Nano-sized metabolic precursors for heterogeneous tumor-targeting strategy using bioorthogonal click chemistry in vivo

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 148
Author(s): Sangmin Lee, Seulhee Jung, Heebeom Koo, Jin Hee Na, Hong Yeol Yoon, Man Kyu Shim, Jooho Park, Jong-Ho Kim, Seulki Lee, Martin G. Pomper, Ick Chan Kwon, Cheol-Hee Ahn, Kwangmeyung Kim
Herein, we developed nano-sized metabolic precursors (Nano-MPs) for new tumor-targeting strategy to overcome the intrinsic limitations of biological ligands such as the limited number of biological receptors and the heterogeneity in tumor tissues. We conjugated the azide group-containing metabolic precursors, triacetylated N-azidoacetyl-d-mannosamine to generation 4 poly(amidoamine) dendrimer backbone. The nano-sized dendrimer of Nano-MPs could generate azide groups on the surface of tumor cells homogeneously regardless of cell types via metabolic glycoengineering. Importantly, these exogenously generated 'artificial chemical receptors' containing azide groups could be used for bioorthogonal click chemistry, regardless of phenotypes of different tumor cells. Furthermore, in tumor-bearing mice models, Nano-MPs could be mainly localized at the target tumor tissues by the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, and they successfully generated azide groups on tumor cells in vivo after an intravenous injection. Finally, we showed that these azide groups on tumor tissues could be used as 'artificial chemical receptors' that were conjugated to bioorthogonal chemical group-containing liposomes via in vivo click chemistry in heterogeneous tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, overall results demonstrated that our nano-sized metabolic precursors could be extensively applied to new alternative tumor-targeting technique for molecular imaging and drug delivery system, regardless of the phenotype of heterogeneous tumor cells.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2wSKKJV

4(3H)-Quinazolone regulates innate immune signaling upon respiratory syncytial virus infection by moderately inhibiting the RIG-1 pathway in RAW264.7 cell

Publication date: November 2017
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 52
Author(s): Liwei He, Fangtian Fan, Xianbang Hou, Hongyan Wu, Juan Wang, Huiqin Xu, Yun Sun
The root of Isatis indigotica, also known as Ban-Lan-Gen (BLG), is commonly used for prevention and early treatment of respiratory virus infection, but the underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. In the early stage of infection, the innate immune system is activated by virus, and related immune cells such as macrophages secrete large amounts of cytokines including IFNs and ILs. On the one hand, these cytokines can remove virus. On the other hand, they dominantly mediate the inflammatory injury caused by viral infection. This study evaluated the effects of the main active plasma components of BLG (tryptanthrin B, 4(3H)-Quinazolone and epigoitrin) on the innate immune response of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-activated mouse macrophages. ELISA, real-time PCR and reporter gene assay all showed that 4(3H)-Quinazolone inhibited RSV-induced IFN-β secretion in mouse macrophages in a dose-dependent manner within a concentration range (0.3125–1.25μM) having no effects on cell viability, but the inhibitory effects were inferior to those of ribavirin. Western blot analyses further revealed that 4(3H)-Quinazolone inhibited RSV-induced expression of RIG-I (Retinoic acid-Inducible Gene-I) in mouse macrophages dose-dependently, thereby suppressing the transcription of IFN-β, with lower effects than those of ribavirin. This may be one of the important mechanisms by which BLG inhibited inflammatory injury without affecting the immune system to eliminate virus. The results inspire future studies to elucidate the antiviral mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine drugs.



http://ift.tt/2hv4nly

Adsorption of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene in nano- and microsized crystals of MIL-101(Cr): static and dynamic gravimetric studies

Abstract

This work aims to highlight the promising adsorption capacity and kinetic of (poly)chlorobenzene pollutants in the hybrid MIL-101(Cr) type material for technological uses in industrial waste exhaust decontamination. The influence of the MIL-101(Cr) crystal size (nano- and microcrystals) on the adsorption behavior was studied in static and dynamic modes. For this purpose, crystals of MIL-101(Cr) in nano- and micrometric sizes were synthesized and fully characterized. Their sorption properties regarding 1,2-dichlorobenzene were examined using gravimetric method in dynamic (p/p° = 0.5) and static (p/p° = 1) modes at room temperature. 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene adsorption was only performed under static mode because of its too low vapor pressure. 1,2-dichlorobenzene and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene were used to mimic 2,3-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, respectively, and more largely dioxin compounds. Adsorptions of these probes were successfully carried out in nano- and microcrystals of MIL-101(Cr). Indeed, in static mode (p/p° = 1) and at room temperature, nanocrystals adsorb 2266 molecules of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and 2093 molecules of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene per unit cell, whereas microcrystals adsorb 1871 molecules of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and 1631 molecules of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene per unit cell. In dynamic mode, the 1,2-dichlorobenzene adsorbed amounts are substantially similar to those obtained in static mode. However, the adsorption kinetics are different because of a different scheme of diffusivity of the adsorbate between the two modes. To the best of our knowledge, these adsorption capacities of MIL-101(Cr) as adsorbent for polychlorobenzenes trapping have never been referenced. MIL-101(Cr) appears as a promising material for technological uses in industrial waste exhaust decontamination.

http://ift.tt/2htzbGV

Stochastic sensitivity analysis of nitrogen pollution to climate change in a river basin with complex pollution sources

Abstract

It is increasingly recognized that climate change could impose both direct and indirect impacts on the quality of the water environment. Previous studies have mostly concentrated on evaluating the impacts of climate change on non-point source pollution in agricultural watersheds. Few studies have assessed the impacts of climate change on the water quality of river basins with complex point and non-point pollution sources. In view of the gap, this paper aims to establish a framework for stochastic assessment of the sensitivity of water quality to future climate change in a river basin with complex pollution sources. A sub-daily soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was developed to simulate the discharge, transport, and transformation of nitrogen from multiple point and non-point pollution sources in the upper Huai River basin of China. A weather generator was used to produce 50 years of synthetic daily weather data series for all 25 combinations of precipitation (changes by − 10, 0, 10, 20, and 30%) and temperature change (increases by 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 °C) scenarios. The generated daily rainfall series was disaggregated into the hourly scale and then used to drive the sub-daily SWAT model to simulate the nitrogen cycle under different climate change scenarios. Our results in the study region have indicated that (1) both total nitrogen (TN) loads and concentrations are insensitive to temperature change; (2) TN loads are highly sensitive to precipitation change, while TN concentrations are moderately sensitive; (3) the impacts of climate change on TN concentrations are more spatiotemporally variable than its impacts on TN loads; and (4) wide distributions of TN loads and TN concentrations under individual climate change scenario illustrate the important role of climatic variability in affecting water quality conditions. In summary, the large variability in SWAT simulation results within and between each climate change scenario highlights the uncertainty of the impacts of climate change and the need to incorporate extreme conditions in managing water environment and developing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

http://ift.tt/2ynSnsU

An unusual foreign object mimicking an odontoma in a patient with cleft alveolus: a case report

The habit of inserting foreign objects into body cavities is seen in children and in adults with intellectual disability. Usually, the foreign objects cause chronic inflammation and local tissue destruction, w...

http://ift.tt/2fMU38k

Delayed response to maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy in metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a case report

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive tumor originating in the epithelium of the bile duct, often associated with distant dissemination. The prognosis is poor and treatment is challenging due to low...

http://ift.tt/2xt1b3I

Cancer risk in patients with Behçet’s disease: A nationwide population-based dynamic cohort study from Korea

A variety of rheumatic diseases are associated with an increased risk of malignancy.BD patients had a higher risk of leukemia, lymphoma, oropharyngeal cancer, thyroid cancer, and prostate cancer, compared to controls in Korea.Physicians should carefully monitor patients with BD for the potential development of malignancy.

http://ift.tt/2wQexrp

Practical aspects of immunoglobulin replacement

A woman was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) at the age of 42 years. She began having infections when she was 24 years of age. Her history included chronic sinusitis and 3 bacterial pneumonias at different times in both lungs. Her infections necessitated antibiotic therapy almost every other month. A specialist in allergy and immunology finally made the diagnosis of immune deficiency and, specifically, CVID on testing. Her immunoglobulin levels were extremely low: serum IgG, 250 mg/dL; IgA, less than 7 mg/dL; and IgM, 40 mg/dL.

http://ift.tt/2wPiBIn

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare condition characterized by an unexplained deficit of circulating CD4 T cells leading to increased risk of serious opportunistic infections. The pathogenesis, etiology, clinical presentation, and best treatment options remain unclear.

http://ift.tt/2yCWcLH

Kounis syndrome should be excluded when physicians treat patients with anaphylaxis

The article, "Epinephrine Use for Anaphylaxis: Too Seldom, Too Late," by Chooniedass et al1 was an interesting read. Therefore, we would like to introduce Kounis syndrome, which is defined as the concurrence of acute coronary syndromes with conditions associated with mast cell and platelet activation and involving interrelated and interacting inflammatory cells in the setting of allergic or hypersensitivity and anaphylactic or anaphylactoid insults.2 Akoz et al3 reported that the annual incidence of Kounis syndrome at the emergency department among all admissions and patients with allergy was 19.4 per 100,000 (27 of 138,911) and 3.4% (27 of 793), respectively.

http://ift.tt/2wQtPMH

Expression of immunoglobulin D is increased in chronic rhinosinusitis

Immunoglobulin (Ig) D is largely localized to the upper airway and reacts with colonizing respiratory pathogens.

http://ift.tt/2yD4mDU

Instructions for Authors

http://ift.tt/2wPmrRP

Comparison of fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels measured using the NIOX VERO and NOA 280i

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a type 2 biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation and predicts the likelihood of corticosteroid responsiveness in patients with eosinophilic asthma.1,2 Several devices are available to measure FeNO levels for research purposes or in clinical practice worldwide, including the Sievers Nitric Oxide Analyzer (NOA 280i; GE Analytical Instruments, Boulder, Colorado), a stationary chemiluminescence analyzer, and the NIOX VERO (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden), a portable electrochemical analyzer.

http://ift.tt/2yEMSHk

Information for Readers

http://ift.tt/2wRnLDT

An analysis of insurance and other factors associated with asthma-related emergency department visits, 2009–2014

Asthma is a common chronic airway disorder characterized by periods of reversible airflow obstruction known as asthma attacks. Although no cure for asthma is known, control of the frequency and intensity of exacerbations and associated functional limitations is desirable. Uncontrolled asthma has a significant cost to families and society, including costs associated with work and school absenteeism, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. Costs associated with asthma, including costs of children and adults missing school or work after an asthma attack, continue to increase.

http://ift.tt/2yD3Zcu

Risk factors for severe anaphylaxis in the United States

Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic allergic reaction and may be life-threatening.

http://ift.tt/2wRnzVb

Contemporary issues in anaphylaxis and the evolution of epinephrine autoinjectors

Food allergy and anaphylaxis appear to be increasing in the United States, especially in young children, and preparedness is paramount to successful emergency management in the community. Although the treatment of choice for anaphylaxis is epinephrine delivered by autoinjection, some devices are challenged by less user-friendly designs or pose the risk of injury, especially in young patients. Human factors engineering has played a larger role in the development of more recent epinephrine autoinjector technologies and will continue to play a role in the evolution and future design of epinephrine autoinjectors.

http://ift.tt/2yD3RK2

Influence of rhinitis control and inspiratory loop flattening on perceived asthma control

Patient-reported outcome measures in asthma and rhinitis are important tools for acute and longitudinal disease monitoring. The Asthma Control Test (ACT)1,2 and the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT)3 are 2 brief, valid measures that can be used to monitor the assessment of patient control of these respective conditions. Children and adults with asthma are frequently noted to have comorbid allergic or chronic (nonallergic) rhinitis and vice-versa.4 These conditions can influence each other, and there are emerging hypotheses that suggest there is "one airway" from nose to lung.

http://ift.tt/2wQtM3t

This book is a comprehensive collection of the experimental techniques that are most commonly used for...

This book is a comprehensive collection of the experimental techniques that are most commonly used for basic science research. It is divided into 15 chapters, each chapter representing a different laboratory technique. Within every chapter is a detailed and well-rounded discussion of that particular research method, including descriptions of relevant scientific principles, basic science concepts, and laboratory protocols. The book provides a bridge between basic research and clinical science by including relevant applications, typical scenarios or case studies, and potential limitations, with troubleshooting tips for each experimental method.

http://ift.tt/2yD3JKy

Table of Contents

http://ift.tt/2wOlUzE

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium intracellulare leading to protein-losing enteropathy in an elderly man with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a clinical diagnosis in which CD4+ T lymphocytes constitute fewer than 300 cells/μL or fewer than 20% of total T cells without evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or any defined immunodeficiency or therapy associated with decreased levels of CD4+ T cells.1 Mycobacterium is one of the most common opportunistic infections in ICL. We report on a unique case of a 64-year-old man with ICL who developed protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) secondary to disseminated Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI) infection that resolved with successful treatment of the mycobacterium infection.

http://ift.tt/2yDnphi

Editorial Board

http://ift.tt/2wQ7WNE

Practical aspects of immunoglobulin replacement

A woman was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) at the age of 42 years. She began having infections when she was 24 years of age. Her history included chronic sinusitis and 3 bacterial pneumonias at different times in both lungs. Her infections necessitated antibiotic therapy almost every other month. A specialist in allergy and immunology finally made the diagnosis of immune deficiency and, specifically, CVID on testing. Her immunoglobulin levels were extremely low: serum IgG, 250 mg/dL; IgA, less than 7 mg/dL; and IgM, 40 mg/dL.

http://ift.tt/2wPiBIn

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare condition characterized by an unexplained deficit of circulating CD4 T cells leading to increased risk of serious opportunistic infections. The pathogenesis, etiology, clinical presentation, and best treatment options remain unclear.

http://ift.tt/2yCWcLH

Kounis syndrome should be excluded when physicians treat patients with anaphylaxis

The article, "Epinephrine Use for Anaphylaxis: Too Seldom, Too Late," by Chooniedass et al1 was an interesting read. Therefore, we would like to introduce Kounis syndrome, which is defined as the concurrence of acute coronary syndromes with conditions associated with mast cell and platelet activation and involving interrelated and interacting inflammatory cells in the setting of allergic or hypersensitivity and anaphylactic or anaphylactoid insults.2 Akoz et al3 reported that the annual incidence of Kounis syndrome at the emergency department among all admissions and patients with allergy was 19.4 per 100,000 (27 of 138,911) and 3.4% (27 of 793), respectively.

http://ift.tt/2wQtPMH

Expression of immunoglobulin D is increased in chronic rhinosinusitis

Immunoglobulin (Ig) D is largely localized to the upper airway and reacts with colonizing respiratory pathogens.

http://ift.tt/2yD4mDU

Instructions for Authors

http://ift.tt/2wPmrRP

Comparison of fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels measured using the NIOX VERO and NOA 280i

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a type 2 biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation and predicts the likelihood of corticosteroid responsiveness in patients with eosinophilic asthma.1,2 Several devices are available to measure FeNO levels for research purposes or in clinical practice worldwide, including the Sievers Nitric Oxide Analyzer (NOA 280i; GE Analytical Instruments, Boulder, Colorado), a stationary chemiluminescence analyzer, and the NIOX VERO (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden), a portable electrochemical analyzer.

http://ift.tt/2yEMSHk

Information for Readers

http://ift.tt/2wRnLDT

An analysis of insurance and other factors associated with asthma-related emergency department visits, 2009–2014

Asthma is a common chronic airway disorder characterized by periods of reversible airflow obstruction known as asthma attacks. Although no cure for asthma is known, control of the frequency and intensity of exacerbations and associated functional limitations is desirable. Uncontrolled asthma has a significant cost to families and society, including costs associated with work and school absenteeism, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. Costs associated with asthma, including costs of children and adults missing school or work after an asthma attack, continue to increase.

http://ift.tt/2yD3Zcu

Risk factors for severe anaphylaxis in the United States

Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic allergic reaction and may be life-threatening.

http://ift.tt/2wRnzVb

Contemporary issues in anaphylaxis and the evolution of epinephrine autoinjectors

Food allergy and anaphylaxis appear to be increasing in the United States, especially in young children, and preparedness is paramount to successful emergency management in the community. Although the treatment of choice for anaphylaxis is epinephrine delivered by autoinjection, some devices are challenged by less user-friendly designs or pose the risk of injury, especially in young patients. Human factors engineering has played a larger role in the development of more recent epinephrine autoinjector technologies and will continue to play a role in the evolution and future design of epinephrine autoinjectors.

http://ift.tt/2yD3RK2

Influence of rhinitis control and inspiratory loop flattening on perceived asthma control

Patient-reported outcome measures in asthma and rhinitis are important tools for acute and longitudinal disease monitoring. The Asthma Control Test (ACT)1,2 and the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT)3 are 2 brief, valid measures that can be used to monitor the assessment of patient control of these respective conditions. Children and adults with asthma are frequently noted to have comorbid allergic or chronic (nonallergic) rhinitis and vice-versa.4 These conditions can influence each other, and there are emerging hypotheses that suggest there is "one airway" from nose to lung.

http://ift.tt/2wQtM3t

This book is a comprehensive collection of the experimental techniques that are most commonly used for...

This book is a comprehensive collection of the experimental techniques that are most commonly used for basic science research. It is divided into 15 chapters, each chapter representing a different laboratory technique. Within every chapter is a detailed and well-rounded discussion of that particular research method, including descriptions of relevant scientific principles, basic science concepts, and laboratory protocols. The book provides a bridge between basic research and clinical science by including relevant applications, typical scenarios or case studies, and potential limitations, with troubleshooting tips for each experimental method.

http://ift.tt/2yD3JKy

Table of Contents

http://ift.tt/2wOlUzE

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium intracellulare leading to protein-losing enteropathy in an elderly man with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a clinical diagnosis in which CD4+ T lymphocytes constitute fewer than 300 cells/μL or fewer than 20% of total T cells without evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or any defined immunodeficiency or therapy associated with decreased levels of CD4+ T cells.1 Mycobacterium is one of the most common opportunistic infections in ICL. We report on a unique case of a 64-year-old man with ICL who developed protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) secondary to disseminated Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI) infection that resolved with successful treatment of the mycobacterium infection.

http://ift.tt/2yDnphi

Editorial Board

http://ift.tt/2wQ7WNE

Effects of Respiratory Muscle Strength Training in Classically Trained Singers

Many voice pedagogy practices revolve around the notion of controlling airflow and lung volumes and focus heavily on the concepts of breath support and breath control. Despite this emphasis, the effects of increased respiratory muscle strength on airflow and phonation patterns in trained singers remain unknown. This study addressed whether singers could increase respiratory muscle strength with progressive threshold training and whether respiratory muscle strength increases had measurable effect on voice outcomes.

http://ift.tt/2hvKvPg

Investigation of Flexible High-Speed Video Nasolaryngoscopy

High-speed videolaryngoscopy is widely used in voice practices as a complement to videostroboscopy, especially when it is desired to visualize asymmetric and nonperiodic vocal fold vibration or voice onset and offset. Because of the requirement for greater illumination at higher frame rates, the high-speed exam is usually performed with a rigid transoral laryngoscope. Although it is possible to obtain color high-speed video images with a flexible fiberoptic nasoendoscope, the results are often disappointing because of the inability to provide adequate lighting inside the larynx.

http://ift.tt/2hvKriu

Judgments of Intelligence and Likability of Young Adult Female Speakers of American English: The Influence of Vocal Fry and the Surrounding Acoustic-Prosodic Context

Vocal fry is a prevalent speech feature in college-aged American women living in the United States. However, there is currently little consensus about how its use influences listener judgments of the speaker. This study investigated how vocal fry influences judgments of intelligence and the likability of young adult female speakers of American English while taking into account the surrounding acoustic-prosodic context, specifically voice pitch and speech rate.

http://ift.tt/2xwsqrX

Trace elements in blood samples of smoker and nonsmoker active pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Jamshoro, Pakistan

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a serious public threat throughout the world. PTB and smoking have a strong correlation. Malnutrition, poverty, addiction, overcrowding, illiteracy, unemployment, and poor hygienic conditions are the collective aspects for the disease progress. Pakistan is the fifth among 22 high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries and the fourth regarding multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The aim of study was to determine the concentration of essential and toxic elements from blood samples of smoker and nonsmoker PTB patients by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) followed by microwave acid digestion and compared with control subjects (n = 30). Eighty PTB patients were selected from different hospitals with age ranging 20–70 years. It was interpreted that the mean age among males and females was found to be 35.6 ± 1.4 and 33.5 ± 1.2, respectively, and the male patients were highly affected in contrast to females. Essential elements such as Mn, Fe, Zn, and Se were statistically found to be lower while Ca, Co, and Cu were found to be higher compared to the control group (p = 0.00). However, toxic elements like Al, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb were statistically elevated in smokers than nonsmokers. Further research is needed to understand the degree of the impact of essential trace elements on treatment outcome (follow-up) followed by balanced healthy nutritional supplementation along with medical therapy, consequently improving the pulmonary tuberculosis outcome and survival as well.

http://ift.tt/2hw2wwW

Effect of iron reduction by enolic hydroxyl groups on the stability of scorodite in hydrometallurgical industries and arsenic mobilization

Abstract

Scorodite (FeAsO₄·2H₂O) is an important arsenic-bearing solid waste in hydrometallurgical industries, but its stability in reducing environments is not well understood. This study investigated the effect of Fe(III) reduction by enolic hydroxyl groups on the stability of scorodite and arsenic mobilization at various pH values and ascorbic acid/scorodite molar ratios (AH₂/Sc). The results showed that 47–89% Fe(III) reduction by ascorbic acid caused approximately 10−69% (~ 37−260 mg L⁻¹) arsenic release and 4.5−63% (~ 13−176 mg L⁻¹) Fe(II) release at pH 5–8. The releases of arsenic and Fe(II) increased with increasing AH₂/Sc, whereas they decreased as pH increased. The results of the solid characterization and chemical analysis indicated that the mixture of poorly crystalline parasymplesite and probably amorphous FeHAsO₄⋅xH₂O was the new arsenic sink. The high solubility of this ferrous arsenate with the Fe(II)/As(V) molar ratio > 1 was deemed to be a major contributor to the relatively high arsenic release. This work differed from our previous finding that almost all arsenic was retained in the solid phase after similar Fe(III) reduction in scorodite with hydroquinone. Phenolic hydroxyl groups complexed with aqueous Fe(II), unlike enolic hydroxyl groups, was possibly the dominant reason for the formation of different secondary minerals, which strongly influenced arsenic redistribution between aqueous and solid phases.

http://ift.tt/2htkvaT

Catalytic microwave pyrolysis of oil palm fiber (OPF) for the biochar production

Abstract

Microwave pyrolysis of oil palm fiber (OPF) with three types of Na-based catalysts was experimentally investigated to produce biochar. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chloride (NaCl), and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) with purity 99.9% were selected for this investigation. Microwave muffle reactor (Model: HAMiab-C1500) with a microwave power controller including a microwave generator was used to perform the microwave pyrolysis. OPF particles were used after removing foreign materials, impurities, and dust. Microwave power ranges from 400 to 900 W, temperature ranges from 450 to 700 °C, and N₂ flow rates ranges from 200 to -1200 cm³/min were used along with all three Na-based catalysts for this investigation. Lower microwave power, temperature, and N₂ flow rate have been found favorable for higher yield of biochar. NaOH is to be found as the more suitable catalyst than NaCl and Na₂CO₃ to produce biochar. A maximum biochar yield (51.42 wt%) has been found by using the catalysts NaOH at N₂ flow rate of 200 cm³/min. One sample of the biochar (maximum yield without catalysts) was selected for further characterization via thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultimate and proximate analysis. SEM and BET surface area analysis showed the presence of some pores in the biochar. High percentage of carbon (60.24 wt%) was also recorded in the sample biochar. The pores and high percentage of carbon of biochar have significant impact on soil fertilization by increasing the carbon sequestration in the soil. It assists to slow down the decomposition rate of nutrients from soil and therefore enhances the soil quality.

http://ift.tt/2hvtkNC

Th17 cells mediate inflammation in a novel model of spontaneous experimental autoimmune lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis with neural damage

Demonstrated is a novel spontaneous mouse model of experimental autoimmune lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis that results from Th17 cell activation, and will be important for understanding the contribution of environmental or microbial antigens to disease pathogenesis.

http://ift.tt/2hwdp1u

Brainstem infarction associated with HHV-6 infection in an infant

Publication date: Available online 25 September 2017
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Aya Wada, Kazuhiro Muramatsu, Yasuo Sunaga, Takahisa Mizuno, Mariko Takei, Satoshi Ogasawara, Miho Uchida, Kiwako Tsukida, Masahiko Tashiro
IntroductionThe relevant literature includes several case reports on cerebral infarction in children with HHV-6 infection; however, there is no report of brain stem infarction.CaseAn 11-month-old girl was hospitalized because of fever. She was unable to stand up and meet her mother's gaze. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a right pons and mid-brain lesion; a diagnosis of brainstem infarction was made. After her fever subsided, a rash developed on her trunk and limbs; blood examination results indicated a primary HHV-6 infection. She was treated with aspirin, edaravone, and mannitol to prevent further complications. At the age of 18months, the auditory brainstem response (ABR) was unremarkable and she is developing well.Discussion and conclusionA limited number of studies have reported HHV-6 infection-associated infarction, and no cases of brainstem infarction have been reported. One possible cause of cerebral infarction is antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) triggered by the infection. HHV-6 may also directly infect vascular endothelial cells and cause angiopathy. However, the real mechanism of infarction remains unclear. Our patient had a favorable prognosis despite brainstem infarction.



http://ift.tt/2wQ4thW

Correlations between UGT2B7∗2 gene polymorphisms and plasma concentrations of carbamazepine and valproic acid in epilepsy patients

Publication date: Available online 25 September 2017
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Hui Zhang, Wenfang Zhang, Yuechun Li, Jie Yan, Jinfeng Zhang, Baojun Wang
PurposeThe study aims to detect the polymorphisms in uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase (UGT) 2B7∗2 and investigate the corresponding effects on the blood concentrations of valproic acid (VPA) and carbamazepine (CBZ).MethodsA chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer was used to detect the plasma concentrations of VPA or CBZ in patients. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to analyze UGT2B7∗2 gene polymorphisms.ResultsA total of 117 patients were enrolled under the VPA group, out of which 84 patients were aged 6years or older. Comparison of the blood concentrations of VPA showed significant differences among patients with the three standard genotypes (mutant, heterozygous, and wild-type) based on one-way ANOVA (F=4.386, p=0.016). In addition, comparison of the blood concentrations among the three genotypes in the CBZ group (78 patients) showed no significant differences based on analysis using ANOVA (F=0.897, p=0.412).ConclusionThe UGT2B7∗2 gene polymorphisms significantly affect the standard blood concentrations of VPA, but not CBZ.



http://ift.tt/2yDQFED

Pluripotent stem cell differentiation reveals distinct developmental pathways regulating lung versus thyroid lineage specification [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Maria Serra, Konstantinos-Dionysios Alysandratos, Finn Hawkins, Katherine B. McCauley, Anjali Jacob, Jinyoung Choi, Ignacio S. Caballero, Marall Vedaie, Anita A. Kurmann, Laertis Ikonomou, Anthony N. Hollenberg, John M. Shannon, and Darrell N. Kotton

The in vitro directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) through stimulation of developmental signaling pathways can generate mature somatic cell types for basic laboratory studies or regenerative therapies. However, there has been significant uncertainty regarding how to separately derive lung vs. thyroid epithelial lineages, since these two cell types each originate from Nkx2-1+ foregut progenitors, and the minimal pathways claimed to regulate their distinct lineage specification in vivo or in vitro have varied in prior reports. Here we employ PSCs to identify the key minimal signaling pathways (Wnt+BMP vs. BMP+FGF) that regulate distinct lung vs. thyroid lineage specification, respectively, from foregut endoderm. In contrast to most prior reports these minimal pathways appear to be evolutionarily conserved between mice and humans, and FGF signaling, while required for thyroid specification, unexpectedly appears to be dispensable for lung specification. Once specified, distinct Nkx2-1+ lung or thyroid progenitor pools can now be independently derived for functional 3D culture maturation, basic developmental studies, or future regenerative therapies.

http://ift.tt/2hvAl14

Nuclear movement regulated by non-Smad Nodal signaling via JNK is associated with Smad signaling during zebrafish endoderm specification [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Shunya Hozumi, Shun Aoki, and Yutaka Kikuchi

Although asymmetric nuclear positioning is observed during animal development, the regulation and significance of this nuclear positioning in cell differentiation remains poorly understood. Using zebrafish blastulae, we provide evidence that nuclear movement toward the yolk syncytial layer, which comprises extraembryonic tissue, occurs in the first endoderm specified cells during endoderm specification. Nodal signaling is essential for nuclear movement, whereas nuclear envelope proteins are involved in the movement through the microtubule formation. The positioning of the microtubule organizing center, which is proposed to be critical for nuclear movement, is regulated by Nodal signaling and nuclear envelope proteins. The non-Smad JNK signaling pathway, which is downstream of Nodal signaling, regulates nuclear movement independent of the Smad pathway, and this nuclear movement is associated with Smad signal transduction toward the nucleus. Our study provides insights into the function of nuclear movement in Smad signaling toward the nucleus, and could be applied to the control of Transforming Growth Factor-β signaling.

http://ift.tt/2htxhWI

Deregulated PDGFR{alpha} signaling alters coronal suture morphogenesis and leads to craniosynostosis through endochondral ossification [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Fenglei He and Philippe Soriano

Craniosynostosis is a prevalent human birth defect characterized by premature fusion of calvarial bones. In this study, we show that tight regulation of endogenous PDGFRα activity is required for normal calvarium development in the mouse and that deregulated PDGFRα activity causes craniosynostosis. Constitutive activation of PDGFRα leads to expansion of cartilage underlying the coronal sutures, which contribute to suture closure through endochondral ossification, in a process regulated in part by PI3K/Akt signaling. Our results thus identify a novel mechanism underlying calvarial development in craniosynostosis.

http://ift.tt/2huOhrU

Inter-organ regulation of Drosophila intestinal stem cell proliferation by a hybrid organ boundary zone [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Jessica K. Sawyer, Erez Cohen, and Donald T. Fox

The molecular identities and regulation of cells at inter-organ boundaries are often unclear, despite the increasingly appreciated role of organ boundaries in disease. Using Drosophila as a model, here we show that a specific population of adult midgut organ boundary intestinal stem cells (OB-ISCs) is regulated by the neighboring hindgut, a developmentally distinct organ. This distinct OB-ISC control is due to proximity to a specialized transition zone between the endodermal midgut and ectodermal hindgut that shares molecular signatures of both organs, which we term the hybrid zone (HZ). During homeostasis, proximity to the HZ restrains OB-ISC proliferation. However, injury to the adult HZ/hindgut drives up-regulation of unpaired-3 cytokine, which signals through Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) protein to promote cell division only in OB-ISCs. If HZ disruption is severe, hyperplastic OB-ISCs expand across the inter-organ boundary. Our data suggest that inter-organ signaling plays an important role in controlling OB-ISCs in homeostasis and injury repair, which is likely critical in prevention of disease.

http://ift.tt/2hsJJpE

Rho differentially regulates the Hippo pathway by modulating the interaction between Amot and Nf2 in the blastocyst [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Xianle Shi, Zixi Yin, Bin Ling, Lingling Wang, Chang Liu, Xianhui Ruan, Weiyu Zhang, and Lingyi Chen

The Hippo pathway modulates the transcriptional activity of Yap to regulate the differentiation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE) in blastocysts. Yet, how Hippo signaling is differentially regulated in ICM and TE cells is poorly understood. Through an inhibitor/activator screen, we identified Rho as a negative regulator of Hippo in TE cells, and PKA as a positive regulator of Hippo in ICM cells. We further elucidated a novel mechanism for Rho to suppress Hippo, distinct to the prevailing view that Rho inhibits Hippo signaling through modulating cytoskeleton remodeling and/or cell polarity. Active Rho prevents the phosphorylation of Amot Ser176, thus stabilizing the interaction between Amot and F-actin, and restricting the binding between Amot and Nf2. Moreover, Rho attenuates the interaction between Amot and Nf2 by binding to the coiled-coil domain of Amot. Through blocking the association of Nf2 and Amot, Rho suppresses Hippo in TE cells.

http://ift.tt/2hvCny7

Epithelial vimentin plays a functional role in mammary gland development [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Emilia Peuhu, Reetta Virtakoivu, Anja Mai, Anni Wärri, and Johanna Ivaska

In the mammary gland, vimentin intermediate filaments are expressed in stromal cells and in basal epithelial cell populations including gland-reconstituting mammary stem cells, with largely undefined functions. Here, we studied how vimentin deficiency affects mouse mammary gland development. We find that in adult vimentin knockout mice (Vim-/-) mammary ductal outgrowth is delayed. The adult Vim-/- glands display dilated ducts and reduced basal to luminal mouse mammary epithelial cell (MMEC) ratio indicative of altered progenitor cell activity. Accordingly, isolated Vim-/- MMECs form fewer mammospheres and basal-like organoids in vitro than their wt counterparts. Importantly, reduced basal MMEC number translates into defects in Vim-/- mammary gland regeneration in vivo. Global gene expression profiling of basal MMECs reveals that lack of vimentin alters multiple pathways including adhesion, cancer and Wnt-signalling. Furthermore, vimentin contributes to stem-like cell properties in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, wherein vimentin depletion reduces tumorsphere formation and attenuates expression of breast cancer stem cell-associated surface markers. Together, our findings identify vimentin as a positive regulator of stemness in the developing mouse mammary gland and in breast cancer cells.

http://ift.tt/2hvm1ZR

Preprints and Cardiovascular Science: Prescient or Premature?.

Author: Nallamothu, Brahmajee K. MD, MPH; Hill, Joseph A. MD, PhD

Page: 1177-1179

http://ift.tt/2xHHLbi

What's in a Name?: The New ICD-10 (10th Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) Codes and Type 2 Myocardial Infarction.

Author: Goyal, Abhinav MD, MHS; Gluckman, Tyler J. MD; Tcheng, James E. MD

Page: 1180-1182

http://ift.tt/2ftvu3m

Low-Dose Aspirin Discontinuation and Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Swedish Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study.

Author: Sundstrom, Johan MD, PhD; Hedberg, Jakob MD, PhD; Thuresson, Marcus PhD; Aarskog, Pernilla MSc; Johannesen, Kasper Munk MSc *; Oldgren, Jonas MD, PhD *

Page: 1183-1192

http://ift.tt/2xH0R15

Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: International Insights From the TECOS Trial (Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes With Sitagliptin).

Author: Pagidipati, Neha J. MD, MPH; Navar, Ann Marie MD, PhD; Pieper, Karen S. MS; Green, Jennifer B. MD; Bethel, M. Angelyn MD; Armstrong, Paul W. MD; Josse, Robert G. MBBS; McGuire, Darren K. MD, MHSc; Lokhnygina, Yuliya PhD; Cornel, Jan H. MD, PhD; Halvorsen, Sigrun MD, PhD; Strandberg, Timo E. MD, PhD; Delibasi, Tuncay MD; Holman, Rury R. MB ChB; Peterson, Eric D. MD, MPH; On Behalf of the TECOS Study Group

Page: 1193-1203

http://ift.tt/2futK9V

Diabetes Mellitus and Control of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Challenge to Improve Usual Care.

Author: Wilson, Peter W.F. MD; Gagnon, David MD, PhD

Page: 1204-1206

http://ift.tt/2xHGRLW

Validity of Cardiovascular Data From Electronic Sources: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and HealthLNK.

Author: Ahmad, Faraz S. MD, MS; Chan, Cheeling MS; Rosenman, Marc B. MD, MS; Post, Wendy S. MD, MS; Fort, Daniel G. PhD, MPH; Greenland, Philip MD; Liu, Kiang J. PhD; Kho, Abel N. MD, MS; Allen, Norrina B. PhD, MPH

Page: 1207-1216

http://ift.tt/2fuG1eA

Disturbed Flow Promotes Arterial Stiffening Through Thrombospondin-1.

Author: Kim, Chan Woo PhD *; Pokutta-Paskaleva, Anastassia PhD *; Kumar, Sandeep PhD *; Timmins, Lucas H. PhD; Morris, Andrew D. MD; Kang, Dong-Won MS; Dalal, Sidd BS; Chadid, Tatiana MD; Kuo, Katie M. BS; Raykin, Julia PhD; Li, Haiyan MD; Yanagisawa, Hiromi MD, PhD; Gleason, Rudolph L. Jr. PhD; Jo, Hanjoong PhD; Brewster, Luke P. MD, PhD

Page: 1217-1232

http://ift.tt/2xHGzVm

Histone Methyltransferase G9a Is Required for Cardiomyocyte Homeostasis and Hypertrophy.

Author: Papait, Roberto PhD *; Serio, Simone MSc *; Pagiatakis, Christina PhD *; Rusconi, Francesca PhD; Carullo, Pierluigi MSc; Mazzola, Marta MSc; Salvarani, Nicolo PhD; Miragoli, Michele PhD; Condorelli, Gianluigi MD, PhD

Page: 1233-1246

http://ift.tt/2fvxYhz

Esophageal Injury and Atrioesophageal Fistula Caused by Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

Author: Kapur, Sunil MD; Barbhaiya, Chirag MD; Deneke, Thomas MD; Michaud, Gregory F. MD

Page: 1247-1255

http://ift.tt/2xHGocE

Highlights From the Circulation Family of Journals.

Author:

Page: 1256-1261

http://ift.tt/2fvxLeh

Prognosis of Prehypertension Without Progression to Hypertension.

Author: Niiranen, Teemu J. MD; Larson, Martin G. SD; McCabe, Elizabeth L. PhD; Xanthakis, Vanessa PhD; Vasan, Ramachandran S. MD; Cheng, Susan MD, MPH

Page: 1262-1264

http://ift.tt/2xFWZ09

Letter by Ye et al Regarding Article, "Effect of Aggressive Blood Pressure Control on the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation: A Randomized, Open Label Clinical Trial (SMAC-AF [Substrate Modification with Aggressive Blood Pressure Control])".

Author: Ye, Ziliang MD; Su, Qiang MD, PhD; Li, Lang MD, PhD

Page: 1265-1266

http://ift.tt/2fvxE2l

Letter by Kosiuk et al Regarding Article, "Effect of Aggressive Blood Pressure Control on the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation: A Randomized, Open Label Clinical Trial (SMAC-AF [Substrate Modification With Aggressive Blood Pressure Control])".

Author: Kosiuk, Jedrzej MD; Linz, Dominik MD, PhD; Hindricks, Gerhard MD

Page: 1267-1268

http://ift.tt/2xIhDNv

Letter by Jin-shan and Xue-bin Regarding Article, "Effect of Aggressive Blood Pressure Control on the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation: A Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial (SMAC-AF [Substrate Modification With Aggressive Blood Pressure Control])".

Author: Jin-shan, He MD; Xue-bin, Li MD

Page: 1269-1270

http://ift.tt/2fvxwQp

Response by Parkash et al to Letters Regarding Article, "Effect of Aggressive Blood Pressure Control on the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation: A Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial (SMAC-AF [Substrate Modification With Aggressive Blood Pressure Control])".

Author: Parkash, Ratika MD, MS; Sapp, John L. MD; Healey, Jeff S. MD, MS; Tang, Anthony S.L. MD

Page: 1271-1272

http://ift.tt/2xHu5g8

Management of Cardiac Involvement Associated With Neuromuscular Diseases: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Author: Feingold, Brian MD, MS, FAHA, Chair; Mahle, William T. MD, FAHA, Co-Chair; Auerbach, Scott MD; Clemens, Paula MD; Domenighetti, Andrea A. PhD; Jefferies, John L. MD, MPH, FAHA; Judge, Daniel P. MD; Lal, Ashwin K. MD; Markham, Larry W. MD; Parks, W. James MD, FAHA; Tsuda, Takeshi MD; Wang, Paul J. MD, FAHA; Yoo, Shi-Joon MD, PhD; On behalf of the American Heart Association Pediatric Heart Failure Committee of the Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young; Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; Council on Functional Genomics and Translational Biology; and Stroke Council

Page: e200-e231

http://ift.tt/2fuhTsD

VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos

VideoEndocrinology™
The Official Journal of: American Thyroid Association

FREE ACCESS through October 9, 2017.
Watch now:

Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration Smear Preparation
Juan Munoz Pena, Jeffrey Arnold

Transoral Lingual Thyroidectomy for Obstructive Symptoms
Seth Kay, David J. Terris

Population-Based Assessment of Complications After Surgery for Thyroid Cancer
Maria Papaleontiou, Megan R. Haymart

 

The post VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2yCXhmy

VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos

VideoEndocrinology™
The Official Journal of: American Thyroid Association

FREE ACCESS through October 9, 2017.
Watch now:

Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration Smear Preparation
Juan Munoz Pena, Jeffrey Arnold

Transoral Lingual Thyroidectomy for Obstructive Symptoms
Seth Kay, David J. Terris

Population-Based Assessment of Complications After Surgery for Thyroid Cancer
Maria Papaleontiou, Megan R. Haymart

 

The post VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2yCXhmy

Synchronous colorectal cancer and multiple myeloma with chest wall involvement: Is this a coincidence?

Publication date: Available online 25 September 2017
Source:Current Problems in Cancer
Author(s): Qiu-Li Li, Jin-An Ma, Hai-Peng Li, Ren-Bing Huang, Chun-Hong Hu, Xian-Ling Liu, Ya-Wen Gao, Gang-Hua Feng, Fang Wu
Multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) are rare malignant neoplasms that simultaneously or successively occur in the same patient as two or more primary malignancies. Currently, an increasing number of cases are being reported. In general, MPMNs more commonly occur as two solid tumors or two hematological malignancies. Cases of MPMN that involve a solid tumor and a hematological malignancy are rare. Here, we report a case of synchronous colorectal cancer (CRC) and multiple myeloma (MM) with chest wall involvement. After reviewing the literature, we believe that there may be a distinct syndrome involving CRC and MM. The patient in our case study suffered refractory anemia following surgery and two cycles of chemotherapy. Initially, the anemia was considered to be a common manifestation of CRC in this patient. Interestingly, although he received a blood transfusion, his hemoglobin levels remained low. He later developed hematuria, proteinuria, multiple osteoporosis in the costal bones, and thrombocytopenia. These new symptoms drew our attention, and we considered a diagnosis of synchronous primary CRC and MM, with the anemia as a symptom of MM. Based on the results of a bone marrow aspirate, MM was confirmed. Therefore, when CRC is associated with refractory anemia, we should not only assume that anemia is a classical symptom of CRC, a result of chronic blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, or myelosuppression due to chemotherapy, but we should also consider that it may reflect the possibility of a coexisting hematologic malignancy. Since the treatment of these two malignancies is different, early diagnosis and treatment based on definitive diagnosis as early as possible will be beneficial to overall prognosis.



http://ift.tt/2jWnHMS

Contribution of atmospheric dry deposition to stormwater loads for PAHs and trace metals in a small and highly trafficked urban road catchment

Abstract

A deep understanding of pollutant buildup and wash-off is essential for accurate urban stormwater quality modeling and for the development of stormwater management practices, knowing the potential adverse impacts of runoff pollution on receiving waters. In the context of quantifying the contribution of airborne pollutants to the contamination of stormwater runoff and assessing the need of developing an integrated AIR-WATER modeling chain, loads of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metal trace elements (MTEs) are calculated in atmospheric dry deposits, stormwater runoff, and surface dust stock within a small yet highly trafficked urban road catchment (~ 30,000 vehicles per day) near Paris. Despite the important traffic load and according to the current definition of "atmospheric" source, atmospheric deposition did not account for more than 10% of the PAHs and trace metal loads in stormwater samples for the majority of the events, based on the ratio of deposition to stormwater. This result shows that atmospheric deposition is not a major source of pollutants in stormwater, and thus, linking the air and water compartment in a modeling chain to have more accurate estimates of pollutant loads in stormwater runoff might not be relevant. Comparison of road dust with water samples demonstrates that only the fine fraction of the available stock is eroded during a rainfall event. Even if the atmosphere mostly generates fine particles, the existence of other sources of fine particles to stormwater runoff is highlighted.

http://ift.tt/2hrZMny

A new all-purpose bilateral cleft lip repair: bilateral cheiloplasty suitable for most conditions

Only experienced surgeons are able to produce satisfactory results with most of the current surgical methods for bilateral cleft lip repair. The existing methods require not only preoperative orthodontic maneuvers but also accurate measurements for surgical design. We describe an easy-to-design and simple-to-execute general purpose surgical technique to repair most bilateral cleft lips.

http://ift.tt/2hwsPTt

Assessing outcome following levatorplasty: when east meets west editorial on paper “transcutaneous aponeurotic repair with small detachment of the levator aponeurosis for aponeurotic blepharoptosis in japanese patients”

In this well-written paper [insert reference] the authors convincingly argue for combining a long skin incision with a limited aponeurosis dissection for involutional ptosis in East Asian patients instead of the small incision, external levator repair or excision currently in vogue. This makes sense as a longer incision allows for the creation of a smooth double eyelid crease which this surgeon seems to have achieved in a high percentage (> 86%) of patients. Why less than two-thirds of patients were satisfied with the overall result, where one functional, and 3 aesthetic criteria were applied, is much harder to explain and comes as a surprise.

http://ift.tt/2huaIRD

Debunking the myth of e-cigarettes: a case of free flap compromise due to e-cigarette use within the first 24 hours

Nicotine abstinence for free flap patients has long been the dictum for good reason: nicotine induced vasoconstriction can cause spasm and subsequent thrombosis, ultimately resulting in flap loss.(1) Electronic cigarettes (E-cig) have become much more common, and are routinely seen as being the "lesser" of two evils when compared to "traditional" smoking among the general population. This stigma if e-cigarettes being an "acceptable alternative" to smoking, particularly in individuals attempting to abstain from smoking, has persisted despite debate among healthcare providers.

http://ift.tt/2hvWTP1

Evaluation of the effect of an innovative automated text messaging service on patient experience in day-case hand trauma surgery

Hand trauma makes up a significant proportion of the acute caseload of plastic surgery departments in the UK. At least 1.36 million hand injuries are assessed in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments each year and approximately 2425 patients per 500,000 population require specialist care [1,2]. Our unit runs a full hand trauma list every day treating several thousand patients per year. Despite high demand for services, there is limited operating capacity in most units, increasing pressure on the operating teams.

http://ift.tt/2htSWhv

Comparing sensation of common donor site regions for autologous breast reconstruction to a healthy breast.

Autologous breast reconstruction has become standard care for breast cancer patients. Although excellent cosmetic results can be achieved, most reconstructed breasts fail to regain normal sensation. Nerve coaptation of the flap has been suggested to improve sensation, the effect of the donor flap native sensory threshold, on the degree of sensory restoration has yet to be determined. The aim of this study is to evaluate the differences in sensation between various potential donor site regions in comparison to sensation of the healthy breast.

http://ift.tt/2hvu9Gl

A content analysis of thinspiration, fitspiration, and bonespiration imagery on social media

Abstract

Background

On social media, images such as thinspiration, fitspiration, and bonespiration, are shared to inspire certain body ideals. Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to these groups of content is associated with increased body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem. It is therefore important that the bodies featured within these groups of content are more fully understood so that effective interventions and preventative measures can be informed, developed, and implemented.

Method

A content analysis was conducted on a sample of body-focussed images with the hashtags thinspiration, fitspiration, and bonespiration from three social media platforms.

Results

The analyses showed that thinspiration and bonespiration content contained more thin and objectified bodies, compared to fitspiration which featured a greater prevalence of muscles and muscular bodies. In addition, bonespiration content contained more bone protrusions and fewer muscles than thinspiration content.

Conclusions

The findings suggest fitspiration may be a less unhealthy type of content; however, a subgroup of imagery was identified which idealised the extremely thin body type and as such this content should also be approached with caution. Future research should utilise qualitative methods to further develop understandings of the body ideals that are constructed within these groups of content and the motivations behind posting this content.

http://ift.tt/2y4NI2G

Blocking CGRP in migraine patients – a review of pros and cons

Migraine is the most prevalent neurological disorder worldwide and it has immense socioeconomic impact. Currently, preventative treatment options for migraine include drugs developed for diseases other than mi...

http://ift.tt/2jYvGZS

The molecular genetics of chemotherapy–induced peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication date: Available online 25 September 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): J. Cliff, A.L. Jorgensen, R. Lord, F. Azam, L. Cossar, D.F. Carr, M. Pirmohamed
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can adversely affect completion of systemic anti-cancer treatment and cause long-term morbidity. Increasingly pharmacogenetic studies have been performed to explore susceptibility to this important adverse effect.A systematic review was conducted to identify pharmacogenetic studies, assess their quality and findings and undertake meta-analysis where possible.93 studies were included. Notable methodological issues included lack of standardisation and detail in phenotype definition and acknowledgement of potential confounding factors. Insufficient data was presented in many studies meaning only a minority could be included in meta-analysis showing mainly non-significant effects. Nonetheless, SNPs in CYP2C8, CYP3A4, ARHGEF10, EPHA and TUBB2A genes (taxanes), FARS2, ACYP2 and TAC1 (oxaliplatin), and CEP75 and CYP3A5 (vincristine) are of potential interest. These require exploration in large cohort studies with robust methodology and well-defined phenotypes.Seeking standardisation of phenotype, collaboration and subsequently, individual-patient-data meta-analysis may facilitate identifying contributory SNPs which could be combined in a polygenic risk score to predict those most at risk of CIPN.



http://ift.tt/2fMEFJ6

Regeneration Tensed Up: Polyploidy Takes the Lead

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Zoltán Spiró, Carl-Philipp Heisenberg
The cellular mechanisms allowing tissues to efficiently regenerate are not fully understood. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Cao et al. (2017) discover that during zebrafish heart regeneration, epicardial cells at the leading edge of regenerating tissue undergo endoreplication, possibly due to increased tissue tension, thereby boosting their regenerative capacity.

Teaser

The cellular mechanisms allowing tissues to efficiently regenerate are not fully understood. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Cao et al. (2017) discover that during zebrafish heart regeneration, epicardial cells at the leading edge of regenerating tissue undergo endoreplication, possibly due to increased tissue tension, thereby boosting their regenerative capacity.


http://ift.tt/2fmgKzD

Ras Brakes for Hippo

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Taryn M. Sumabat, Iswar K. Hariharan
Normal organ growth requires precise signaling from key developmental pathways, as well as careful coordination between these pathways. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Pascual and colleagues (2017) investigate the dire consequences of simultaneous deregulation of both the Ras and Hippo pathways.

Teaser

Normal organ growth requires precise signaling from key developmental pathways, as well as careful coordination between these pathways. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Pascual and colleagues (2017) investigate the dire consequences of simultaneous deregulation of both the Ras and Hippo pathways.


http://ift.tt/2wh07MA

No Winter Lasts Forever: Polycomb Complexes Convert Epigenetic Memory of Cold into Flowering

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Jafar Sharif, Haruhiko Koseki
Two recent papers in Science (Jiang and Berger, 2017 and Yang et al., 2017) reveal that an epigenetic mechanism, mediated by polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2), induces flowering after prolonged cold. This repression is biphasic, requiring nucleation and propagation; and, strikingly, appears to be intrinsically linked with DNA replication.

Teaser

Two recent papers in Science (Jiang and Berger, 2017 and Yang et al., 2017) reveal that an epigenetic mechanism, mediated by polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2), induces flowering after prolonged cold. This repression is biphasic, requiring nucleation and propagation, and, strikingly, appears to be intrinsically linked with DNA replication.


http://ift.tt/2fmcPCR

Adaptive Actin Networks

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Julie Plastino, Laurent Blanchoin
Despite their fundamental importance in the regulation of cell physiology, the mechanisms that confer cell adaptability to changes in the microenvironment are poorly understood. A recent study in Cell (Mueller et al., 2017) examines the capability of branched actin networks to respond and adapt to mechanical load in vivo.

Teaser

Despite their fundamental importance in the regulation of cell physiology, the mechanisms that confer cell adaptability to changes in the microenvironment are poorly understood. A recent study in Cell (Mueller et al., 2017) examines the capability of branched actin networks to respond and adapt to mechanical load in vivo.


http://ift.tt/2fm0Cht

Status Anxiety among Pluripotent Stem Cells?

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Thomas P. Zwaka
Abundant cell death marks early embryonic development. New work reported in Developmental Cell from Diaz-Diaz and colleagues (2017) proposes that this death results from cell competition arising from differences in cellular differentiation status, thus providing a physiological mechanism for controlling the make-up of the pluripotent stem cell population.

Teaser

Abundant cell death marks early embryonic development. New work reported in Developmental Cell from Diaz-Diaz and colleagues (2017) proposes that this death results from cell competition arising from differences in cellular differentiation status, thus providing a physiological mechanism for controlling the make-up of the pluripotent stem cell population.


http://ift.tt/2wgZylW

How to Plumb a Pisces: Understanding Vascular Development and Disease Using Zebrafish Embryos

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Benjamin M. Hogan, Stefan Schulte-Merker
Our vasculature plays diverse and critical roles in homeostasis and disease. In recent decades, the use of zebrafish has driven our understanding of vascular development into new areas, identifying new genes and mechanisms controlling vessel formation and allowing unprecedented observation of the cellular and molecular events that shape the developing vasculature. Here, we highlight key mechanisms controlling formation of the zebrafish vasculature and investigate how knowledge from this highly tractable model system has informed our understanding of vascular disease in humans.

Teaser

Hogan and Schulte-Merker present a review discussing formation of the zebrafish vasculature. They highlight both the genes and mechanisms controlling vessel formation and connect this to the use of this model system for the study of vascular disease.


http://ift.tt/2fmfZXj

Tension Creates an Endoreplication Wavefront that Leads Regeneration of Epicardial Tissue

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Jingli Cao, Jinhu Wang, Christopher P. Jackman, Amanda H. Cox, Michael A. Trembley, Joseph J. Balowski, Ben D. Cox, Alessandro De Simone, Amy L. Dickson, Stefano Di Talia, Eric M. Small, Daniel P. Kiehart, Nenad Bursac, Kenneth D. Poss
Mechanisms that control cell-cycle dynamics during tissue regeneration require elucidation. Here we find in zebrafish that regeneration of the epicardium, the mesothelial covering of the heart, is mediated by two phenotypically distinct epicardial cell subpopulations. These include a front of large, multinucleate leader cells, trailed by follower cells that divide to produce small, mononucleate daughters. By using live imaging of cell-cycle dynamics, we show that leader cells form by spatiotemporally regulated endoreplication, caused primarily by cytokinesis failure. Leader cells display greater velocities and mechanical tension within the epicardial tissue sheet, and experimentally induced tension anisotropy stimulates ectopic endoreplication. Unbalancing epicardial cell-cycle dynamics with chemical modulators indicated autonomous regenerative capacity in both leader and follower cells, with leaders displaying an enhanced capacity for surface coverage. Our findings provide evidence that mechanical tension can regulate cell-cycle dynamics in regenerating tissue, stratifying the source cell features to improve repair.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Cao et al. devise genetic tools and live-imaging platforms in zebrafish to visualize cell-cycle dynamics during regeneration of the epicardial tissue that covers the heart. They uncover evidence that differences in mechanical tension within the tissue sheet create distinct zones of endoreplicating and dividing cells that enable regeneration.


http://ift.tt/2wggatZ

Distinct Roles of the Chromosomal Passenger Complex in the Detection of and Response to Errors in Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachment

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Julian Haase, Mary Kate Bonner, Hyunmi Halas, Alexander E. Kelly
The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) localizes to centromeres in early mitosis to activate its subunit Aurora B kinase. However, it is unclear whether centromeric CPC localization contributes to CPC functions beyond Aurora B activation. Here, we show that an activated CPC that cannot localize to centromeres supports functional assembly of the outer kinetochore but is unable to correct errors in kinetochore-microtubule attachment in Xenopus egg extracts. We find that CPC has two distinct roles at centromeres: one to selectively phosphorylate Ndc80 to regulate attachment and a second, conserved kinase-independent role in the proper composition of inner kinetochore proteins. Although a fully assembled inner kinetochore is not required for outer kinetochore assembly, we find it is essential to recruit tension indicators, such as BubR1 and 3F3/2, to erroneous attachments. We conclude centromeric CPC is necessary for tension-dependent removal of erroneous attachments and for the kinetochore composition required to detect tension loss.

Teaser

Error-free chromosome segregation relies on the correction of erroneously attached kinetochore-microtubules by the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). Haase et al. find centromeric localization of the CPC plays two roles in error correction: one in selectively removing mal-attachments and another in enabling error detection through regulation of inner kinetochore composition.


http://ift.tt/2wgKDrX

Hippo Reprograms the Transcriptional Response to Ras Signaling

Publication date: 25 September 2017
Source:Developmental Cell, Volume 42, Issue 6
Author(s): Justine Pascual, Jelle Jacobs, Leticia Sansores-Garcia, Malini Natarajan, Julia Zeitlinger, Stein Aerts, Georg Halder, Fisun Hamaratoglu
Hyperactivating mutations in Ras signaling are hallmarks of carcinomas. Ras signaling mediates cell fate decisions as well as proliferation during development. It is not known what dictates whether Ras signaling drives differentiation versus proliferation. Here we show that the Hippo pathway is critical for this decision. Loss of Hippo switches Ras activation from promoting cellular differentiation to aggressive cellular proliferation. Transcriptome analysis combined with genetic tests show that this excessive proliferation depends on the synergistic induction of Ras target genes. Using ChIP-nexus, we find that Hippo signaling keeps Ras targets in check by directly regulating the expression of two key downstream transcription factors of Ras signaling: the ETS-domain transcription factor Pointed and the repressor Capicua. Our results highlight how independent signaling pathways can impinge on each other at the level of transcription factors, thereby providing a safety mechanism to keep proliferation in check under normal developmental conditions.

Teaser

How is the cellular response to Ras activation—differentiation versus proliferation—determined? Pascual et al. show that the Hippo pathway helps decide by controlling expression of Ras effector genes, including the repressor Capicua. Capicua acts with Hippo signaling to repress and restrict the expression of a gene subset to prevent hyperproliferation.


http://ift.tt/2fo2xlU

Experts' Results in Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury are Reproducible in Lower Volume Tertiary Institutions. Early and Mid-term Results of an Observational Study

Publication date: Available online 25 September 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Tamer Ghazy, Sandra Mikulasch, Christian Reeps, Ralf-Thorsten Hoffmann, Kasia Wijatkowska, Abdel-Hannan Diab, Utz Kappert, Klaus Matschke, Norbert Weiss, Adrian Mahlmann
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the early and mid-term clinical results, the device performance, and the mid-term re-intervention rates of patients suffering blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) managed by a multidisciplinary team in a low-volume BTAI centre.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study in a tertiary hospital setting. From December 2005 to March 2016, all patients over 18 years old admitted with BTAI were included in the study. No exclusion criteria were applied. The study data were collected and analysed retrospectively. Follow-up of survivors included computed tomography imaging 3 and 9 months post-procedure, then annually.ResultsTwenty-eight patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 42 ± 16 years and 89% were male. A contained aortic rupture was diagnosed in 20 patients, a Stanford type B dissection in six, and intramural haematoma in two patients. Multidisciplinary evaluations were performed and an intervention was indicated in 25 patients (89%), four of whom died before the intervention. Nineteen patients underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair of the descending thoracic aorta and two patients underwent a frozen elephant trunk procedure. The procedures were performed 0.7 ± 1.2 days after injury. All procedures were successful. There were no device related complications. The post-operative 30 day mortality was 5%, with one patient dying on the day of operation from other vascular injuries. The 30 day mortality of all patients was 18%. The median mid-term follow-up period was 786 days. All 30 day survivors survived the follow-up period. The mid-term imaging showed stable results in 19 patients. Two patients required frozen elephant trunk procedures after 240 and 681 days and both procedures were successful.ConclusionsIn a low volume centre, a multidisciplinary team using a standardised protocol with the endovascular first approach demonstrated excellent outcomes, similar to those of large centres. If the aortic trauma is adequately managed, the patient's outcome is closely related to the additional trauma.

Graphical abstract

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Mercury contamination, a potential threat to the globally endangered aquatic warbler Acrocephalus paludicola

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) contamination is considered a global concern for humans and wildlife, and although the number of studies dealing with that issue continues to increase, some taxonomic groups such as small passerine birds are largely understudied. In this paper, concentration of mercury in the aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) feathers, a globally threatened passerine species, was examined. The concentration differences between two ages and sexes were investigated. The comparison of feathers taken on autumn migrants of two age categories act as a comparison of the species' exposure within the two different areas (European breeding or African wintering grounds). The average Hg concentration for all sampled individuals [2.32 μg/g dw (range 0.38–12.76)] is relatively high, compared with values found in other passerine species. An age difference was found, with first-year individuals displaying higher mercury concentrations than adults. This indicates that birds are exposed to mercury pollution during the breeding season, i.e., in the continental floodplains of eastern Europe. The average Hg concentration in feathers grown on the breeding grounds was 3.88 ± 2.59 μg/g dw, closer to the critical value of 5 μg/g dw, which is considered to impair the health of individuals. The findings suggest that mercury pollution may constitute a threat so far neglected for the endangered aquatic warbler.

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Application of manures to mitigate the harmful effects of electrokinetic remediation of heavy metals on soil microbial properties in polluted soils

Abstract

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) used with electrokinetic (EK) to remediate heavy metal-polluted soils is a toxic chelate for soil microorganisms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of alternative organic chelates to EDTA on improving the microbial properties of a heavy metal-polluted soil subjected to EK. Cow manure extract (CME), poultry manure extract (PME) and EDTA were applied to a lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)-polluted calcareous soil which were subjected to two electric intensities (1.1 and 3.3 v/cm). Soil carbon pools, microbial activity, microbial abundance (e.g., fungal, actinomycetes and bacterial abundances) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Pb and Zn (available forms) were assessed in both cathodic and anodic soils. Applying the EK to soil decreased all the microbial variables in the cathodic and anodic soils in the absence or presence of chelates. Both CME and PME applied with two electric intensities decreased the negative effect of EK on soil microbial variables. The lowest values of soil microbial variables were observed when EK was combined with EDTA. The following order was observed in values of soil microbial variables after treating with EK and chelates: EK + CME or EK + PME > EK > EK + EDTA. The CME and PME could increase the concentrations of available Pb and Zn, although the increase was less than that of EDTA. Overall, despite increasing soil available Pb and Zn, the combination of EK with manures (CME or PME) mitigated the negative effects of using EK on soil microbial properties. This study suggested that the synthetic chelates such as EDTA could be replaced with manures to alleviate the environmental risks of EK application.

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The individual contribution of DSM 5 symptom clusters of PTSD, life events, and childhood adversity to frontal oscillatory brain asymmetry in a large sample of active combatants

Publication date: Available online 25 September 2017
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): James K. Moran, Anselm Crombach, Thomas Elbert, Corina Nandi, Manassé Bambonyé, Christian Wienbruch, Ursula Lommen, Roland Weierstall
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been linked to deviations in lateralized frontal functional oscillatory activity. This is possibly because left and right DLPFC have differential roles in regulating both memory and stress response, which are both dysfunctional in PTSD. However, previous results are heterogeneous, and could be attributable to individual symptom clusters, traumatic or aggressive life events, early life stress, or the interaction of these factors. In a large sample of active combatants (N=401), we regressed these factors on frontal electroencephalography (EEG) asymmetry across 5 frequency bands (delta: 2–4Hz; theta: 4–8Hz; alpha: 8–12Hz; beta: 12–24Hz; gamma: 24–48Hz). Negative cognition and mood was associated with stronger relative left delta and theta band power. Traumatic life events showed stronger right alpha and beta band power. Traumatic life events in interaction with hyperarousal predicted stronger relative right left-right imbalance (theta, alpha, and beta bands), whereas childhood adversity, in interaction with negative cognition and mood, predicted stronger relative left left-right imbalance (delta, theta, alpha and beta bands). The contribution of lateralized DLPFC dysfunction to PTSD is thus dependent on the individual complexities of subsymptom clusters and life history, and future studies need to take these factors into account.



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Impact of socio-demographic factors on the mitigating actions for climate change: a path analysis with mediating effects of attitudinal variables

Abstract

Socio-demographic factors play a significant role in increasing the individual's climate change awareness and in setting a favorable individual attitude towards its mitigation. To better understand how the adversative effects of climate change can be mitigated, this study attempts to investigate the impact of socio-demographic factors on the mitigating actions of the individuals (MAOI) on climate change. Qualitative data were collected from a face-to-face survey of 360 respondents in the Kuala Lumpur region of Malaysia through a close-ended questionnaire. Analysis was conducted on the mediating effects of attitudinal variables through the path model by using the SEM. Findings indicate that the socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, education, income, and ethnicity can greatly influence the individual's awareness, attitude, risk perception, and knowledge of climate change issues. The results drawn from this study also revealed that the attitudinal factors act as a mediating effect between the socio-demographic factors and the MAOI, thereby, indicating that both the socio-demographic factors and the attitudinal factors have significant effects on the MAOI towards climate change. The outcome of this study can help policy makers and other private organizations to decide on the appropriate actions to take in managing climate change effects. These actions which encompass improving basic climate change education and making the public more aware of the local dimensions of climate change are important for harnessing public engagement and support that can also stimulate climate change awareness and promote mitigating actions to n protect the environment from the impact of climate change.

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Editors, contents and cover information

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Trends in Biochemical Sciences, Volume 42, Issue 10





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Prenatal diagnosis of nail patella syndrome: A case report

LD Padmanabhan, D Yesodharan, S Nampoothiri

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):329-331

The Nail Patella Syndrome (NPS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder affecting the nails, skeletal system, kidneys and eyes. Here, we report a case of NPS detected at 19 weeks of gestation. The movements of the elbow and knee joints were restricted and there was rotational deformity of the knee joints. To our knowledge, this is the first report of in-utero restriction of limb movements in a fetus with NPS.

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Complications exclusive to long strut grafts used following multilevel cervical corpectomy: Utilization of advanced imaging techniques

Pushpa B Thippeswamy, Sunitha P Kumaran, Vinay Hegde, Sanjaya Viswamitra

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):263-267

When surgical decompression of cervical spine is considered, multilevel cervical corpectomy with long strut grafts is the preferred treatment. This procedure is used in a variety of pathologies including degenerative disease, tumors, trauma and infection. Corpectomy with interbody grafting helps in adequate spinal canal and neural decompression compared to multilevel discectomy, which could be difficult as well as inadequate. Fibular/iliac strut grafts are used for reconstruction along with a stabilizing hardware in this procedure. So far, complete imaging spectrum of complications exclusive to strut graft has not been reported in the literature. This pictorial essay presents complications exclusive to the strut graft, utility of advanced imaging in diagnosis and a brief note on the clinical management of complications.

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Role of whole-brain computed tomography perfusion in head injury patients to predict outcome

TS Bindu, Sameer Vyas, Niranjan Khandelwal, Vikas Bhatia, Sivashanmugam Dhandapani, Ajay Kumar, Chirag K Ahuja

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):268-273

Purpose: To evaluate utility, pattern, and extent of perfusion abnormalities in traumatic brain injury by using whole-brain computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and to assess co-relation of CTP data clinically with Glasgow outcome score (GOS). Materials and Methods: Prospective analytic evaluation of the traumatic head injury patients who were immediately taken up for CTP was done. Patient's demographic, clinical, and radiological findings were tabulated and analyzed. GOS was measured by a neurosurgeon after 3 months of trauma who was blinded to CTP results. Results: Of the 78 patients included in this study, 28 patients were found to have GOS 5, 19 of them had GOS 4, 27 of them had GOS 3, and 4 of them had a GOS 2. Higher mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) values were observed in those who had a better GOS, i.e., 4 or 5, whereas those in the GOS range ≤3 had lower mean CBF and CBV values. Conclusion: Statistically significant positive correlation was found between cerebral perfusion parameters with that of GOS. CBF of frontal area shows better correlation with GOS. CBF was the most important predictor among all the perfusion parameters.

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Diagnosing thoracic venous aneurysm: A contemporary imaging perspective

Rohit Aggarwal, Ruchi Gautam, Dhiraj Jhamb, Rajeev Sivasankar

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):350-353

Thoracic venous aneurysms are a rare clinical entity and contrast-enhanced computed tomography has been the cornerstone of their diagnosis. We are reporting a rare case of isolated left brachiocephalic vein aneurysm, which was surgically managed, highlighting the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as a definitive diagnostic modality in this patient.

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Radiological requirements for surgical planning in cochlear implant candidates

Mohamad Hasan Alam-Eldeen, Usama Mohamed Rashad, Al Hussein Awad Ali

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):274-281

Objective: This study is concerned with clarification of radiological findings that should be addressed and reported in patients listed for cochlear implant (CI) operation. These findings may force a surgeon to consider modifications of the surgical approach by a CI surgeon. Materials and Methods: The study was performed from January 2015 to January 2016. It included 50 patients with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss who fulfilled the criteria for CI. Patients underwent CI surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology. Combined examination of the CT and MRI by the radiologist and the surgeon was advocated. Results: Many anatomical variants were observed regarding the pattern of mastoid pneumatization, position of middle cranial fossa dura, sigmoid sinus position jugular bulb position, and the size and position of the mastoid segment of facial nerve canal. Labyrinthitis ossificans was seen in 3 patients (6%), otospongiosis in 1 patient (2%), and dilated vestibular aqueduct and endolymphatic sac in 9 patients (18%). Conclusion: Cochlear implantation is a major treatment modality in patients with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Radiological evaluation is integral in surgery planning.

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CT-guided radiofrequency ablation in osteoid osteoma: Result from a tertiary cancer centre in India

Suyash S Kulkarni, Nitin S Shetty, Ashwin M Polnaya, Amit Janu, Suresh Kumar, Ajay Puri, Ashish Gulia, Venkatesh Rangarajan

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):318-323

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation as a minimally invasive therapy for osteoid osteoma. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data of 43 symptomatic osteoid osteoma patients who were treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Forty out of 43 patients were naive cases and underwent primary treatment for osteoid osteoma with RFA, whereas 3 patients included in the study underwent RFA for local recurrence after having undergone surgical treatment. Diagnosis was based on clinical and characteristic imaging findings, and biopsy was done for cases with atypical presentation. Pre and post procedure Visual Analog Score (VAS) was documented in all cases. Monopolar RFA system was used in all patients, and the electrode was placed within the lesion nidus under CT guidance coaxially through 11G introducer needle. Ablation was performed at 90° C for 5 min. Results: Technical success rate of intranidal placement of electrode was 100%. The primary clinical success in our study was 97.7% (42 of 43), and the secondary clinical success was 100%.Pre and postprocedure VAS score in our study group was 7.8 and 0.4, respectively. Mean follow-up period in our study was 48 months (Range: 4–129 months).One patient had recurrence of pain 4 years after treatment and was treated successfully by a second session. Minor complications were seen in 3 patients with two cases of RF pad burns and one case of skin burn at the treatment site, and these were managed conservatively. No patients developed temporary/permanent neurological deficits, and no procedure-related mortality was seen in our study. Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous RFA is a simple, safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective treatment option for osteoid osteoma with good long-term pain control and potentially low disease recurrence.

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Unusual presentation of hydatid cyst – ruptured intraventricular hydatid

Sneha H Thakur, Priscilla C Joshi, AB Kelkar, N Seth

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):282-285

Echinococcosis in humans occurs as a result of infection by the larval stages of taenid cestodes of the genus Echinococcus. Most of the intracranial hydatids develop in brain parenchyma. Hydatid cyst within the cerebral ventricle is quite unusual. Literature review showed few case reports of childhood as well as adult intraventricular hydatid cysts. None of these cases presented for the first time with features of ruptured intraventricular cyst. This is a very rare presentation of a common disease. The possibility of infestation with E. granulosus should be included in the differential diagnosis of raised intracranial tension in patients reporting from endemic areas, because the prognosis following surgical intervention is excellent, especially in the pediatric age group.

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Acute ischemic pancreatitis: A rare complication of empirical gastroduodenal artery embolization

Wei Ming Chua, Nanda Venkatanarasimha, Karthikeyan Damodharan

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):338-341

Empirical embolization of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) is accepted as a safe and effective treatment option for endoscopy-refractory nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in patients with high surgical risk. Nontarget embolization is a recognized complication of transarterial embolization, however, symptomatic pancreatic injury is extremely rare. We report a patient who developed acute ischemic pancreatitis immediately after embolization of the GDA, which was confirmed intraoperatively. Interventionists as well as referring clinicians need to be aware of this rare but life threatening complication.

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Serial brain MRI findings in a rare survivor of rabies encephalitis

Akhilesh Rao, Yayati Pimpalwar, Arindam Mukherjee, Neha Yadu

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):286-289

Rabies is a neurotropic viral illness, almost always fatal, that is equally dreaded by healthcare practitioners and patients due to the dismal prognosis and limited treatment options once symptoms set in. There are hardly any reports on MRI changes in the brain in survivors of rabies encephalitis. We present the clinical course and the imaging findings on serial MRI examinations in a rare patient who survived rabies infection. Initial brain MRI done 8 days after onset of symptoms revealed bilaterally symmetrical non-enhancing areas of T1 and T2 hyperintensity in the basal ganglia, thalami, mid brain, and pons along with T2 hyperintensity and restricted diffusion in fronto-parietal cortical grey matter and left hippocampus. Subsequent MRI scans at 2 months and 5 months revealed progressive brain atrophy, leukoencephalopathy, and gliosis.

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Utility of diffusion weighted imaging in diagnosing subdiaphragmatic endometriosis presenting as shoulder pain

Anuradha Singh, Chandan J Das, Bimal K Das, AK Gupta

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):314-317

Extrapelvic endometriosis (EPE) is a rare entity which may potentially occur at any site. Symptomatic EPE is now increasingly being managed laparoscopically. Imaging is imperative in diagnosis as well as extent delineation prior to surgery. In addition to increasing the success rate of diagnostic laparoscopy, prior knowledge of EPE at certain sites may modify the standard surgical technique. We present here an unusual case of chronic pain in the right shoulder in a 26-year-old female caused by subdiaphragmatic endometriosis (SDE). It was noticed on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences; however, due to the lack of the characteristic signal intensity, imaging findings were noncontributory. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) facilitated its characterization and precisely mapped the extent of involvement. SDE should be suspected in young females presenting with cyclical shoulder pain. Due to nonspecific clinical features, it may remain undiagnosed. MRI is the imaging modality of choice in evaluation of EPE. Including DWI sequence in the MR protocol increases the diagnostic precision besides delineating the extent of involvement noninvasively.

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Comment on: Dual LAD with anomalous origin of long LAD from right coronary sinus: A variant of type VI LAD

Abhishek Prasad, Shradha Sinha, Rahat Brar, Shaleen Rana

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):362-363



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Horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis – A case report

P Shalini, Virna M Shah

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):290-292

Horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by absence of conjugate horizontal eye movements and accompanied by progressive scoliosis developing in childhood and adolescence. It occurs due to mutation in ROBO 3 gene/chromosome 11q23-q25. We report a case of a 60-year-old lady who presented with complaints of defective vision in both eyes. On examination, she had scoliosis with restricted abduction and adduction in both eyes with intact elevation and depression. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbit showed brainstem hypoplasia with absence of facial colliculi, presence of a deep midline pontine cleft (split pons sign), and a butterfly configuration of the medulla, which are the radiological findings seen in this disorder.

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Endovascular management of iatrogenic renal vascular injuries complicating percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Role of renal angiography and embolization; an analysis of 159 cases

J Venkateswarlu, M Sravan Kumar, Ravindra P Babu, Anand Abkari

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):293-297

Objective: To describe the use of renal angiography in the detection of renal vascular injuries following percutaneous nephrolithotomy and to assess the efficacy of endovascular management of these complications. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of 159 consecutive patients over a period of 12 years from 2005 to 2016 who presented with significant post nephrolithotomy hemorrhage and who were evaluated by renal angiography as a first-line diagnostic study, followed by embolization of identified renal vascular injuries in the same session. The parameters assessed for each patient included type of renal vascular injury identified, type of embolic material and therapeutic outcome. Results: Renal vascular lesions identified in 119 patients were treated with embolization with complete resolution of hemorrhage, no further clinical deterioration and preservation of renal function. Conclusions: Renal vascular injury is a rare complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Early renal angiography and selective embolization can play an integral diagnostic and therapeutic role.

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Ganglion impar block in patients with chronic coccydynia

Nitesh Gonnade, Neeraj Mehta, Pushpinder Singh Khera, Dewesh Kumar, Rengarajan Rajagopal, Pramod Kumar Sharma

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):324-328

Introduction: Coccydynia refers to pain in the terminal segment of the spinecaused by abnormal sitting and standing posture. Coccydynia is usually managed conservatively, however in nonresponsive patients, ganglion impar block is used as a good alternate modality for pain relief. This article studies the effect of ganglion impar block in coccydynia patients who were not relieved by conservative management. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at the pain clinic in the departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Radiology in a tertiary centre in India.It was a prospective hospital-based study, in which 35 patients with coccydynia were considered for fluoroscopy-guided trans-sacro-coccygeal ganglion impar block. The outcome assessment was done using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores for a follow-up period of 6 months. Of the 35 patients, 4 were lost to follow-up. Analysis was done usingthe data from the remaining 31 patients. Results: The mean age of the patients suffering from chronic coccydynia was 42.9 ± 8.39 years, and patients' age range was 28–57 years. The mean score of NRS and ODI before the procedure was 7.90 ± 0.16 and 48.97 ± 1.05, respectively. The interquartile range (IQR) of NRS score remained almost unchanged during pre and postprocedure, however, IQR of ODI varied during the pre and post procedural events. The NRS and ODI scores immediately after the procedure decreased drastically showing significant pain relief in patients, and the difference of scores till the end of study was statistically significant. Conclusion: This study recommends the trans-sacro-coccygeal "needle inside needle" technique for local anesthetic block of the ganglion impar for pain relief in patients with coccydynia. This should be integrated with rehabilitative measures including ergonomical modification for prolonging pain free period.

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Unilateral renal agenesis with subseptate uterus and sacrococcygeal teratoma: A unique triad

Muhammad S Ahmed, Sheeza Imtiaz, Hina Pathan, Rahila Usman

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):298-301

Unilateral renal agenesis (URA) is a rare condition with a reported incidence of 0.93–1.8 per 1000 autopsies. It is commonly diagnosed as an incidental finding on imaging.URA is frequently associated with other genitourinary anomalies. Different associations have been described in both males and females, however, to our knowledge, it has not been reported with subseptate uterus (SSU) and sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) in the same individual. Here, we present a unique case of URA with SSU and SCT.

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Use of multidetector computed tomography angiography of upper limb circulation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Hasan B Altinsoy, Ozkan Alatas, Hidayet Kayancicek, Erhan Hafiz, Omer F Dogan

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):332-337

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the bilateral forehand circulation using a 64-channel multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) as a noninvasive method to define criteria for an upper extremity arterial anatomy and pathology prior to the use of arterial conduits. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five patients with coronary artery disease who underwent total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomly selected for this prospective study. MDCT angiography was performed for 110 examinations of forearm and hand arterial anatomy. Prior to MDCT, Allen tests were performed in all patients with a normal result, except four. Thirteen patients had diabetes mellitus (DM), 8 had peripheral artery occlusive disease, and 19 had a history of smoking. Results: All arteries, including axillary, ulnar artery (UA) and radial artery (RA), were clearly visualized in all patients. Upper extremity anatomical and pathological results were examined in 16 patients (29.1%). Severely calcified RA and/or UA were found in 6 patients who had a moderate renal failure. Nearly total occlusion of the RA was detected in another two patients. Focal intimal RA calcification was recorded in 1 female and 3 male patients. Ten patients who had severe calcification or intimal sclerosis of the upper extremity arteries had DM. The remaining patients had normal forehand arterial circulation. A persistent median artery with the absence of radial and ulnar arteries and a high bifurcation of RA from the brachial artery was detected as an anatomic variation in seven patients (12.7%). Conclusions: The major advantages of MDCT angiography are its non-invasiveness and the ability to detect calcific subadventitial plaques, which are difficult to diagnose using conventional angiography. MDCT may be used as a safe and non-invasive method to assess RA and UA prior to harvesting the upper limb artery. Preoperative imaging of forehand arteries is a means to avoid unnecessary forearm exploration or the use of an unsuitable arterial conduit in CABG operations, especially in patients with DM and moderate renal impairment.

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An extremely rare case of dermoid cyst of urinary bladder

Chirag Jain, Mahesh K Mittal, Fouzia Shiraz

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):302-305

We report an extremely rare case of a dermoid cyst of the urinary bladder in a 30-year-old female who presented with pain in the left flank and dysuria since 9 months. On imaging (ultrasound and computed tomography), a relatively well-defined mass lesion with areas of fat and calcification was seen arising from the bladder wall. Cystoscopy showed presence of hair on the surface of the lesion. Histopathological findings were consistent with dermoid cyst in the urinary bladder.

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Follow-up chest radiographic findings in patients with MERS-CoV after recovery

Karuna M Das, Edward Y Lee, Rajvir Singh, Mushira A Enani, Khalid Al Dossari, Klaus Van Gorkom, Sven G Larsson, Ruth D Langer

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):342-349

Purpose: To evaluate the follow-up chest radiographic findings in patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) who were discharged from the hospital following improved clinical symptoms. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six consecutive patients (9 men, 27 women; age range 21–73 years, mean ± SD 42.5 ± 14.5 years) with confirmed MERS-CoV underwent follow-up chest radiographs after recovery from MERS-CoV. The 36 chest radiographs were obtained at 32 to 230 days with a median follow-up of 43 days. The reviewers systemically evaluated the follow-up chest radiographs from 36 patients for lung parenchymal, airway, pleural, hilar and mediastinal abnormalities. Lung parenchyma and airways were assessed for consolidation, ground-glass opacity (GGO), nodular opacity and reticular opacity (i.e., fibrosis). Follow-up chest radiographs were also evaluated for pleural thickening, pleural effusion, pneumothorax and lymphadenopathy. Patients were categorized into two groups: group 1 (no evidence of lung fibrosis) and group 2 (chest radiographic evidence of lung fibrosis) for comparative analysis. Patient demographics, length of ventilations days, number of intensive care unit (ICU) admission days, chest radiographic score, chest radiographic deterioration pattern (Types 1-4) and peak lactate dehydrogenase level were compared between the two groups using the student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Follow-up chest radiographs were normal in 23 out of 36 (64%) patients. Among the patients with abnormal chest radiographs (13/36, 36%), the following were found: lung fibrosis in 12 (33%) patients GGO in 2 (5.5%) patients, and pleural thickening in 2 (5.5%) patients. Patients with lung fibrosis had significantly greater number of ICU admission days (19 ± 8.7 days; P value = 0.001), older age (50.6 ± 12.6 years; P value = 0.02), higher chest radiographic scores [10 (0-15.3); P value = 0.04] and higher peak lactate dehydrogenase levels (315-370 U/L; P value = 0.001) when compared to patients without lung fibrosis. Conclusion: Lung fibrosis may develop in a substantial number of patients who have recovered from Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Significantly greater number of ICU admission days, older age, higher chest radiographic scores, chest radiographic deterioration patterns and peak lactate dehydrogenase levels were noted in the patients with lung fibrosis on follow-up chest radiographs after recovery from MERS-CoV.

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Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree: A rare cause of obstructive jaundice in children which can mimic choledochal cysts

Dhara J Kinariwala, Andrew Y Wang, Patrick D Melmer, William P McCullough

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging 2017 27(3):306-309

Jaundice in children is more often due to hepatic disease than obstruction. Differential considerations for obstructive jaundice in children include choledocholithiasis, choledochal cysts and rare neoplasms. Rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue sarcoma in pediatric patients, typically involves the head and neck, genitourinary system and extremities. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree is a rare entity. We present a 3-year-old boy with abrupt onset obstructive jaundice. Although initial imaging suggested a dilated biliary system with fusiform common bile duct, sludge, and possible cholelithiasis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) diagnosed a common bile duct embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and further imaging showed involvement of the cystic duct. This case illustrates the importance of considering malignant etiologies in cases of obstructive jaundice, particularly when imaging is not classic for common causes.

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