpose

The purpose of this review article is to review evidence from auditory evoked potential studies to describe the contributions of the auditory brainstem and cortex to the generation of the masking level difference (MLD).

Method

A literature review was performed, focusing on the auditory brainstem, middle, and late latency responses used in protocols similar to those used to generate the behavioral MLD.

Results

Temporal coding of the signals necessary for generating the MLD occurs in the auditory periphery and brainstem. Brainstem disorders up to wave III of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) can disrupt the MLD. The full MLD requires input to the generators of the auditory late latency potentials to produce all characteristics of the MLD; these characteristics include threshold differences for various binaural signal and noise conditions. Studies using central auditory lesions are beginning to identify the cortical effects on the MLD.

Conclusions

The MLD requires auditory processing from the periphery to cortical areas. A healthy auditory periphery and brainstem codes temporal synchrony, which is essential for the ABR. Threshold differences require engaging cortical function beyond the primary auditory cortex. More studies using cortical lesions and evoked potentials or imaging should clarify the specific cortical areas involved in the MLD.

http://article/60/8/2364/2646849/Electrophysiological-Evidence-for-the-Sources-of

Influences of Phonological Context on Tense Marking in Spanish–English Dual Language Learners

Purpose

The emergence of tense-morpheme marking during language acquisition is highly variable, which confounds the use of tense marking as a diagnostic indicator of language impairment in linguistically diverse populations. In this study, we seek to better understand tense-marking patterns in young bilingual children by comparing phonological influences on marking of 2 word-final tense morphemes.

Method

In spontaneous connected speech samples from 10 Spanish–English dual language learners aged 56–66 months (M = 61.7, SD = 3.4), we examined marking rates of past tense -ed and third person singular -s morphemes in different environments, using multiple measures of phonological context.

Results

Both morphemes were found to exhibit notably contrastive marking patterns in some contexts. Each was most sensitive to a different combination of phonological influences in the verb stem and the following word.

Conclusions

These findings extend existing evidence from monolingual speakers for the influence of word-final phonological context on morpheme production to a bilingual population. Further, novel findings not yet attested in previous research support an expanded consideration of phonological context in clinical decision making and future research related to word-final morphology.

http://article/60/8/2199/2646850/Influences-of-Phonological-Context-on-Tense

Vocabulary Facilitates Speech Perception in Children With Hearing Aids

Purpose

We examined the effects of vocabulary, lexical characteristics (age of acquisition and phonotactic probability), and auditory access (aided audibility and daily hearing aid [HA] use) on speech perception skills in children with HAs.

Method

Participants included 24 children with HAs and 25 children with normal hearing (NH), ages 5–12 years. Groups were matched on age, expressive and receptive vocabulary, articulation, and nonverbal working memory. Participants repeated monosyllabic words and nonwords in noise. Stimuli varied on age of acquisition, lexical frequency, and phonotactic probability. Performance in each condition was measured by the signal-to-noise ratio at which the child could accurately repeat 50% of the stimuli.

Results

Children from both groups with larger vocabularies showed better performance than children with smaller vocabularies on nonwords and late-acquired words but not early-acquired words. Overall, children with HAs showed poorer performance than children with NH. Auditory access was not associated with speech perception for the children with HAs.

Conclusions

Children with HAs show deficits in sensitivity to phonological structure but appear to take advantage of vocabulary skills to support speech perception in the same way as children with NH. Further investigation is needed to understand the causes of the gap that exists between the overall speech perception abilities of children with HAs and children with NH.

http://article/60/8/2281/2646497/Vocabulary-Facilitates-Speech-Perception-in

Normative Study of the Functional Assessment of Verbal Reasoning and Executive Strategies (FAVRES) Test in the French-Canadian Population

Purpose

The Functional Assessment of Verbal Reasoning and Executive Strategies (FAVRES; MacDonald, 2005) test was designed for use by speech-language pathologists to assess verbal reasoning, complex comprehension, discourse, and executive skills during performance on a set of challenging and ecologically valid functional tasks. A recent French version of this test was translated from English; however, it had not undergone standardization. The development of normative data that are linguistically and culturally sensitive to the target population is of importance. The present study aimed to establish normative data for the French version of the FAVRES, a commonly used test with native French–speaking patients with traumatic brain injury in Québec, Canada.

Method

The normative sample consisted of 181 healthy French-speaking adults from various regions across the province of Québec. Age and years of education were factored into the normative model.

Results

Results indicate that age was significantly associated with performance on time, accuracy, reasoning subskills, and rationale criteria, whereas the level of education was significantly associated with accuracy and rationale.

Conclusion

Overall, mean scores on each criterion were relatively lower than in the original English version, which reinforces the importance of using the present normative data when interpreting performance of French speakers who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.

http://article/60/8/2217/2648887/Normative-Study-of-the-Functional-Assessment-of

Working Memory and Speech Recognition in Noise Under Ecologically Relevant Listening Conditions: Effects of Visual Cues and Noise Type Among Adults With Hearing Loss

Purpose

This study evaluated the relationship between working memory (WM) and speech recognition in noise with different noise types as well as in the presence of visual cues.

Method

Seventy-six adults with bilateral, mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss (mean age: 69 years) participated. Using a cross-sectional design, 2 measures of WM were taken: a reading span measure, and Word Auditory Recognition and Recall Measure (Smith, Pichora-Fuller, & Alexander, 2016). Speech recognition was measured with the Multi-Modal Lexical Sentence Test for Adults (Kirk et al., 2012) in steady-state noise and 4-talker babble, with and without visual cues. Testing was under unaided conditions.

Results

A linear mixed model revealed visual cues and pure-tone average as the only significant predictors of Multi-Modal Lexical Sentence Test outcomes. Neither WM measure nor noise type showed a significant effect.

Conclusion

The contribution of WM in explaining unaided speech recognition in noise was negligible and not influenced by noise type or visual cues. We anticipate that with audibility partially restored by hearing aids, the effects of WM will increase. For clinical practice to be affected, more significant effect sizes are needed.

http://article/60/8/2310/2646629/Working-Memory-and-Speech-Recognition-in-Noise

Shortened Nonword Repetition Task (NWR-S): A Simple, Quick, and Less Expensive Outcome to Identify Children With Combined Specific Language and Reading Impairment

Purpose

The purpose of this research note was to validate a simplified version of the Dutch nonword repetition task (NWR; Rispens & Baker, 2012). The NWR was shortened and scoring was transformed to correct/incorrect nonwords, resulting in the shortened NWR (NWR-S).

Method

NWR-S and NWR performance were compared in the previously published data set of Rispens and Baker (2012; N = 88), who compared NWR performance in 5 participant groups: specific language impairment (SLI), reading impairment (RI), both SLI and RI, one control group matched on chronological age, and one control group matched on language age.

Results

Analyses of variance showed that children with SLI + RI performed significantly worse than other participant groups in NWR-S, just as in NWR. Logistic regression analyses showed that both tasks can predict an SLI + RI outcome. NWR-S holds a sensitivity of 82.6% and a specificity of 95.4% in identifying children with SLI + RI. The sensitivity of the original NWR is 87.0% with a specificity of 87.7%.

Conclusions

As the original NWR, the NWR-S comprising a subset of 22 nonwords scored with a simplified scoring system can identify children with combined SLI and RI while saving a significant amount of the needed assessment time.

Supplemental Materials

http://ift.tt/2vdqx0S

http://article/60/8/2241/2644493/Shortened-Nonword-Repetition-Task-NWRS-A-Simple

Auditory Training for Adults Who Have Hearing Loss: A Comparison of Spaced Versus Massed Practice Schedules

Purpose

The spacing effect in human memory research refers to situations in which people learn items better when they study items in spaced intervals rather than massed intervals. This investigation was conducted to compare the efficacy of meaning-oriented auditory training when administered with a spaced versus massed practice schedule.

Method

Forty-seven adult hearing aid users received 16 hr of auditory training. Participants in a spaced group (mean age = 64.6 years, SD = 14.7) trained twice per week, and participants in a massed group (mean age = 69.6 years, SD = 17.5) trained for 5 consecutive days each week. Participants completed speech perception tests before training, immediately following training, and then 3 months later. In line with transfer appropriate processing theory, tests assessed both trained tasks and an untrained task.

Results

Auditory training improved the speech recognition performance of participants in both groups. Benefits were maintained for 3 months. No effect of practice schedule was found on overall benefits achieved, on retention of benefits, nor on generalizability of benefits to nontrained tasks.

Conclusion

The lack of spacing effect in otherwise effective auditory training suggests that perceptual learning may be subject to different influences than are other types of learning, such as vocabulary learning. Hence, clinicians might have latitude in recommending training schedules to accommodate patients' schedules.

http://article/60/8/2337/2648749/Auditory-Training-for-Adults-Who-Have-Hearing-Loss

Visuospatial and Verbal Short-Term Memory Correlates of Vocabulary Ability in Preschool Children

Background

Recent studies indicate that school-age children's patterns of performance on measures of verbal and visuospatial short-term memory (STM) and working memory (WM) differ across types of neurodevelopmental disorders. Because these disorders are often characterized by early language delay, administering STM and WM tests to toddlers could improve prediction of neurodevelopmental outcomes. Toddler-appropriate verbal, but not visuospatial, STM and WM tasks are available. A toddler-appropriate visuospatial STM test is introduced.

Method

Tests of verbal STM, visuospatial STM, expressive vocabulary, and receptive vocabulary were administered to 92 English-speaking children aged 2–5 years.

Results

Mean test scores did not differ for boys and girls. Visuospatial and verbal STM scores were not significantly correlated when age was partialed out. Age, visuospatial STM scores, and verbal STM scores accounted for unique variance in expressive (51%, 3%, and 4%, respectively) and receptive vocabulary scores (53%, 5%, and 2%, respectively) in multiple regression analyses.

Conclusion

Replication studies, a fuller test battery comprising visuospatial and verbal STM and WM tests, and a general intelligence test are required before exploring the usefulness of these STM tests for predicting longitudinal outcomes. The lack of an association between the STM tests suggests that the instruments have face validity and test independent STM skills.

http://article/60/8/2249/2648886/Visuospatial-and-Verbal-ShortTerm-Memory

Speech Understanding in Noise by Patients With Cochlear Implants Using a Monaural Adaptive Beamformer

Purpose

The aim of this experiment was to compare, for patients with cochlear implants (CIs), the improvement for speech understanding in noise provided by a monaural adaptive beamformer and for two interventions that produced bilateral input (i.e., bilateral CIs and hearing preservation [HP] surgery).

Method

Speech understanding scores for sentences were obtained for 10 listeners fit with a single CI. The listeners were tested with and without beamformer activated in a "cocktail party" environment with spatially separated target and maskers. Data for 10 listeners with bilateral CIs and 8 listeners with HP CIs were taken from Loiselle, Dorman, Yost, Cook, and Gifford (2016), who used the same test protocol.

Results

The use of the beamformer resulted in a 31 percentage point improvement in performance; in bilateral CIs, an 18 percentage point improvement; and in HP CIs, a 20 percentage point improvement.

Conclusion

A monaural adaptive beamformer can produce an improvement in speech understanding in a complex noise environment that is equal to, or greater than, the improvement produced by bilateral CIs and HP surgery.

http://article/60/8/2360/2647807/Speech-Understanding-in-Noise-by-Patients-With