In today's clinical practice patients' skin is used as screening organ for diagnosing type 1 allergy. According to European guidelines skin prick testing with a panel of 18 allergen extracts is recommended, in...
http://ift.tt/2yaDf20
Δευτέρα 18 Σεπτεμβρίου 2017
Debates in allergy medicine: Molecular allergy diagnosis with ISAC will replace screenings by skin prick test in the future
Debates in Allergy Medicine: Allergy skin testing cannot be replaced by molecular diagnosis in the near future
Percutaneous skin prick tests (SPT) have been considered the preferred method for confirming IgE-mediated sensitization. This reliable and minimally invasive technique correlates with in vivo challenges, has g...
http://ift.tt/2xcZ3KR
Debates in Allergy Medicine: Allergy skin testing cannot be replaced by molecular diagnosis in the near future
Percutaneous skin prick tests (SPT) have been considered the preferred method for confirming IgE-mediated sensitization. This reliable and minimally invasive technique correlates with in vivo challenges, has g...
http://ift.tt/2xcZ3KR
Debates in allergy medicine: Molecular allergy diagnosis with ISAC will replace screenings by skin prick test in the future
In today's clinical practice patients' skin is used as screening organ for diagnosing type 1 allergy. According to European guidelines skin prick testing with a panel of 18 allergen extracts is recommended, in...
http://ift.tt/2yaDf20
Phase I/II Study of Hypofractionated Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer including Simultaneously Integrated Boost
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Michael G. Chang, Nitai Mukhopadhyay, Diane Holdford, Vicki Skinner, Siddharth Saraiya, Drew Moghanaki, Mitchell S. Anscher
PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (HSIB) IMRT that includes coverage of the seminal vesicles (SV) and pelvic lymph nodes (LN).MethodsMen with localized prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled in a phase I/II trial to receive HSIB-IMRT to the prostate, ±SV, ±pelvic LN using a risk-based method. Low-risk (LR) patients received 69.6Gy to only the prostate in 29 fractions. Intermediate- (IR) and high-risk (HR) patients received 30 fractions with 72Gy to the prostate, 54Gy to the SV, and 50.4Gy to the pelvic LN when risk of LN involvement exceeded 15% by the Roach formula. IR and HR patients received androgen deprivation therapy. Acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity were prospectively evaluated with patient and physician reported surveys.ResultsFifty-five men were enrolled and 49 had at least one year of follow up with 19.2% LR, 40.4% IR, and 40.4% HR disease. The median age was 69years and median follow-up time was 36.9months. Twenty-six patients received pelvic nodal HSIB-IMRT. At 2years, the cumulative incidence of physician-reported late grade 2+ GU and GI toxicity were 32.6%, and 18.4% respectively. At 2-years, only 10.2% grade 2+ GU toxicities and 2.0% grade 2+ GI toxicities remained unresolved. At last follow up, the prevalence of unresolved physician-reported late grade 2+ GU and GI toxicity was 4.1% and 0%. The median patient-reported AUA-IPSS score fell from 10 at baseline to 7.5 at 2years. The 3-year biochemical relapse-free survival rate for the cohort was 96%.ConclusionsHSIB-IMRT with risk-based nodal coverage results in excellent biochemical control. While the cumulative incidence of physician-reported GU toxicity was higher than anticipated, late GI and GU toxicity was relatively transient.
http://ift.tt/2wDk3Zl
Pilot Study on the Impact of F18-Labeled Thymidine PET/CT on Gross Tumor Volume Identification and Definition for Pancreatic Cancer
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Jennifer L. Pretz, Michael A. Blake, Joseph H. Killoran, Harvey J. Mamon, Jennifer Y. Wo, Andrew X. Zhu, Theodore S. Hong
PurposeAccurate target definition for radiotherapy planning in localized pancreatic cancer is critical, particularly when using strategies that omit elective coverage. Standard imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound have limited concordance with pathologic evaluation. Biologic imaging with [F18]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET can also be difficult to interpret, as increased activity is indicative of increased glucose metabolism, rather than cellular proliferation. F18 – labeled thymidine (FLT) is a proliferative marker which exploits the expression of pyrimidine-metabolizing enzymes. We evaluate the impact of FLT-PET on pancreatic target definition for radiation planning.Methods and MaterialsPatients with biopsy proven, newly diagnosed, untreated pancreatic adenocarcinoma were enrolled on an IRB-approved prospective study. Patients were injected with FLT and scanned 20–30minutes later. Two physicians (referred to as observer 1 and observer 2) independently contoured the gross tumor volume (GTV) and involved nodes on CT scan only, and then again with the assistance of co-registered FLT-PET. Conformality index (CI), the ratio of the volumes of intersection and union, was used as the metric for volume comparison (where CI=0 represented no overlap and CI=1 represented perfect overlap).ResultsNine patients were enrolled on this study. FLT-avidity was discerned in 8 of 9 patients. Average CT-GTV volume for observers 1 and 2 was 38.1cc and 26.5cc respectively. Average FLT-GTV volume for observers 1 and 2 was 39.1cc and 25.0cc respectively. For the 8 patients with FLT-avid tumors, addition of FLT data improved concordance of GTV definition between physicians in 6 of 8 tumors. Average CI for inter-observer CT-GTV was 0.325. Addition of FLT-PET information improved average CI to 0.400.ConclusionFLT-PET improves inter-observer concordance in GTV definition. Further studies will focus on verification of these findings, pathologic verification of the FLT-PET signal, and optimization of the FLT-PET signal threshold for auto-segmentation.
http://ift.tt/2xiu7uv
Proton Craniospinal Irradiation During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Anusha Kalbasi, Maura Kirk, Boon-Keng Kevin Teo, Eric Diffenderfer, Xuanfeng Ding, James McDonough, Erin Murphy, Christine Hill-Kayser
http://ift.tt/2xirQzl
Mitochondrial Nanotunnels
Source:Trends in Cell Biology
Author(s): Amy E. Vincent, Doug M. Turnbull, Veronica Eisner, György Hajnóczky, Martin Picard
Insight into the regulation of complex physiological systems emerges from understanding how biological units communicate with each other. Recent findings show that mitochondria communicate at a distance with each other via nanotunnels, thin double-membrane protrusions that connect the matrices of non-adjacent mitochondria. Emerging evidence suggest that mitochondrial nanotunnels are generated by immobilized mitochondria and transport proteins. This review integrates data from the evolutionarily conserved structure and function of intercellular projections in bacteria with recent developments in mitochondrial imaging that permit nanotunnel visualization in eukaryotes. Cell type-specificity, timescales, and the selective size-based diffusion of biomolecules along nanotunnels are also discussed. The joining of individual mitochondria into dynamic networks of communicating organelles via nanotunnels and other mechanisms has major implications for organelle and cellular behaviors.
http://ift.tt/2xi5myD
Influence of obesity on experimental periodontitis in rats: histopathological, histometric and immunohistochemical study
Abstract
Objectives
This study assessed the influence of obesity on the progression of ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.
Materials and methods
Forty-eight adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the HL group (n = 24) was fed high-fat animal food to induce obesity, and the NL group (n = 24) was fed normolipidic animal food. Obesity was induced within a period of 120 days, and the induction of experimental periodontitis (EP) was subsequently performed for 30 days. The animals were euthanized after 7, 15, and 30 days, and the jaws were removed for histopathological, histometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were analyzed via immunolabeling.
Results
Histological findings indicated that the inflammation was more extensive and lasted longer in the HL⁄EP; however, advanced destruction also occurred in the NL/EP. Greater bone loss was verified in the HL/EP group (2.28 ± 0.35) in the period of 7 days than in the NL/EP group (1.2 ± 0.29). High immunolabeling was identified in the HL/EP group in the initial periods for RANKL and TRAP, whereas the NL⁄EP group presented with moderate immunolabeling for both factors. The HL/EP and NL/EP groups showed low immunolabeling for OPG.
Conclusions
Obesity induced by a high-fat diet influenced alveolar bone metabolism when associated with experimental periodontitis and caused a more severe local inflammatory response and alveolar bone loss.
Clinical relevance
Obesity is related to greater alveolar bone loss and an accentuated local inflammatory response, which may be reflected in the clinical severity of periodontitis and dental loss.
http://ift.tt/2fg7PDl
Peripheral T-cell lymphomas:focusing on novel agents in relapsed and refractory disease
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Alessandro Broccoli, Lisa Argnani, Pier Luigi Zinzani
Patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma display a dismal prognosis and their therapy represents an unmet medical need, as the best treatment strategy is yet to be determined. Exciting data on novel targeted agents are now emerging from recently concluded and ongoing clinical trials in patients with relapsed and refractory PTCL. Four recently approved compounds are used as single agents: pralatrexate, a novel antifolate agent; romidepsin and belinostat, both histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors; brentuximab vedotin, an anti-CD30 drug-conjugated monoclonal antibody. Several other molecules have demonstrated their activity in the same context: gemcitabine, bendamustine, lenalidomide, duvelisib, copanlisib, alisertib, mogamulizumab, selinexor and ARGX-110. Robust preclinical observations strongly support chemo-free combinations, which are expected to enhance the quality and duration of responses in pretreated patients and in those who are unable to receive a stem cell transplantation.
http://ift.tt/2xanDyp
The relationship between CO 2 emission, energy consumption and economic growth in Malaysia: a three-way linkage approach
Abstract
This study examines the three-way linkage relationships between CO2 emission, energy consumption and economic growth in Malaysia, covering the 1975–2015 period. An autoregressive distributed lag approach was employed to achieve the objective of the study and gauged by dynamic ordinary least squares. Additionally, vector error correction model, variance decompositions and impulse response functions were employed to further examine the relationship between the interest variables. The findings show that economic growth is neither influenced by energy consumption nor by CO2 emission. Energy consumption is revealed to be an increasing function of CO2 emission. Whereas, CO2 emission positively and significantly depends on energy consumption and economic growth. This implies that CO2 emission increases with an increase in both energy consumption and economic growth. Conclusively, the main drivers of CO2 emission in Malaysia are proven to be energy consumption and economic growth. Therefore, renewable energy sources ought to be considered by policy makers to curb emission from the current non-renewable sources. Wind and biomass can be explored as they are viable sources. Energy efficiency and savings should equally be emphasised and encouraged by policy makers. Lastly, growth-related policies that target emission reduction are also recommended.
http://ift.tt/2wCx05U
Complex organic pollutant mixtures originating from industrial and municipal emissions in surface waters of the megacity Jakarta—an example of a water pollution problem in emerging economies
Abstract
During the last decades, the global industrial production partly shifted from industrialized nations to emerging and developing countries. In these upcoming economies, the newly developed industrial centers are generally located in densely populated areas, resulting in the discharge of often only partially treated industrial and municipal wastewaters into the surface waters. There is a huge gap of knowledge about the composition of the complex organic pollutant mixtures occurring in such heavily impacted areas. Therefore, we applied a non-target screening to comprehensively assess river pollution in a large industrial area located in the megacity Jakarta. More than 100 structurally diverse organic contaminants were identified, some of which were reported here for the first time as environmental contaminants. The concentrations of paper manufacturing chemicals in river water—for example, of the endocrine-disrupting compound bisphenol A (50–8000 ng L−1)—were as high as in pure untreated paper industry wastewaters. The non-target screening approach is the adequate tool for the identification of water contaminants in the new global centers of industrial manufacturing—as the first crucial step towards the evaluation of as yet unrecognized environmental risks.
http://ift.tt/2xigaN4
Analysis of influence mechanism of energy-related carbon emissions in Guangdong: evidence from regional China based on the input-output and structural decomposition analysis
Abstract
It is important to analyze the influence mechanism of energy-related carbon emissions from a regional perspective to effectively achieve reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions in China. Based on the "energy-economy-carbon emissions" hybrid input-output analysis framework, this study conducted structural decomposition analysis (SDA) on carbon emissions influencing factors in Guangdong Province. Systems-based examination of direct and indirect drivers for regional emission is presented. (1) Direct effects analysis of influencing factors indicated that the main driving factors of increasing carbon emissions were economic and population growth. Carbon emission intensity was the main contributing factor restraining carbon emissions growth. (2) Indirect effects analysis of influencing factors showed that international and interprovincial trades significantly affected the total carbon emissions. (3) Analysis of the effects of different final demands on the carbon emissions of industrial sector indicated that the increase in carbon emission arising from international and interprovincial trades is mainly concentrated in energy- and carbon-intensive industries. (4) Guangdong had to compromise a certain amount of carbon emissions during the development of its export-oriented economy because of industry transfer arising from the economic globalization, thereby pointing to the existence of the "carbon leakage" problem. At the same time, interprovincial export and import resulted in Guangdong transferring a part of its carbon emissions to other provinces, thereby leading to the occurrence of "carbon transfer."
http://ift.tt/2wCW7oT
Pitted keratolysis – a study of various clinical manifestations
Abstract
Background
Pitted keratolysis (PK) is a common bacterial infection of skin characterized by noninflammatory superficial pits. Very few studies have focused on variations in clinical manifestations of PK. We conducted this study so that diagnosis of this treatable condition is not missed when it presents in an uncommonly perceived way.
Aims and objectives
Assessment of PK patients for various sites and morphologies.
Materials and methods
A total of 30 patients with PK were assessed for various sites and morphologies. Bacterial and fungal cultures along with histopathology were performed.
Results
Of 30 patients, 24 were females. Hyperhidrosis and malodour were the most common symptoms. Interdigital interface skin of the toes was the first site affected in most patients. Plantar skin was affected in all patients with involvement of interface skin of the toes in 29 patients. Other sites affected were palms, finger web spaces, nonglabrous skin, paronychium, and nail. Other than classical pits, scaly crusted inflammatory lesions with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) were noted. Associated keratoderma was also reported in some patients.
Discussion
The presence of hyperhidrosis, malodour, and plantar lesions is consistent with previous studies. Interface skin between toes as the first site affected, involvement of toe web spaces, and associated keratoderma have been reported rarely. However, female preponderance, involvement of finger web spaces, nonglabrous skin, paronychium, nail changes, the presence of inflammation with crusting, and PIH have never been reported previously.
Conclusion
PK can involve web spaces, nonglabrous skin, and paronychium, and can cause nail changes. The lesions can be inflammatory with crusting and PIH.
http://ift.tt/2wrQcbk
Burnout is associated with changes in error and feedback processing
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Patrick D. Gajewski, Sylvia Boden, Gabriele Freude, Guy G. Potter, Michael Falkenstein
Burnout is a pattern of complaints in individuals with emotionally demanding jobs that is often seen as a precursor of depression. One often reported symptom of burnout is cognitive decline. To analyze cognitive control and to differentiate between subclinical burnout and mild-to-moderate depression a double-blinded study was conducted that investigates changes in the processing of performance errors and feedback in a task switching paradigm. Fifty-one of 76 employees from emotionally demanding jobs showed a sufficient number of errors to be included in the analysis. The sample was subdivided into groups with low (EE-) and high (EE+) emotional exhaustion and no (DE-) and mild-to-moderate depression (DE+). The behavioral data did not significantly differ between the groups. In contrast, in the EE+ group, the error negativity (Ne/ERN) was enhanced while the error positivity (Pe) did not differ between the groups. After negative feedback the feedback-related negativity (FRN) was enhanced, while the subsequent positivity (FRP) was reduced in EE+ relative to EE-. None of these effects were observed in the DE+ vs. DE-. These results suggest an upregulation of error and negative feedback processing, while the later processing of negative feedback was attenuated in employees with subclinical burnout but not in mild-to-moderate depression.
http://ift.tt/2wrPPNY
Frontoparietal theta oscillations during proactive control are associated with goal-updating and reduced behavioral variability
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Patrick S. Cooper, Aaron S.W. Wong, Montana McKewen, Patricia T. Michie, Frini Karayanidis
Low frequency oscillations in the theta range (4–8Hz) are increasingly recognized as having a crucial role in flexible cognition. Such evidence is typically derived from studies in the context of reactive (stimulus-driven) control processes. However, little research has explored the role of theta oscillations in preparatory control processes. In the current study, we explored the extent of theta oscillations during proactive cognitive control and determined if these oscillations were associated with behavior. Results supported a general role of theta oscillations during proactive cognitive control, with increased power and phase coherence during the preparatory cue interval. Further, theta oscillations across frontoparietal electrodes were also modulated by proactive control demands, with increased theta phase synchrony and power for cues signaling the need for goal updating. Finally, we present novel evidence of negative associations between behavioral variability and both power and phase synchrony across many of these frontoparietal electrodes that were associated with the need for goal updating. In particular, greater consistency in frontoparietal theta oscillations, indicated by increased theta phase and power during mixed-task blocks, resulted in more consistent task-switching performance. Together, these findings provide new insight into the temporal dynamics and functional relevance of theta oscillations during proactive cognitive control.
http://ift.tt/2fwBkxJ
When Theory and Biology Differ: The Relationship Between Reward Prediction Errors and Expectancy
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Chad C. Williams, Cameron D. Hassall, Robert Trska, Clay B. Holroyd, Olave E. Krigolson
Comparisons between expectations and outcomes are critical for learning. Termed prediction errors, the violations of expectancy that occur when outcomes differ from expectations are used to modify value and shape behaviour. In the present study, we examined how a wide range of expectancy violations impacted neural signals associated with feedback processing. Participants performed a time estimation task in which they had to guess the duration of one second while their electroencephalogram was recorded. In a key manipulation, we varied task difficulty across the experiment to create a range of different feedback expectancies − reward feedback was either very expected, expected, 50/50, unexpected, or very unexpected. As predicted, the amplitude of the reward positivity, a component of the human event-related brain potential associated with feedback processing, scaled inversely with expectancy (e.g., unexpected feedback yielded a larger reward positivity than expected feedback). Interestingly, the scaling of the reward positivity to outcome expectancy was not linear as would be predicted by some theoretical models. Specifically, we found that the amplitude of the reward positivity was about equivalent for very expected and expected feedback, and for very unexpected and unexpected feedback. As such, our results demonstrate a sigmoidal relationship between reward expectancy and the amplitude of the reward positivity, with interesting implications for theories of reinforcement learning.
http://ift.tt/2fwBgOv
Etiology, diagnosis, and demographic analysis of maxillofacial trauma in elderly persons: A 10-year investigation
The aim of this study was to investigate etiologies and diagnoses of maxillofacial trauma in emergency services in Brazil over a period of 10 years. Additionally, associations among sex, age, accident location, and dependent variables were analyzed. Understanding the epidemiology of trauma and the physiology of aging is important in maintaining health and bettering service for the elderly population.
http://ift.tt/2f7moFv
Surgical treatment of synkinesiss between smiling and eyelid closure
Synkinetics movements are common among patients with incomplete recovery from facial palsy, with reported rates ranging from 9.1% to almost 100%.The authors propose the separation of the neural stimulus of the orbicularis oculi from that of the zygomatic muscular complex to treat eyelid closure/smiling synkinesiss. This technique, associated with an anastomosis between the masseteric nerve and a central branch of the facial nerve, as well as with the use of a cross-facial nerve graft, resolves most of the spasms of the midface musculature, leading to a more relaxed tone when the mimic muscle is at rest and enhancing muscle excursion during voluntary and spontaneous smiling.
http://ift.tt/2f7mn4p
Tongue movement during articulation in magnetic resonance imaging: Findings in 20 healthy volunteers and a patient with anterior floor of the mouth squamous cell carcinoma
Combined ablative and reconstructive oral maxillofacial surgery involves a multitude of anatomical and functional structures for speech and swallowing. Although there are a few methods to objectively examine swallowing function, this is not true for speech. We describe the development of an objective visualization and measurement tool for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate speech and its first application in a patient.
http://ift.tt/2w45L4D
Autonomous Bone Reposition around Anatomical Landmark for Robot-Assisted Orthognathic Surgery
The purpose of this study was to develop a new method for enabling a robot to assist a surgeon in repositioning a bone segment to accurately transfer a preoperative virtual plan into the intraoperative phase in orthognathic surgery. We developed a robot system consisting of an arm with six degrees of freedom, a robot motion-controller, and a PC. An end-effector at the end of the robot arm transferred the movements of the robot arm to the patient's jawbone. The registration between the robot and CT image spaces was performed completely preoperatively, and the intraoperative registration could be finished using only position changes of the tracking tools at the robot end-effector and the patient's splint.
http://ift.tt/2w4Xg9s
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor A levels reflect itch severity in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome
Abstract
Angiogenesis is an important step to support progression of malignancies, including mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, a key player in angiogenesis, is secreted by tumor cells of MF/SS and its expression levels in lesional skin correlated with disease severity. In this study, we examined serum VEGF-A levels in MF/SS patients. Serum VEGF-A levels were elevated in patients with erythrodermic MF/SS and the levels decreased after treatment. Importantly, serum VEGF-A levels positively correlated with markers for pruritus. We also found that VEGF-A upregulated mRNA expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin by keratinocytes. Taken together, our study suggests that VEGF-A can promote progression and pruritus in MF/SS. Inhibition of VEGF-A signaling can be a therapeutic strategy for patients with erythrodermic MF/SS.
http://ift.tt/2fwyfgY
Autoimmune diseases involving skin and intestinal mucosa are more frequent in adolescents and young adults suffering from atopic dermatitis
Abstract
Evidence has emerged about the relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) and autoimmune diseases, but the underlying mechanism of this association is complex and still unclear. Recent epidemiological data from the published work suggest a positive correlation. The aim of this review is to analyze the frequency of co-occurrence of AD and autoimmune diseases. Our systematic review included 22 articles from PubMed describing the reciprocal association between AD and autoimmune diseases. Although not all the studies achieved statistically significant results, patients suffering from autoimmune diseases involving skin and intestinal mucosa, such as vitiligo, alopecia areata, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases, showed a higher risk to have AD as comorbidity. In contrast, patients with rheumatological autoimmune disorders did not show a significant correlation with AD. By analyzing the occurrence of autoimmune disorders in patients with AD, we confirmed a positive correlation between AD and autoimmune diseases involving skin and intestinal mucosa, but also with systemic lupus erythematosus, while the association between AD and type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis showed conflicting results. Further investigations are need to explain the mechanism underlying the observed comorbidity between AD and autoimmune diseases and to develop targeted prevention strategies and treatment.
http://ift.tt/2xa4hcQ
Lipofuscin deposition causes the pigmentation of apocrine hidrocystoma
Abstract
Apocrine hidrocystoma (AHC) is a benign cystic lesion arising from apocrine glands and frequently presents as a blue hae with a whitish gloss. It has been reported that the amount of lipofuscin and the degree of its oxidation determines the pigmentation of AHC. However, little is known about the correlation between clinical color and lipofuscin granules. In this study, we histopathologically investigated three cases of AHC and statistically analyzed the quantitative correlation between the clinical color tone and the amount of cytoplasmic lipofuscin deposits. The color tone was quantified as the mean gray value using Image J software. Statistical analysis showed a negative correlative tendency (P = 0.09) between the color tone and the amount of lipofuscin. Our study suggests that the color tone of AHC is associated with the amount of lipofuscin.
http://ift.tt/2fvOYB0
Nipple sparing mastectomy and microsurgical breast reconstruction: an approach for success
Surgical management of breast cancer has evolved to allow for nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) in oncologically eligible patients. Successful reconstruction requires complication-free execution and overall aesthetic harmony of the reconstructed and unaffected breasts. Few articles have described technical considerations and challenges encountered while performing NSM reconstruction with autologous tissue. Herein, we report our algorithm for success.
http://ift.tt/2xb1Zdm
LDT classification and therapeutic strategy of congenital body wall defects
We shared the repairing methods, which were used in our 5 cases of congenital malformations, at "The Third World Congress for Plastic Surgeons of Chinese Descent" in 2012. The title of this conference paper was "Clinical Experiences on Repairing of Huge Body Wall Defects".
http://ift.tt/2fx3WXH
Dectin-1 is essential for IL-1β production through JNK activation and apoptosis in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis
Publication date: November 2017
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 52
Author(s): Kelan Yuan, Guiqiu Zhao, Chengye Che, Cui Li, Jing Lin, Guoqiang Zhu, Kun He
PurposeTo investigate the role of phosphorylated JNK in Dectin-1-induced IL-1β production and the role of Dectin-1 in apoptosis in mouse Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis.MethodsMice corneas were pretreated with Dectin-1 siRNA or SP600125 (the inhibitor of JNK) before A. fumigatus infection. THP-1 macrophages were preincubated with SP600125 before the stimulation of A. fumigatus conidia. Dectin-1, IL-1β, JNK, Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome-c (cyt-c), caspase-9, caspase-8 and caspase-3 expressions were tested by PCR, Western blot, or Immunofluorescence staining.ResultsPretreatment with Dectin-1 siRNA significantly decreased A. fumigatus-induced IL-1β production and JNK phosphorylation compared with scrambled control in C57BL/6 mice corneas. SP600125 treatment before infection significantly inhibited IL-1β production compared with DMSO control both in mice corneas and THP-1 macrophages. Furthermore, Dectin-1 deficiency resulted in increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, release of cyt-c, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in mouse A. fumigatus keratitis. However, Dectin-1 deficiency didn't affect the activation of caspase-8.ConclusionsBeing an important inflammatory PRR to mediate host inflammatory response, Dectin-1 induced IL-1β production is JNK dependent in mouse A. fumigatus keratitis, and suppressed apoptosis mediated anti-inflammatory response.
http://ift.tt/2ylRfqj
Concurrent administration effect of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs on the immunotoxicity of bacterial endotoxins
Publication date: November 2017
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 52
Author(s): Azza M. El Amir, Dalia G. Tanious, Hanaa A. Mansour
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a gram-negative bacterium that causes a variety of diseases in compromised hosts. Bacterial endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are the major outer surface membrane components that are present in almost all gram-negative bacteria and act as extremely strong stimulators of innate immunity and inflammation of the airway. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of combined administration of Gentamicin (GENT) as an antibiotic and Dexamethasone (DEXA) as an anti-inflammatory drug on some immunological and histological parameters. After determination of LD50 of P. aeruginosa, mice groups were injected with DEXA, GENT and lipopolysaccharide alone or in combination. Lipopolysaccharide single injection caused a significant increase of total leukocyte count, lymphocytes, neutrophils and levels of IgM and IgG. DEXA induced an increase of neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Immunological examination demonstrated that combined treatment has a significant effect of decreasing lymphocytes and IgG levels than single treatment does. Histological examination demonstrated that the inflammation of thymus, spleen, lymph node and liver decreases in mice that received combined treatment than those that received individual treatment. Concurrent administration of DEXA and GENT has a great effect on protecting organs against damage in case of endotoxemia.
http://ift.tt/2wrJnX5
Marital status as a predictor of survival in patients with human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer
Determine whether marital status is a significant predictor of survival in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer.
http://ift.tt/2hcXitt
Comparison of radiation doses imparted during 128-multislice CT-scanners and cone beam computed tomography for intra- and perioperative cochlear implant assessment
To examine radiation-doses imparted during multislice (MSCT) and cone-beam computed-tomography (CBCT) for perioperative examination of cochlear-implant insertion.
http://ift.tt/2hdNr2Q
The folded postauricular flap: A novel approach to reconstruction of large full thickness defects of the conchal bowl
Extensive subtotal full-thickness auriculectomy defects pose a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The posterior island flap (PIF), based on the posterior auricular artery, has been described as a reconstructive option for auricular defects, with reports describing a "pull-through" or "revolving door" technique to reconstruct subtotal partial thickness and full thickness auricular defects. These techniques may result in posterior "pinning" of the auricle. This patient is an 87-year-old male who presented after Mohs excision of squamous cell carcinoma of the conchal bowl, which resulted in a 4x4cm subtotal auriculectomy defect.
http://ift.tt/2haX2uW
Marital status as a predictor of survival in patients with human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer
Determine whether marital status is a significant predictor of survival in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer.
http://ift.tt/2hcXitt
Comparison of radiation doses imparted during 128-multislice CT-scanners and cone beam computed tomography for intra- and perioperative cochlear implant assessment
To examine radiation-doses imparted during multislice (MSCT) and cone-beam computed-tomography (CBCT) for perioperative examination of cochlear-implant insertion.
http://ift.tt/2hdNr2Q
The folded postauricular flap: A novel approach to reconstruction of large full thickness defects of the conchal bowl
Extensive subtotal full-thickness auriculectomy defects pose a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The posterior island flap (PIF), based on the posterior auricular artery, has been described as a reconstructive option for auricular defects, with reports describing a "pull-through" or "revolving door" technique to reconstruct subtotal partial thickness and full thickness auricular defects. These techniques may result in posterior "pinning" of the auricle. This patient is an 87-year-old male who presented after Mohs excision of squamous cell carcinoma of the conchal bowl, which resulted in a 4x4cm subtotal auriculectomy defect.
http://ift.tt/2haX2uW
Serous retinal detachment after panretinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a case report
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of visual impairment in working-age adults worldwide. Panretinal photocoagulation is a cornerstone in its management; however, it may include a range of side...
http://ift.tt/2wsuIuX
Evaluating the sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey in the pediatric cystic fibrosis patient population
The Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey (SN-5) is a validated quality of life (QOL) questionnaire for chronic rhinosinusitis in patients age 2–12. Its utility in the cystic fibrosis (CF) has been studied, but not yet validated. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the SN-5 for evaluation of sinonasal symptoms in the pediatric CF population.
http://ift.tt/2f6YA4Q
The use of CT-scan in foreign body aspiration in children: A 6 years' experience
A foreign body aspiration is a risky situation, common in pediatric emergency. The "gold standard" to rule out a foreign body or proceed to its extraction, is rigid bronchoscopy (RB) under general anesthesia. However, RB is an intrusive exam with possible complications. Depending on authors, RB in emergency is a procedure at risk of complications in 4–17% of cases. Advances in radiology allow CT-scanners of fast acquisition and high definition, which could be used as an alternative to RB.
http://ift.tt/2f6TXrt
Treatment outcomes of sialendoscopy for submandibular gland sialolithiasis: The minor axis of the sialolith is a regulative factor for the removal of sialoliths in the hilum of the submandibular gland using sialendoscopy alone
To assess the general guidelines for the removal of sialoliths for submandibular gland sialolithiasis using sialendoscopy alone.
http://ift.tt/2wrP7A0
Treatment outcomes of sialendoscopy for submandibular gland sialolithiasis: The minor axis of the sialolith is a regulative factor for the removal of sialoliths in the hilum of the submandibular gland using sialendoscopy alone
To assess the general guidelines for the removal of sialoliths for submandibular gland sialolithiasis using sialendoscopy alone.
http://ift.tt/2wrP7A0
Erratum to “Craniofacial and extracraniofacial anomalies in craniofacial macrosomia: A multicenter study of 755 patients” [J Craniomaxillofac Surg vol. 45(8) (August 2017), 1302–1310]
The publisher regrets an error in the above title. The correct title for this article is as follows: Craniofacial and extracraniofacial anomalies in craniofacial microsomia: A multicenter study of 755 patients.
http://ift.tt/2f66KKC
Evaluation of stopping-power prediction by dual- and single-energy computed tomography in an anthropomorphic ground-truth phantom
Publication date: Available online 17 September 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Patrick Wohlfahrt, Christian Möhler, Christian Richter, Steffen Greilich
PurposeTo determine the accuracy of particle range prediction for proton and heavier ion radiotherapy based on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in a realistic inhomogeneous geometry and to compare it to the state-of-the-art clinical approach.Methods and MaterialsA 3D ground-truth map of stopping-power ratios (SPRs) was created for an anthropomorphic head phantom by assigning measured SPR values to segmented structures in a high-resolution CT scan. This reference map was validated independently comparing proton transmission measurements to Monte Carlo transport simulations.Two DECT-based methods for direct SPR prediction via the Bethe formula (DirectSPR) and two established approaches based on Hounsfield look-up tables (HLUTs) were chosen for evaluation. SPR predictions from the four investigated methods were compared to the reference, employing material-specific voxel statistics and 2D gamma analysis. Furthermore, range deviations were analyzed in an exemplary proton treatment plan.ResultsThe established reference SPR map was successfully validated for the discrimination of SPR and range differences well below 0.3% and 1 mm respectively, even in complex inhomogeneous settings. For the phantom materials of larger volume (mainly brain, soft tissue), the investigated methods were overall able to predict SPR within 1% median deviation. The DirectSPR methods generally performed better than the HLUT approaches. For smaller phantom parts (such as cortical bone, air cavities), all methods were affected by image smoothing, leading to considerable SPR under- or overestimation. This effect was superimposed on the general SPR prediction accuracy in the exemplary treatment plan.ConclusionsDirectSPR predictions proved to be more robust with high accuracy in particular for larger volumes. In contrast, HLUT approaches exhibited a fortuitous component. The evaluation of accuracy in a realistic phantom with validated ground-truth SPR represents a crucial step towards possible clinical application of DECT-based SPR prediction methods.
http://ift.tt/2xaE6ms
A Population-Based Study of Stereotactic Radiosurgery or Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Vestibular Schwannoma: Long-Term Outcomes and Toxicities
Publication date: Available online 17 September 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Andrea Lo, Gareth Ayre, Roy Ma, Fred Hsu, Ryojo Akagami, Michael McKenzie, Boris Valev, Ermias Gete, Isabelle Vallieres, Alan Nichol
PurposeThe purpose of the study is to examine long-term local control of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and side effects in patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in XX-region.Methods and MaterialsFrom August 1998 to May 2009, 207 patients were treated with radiation therapy (RT) at XX-center; 136 (66%) received SRS and 71 (34%) received SRT. Dose prescriptions were 50Gy/25 for SRT and 12Gy/1 for SRS. Our multidisciplinary provincial neuro-stereotactic conference recommended SRT for tumors >3cm and for patients with serviceable hearing (Gardner-Robertson Class I & II).ResultsMedian follow-up was 7.7 years to the last MRI and 6.4 years to the last clinical assessment. Local control for SRS vs. SRT was 94% vs. 87% at 5 years and 90% vs. 85% at 10 years (P=0.2). Five- and 10-year actuarial rates of RT-induced trigeminal nerve dysfunction (TND) were 25% and 25% after SRS, compared to 7% and 12% after SRT (P=0.01). Five- and 10-year actuarial rates of RT-induced facial nerve dysfunction were 15% and 15% after SRS, vs. 13% and 15% after SRT (P=0.93). In the 49 patients with serviceable hearing at baseline who were treated with SRT, hearing preservation was 55% at 3 years, 37% at 5 years, and 29% at 7 years. In multivariable analysis, better pre-treatment ipsilateral pure tone average was significantly associated with hearing preservation (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00-1.07; P=0.04).ConclusionsBoth SRS and SRT provided excellent long-term local control of VS. SRS was associated with higher rates of trigeminal nerve dysfunction. Even with a fractionated course, hearing preservation declined steadily with long-term audiometric follow-up.
http://ift.tt/2fwVBmR
Alanine Aminotransferase and Total Bilirubin Are Synergistically Associated with Metabolic Syndrome Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Japanese Women
Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders , Vol. 0, No. 0.
http://ift.tt/2hdwbul
The Currency of Science
Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders , Vol. 0, No. 0.
http://ift.tt/2hd5jhQ
Dose escalation intensity-modulated radiotherapy–based concurrent chemoradiotherapy is effective for advanced-stage thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Chia-Lun Chang, Hsieh-Chih Tsai, Wei-Cheng Lin, Jer-Hwa Chang, Han-Lin Hsu, Jyh-Ming Chow, Kevin Sheng-Po Yuan, Alexander T.H. Wu, Szu-Yuan Wu
PurposeNo studies have investigated the effects of irradiation-dose escalation intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC).Patients and methodsWe analyzed data from patients with TESCC who were enrolled in the Taiwan Cancer Registry database. To compare treatment outcomes, the patients were categorized into two groups according to their radiotherapy doses: group 1, who received CCRT<60Gy with IMRT, and group 2, who received CCRT≥60Gy with IMRT. Group 1 was used as the control for investigating posttreatment mortality risk.ResultsWe enrolled 2061 patients with TESCC without distant metastasis who received CCRT with IMRT. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that advanced clinical American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage (≥IIIA), alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking were significant, poor independent predictors in patients with TESCC receiving IMRT-based CCRT. IMRT-based CCRT (≥60Gy; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–0.83) was a significant independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P<0.0001). After adjustment for confounders, the aHRs (95% CIs) for overall mortality at all clinical stages were 0.75 (0.68–0.83, P<0.0001) in group 2. In group 2, the aHRs (95% CIs) for overall mortality at early (IA–IIB) and advanced (IIIA–IIIC) AJCC clinical stages were 0.89 (0.70–1.04, P=0.1905) and 0.75 (0.67–0.83, P<0.0001), respectively.ConclusionCompared with standard-dose IMRT-based CCRT, high-dose IMRT-based CCRT yields more favorable survival outcomes in patients with advanced-stage TESCC.
http://ift.tt/2xtvlU8
A systematic review of health economic evaluation in adjuvant breast radiotherapy: Quality counted by numbers
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Chris Monten, Liv Veldeman, Nick Verhaeghe, Yolande Lievens
BackgroundEvolving practice in adjuvant breast radiotherapy inevitably impacts healthcare budgets. This is reflected in a rise of health economic evaluations (HEE) in this domain. The available HEE literature was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively, using available instruments.MethodsHEEs published between 1/1/2000 and 31/10/2016 were retrieved through a systematic search in Medline, Cochrane and Embase. A quality-assessment using CHEERS (Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards) was translated into a quantitative score and compared with Tufts Medical Centre CEA registry and Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) results.ResultsTwenty cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) and thirteen cost comparisons (CC) were analysed. In qualitative evaluation, valuation or justification of data sources, population heterogeneity and discussion on generalizability, in addition to declaration on funding, were often absent or incomplete. After quantification, the average CHEERS-scores were 74% (CI 66.9–81.1%) and 75.6% (CI 70.7–80.5%) for CEAs and CCs respectively. CEA-scores did not differ significantly from Tufts and QHES-scores.ConclusionQuantitative CHEERS evaluation is feasible and yields comparable results to validated instruments. HEE in adjuvant breast radiotherapy is of acceptable quality, however, further efforts are needed to improve comprehensive reporting of all data, indispensable for assessing relevance, reliability and generalizability of results.
http://ift.tt/2fgvljP
Radioresistance of the breast tumor is highly correlated to its level of cancer stem cell and its clinical implication for breast irradiation
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Xiangrong Sharon Qi, Frank Pajonk, Susan McCloskey, Daniel A. Low, Patrick Kupelian, Michael Steinberg, Ke Sheng
Background and purposeGrowing evidence suggested the coexistence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within solid tumors. We aimed to study radiosensitivity parameters for the CSCs and differentiated tumor cells (TCs) and the correlation of the fractions of CSCs to the overall tumor radioresistance.Material and methodsSurviving fractions of breast cancer cell lines were analyzed using a dual-compartment Linear-quadratic model with independent fitting parameters: radiosensitive αTC, βTC, αCSC, βCSC, and fraction of CSCs f. The overall tumor radio-resistance, the biological effective doses and tumor control probability were estimated as a function of CSC fraction for different fractionation regimens. The pooled clinical outcome data were fitted to the single- and dual-compartment linear-quadric models.ResultsCSCs were more radioresistant characterized by smaller α compared to TCs: αTC=0.1±0.2, αCSC=0.04±0.07 for MCF-7 (f=0.1%), αTC=0.08±0.25, αCSC=0.04±0.18 for SUM159PT (f=2.46%). Higher f values were correlated with increasing radioresistance in cell lines. Analysis of clinical outcome data is in accordance of a dual-compartment CSC model prediction. Higher percentage of BCSCs resulted in more overall tumor radioresistance and less biological effectiveness.ConclusionsPercentage of CSCs strongly correlated to overall tumor radioresistance. This observation suggested potential individualized radiotherapy to account for heterogeneous population of CSCs and their distinct radiosensitivity for breast cancer.
http://ift.tt/2xtvln6
Comparison of multi-leaf collimator tracking and treatment-couch tracking during stereotactic body radiation therapy of prostate cancer
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Stefanie Ehrbar, Simon Schmid, Alexander Jöhl, Stephan Klöck, Matthias Guckenberger, Oliver Riesterer, Stephanie Tanadini-Lang
Purpose and backgroundMotion mitigation during prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) ensures optimal target coverage while reducing the risk of overdosage of nearby organs. The geometrical and dosimetrical performance of motion mitigation with the multileaf-collimator (MLC tracking) or the treatment couch (couch tracking) were compared.Material and methodsFor ten prostate patients, SBRT treatment plans with integrated boosts were prepared using volumetric modulated arc technique. For the geometrical evaluation, a lead sphere at the beam isocenter was moved according to five prostate motion curves (i) without mitigation, (ii) with MLC tracking or (iii) with couch tracking. During irradiation, MV images were taken and the over-/underexposed areas were evaluated.For the dosimetrical evaluation, the plans were applied to a dosimetric phantom. Dose distributions with and without mitigation were evaluated inside the target structure and organs at risk.ResultsThe median over-/underexposed area was reduced significantly from 2.02cm2 without mitigation to 1.00cm2 and 0.45cm2 with MLC and couch tracking. Closest dosimetrical agreement to the static references was achieved with couch tracking.ConclusionsMLC and couch tracking at a conventional linear accelerator significantly improved the accuracy of prostate SBRT in the presence of motion, whereby couch tracking showed slightly better performance than MLC tracking.
http://ift.tt/2fgJYDH
Vocal Aspects of Brazilian Evangelical Pastors
Investigate the vocal and laryngopharyngeal symptoms, vocal quality, Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP), and vocal acoustic and auditory-perceptual characteristics from evangelical pastors comparing with the same aspects of nonprofessional voice men.
http://ift.tt/2ws1yMr
Office-Based Procedures for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Laryngeal Pathology
Since the development of distal chip endoscopes with a working channel, diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in the outpatient clinic in the management of laryngeal pathology have increased. Which of these office-based procedures are currently available, and their clinical indications and possible advantages, remains unclear.
http://ift.tt/2ylolqz
Establishment and Analysis of False Vocal Folds Hypertrophy Model in Excised Canine Larynges
This study aimed to investigate the role of false vocal folds (FVFs) medialization in phonation and the acoustic impact of ventricular hypertrophy by establishing an FVF hypertrophy model.
http://ift.tt/2ws14WD
The Absence of an Ideal Observer: Why Some Clinical Trials May Not Be What We Think They Are.
Author: Packer, Milton MD
Page: 1085-1086
http://ift.tt/2ymusKW
Evaluating the Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Statin Use Guidelines for Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke.
Author: Heller, David J. MD, MPH; Coxson, Pamela G. PhD; Penko, Joanne MS, MPH; Pletcher, Mark J. MD, MPH; Goldman, Lee MD, MPH; Odden, Michelle C. PhD, MS; Kazi, Dhruv S. MD, MS; Bibbins-Domingo, Kirsten PhD, MD, MAS
Page: 1087-1098
http://ift.tt/2wsfmGI
Stellarex Drug-Coated Balloon for Treatment of Femoropopliteal Disease: Twelve-Month Outcomes From the Randomized ILLUMENATE Pivotal and Pharmacokinetic Studies.
Author: Krishnan, Prakash MD; Faries, Peter MD; Niazi, Khusrow MD; Jain, Ash MD; Sachar, Ravish MD; Bachinsky, William B. MD; Cardenas, Joseph MD; Werner, Martin MD; Brodmann, Marianne MD; Mustapha, J. A. MD; Mena-Hurtado, Carlos MD; Jaff, Michael R. DO; Holden, Andrew H. MD; Lyden, Sean P. MD; Mewissen, Mark; Katzen, Barry; Nanjundappa, Aravinda; Khuddus, Matheen A.; Ricci, Jason; Fry, Dennis; Shishehbor, Mehdi; Bosarge, Christopher; Kovach, Richard; Goodwin, Mark; Raja, Mohammad Laiq; Mayeda, Guy; Sandhu, Jasvinder; Rosales, Oscar; Crowder, William; Paolini, David; Henretta, John; Desai, Pratik; Farhat, Naim; Kang, Edward; Ansel, Gary; Ghani, Mohammad; Miller, William; Pollock, Christopher; Korngold, Ethan; Angle, John F.; Schultz, Greg; Gensler, Todd; Lopez, Louis; Park, James; Al-Khoury, Georges; Joels, Charles; Metzger, Christopher
Page: 1102-1113
http://ift.tt/2wqXlZ9
Long-Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Complications in Takayasu Arteritis: A Multicenter Study of 318 Patients.
Author: Comarmond, Cloe MD, PhD; Biard, Lucie MPH; Lambert, Marc MD, PhD; Mekinian, Arsene MD, PhD; Ferfar, Yasmina MD; Kahn, Jean-Emmanuel MD, PhD; Benhamou, Ygal MD, PhD; Chiche, Laurent MD; Koskas, Fabien MD; Cluzel, Philippe MD, PhD; Hachulla, Eric MD, PhD; Messas, Emmanuel MD, PhD; Resche-Rigon, Matthieu MD, MPH; Cacoub, Patrice MD, PhD; Mirault, Tristan MD, PhD; Saadoun, David MD, PhD; For the French Takayasu Network
Page: 1114-1122
http://ift.tt/2ylsLgS
Multicellular Transcriptional Analysis of Mammalian Heart Regeneration.
Author: Quaife-Ryan, Gregory A. BSc; Sim, Choon Boon PhD; Ziemann, Mark PhD; Kaspi, Antony PhD; Rafehi, Haloom PhD; Ramialison, Mirana PhD; El-Osta, Assam PhD; Hudson, James E. PhD; Porrello, Enzo R. PhD
Page: 1123-1139
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Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 Controls Necrotic Core Formation in Atherosclerotic Lesions by Impairing Efferocytosis.
Author: Seneviratne, Anusha N. PhD *; Edsfeldt, Andreas MD, PhD *; Cole, Jennifer E. PhD +; Kassiteridi, Christina PhD +; Swart, Maarten MSc; Park, Inhye MRes, BSc; Green, Patricia Dip Hon; Khoyratty, Tariq BSc; Saliba, David PhD; Goddard, Michael E. BSc; Sansom, Stephen N. PhD; Goncalves, Isabel MD, PhD; Krams, Rob PhD; Udalova, Irina A. PhD; Monaco, Claudia MD, PhD
Page: 1140-1154
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Acute Coronary Syndromes: The Way Forward From Mechanisms to Precision Treatment.
Author: Crea, Filippo MD; Libby, Peter MD
Page: 1155-1166
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Effects of the Selective Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin on Vascular Function and Central Hemodynamics in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Author: Striepe, Kristina MD; Jumar, Agnes MD; Ott, Christian MD; Karg, Marina V. MD; Schneider, Markus P. MD; Kannenkeril, Dennis MD; Schmieder, Roland E. MD
Page: 1167-1169
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Letter by Donzelli Regarding Article, "Potential Deaths Averted and Serious Adverse Events Incurred From Adoption of the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) Intensive Blood Pressure Regimen in the United States: Projections From NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)".
Author: Donzelli, Alberto MD
Page: 1170-1171
http://ift.tt/2fwvrAK
Letter by Koh Regarding Article, "Potential Deaths Averted and Serious Adverse Events Incurred From Adoption of the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) Intensive Blood Pressure Regimen in the United States: Projections From NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)".
Author: Koh, Kwang Kon MD, PhD
Page: 1172-1173
http://ift.tt/2x9z3Tm
Response by Bress et al to Letters Regarding Article, "Potential Deaths Averted and Serious Adverse Events Incurred From Adoption of the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) Intensive Blood Pressure Regimen in the United States: Projections from NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)".
Author: Bress, Adam P. PharmD, MS; Kramer, Holly MD, MPH; Cooper, Richard S. MD
Page: 1174-1175
http://ift.tt/2fvHX3c
Immune regulation by histamine and histamine-secreting bacteria
Weronika Barcik | Marcin Wawrzyniak | Cezmi A Akdis | Liam O'Mahony
http://ift.tt/2jF347Q
Highly selective and sensitive sensor based on an organic electrochemical transistor for the detection of ascorbic acid
Publication date: 15 February 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 100
Author(s): Lijun Zhang, Guiheng Wang, Di Wu, Can Xiong, Lei Zheng, Yunsheng Ding, Hongbo Lu, Guobing Zhang, Longzhen Qiu
In this study, an organic electrochemical transistor sensor (OECT) with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-modified gate electrode was prepared for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA). The combination of the amplification function of an OECT and the selective specificity of MIPs afforded a highly sensitive, selective OECT sensor. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were carried out to monitor the stepwise fabrication of the modified electrodes and the adsorption capacity of the MIP/Au electrodes. Atomic force microscopy was employed for examining the surface morphology of the electrodes. Important detection parameters, pH and detection temperature were optimized. With the change in the relative concentration of AA from 1μM to 100μM, the MIP-OECT sensor exhibited a low detection limit of 10nM (S/N>3) and a sensitivity of 75.3μA channel current change per decade under optimal conditions. In addition, the MIP-OECT sensor exhibited excellent specific recognition ability to AA, which prevented the interference from other structurally similar compounds (e.g., aspartic acid, glucose, uric acid, glycine, glutathione, H2O2), and common metal ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Fe2+). In addition, a series of vitamin C beverages were analyzed to demonstrate the feasibility of the MIP-OECT sensor. Using the proposed principle, several other sensors with improved performance can be constructed via the modification of organic electrochemical transistors with appropriate MIP films.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2f6aYC6
Preparation, characterization and application of urease nanoparticles for construction of an improved potentiometric urea biosensor
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 100
Author(s): Seema Jakhar, C.S. Pundir
The nanoparticles (NPs) aggregates of commercial urease from jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis) were prepared by desolvation and glutaraldehyde crosslinking and functionalized by cysteamine dihydrochloride. These enzyme nanoparticles (ENPs) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The TEM images of urease NPs showed their size in the range, 18–100nm with an average of 51.2nm. The ENPs were more active and stable with a longer shelf life than native enzyme molecules. The ENPs were immobilized onto chitosan (CHIT) activated nitrocellulose (NC) membrane via glutaraldehyde coupling with 32.22% retention of initial activity of free urease NPs with a conjugation yield of 1.63mg/cm2. This NC membrane was mounted at the lower/sensitive end of the ammonium ion selective electrode (AISE) with O-ring and then electrode was connected to a digital pH meter to construct a potentiometric urea biosensor. The biosensor exhibited optimum response within 10s at pH 5.5 and 40°C. The biosensor was employed for measurement of potentiometric determination of urea in sera of apparently healthy and persons suffering from kidney disorders. The biosensor displayed a low detection limit of 1µM/L with a wide working range of 2–80µM/L (0.002–0.08mM) and sensitivity of 23mV/decade. The analytical recovery of added urea in serum was 106.33%. The within and between-batch coefficient of variations (CVs) of present biosensor were 0.18% and 0.32% respectively. There was a good correlation (r = 0.99) between sera urea values obtained by reference method (Enzymic colorimetric kit method) and the present biosensor. The biosensor had negligible interference from Na+,K+,NH+4 and Ca2+ but Mg2+,Cu2+ and ascorbic acid but had slight interference, which was overcome by specific ion selective electrode. The ENPs bound NC membrane was used maximally 8–9 times per day over a period of 180 days, when stored in 0.01M sodium acetate buffer pH 5.5 at 4°C.
http://ift.tt/2f6hQ2b
Texture and art with deep neural networks
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 46
Author(s): Leon A .Gatys, Alexander S Ecker, Matthias Bethge
Although the study of biological vision and computer vision attempt to understand powerful visual information processing from different angles, they have a long history of informing each other. Recent advances in texture synthesis that were motivated by visual neuroscience have led to a substantial advance in image synthesis and manipulation in computer vision using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Here, we review these recent advances and discuss how they can in turn inspire new research in visual perception and computational neuroscience.
http://ift.tt/2xtT4U7
Effects of Lexical Variables on Silent Reading Comprehension in Individuals With Aphasia: Evidence From Eye Tracking
Purpose
Previous eye-tracking research has suggested that individuals with aphasia (IWA) do not assign syntactic structure on their first pass through a sentence during silent reading comprehension. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the time course with which lexical variables affect silent reading comprehension in IWA. Three lexical variables were investigated: word frequency, word class, and word length. Methods
IWA and control participants without brain damage participated in the experiment. Participants read sentences while a camera tracked their eye movements. Results
IWA showed effects of word class, word length, and word frequency that were similar to or greater than those observed in controls. Conclusions
IWA showed sensitivity to lexical variables on the first pass through the sentence. The results are consistent with the view that IWA focus on lexical access on their first pass through a sentence and then work to build syntactic structure on subsequent passes. In addition, IWA showed very long rereading times and low skipping rates overall, which may contribute to some of the group differences in reading comprehension.http://article/60/9/2589/2653404/Effects-of-Lexical-Variables-on-Silent-Reading
Automatic Speech Recognition Predicts Speech Intelligibility and Comprehension for Listeners With Simulated Age-Related Hearing Loss
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to assess speech processing for listeners with simulated age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and to investigate whether the observed performance can be replicated using an automatic speech recognition (ASR) system. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a system that will assist audiologists/hearing-aid dispensers in the fine-tuning of hearing aids. Method
Sixty young participants with normal hearing listened to speech materials mimicking the perceptual consequences of ARHL at different levels of severity. Two intelligibility tests (repetition of words and sentences) and 1 comprehension test (responding to oral commands by moving virtual objects) were administered. Several language models were developed and used by the ASR system in order to fit human performances. Results
Strong significant positive correlations were observed between human and ASR scores, with coefficients up to .99. However, the spectral smearing used to simulate losses in frequency selectivity caused larger declines in ASR performance than in human performance. Conclusion
Both intelligibility and comprehension scores for listeners with simulated ARHL are highly correlated with the performances of an ASR-based system. In the future, it needs to be determined if the ASR system is similarly successful in predicting speech processing in noise and by older people with ARHL.http://article/60/9/2394/2648888/Automatic-Speech-Recognition-Predicts-Speech
Visual Cues Contribute Differentially to Audiovisual Perception of Consonants and Vowels in Improving Recognition and Reducing Cognitive Demands in Listeners With Hearing Impairment Using Hearing Aids
Purpose
We sought to examine the contribution of visual cues in audiovisual identification of consonants and vowels—in terms of isolation points (the shortest time required for correct identification of a speech stimulus), accuracy, and cognitive demands—in listeners with hearing impairment using hearing aids. Method
The study comprised 199 participants with hearing impairment (mean age = 61.1 years) with bilateral, symmetrical, mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss. Gated Swedish consonants and vowels were presented aurally and audiovisually to participants. Linear amplification was adjusted for each participant to assure audibility. The reading span test was used to measure participants' working memory capacity. Results
Audiovisual presentation resulted in shortened isolation points and improved accuracy for consonants and vowels relative to auditory-only presentation. This benefit was more evident for consonants than vowels. In addition, correlations and subsequent analyses revealed that listeners with higher scores on the reading span test identified both consonants and vowels earlier in auditory-only presentation, but only vowels (not consonants) in audiovisual presentation. Conclusion
Consonants and vowels differed in terms of the benefits afforded from their associative visual cues, as indicated by the degree of audiovisual benefit and reduction in cognitive demands linked to the identification of consonants and vowels presented audiovisually.http://article/60/9/2687/2635215/Visual-Cues-Contribute-Differentially-to
Inner Speech's Relationship With Overt Speech in Poststroke Aphasia
Purpose
Relatively preserved inner speech alongside poor overt speech has been documented in some persons with aphasia (PWA), but the relationship of overt speech with inner speech is still largely unclear, as few studies have directly investigated these factors. The present study investigates the relationship of relatively preserved inner speech in aphasia with selected measures of language and cognition. Method
Thirty-eight persons with chronic aphasia (27 men, 11 women; average age 64.53 ± 13.29 years, time since stroke 8–111 months) were classified as having relatively preserved inner and overt speech (n = 21), relatively preserved inner speech with poor overt speech (n = 8), or not classified due to insufficient measurements of inner and/or overt speech (n = 9). Inner speech scores (by group) were correlated with selected measures of language and cognition from the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (Swinburn, Porter, & Al, 2004). Results
The group with poor overt speech showed a significant relationship of inner speech with overt naming (r = .95, p < .01) and with mean length of utterance produced during a written picture description (r = .96, p < .01). Correlations between inner speech and language and cognition factors were not significant for the group with relatively good overt speech. Conclusions
As in previous research, we show that relatively preserved inner speech is found alongside otherwise severe production deficits in PWA. PWA with poor overt speech may rely more on preserved inner speech for overt picture naming (perhaps due to shared resources with verbal working memory) and for written picture description (perhaps due to reliance on inner speech due to perceived task difficulty). Assessments of inner speech may be useful as a standard component of aphasia screening, and therapy focused on improving and using inner speech may prove clinically worthwhile. Supplemental Materials
http://ift.tt/2xiwlv4http://article/60/9/2406/2653957/Inner-Speechs-Relationship-With-Overt-Speech-in
Training Peer Partners to Use a Speech-Generating Device With Classmates With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring Communication Outcomes Across Preschool Contexts
Purpose
This study examined effects of a peer-mediated intervention that provided training on the use of a speech-generating device for preschoolers with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and peer partners. Method
Effects were examined using a multiple probe design across 3 children with ASD and limited to no verbal skills. Three peers without disabilities were taught to Stay, Play, and Talk using a GoTalk 4+ (Attainment Company) and were then paired up with a classmate with ASD in classroom social activities. Measures included rates of communication acts, communication mode and function, reciprocity, and engagement with peers. Results
Following peer training, intervention effects were replicated across 3 peers, who all demonstrated an increased level and upward trend in communication acts to their classmates with ASD. Outcomes also revealed moderate intervention effects and increased levels of peer-directed communication for 3 children with ASD in classroom centers. Additional analyses revealed higher rates of communication in the added context of preferred toys and snack. The children with ASD also demonstrated improved communication reciprocity and peer engagement. Conclusions
Results provide preliminary evidence on the benefits of combining peer-mediated and speech-generating device interventions to improve children's communication. Furthermore, it appears that preferred contexts are likely to facilitate greater communication and social engagement with peers.http://article/60/9/2648/2653179/Training-Peer-Partners-to-Use-a-SpeechGenerating
Indicators of Dysphagia in Aged Care Facilities
Purpose
The current cross-sectional study aimed to investigate risk factors for dysphagia in elderly individuals in aged care facilities. Method
A total of 878 individuals from 42 aged care facilities were recruited for this study. The dependent outcome was speech therapist-determined swallowing function. Independent factors were Eating Assessment Tool score, oral motor assessment score, Mini-Mental State Examination, medical history, and various functional status ratings. Binomial logistic regression was used to identify independent variables associated with dysphagia in this cohort. Results
Two statistical models were constructed. Model 1 used variables from case files without the need for hands-on assessment, and Model 2 used variables that could be obtained from hands-on assessment. Variables positively associated with dysphagia identified in Model 1 were male gender, total dependence for activities of daily living, need for feeding assistance, mobility, requiring assistance walking or using a wheelchair, and history of pneumonia. Variables positively associated with dysphagia identified in Model 2 were Mini-Mental State Examination score, edentulousness, and oral motor assessments score. Conclusions
Cognitive function, dentition, and oral motor function are significant indicators associated with the presence of swallowing in the elderly. When assessing the frail elderly, case file information can help clinicians identify frail elderly individuals who may be suffering from dysphagia.http://article/60/9/2416/2649235/Indicators-of-Dysphagia-in-Aged-Care-Facilities
Speech Recognition and Cognitive Skills in Bimodal Cochlear Implant Users
Purpose
To examine the relation between speech recognition and cognitive skills in bimodal cochlear implant (CI) and hearing aid users. Method
Seventeen bimodal CI users (28–74 years) were recruited to the study. Speech recognition tests were carried out in quiet and in noise. The cognitive tests employed included the Reading Span Test and the Trail Making Test (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980; Reitan, 1958, 1992), measuring working memory capacity and processing speed and executive functioning, respectively. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t tests, Pearson correlations, and partial correlations controlling for age. Results
The results indicate that performance on some cognitive tests predicts speech recognition and that bimodal listening generates a significant improvement in speech in quiet compared to unilateral CI listening. However, the current results also suggest that bimodal listening requires different cognitive skills than does unimodal CI listening. This is likely to relate to the relative difficulty of having to integrate 2 different signals and then map the integrated signal to representations stored in the long-term memory. Conclusions
Even though participants obtained speech recognition benefit from bimodal listening, the results suggest that processing bimodal stimuli involves different cognitive skills than does unimodal conditions in quiet. Thus, clinically, it is important to consider this when assessing treatment outcomes.http://article/60/9/2752/2653958/Speech-Recognition-and-Cognitive-Skills-in-Bimodal
Alveolar and Postalveolar Voiceless Fricative and Affricate Productions of Spanish–English Bilingual Children With Cochlear Implants
Purpose
This study investigates the production of voiceless alveolar and postalveolar fricatives and affricates by bilingual and monolingual children with hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs) and their peers with normal hearing (NH). Method
Fifty-four children participated in our study, including 12 Spanish–English bilingual CI users (M = 6;0 [years;months]), 12 monolingual English-speaking children with CIs (M = 6;1), 20 bilingual children with NH (M = 6;5), and 10 monolingual English-speaking children with NH (M = 5;10). Picture elicitation targeting /s/, /tʃ/, and /ʃ/ was administered. Repeated-measures analyses of variance comparing group means for frication duration, rise time, and centroid frequency were conducted for the effects of CI use and bilingualism. Results
All groups distinguished the target sounds in the 3 acoustic parameters examined. Regarding frication duration and rise time, the Spanish productions of bilingual children with CIs differed from their bilingual peers with NH. English frication duration patterns for bilingual versus monolingual CI users also differed. Centroid frequency was a stronger place cue for children with NH than for children with CIs. Conclusion
Patterns of fricative and affricate production display effects of bilingualism and diminished signal, yielding unique patterns for bilingual and monolingual CI users.http://article/60/9/2427/2648980/Alveolar-and-Postalveolar-Voiceless-Fricative-and
Input Subject Diversity Accelerates the Growth of Tense and Agreement: Indirect Benefits From a Parent-Implemented Intervention
Purpose
This follow-up study examined whether a parent intervention that increased the diversity of lexical noun phrase subjects in parent input and accelerated children's sentence diversity (Hadley et al., 2017) had indirect benefits on tense/agreement (T/A) morphemes in parent input and children's spontaneous speech. Method
Differences in input variables related to T/A marking were compared for parents who received toy talk instruction and a quasi-control group: input informativeness and full is declaratives. Language growth on tense agreement productivity (TAP) was modeled for 38 children from language samples obtained at 21, 24, 27, and 30 months. Parent input properties following instruction and children's growth in lexical diversity and sentence diversity were examined as predictors of TAP growth. Results
Instruction increased parent use of full is declaratives (ηp2 ≥ .25) but not input informativeness. Children's sentence diversity was also a significant time-varying predictor of TAP growth. Two input variables, lexical noun phrase subject diversity and full is declaratives, were also significant predictors, even after controlling for children's sentence diversity. Conclusions
These findings establish a link between children's sentence diversity and the development of T/A morphemes and provide evidence about characteristics of input that facilitate growth in this grammatical system.http://article/60/9/2619/2654122/Input-Subject-Diversity-Accelerates-the-Growth-of
Swallowing Mechanics Associated With Artificial Airways, Bolus Properties, and Penetration–Aspiration Status in Trauma Patients
Purpose
Artificial airway procedures such as intubation and tracheotomy are common in the treatment of traumatic injuries, and bolus modifications may be implemented to help manage swallowing disorders. This study assessed artificial airway status, bolus properties (volume and viscosity), and the occurrence of laryngeal penetration and/or aspiration in relation to mechanical features of swallowing. Method
Coordinates of anatomical landmarks were extracted at minimum and maximum hyolaryngeal excursion from 228 videofluoroscopic swallowing studies representing 69 traumatically injured U.S. military service members with dysphagia. Morphometric canonical variate and regression analyses examined associations between swallowing mechanics and bolus properties based on artificial airway and penetration–aspiration status. Results
Significant differences in swallowing mechanics were detected between extubated versus tracheotomized (D = 1.32, p < .0001), extubated versus decannulated (D = 1.74, p < .0001), and decannulated versus tracheotomized (D = 1.24, p < .0001) groups per post hoc discriminant function analysis. Tracheotomy-in-situ and decannulated subgroups exhibited increased head/neck extension and posterior relocation of the larynx. Swallowing mechanics associated with (a) penetration–aspiration status and (b) bolus properties were moderately related for extubated and decannulated subgroups, but not the tracheotomized subgroup, per morphometric regression analysis. Conclusion
Specific differences in swallowing mechanics associated with artificial airway status and certain bolus properties may guide therapeutic intervention in trauma-based dysphagia.http://article/60/9/2442/2649304/Swallowing-Mechanics-Associated-With-Artificial
Applying Item Response Theory to the Development of a Screening Adaptation of the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation–Second Edition
Purpose
Item response theory (IRT) is a psychometric approach to measurement that uses latent trait abilities (e.g., speech sound production skills) to model performance on individual items that vary by difficulty and discrimination. An IRT analysis was applied to preschoolers' productions of the words on the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation–Second Edition (GFTA-2) to identify candidates for a screening measure of speech sound production skills. Method
The phoneme accuracies from 154 preschoolers, with speech skills on the GFTA-2 ranging from the 1st to above the 90th percentile, were analyzed with a 2-parameter logistic model. Results
A total of 108 of the 232 phonemes from stimuli in the sounds-in-words subtest fit the IRT model. These phonemes, and subgroups of the most difficult of these phonemes, correlated significantly with the children's overall percentile scores on the GFTA-2. Regression equations calculated for the 5 and 10 most difficult phonemes predicted overall percentile score at levels commensurate with other screening measures. Conclusions
These results suggest that speech production accuracy can be screened effectively with a small number of sounds. They motivate further research toward the development of a screening measure of children's speech sound production skills whose stimuli consist of a limited number of difficult phonemes.http://article/60/9/2672/2653405/Applying-Item-Response-Theory-to-the-Development
Modeling the Pathophysiology of Phonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction With a Triangular Glottal Model of the Vocal Folds
Purpose
Our goal was to test prevailing assumptions about the underlying biomechanical and aeroacoustic mechanisms associated with phonotraumatic lesions of the vocal folds using a numerical lumped-element model of voice production. Method
A numerical model with a triangular glottis, posterior glottal opening, and arytenoid posturing is proposed. Normal voice is altered by introducing various prephonatory configurations. Potential compensatory mechanisms (increased subglottal pressure, muscle activation, and supraglottal constriction) are adjusted to restore an acoustic target output through a control loop that mimics a simplified version of auditory feedback. Results
The degree of incomplete glottal closure in both the membranous and posterior portions of the folds consistently leads to a reduction in sound pressure level, fundamental frequency, harmonic richness, and harmonics-to-noise ratio. The compensatory mechanisms lead to significantly increased vocal-fold collision forces, maximum flow-declination rate, and amplitude of unsteady flow, without significantly altering the acoustic output. Conclusion
Modeling provided potentially important insights into the pathophysiology of phonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction by demonstrating that compensatory mechanisms can counteract deterioration in the voice acoustic signal due to incomplete glottal closure, but this also leads to high vocal-fold collision forces (reflected in aerodynamic measures), which significantly increases the risk of developing phonotrauma.http://article/60/9/2452/2652562/Modeling-the-Pathophysiology-of-Phonotraumatic
The Effect of Dynamic Pitch on Speech Recognition in Temporally Modulated Noise
Purpose
This study investigated the effect of dynamic pitch in target speech on older and younger listeners' speech recognition in temporally modulated noise. First, we examined whether the benefit from dynamic-pitch cues depends on the temporal modulation of noise. Second, we tested whether older listeners can benefit from dynamic-pitch cues for speech recognition in noise. Last, we explored the individual factors that predict the amount of dynamic-pitch benefit for speech recognition in noise. Method
Younger listeners with normal hearing and older listeners with varying levels of hearing sensitivity participated in the study, in which speech reception thresholds were measured with sentences in nonspeech noise. Results
The younger listeners benefited more from dynamic pitch for speech recognition in temporally modulated noise than unmodulated noise. Older listeners were able to benefit from the dynamic-pitch cues but received less benefit from noise modulation than the younger listeners. For those older listeners with hearing loss, the amount of hearing loss strongly predicted the dynamic-pitch benefit for speech recognition in noise. Conclusions
Dynamic-pitch cues aid speech recognition in noise, particularly when noise has temporal modulation. Hearing loss negatively affects the dynamic-pitch benefit to older listeners with significant hearing loss.http://article/60/9/2725/2648979/The-Effect-of-Dynamic-Pitch-on-Speech-Recognition
Trans Male Voice in the First Year of Testosterone Therapy: Make No Assumptions
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine changes in gender-related voice domain of pitch measured by fundamental frequency, function-related domains of vocal quality, range, and habitual pitch level and the self-perceptions of transmasculine people during their first year of testosterone treatment. Method
Seven trans men received 2 voice assessments at baseline and 1 assessment at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after starting treatment. Results
Vocal quality measures varied between and within participants but were generally within normal limits throughout the year. Mean fundamental frequency (MF0) during reading decreased, although to variable extents and rates. Phonation frequency range shifted down the scale, although it increased in some participants and decreased in others. Considering MF0 and phonation frequency range together in a measure of habitual pitch level revealed that the majority of participants spoke using an MF0 that was low within their range compared with cisgender norms. Although the trans men generally self-reported voice masculinization, it was not correlated with MF0, frequency range, or habitual pitch level at any time point or with MF0 note change from baseline to 1 year of testosterone treatment, but correlations should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneous responses of the 7 participants. Conclusion
In trans men, consideration of voice deepening in the context of objective and subjective measures of voice can reveal unique profiles and inform patient care.http://article/60/9/2472/2654123/Trans-Male-Voice-in-the-First-Year-of-Testosterone
Relevance of the Implementation of Teeth in Three-Dimensional Vocal Tract Models
Purpose
Recently, efforts have been made to investigate the vocal tract using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to technical limitations, teeth were omitted in many previous studies on vocal tract acoustics. However, the knowledge of how teeth influence vocal tract acoustics might be important in order to estimate the necessity of implementing teeth in vocal tract models. The aim of this study was therefore to estimate the effect of teeth on vocal tract acoustics. Method
The acoustic properties of 18 solid (3-dimensional printed) vocal tract models without teeth were compared to the same 18 models including teeth in terms of resonance frequencies (f Rn). The f Rn were obtained from the transfer functions of these models excited by white noise at the glottis level. The models were derived from MRI data of 2 trained singers performing 3 different vowel conditions (/i/, /a/, and /u/) in speech and low-pitched and high-pitched singing. Results
Depending on the oral configuration, models exhibiting side cavities or side branches were characterized by major changes in the transfer function when teeth were implemented via the introduction of pole-zero pairs. Conclusions
To avoid errors in modeling, teeth should be included in 3-dimensional vocal tract models for acoustic evaluation. Supplemental Material
http://ift.tt/2wnkzL9http://article/60/9/2379/2654188/Relevance-of-the-Implementation-of-Teeth-in
How Stuttering Develops: The Multifactorial Dynamic Pathways Theory
Purpose
We advanced a multifactorial, dynamic account of the complex, nonlinear interactions of motor, linguistic, and emotional factors contributing to the development of stuttering. Our purpose here is to update our account as the multifactorial dynamic pathways theory. Method
We review evidence related to how stuttering develops, including genetic/epigenetic factors; motor, linguistic, and emotional features; and advances in neuroimaging studies. We update evidence for our earlier claim: Although stuttering ultimately reflects impairment in speech sensorimotor processes, its course over the life span is strongly conditioned by linguistic and emotional factors. Results
Our current account places primary emphasis on the dynamic developmental context in which stuttering emerges and follows its course during the preschool years. Rapid changes in many neurobehavioral systems are ongoing, and critical interactions among these systems likely play a major role in determining persistence of or recovery from stuttering. Conclusion
Stuttering, or childhood onset fluency disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins when neural networks supporting speech, language, and emotional functions are rapidly developing. The multifactorial dynamic pathways theory motivates experimental and clinical work to determine the specific factors that contribute to each child's pathway to the diagnosis of stuttering and those most likely to promote recovery.http://article/60/9/2483/2652602/How-Stuttering-Develops-The-Multifactorial-Dynamic
“Whatdunit?” Sentence Comprehension Abilities of Children With SLI: Sensitivity to Word Order in Canonical and Noncanonical Structures
Purpose
With Aim 1, we compared the comprehension of and sensitivity to canonical and noncanonical word order structures in school-age children with specific language impairment (SLI) and same-age typically developing (TD) children. Aim 2 centered on the developmental improvement of sentence comprehension in the groups. With Aim 3, we compared the comprehension error patterns of the groups. Method
Using a "Whatdunit" agent selection task, 117 children with SLI and 117 TD children (ages 7:0–11:11, years:months) propensity matched on age, gender, mother's education, and family income pointed to the picture that best represented the agent in semantically implausible canonical structures (subject–verb–object, subject relative) and noncanonical structures (passive, object relative). Results
The SLI group performed worse than the TD group across sentence types. TD children demonstrated developmental improvement across each sentence type, but children with SLI showed improvement only for canonical sentences. Both groups chose the object noun as agent significantly more often than the noun appearing in a prepositional phrase. Conclusions
In the absence of semantic–pragmatic cues, comprehension of canonical and noncanonical sentences by children with SLI is limited, with noncanonical sentence comprehension being disproportionately limited. The children's ability to make proper semantic role assignments to the noun arguments in sentences, especially noncanonical, is significantly hindered.http://article/60/9/2603/2652493/Whatdunit-Sentence-Comprehension-Abilities-of
A Cross-Language Study of Acoustic Predictors of Speech Intelligibility in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
Purpose
The present study aimed to compare acoustic models of speech intelligibility in individuals with the same disease (Parkinson's disease [PD]) and presumably similar underlying neuropathologies but with different native languages (American English [AE] and Korean). Method
A total of 48 speakers from the 4 speaker groups (AE speakers with PD, Korean speakers with PD, healthy English speakers, and healthy Korean speakers) were asked to read a paragraph in their native languages. Four acoustic variables were analyzed: acoustic vowel space, voice onset time contrast scores, normalized pairwise variability index, and articulation rate. Speech intelligibility scores were obtained from scaled estimates of sentences extracted from the paragraph. Results
The findings indicated that the multiple regression models of speech intelligibility were different in Korean and AE, even with the same set of predictor variables and with speakers matched on speech intelligibility across languages. Analysis of the descriptive data for the acoustic variables showed the expected compression of the vowel space in speakers with PD in both languages, lower normalized pairwise variability index scores in Korean compared with AE, and no differences within or across language in articulation rate. Conclusions
The results indicate that the basis of an intelligibility deficit in dysarthria is likely to depend on the native language of the speaker and listener. Additional research is required to explore other potential predictor variables, as well as additional language comparisons to pursue cross-linguistic considerations in classification and diagnosis of dysarthria types.http://article/60/9/2506/2650812/A-CrossLanguage-Study-of-Acoustic-Predictors-of
Distributed Training Enhances Implicit Sequence Acquisition in Children With Specific Language Impairment
Purpose
This study explored the effects of 2 different training structures on the implicit acquisition of a sequence in a serial reaction time (SRT) task in children with and without specific language impairment (SLI). Method
All of the children underwent 3 training sessions, followed by a retention session 2 weeks after the last session. In the massed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were in immediate succession on 1 day, whereas in the distributed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were spread over a 1-week period in an expanding schedule format. Results
Statistical analyses showed that the children with normal language were unaffected by the training conditions, performing the SRT task similarly in both training conditions. The children with SLI, however, were affected by the training structure, performing the SRT task better when the training sessions were spaced over time rather than clustered on 1 day. Conclusion
This study demonstrated that although intensive training does not increase learning in children with SLI, distributing training sessions over time does increase learning. The implications of these results on the learning abilities of children with SLI are discussed, as are the mechanisms involved in massed versus distributed learning.http://article/60/9/2636/2653205/Distributed-Training-Enhances-Implicit-Sequence
Short-Term Effect of Two Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Training Programs on the Vocal Quality of Future Occupational Voice Users: “Resonant Voice Training Using Nasal Consonants” Versus “Straw Phonation”
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the short-term effect of 2 semi-occluded vocal tract training programs, "resonant voice training using nasal consonants" versus "straw phonation," on the vocal quality of vocally healthy future occupational voice users. Method
A multigroup pretest–posttest randomized control group design was used. Thirty healthy speech-language pathology students with a mean age of 19 years (range: 17–22 years) were randomly assigned into a resonant voice training group (practicing resonant exercises across 6 weeks, n = 10), a straw phonation group (practicing straw phonation across 6 weeks, n = 10), or a control group (receiving no voice training, n = 10). A voice assessment protocol consisting of both subjective (questionnaire, participant's self-report, auditory–perceptual evaluation) and objective (maximum performance task, aerodynamic assessment, voice range profile, acoustic analysis, acoustic voice quality index, dysphonia severity index) measurements and determinations was used to evaluate the participants' voice pre- and posttraining. Groups were compared over time using linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models. Within-group effects of time were determined using post hoc pairwise comparisons. Results
No significant time × group interactions were found for any of the outcome measures, indicating no differences in evolution over time among the 3 groups. Within-group effects of time showed a significant improvement in dysphonia severity index in the resonant voice training group, and a significant improvement in the intensity range in the straw phonation group. Conclusions
Results suggest that the semi-occluded vocal tract training programs using resonant voice training and straw phonation may have a positive impact on the vocal quality and vocal capacities of future occupational voice users. The resonant voice training caused an improved dysphonia severity index, and the straw phonation training caused an expansion of the intensity range in this population.http://article/60/9/2519/2652563/ShortTerm-Effect-of-Two-SemiOccluded-Vocal-Tract
Predicting preschool children's eating in the absence of hunger from maternal pressure to eat: A longitudinal study of low-income, Latina mothers
Source:Appetite, Volume 120
Author(s): Lionor Galindo, Thomas G. Power, Ashley D. Beck, Jennifer Orlet Fisher, Teresia M. O'Connor, Sheryl O. Hughes
Early work by Klesges et al. (1983, 1986) suggested that mothers who frequently prompt their children to eat have children at greater risk for obesity. This is consistent with the hypothesis that controlling feeding practices override children's responsiveness to their internal fullness cues, increasing the risk of overeating and obesity (e.g., Johnson & Birch, 1994). Subsequent cross-sectional research on pressure to eat, however, has been inconsistent. Most studies have shown that maternal self-reports of pressure to eat are negatively associated with childhood obesity, and observational studies showed inconsistent relationships with child weight status. In the present study we examined the association between low-income, Latina mothers' pressure to eat and their preschool children's eating in the absence of hunger using both self-report and observational measures of feeding practices. A longitudinal design examined eating in the absence of hunger over 18 months; children's BMI at the initial timepoint was statistically controlled to address the tendency of mothers of underweight children to pressure their children to eat. At each timepoint, mothers completed the Child Feeding Questionnaire (Birch et al., 2001) and were observed feeding their child a meal in a laboratory setting. Eating in the absence of hunger (Fisher & Birch, 1999) was assessed at both timepoints as well. A cross-lagged panel model showed that observed maternal prompts to eat a different food at time one predicted kcal consumed in the absence of hunger at time two (controlling for kcal consumed in the absence of hunger at first timepoint: beta = 0.20, p < 0.05). Results suggest that pressure to eat alone may not be what contributes to eating in the absence of hunger, but that the nature of that pressure may be more important.
http://ift.tt/2wBWWi3
Effect of Linguistic and Musical Experience on Distributional Learning of Nonnative Lexical Tones
Purpose
Evidence suggests that extensive experience with lexical tones or musical training provides an advantage in perceiving nonnative lexical tones. This investigation concerns whether such an advantage is evident in learning nonnative lexical tones based on the distributional structure of the input. Method
Using an established protocol, distributional learning of lexical tones was investigated with tone language (Mandarin) listeners with no musical training (Experiment 1) and nontone language (Australian English) listeners with musical training (Experiment 2). Within each experiment, participants were trained on a bimodal (2-peak) or a unimodal (single peak) distribution along a continuum spanning a Thai lexical tone minimal pair. Discrimination performance on the target minimal pair was assessed before and after training. Results
Mandarin nonmusicians exhibited clear distributional learning (listeners in the bimodal, but not those in the unimodal condition, improved significantly as a function of training), whereas Australian English musicians did not (listeners in both the bimodal and unimodal conditions improved as a function of training). Conclusions
Our findings suggest that veridical perception of lexical tones is not sufficient for distributional learning of nonnative lexical tones to occur. Rather, distributional learning appears to be modulated by domain-specific pitch experience and is constrained possibly by top-down interference.http://article/doi/10.1044/2016_JSLHR-S-16-0080/2610303/Effect-of-Linguistic-and-Musical-Experience-on
Characterization of PM 2.5 in Delhi: role and impact of secondary aerosol, burning of biomass, and municipal solid waste and crustal matter
Abstract
Delhi is one among the highly air polluted cities in the world. Absence of causal relationship between emitting sources of PM2.5 and their impact has resulted in inadequate actions. This research combines a set of innovative and state-of-the-art analytical techniques to establish relative predominance of PM2.5 sources. Air quality sampling at six sites in summer and winter for 40 days (at each site) showed alarmingly high PM2.5 concentrations (340 ± 135 μg/m3). The collected PM2.5 was subjected to chemical speciation including ions, metals, organic and elemental carbons which followed application of chemical mass balance technique for source apportionment. The source apportionment results showed that secondary aerosols, biomass burning (BMB), vehicles, fugitive dust, coal and fly ash, and municipal solid waste burning were the important sources. It was observed that secondary aerosol and crustal matter accounted for over 50% of mass. The PM2.5 levels were not solely result of emissions from Delhi; it is a larger regional problem caused by contiguous urban agglomerations. It was argued that emission reduction of precursors of secondary aerosol, SO2, NOx, and volatile organic compounds, which are unabated, is essential. A substantial reduction in BMB and suspension of crustal dust is equally important to ensure compliance with air quality standards.
http://ift.tt/2fgzFiM
Sediment core data reconstruct the management history and usage of a heavily modified urban lake in Berlin, Germany
Abstract
Urban surface waters face several stressors associated with industry and urban water management. Over much of the past century, the wastewater treatment in Berlin, Germany, relied on inefficient sewage farms, which resulted in severe eutrophication and sediment contamination in the recipient surface waterbodies. A prominent example is Lake Tegel, where a multitude of management measures were applied in the last decades for the purpose of ecosystem restoration. In this study, we analyzed sediment cores of three lakes with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy: Lake Tegel, Lake Großer Wannsee, which is environmentally similar but has a different management history, and Lake Userin, which serves as a reference located in a nature protection area. Multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis, k-means clustering, and self-organizing maps) were used to assess the sediment quality and to reconstruct the management history of Lake Tegel. Principal component analysis established two main gradients of sediment composition: heavy metals and lithogenic elements. The impact of the management measures was visualized in the lake sediment composition changing from high abundance of heavy metals and reducing redox conditions to less-impacted sediments in recent layers. The clustering techniques suggested heterogeneity among sites within Lake Tegel that probably reflect urban water management measures. The abundance of heavy metals in recent lake sediments of Lake Tegel is similar to a lake with low urban impact and is lower than in Lake Großer Wannsee suggesting that the management measures were successful in the reduction of heavy metals, which are still a threat for surface waters worldwide.
http://ift.tt/2xsWfeP
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