Native and synthetic scaffolds for limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Kim N. Nguyen, Samantha Bobba, Alexander Richardson, Mijeong Park, Stephanie L. Watson, Denis Wakefield, Nick Di Girolamo
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a complex blinding disease of the cornea, which cannot be treated with conventional corneal transplants. Instead, a stem cell (SC) graft is required to replenish the limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) reservoir, which is ultimately responsible for regenerating the corneal epithelium. Current therapies utilize limbal tissue biopsies that harbor LESCs as well as tissue culture expanded cells. Typically, this tissue is placed on a scaffold that supports the formation of corneal epithelial cell sheets, which are then transferred to diseased eyes. A wide range of biological and synthetic materials have been identified as carrier substrates for LESC, some of which have been used in the clinic, including amniotic membrane, fibrin, and silicon hydrogel contact lenses, each with their own advantages and limitations. This review will provide a brief background of LSCD, focusing on bio-scaffolds that have been utilized in limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) and materials that are being developed as potentially novel therapeutics for patients with this disease.Statement of SignificanceThe outcome of patients with corneal blindness that receive stem cell grafts to restore eye health and correct vision varies considerably and may be due to the different biological and synthetic scaffolds used to deliver these cells to the ocular surface. This review will highlight the positive attributes and limitations of the myriad of carriers developed for clinical use as well as those that are being trialled in pre-clinical models. The overall focus is on developing a standardized therapy for patients, however due to the multiple causes of corneal blindness, a personal regenerative medicine approach may be the best option.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yCV3HO

Developmental refinement of synaptic transmission on micropatterned single layer graphene

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Sandeep Keshavan, Shovan Naskar, Alberto Diaspro, Laura Cancedda, Silvia Dante
Interfacing neurons with a single atomic layer of graphene, single atomic layer of sp2 hybridized C-atoms, is a key paradigm in understanding how to exploit the unique properties of such a two-dimensional system for neural prosthetics and biosensors development. In order to fabricate graphene-based circuitry, a reliable large area patterning method is a requirement. Following a previously developed protocol, we monitored the in vitro neuronal development of geometrically ordered neural network growing onto patterned Single Layer Graphene (SLG) coated with poly-D-lysine. The microscale patterns were fabricated via laser micromachining and consisted of SLG stripes separated by micrometric ablated stripes. A comprehensive analysis of the biointerface was carried out combining the surface characterization of SLG transferred on the glass substrates and Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of the developing neural network. Neuronal and glial cells proliferation, as well as cell viability, were compared on glass, SLG and SLG-patterned surfaces. Further, we present a comparative developmental study on the efficacy of synaptic transmission on control glass, on transferred SLG, and on the micropatterned SLG substrates by recording miniature post synaptic currents (mPSCs). The mPSC frequencies and amplitudes obtained on SLG-stripes, SLG only and on glass were compared. Our results indicate a very similar developmental trend in the three groups, indicating that both SLG and patterned SLG preserve synaptic efficacy and can be potentially exploited for the fabrication of large area devices for neuron sensing or stimulation.Statement of significanceThis paper compares the morphological and functional development of neural networks forming on glass, on Single Layer Graphene (SLG) and on microsized patterned SLGsubstrates after neuron spontaneous migration. Neurons developing on SLG are viable after tw weeks in vitro, and, on SLG glial cell proliferation is enhanced. The functionality of the neural networks is demonstrated by measuring the development of neuron synapses in the first and second week in vitro. Preserving the neuron synaptic efficacy, both homogeneous and patterned interfaces based on graphene can be potentially exploited for the fabrication of large area devices for neuron sensing or stimulation, as well as for next generation of bio-electronic systems, to be used as brain-interfaces.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yCV4LS

Photoluminescent properties of single crystal diamond microneedles

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Optical Materials, Volume 75
Author(s): Sergey A. Malykhin, Rinat R. Ismagilov, Feruza T. Tuyakova, Ekaterina A. Obraztsova, Pavel V. Fedotov, Anna Ermakova, Petr Siyushev, Konstantin G. Katamadze, Fedor Jelezko, Yury P. Rakovich, Alexander N. Obraztsov
Single crystal needle-like diamonds shaped as rectangular pyramids were produced by combination of chemical vapor deposition and selective oxidation with dimensions and geometrical characteristics depending on the deposition process parameters. Photoluminescence spectra and their dependencies on wavelength of excitation radiation reveal presence of nitrogen- and silicon-vacancy color centers in the diamond crystallites. Photoluminescence spectra, intensity mapping, and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy indicate that silicon-vacancy centers are concentrated at the crystallites apex while nitrogen-vacancy centers are distributed over the whole crystallite. Dependence of the photoluminescence on excitation radiation intensity demonstrates saturation and allows estimation of the color centers density. The combination of structural parameters, geometry and photoluminescent characteristics are prospective for advantageous applications of these diamond crystallites in quantum information processing and optical sensing.



http://ift.tt/2zogBF0

Does the reduction of inferior turbinate size affect lower airway functions?

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Ozlem Unsal, Mehtap Ozkahraman, Mufide Arzu Ozkarafakili, Meltem Akpinar, Arzu Yasemin Korkut, Senem Kurt Dizdar, Berna Uslu Coskun
IntroductionAlthough the nose and lungs are separate organs, numerous studies have reported that the entire respiratory system can be considered as a single anatomical and functional unit. The upper and lower airways affect each other either directly or through reflex mechanisms.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the radiofrequency ablation of persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy on nasal and pulmonary function.MethodsTwenty-seven patients with bilateral persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy without septal deviation were included in this study. All of the patients were evaluated using anterior rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, a visual analogue scale, and flow-sensitive spirometry on the day before and 4 months after the radiofrequency ablation procedure.ResultsThe post-ablation measurements revealed that the inferior turbinate ablation caused an increase in the mean cross-sectional area and volume of the nose, as well as in the forced expiratory volume in 1s, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow of the patients. These differences between the pre- and post-ablation results were statistically significant. The post-ablation visual analogue scale scores were lower when compared with the pre-ablation scores, and this difference was also statistically significant.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the widening of the nasal passage after the reduction of the inferior turbinate size had a favorable effect on the pulmonary function tests.



http://ift.tt/2hO17mb

Pharmacotherapy for social anxiety disorder: Interpersonal predictors of outcome and the mediating role of the working alliance

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders, Volume 52
Author(s): Jonah N. Cohen, Deborah A.G. Drabick, Carlos Blanco, Franklin R. Schneier, Michael R. Liebowitz, Richard G. Heimberg
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is highly prevalent and associated with high levels of impairment and distress. Therapies for SAD leave many patients symptomatic at the end of treatment, and little is known about predictors or mechanisms of treatment outcome. Given the interpersonal dysfunction fundamental to SAD, this study investigated whether prominent interpersonal features of SAD (submissive behavior, childhood maltreatment, suppression of anger, and depression) predicted attrition and response to pharmacotherapy and whether the working alliance mediated these relationships. This is the first study to examine the role of the working alliance in pharmacotherapy for SAD. One hundred thirty-eight treatment-seeking individuals with a primary diagnosis of SAD received 12 weeks of open treatment with paroxetine. Higher levels of depression predicted greater severity of SAD at the end of treatment, and higher levels of submissive behavior and childhood emotional maltreatment predicted a greater probability of attrition from treatment. The psychiatrist-assessed working alliance mediated response to pharmacotherapy for individuals who reported a history of emotional maltreatment. These results identify variables that predict pharmacotherapy outcome and emphasize the importance of the working alliance as a mechanism of treatment response for those with a history of emotional maltreatment. Implications for person-specific treatment selection are discussed.



http://ift.tt/2Aofkhv

A case of segmental stiff skin syndrome treated with systemic losartan

Abstract

Stiff skin syndrome (SSS) is a rare, autosomal dominant cutaneous disorder with progressive, symmetric, sclerotic skin changes of the shoulders, hips, and thighs. In a recent publication, a distinct segmental variant of SSS was proposed. In this report we discuss the case of a boy with segmental SSS and review the current literature.

http://ift.tt/2zq5oWm

CONTENTS 1

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Materials Today, Volume 20, Issue 8





http://ift.tt/2Aplkq8

CONTENTS 2

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Materials Today, Volume 20, Issue 8





http://ift.tt/2j63UL4

Intralabyrinthine sporadic endolymphatic sac tumour

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): C. Lucas, J.-C. Leclère, E. Mornet, R. Marianowski
IntroductionEndolymphatic sac tumours are benign, slowly growing tumours that invade the temporal bone, and present clinically in the form of unilateral hearing loss. They can be sporadic or occur in the context of Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL).Case summaryThe authors report a case of endolymphatic sac tumour arising in the utricle presenting histological and immunohistochemical features corresponding to endolymphatic sac tumour in a patient without VHL.DiscussionEndolymphatic sac tumours invade the posterior part of the petrous temporal bone. According to two studies concerning patients with Von Hippel-Lindau disease, endolymphatic sac tumours arise from the endolymphatic duct. This case of intralabyrinthine sporadic endolymphatic sac tumour supports this hypothesis for sporadic forms, indicating the need for labyrinthectomy associated with tumour resection to avoid recurrence.



http://ift.tt/2j7zloe

Direct Observation vs. Video-Based Assessment in Flexible Cystoscopy

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Julia Dagnaes-Hansen, Oria Mahmood, Sarah Bube, Flemming Bjerrum, Yousif Subhi, Malene Rohrsted, Lars Konge
ObjectiveDirect observation in assessment of clinical skills is prone to bias, demands the observer to be present at a certain location at a specific time, and is time-consuming. Video-based assessment could remove the risk of bias, increase flexibility, and reduce the time spent on assessment. This study investigated if video-based assessment was a reliable tool for cystoscopy and if direct observers were prone to bias compared with video-raters.DesignThis study was a blinded observational trial. Twenty medical students and 9 urologists were recorded during 2 cystoscopies and rated by a direct observer and subsequently by 2 blinded video-raters on a global rating scale (GRS) for cystoscopy. Both intrarater and interrater reliability were explored. Furthermore, direct observer bias was explored by a paired samples t-test.ResultsIntrarater reliability calculated by Pearson's r was 0.86. Interrater reliability was 0.74 for single measure and 0.85 for average measures. A hawk-dove effect was seen between the 2 raters. Direct observer bias was detected when comparing direct observer scores to the assessment by an independent video-rater (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study found that video-based assessment was a reliable tool for cystoscopy with 2 video-raters. There was a significant bias when comparing direct observation with blinded video-based assessment.



http://ift.tt/2zmRXog

Characterization of Vessel Deformations During EVAR: A Preliminary Retrospective Analysis to Improve Fidelity of Endovascular Simulators

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Laura Cercenelli, Barbara Bortolani, Guido Tiberi, Chiara Mascoli, Ivan Corazza, Mauro Gargiulo, Emanuela Marcelli
ObjectiveDuring endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), vessel deformations occur due to the insertion of tools and deployment of stent grafts in the arteries. We present a method for the characterization of vessel deformations during EVAR, and its application on patient datasets for a preliminary retrospective analysis that may be used to improve fidelity of endovascular simulators.DesignThe method provides the extraction of vessel profiles from intraoperative fluoroscopic images and the calculation of a tortuosity index in the 2D fluoroscopy view (τ2D) used to quantify the vessel deformations (δ%) during EVAR caused by the stiff guidewire insertion (δ%Stiff) and the stent graft deployment (δ%Graft), when compared with the undeformed vessel configuration (no device inserted). We applied the method to analyze retrospectively 7 EVAR patient datasets, including vasculature anatomies with different grades of vessel tortuosity or calcification: 2 patients (Pts) with absent tortuosity and mild calcification, 2 with mild tortuosity and mild calcification, 2 with severe tortuosity and mild calcification, and 1 with severe tortuosity and severe calcification. The analysis was focused on deformations of the left common iliac artery (LCIA), which is one of the arterial segments most affected by deformations.ResultsIn patients with mild LCIA calcification, the vessel straightening effect due to the stiff guidewire insertion increases as the severity of LCIA tortuosity increases (δ%Stiff = 0 ± 2%, −19 ± 2%, −45 ± 2% for absent, mild, and severe tortuosity, respectively). In patients with mild/severe LCIA tortuosity, the artery with the deployed graft seems to retain part of the straightening effect caused by the stiff guidewire (δ%Graft = −9 ± 3%, −31 ± 2%, for mild and severe tortuosity, respectively). In case of severe LCIA calcification, the stiff guidewire causes only a slight straightening effect (δ%Stiff = −12%) despite the severe vessel tortuosity.ConclusionThe method was effective in characterizing real vessel deformations during EVAR. Results gave evidence of a relationship between the obtained deformations and the anatomical vessel conformation. These results may be useful to drive predictive models of vessel deformations during EVAR to be implemented in endovascular patient-specific simulators for improving their fidelity.



http://ift.tt/2ycqt3v

Analysis of Academic Medical Center Graduate Medical Education Websites for Policies Regarding Restrictive Covenants in Non-ACGME Fellowships

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Jeremy S. Juern, David M. Stahl, John A. Weigelt
BackgroundThe topic of restrictive covenants in fellowships that are not approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has not been studied.ObjectiveTo investigate the presence of institutional polices at academic medical centers regarding restrictive covenants in non-ACGME fellowships.MethodsThe graduate medical education (GME) office website of 132 academic medical centers was evaluated and searched for the following as of June 1, 2017: presence of any ACGME residency or fellowship, presence of any non-ACGME fellowship, presence of GME policies and procedures, presence of a restrictive covenant policy, and if that policy applies to non-ACGME fellowships.ResultsA total of 96 academic medical centers had non-ACGME fellowships. Of these, 56 prohibit restrictive covenants in non-ACGME fellowships because of either their GME policy or state law. Seven academic medical centers have a GME policy that allows restrictive covenants in non-ACGME fellowships. Two academic medical centers clearly state that fellows in a certain subspecialty fellowship will be required to sign a restrictive covenant.ConclusionsGME policies at academic medical centers that allow restrictive covenants in non-ACGME fellowships are very uncommon. The practice of having fellows sign a restrictive covenant in a non-ACGME fellowship is in conflict with an American Medical Association ethics statement, ACGME institutional requirement IV.L, and the rules of the San Francisco Match.



http://ift.tt/2ybOCal

360° Operative Videos: A Randomised Cross-Over Study Evaluating Attentiveness and Information Retention

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Cuan M. Harrington, Dara O. Kavanagh, Gemma Wright Ballester, Athena Wright Ballester, Patrick Dicker, Oscar Traynor, Arnold Hill, Sean Tierney
ObjectiveAlthough two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional videos have traditionally provided foundations for reviewing operative procedures, the recent 360º format may provide new dimensions to surgical education. This study sought to describe the production of a high quality 360º video for an index-operation (augmented with educational material), while evaluating for variances in attentiveness, information retention, and appraisal compared to 2D.DesignA 6-camera synchronised array (GoPro Omni, [California, United States]) was suspended inverted and recorded an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 2016. A single-blinded randomised cross-over study was performed to evaluate this video in 360º vs 2D formats. Group A experienced the 360º video using Samsung (Suwon, South-Korea) GearVR virtual-reality headsets, followed by the 2D experience on a 75-inch television. Group B were reversed. Each video was probed at designated time points for engagement levels and task-unrelated images or thoughts. Alternating question banks were administered following each video experience. Feedback was obtained via a short survey at study completion.SettingThe New Academic and Education Building (NAEB) in Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, July 2017.ParticipantsPreclinical undergraduate students from a medical university in Ireland.ResultsForty students participated with a mean age of 23.2 ± 4.5 years and equal sex involvement. The 360º video demonstrated significantly higher engagement (p < 0.01) throughout the experience and lower task-unrelated images or thoughts (p < 0.01). Significant variances in information retention between the 2 groups were absent (p = 0.143) but most (65%) reported the 360º video as their learning platform of choice. Mean appraisal levels for the 360º platform were positive with mean responses of >8/10 for the platform for learning, immersion, and entertainment.ConclusionsThis study describes the successful development and evaluation of a 360º operative video. This new video format demonstrated significant engagement and attentiveness benefits compared to traditional 2D formats. This requires further evaluation in the field of technology enhanced learning.



http://ift.tt/2zmRQck

Textual Analysis of General Surgery Residency Personal Statements: Topics and Gender Differences

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Laura Ostapenko, Cheryl Schonhardt-Bailey, Jessica Walling Sublette, Douglas S. Smink, Nora Y. Osman
PurposeApplicants to US general surgery residency training programs submit standardized applications. Applicants use the personal statement to express their individual rationale for a career in surgery. Our research explores common topics and gender differences within the personal statements of general surgery applicants.MethodsWe analyzed the electronic residency application service personal statements of 578 applicants (containing 3,82,405 words) from Liaison Committee on Medical Education-accredited medical schools to a single ACGME-accredited general surgery program using an automated textual analysis program to identify common topics and gender differences. Using a recursive algorithm, the program identified common words and clusters, grouping them into topic classes, which are internally validated.ResultsWe identified and labeled 8 statistically significant topic classes through independent review: "my story," "the art of surgery," "clinical vignettes," "why I love surgery," "residency program characteristics," "working as a team," "academics and research," and "global health and policy." Although some classes were common to all applications, we also identified gender-specific differences. Notably, women were significantly more likely than men to be represented within the class of "working as a team." (p < 0.01) Furthermore, men were significantly more likely than women to be represented within the class of "clinical vignettes" (p < 0.01).ConclusionsApplying textual analysis to a national cohort, we identified common narrative topics in the personal statements of aspiring general surgeons, noting differences between the statements of men and women. Women were more likely to discuss surgery as a team endeavor while men were more likely to focus on the details of their surgical experiences. Our work mirrors what has been found in social psychology research on gender-based differences in how men and women communicate their career goals and aspirations in other competitive professional situations.



http://ift.tt/2ybOsQh

Central leptin regulates heart lipid content by selectively increasing PPAR {beta}/{delta} expression

The role of central leptin in regulating the heart from lipid accumulation in lean leptin-sensitive animals has not been fully elucidated. Herein we investigated the effects of central leptin infusion on the expression of genes involved in cardiac metabolism and its role in the control of myocardial triacylglyceride (TAG) accumulation in adult Wistar rats. Intracerebroventricular (icv) leptin infusion (0.2µg/day) for 7 days markedly decreased TAG levels in cardiac tissue. Remarkably, the cardiac anti-steatotic effects of central leptin were associated with the selective up-regulation of gene and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/ (PPARβ/) and their target genes, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), and acyl CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1), involved in myocardial intracellular lipolysis and mitochondrial/peroxisomal fatty acid utilization. Besides, central leptin decreased the expression of stearoyl-CoA deaturase 1 (SCD-1) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) involved in TAG synthesis, and increased the CPT-1 independent palmitate oxidation, as an index of peroxisomal β-oxidation. Finally, the pharmacological inhibiton of PPARβ/ decreased the effects on gene expression and cardiac TAG content induced by leptin. These results indicate that leptin, acting at central level, regulates selectively the cardiac expression of PPARβ/, contributing in this way to regulate the cardiac TAG accumulation in rats, independently of its effects on body weight.

http://ift.tt/2lXDoEB

Vitamin D, the placenta and early pregnancy: effects on trophoblast function

Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in vitamin D metabolism, notably increased maternal serum levels of active vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin (1,25(OH)2D). This appears to be due primarily to increased renal activity of the enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) that catalyzes synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D, but CYP27B1 expression is also prominent in both the maternal decidua and fetal trophoblast components of the placenta. The precise function of placental synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D remains unclear, but is likely to involve localised tissue-specific responses with both decidua and trophoblast also expressing the vitamin D receptor (VDR) for 1,25(OH)2D. We have previously described immunomodulatory responses to 1,25(OH)2D by diverse populations of VDR-expressing cells within the decidua. The aim of the current review is to detail the role of vitamin D in pregnancy from a trophoblast perspective, with particular emphasis on the potential role of 1,25(OH)2D as a regulator of trophoblast invasion in early pregnancy. Vitamin D-deficiency is common in pregnant women, and a wide range of studies have linked low vitamin D status to adverse events in pregnancy. To date most of these studies have focused on adverse events later in pregnancy, but the current review will explore the potential impact of vitamin D on early pregnancy, and how this may influence implantation and miscarriage.

http://ift.tt/2yC1vPb

Visible-light-driven photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli K-12 over thermal treated natural magnetic sphalerite: Band structure analysis and toxicity evaluation

Publication date: May 2018
Source:Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Volume 224
Author(s): Dehua Xia, Huadan Liu, Zhifeng Jiang, Tsz Wai Ng, Weng Seng Lai, Taicheng An, Wanjun Wang, Po Keung Wong
The cost-effective natural magnetic sphalerite (NMS) was thermally treated to further enhance its photocatalytic activity for water disinfection. Within 6h visible light irradiation, the calcined NMS700 exhibited enhanced Escherichia coli inactivation with 6 log10cfu/mL of cell reduction, while the pristine NMS (NMS0) only showed 2.5 log10 cfu/mL of cell reduction. After calcination, the pristine binary composite of ZnS/FeS for NMS0 was transformed into a ternary ZnS/ZnFe2O4/ZnO composite for NMS700. The optimum photocatalytic activity of NMS700 was attributed to the efficient charge separation originated from the three-level electron transfer system, well evidenced by the highest photocurrent and fastest electron-hole separation among all the calcined NMS samples. Scavenger study and probe determination demonstrated that the dominant bactericidal agent was changed from superoxide radical (O2⁻) for NMS0 to hole (h⁺) and hydroxyl radical (OH) for NMS700. Moreover, vibrating sampling magnetizer (VSM) analysis revealed that the saturated magnetism was enhanced from 0.03emu/g for NMS0 to 0.15emu/g for NMS700, due to the appearance of magnetic component like ZnFe2O4. In addition, NMS0 were not genotoxic but cytotoxic, while NMS700 was toxic of both, indicating the superior stability of NMS700 was obtained after calcination treatment. The study demonstrated that the calcination is an effective strategy to modify natural mineral-photocatalyst into highly effective photocatalyst activated by solar energy.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yaw1et

Encapsulation of fluorescein into nanozeolites L and Y

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, Volume 260
Author(s): M. Łukarska, A. Jankowska, J. Gapiński, S. Valable, C. Anfray, B. Ménard, S. Mintova, S. Kowalak
Fluorescein (F) species were encapsulated inside nanosized zeolites L and Y by their synthesis from adsorbed precursors (phthalic anhydride (Ph) and resorcinol (R)). The applied nanozeolites were modified either with H⁺ or Zn²⁺ cations and they played roles of the catalysts for synthesis of F and of the matrices for resulting dye molecules. The F loading, its tautomeric forms and optical properties of obtained composites depended on zeolite structure, morphology and on introduced cations. The composites usually showed higher fluorescence intensity than the pristine dye. The highest fluorescence intensity was noticed for the sample with nano-ZnL matrix. This intensity was much higher than that observed for composite with conventional micro-sized Zn L zeolite. Regarding an efficient fluorescence and nanosize of the obtained composites they seem promising fluorescent tracer for medical (theranostic) applications.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ybm2pw

Utilization of red mud and Pb/Zn smelter waste for the synthesis of a red mud-based cementitious material

Publication date: 15 February 2018
Source:Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 344
Author(s): Yuan-Cheng Li, Xiao-Bo Min, Yong Ke, Li-Yuan Chai, Mei-Qing Shi, Chong-Jian Tang, Qing-Wei Wang, Yan-Jie Liang, Jie Lei, De-Gang Liu
A new method in which Pb/Zn smelter waste containing arsenic and heavy metals (arsenic sludge), red mud and lime are utilized to prepare red mud-based cementitious material (RCM) is proposed in this study. XRD, SEM, FTIR and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were employed to assess the physicochemical properties of RCM. In addition, ettringite and iron oxide-containing ettringite were used to study the hydration mechanism of RCM. The results show that the UCS of the RCM (red mud+arsenic sludge+lime) was higher than that of the binder (red mud+arsenic sludge). When the mass ratio of m (binder): m (lime) was 94:6 and then maintained 28days at ambient temperature, the UCS reached 12.05MPa. The red mud has potential cementitious characteristics, and the major source of those characteristics was the aluminium oxide. In the red mud-arsenic sludge-lime system, aluminium oxide was effectively activated by lime and gypsum to form complex hydration products. Some of the aluminium in ettringite was replaced by iron to form calcium sulfoferrite hydrate. The BCR and leaching toxicity results show that the leaching concentration was strongly dependent on the chemical speciation of arsenic and the hydration products. Therefore, the investigated red mud and arsenic sludge can be successfully utilized in cement composites to create a red mud-based cementitious material.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hLOIiy

A novel method of utilization of hot dip galvanizing slag using the heat waste from itself for protection from radiation

Publication date: 15 February 2018
Source:Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 344
Author(s): Mengge Dong, Xiangxin Xue, Ashok Kumar, He Yang, M.I. Sayyed, Shan Liu, Erjun Bu
A novel, unconventional, low cost, eco-friendly and effective shielding materials have been made utilizing the hot dip galvanizing slag using the heat waste from itself, thereby saving the natural resources and preventing the environmental pollution. SEM-EDS of shielding materials indicates that the other elements are distributed in Zn element. The mass attenuation properties of shielding materials were measured using a narrow beam geometrical setup at 0.662MeV, 1.17MeV and 1.33MeV. The half value thickness layer, effective atomic number, and electron density were used to analyze the shielding performance of the materials. The EBFs and EABFs for the prepared shielding materials were also studied with incident photon energy for penetration depths upto 40mfp. The shielding effectiveness has been compared with lead, iron, zinc, some standard shielding concretes, different glasses and some alloys. The shielding effectiveness of the prepared samples is almost found comparable to iron, zinc, selected alloys and glasses while better than some standard shielding concretes. In addition, it is also found that the bending strength of all shielding materials is more than 110MPa.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ycHp9X

A detailed study on Sn4+ doped ZnO for enhanced photocatalytic degradation

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 433
Author(s): Rosalin Beura, R. Pachaiappan, P. Thangadurai
The samples of Sn⁴⁺ doped (1, 5, 10, 15, 20 & 30%) ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by a low temperature hydrothermal method. Structural analysis by XRD and Raman spectroscopy showed the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO and the formation of a secondary phase Zn2SnO4 beyond 10% doping of Sn⁴⁺. Microstructural analysis by TEM also confirmed the wurtzite ZnO with rod as well as particle like structure. Presence of various functional groups (OH, CH, ZnO) were confirmed by FTIR. Optical properties were studied by UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence emission spectroscopies and lifetime measurement. Band gap of the undoped and Sn⁴⁺ doped ZnO were analyzed by Tauc plot and it was observed that the band gap of the materials had slightly decreased from 3.2 to 3.16eV and again increased to 3.23eV with respect to the increase in the doping concentration from 1 to 30%. A significant change was also noticed in the photoluminescence emission properties of ZnO i.e. increase in the intensity of NBE emission and decrease in DLE, on subject to Sn⁴⁺ doping. Average PL lifetime had increased from 29.45ns for ZnO to 30.62ns upon 1% Sn ion doping in ZnO. Electrical properties studied by solid state impedance spectroscopy showed that the conductivity had increased by one order of magnitude (from 7.48×10⁻⁸ to 2.21×10⁻⁷S/cm) on Sn⁴⁺ doping. Photocatalytic experiments were performed on methyl orange (MO) as a model industrial dye under UV light irradiation for different irradiation times. The optimum Sn⁴⁺ content in order to achieve highest photocatalytic activity was found to be 1% Sn ⁴⁺ doping. The enhancement was achieved due to a decrease in the band gap favoring the generation of electron-hole pairs and the enhanced PL life time that delays the recombination of these charge carrier formation. The third reason was that the increased electrical conductivity that indicated the faster charge transfer in this material to enhance the photocatalytic activity. The Sn doped ZnO was found to be more photostable than pure ZnO.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ybEHRX

Zn nanoparticle formation in FIB irradiated single crystal ZnO

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 433
Author(s): M. Pea, G. Barucca, A. Notargiacomo, L. Di Gaspare, V. Mussi
We report on the formation of Zn nanoparticles induced by Ga⁺ focused ion beam on single crystal ZnO. The irradiated materials have been studied as a function of the ion dose by means of atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, evidencing the presence of Zn nanoparticles with size of the order of 5–30nm. The nanoparticles are found to be embedded in a shallow amorphous ZnO matrix few tens of nanometers thick. Results reveal that ion beam induced Zn clustering occurs producing crystalline particles with the same hexagonal lattice and orientation of the substrate, and could explain the alteration of optical and electrical properties found for FIB fabricated and processed ZnO based devices.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ycHdYh

Effects of the carrier concentration on polarity determination in Ga-doped ZnO films by hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 433
Author(s): Huaping Song, Hisao Makino, Masaaki Kobata, Junichi Nomoto, Keisuke Kobayashi, Tetsuya Yamamoto
Core level (CL) and valence band (VB) spectra of heavily Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) films with carrier concentrations (Ne) ranging from 1.8×10²⁰ to 1.0×10²¹cm⁻³ were measured by high-resolution Al Kα (hν=1486.6eV) x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Cr Kα (hν=5414.7eV) hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The CL spectra of the GZO films measured by XPS had little dependence on Ne. In contrast, clear differences in asymmetric broadening were observed in the HAXPES spectra owing to the large probing depth. The asymmetry in the Zn 2p3/2 and O 1s HAXPES spectra is mainly attributed to the energy loss of the conduction electron plasmon caused by the high Ne of the GZO films. Similar asymmetry was also observed in the VB spectra of these GZO films. It was found that such asymmetry plays a crucial role in the determination of crystal polarity. With increasing Ne, the intensity of the sub-peak at a binding energy Eb of about 5eV in the VB spectrum decreased and the sub-peak became indistinguishable. We clarified the limitation of the criterion using the sub-peak and proposed an alternative method for polarity determination.



http://ift.tt/2ycH72R

Evaluating the diffusive gradients in thin films technique for the prediction of metal bioaccumulation in plants grown in river sediments

Publication date: 15 February 2018
Source:Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 344
Author(s): Zhixin Song, Baoqing Shan, Wenzhong Tang
The diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique is a useful tool for assessing metal bioavailability in sediments. However, the DGT technique has not been used to predict metal bioaccumulation in plants grown in sediments in river systems. In this study, the DGT technique was evaluated for predicting metal bioaccumulation in Phragmites australis growing in contaminated sediments. In sediments with high levels of contamination, release of DGT-labile Cr, Zn, Cu, and Cd occurred, which resulted in high bioaccumulation of these metals in P. australis. Bioaccumulation of Cr, Cu, Zn, and Cd was strongly correlated with the metal concentrations in the sediments measured by the DGT technique. By contrast, the correlation between sediment content and bioaccumulation for As was weak. There were significant negative correlations between the content of Ni in the plant tissues and the contents of the other metals. Overall, the DGT technique provided predictions of metal bioaccumulation similar to those obtained using total metal measurements in multiple polluted sediment samples. Therefore, DGT analysis could be used for assessing heavy metal bioavailability, and metal bioaccumulation in P. australis was not all significantly correlated with the bioavailability concentrations of metals in river sediments.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hMQNL0

Soil geochemical factors regulate Cd accumulation by metal hyperaccumulating Noccaea caerulescens (J. Presl & C. Presl) F.K. Mey in field-contaminated soils

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volumes 616–617
Author(s): Carla E. Rosenfeld, Rufus L. Chaney, Carmen E. Martínez
Cadmium contamination in soil is a substantial global problem, and of significant concern due to high food-chain transfer. Cadmium hyperaccumulators are of particular interest because of their ability to tolerate and take up significant amounts of heavy metal pollution from soils. One particular plant, Noccaea caerulescens (formerly, Thlaspi caerulescens), has been extensively studied in terms of its capacity to accumulate heavy metals (specifically Zn and Cd), though these studies have primarily utilized hydroponic and metal-spiked model soil systems. We studied Cd and nutrient uptake by two N. caerulescens ecotypes, Prayon (Zn-only hyperaccumulator) and Ganges (Zn- and Cd-hyperaccumulator) in four long-term field-contaminated soils. Our data suggest that individual soil properties such as total soil Cd, Zn:Cd molar ratio, or soil pH do not accurately predict Cd uptake by hyperaccumulating plants. Additionally, total Cd uptake by the hyperaccumulating Ganges ecotype was substantially less than its physiological capacity, which is likely due to Cd-containing solid phases (primarily iron oxides) and pH that play an important role in regulating and limiting Cd solubility. Increased P accumulation in the Ganges leaves, and greater plant Fe accumulation from Cd-containing soils suggests that rhizosphere alterations via proton, and potentially organic acid, secretion may also play a role in nutrient and Cd acquisition by the plant roots. The current study highlights the role that soil geochemical factors play in influencing Cd uptake by hyperaccumulating plants. While these plants may have high physiological potential to accumulate metals from contaminated soils, individual soil geochemical factors and the plant-soil interactions in that soil will dictate the actual amount of phytoextractable metal. This underlines the need for site-specific understanding of metal-containing solid phases and geochemical properties of soils before undertaking phytoextraction efforts.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2zmlRsI

Study of the iron nitride FeN into the megabar regime

Publication date: 5 February 2018
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 733
Author(s): Dominique Laniel, Agnès Dewaele, Simone Anzellini, Nicolas Guignot
In this work, the nitrogen-rich portion of the Fe-N binary phase diagram is investigated up to 128 GPa. The samples, largely in excess of nitrogen, were laser-heated in diamond anvil cells to temperatures up to 2000 K at regular pressure intervals to help in crossing possible activation barriers towards the more stable phase. Three Fe-N compounds: ZnS-type FeN, Fe2N and NiAs-type FeN, are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and their observed stability domain reported. Below 12.5 GPa, orthorhombic Fe2N is found to be the energetically-favored compound while NiAs-FeN becomes stable above 17.7 GPa. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements and a Rietveld refinement confirmed the stoichiometry and structure of the recovered NiAs-FeN sample. A precise determination of its bulk modulus (K0 = 200(5) GPa) as well as its pressure derivative (K0′ = 5.3(2)) is obtained and, based on its unit cell axial ratio evolution, the NiAs-FeN compound appears to decrease in ionicity concomitantly with pressure. Within the pressure-temperature conditions reached here, the predicted iron pernitride FeN2 is not observed.



http://ift.tt/2zmlMFq

Public health approach to minimize the prevalence and associated sequels of leishmaniasis in the affected regions

Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava, Prateek Saurabh Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1371-1372



http://ift.tt/2Af82LV

Necessity to strengthen prevention activities and expand treatment services to accomplish global elimination of Hepatitis C

Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1101-1102



http://ift.tt/2hNnvMl

The effect of space face games on the amount of children attention with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders

Zahra Shahmoradi, Jahangir Maghsoudi, Mostafa Najafi, Saeed Pahlavanzadeh

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1341-1344

Introduction: As ever play therapy using a special toy which is produced with therapeutic target in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHDs) has not been conducted, this study was carried out with the aim to determine the effect of space face games on the attention of children with ADHDs. Materials and Methods: In this research, 72 children with ADHDs referred to Isfahan's Noor psychiatric clinic were randomly placed in two test and control groups. Attention level of both groups was evaluated using continuous performance test before and after the intervention. The space face games in the test group were used for 16 sessions. Statistical analysis of data was conducted using descriptive and analytical statistics in SPSS Software Version 18. Findings: The average score of attention had no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention, but the number of correct answer in the test group was significantly more than the control group and the number of provided errors and the number of removed errors were significantly lower than the control group immediately after the intervention. Conclusion: Space face games are effective in the promotion of attention in children with ADHDs.

http://ift.tt/2AfEY6X

Delivering comprehensive sexuality education among youths to eventually achieve human immunodeficiency virus-free generation

Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1103-1104



http://ift.tt/2hNntEd

Mobilizing youth population to spread peace in the conflict-affected regions of Central Africa

Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1394-1395



http://ift.tt/2AfwyN7

Young people acting as ambassadors for the accomplishment of women-related sustainable development goals

Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1105-1106



http://ift.tt/2hO8TMV

Preventing the outbreaks of food-borne botulism and minimizing the risk of fatality

Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava, Prateek Saurabh Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1360-1361



http://ift.tt/2AeyFAx

Universal health coverage: Necessity, monitoring, and the vision ahead

Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1107-1108



http://ift.tt/2hNnmIN

Prevention and control of Hepatitis A in developing nations: Public health perspective

Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1382-1384



http://ift.tt/2Aec5Im

Building an effective mechanism to respond to the repeated outbreaks of cholera in the african region

Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(5):1109-1110



http://ift.tt/2hO8MAZ

Magnetic resonance (MR) features in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) vs receptor positive cancer (nTNBC)

Publication date: May–June 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 49
Author(s): Giulia Angelini, Carolina Marini, Chiara Iacconi, Dionisia Mazzotta, Monica Moretti, Eugenia Picano, Riccardo Morganti
Few reports in literature describe triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) imaging findings. Aim of the study is to determine MR-features of TNBC compared to receptor positive cancer (nTNBC).From May 2014 to May 2015, we retrospectively enrolled 31 consecutive patients with histological diagnosis of TNBC and a control group of 31 consecutive nTNBC observed in the same period, out of 602 cancer, diagnosed in our department in the same year.Histopathological analysis and MR-features of TNBC (31 patients) were compared to nTNBC (31 patients). MR-features included dimension, fibroglandular tissue (FGT), background parenchimal enhancement (BPE), mass shape, margins, presence of rim, intratumoral signal intensity in T2w, uni-multifocality, kinetic curves. All patients were examined with MR 1,5T (Magnetom Simphony Tim, Siemens Healthcare) performing T2w fat-sat and contrast enhanced high temporal and spatial resolution T1w before and after injection of Gadolinium.62 staging MR were reviewed. Median age was 50 (30-78ys) with a standard deviation of 10,9. TNBC showed 3 MR features in concordance with current literature: rim enhancement, hyperintensity in T2 sequence and unifocality. Rim enhancement was shown in 67.7% of TNBC (21/31) and 29% of nTNBC (9/31). Higher T2w values were shown in 83.9% of TNBC (26/31) and 58.1% of nTNBC (18/31). Cancer was multifocal in 7/31 (22.6%) of TNBC and 19/31 (61.3%) nTNBC.No correlation was found for dimension (p=0.12), FGT (p=0.959), BPE (p=0.596), homogeneity of enhancement (p=0.43), margins (p=0.671) and kinetic (p=0.37).Multivariate analysis demonstrated that rim enhancement and unifocality correlated independently with TNBC group. Area under ROC curve of our model is 0.835.Furthermore, we evaluated the clinical outcome of all 31 TNBC patients in a follow-up time ranging from 24months to 36months separating them in a free-survival group (23 women) and a recurrence group (8 women with local recurrence or distant metastasis): only kinetic curves resulted to be significantly higher in recurrence group (p=0.042).



http://ift.tt/2iAJeXI

Percutaneous CT-guided facet joint synovial cyst rupture: Success with refractory cases and technical considerations

Publication date: May–June 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 49
Author(s): J. Levi Chazen, Kristen Leeman, Jaspal R. Singh, Andrew Schweitzer
Percutaneous image-guided rupture of lumbar facet synovial cysts can improve clinical outcomes and obviate the need for open surgery. This series describes eleven patients who had successful CT-guided lumbar facet synovial cyst ruptures, 82% of which experienced excellent pain relief at a minimum of one-year follow-up. Of the five patients who failed prior fluoroscopic-guided synovial cyst rupture, 80% had a successful CT-guided rupture and one-year sustained pain relief. These findings reinforce minimally invasive CT-guided treatment as an excellent option to improve patient symptoms and potentially avoid open surgery.



http://ift.tt/2hbcUdu

Imaging findings in systemic childhood diseases presenting with dermatologic manifestations

Publication date: May–June 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 49
Author(s): Adam Z. Fink, Julia K. Gittler, Radhika N. Nakrani, Jonathan Alis, Einat Blumfield, Terry L. Levin
PurposeMany childhood diseases often present with skin abnormalities with which radiologists are largely unfamiliar. Knowledge of associated dermatologic manifestations may aid the radiologist in confirming the diagnosis and recommending targeted imaging of affected organs.MethodsWe review the imaging findings in childhood diseases associated with dermatologic manifestations.FindingsDiseases include dermatologic findings which herald underlying malignancy (Neuroblastoma, leukemia/lymphoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis),are associated with risk of malignancy (Epidermolysis Bullosa, basal cell nevus syndrome, Cowden's syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis),or indicate a systemic inflammatory/immune disorder (Kawasaki's disease, Henoch Schonlein Purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis and immune thrombocytopenic purpura).ConclusionFamiliarity with pertinent findings in childhood diseases presenting with dermatologic manifestations in childhood diseases aids the radiologist in confirming the diagnosis and guiding imaging workup.



http://ift.tt/2iBArF0

Aims and Scope and Editorial Board

http://ift.tt/2hN3OUS

Functional Outcomes after De-Escalated Chemoradiation for Human Papillomavirus-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer: Secondary Analysis of a Phase II Trial

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): John V. Hegde, Narek Shaverdian, Carol Felix, Pin-Chieh Wang, Darlene Veruttipong, Sophia Hsu, Jonathan Riess, Shyam D. Rao, Megan E. Daly, Allen M. Chen
PurposeTo analyze functional outcomes for patients treated on a phase II trial of de-escalated chemoradiation for human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer.MethodsEligibility included p16-positive, stage III or IV oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and Zubrod performance status 0-1. Treatment was induction paclitaxel 175 mg/m² and carboplatin AUC 6 for 2 cycles every 21 days followed by concurrent paclitaxel 30 mg/m² every 7 days with dose-reduced radiation of 54 or 60 Gy. Trends in body weight and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed with gastrostomy tube and narcotic utilization rates. Functional outcomes were assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck Scale.ResultsForty-five patients were registered, of whom 40 were evaluable. Only 1 patient had a BMI deemed to be unhealthy at the completion of treatment. For the 15 patients (38%) with a normal BMI (18-25 kg/m²) pre-treatment, recovery back to baseline occurred at approximately 18 months (average BMI 23.2 vs. 22.3 kg/m², respectively, p=0.09). Two patients (5%) had gastrostomy tubes placed during treatment. No patient was enteral feeding tube dependent at 6 months post-treatment. Ninety-five percent tolerated a normal regular diet at last follow-up.ConclusionsDe-escalated chemoradiation may improve functional outcomes as indicated by the relatively low incidence of gastrostomy tube placement and long-term dysphagia. In patients with a normal BMI prior to chemoradiation, BMI recovered to baseline levels.

Teaser

For patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma undergoing chemoradiation with induction chemotherapy followed by de-escalated chemoradiation to 54 or 60 Gy with concurrent paclitaxel, functional outcomes, including nutritional status, gastrostomy tube use, dysphagia, and narcotic use, appear similar or favorable to historical controls treated with definitive chemoradiation to 70 Gy. These findings support ongoing efforts to evaluate de-escalated chemoradiation in patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma.


http://ift.tt/2ybkc86

PARP inhibition combined with thoracic radiation exacerbates esophageal and skin toxicity in C57BL6 mice

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Luiza Madia Lourenco, Yanyan Jiang, Neele Drobnitzky, Marcus Green, Fiona Cahill, Agata Patel, Yasmin Shanneik, John Moore, Anderson J. Ryan
PurposePARP inhibitors have been shown to enhance the radiosensitivity of cancer cells in vitro in a replication-dependent manner. Their in vivo radiosensitizing effects have also been demonstrated in preclinical tumor models. However, whether PARP inhibition can enhance the response to radiation in normal tissues has been largely neglected. We hypothesized that PARP inhibition might also potentiate the response of replicating normal tissues to radiation. In this study, we examined the normal tissue response in mice treated with PARP inhibitors (BMN673 or AZD2281) in combination with thoracic radiation.Methods and MaterialsAnti-tumor effects of fractionated radiation (5 Gy x 4) in combination with BMN673 were evaluated in nude mice bearing established Calu-6 human lung cancer xenografts. Normal tissue response was evaluated in C57BL6 mice that were treated with BMN673 or AZD2281 combined with fractionated 5 Gy x 4 radiation delivered to the whole thorax. Body weight and histology of the esophagus and skin in the field of irradiation were examined. DNA damage response in the esophagus and skin was assessed by γH2AX immunohistochemistry.ResultsWhilst PARP inhibition enhanced radiation-induced tumor growth inhibition in nude mice, it was also associated with significant body weight loss and increased damage to the esophagus and skin within the field of irradiation in C57BL6 mice. PARP inhibition compromised the repair of radiation-induced DNA damage in the esophagus and skin.ConclusionAlthough PARP inhibition enhanced the anti-tumor response to fractionated radiation, it also enhanced the radiation response in replicating normal tissues. Therefore, our study suggests that additional caution may be warranted in the clinical development of combination therapies utilizing PARP inhibitors and radiotherapy, in particular where the field of radiation includes the esophagus.

Teaser

PARP inhibitors have been demonstrated to potentiate the anti-tumor effect of radiation in preclinical studies. However, their effect on normal tissue response to radiation is unclear. Here we show that PARP inhibitors not only enhance radiation-induced tumor growth inhibition, but also enhance the response of the esophagus and skin to radiation. Therefore, caution may be warranted when combining PARP inhibition with radiotherapy that includes proliferating normal tissues.


http://ift.tt/2zoF64X

Low-dose hypersensitive response for residual pATM and γH2AX foci in normal fibroblasts of cancer patients

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Dorota Słonina, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Anna Janecka-Widła, Damian Kabat, Wiktor Szatkowski, Beata Biesaga
PurposeIn our previous study, using flow cytometry-based clonogenic survival assay, we demonstrated low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS) effect in normal fibroblasts of 4 of the 25 cancer patients investigated. In the present study, we define the dose-response relationship for initial and residual pATM and γH2AX foci and temporal response of pATM foci in fibroblasts of the 4 HRS-positive patients and 8 HRS-negative patients and answer the question regarding the role of DNA double strand break (DSB) recognition and repair in the mechanism of HRS.Methods and MaterialsThe cells were irradiated with single doses (0.1 - 4 Gy) of 6MV x-rays. The number of initial and residual pATM and γH2AX foci was assessed 1 hour and 24 hours after irradiation, respectively. Kinetics of DSB recognition and repair was estimated by pATM foci assay after irradiation with 0.2 and 2 Gy.ResultsHRS response (confirmed by the induced-repair model) was clearly evident for residual pATM and γH2AX foci in fibroblasts of HRS-positive patients, but not in fibroblasts of HRS-negative patients. Significantly less DSB was recognized by pATM early (10 – 30 minutes) after irradiation with 0.2 Gy in HRS-positive compared to HRS-negative fibroblasts.ConclusionsThe present results provide the evidence for the role of DSB recognition by pATM and repair in the mechanism of HRS and seem to support the idea of nucleoshuttling of the pATM protein to be involved in HRS response.

Teaser

We demonstrate, for the first time, low-dose hypersensitive response for both residual pATM and γH2AX foci in normal fibroblasts of 4 HRS-positive patients and its lack in fibroblasts of 8 HRS-negative patients. We also show that in HRS-positive fibroblasts not all DSB are recognized by pATM early after irradiation with low dose. The data provide the evidence for the role of DSB recognition by pATM and repair in the mechanism of HRS.


http://ift.tt/2y9ifZD

Value of elective radiation oncology rotations: how many is too many?

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Samuel Jang, Stephen A. Rosenberg, Craig Hullet, Kristin A. Bradley, Randall J. Kimple




http://ift.tt/2znUP4s

Outcome after Radiotherapy for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Is Dependent on Site of Involvement

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): James Laird, Jennifer Ma, Karen Chau, Monica Chelius, Weiji Shi, Zhigang Zhang, Benjamin H. Lok, Joachim Yahalom
PurposeLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare malignant disease characterized by histiocytic proliferation. We intended to characterize the efficacy and safety of radiation therapy (RT) in a contemporary cohort and to explore if there are sites at higher risk for local recurrence.Materials/MethodsBetween 1995 and 2015, we identified 39 consecutive LCH patients who were treated primarily with radiation therapy. Patients were staged by single/multisystem involvement (SS/MS) and established risk organ criteria. In 46 irradiated lesions, clinical and radiologic responses were evaluated at multiple time points after radiotherapy. Patient demographics, treatment, and local failure were compared by site of lesion.ResultsMedian age at RT was 35 years (range 1.5 – 67). Twelve patients had multisystem involvement, and of those, 5 patients had disease in organs considered to be high-risk. The following sites were irradiated: bone (31), brain (6), skin (3), lymph node (3), thyroid (2), and nasopharynx (1). Median dose was 11.4 Gy (7.5 – 50.4). At a median follow-up of 45 months (6 – 199), local recurrence or progression was noted in 5 of 46 (11%) lesions. There were no local failures of the 31 bone lesions evaluated, while the 3-year freedom from local failure in the 15 non-bone lesions was 63% (95% CI 32 – 83%; p = 0.0008). Local failures occurred in 2 of 3 skin lesions, in 2 of 6 brain lesions, and 1 of 3 lymph node lesions. Deaths were recorded in 5 of 39 (13%) patients, all of whom were adults with multisystem disease.ConclusionRadiotherapy is a safe and effective measure for providing local control of LCH involving the bone. While bone lesions are well controlled with low doses of radiation, disease in other tissues such as the skin and brain may require higher doses of radiation or additional treatment modalities.

Teaser

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare histiocytic malignancy associated with a wide range of clinical presentations and outcomes. We explored treatment patterns and outcomes in a cohort of 39 patients with 46 radiation-treated lesions. We found the rate of local failure was significantly higher in patients with non-bone lesions, especially of the skin and brain, compared to excellent local control in bone lesions with relatively low doses of radiation.


http://ift.tt/2yaMPSP

3D Registration of mpMRI for Assessment of Prostate Cancer Focal Therapy

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Clément Orczyk, Andrew B. Rosenkrantz, Artem Mikheev, Arnauld Villers, Myriam Bernaudin, Samir S. Taneja, Samuel Valable, Henry Rusinek
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess a novel method of three-dimensional (3D) co-registration of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations performed before and after prostate cancer focal therapy.Materials and MethodsWe developed a software platform for automatic 3D deformable co-registration of prostate MRI at different time points and applied this method to 10 patients who underwent focal ablative therapy. MRI examinations were performed preoperatively, as well as 1 week and 6 months post treatment. Rigid registration served as reference for assessing co-registration accuracy and precision.ResultsSegmentation of preoperative and postoperative prostate revealed a significant postoperative volume decrease of the gland that averaged 6.49 cc (P = .017). Applying deformable transformation based on mutual information from 120 pairs of MRI slices, we refined by 2.9 mm (max. 6.25 mm) the alignment of the ablation zone, segmented from contrast-enhanced images on the 1-week postoperative examination, to the 6-month postoperative T2-weighted images. This represented a 500% improvement over the rigid approach (P = .001), corrected by volume. The dissimilarity by Dice index of the mapped ablation zone using deformable transformation vs rigid control was significantly (P = .04) higher at the ablation site than in the whole gland.ConclusionsOur findings illustrate our method's ability to correct for deformation at the ablation site. The preliminary analysis suggests that deformable transformation computed from mutual information of preoperative and follow-up MRI is accurate in co-registration of MRI examinations performed before and after focal therapy. The ability to localize the previously ablated tissue in 3D space may improve targeting for image-guided follow-up biopsy within focal therapy protocols.



http://ift.tt/2yazA4r

Imaging Facilities' Adherence to PI-RADS v2 Minimum Technical Standards for the Performance of Prostate MRI

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Steven J. Esses, Samir S. Taneja, Andrew B. Rosenkrantz
PurposeThis study aimed to assess variability in imaging facilities' adherence to the minimum technical standards for prostate magnetic resonance imaging acquisition established by Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 (v2).MethodsA total of 107 prostate magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed at 107 unique imaging facilities after the release of PI-RADS v2 and that were referred to a tertiary care center for secondary interpretation were included. Image sets, DICOM headers, and outside reports were reviewed to assess adherence to 21 selected PI-RADS v2 minimum technical standards.ResultsHardware arrangements were 23.1%, 1.5T without endorectal coil; 7.7%, 1.5T with endorectal coil; 63.5%, 3T without endorectal coil; and 5.8%, 3T with endorectal coil. Adherence to minimum standards was lowest on T2 weighted imaging (T2WI) for frequency resolution ≤0.4 mm (16.8%) and phase resolution ≤0.7 mm (48.6%), lowest on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for field of view (FOV) 120–220 mm (30.0%), and lowest on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging for slice thickness 3 mm (33.3%) and temporal resolution <10 s (31.5%). High b-value (≥1400 s/mm²) images were included in 58.0% (calculated in 25.9%). Adherence to T2WI phase resolution and DWI inter-slice gap were greater (P < .05) at 3T than at 1.5T. Adherence did not differ (P > .05) for any parameter between examinations performed with and without an endorectal coil. Adherence was greater for examinations performed at teaching facilities for T2WI slice thickness and DCE temporal resolution (P < .05). Adherence was not better for examinations performed in 2016 than in 2015 for any parameter (P > .05).ConclusionFacilities' adherence to PI-RADS v2 minimum technical standards was variable, being particularly poor for T2WI frequency resolution and DCE temporal resolution. The standards warrant greater community education. Certain technical standards may be too stringent, and revisions should be considered.



http://ift.tt/2zoK9CF

Automated Radiology-Operative Note Communication Tool; Closing the Loop in Musculoskeletal Imaging

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): William Moore, Ankur Doshi, Priya Bhattacharji, Soterios Gyftopoulos, Gina Ciavarra, Danny Kim, Michael Recht
Rationale and ObjectivesCorrelation of imaging studies and reference standard outcomes is a significant challenge in radiology. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a new communication tool by assessing the ability of this system to correctly match the imaging studies to arthroscopy reports and qualitatively assessing radiologist behavior before and after the implementation of this system.Materials and MethodsUsing a commercially available communication or educational tool and applying a novel matching rule algorithm, radiology and arthroscopy reports were matched from January 17, 2017 to March 1, 2017 based on anatomy. The interpreting radiologist was presented with email notifications containing the impression of the imaging report and the entire arthroscopy report. Total correlation rate of appropriate report pairings, modality-specific correlation rate, and the anatomy-specific correlation rate were calculated. Radiologists using the system were given a survey.ResultsOverall correlation rate for all musculoskeletal imaging was 83.1% (433 or 508). Low correlation was found in fluoroscopic procedures at 74.4%, and the highest correlation was found with ultrasound at 88.4%. Anatomic location varied from 51.6% for spine to 98.8% for hips and pelvis studies.Survey results revealed 87.5% of the respondents reporting being either satisfied or very satisfied with the new communication tool. The survey also revealed that some radiologists reviewed more cases than before.ConclusionsMatching of radiology and arthroscopy reports by anatomy allows for excellent report correlation (83.1%). Automated correlation improves the quality and efficiency of feedback to radiologists, providing important opportunities for learning and improved accuracy.



http://ift.tt/2yamHYm

Can Radiologists Learn From Airport Baggage Screening?

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Andrew Phelps, Andrew L. Callen, Peter Marcovici, David M. Naeger, John Mongan, Emily M. Webb
Rationale and ObjectivesFor both airport baggage screeners and radiologists, low target prevalence is associated with low detection rate, a phenomenon known as "prevalence effect." In airport baggage screening, the target prevalence is artificially increased with fictional weapons that are digitally superimposed on real baggage. This strategy improves the detection rate of real weapons and also allows airport supervisors to monitor screener performance. A similar strategy using fictional patients could be applied in radiology. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to review the psychophysics literature regarding low target prevalence and (2) to survey radiologists' attitudes toward using fictional patients as a quality assurance tool.Materials and MethodsWe reviewed the psychophysics literature on low target prevalence and airport x-ray baggage screeners. An online survey was e-mailed to all members of the Association of University Radiologists to determine their attitudes toward using fictional patients in radiology.ResultsOf the 1503 Association of University Radiologists member recipients, there were 153 respondents (10% response rate). When asked whether the use of fictional patients was a good idea, the responses were as follows: disagree (44%), neutral (25%), and agree (31%). The most frequent concern was the time taken away from doing clinical work (89% of the respondents).ConclusionsThe psychophysics literature supports the use of fictional targets to mitigate the prevalence effect. However, the use of fictional patients is not a popular idea among academic radiologists.



http://ift.tt/2zmhYE8

Accuracy of Computed Tomographic Enterography for Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Bosheng He, Jushun Yang, Jing Xiao, Jinhua Gu, Feixiang Chen, Lin Wang, Junbo Qian, Shenchu Gong
Rationale and ObjectivesObscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is the bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract without definite source that persists and recurs after a negative endoscopic evaluation. The study aimed to systematically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography enterography on OGIB detection by meta-analysis.Materials and MethodsStudies were searched in relevant databases. With predefined inclusion criteria, eligible studies were included, followed by quality assessment using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies scoring system. The Meta-DiSc software was used to implement the meta-analysis, and sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the effect size. Publication bias was determined by Egger test.ResultsA set of nine studies was included in this meta-analysis, having a relatively high quality. Under the random effects model, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.724 (95% CI: 0.651–0.789) and 0.752 (95% CI: 0.691–0.807), respectively. Under the fixed effects model, the pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 2.949 (95% CI: 2.259–3.850), 0.393 (95% CI: 0.310–0.497), and 9.452 (95% CI: 5.693–15.692), respectively. The area under curve of the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.7916 (95% CI: 0.723–0.860). No obvious publication bias was detected (t = 1.62, P = .181).ConclusionsComputed tomography enterography might be used as a complementary to video capsule endoscopy instead of an alternative for the detection of OGIB.



http://ift.tt/2yaRC6y

Comparing motor performance, praxis, coordination, and interpersonal synchrony between children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 72
Author(s): Maninderjit Kaur, Sudha M. Srinivasan, Anjana N. Bhat
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have basic motor impairments in balance, gait, and coordination as well as autism-specific impairments in praxis/motor planning and interpersonal synchrony. Majority of the current literature focuses on isolated motor behaviors or domains. Additionally, the relationship between cognition, symptom severity, and motor performance in ASD is unclear. We used a comprehensive set of measures to compare gross and fine motor, praxis/imitation, motor coordination, and interpersonal synchrony skills across three groups of children between 5 and 12 years of age: children with ASD with high IQ (HASD), children with ASD with low IQ (LASD), and typically developing (TD) children. We used the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and the Bilateral Motor Coordination subtest of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests to assess motor performance and praxis skills respectively. Children were also examined while performing simple and complex rhythmic upper and lower limb actions on their own (solo context) and with a social partner (social context). Both ASD groups had lower gross and fine motor scores, greater praxis errors in total and within various error types, lower movement rates, greater movement variability, and weaker interpersonal synchrony compared to the TD group. In addition, the LASD group had lower gross motor scores and greater mirroring errors compared to the HASD group. Overall, a variety of motor impairments are present across the entire spectrum of children with ASD, regardless of their IQ scores. Both, fine and gross motor performance significantly correlated with IQ but not with autism severity; however, praxis errors (mainly, total, overflow, and rhythmicity) strongly correlated with autism severity and not IQ. Our study findings highlight the need for clinicians and therapists to include motor evaluations and interventions in the standard-of-care of children with ASD and for the broader autism community to recognize dyspraxia as an integral part of the definition of ASD.



http://ift.tt/2h9AqYo

Suicide risk reduction in youths with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prescribed methylphenidate: A Taiwan nationwide population-based cohort study

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 72
Author(s): Sophie Hsin-Yi Liang, Yao-Hsu Yang, Ting-Yu Kuo, Yin-To Liao, Tzu-Chin Lin, Yena Lee, Roger S. McIntyre, Brent A. Kelsen, Tsu-Nai Wang, Vincent Chin-Hung Chen
BackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) youths have increased suicide risk. Nevertheless, the beneficial effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on suicide attempt have received relatively little attention.AimsTo investigate the MPH usage and the risk of suicide attempt among ADHD youths.MethodsWe identified 84,898 youths less than 18 years old with ADHD diagnosis between 1997 and 2013 from National Health Insurance, and examined whether MPH use affected suicide attempt risk using Cox proportional-hazards models.Outcome and resultsAmong ADHD youths, reduction of suicide risk was found in patients prescribed 90–180days of MPH after adjusting for confounding factors (hazard ratio (HR): 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19–0.90) and a greater reduction in those prescribed more than 180days of MPH (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.17–0.48).Conclusions and implicationsWe observed a 59% suicide attempt risk reduction among ADHD youths prescribed between 90 and 180days and a 72% risk reduction in those prescribed more than 180days of MPH. The protective benefit observed by the group prescribed MPH for longer duration underscores the importance of psychoeducation and compliance enhancement as part of ADHD management. Indication bias is identified as a limitation of this study, and future self-case control study to investigate the association between suicide attempt and ADHD medication is suggested.What this paper addsThis nationwide population-based cohort study showed that among ADHD youths, reduction of suicide risk was observed in patients prescribed MPH for duration 90days and longer, underscoring the importance of appropriate ADHD pharmacotherapy and enhancing drug compliance.



http://ift.tt/2iBFkxO

Increased stool immunoglobulin A level in children with autism spectrum disorders

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities
Author(s): Jiaxiu Zhou, Fusheng He, Feng Yang, Zheng Yang, Yingjun Xie, Shaoming Zhou, Jingwen Liang, Ruihuan Xu, Yan Wang, Hailiang Guo, Wenhao Zhou, Mingbang Wang
BackgroundThere are currently no effective treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, alleviating gastrointestinal (GI) problems, which are prevalent in ASD patients, can significantly improve the core symptoms of autism. Previous studies have associated GI disorders in ASD patients with abnormal gut microbiota, although few disease-related microorganisms have been identified. Considering that the gut microbiome affects the intestinal immune system and the patient's behavior, and that immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the main antibody secreted by intestinal immune cells, we investigated stool IgA content as a means of understanding the gut immune status of ASD patients. The IgA level in gut can be used as factor to know the Gene x Environment interactions and diagnose of ASDs.MethodsWe enrolled 43 ASD patients and 31 gender- and age-matched healthy children. Stool IgA content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsWe found that IgA levels were significantly higher in stool samples from ASD patients than from healthy children (p<0.05, Student's t test).ConclusionsThis finding may suggest the presence of gut immune abnormalities in ASD patients. Further studies with larger patient and control cohorts will be necessary to determine whether stool IgA levels can be used as a biomarker for ASDs.



http://ift.tt/2hbo0iQ

Higher-order cognitive training effects on processing speed–related neural activity: a randomized trial

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 62
Author(s): Michael A. Motes, Uma S. Yezhuvath, Sina Aslan, Jeffrey S. Spence, Bart Rypma, Sandra B. Chapman
Higher-order cognitive training has shown to enhance performance in older adults, but the neural mechanisms underlying performance enhancement have yet to be fully disambiguated. This randomized trial examined changes in processing speed and processing speed–related neural activity in older participants (57–71 years of age) who underwent cognitive training (CT, N = 12) compared with wait-listed (WLC, N = 15) or exercise-training active (AC, N = 14) controls. The cognitive training taught cognitive control functions of strategic attention, integrative reasoning, and innovation over 12 weeks. All 3 groups worked through a functional magnetic resonance imaging processing speed task during 3 sessions (baseline, mid-training, and post-training). Although all groups showed faster reaction times (RTs) across sessions, the CT group showed a significant increase, and the WLC and AC groups showed significant decreases across sessions in the association between RT and BOLD signal change within the left prefrontal cortex (PFC). Thus, cognitive training led to a change in processing speed–related neural activity where faster processing speed was associated with reduced PFC activation, fitting previously identified neural efficiency profiles.



http://ift.tt/2h8ke9L

The Value of Preoperative Assessment Before Noncardiac Surgery in the Era of Value-Based Care.

Author: Fleisher, Lee A. MD

Page: 1769-1771

http://ift.tt/2AgGKEO

Age and Outcomes of Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Patients With Nonischemic Systolic Heart Failure.

Author: Elming, Marie Bayer MD; Nielsen, Jens C. MD, DMSc; Haarbo, Jens MD, DMSc; Videbaek, Lars MD, PhD; Korup, Eva MD, PhD; Signorovitch, James PhD; Olesen, Line Lisbeth MD; Hildebrandt, Per MD, DMSc; Steffensen, Flemming H. MD, PhD; Bruun, Niels E. MD, DMSc; Eiskjaer, Hans MD, DMSc; Brandes, Axel MD, DMSc; Thogersen, Anna M. MD, PhD; Gustafsson, Finn MD, DMSc; Egstrup, Kenneth MD, DMSc; Videbaek, Regitze MD; Hassager, Christian MD, DMSc; Svendsen, Jesper Hastrup MD, DMSc; Hofsten, Dan E. MD, PhD; Torp-Pedersen, Christian MD, DMSc; Pehrson, Steen MD, DMSc; Kober, Lars MD, DMSc; Thune, Jens Jakob MD, PhD

Page: 1772-1780

http://ift.tt/2hM4El2

Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: Diminishing Returns With Advancing Age?.

Author: Al-Khatib, Sana M. MD, MHS; Pokorney, Sean D. MD, MBA

Page: 1781-1783

http://ift.tt/2Afi2oH

Assessment of Remote Heart Rhythm Sampling Using the AliveCor Heart Monitor to Screen for Atrial Fibrillation: The REHEARSE-AF Study.

Author: Halcox, Julian P.J. MD; Wareham, Kathie RN, MPH; Cardew, Antonia MPhil; Gilmore, Mark MB, BCh; Barry, James P. MB BChir; Phillips, Ceri PhD; Gravenor, Michael B. DPhil

Page: 1784-1794

http://ift.tt/2hM4A4M

Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial High-Rate Events (AHRES): Look and You Will Find-Then What?.

Author: Waldo, Albert L. MD, PhD (Hon); Camm, A. John MD

Page: 1795-1797

http://ift.tt/2AgGDcm

Exploring Coronary Circulatory Response to Stenosis and Its Association With Invasive Physiologic Indexes Using Absolute Myocardial Blood Flow and Coronary Pressure.

Author: Lee, Joo Myung MD, MPH, PhD; Hwang, Doyeon MD; Park, Jonghanne MD; Zhang, Jinlong MD; Tong, Yaliang MD; Kim, Chee Hae MD; Bang, Ji-In MD; Suh, Minseok MD; Paeng, Jin Chul MD, PhD; Cheon, Gi Jeong MD, PhD; Koo, Bon-Kwon MD, PhD

Page: 1798-1808

http://ift.tt/2hM4wC4

EMC10 (Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Protein Complex Subunit 10) Is a Bone Marrow-Derived Angiogenic Growth Factor Promoting Tissue Repair After Myocardial Infarction.

Author: Reboll, Marc R. PhD *; Korf-Klingebiel, Mortimer PhD *; Klede, Stefanie PhD; Polten, Felix MS; Brinkmann, Eva BS; Reimann, Ines BS; Schonfeld, Hans-Joachim PhD; Bobadilla, Maria MD, PhD; Faix, Jan PhD; Kensah, George PhD; Gruh, Ina PhD; Klintschar, Michael MD; Gaestel, Matthias PhD; Niessen, Hans W. PhD; Pich, Andreas PhD; Bauersachs, Johann MD; Gogos, Joseph A. MD, PhD; Wang, Yong MD; Wollert, Kai C. MD

Page: 1809-1823

http://ift.tt/2AfhVcL

Disturbed Placental Imprinting in Preeclampsia Leads to Altered Expression of DLX5, a Human-Specific Early Trophoblast Marker.

Author: Zadora, Julianna PhD *; Singh, Manvendra MS *; Herse, Florian PhD; Przybyl, Lukasz PhD; Haase, Nadine PhD; Golic, Michaela MD; Yung, Hong Wa PhD; Huppertz, Berthold PhD; Cartwright, Judith E. PhD; Whitley, Guy PhD; Johnsen, Guro M. PhD; Levi, Giovanni PhD; Isbruch, Annette MD; Schulz, Herbert PhD; Luft, Friedrich C. MD; Muller, Dominik N. PhD; Staff, Anne Cathrine MD; Hurst, Laurence D. PhD +; Dechend, Ralf MD +; Izsvak, Zsuzsanna PhD +

Page: 1824-1839

http://ift.tt/2hM4tGo

Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: Lessons From Recent Trials and Need for Team Science.

Author: Drager, Luciano F. MD, PhD; McEvoy, R. Doug MD; Barbe, Ferran MD; Lorenzi-Filho, Geraldo MD, PhD; Redline, Susan MD, MPH; On behalf of the INCOSACT Initiative (International Collaboration of Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Trialists)

Page: 1840-1850

http://ift.tt/2AfhQFZ

Highlights From the Circulation Family of Journals.

Author:

Page: 1851-1856

http://ift.tt/2hM4om4

An Asymptomatic Man With an Abnormal ECG.

Author: Brenes, Juan Carlos MD; Brenes-Pereira, Carlos MD; Tolentino, Alfonso MD; Lupu, Cornel MD

Page: 1857-1859

http://ift.tt/2AfhLCb

Impact of Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation Trial on Statin Eligibility for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Author: Burstein, Barry MD; Altobelli, Kathleen K. MS; Williams, Ken MSc, PStat; Cannon, Christopher P. MD; Pencina, Michael J. PhD; Sniderman, Allan D. MD; Thanassoulis, George MD, MSc

Page: 1860-1862

http://ift.tt/2hM4kTm

High-Quality Statin Trials Support the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Cholesterol Guidelines After the HOPE-3 Trial (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation-3): MESA (The Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis).

Author: Mortensen, Martin Bodtker MD, PhD; Budoff, Matthew MD; Li, Dong MD; Nasir, Khurram MD, MPH; Blaha, Michael J. MD, MPH; Sandfort, Veit MD; Jose Rodriguez, Carlos MD, MPH; Ouyang, Pamela MD, MBBS; Falk, Erling MD, DMSc

Page: 1863-1865

http://ift.tt/2AgGmpQ

Letter by Tzanis et al Regarding Article, "Stress Testing in Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis".

Author: Tzanis, Georgios MD, PhD; Charitos, Christos MD; Nanas, Serafim MD, PhD

Page: 1866-1867

http://ift.tt/2hMhiAv

Response by Redfors and Genereux to Letter Regarding Article, "Stress Testing in Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis".

Author: Redfors, Bjorn MD, PhD; Genereux, Philippe MD

Page: 1868-1869

http://ift.tt/2AgGi9A

Letter by Maltais et al Regarding Article, "Hemocompatibility-Related Outcomes in the MOMENTUM 3 Trial at 6 Months: A Randomized Controlled Study of a Fully Magnetically Levitated Pump in Advanced Heart Failure".

Author: Maltais, Simon MD, PhD; Tchantchaleishvili, Vakhtang MD; Stulak, John M. MD

Page: 1870-1871

http://ift.tt/2hMhgbR

Response by Mehra et al to Letter Regarding Article, "Hemocompatibility-Related Outcomes in the MOMENTUM 3 Trial at 6 Months: A Randomized Controlled Study of a Fully Magnetically Levitated Pump in Advanced Heart Failure".

Author: Mehra, Mandeep R. MD; Sundareswaran, Kartik S. PhD; Uriel, Nir MD

Page: 1872-1873

http://ift.tt/2AfhzTt

Update to Practice Standards for Electrocardiographic Monitoring in Hospital Settings: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Author: Sandau, Kristin E. PhD, RN, FAHA, Chair; Funk, Marjorie PhD, RN, FAHA, Co-Chair; Auerbach, Andrew MD, MPH; Barsness, Gregory W. MD, FAHA; Blum, Kay PhD, CRNP +; Cvach, Maria DNP, RN; Lampert, Rachel MD; May, Jeanine L. MPH, MSN, APRN; McDaniel, George M. MD, MS, FAHA; Perez, Marco V. MD, FAHA; Sendelbach, Sue PhD, RN, CCNS, FAHA; Sommargren, Claire E. PhD, RN, FAHA; Wang, Paul J. MD, FAHA; On behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young

Page: e273-e344

http://ift.tt/2hMh6kL

Correction to: Role of Biomarkers for the Prevention, Assessment, and Management of Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Author:

Page: e345

http://ift.tt/2Afhn6H

Correction to: American Heart Association's Call to Action for Payment and Delivery System Reform.

Author:

Page: e346

http://ift.tt/2hMgT0X

Is breast MRI a helpful additional diagnostic test in suspicious mammographic microcalcifications?

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Author(s): Pascal A.T. Baltzer, Barbara Bennani-Baiti, Alexander Stöttinger, Alexander Bumberger, Panagiotis Kapetas, Paola Clauser
PurposeMicrocalcifications are a common finding in mammography and usually require invasive procedures to diagnose or exclude malignancy. As many microcalcifications are due to benign lesions, we wanted to assess whether breast MRI as an additional diagnostic tool may be used to distinguish benign from malignant in this setting.Materials and methodsEligible for this retrospective, IRB-approved observational study were 858 consecutive patients (mean age 54±11years) undergoing stereotactically-guided biopsies of suspicious mammographic microcalcifications during three year at our institution. Finally included were 152 patients who also underwent breast MRI <8weeks prior to biopsy. In case of malignant or lesions of uncertain malignant potential, subsequent surgery was performed. Benign findings were confirmed by imaging follow-up. BI-RADS category assignments from the original mammography and breast MRI reports were compared to the final diagnosis (benign vs. malignant) to determine diagnostic benchmarks.ResultsHistopathology revealed 81 benign (53.3%), 41 DCIS (27%) and 30 (19.7%) invasive cancers. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for breast MRI were 97.2% (69/71), 39.5% (32/81), 58.5% (69/118) and 94.1% (32/34), respectively. Thus, 32/81 unnecessary biopsies in benign lesions (39.5%) may have been avoided, missing 2/71 malignant lesions (2.8%), both DCIS G2.ConclusionBreast MRI as an additional diagnostic tool can be used to accurately distinguish benign from malignant mammographic microcalcifications and may thus be helpful to reduce unnecessary breast biopsies.



http://ift.tt/2h8hWaF

Self-assembling peptide hydrogel enables instant epicardial coating of the heart with mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of heart failure

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 154
Author(s): Yuki Ichihara, Masahiro Kaneko, Kenichi Yamahara, Marinos Koulouroudias, Nobuhiko Sato, Rakesh Uppal, Kenji Yamazaki, Satoshi Saito, Ken Suzuki
Transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is an emerging therapy for the treatment of heart failure. However, the delivery method of MSC is currently suboptimal. The use of self-assembling peptide hydrogels, including PuraMatrix^® (PM; 3-D Matrix, Ltd), has been reported for clinical hemostasis and in research models. This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of an advanced approach for MSC-therapy, that is coating of the epicardium with the instantly-produced PM hydrogel incorporating MSCs (epicardial PM-MSC therapy). We optimized the conditions/procedure to produce "instant" 2PM-MSC complexes. After spreading on the epicardium by easy pipetting, the PM-MSC complex promptly and stably adhere to the beating heart. Of note, this treatment achieved more extensive improvement of cardiac function, with greater initial retention and survival of donor MSCs, compared to intramyocardial MSC injection in rat heart failure models. This enhanced efficacy was underpinned by amplified myocardial upregulation of a group of tissue repair-related genes, which led to enhanced repair of the damaged myocardium, i.e. augmented microvascular formation and reduced interstitial fibrosis. These data suggest a potential for epicardial PM-MSC therapy to be a widely-adopted treatment of heart failure. This approach may also be useful for treating diseases in other organs than the heart.



http://ift.tt/2h8JBIA

An astrocyte derived extracellular matrix coating reduces astrogliosis surrounding chronically implanted microelectrode arrays in rat cortex

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 154
Author(s): Robert S. Oakes, Michael D. Polei, John L. Skousen, Patrick A. Tresco
Available evidence suggests that the magnitude of the foreign body response (FBR) to implants placed in cortical brain tissue is affected by the extent of vasculature damage following device insertion and the magnitude of the ensuing macrophage response. Since the extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as a natural hemostatic and immunomodulatory agent, we examined the ability of an FDA-approved neurosurgical hemostatic coating and an ECM coating derived from primary rat astrocytes to reduce the FBR surrounding a penetrating microelectrode array chronically implanted in rat cortex. Using quantitative methods, we examined various components of the FBR in vitro and after implantation. In vitro assays showed that both coatings accelerated coagulation in a similar fashion but only the astrocyte-derived material suppressed macrophage activation. In addition, the ECM coating derived from astrocytes, also decreased the astrogliotic response 8 weeks after implantation. Neither coating had a significant influence on the intensity or spatial distribution of FBR biomarkers 1 week after implantation or on degree of macrophage activation or neuronal survival at the later time point. The results show that microelectrode coatings with similar hemostatic properties but different immunomodulatory characteristics differentially affect the FBR to an anchored, single-shank, silicon microelectrode array. The results also support the concept that divergent biological pathways affect the various components of the FBR in the CNS and suggests that decreasing its impact will require a multifaceted approach.



http://ift.tt/2hMebIP

Circling Back for the Diagnosis

Foreword. In this Journal feature, information about a real patient is presented in stages (boldface type) to an expert clinician, who responds to the information, sharing his or her reasoning with the reader (regular type). The authors' commentary follows. Stage. A 28-year-old man presented to the…

http://ift.tt/2j5D99A

Case 33-2017: 22-Month-Old Conjoined Twins

Presentation of Case. Dr. Allan M. Goldstein: A pediatric surgeon at this hospital was contacted by a nonprofit organization to evaluate the possibility of surgical separation of conjoined twin girls. The twins were born by spontaneous vaginal delivery in East Africa. Because of the anticipated…

http://ift.tt/2iBnQ4o

Heme and hemolysis in innate immunity: adding insult to injury

Rui Martins | Sylvia Knapp

http://ift.tt/2lYefd6

A potential role of galectin-1 in promoting mouse trophoblast stem cell differentiation

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Jia-Li You, Wei Wang, Min-Yue Tang, Ying-Hui Ye, Ai-Xia Liu, Yi-Min Zhu
Galectin-1 is highly expressed in blastocysts and trophoblast giant cells during implantation, and dysregulated galectin-1 is associated with many pregnancy-related abnormalities. Elevated galectin-1 contributes to cancer cells invasion. Here, we found that galectin-1 is expressed in mouse oocytes, preimplantation embryos (all stages), and trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Peak levels of galectin-1 mRNA and protein were detected on day 4 and day 5 after the induction of TS cells differentiation. Overexpression of galectin-1 increased TS cells migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of galectin-1 attenuated these effects. Additionally, knockdown of galectin-1 in TS cells decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2/9, ZEB-1, Snail, N-cadherin, TGF-β, Nodal, and phospho-Smad2/3, whereas the expression of E-cadherin was increased. In contrast, overexpression of galectin-1 in TS cells increased the expression of MMP2/9, ZEB-1, and N-cadherin, whereas the expression of E-cadherin was decreased. These findings suggest a potential role of galectin-1 in the differentiation of mouse TS cells.



http://ift.tt/2AoA7Br

Editors, Contents, Cover details

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Volume 21, Issue 11





http://ift.tt/2zoVGUg

Segregated Systems of Human Brain Networks

Publication date: Available online 31 October 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Gagan S. Wig
The organization of the brain network enables its function. Evaluation of this organization has revealed that large-scale brain networks consist of multiple segregated subnetworks of interacting brain areas. Descriptions of resting-state network architecture have provided clues for understanding the functional significance of these segregated subnetworks, many of which correspond to distinct brain systems. The present report synthesizes accumulating evidence to reveal how maintaining segregated brain systems renders the human brain network functionally specialized, adaptable to task demands, and largely resilient following focal brain damage. The organizational properties that support system segregation are harmonious with the properties that promote integration across the network, but confer unique and important features to the brain network that are central to its function and behavior.



http://ift.tt/2zB6XC3

Single-Neuron Correlates of Awareness during Attentional Blinks

Publication date: Available online 31 October 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Zhongzheng Fu, Ueli Rutishauser
A recent single-neuron study revealed an anatomical anterior-to-posterior gradient of awareness-related responses by 'concept neurons' in the human medial temporal lobe (MTL). Delayed and weaker responses were indicative of the failure of a stimulus to reach awareness, suggesting that reliable fast responses are a critical aspect of the neural mechanisms of consciousness.



http://ift.tt/2zngag5

Parallel Distributed Processing Theory in the Age of Deep Networks

Publication date: Available online 31 October 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Jeffrey S. Bowers
Parallel distributed processing (PDP) models in psychology are the precursors of deep networks used in computer science. However, only PDP models are associated with two core psychological claims, namely that all knowledge is coded in a distributed format and cognition is mediated by non-symbolic computations. These claims have long been debated in cognitive science, and recent work with deep networks speaks to this debate. Specifically, single-unit recordings show that deep networks learn units that respond selectively to meaningful categories, and researchers are finding that deep networks need to be supplemented with symbolic systems to perform some tasks. Given the close links between PDP and deep networks, it is surprising that research with deep networks is challenging PDP theory.



http://ift.tt/2zBon19

Network Design and the Brain

Publication date: Available online 17 October 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Saket Navlakha, Ziv Bar-Joseph, Alison L. Barth
Neural circuits have evolved to accommodate similar information processing challenges as those faced by engineered systems. Here, we compare neural versus engineering strategies for constructing networks. During circuit development, synapses are overproduced and then pruned back over time, whereas in engineered networks, connections are initially sparse and are then added over time. We provide a computational perspective on these two different approaches, including discussion of how and why they are used, insights that one can provide the other, and areas for future joint investigation. By thinking algorithmically about the goals, constraints, and optimization principles used by neural circuits, we can develop brain-derived strategies for enhancing network design, while also stimulating experimental hypotheses about circuit development and function.



http://ift.tt/2zIGJdu

Visual Working Memory Storage Recruits Sensory Processing Areas

Publication date: Available online 16 October 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Surya Gayet, Chris L.E. Paffen, Stefan Van der Stigchel




http://ift.tt/2xZe4in

Eclalbasaponin I from Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. reduces oxidative stress-induced neural cell death by autophagy activation

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 97
Author(s): Wei Wang, Guo-Dong Yao, Xin-Yue Shang, Ji-Chao Gao, Yan Zhang, Shao-Jiang Song
Oxidative stress has been proposed to contribute to DNA damage and is involved in many neurodegenerative diseases. It has been reported that Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. (A. elata) exhibits an anti-oxidative effect but the mechanisms underlying this protective effect are still unclear. In this study, six known triterpene saponins were isolated from the buds of A. elata, a well-known medicinal and edible plant in Northeast China. Subsequently, the anti-oxidative effects of all six triterpene saponins were screened by H2O2-induced damage in human neuronblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Compound 6, also known as Eclalbasaponin I (EcI), was the most potent. Furthermore, the mechanism by which EcI combats H2O2-induced oxidative stress was investigated. The data suggested that EcI could down-regulate apoptosis induction and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by 200μM H2O2 in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, EcI increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxides (GSH-Px), reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) to restore the antioxidant defense system, and activated the nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway to combat oxidative stress. In addition, EcI also promoted autophagy during this process. Interestingly, the protective effect was remarkably reversed by autophagy inhibitors, bafilomycin A1 (Baf) or 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). These results demonstrate that autophagy is contribute to the protective effect of EcI. Collectively, our findings provide a new insight into the potential protective effect of EcI by focusing on the role of autophagy.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2iCyl7B