Bilateral extracephalic transcranial direct current stimulation improves endurance performance in healthy individuals

Publication date: Available online 5 October 2017
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): L. Angius, A.R. Mauger, J. Hopker, A. Pascual-Leone, E. Santarnecchi, S.M. Marcora
BackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used to enhance endurance performance but its precise mechanisms and effects remain unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of bilateral tDCS on neuromuscular function and performance during a cycling time to task failure (TTF) test.MethodsTwelve participants in randomized order received a placebo tDCS (SHAM) or real tDCS with two cathodes (CATHODAL) or two anodes (ANODAL) over bilateral motor cortices and the opposite electrode pair over the ipsilateral shoulders. Each session lasted 10 min and current was set at 2 mA. Neuromuscular assessment was performed before and after tDCS and was followed by a cycling time to task failure (TTF) test. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), leg muscle pain (PAIN) and blood lactate accumulation (ΔB[La⁻]) in response to the cycling TTF test were measured.ResultsCorticospinal excitability increased in the ANODAL condition (P < 0.001) while none of the other neuromuscular parameters showed any change. Neuromuscular parameters did not change in the SHAM and CATHODAL conditions. TTF was significantly longer in the ANODAL (P = 0.003) compared to CATHODAL and SHAM conditions (12.61 ± 4.65 min; 10.61 ± 4.34 min; 10.21 ± 3.47 min respectively), with significantly lower RPE and higher ΔB[La⁻] (P < 0.001). No differences between conditions were found for HR (P = 0.803) and PAIN during the cycling TTF test (P = 0.305).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that tDCS with the anode over both motor cortices using a bilateral extracephalic reference improves endurance performance.



http://ift.tt/2kwy3Dx

Correlation of lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4β gene overexpression with the malignant phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice
Author(s): Hongying Su, Tao Xu, Xiongfei Huang, Shengbing Zang, Bin Wang, Yang Huang, Jingfeng Liu, Aimin Huang
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and rapidly fatal malignancies, for which hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infection constitutes a major risk factor. The lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4 β gene (LAPTM4B) is a recently identified gene that was found to be overexpressed in several types of cancer. However, the role of LAPTM4B in HCC tumorigenesis and progression has not been clearly determined. The present study demonstrated that the mRNA as well as the protein levels of LAPTM4B were significantly upregulated in HCC specimens. Patients with higher levels of LAPTM4B mRNA in their HCC tissues tended to be of a younger age, HBsAg+, with an advanced Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage. Moreover, LAPTM4B mRNA expression was positively associated with serum α −fetoprotein levels. We also observed that LAPTM4B was able to promote HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. In conclusion, our results indicated that LAPTM4B plays an important role in the promotion of hepatocarcinogenesis and cancer progression and may serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of HCC.



http://ift.tt/2gkslQL

A TERT-CLPTM1 locus polymorphism (rs401681) is associated with EGFR mutation in non-small cell lung cancer

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice
Author(s): Deok Heon Lee, Yu-Ran Heo, Won-Jin Park, Jae-Ho Lee
Telomere length is associated with lung carcinogenesis, and recent studies have focused on telomere-maintaining genes and their polymorphisms. Cancer susceptibility of the rs401681 polymorphism, located in the TERT-CLPTM1L locus, has been studied in many cancers. We examined the clinicopathological and prognostic value of rs401681 variants in lung cancer. The relationship between rs401681 variants and telomere length was analyzed in 134 non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). The rs401681 polymorphism had the following genotype frequencies: C/C in 52.2% of the samples, C/T in 30.6%, and T/T in 17.2%. The T allele showed a strong correlation with EGFR mutation (p=0.037). Telomeres in the tumor samples were 3.26-fold longer, on average, than telomeres in matched normal samples (SD=0.48), and there were no differences in telomere length according to rs401681 polymorphism. Smoking was associated with telomere shortening (p=0.01). Survival analysis showed no prognostic value for rs401681 polymorphisms or telomere length in NSCLC. These results suggested that the rs401681 polymorphism contributes to lung carcinogenesis only in patients harboring an EGFR mutation. However, the polymorphism was not associated with survival; therefore, further comprehensive analysis should be performed.



http://ift.tt/2wFZfkV

Vocalic transitions as markers of speech acoustic changes with STN-DBS in Parkinson’s Disease

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Vincent Martel Sauvageau, Kris Tjaden
PurposeDeep Brain Stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) effectively treats cardinal symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) that cannot be satisfactorily managed with medication. Research is equivocal regarding speech changes associated with STN-DBS. This study investigated the impact of STN-DBS on vocalic transitions and the relationship to intelligibility.MethodsEight Quebec-French speakers with PD and eight healthy controls participated. The slope of the second formant frequency (F2 slope) for glides was obtained. Locus equations (LEs) were calculated to capture vocalic transitions in consonant-vowel sequences. A visual analog scale was used to obtain judgments of intelligibility. Measures for the PD group were obtained both On and Off stimulation.ResultsF2 slopes and LEs differed among groups, but there were no systematic differences for On versus Off STN-DBS. On an individual level, participants with PD exhibited heterogeneous changes with DBS stimulation. Intelligibility was significantly correlated with F2 slope.ConclusionF2 slope appears to be sensitive to articulatory impairment in PD and could be used in clinical settings to distinguish these speakers from healthy controls. However, acoustic metrics failed to identify systematic change with STN-DBS. The heterogeneity of results, as well as the clinical relevance of acoustic metrics are discussed.



http://ift.tt/2z7uya3

Soil aggregate and organic carbon distribution at dry land soil and paddy soil: the role of different straws returning

Abstract

Agriculture wastes returning to soil is one of common ways to reuse crop straws in China. The returned straws are expected to improve the fertility and structural stability of soil during the degradation of straw it selves. The in situ effect of different straw (wheat, rice, maize, rape, and broad bean) applications for soil aggregate stability and soil organic carbon (SOC) distribution were studied at both dry land soil and paddy soil in this study. Wet sieving procedures were used to separate soil aggregate sizes. Aggregate stability indicators including mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter, mean weight of specific surface area, and the fractal dimension were used to evaluate soil aggregate stability after the incubation of straws returning. Meanwhile, the variation and distribution of SOC in different-sized aggregates were further studied. Results showed that the application of straws, especially rape straw at dry land soil and rice straw at paddy soil, increased the fractions of macro-aggregate (> 0.25 mm) and micro-aggregate (0.25–0.053 mm). Suggesting the nutrients released from straw degradation promotes the growing of soil aggregates directly and indirectly. The application of different straws increased the SOC content at both soils and the SOC mainly distributed at < 0.53 mm aggregates. However, the contribution of SOC in macro- and micro-aggregates increased. Straw-applied paddy soil have a higher total SOC content but lower SOC contents at > 0.25 and 0.25–0.053 mm aggregates with dry land soil. Rape straw in dry land and rice straw in paddy field could stabilize soil aggregates and increasing SOC contents best.

http://ift.tt/2xqtEbq

Responses of growth, malformation, and thyroid hormone-dependent genes expression in Bufo gargarizans embryos following chronic exposure to Pb 2+

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the adverse effects of lead (Pb) exposure on Bufo gargarizans embryos. The 96 h-LC₅₀ of Pb²⁺ for B. gargarizans embryos was determined to be 26.6 mg L⁻¹ after an acute test. In the chronic test, B. gargarizans embryos at Gosner stage 3 were exposed to 10~2000 μg Pb²⁺ L⁻¹ during embryogenesis. Total length, weight, developmental stage, and malformation were monitored. In addition, the transcript levels of type II and type III iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio2 and Dio3) and thyroid hormone receptors (TRα and TRβ) were determined to assess the thyroid-disrupting effects of Pb²⁺. Slightly increased growth and development of B. gargarizans embryos were observed at low concentrations of Pb²⁺ (10, 50, and 100 μg L⁻¹), while retarded growth and development were found at high concentrations of Pb²⁺ (1000 and 2000 μg L⁻¹). In addition, Pb²⁺ exposure induced morphological abnormalities, which were characterized by edema at tail, wavy fin, abdominal edema, stunted growth, hyperplasia, and axial flexures in B. gargarizans embryos. Furthermore, our results showed that exposure to 2000 μg Pb²⁺ L⁻¹ decreased the transcript levels of Dio2, TRα, and TRβ, but it increased Dio3 mRNA level. In contrast, exposure to 50 μg Pb²⁺ L⁻¹ increased TRα mRNA level and decreased Dio3 mRNA level. These results suggested that Pb²⁺ might have thyroid-disrupting effects, leading to the disruption of growth and development in B. gargarizans embryos.

http://ift.tt/2xowWvT

Human biomonitoring of eight trace elements in urine of residents living in rural areas along the Yangtze River, China

Abstract

The rapid economic development and industrialization have made heavy metal contamination a great public concern, especially in China. However, the levels of heavy metals in human body, especially those susceptible to the effect of industrial progression, are rarely explored. In this study, eight elements in 2643 urinary samples of individuals living in rural areas along the Yangtze River were determined through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) and TAS-990 atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Cd). Two-level regression model was applied to explore the potential factors associated with the level of the eight trace elements. After adjusting for urinary creatinine, the geometric means were 77.5, 10.98, 14.39, 13.00, 0.59, 1.51, 489.62, and 1.80 μg/g for As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, and Cd, respectively. The level of eight elements varied among individual and familial characteristics. Compared with domestic and international results, the rural residents living in riverside areas had higher level of As, Cd, Cr, Fe, and Zn. Therefore, industrial progression followed by economic development has resulted in high body burden of heavy metals. Targeted public health policies should be made to improve the local environment and the recognition of potential risk factors.

http://ift.tt/2y3HiOP

Cone and seed traits of two Juniperus species influence roles of frugivores and scatter-hoarding rodents as seed dispersal agents

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Acta Oecologica, Volume 85
Author(s): Lindsay A. Dimitri, William S. Longland, Stephen B. Vander Wall
Seed dispersal in Juniperus is generally attributed to frugivores that consume the berry-like female cones. Some juniper cones are fleshy and resinous such as those of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), while others are dry and leathery such as those of Utah juniper (J. osteosperma). Rodents have been recorded harvesting Juniperus seeds and cones but are mostly considered seed predators. Our study sought to determine if rodents play a role in dispersal of western and Utah juniper seeds. We documented rodent harvest of cones and seeds of the locally-occurring juniper species and the alternate (non-local) juniper species in removal experiments at a western juniper site in northeastern California and a Utah juniper site in western Nevada. Characteristics of western and Utah juniper cones appeared to influence removal, as cones from the local juniper species were preferred at both sites. Conversely, removal of local and non-local seeds was similar. Piñon mice (Peromyscus truei) were responsible for most removal of cones and seeds at both sites. We used radioactively labeled seeds to follow seed fate and found many of these seeds in scattered caches (western juniper: 415 seeds in 82 caches, 63.0% of seeds found; Utah juniper: 458 seeds in 127 caches, 39.5% of seeds found) most of which were attributed to piñon mice. We found little evidence of frugivores dispersing Utah juniper seeds, thus scatter-hoarding rodents appear to be the main dispersal agents. Western juniper cones were eaten by frugivores, and scatter-hoarding is a complimentary or secondary form of seed dispersal. Our results support the notion that Utah juniper has adapted to xeric environments by conserving water through the loss of fleshy fruits that attract frugivores and instead relies on scatter-hoarding rodents as effective dispersal agents.



http://ift.tt/2y1fj4x

Conditional survival of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult soft tissue sarcoma and bone tumor patients

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 50, Part A
Author(s): Judy Y. Ou, Holly Spraker-Perlman, Andrew C. Dietz, Rochelle R. Smits-Seemann, Sapna Kaul, Anne C. Kirchhoff
BackgroundSurvival estimates for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and malignant bone tumors (BT) diagnosed in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients are not easily available. We present survival estimates based on a patient having survived a defined period of time (conditional survival). Conditional survival estimates for the short-term were calculated for patients from diagnosis to the first five years after diagnosis and for patients surviving in the long-term (up to 20 years after diagnosis).MethodsWe identified 703 patients who were diagnosed with a STS or BT at age ≤25 years from January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2012 at a large pediatric oncology center in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. We obtained cancer type, age at diagnosis, primary site, and demographic data from medical records, and vital status through the National Death Index. Cancer stage was available for a subset of the cohort through the Utah Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age and sex, calculated survival estimates for all analyses.ResultsShort-term survival improves over time for both sarcomas. Short-term survival for STS from diagnosis (Year 0) did not differ by sex, but short-term survival starting from 1-year post diagnosis was significantly worse for male patients (Survival probability 1-year post-diagnosis [SP1]:77% [95% CI:71-83]) than female patients (SP1:86% [81–92]). Survival for patients who were diagnosed at age ≤10 years (Survival probability at diagnosis [SP0]:85% [79–91]) compared to diagnosis at ages 16–25 years (SP0:67% [59–75]) was significantly better at all time-points from diagnosis to 5-years post-diagnosis. Survival for axial sites (SP0:69% [63–75]) compared to extremities (SP0:84% [79–90]) was significantly worse from diagnosis to 1-year post-diagnosis. Survival for axial BT (SP0: 64% [54–74] was significantly worse than BT in the extremities (SP0:73% [68–79]) from diagnosis to 3-years post diagnosis. Relapsed patients of both sarcoma types had significantly worse short-term survival than non-relapsed patients. Long-term survival for STS in this cohort is 65% at diagnosis, and improves to 86% 5-years post-diagnosis. BT survival improves from 51% at diagnosis to 78% at 5-years post-diagnosis.ConclusionConditional survival for short- and long-term STS and BT improve as time from diagnosis increases. Short-term survival was significantly affected by patients' sex, age at diagnosis, cancer site, and relapse status.



http://ift.tt/2kuSocu

Fluid eddy induced piezo-promoted photodegradation of organic dye pollutants in wastewater on ZnO nanorod arrays/3D Ni foam

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Xiangyu Chen, Longfei Liu, Yawei Feng, Longfei Wang, Zhenfeng Bian, Hexing Li, Zhong Lin Wang
A novel nanocomposite with ZnO nanorod arrays vertically growing on the three-dimensional (3D) Ni foam has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, which displays both the piezoelectric and photocatalytic functions. When the solution is stirred by magnetic rotation, fluid eddies are produced within the unique macroporous structure in 3D network, causing deformation of ZnO nanorod to generate piezoelectric field. Meanwhile, UV light irradiation on ZnO semiconductor generates photoelectrons and holes, followed by starting photocatalytic degradation of organic dye pollutants in wastewater. The piezo-induced bias voltage promotes the separation of photoelectrons and holes and thus can inhibit their recombination, leading to the enhanced quantum efficiency (more than 5 times). The photocatalytic activity increased by increasing the stirring rate owing to the enhanced piezoelectric field.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yyY9vG

William (Barry) Inabnet appointed Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) are pleased to announce that Dr. William B. Inabnet, III, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel (New York) and The Eugene W. Friedman, MD, Professor of Surgery and the Surgical Director of the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has been appointed incoming Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology effective in 2018. Dr. Inabnet is also the inaugural Director of Endocrine Surgery Quality for the Mount Sinai Health System.

Gerard M. Doherty, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, has provided strong leadership for VideoEndocrinology since its inception in 2014. We are very grateful for his invaluable work and guidance in founding the first broad-based videojournal in endocrinology. Dr. Doherty will be stepping down from his role at the end of 2017.

"Dr. Inabnet was selected as Editor-in-Chief by an ATA search committee from a pool of very strong candidates because of his experience with audiovisual production and presentation, his vision, and his prominent position in the field of Endocrine Surgery. The interest of this outstanding field of candidates in the position speaks to the importance of VideoEndocrinology, especially to surgeons performing thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal procedures," says, John C. Morris, III, MD, President of the ATA, and Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. "With Barry's leadership we look forward to continued growth and stature of this groundbreaking videojournal, continuing the trajectory established by its inaugural Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Gerard Doherty."

Dr. Inabnet attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received his undergraduate and medical school education. He completed his residency in general surgery at Rush Medical College and Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Inabnet then completed a fellowship in endocrine surgery at Cochin Hospital in Paris, where he trained under Professor Yves Chapuis, a world leader in the field of endocrine surgery and targeted parathyroidectomy.

An international authority in the field of minimally invasive endocrine surgery, Dr. Inabnet has pioneered new techniques in minimal access endocrine neck surgery as well as adrenal and pancreatic surgery. In 1998, he helped perform the first endoscopic thyroid resection in the United States (2nd in the world), and has since helped advance the field of video-endoscopic neck surgery. Dr. Inabnet was among the first surgeons in the United States to introduce remote access thyroid surgery and is one of the few surgeons in the world who performs transaxillary, bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), and transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery.

Dr. Inabnet is also a leader in the field of minimally invasive metabolic surgery with an interest in disorders of the endocrine system in obese patients, especially type 2 diabetes and malignancy.  Dr. Inabnet has participated in national and international clinical trials evaluating the role of gastrointestinal surgery in treating diabetes. He holds numerous leadership positions in the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, American Association of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Thyroid Association.

Dr. Inabnet has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and five textbooks. He lectures throughout the world and was inducted into the Southern Surgical Association, the American Surgical Association, the French National Academy of Surgery, and the French Academy of Medicine.

"I am truly delighted that Dr. Barry Inabnet has agreed to be at the helm of VideoEndocrinology, which fills a unique niche among the many endocrinology-focused publications," says Peter A. Kopp, MD, Editor-in-Chief of the flagship journal Thyroid and Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago. "His broad surgical expertise combined with extensive experience in the production of audiovisual materials and a dynamic vision make him ideally suited for this position. I also wish to thank Dr. Gerard Doherty for serving as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology and for establishing it as an important element of the Thyroid Journal Program."

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers and the American Thyroid Association look forward to the strong continuing commitment of our editorial board, reviewers, and authors.

About the ATA
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the leading worldwide organization dedicated to the advancement, understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. ATA is an international individual membership organization for over 1,700 clinicians and researchers from 43 countries around the world, representing a broad diversity of medical disciplines. It also serves the public, patients and their family through education and awareness efforts.

Celebrating its 94th anniversary, ATA delivers its mission through several key endeavors: the publication of highly regarded monthly journals, Thyroid, Clinical Thyroidology, VideoEndocrinology and Clinical Thyroidology for the Public; annual scientific meetings; biennial clinical and research symposia; research grant programs for young investigators, support of online professional, public and patient educational programs; and the development of guidelines for clinical management of thyroid disease.

More information about ATA is found here.

The post William (Barry) Inabnet appointed Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2y17rQw

William (Barry) Inabnet appointed Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) are pleased to announce that Dr. William B. Inabnet, III, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel (New York) and The Eugene W. Friedman, MD, Professor of Surgery and the Surgical Director of the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has been appointed incoming Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology effective in 2018. Dr. Inabnet is also the inaugural Director of Endocrine Surgery Quality for the Mount Sinai Health System.

Gerard M. Doherty, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, has provided strong leadership for VideoEndocrinology since its inception in 2014. We are very grateful for his invaluable work and guidance in founding the first broad-based videojournal in endocrinology. Dr. Doherty will be stepping down from his role at the end of 2017.

"Dr. Inabnet was selected as Editor-in-Chief by an ATA search committee from a pool of very strong candidates because of his experience with audiovisual production and presentation, his vision, and his prominent position in the field of Endocrine Surgery. The interest of this outstanding field of candidates in the position speaks to the importance of VideoEndocrinology, especially to surgeons performing thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal procedures," says, John C. Morris, III, MD, President of the ATA, and Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. "With Barry's leadership we look forward to continued growth and stature of this groundbreaking videojournal, continuing the trajectory established by its inaugural Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Gerard Doherty."

Dr. Inabnet attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received his undergraduate and medical school education. He completed his residency in general surgery at Rush Medical College and Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Inabnet then completed a fellowship in endocrine surgery at Cochin Hospital in Paris, where he trained under Professor Yves Chapuis, a world leader in the field of endocrine surgery and targeted parathyroidectomy.

An international authority in the field of minimally invasive endocrine surgery, Dr. Inabnet has pioneered new techniques in minimal access endocrine neck surgery as well as adrenal and pancreatic surgery. In 1998, he helped perform the first endoscopic thyroid resection in the United States (2nd in the world), and has since helped advance the field of video-endoscopic neck surgery. Dr. Inabnet was among the first surgeons in the United States to introduce remote access thyroid surgery and is one of the few surgeons in the world who performs transaxillary, bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), and transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery.

Dr. Inabnet is also a leader in the field of minimally invasive metabolic surgery with an interest in disorders of the endocrine system in obese patients, especially type 2 diabetes and malignancy.  Dr. Inabnet has participated in national and international clinical trials evaluating the role of gastrointestinal surgery in treating diabetes. He holds numerous leadership positions in the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, American Association of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Thyroid Association.

Dr. Inabnet has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and five textbooks. He lectures throughout the world and was inducted into the Southern Surgical Association, the American Surgical Association, the French National Academy of Surgery, and the French Academy of Medicine.

"I am truly delighted that Dr. Barry Inabnet has agreed to be at the helm of VideoEndocrinology, which fills a unique niche among the many endocrinology-focused publications," says Peter A. Kopp, MD, Editor-in-Chief of the flagship journal Thyroid and Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago. "His broad surgical expertise combined with extensive experience in the production of audiovisual materials and a dynamic vision make him ideally suited for this position. I also wish to thank Dr. Gerard Doherty for serving as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology and for establishing it as an important element of the Thyroid Journal Program."

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers and the American Thyroid Association look forward to the strong continuing commitment of our editorial board, reviewers, and authors.

About the ATA
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the leading worldwide organization dedicated to the advancement, understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. ATA is an international individual membership organization for over 1,700 clinicians and researchers from 43 countries around the world, representing a broad diversity of medical disciplines. It also serves the public, patients and their family through education and awareness efforts.

Celebrating its 94th anniversary, ATA delivers its mission through several key endeavors: the publication of highly regarded monthly journals, Thyroid, Clinical Thyroidology, VideoEndocrinology and Clinical Thyroidology for the Public; annual scientific meetings; biennial clinical and research symposia; research grant programs for young investigators, support of online professional, public and patient educational programs; and the development of guidelines for clinical management of thyroid disease.

More information about ATA is found here.

The post William (Barry) Inabnet appointed Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2y17rQw

Re: “Lesson Learned with the Use of Iliac Branch Devices: Single Centre 10 Year Experience in 157 Consecutive Procedures”

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Iain N. Roy, Richard G. McWilliams, Robert K. Fisher




http://ift.tt/2y7ZtF3

Mixture design approach to optimize the performance of TiO2 modified zirconia/alumina sintered ceramics

Publication date: 5 January 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 137
Author(s): Amani Khaskhoussi, Luigi Calabrese, Hazem Bouhamed, Amel Kamoun, Edoardo Proverbio, Jamel Bouaziz
The development of Al2O3-ZrO2-TiO2 composites targeted for biomedical applications was investigated. A design approach was applied to evaluate how composite formulation could affect the mechanical properties, in terms of hardness, tensile strength and elastic modulus. The statistical analysis based on mixture design model was proposed in order to define an adequate tool to describe the mechanical properties relationships of composite mixture. On the basis of the results, the mixture experimental design showed that the fitted models were adequate to describe mechanical properties of composites. A good compromise between mechanical properties that fit the requirements of bone tissue replacement was defined.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xqD7KI

Core/shell microencapsulation of indomethacin/paracetamol by co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomization

Publication date: 15 December 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 136
Author(s): T. Shams, M. Parhizkar, U.E. Illangakoon, M. Orlu, M. Edirisinghe
Core/shell microparticles for development of drug delivery systems were prepared using co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomization technique in order to develop fixed dose combined formulations incorporating paracetamol and indomethacin as model drugs. The developed drug delivery systems offered successful co-encapsulation of paracetamol and indomethacin with high drug encapsulation efficiencies of 54% and 69% for paracetamol and indomethacin, respectively. The developed formulations were further characterised with respect to their morphology, drug release profile and possible interactions. In comparison to the release rate of the free indomethacin, the developed formulation resulted in enhanced dissolution rate of indomethacin. This study demonstrates a versatile polymeric platform where multiple drug encapsulation and co-delivery is made possible by utilizing co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomization. The proposed system offered high processing yield of 60–70%, as a single-step platform for preparation of fixed dose formulations for oral drug delivery, particularly in geriatric therapy.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xqH0zl

Radical espontânea

Radical espontânea

http://ift.tt/2y7Zbxe

Radical espontânea

Radical espontânea

http://ift.tt/2y7Zbxe

Solitary fibrous tumor in the abdomen and pelvis: A case series with radiological findings and treatment recommendations

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Adrian Fernandez, Miles Conrad, Ryan M. Gill, Won-Tak Choi, Vishal Kumar, Spencer Behr
This study presents the radiological findings of seven cases of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) in the abdomen and pelvis. A retrospective search of the pathology database at our institution was performed to identify cases of SFT in the abdomen and pelvis. After identifying seven cases, cross-sectional imaging was reviewed and characterized.We conclude that SFTs in the abdomen and pelvis should be considered with well-defined, circular, hypervascular masses. Pelvic SFTs should be considered with homogenous, avidly enhancing masses. Embolization of feeding arteries can allow safe surgical resection or biopsy, but embolization appears to not offer a definitive therapy.



http://ift.tt/2z6N8yR

Lymph node wire localization post-chemotherapy: Towards improving the false negative sentinel lymph node biopsy rate in breast cancer patients

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Brittany Z. Dashevsky, Ashley Altman, Hiroyuki Abe, Nora Jaskowiak, Jean Bao, David Schacht, Deepa Sheth, Kirti Kulkarni
PurposeTo evaluate whether the disease status of the pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) core biopsied lymph node (preNACBxLN) in patients with node positive breast cancer corresponds to nodal status of all surgically retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) post-NAC and whether wire localization of this LN is feasible.Materials and methodsHIPPA compliant IRB approved retrospective study including breast cancer patients (a.) with preNACBxLN confirmed metastases, (b.) who received NAC, and (c.) underwent wire localization of the preNACBxLN. Electronic medical records were reviewed. Fisher's exact test was used to compare differences in residual disease post-NAC among breast cancer subtypes.Results28 women with node positive breast cancer underwent ultrasound guided wire localization of the preNACBxLN, without complication. There was no evidence of residual nodal disease for 16 patients, with mean 4.4 (median 4) LNs resected. 12 patients had residual nodal metastases, with mean 9.2 (median 7) LNs resected and mean 2.3 (median 2) LNs with tumor involvement. 11 patients had metastases detected within the localized LN. One patient had micrometastasis in a sentinel LN, despite no residual disease in the preNACBxLN. Patients with luminal A/B breast cancer more often had residual nodal metastases (86%) at pathology, as compared to patients with HER2+ (20%) and Triple Negative breast cancer (50%), though not quite achieving statistical significance (p=0.055).ConclusionUltrasound guided wire localization of the preNACBxLN is feasible and may improve detection of residual tumor in patients post-NAC.



http://ift.tt/2hVrKZh

Shedding light on surface exposition of poly(ethylene glycol) and folate targeting units on nanoparticles of poly(ε-caprolactone) diblock copolymers: Beyond a paradigm

Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 111
Author(s): Alessandro Venuta, Francesca Moret, Giovanni Dal Poggetto, Diletta Esposito, Aurore Fraix, Concetta Avitabile, Francesca Ungaro, Mario Malinconico, Salvatore Sortino, Alessandra Romanelli, Paola Laurienzo, Elena Reddi, Fabiana Quaglia
Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) covered with a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) shell are usually prepared from diblock PEG-PCL copolymers through different techniques. Furthermore PEG, NPs can be decorated with targeting ligands to accumulate in specific cell lines. However, the density and conformation of PEG on the surface and its impact on the exposition of small targeting ligands has been poorly considered so far although this has a huge impact on biological behaviour. Here, we focus on PEG-PCL NPs and their folate-targeted version to encourage accumulation in cancer cells overexpressing folate receptor α. NPs were prepared with mixtures of PEG-PCL with different PEG length (short 1.0kDa, long 2.0kDa,) and a folate-functionalized PEG-PCL (PEG 1.5kDa) by the widely employed solvent displacement method. In depth characterization of NPs surface by ¹H NMR, fluorescence and photon correlation spectroscopy evidenced a PEGylation extent below 7% with PEG in a mushroom conformation and the presence of folate more exposed to water pool in the case of copolymer with short PEG. NPs with short PEG adsorbed HSA forming a soft corona without aggregating. Although limited, PEGylation overall reduced NPs uptake in human macrophages. Uptake of NPs exposing folate prepared with short PEG was higher in KB cells (FR+) than in A549 (FR−), occurred via FR-receptor and involved lipid rafts-dependent endocytosis. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that PEG length critically affects protein interaction and folate exposition with a logical impact on receptor-mediated cell uptake. Our study highlights that the too simplistic view suggesting that PEG-PCL gives PEG-coated NPs needs to be re-examined in the light of actual surface properties, which should always be considered case-by-case.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2wFFh9J

A Hierarchical Structure for Human Behavior Classification using STN Local Field Potentials

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Hosein M. Golshan, Adam O. Hebb, Sara J. Hanrahan, Joshua Nedrud, Mohammad H. Mahoor
BackgroundClassification of human behavior from brain signals has potential application in developing closed-loop deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems. This paper presents a human behavior classification using local field potential (LFP) signals recorded from subthalamic nuclei (STN).MethodA hierarchical classification structure is developed to perform the behavior classification from LFP signals through a multi-level framework (coarse to fine). At each level, the time-frequency representations of all six contacts of the DBS leads are combined through an MKL-based SVM classifier to classify five tasks (speech, finger movement, mouth movement, arm movement, and random segments). To lower the computational cost, we alternatively use the inter-hemispheric synchronization of the LFPs to make three pairs out of six bipolar signals. Three classifiers are separately trained at each level of the hierarchical approach, which lead to three labels. A fusion function is then developed to combine these three labels and determine the label of the corresponding trial.ResultsUsing all six LFPs with the proposed hierarchical approach improves the classification performance. Moreover, the synchronization-based method reduces the computational burden considerably while the classification performance remains relatively unchanged.Comparison with existing methodsOur experiments on two different datasets recorded from nine subjects undergoing DBS surgery show that the proposed approaches remarkably outperform other methods for behavior classification based on LFP signals.ConclusionThe LFP signals acquired from STNs contain useful information for recognizing human behavior. This can be a precursor for designing the next generation of closed-loop DBS systems.



http://ift.tt/2g19Q70

Neural electrode resilience against dielectric damage may be improved by use of highly doped silicon as a conductive material

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Ryan Caldwell, Rohit Sharma, Pavel Takmakov, Matthew G. Street, Florian Solzbacher, Prashant Tathireddy, Loren Rieth
BackgroundDielectric damage occurring in vivo to neural electrodes, leading to conductive material exposure and impedance reduction over time, limits the functional lifetime and clinical viability of neuroprosthetics. We used silicon micromachined Utah Electrode Arrays (UEAs) with iridium oxide (IrOx) tip metallization and parylene C dielectric encapsulation to understand the factors affecting device resilience and drive improvements.New methodIn vitro impedance measurements and finite element analyses were conducted to evaluate how exposed surface area of silicon and IrOx affect UEA properties. Through an aggressive in vitro reactive accelerated aging (RAA) protocol, in vivo parylene degradation was simulated on UEAs to explore agreement with our models. Electrochemical properties of silicon and other common electrode materials were compared to help inform material choice in future neural electrode designs.ResultsExposure of silicon on UEAs was found to primarily affect impedance at frequencies >1 kHz, while characteristics at 1 kHz and below were largely unchanged. Post-RAA impedance reduction of UEAs was mitigated in cases where dielectric damage was more likely to expose silicon instead of IrOx. Silicon was found to have a per-area electrochemical impedance >10×higher than many common electrode materials regardless of doping level and resistivity, making it best suited for use as a low-shunting conductor.Comparison with existing methodsNon-semiconductor electrode materials commonly used in neural electrode design are more susceptible to shunting neural interface signals through dielectric defects, compared to highly doped silicon.ConclusionStrategic use of silicon and similar materials may increase neural electrode robustness against encapsulation failures.



http://ift.tt/2yx7NPB

A stepwise neuron model fitting procedure designed for recordings with high spatial resolution: Application to layer 5 pyramidal cells

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Tuomo Mäki-Marttunen, Geir Halnes, Anna Devor, Christoph Metzner, Anders M. Dale, Ole A. Andreassen, Gaute T. Einevoll
BackgroundRecent progress in electrophysiological and optical methods for neuronal recordings provides vast amounts of high-resolution data. In parallel, the development of computer technology has allowed simulation of ever-larger neuronal circuits. A challenge in taking advantage of these developments is the construction of single-cell and network models in a way that faithfully reproduces neuronal biophysics with subcellular level of details while keeping the simulation costs at an acceptable level.New MethodIn this work, we develop and apply an automated, stepwise method for fitting a neuron model to data with fine spatial resolution, such as that achievable with voltage sensitive dyes (VSDs) and Ca²⁺ imaging.ResultWe apply our method to simulated data from layer 5 pyramidal cells (L5PCs) and construct a model with reduced neuronal morphology. We connect the reduced-morphology neurons into a network and validate against simulated data from a high-resolution L5PC network model.Comparison with Existing MethodsOur approach combines features from several previously applied model-fitting strategies. The reduced-morphology neuron model obtained using our approach reliably reproduces the membrane-potential dynamics across the dendrites as predicted by the full-morphology model.ConclusionsThe network models produced using our method are cost-efficient and predict that interconnected L5PCs are able to amplify delta-range oscillatory inputs across a large range of network sizes and topologies, largely due to the medium after hyperpolarization mediated by the Ca²⁺-activated SK current.



http://ift.tt/2g19PzY

A Brain-computer Interface based on Functional Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Using Wavelet Transform and Support Vector Machines

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Aya Khalaf, Matthew Sybeldon, Ervin Sejdic, Murat Akcakaya
BackgroundFunctional transcranial Doppler (fTCD) is an ultrasound based neuroimaging technique used to assess neural activation that occurs during a cognitive task through measuring velocity of cerebral blood flow.New methodThe objective of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of a 2-class and 3-class real-time BCI based on blood flow velocity in left and right middle cerebral arteries in response to mental rotation and word generation tasks. Statistical features based on a five-level wavelet decomposition were extracted from the fTCD signals. The Wilcoxon test and support vector machines (SVM), with a linear kernel, were employed for feature reduction and classification.ResultsThe experimental results showed that within approximately 3seconds of the onset of the cognitive task average accuracies of 80.29%, and 82.35% were obtained for the mental rotation versus resting state and the word generation versus resting state respectively. The mental rotation task versus word generation task achieved an average accuracy of 79.72% within 2.24seconds from the onset of the cognitive task. Furthermore, an average accuracy of 65.27% was obtained for the 3-class problem within 4.68seconds.Comparison with Existing methodsThe results presented here provide significant improvement compared to the relevant fTCD-based systems presented in literature in terms of accuracy and speed. Specifically, the reported speed in this manuscript is at least 12 and 2.5 times faster than any existing binary and 3-class fTCD-based BCIs, respectively.ConclusionsThese results show fTCD as a promising and viable candidate to be used towards developing a real-time BCI.



http://ift.tt/2yxoHxr

The effects of diosmin on aflatoxin-induced liver and kidney damage

Abstract

Aflatoxin is among the natural toxins that cause serious side effects on living things. Diosmin is also one of the compounds with broad pharmacological effects. In this study, the effects on the oxidant/antioxidant system of 50 mg/kg body weight/day dose of diosmin, aflatoxin (500 μg/kg body weight/day), and combined aflatoxin (500 μg/kg body weight/day) plus diosmin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) given to the stomach via catheter female adult Wistar Albino rats is examined. Forty rats were used in the experiment, and these animals were randomly allocated to four equal groups. The test phase lasted 21 days, and blood samples and tissue (liver and kidney) samples were taken after this period was over. Some biochemical parameters (glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin) and levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and 4-hydroxynonenal and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were analyzed in the samples. The aflatoxin administered over the period indicated a significant increase in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in all tissues and blood samples. Therewithal, the activity of antioxidant enzymes showed a change in the decreasing direction. Biochemical parameters of the group in which aflatoxin were administered alone changed unfavorably. Parallel effects were also observed in the histopathological findings of this group. The results showed that aflatoxin changed antioxidant/oxidant balance in favor of oxidant and eventually led to lipid peroxidation. Diosmin administration to aflatoxin-treated animals resulted in positive changes in antioxidant enzyme activities while the levels of MDA, NO, and 4-HNE were reduced in all tissues and blood samples examined. Diosmin alleviates the oxidative stress caused by aflatoxin. Similar improvement was observed in biochemical parameters of this group as well as in liver and kidney histopathology. No significant change was observed in the group treated with diosmin alone in terms of the parameters examined and histologic findings. As a result, diosmin may be included in compounds that can be used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent in the event of the formation of aflatoxin exposure and poisoning in animals.

http://ift.tt/2y1jVrr

Response to the letter to the editor regarding “The outcomes of overlay myringoplasty: Endoscopic versus microscopic approach”

We would like to thank Prof. Zheng-Cai Lou [1] for his interest in our study entitled "The outcomes of overlay myringoplasty: Endoscopic versus microscopic approach" [2] and we appreciate the useful comments. His main concerns will be discussed below.

http://ift.tt/2z4F5Tj

Response to the letter to the editor regarding “The outcomes of overlay myringoplasty: Endoscopic versus microscopic approach”

We would like to thank Prof. Zheng-Cai Lou [1] for his interest in our study entitled "The outcomes of overlay myringoplasty: Endoscopic versus microscopic approach" [2] and we appreciate the useful comments. His main concerns will be discussed below.

http://ift.tt/2z4F5Tj

Mixed-mode fracture toughness of texturized LS2 glass-ceramics using the three-point bending with eccentric notch test

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Renan Belli, Michael Wendler, Anselm Petschelt, Ulrich Lohbauer
Here we use the 3-point bending with eccentric notch test (3-PBEN) to investigate the fracture behavior of a pressable and a CAD/CAM lithium disilicate (LS2) glass-ceramics under combined mode-I and mode-II loading. The effect of the bulk texturization in the beams of the pressable LS2 is made visible through the fracture trajectory following the most energetically favorable path dictated by the crystallite alignment. The CAD/CAM LS2 shows an isotropic fracture mode but increasing fracture energy with mode-II contribution, similar to the pressable variant.



http://ift.tt/2fSFCiJ

Differential cytotoxic effects on odontoblastic cells induced by self-adhesive resin cements as a function of the activation protocol

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Paulo Henrique Perlatti D'Alpino, Gioconda Emanuella Diniz de Dantas Moura, Silvana Coelho de Arruda Barbosa, Lygia de Azevedo Marques, Marcos Nogueira Eberlin, Fábio Dupart Nascimento, Ivarne Luis dos Santos Tersariol
ObjectivesTo evaluate the cytotoxic effects of exposing odontoblast cells to a variety of commercial self-adhesive cements polymerized using different activation modes.MethodsFive cements: MaxCem Elite (MAX), Bifix SE (BSE), G-Cem LinkAce (GCE), Clearfil SA Luting (CAS), and RelyX U200 (U200) were mixed, dispensed into molds, and distributed in groups, according to polymerization protocols: immediate photoactivation; delayed photoactivation (10min self-curing plus light-activation); and chemical activation (no light exposure). Immortalized rat odontoblast cells (MDPC-23) were cultured. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue staining and total cell death was assessed by annexin V-APC/7-AAD double staining and flow cytometry. Volatilized compounds from polymerized specimens of cements were evaluated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Data was analyzed with 2-way ANOVA/Tukey tests (α=0.05).ResultsExposure to all of the cements tested significantly reduced the cell viability, irrespective of the activation protocol (p<0.05). The least harmful cements were CSA and U200. Total death of cells significantly increased when exposed to BSE, GCE, and MAX, especially when chemically activated (p<0.05). Characteristic apoptotic cells increased after exposure to cements, mainly for MAX, regardless of the activation mode. Chemical activation of MAX also induced necrosis. Moreover, GCE and MAX exhibited higher percentages of late apoptotic/dead cells. Chromatograms revealed 28 compounds released from the cements tested, some of them with known carcinogenic effects. Selection of self-adhesive cements and polymerization protocols affect the cytotoxicity and cell viability of odontoblastic cells.Clinical significanceDespite the simplified cementation protocol, care is needed when cementing indirect restorations with self-adhesive cements, especially on recently exposed dentin. This category of material may cause differential cytotoxic effects and should be considered when selecting a cement. This is particularly true in clinical cases of light attenuation, where the polymerization depends on chemical activation, inducing higher cytotoxic damages when using some of the cements tested.



http://ift.tt/2y7lLGk

QTc prolongation during phenol-croton oil peels

http://ift.tt/2ywO6HP

Alternating histopathological pattern in blaschkoid dermatoses with epidermal changes: A retrospective series of 61 cases

http://ift.tt/2kwj3We

Direct tracheobronchopexy via left lateral thoracotomy for severe tracheobronchomalacia

An infant with pulmonary atresia/ventricular septal defect/major aortopulmonary collateral arteries underwent unifocalization, ventriculoseptal defect closure and placement of a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit via median sternotomy. Aortopexy and pulmonary arteriopexy via redo sternotomy were insufficient to allow weaning of continuous positive airway pressure and he required direct tracheobronchopexy via left lateral thoracotomy to alleviate posterior trachealis intrusion along the length of the trachea and left main bronchus.

http://ift.tt/2gkMxlt

Pain control following tonsillectomy in children: A survey of patients

This prospective study aimed to survey pediatric patients and their parents after tonsillectomy to assess their pain management utilization and satisfaction.

http://ift.tt/2y7BchO

Size influence on temperature sensing of erbium-doped yttrium oxide nanocrystals exploiting thermally coupled and uncoupled levels' pairs

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Author(s): Antonio C. Brandão-Silva, Maria A. Gomes, Suellen M.V. Novais, Zélia S. Macedo, Jhon F.M. Avila, J.J. Rodrigues, M.A.R.C. Alencar
The performance of Y2O3 nanocrystals with three distinct sizes, doped with 2 mol% of Er³⁺ ions, as nanothermometers, exploiting two different methodologies is investigated. We found that the sensitivity of the temperature sensor using such crystals is high and this magnitude depends strongly on the crystallite size. For nanothermometers based on fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) from thermally coupled levels (²H11/2, ⁴S3/2), the sensitivity is higher for larger nanocrystals. On the other hand, when using FIR from levels which are not thermally coupled (²H11/2, ⁴F9/2), highest sensitivities were obtained for the smaller nanocrystals. Moreover, the values of absolute and relative sensitivities measured for these samples are among the highest reported so far in literature. These results indicate that Er³⁺-doped Y2O3 nanocrystals are promising materials for temperature sensing in nanoscale and that the choice of nanocrystals' size and FIR methodology may improve the sensing performance aiming a specific application.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2y1zhJW

Re: Heat generation and drill wear during dental implant site preparation

We studied with interest the paper "Heat generation and drill wear during dental implant site preparation: systematic review" by Möhlhenrich et al, which provides valuable data about drilling bone. They describe "drill material" as "zirconium coated with steel", whereas because of the mechanical and thermal stresses at the interface of the drill and the bone, the material's resistance to wear must be a coating for the drill.1

http://ift.tt/2ywH4mq

Chronic recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint secondary to a complex facial tic disorder

We report the case of a 14-year-old boy who presented to the emergency department with bilateral dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of unusual aetiology. He had recently developed a repetitive action that involved thrusting the jaw forwards, which involved maximal mouth opening. This had preceded the dislocation of the TMJ two hours previously.

http://ift.tt/2yxaSir

Anatomy of the vasculature of the lower leg and harvest of a fibular flap: a systematic review

The fibular free flap (FFF) is based on the peroneal artery, which has a consistent anatomy and makes a minimal contribution to the pedal circulation. However, certain anatomical variations in the vasculature of the leg might leave the peroneal artery with a major role in the perfusion of the foot, and to raise a FFF could lead to ischaemic complications. Our aim was to review the implications of anatomical variants on planning and harvest of a FFF. We systematically reviewed all relevant publications, and included 28 cases that described a dominant peroneal artery and FFF.

http://ift.tt/2xqzGDY

Prevalence of sleep apnea at the acute phase of ischemic stroke with or without thrombolysis

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence, type, and severity of sleep apnea during the acute phase of ischemic stroke among patients either receiving or not receiving thrombolysis.

http://ift.tt/2y2K5rm

Sleep Characteristics Associated With Drowsy Driving

The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep characteristics associated with drowsy driving in an adult population.

http://ift.tt/2y7Im5U

Specific motor patterns of arousal disorders in adults: A video-polysomnographic analysis of 184 episodes

To compile an objective accurate description of the motor patterns of adult arousal disorders (ADs).

http://ift.tt/2y7KFps

Immediate reactions to iodinated contrast media

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) to iodinated contrast media (ICMs) remain a common clinical concern. Positive skin test and basophil activation test results suggest a specific IgE-mediated mechanism in some cases. Skin test and controlled challenge test (CCT) are useful to manage these patients.

http://ift.tt/2y7yA3G

Small percentage of anaphylactic reactions treated with epinephrine during food challenges in Dutch children

Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, occur during oral food challenges (OFCs) and the first-line treatment of anaphylaxis is epinephrine.

http://ift.tt/2z6ZeZ1

Successful perinatal management of hereditary angioedema with normal C1 esterase inhibitor and factor XII mutation using C1 esterase inhibitor therapy

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, autosomal dominant condition that consists of a deficiency or dysfunction of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). Various triggers can lead to self-limiting or life-threatening airway edema.1 Owing to its nonhistaminergic pathophysiologic features, HAE subtypes do not respond to epinephrine, corticosteroids, or antihistamine. Supplementation of C1-INH is an accepted and common treatment for HAE attacks and HAE prophylaxis.

http://ift.tt/2y7GolG

Immediate reactions to iodinated contrast media

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) to iodinated contrast media (ICMs) remain a common clinical concern. Positive skin test and basophil activation test results suggest a specific IgE-mediated mechanism in some cases. Skin test and controlled challenge test (CCT) are useful to manage these patients.

http://ift.tt/2y7yA3G

The long- and short-term variability of breathing induced tumor motion in lung and liver over the course of a radiotherapy treatment

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Jennifer Dhont, Jef Vandemeulebroucke, Manuela Burghelea, Kenneth Poels, Tom Depuydt, Robbe Van Den Begin, Cyril Jaudet, Christine Collen, Benedikt Engels, Truus Reynders, Marlies Boussaer, Thierry Gevaert, Mark De Ridder, Dirk Verellen
PurposeTo evaluate the short and long-term variability of breathing induced tumor motion.Materials and methods3D tumor motion of 19 lung and 18 liver lesions captured over the course of an SBRT treatment were evaluated and compared to the motion on 4D-CT. An implanted fiducial could be used for unambiguous motion information. Fast orthogonal fluoroscopy (FF) sequences, included in the treatment workflow, were used to evaluate motion during treatment.Several motion parameters were compared between different FF sequences from the same fraction to evaluate the intrafraction variability. To assess interfraction variability, amplitude and hysteresis were compared between fractions and with the 3D tumor motion registered by 4D-CT. Population based margins, necessary on top of the ITV to capture all motion variability, were calculated based on the motion captured during treatment.ResultsBaseline drift in the cranio-caudal (CC) or anterior-poster (AP) direction is significant (ie. >5 mm) for a large group of patients, in contrary to intrafraction amplitude and hysteresis variability. However, a correlation between intrafraction amplitude variability and mean motion amplitude was found (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = 0.72, p < 10⁻⁴). Interfraction variability in amplitude is significant for 46% of all lesions. As such, 4D-CT accurately captures the motion during treatment for some fractions but not for all. Accounting for motion variability during treatment increases the PTV margins in all directions, most significantly in CC from 5 mm to 13.7 mm for lung and 8.0 mm for liver.ConclusionBoth short-term and day-to-day tumor motion variability can be significant, especially for lesions moving with amplitudes above 7 mm. Abandoning passive motion management strategies in favor of more active ones is advised.



http://ift.tt/2kwV2OD

Small percentage of anaphylactic reactions treated with epinephrine during food challenges in Dutch children

Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, occur during oral food challenges (OFCs) and the first-line treatment of anaphylaxis is epinephrine.

http://ift.tt/2z6ZeZ1

Importin-β and exportin-5 are strong biomarkers of productive reoviral infection of cancer cells

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Annals of Diagnostic Pathology
Author(s): Gerard Nuovo, Hue Tran, Andres Gutierrez, Paolo Fadda, Flavia Pichiorri, Enrico Caserta, Craig C. Hofmeister, Marta Chesi, P. Leif Bergsagel, Don Morris, Qiao Shi, Matt Coffey, Chandini Thirukkumaran
Acute reoviral infection has been extensively studied given the virus's propensity to target malignant cells and activate caspase-3 mediated apoptosis. Reovirus infection of malignant N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells led to significant increased expression of importin-β and exportin-5 mRNAs (qRTPCR) and proteins (immunohistochemistry) which was partially blocked by small interfering LNA oligomers directed against the reoviral genome. Co-expression analysis showed that the N1E-115 cells that contained reoviral capsid protein had accumulated importin-β and exportin-5, as well as activated caspase 3. Reoviral oncolysis using a syngeneic mouse model of multiple myeloma similarly induced a significant increase in importin-β and exportin-5 proteins that were co-expressed with reoviral capsid protein and caspase-3. Apoptotic proteins (BAD, BIM, PUMA, NOXA, BAK, BAX) were increased with infection and co-localized with reoviral capsid protein. Surprisingly the anti-apoptotic MCL1 and bcl2 were also increased and co-localized with the capsid protein suggesting that it was the balance of pro-apoptotic molecules that correlated with activation of caspase-3. In summary, productive reoviral infection is strongly correlated with elevated importin-β and exportin-5 levels which may serve as biomarkers of the disease in clinical specimens.



http://ift.tt/2hV9CPd

Successful perinatal management of hereditary angioedema with normal C1 esterase inhibitor and factor XII mutation using C1 esterase inhibitor therapy

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, autosomal dominant condition that consists of a deficiency or dysfunction of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). Various triggers can lead to self-limiting or life-threatening airway edema.1 Owing to its nonhistaminergic pathophysiologic features, HAE subtypes do not respond to epinephrine, corticosteroids, or antihistamine. Supplementation of C1-INH is an accepted and common treatment for HAE attacks and HAE prophylaxis.

http://ift.tt/2y7GolG

A proposal for a noninvasive monitoring of sympathetic nerve activity in patients with takotsubo syndrome

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): John E. Madias
The pathophysiology of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is still elusive; many hypotheses of its cause have been proposed with a heightened activity of the peripheral autonomic sympathetic nervous system (PASNS) via local norepinephrine release, and direct cardiomyocyte toxicity mediated by blood-borne catecholamines, being among the most currently entertained. Monitoring of PASNS during hospitalization will provide a metric which could be of immense value in unraveling of the pathophysiology and aiding in the management of the patients with TTS by predicting in-hospital complications, long-term outcome, and its recurrence. Recent work with noninvasive monitoring of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA), via conventional electrodes used for the recording of the electrocardiogram have shown that the filtered signals >500 Hz originate in the cervical and stellate ganglia, which also innervate the heart, and thus they provide an estimate of stellate ganglion nerve activity. Such information may prove invaluable for the management of patients with TTS.



http://ift.tt/2y7zLjr

The burden of atopic dermatitis in US adults: Health care resource utilization data from the 2013 National Health and Wellness Survey

There is a lack of data on the burden of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults relative to the general population.

http://ift.tt/2xqhWIQ

Was Mesopithecus a seed eating colobine? Assessment of cracking, grinding and shearing ability using dental topography

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 112
Author(s): Ghislain Thiery, Geoffrey Gillet, Vincent Lazzari, Gildas Merceron, Franck Guy
Extant colobine monkeys have been historically described as specialized folivores. However, reports on both their behavior and dental metrics tend to ascribe a more varied diet to them. In particular, several species, such as Pygathrix nemaeus and Rhinopithecus roxellana, are dedicated seasonal seed eaters. They use the lophs on their postcanine teeth to crack open the hard endocarp that protects some seeds. This raises the question of whether the bilophodont occlusal pattern of colobine monkeys first evolved as an adaptation to folivory or sclerocarpic foraging. Here, we assess the sclerocarpic foraging ability of the oldest European fossil colobine monkey, Mesopithecus. We use computed microtomograpy to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) dental topography and enamel thickness of upper second molars ascribed to the late Miocene species Mesopithecus pentelicus from Pikermi, Greece. We compare M. pentelicus to a sample of extant Old World monkeys encompassing a wide range of diets. Furthermore, we combine classic dietary categories such as folivory with alternative categories that score the ability to crack, grind and shear mechanically challenging food. The 3D dental topography of M. pentelicus predicts an ability to crack and grind hard foods such as seeds. This is consistent with previous results obtained from dental microwear analysis. However, its relatively thin enamel groups M. pentelicus with other folivorous cercopithecids. We interpret this as a morphological trade-off between the necessity to avoid tooth failure resulting from hard food consumption and the need to process a high amount of leafy material. Our study demonstrates that categories evaluating the cracking, grinding or shearing ability, traditional dietary categories, and dental topography combine well to make a powerful tool for the investigation of diet in extant and extinct primates.



http://ift.tt/2fTd5JQ

Ruminants (Giraffidae and Bovidae) from Kanapoi

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution
Author(s): Denis Geraads, René Bobe
We update here our recent revision of the Kanapoi ruminants and describe recently collected material. We now regard the occurrence of reduncins as doubtful, we revise the identification of a large raphicerin as being more probably Gazella, and we add Gazella cf. janenschi and the Cephalophini to the faunal list. New material of Tragelaphus kyaloi suggests that this species held its head unlike other tragelaphins, and was not an exclusive dedicated browser, but Kanapoi pre-dates the Pliocene change of Sivatherium, Aepyceros, Alcelaphini, and even Tragelaphini toward more grazing diets. Kanapoi shares several ruminant taxa with sites in Ethiopia and Tanzania, attesting to latitudinal exchanges.



http://ift.tt/2y6Fuqe

Distinct high molecular weight organic compound (HMW-OC) types in aerosol particles collected at a coastal urban site

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment
Author(s): M. Dall'Osto, R.M. Healy, J.C. Wenger, C. O'Dowd, J. Ovadnevaite, D. Ceburnis, Roy M. Harrison, D.C.S. Beddows
Organic oligomers were discovered in laboratory-generated atmospheric aerosol over a decade ago. However, evidence for the presence of oligomers in ambient aerosols is scarce and mechanisms for their formation have yet to be fully elucidated. In this work, three unique aerosol particle types internally mixed with High molecular weight organic compounds (HMW-OC) species - likely oligomers - were detected in ambient air using single particle Aerosol Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ATOFMS) in Cork (Ireland) during winter 2009. These particle types can be described as follows: (1) HMW-OCs rich in organic nitrogen - possibly containing nitrocatechols and nitroguaiacols - originating from primary emissions of biomass burning particles during evening times; (2) HMW-OCs internally mixed with nitric acid, occurring in stagnant conditions during night time; and (3) HMW-OCs internally mixed with sea salt, likely formed via photochemical reactions during day time. The study exemplifies the power of methodologies capable of monitoring the simultaneous formation of organic and inorganic particle-phase reaction products. Primary emissions and atmospheric aging of different types of HMW-OC contributes to aerosol with a range of acidity, hygroscopic and optical properties, which can have different impacts on climate and health.



http://ift.tt/2wE61HX

Response of greenhouse gas emissions from three types of wetland soils to simulated temperature change on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment
Author(s): Yi Liu, Guihua Liu, Ziqian Xiong, Wenzhi Liu
Wetlands emit a large quantity of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contribute significantly to global warming. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, known as the "Third Pole" of the earth, contains abundant and diverse wetlands. Due to increasing human-induced pressures such as reclamation, overgrazing and climate change, many plateau wetlands have been degraded or destroyed. Until now, the response of soil greenhouse gas emissions to extreme summer temperatures in the plateau wetlands remains unknown. In this study, we collected 36 soil samples from riverine, lacustrine and palustrine wetlands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We compared the carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soils incubated aerobically at 7, 12, and 19 °C. The results showed that the emissions of CH4 and N2O but not CO2 were significantly affected by the simulated temperature change. The N2O emission rate was considerably higher in palustrine wetlands compared with lacustrine and riverine wetlands. However, the CO2 and CH4 emissions did not differ significantly among the three wetland types. The ratio of CO2 to CH4 production increased with increasing incubation temperatures. The global warming potential of greenhouse gases at 19 °C was approximately 1.18 and 2.12 times greater than that at 12 and 7 °C, respectively. Our findings suggest that temperature change has a strong effect on soil greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential of wetlands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, especially palustrine wetlands. Therefore, targeted strategies should be developed to mitigate the potential impacts of climate warming on the plateau.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2wF36P3

Endometriosis, an unusual case of rectal mass with bloody stool and bowel habit changes

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Yi-Hsun Chen, Wen-Chieh Fan, Yu-Ching Wei, Yu-Chung Su




http://ift.tt/2kzcNx9

Temporal expression profiling of plasma proteins reveals oxidative stress in early stages of type 1 diabetes progression

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Chih-Wei Liu, Lisa Bramer, Bobbie-Jo Webb-Robertson, Kathleen Waugh, Marian J. Rewers, Qibin Zhang
Blood markers other than islet autoantibodies are greatly needed to indicate the pancreatic beta cell destruction process as early as possible, and more accurately reflect the progression of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D). To this end, a longitudinal proteomic profiling of human plasma using TMT-10plex-based LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to track temporal proteomic changes of T1D patients (n=11) across 9 serial time points, spanning the period of T1D natural progression, in comparison with those of the matching healthy controls (n=10). To our knowledge, the current study represents the largest (>2000 proteins measured) longitudinal expression profiles of human plasma proteome in T1D research. By applying statistical trend analysis on the temporal expression patterns between T1D and controls, and Benjamini-Hochberg procedure for multiple-testing correction, 13 protein groups were regarded as having statistically significant differences during the entire follow-up period. Moreover, 16 protein groups, which play pivotal roles in response to oxidative stress, have consistently abnormal expression trend before seroconversion to islet autoimmunity. Importantly, the expression trends of two key reactive oxygen species-decomposing enzymes, Catalase and Superoxide dismutase were verified independently by ELISA.Biological Significance.The temporal changes of >2000 plasma proteins (at least quantified in two subjects), spanning the entire period of T1D natural progression were provided to the research community. Oxidative stress related proteins have consistently different dysregulated patterns in T1D group than in age-sex matched healthy controls, even prior to appearance of islet autoantibodies – the earliest sign of islet autoimmunity and pancreatic beta cell stress.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2wFjE9x

Role of neuromedin U in accelerating of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Hitoshi Teranishi, Masafumi Hayashi, Ryoko Higa, Kenji Mori, Takashi Miyazawa, Jun Hino, Yuichiro Amano, Ryuichi Tozawa, Takanori Ida, Toshikatsu Hanada, Mikiya Miyazato, Reiko Hanada, Kenji Kangawa, Kazuwa Nakao
Neuromedin U (NMU), a neuropeptide originally isolated from porcine spinal cord, has multiple physiological functions and is involved in obesity and inflammation. Excessive fat accumulation in the liver leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is closely associated with obesity. NAFLD and NASH develop and progress via complex pathophysiological processes, and it remains unclear to what extend the NMU system contributes to the risk of obesity-related disorders such as NAFLD and NASH. Here, we demonstrate that the NMU system plays a role in NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis. In the normal mouse liver, NMU mRNA was not detectable, and expression of the mRNA encoding neuromedin U receptor 1 (NMUR1), the peripheral receptor of NMU, was low. However, the expression of both was significantly increased in the livers of NASH mice. Furthermore, overproduction of NMU induced the mouse liver by hydrodynamic injection, exacerbated NASH pathogenesis. These data indicate a novel role for the peripheral NMU system, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH.



http://ift.tt/2xpEvgU

Structure, folding and stability of a minimal homologue from Anemonia sulcata of the sea anemone potassium channel blocker ShK

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Bankala Krishnarjuna, Christopher A. MacRaild, Punnepalli Sunanda, Rodrigo A.V. Morales, Steve Peigneur, Jason Macrander, Heidi H. Yu, Marymegan Daly, Srinivasarao Raghothama, Vikas Dhawan, Satendra Chauhan, Jan Tytgat, Michael W. Pennington, Raymond S. Norton
Peptide toxins elaborated by sea anemones target various ion-channel sub-types. Recent transcriptomic studies of sea anemones have identified several novel candidate peptides, some of which have cysteine frameworks identical to those of previously reported sequences. One such peptide is AsK132958, which was identified in a transcriptomic study of Anemonia sulcata and has a cysteine framework similar to that of ShK from Stichodactyla helianthus, but is six amino acid residues shorter. We have determined the solution structure of this novel peptide using NMR spectroscopy. The disulfide connectivities and structural scaffold of AsK132958 are very similar to those of ShK but the structure is more constrained. Toxicity assays were performed using grass shrimp (Palaemonetes sp) and Artemia nauplii, and patch-clamp electrophysiology assays were performed to assess the activity of AsK132958 against a range of voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels. AsK132958 showed no activity against grass shrimp, Artemia nauplii, or any of the KV channels tested, owing partly to the absence of a functional Lys-Tyr dyad. Three AsK132958 analogues, each containing a Tyr in the vicinity of Lys19, were therefore generated in an effort to restore binding, but none showed activity against any of KV channels tested. However, AsK132958 and its analogues are less susceptible to proteolysis than that of ShK. Our structure suggests that Lys19, which is expected to occupy the pore of the channel, is not sufficiently accessible for binding, and therefore that AsK132958 must have a distinct functional role that does not involve Kv channels.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xpW1Bp

Glutathione salts with O,O-diorganyl dithiophosphoric acids: Synthesis and study as redox modulating and antiproliferative compounds

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Rezeda A. Akhmadishina, Elena V. Kuznetsova, Gulnaz R. Sadrieva, Leysan R. Sabirzyanova, Ilyas S. Nizamov, Gulnaz R. Akhmedova, Ilnar D. Nizamov, Timur I. Abdullin
Reactions of glutathione (GSH) with O,O-diorganyl dithiophosphoric acids (DTPA) were studied to develop bioactive derivatives of GSH. Effective coupling reaction of GSH with DTPA was proposed to produce the ammonium dithiophosphates (GSH–DTPA) between the NH2 group in γ-glutamyl residue of GSH and the SH group in DTPA. A series of the GSH–DTPA salts based on O-alkyl or O-monoterpenyl substituted DTPA were synthesized. Enhanced radical scavenging activity of the GSH–DTPA over GSH was established with the use of DPPH assay and improved fluorescent assay which utilizes Co/H2O2 Fenton-like reaction. Similarly to GSH, the dithiophosphates induced both pro- and antioxidant effects in vitro attributed to different cellular availability of the compounds. Whereas extracellularly applied GSH greatly stimulated proliferation of cancer cells (PC-3, vinblastine-resistant MCF-7 cells), the GSH–DTPA exhibited antiproliferative activity, which was pronounced for the O-menthyl and O-isopinocampheolyl substituted compounds 3d and 3e (IC50≥1μM). Our results show that the GSH–DTPA are promising redox modulating and antiproliferative compounds. The approach proposed can be extended to modification and improvement of bioactivity of various natural and synthetic peptides.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xpJj5Z

Disseminated paracocciodioicomydosis prediagnosticated as neoplasm: An important challenge in diagnosis using rt-PCR

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports
Author(s): Fabiana Rocha-Silva, Cássio Ferreira Guimarães, Edmundo Rocha de Oliveira Júnior, Sônia Maria de Figueiredo, Rachel Basques Caligiorne
This paper presents a case of disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in a 62-year-old male patient, who lives in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. The patient was hospitalized with icteric syndrome of cholestatic pattern and weight loss, with loss 30kg in 5 months. The imaging of the abdomen showed lesion of infiltrative pattern, affecting gallbladder and intrahepatic bile ducts, suggesting neoplasia of malignant behavior, besides to presenting the yellow nail syndrome. Dermatological examination presented erythematous-infiltrated plaques in the occipital region. Also, the patient presented tegumentary lesions on the scalp and lumbar region from which the histopathological examination was carried out, which evidenced yeasts cells. The drug of choice for therapy was Liposomal Amphotericin-B. At the end of the antifungal treatment, liver enzyme dosages were normalized and there was improvement of the general condition of the patient, as well as the skin lesions. Here, we demonstrate the importance of molecular biology to confirm the diagnosis. Especially in cases of difficult diagnosis.



http://ift.tt/2y81UXL

Tribology of polypropylene and Li-complex greases with ZDDP and MoDTC additives

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Tribology International, Volume 118
Author(s): Ju Shu, Kathryn Harris, Bulat Munavirov, Rene Westbroek, Johan Leckner, Sergei Glavatskih
The influence of thickener and additive interactions on grease lubricating performance is examined. Polypropylene and lithium complex thickened (Li-complex) greases were tested both as neat greases and with a 2 wt% addition of ZDDP and/or MoDTC. A combination of ZDDP and MoDTC in the polypropylene grease provided the lowest friction with greater longevity compared to the Li-complex grease with the same additives, independent of sliding speed, contact pressure, temperature or type of sliding: continuous vs. reciprocating. The additive combination of ZDDP and MoDTC provided the best antiwear performance in both greases. Depending on the grease sample type, EDS revealed the presence of iron, zinc, phosphorous, sulfur, and molybdenum within the tribofilms.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2y0ThyV

Vitamin D and the paraventricular nucleus: relevance for Type 2 Diabetes

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Keisha Harrison, Stephanie Sisley
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to type 2 diabetes and we recently showed this may be through action of vitamin D in the paraventricular nuclei (PVN) in the hypothalamus of the brain. This review focuses on the known roles of the PVN in glucose control and how previously discovered actions of vitamin D in other tissues may translate to action in the PVN. Specifically, we focus on the role of insulin and inflammation in the hypothalamus and how these may be modified through vitamin D action.



http://ift.tt/2gkNfyU

Physiological implications of DHEAS-induced non-classical steroid hormone signaling.

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Dimitrios Papadopoulos, Mazen Shihan, Georgios Scheiner-Bobis
In the spermatogenic cell line GC-2, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), activates the Src/Ras/c-Raf/Erk1/2/CREB(ATF-1) signaling cascade. Since DHEAS is present in the gonads, and since spermatogenesis and maturation of spermatogonia to haploid spermatozoa requires activation of Erk1/2, the triggering of these signaling events by DHEAS might have physiological relevance. In the Sertoli cell line TM4, DHEAS-induces activation of Erk1/2, CREB, and ATF-1, stimulates expression of claudin-3 and claudin-5 and augments transepithelial resistance, indicating the formation of tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells. Thus, by influencing the formation and dynamics of tight junctions at the blood-testis barrier, which protects germ cells from cells of the immune system, DHEAS might play a crucial role in the regulation and maintenance of male fertility. In bEnd.3 brain-derived endothelial cells, DHEAS stimulates the expression of zonula occludens-1 and claudin-3 and promotes tight junction formation between neighboring cells, which at the blood-brain barrier protects the brain from harmful factors and cells. If DHEAS supports the integrity of the blood-brain barrier also in vivo, the current findings might lead to new strategies for the prevention or treatment of neurological disorders associated with barrier defects.



http://ift.tt/2y7Qd3y

Targeting receptor tyrosine kinase EphB4 in cancer therapy

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:Seminars in Cancer Biology
Author(s): Yinnan Chen, Hongmei Zhang, Yanmin Zhang
Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands together form an important cell communication system with diverse roles. Experimental evidence demonstrated Eph receptor bidirectional signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting activities in cancer cells. The tyrosine kinase EphB4, a member of the Eph receptor family, has been associated with tumor angiogenesis, growth and metastasis, thus making it a valuable and attractive target for drug design for therapeutic applications. In the past decade, many studies have focused on elucidating the structure and function of EphB4 in complex with its ligand ephrinB2 for their role in carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, an array of compounds targeting EphB4 have been studied and several selective inhibitors have been tested in clinical studies. This review discusses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyzes its potential as a target for anticancer therapy, and summarizes the information about inhibitors of EphB4 kinase activity. Conclusively, EphB4 is a challenging but promising therapeutic target in cancer.



http://ift.tt/2xZsYJh

Experiential avoidance, eating expectancies, and binge eating: A preliminary test of an adaption of the Acquired Preparedness model of eating disorder risk

Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 120
Author(s): Nicole M. Della Longa, Kyle P. De Young
This study investigated learned expectancies of eating outcomes as a mechanism through which maladaptive avoidant strategies relate to eating psychopathology. Participants included 244 undergraduate students at a Midwestern university. The participants completed a battery of measures online. Preacher and Hayes's (2008) bootstrapping method of mediation and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the relationships among experiential avoidance, eating expectancies, and binge eating and to test how experiential avoidance fits within the Acquired Preparedness model of eating disorder risk that highlights the role of negative urgency. Results revealed that experiential avoidance was positively related to negative affect eating expectancies and to binge eating. Negative affect eating expectancies mediated the relationship between experiential avoidance and binge eating. Further, experiential avoidance more adequately explained binge eating in the Acquired Preparedness model of eating disorder risk than did negative urgency. The findings from this study suggest an alternative understanding of the pathways through which dispositional and psychosocial characteristics of undergraduate students may impact eating disorder symptomatology.



http://ift.tt/2y0XR0a

Optimal timing of exercise for influencing energy intake in children during school lunch

Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 120
Author(s): M.-E. Mathieu, A. Lebkowski, E. Laplante, V. Drapeau, D. Thivel
IntroductionLaboratory studies have shown that exercise can reduce energy intake, with a benefit to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in individuals. The aim of the current study was to identify the impact of MVPA before lunch on ad libitum energy intake in very young children in a natural setting.MethodsThree conditions were tested on three occasions, each using a counterbalance testing sequence as follows: A) Meal_MVPA: Meal at the beginning of the lunch period followed by a 40-min MVPA (reference condition); B) LPA_meal: 40 min of light intensity exercise session followed by lunch; C) MVPA_meal: MVPA followed by lunch. Children were instructed to eat their ad libitum lunch box (7–9 items) to reach 4/5 on the satiety visual analogue scale.Results21 participants [8 boys and 13 girls; 80% normal weight; mean age: 5.6 (standard deviation: 0.5) years] participated in the study. Energy intake was significantly greater in the LPA_Meal condition [509 kcal (95% confidence interval: 448–570)] than in Meal_MVPA [442 kcal (380–504)] (p = 0.011) and MVPA_Meal [432 kcal (371–494)] (p < 0.001) conditions (p < 0.05). The energy from lipids was significantly greater in the LPA_Meal [154 kcal (130–177)] than in Meal_MVPA conditions [120 kcal (97–144)] (p = 0.016).ConclusionThe current study may indicate that it is possible for young school children to benefit from anorexigenic exercise in real-life settings. In addition, it was possible to delay mealtime without increasing energy intake when MVPA was provided during the delay period. Finally, the introduction of MVPA prevented an increase in lipid consumption observed for LPA.



http://ift.tt/2xq1rwg

Effects of 3-week total meal replacement vs. typical food-based diet on human brain functional magnetic resonance imaging food-cue reactivity and functional connectivity in people with obesity

Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 120
Author(s): Chanaka Nadeeshan Kahathuduwa, Tyler Davis, Michael O'Boyle, Lori Ann Boyd, Shao-Hua Chin, Dmitrii Paniukov, Martin Binks
ObjectivesCalorie restriction via total meal replacement (TMR) results in greater reduction of food cravings compared to reduced-calorie typical diet (TD). Direct evidence of the impact of these interventions on human brain fMRI food-cue reactivity (fMRI-FCR) and functional connectivity is absent. We examined the effects of a 3-week 1120 kcal/d TMR intervention as compared to an iso-caloric TD intervention using an fMRI-FCR paradigm.MethodsThirty-two male and female subjects with obesity (19–60 years; 30–39.9 kg/m²) participated in a randomized two-group repeated measures dietary intervention study consisting of 1120 kcal/d from either 1) TMR (shakes), 2) TD (portion control). Pre-intervention and following the 3-week diet fMRI-FCR, functional connectivity, food cravings (Food Craving Inventory) and weight were considered.ResultsCompared to TD, TMR showed increased fMRI-FCR of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal (dlPFC), orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, primary motor and left insular cortices and bilateral nucleus accumbens regions in the post-intervention state relative to the pre-intervention state. Compared to TD, TMR was also associated with negative modulation of fMRI-FCR of the nucleus accumbens, orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala by dlPFC. Reduced body weight (4.87 kg, P < 0.001), body fat (2.19 kg, P = 0.004) and overall food cravings (0.41, P = 0.047) were seen in the TMR group. In the TD group reduced body weight (2.37 kg, P = 0.004) and body fat (1.64 kg, P = 0.002) were noted. Weight loss was significantly greater in TMR versus TD (2.50 kg, P = 0.007).ConclusionsGreater weight loss and reduced cravings, coupled with stronger activations and potential negative modulation of the food reward related regions by the dlPFC during exposure to visual food cues is consistent with increased executive control in TMR vs. TD.



http://ift.tt/2y0XK4K

Chlorhexidine gluconate bathing practices and skin concentrations in intensive care unit patients

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Haleema Alserehi, Mala Filippell, Michele Emerick, Marie Kristine Cabunoc, Michael Anne Preas, Corey Sparkes, J. Kristie Johnson, Surbhi Leekha
In this 2-phase real-world evaluation of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentrations in intensive care unit patients, we found lower skin CHG concentrations when rinsing with water after CHG solution bath (compared with no rinse), but no significant difference in concentrations between the use of CHG solution without rinse and preimpregnated CHG wipes. CHG concentration audits could be useful in assessing the quality of bathing practice, and CHG solution without rinsing may be an alternative to preimpregnated CHG wipes.



http://ift.tt/2g0vx6U

Sparks of the CRISPR explosion: Applications in medicine and agriculture

Publication date: 20 September 2017
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics, Volume 44, Issue 9
Author(s): Ji-Long Liu




http://ift.tt/2gjSyPo

The effects of the 5-HT7 receptor on hippocampal long-term potentiation and apoptosis in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin, Volume 135
Author(s): Nasrin Hashemi-Firouzi, Alireza Komaki, Sara Soleimani Asl, Siamak Shahidi
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder involving synaptic loss and impairments in learning and memory. Long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic function is a model of learning- and memory-related neural plasticity, of which serotonin (5-HT) is a key modulator in the hippocampus. As the 5-HT7 receptor subtype is implicated in hippocampal neuronal function, dendritic rearrangement, and neurogenesis, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of 5-HT7 receptor activation on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and apoptosis in a rat model of AD. AD was induced via intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of streptozotocin (STZ). Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into naive control, sham-operated, AD+saline (1μL icv for 30days), and AD+AS19 (a selective 5-HT7 receptor agonist, 1μg/μL, icv for 30days) groups. Following the treatment period, rats were anesthetized and placed in a stereotaxic apparatus. LTP was induced by high-frequency stimulation of the perforant pathway. The population spike (PS) and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were measured. Then, neuronal apoptosis was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The PS and fEPSP of the AD+saline group were significantly decreased compared to the control and sham-operated groups. Moreover, the PS and fEPSP of the AD+AS19 group were significantly increased compared to the AD+saline group. We found that STZ-induced AD impaired LTP in the dentate granule cells. One month of AS19 treatment restored hippocampal LTP and reduced neuronal apoptosis in the AD+AS19 group. These findings suggest that 5-HT7 receptor activation by AS19 improves synaptic dysfunction in a rat model of AD via reduction of apoptosis in the hippocampus and it could potentially prevent the progression of AD.



http://ift.tt/2gjyKvx

Evaluating Surgical Residents’ Patient-Centered Communication Skills: Practical Alternatives to the “Apprenticeship Model”

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Anna Newcomb, Amber W. Trickey, Elena Lita, Jonathan Dort
ObjectivesThe Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires residency programs to assess communication skills and provide feedback to residents. We aimed to develop a feasible data collection process that generates objective clinical performance information to guide training activities, inform ACGME milestone evaluations, and validate assessment instruments.DesignResidents care for patients in the surgical clinic and in the hospital, and participate in a communication curriculum providing practice with standardized patients (SPs). We measured perception of resident communication using the 14-item Communication Assessment Tool (CAT), collecting data from patients at the surgery clinic and surgical wards in the hospital, and from SP encounters during simulated training scenarios. We developed a handout of CAT example behaviors to guide patients completing the communication assessment.SettingIndependent academic medical center.ParticipantsGeneral surgery residents.ResultsThe primary outcome is the percentage of total items patients rated "excellent;" we collected data on 24 of 25 residents. Outpatient evaluations resulted in significantly higher scores (mean 84.5% vs. 68.6%, p < 0.001), and female patients provided nearly statistically significantly higher ratings (mean 85.2% vs. 76.7%, p = 0.084). In multivariate analysis, after controlling for patient gender, visit reason, and race, (1) residents' CAT scores from SPs in simulation were independently associated with communication assessments in their concurrent patient population (p = 0.017), and (2) receiving CAT example instructions was associated with a lower percentage of excellent ratings by 9.3% (p = 0.047).ConclusionsOur data collection process provides a model for obtaining meaningful information about resident communication proficiency. CAT evaluations of surgical residents by the inpatient population had not previously been described in the literature; our results provide important insight into relationships between the evaluations provided by inpatients, clinic patients, and SPs in simulation. Our example behaviors guide shows promise for addressing a common concern, minimizing ceiling effects when measuring physician-patient communication.



http://ift.tt/2xosxZE

Visual pathways from the perspective of cost functions and multi-task deep neural networks

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Cortex
Author(s): H.Steven Scholte, Max M. Losch, Kandan Ramakrishnan, Edward H.F. de Haan, Sander M. Bohte
Vision research has been shaped by the seminal insight that we can understand the higher-tier visual cortex from the perspective of multiple functional pathways with different goals. In this paper, we try to give a computational account of the functional organization of this system by reasoning from the perspective of multi-task deep neural networks. Machine learning has shown that tasks become easier to solve when they are decomposed into subtasks with their own cost function. We hypothesize that the visual system optimizes multiple cost functions of unrelated tasks and this causes the emergence of a ventral pathway dedicated to vision for perception, and a dorsal pathway dedicated to vision for action.To evaluate the functional organization in multi-task deep neural networks, we propose a method that measures the contribution of a unit towards each task, applying it to two networks that have been trained on either two related or two unrelated tasks, using an identical stimulus set. Results show that the network trained on the unrelated tasks shows a decreasing degree of feature representation sharing towards higher-tier layers while the network trained on related tasks uniformly shows high degree of sharing.We conjecture that the method we propose can be used to analyze the anatomical and functional organization of the visual system and beyond. We predict that the degree to which tasks are related is a good descriptor of the degree to which they share downstream cortical-units.



http://ift.tt/2xZ5Jz5