iTRAQ-based differential proteomic analysis of the brains in a rat model of delayedcarbon monoxide encephalopathy

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Peng Zhang, Yalei Dai, Jincheng Xiong, Shisheng Zhu, Minzhu Zhao, Shijia Ding, Jianbo Li
Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) is a difficult-to-manage neurological complication that can severely affect the life quality of patients. Although the central nervous system (CNS) injuries have been reported, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, we established a rat model of DEACMP, applying isobaric tags for a relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based proteomics approach to identify differentially expressed proteins in cerebral tissue. A total of 170 proteins in the CO exposure groups were identified as differentially changed. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that these proteins are mainly involved in the biological processes, such as energy metabolism and many neurodegenerative diseases. Three proteins, Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (MDHM), and isocitrate dehydrogenase [NAD] subunit alpha (IDH3A), were identified as playing important roles in CNS injuries in DEACMP, and were successfully confirmed by immunohistochemistry analysis. Our study not only offers us new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of CNS injuries in DEACMP, but also may provide clinicians with important references in early prevention and treatment.



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A method of evaluating facial pores using optical 2D images and analysis of age-dependent changes in facial pores in Koreans

Abstract

Background

Enlarged facial pores and changes in pore area are of concern for cosmetic reasons. To evaluate pores, measuring tools based on 3D methodology are used. Yet, these methods are limited by their measuring ranges. In this study, we performed pore analysis by measuring the whole face using 2D optical images. We further sought to understand how the pores of Korean women change with age.

Materials and Methods

One hundred sixteen Korean female subjects aged 20-60 years were recruited for this study. Facial images were taken using the VISIA-CR^® adjusted light source. Images were processed using Image-Pro Plus 9.2. Statistical significance was assumed when P < .05.

Results

The pore area, as indicated by pixel count, gradually increased in patients through their 40s, but decreased through their 50s and 60s. Facial pores generally exhibited directionality through the patients' 30s, but this isotropic feature was more prominent in their 50s. Pore elongation increased stepwise. The first increase occurred during the transition from patients' 30s to their 40s and the second increase occurred during the transition from patients' 50s to their 60s. This indicated that the pores deformed from a circular shape to a long elliptic shape over time.

Conclusion

A new evaluation method using 2D optical images facilitates the analysis of pore distribution and elongation throughout the entire cheek. This is an improvement over an analysis of pores over a narrow region of interest.

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Erythema-directed digital photography for the enhanced evaluation of topical treatments for acne vulgaris

Abstract

Background

Erythema-directed digital photography is a novel method for evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of topical acne treatments. Here, we describe three case reports in which erythema-directed digital photography was used to evaluate acne before and after up to 12 weeks of treatment with clindamycin 1%/tretinoin 0.025% (Clin-RA).

Materials and methods

Erythema-directed digital photography was used to evaluate acne in three patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne, two of whom had refused to continue previous topical acne treatment (benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5%) due to persistent irritation. Acne lesions and erythema were evaluated using standard clinical photography and erythema-directed digital photography (VISIA-CR^™ system) before and after 8-12 weeks of treatment with Clin-RA.

Results

Erythema-directed digital photography revealed background erythema from previous topical acne treatments that was not evident from standard clinical photographs and allowed a better visualization of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. In all patients, there was a clear improvement in background erythema and a reduction in acne lesions following treatment with Clin-RA.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated for the first time that erythema-directed digital photography can enhance the evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of topical acne treatments. These cases show that Clin-RA was associated with improved efficacy and tolerability vs previous treatments with topical monotherapy (benzoyl peroxide 5%) or a topical fixed-dose combination (clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5%).

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High-frequency ultrasonography—New non-invasive method in assessment of skin lymphomas

Abstract

Background

Mycosis fingoides (MF) is the most common subtype of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Current evaluation of disease extent and severity is based on mSWAT scoring system, which seems to be relatively subjective. The aim of this subject was to present the usefulness of 20 MHz in objective 5-year long monitoring of response to therapy in MF patients.

Materials and methods

The 5-years long follow-up based on 19 skin USG images of patients diagnosed as early stages of MF was studied. The assessed USG parameter was the mean diameter of subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB).

Results

In every MF patient during exacerbation within lesional skin we could observe SLEB, which thinning or complete disappearance was detected after finishing the therapy. Lack of complete absence of SLEB was related to the lack of complete remission assessed by mSWAT.

Conclusion

We present for the first time the possibility of monitoring patients' clinical state on the base of non-invasive USG imaging. We recommend additional use of 20 MHz USG to reduce intra-observer variability and to assess residual disease. USG imaging can complement evaluation of skin lesions in MF and can support clinical judgement.

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Applicability of Kd for modelling dissolved 137Cs concentrations in Fukushima river water: Case study of the upstream Ota River

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 184–185
Author(s): Kazuyuki Sakuma, Hideki Tsuji, Seiji Hayashi, Hironori Funaki, Alex Malins, Kazuya Yoshimura, Hiroshi Kurikami, Akihiro Kitamura, Kazuki Iijima, Masaaki Hosomi
A study is presented on the applicability of the distribution coefficient (Kd) absorption/desorption model to simulate dissolved ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in Fukushima river water. The upstream Ota River basin was simulated using GEneral-purpose Terrestrial Fluid-flow Simulator (GETFLOWS) for the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2015. Good agreement was obtained between the simulations and observations on water and suspended sediment fluxes, and on particulate bound ¹³⁷Cs concentrations under both base and high flow conditions. By contrast the measured concentrations of dissolved ¹³⁷Cs in the river water were much harder to reproduce with the simulations. By tuning the Kd values for large particles, it was possible to reproduce the mean dissolved ¹³⁷Cs concentrations during base flow periods (observation: 0.32 Bq/L, simulation: 0.36 Bq/L). However neither the seasonal variability in the base flow dissolved ¹³⁷Cs concentrations (0.14–0.53 Bq/L), nor the peaks in concentration that occurred during storms (0.18–0.88 Bq/L, mean: 0.55 Bq/L), could be reproduced with realistic simulation parameters. These discrepancies may be explained by microbial action and leaching from organic matter in forest litter providing an additional input of dissolved ¹³⁷Cs to rivers, particularly over summer, and limitations of the Kd absorption/desorption model. It is recommended that future studies investigate these issues in order to improve simulations of dissolved ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in Fukushima rivers.



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Monitoring of soil radon by SSNTD in Eastern India in search of possible earthquake precursor

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 184–185
Author(s): Argha Deb, Mahasin Gazi, Jayita Ghosh, Saheli Chowdhury, Chiranjib Barman
The present paper deals with monitoring soil radon-222 concentration at two different locations, designated Site A and Site B, 200 m apart at Jadavpur University campus, Kolkata, India, with a view to find possible precursors for the earthquakes that occurred within a few hundred kilometers from the monitoring site. The solid state nuclear track detector CR-39 has been used for detection of radon gas coming out from soil. Radon-222 time series at both locations during the period August 2012–December 2013 have been analysed. Distinct anomalies in the soil radon time series have been observed for seven earthquakes of magnitude greater than 4.0 M that occurred during this time. Of these, radon anomalies for two earthquakes have been observed at both locations A and B. Absence of anomalies for some other earthquakes has been discussed, and the observations have been compared with some earthquake precursor models.



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Biosensors for rapid and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus in food

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Momna Rubab, Hafiz Muhammad Shahbaz, Amin N. Olaimat, Deog-Hwan Oh
Foodborne illness outbreaks caused by the consumption of food contaminated with harmful bacteria has drastically increased in the past decades. Therefore, detection of harmful bacteria in the food has become an important factor for the recognition and prevention of problems associated with food safety and public health. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most commonly isolated foodborne pathogen and it is considered as a major cause of foodborne illnesses worldwide. A number of different methods have been developed for the detection and identification of S. aureus in food samples. However, some of these methods are laborious and time-consuming and are not suitable for on-site applications. Therefore, it is highly important to develop rapid and more approachable detection methods. In the last decade, biosensors have gained popularity as an attractive alternative method and now considered as one of most rapid and on-site applicable methods. An overview of the biosensor based methods used for the detection of S. aureus is presented herein. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art biosensor methods towards the detection and quantification of S. aureus, and discusses the most commonly used biosensor methods based on the transducing mode, such as electrochemical, optical, and mass-based biosensors.



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Electrosynthesized MIPs for transferrin: Plastibodies or nano-filters?

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Xiaorong Zhang, Aysu Yarman, Júlia Erdossy, Sagie Katz, Ingo Zebger, Katharina J. Jetzschmann, Zeynep Altintas, Ulla Wollenberger, Róbert E. Gyurcsányi, Frieder W. Scheller
Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanofilms for transferrin (Trf) have been synthesized on gold surfaces by electro-polymerizing the functional monomer scopoletin in the presence of the protein target or around pre-adsorbed Trf. As determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) the film thickness was comparable with the molecular dimension of the target. The target (re)binding properties of the electro-synthesized MIP films was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) through the target-binding induced permeability changes of the MIP nanofilms to the ferricyanide redox marker, as well as by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) of the immobilized protein molecules. For Trf a linear concentration dependence in the lower micromolar range and an imprinting factor of ~5 was obtained by SWV and SPR. Furthermore, non-target proteins including the iron-free apo-Trf were discriminated by pronounced size and shape specificity. Whilst it is generally assumed that the rebinding of the target or of cross-reacting proteins exclusively takes place at the polymer here we considered also the interaction of the protein molecules with the underlying gold transducers. We demonstrate by SWV that adsorption of proteins suppresses the signal of the redox marker even at the bare gold surface and by SEIRAS that the treatment of the MIP with proteinase K or NaOH only partially removes the target protein. Therefore, we conclude that when interpreting binding of proteins to directly MIP-covered gold electrodes the interactions between the protein and the gold surface should also be considered.



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An aptamer nanopore-enabled microsensor for detection of theophylline

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Silu Feng, Changtian Chen, Wei Wang, Long Que
This paper reports an aptamer-based nanopore thin film sensor for detecting theophylline in the buffer solution and complex fluids including plant extracts and serum samples. Compared to antibody-based detection, aptamer-based detection offers many advantages such as low cost and high stability at elevated temperatures. Experiments found that this type of sensor can readily detect theophylline at a concentration as low as 0.05µM, which is much lower than the detection limit of current lab-based equipment such as liquid chromatography (LC). Experiments also found that the aptamer-based sensor has good specificity, selectivity, and reasonable reusability with a significantly improved dynamic detection range. By using the same nanopore thin film sensors as the reference sensors to further mitigate the non-specific binding effect, the theophylline in plant extracts and serum has been detected. Only a small amount (~1μL) of plant extracts or serum samples is required to measure theophylline. Its low cost and ease-of-operation make this type of sensor suitable for point-of-care application to monitor the theophylline level of patients in real time.



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Allosteric kissing complex-based electrochemical biosensor for sensitive, regenerative and versatile detection of proteins

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Mingsha Zhao, Shanshan Zhang, Zhiqiang Chen, Changzhi Zhao, Li Wang, Shufeng Liu
Herein, an allosteric kissing complex-based electrochemical biosensor was ingeniously proposed for the simple, sensitive, regenerative and versatile detection of proteins. Two hairpins (Hp1 and Hp2) were designed and the Hp1 was immobilized on the electrode surface, which could form a kissing complex with Hp2 through the apical loop-loop or kissing interaction of the RNA-RNA base sequences. The Hp2 possesses the appended single-stranded tails on each end, which hybridize with the recognition element-conjugated DNA strands to construct a protein responsive switch of Hp2 scaffold. After kissing complex formation between the Hp2 scaffold and the immobilized Hp1, the streptavidin-labeled alkaline phosphatase (SA-ALP) can be introduced onto the electrode surface for the generation of electrochemical signal. In the presence of target protein, its binding to the recognition elements linked onto the Hp2 scaffold endows the steric strain to open the Hp2 stem, propagated by the disruption of the kissing complex structure, resulting into a decreased electrochemical signal related with the protein quantification. Also, the Hp1 immobilized electrode can be directly regenerated after protein-induced kissing complex dissociation. The current kissing complex-based electrochemical biosensing strategy can be easily extended for the detection toward different protein targets of interest by simply changing the recognition elements conjugated onto the Hp2 scaffold. The sensitive and selective detection toward proteins could be achieved with the detection limits toward Anti-Dig antibody and thrombin of about 1ng/mL and 10pM, respectively. The developed kissing complex-based protein biosensing strategy should be a beneficial supplement in current biosensor field, providing a promising means for the applications in bioanalysis, disease diagnostics, and clinical biomedicine.



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The field effect transistor DNA biosensor based on ITO nanowires in label-free hepatitis B virus detecting compatible with CMOS technology

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Mohsen Shariati
In this paper the field-effect transistor DNA biosensor for detecting hepatitis B virus (HBV) based on indium tin oxide nanowires (ITO NWs) in label free approach has been fabricated. Because of ITO nanowires intensive conductance and functional modified surface, the probe immobilization and target hybridization were increased strongly. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) measurement showed that ITO nanowires were crystalline and less than 50nm in diameter. The single-stranded hepatitis B virus DNA (SS-DNA) was immobilized as probe on the Au-modified nanowires. The DNA targets were measured in a linear concentration range from 1fM to 10µM. The detection limit of the DNA biosensor was about 1fM. The time of the hybridization process for defined single strand was 90min. The switching ratio of the biosensor between "on" and "off" state was ~ 1.1 × 10⁵. For sensing the specificity of the biosensor, non-complementary, mismatch and complementary DNA oligonucleotide sequences were clearly discriminated. The HBV biosensor confirmed the highly satisfied specificity for differentiating complementary sequences from non-complementary and the mismatch oligonucleotides. The response time of the DNA sensor was 37s with a high reproducibility. The stability and repeatability of the DNA biosensor showed that the peak current of the biosensor retained 98% and 96% of its initial response for measurements after three and five weeks, respectively.



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One-pot synthesis of the CuNCs/ZIF-8 nanocomposites for sensitively detecting H2O2 and screening of oxidase activity

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Xue Hu, Xidong Liu, Xiaodan Zhang, Hongxiang Chai, Yuming Huang
The fluorescent CuNCs/ZIF-8 nanocomposites were facilely prepared by mixing the PEI protected CuNCs with the precursors of ZIF-8, and characterized by UV–vis absorption, fluorescence, FT-IR, TEM, XRD and XPS. The quantum yield of the CuNCs/ZIF-8 is 15 times that of the PEI-CuNCs. Furthermore, the CuNCs/ZIF-8 possesses better stability and higher fluorescence response due to protective and confinement effects of MOFs. It was found that H2O2 could cause much more quenching of fluorescent CuNCs/ZIF-8 than that of PEI-CuNCs, which might result from enriching H2O2 by ZIF-8. The CuNCs/ZIF-8 can be designed as a fluorescence probe to selectively and sensitively detect H2O2 with a linear range from 0.01 to 1.5µM and a LOD of 0.01µM, while those with PEI-CuNCs are 0.5–30µM and 0.50µM, respectively. Through formation of CuNCs/ZIF-8 hybrid, the sensitivity for the detection of H2O2 increases by nearly 50-fold, which makes CuNCs/ZIF-8 a desirable probe to detect H2O2 content in human serum samples. Also, we successfully demonstrated the potential application of the CuNCs/ZIF-8 for screening and evaluating activities of oxidase using glucose oxidase as a model. The glucose oxidase activity can be detected in a range of 0.1–10mU/L with a LOD of 0.1mU/L.



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Facile electrochemiluminescence sensing platform based on high-quantum-yield gold nanocluster probe for ultrasensitive glutathione detection

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Hua-Ping Peng, Mei-Li Jian, Zhong-Nan Huang, Wen-Jun Wang, Hao-Hua Deng, Wei-Hua Wu, Ai-Lin Liu, Xing-Hua Xia, Wei Chen
This report outlines a highly sensitive and facile electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform based on a novel high-quantum-yield Au-nanocluster (AuNC) probe for glutathione (GSH) detection. Owing to the prominent quenching effect of GSH on the ECL of the AuNCs, the proposed ECL nanosensor showed a wide response to GSH in the ranges of 1.0 × 10^-9–1.0 × 10^-5M and 1.0 × 10^-5–1.0 × 10^-1M and a low detection limit of 3.2 × 10^-10M. In addition, the proposed system exhibited good selectivity for GSH in the presence of other chemical/biological interferences. Moreover, since no further functionalization of AuNC-based sensor interface was necessary, together with the stability, high sensitivity and selectivity of the proposed nanosensor, this convenient approach was able to successfully detect GSH in both of human urine samples and blood samples with excellent recoveries, which indicated its promising application under physiological conditions. Of significant importance is that this study not only helps in gaining a better understanding of the applicability of the ECL properties of AuNCs, but also provides a new avenue for the design and development of ECL sensors based on the novel high-quantum-yield AuNC-based probe and other functional-metal-based NC probes.



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Furthering the state of knowledge on the electric properties of hemi-ellipsoidal single cells and cell patches on electrodes

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Marco Stubbe, Jan Gimsa
The impedance of electrodes with adherent biological cells correlates with cell viability and proliferation. To model this correlation, we exploited the idea that the introduction of a highly conductive layer into the equatorial equipotential slice of a system with an oriented, freely suspended, single ellipsoidal cell may split the system into mirror-symmetrical halves without changing the field distribution. Each half possesses half of the system's impedance and contains a hemiellipsoidal cell attached to the conductive layer, which can be considered a bottom electrode. For a hemiellipsoidal adherent cell model (ACM) with standard electrical properties for the external and cellular media, the assumption of a bottom membrane and a subcellular cleft in the 100 nm range, as found in adherent cells, changed the potential distribution over a one-% range up to frequencies of 1 MHz. For simplicity, potential distributions for slices of spheroidal objects can be numerically calculated in 2D. The 2D distributions can be converted into three dimensions using simplified equations for the influential radii of spheroids. After the ACM approach was expanded to adherent cell patch models (APMs), the feasibility of our model modifications was tested using two criteria: the constancy of the equipotential plane touching the poles of ACMs or APMs and a comparison of the impedance, which could be numerically calculated from the overall current between the bottom electrode and a plane-parallel counter-electrode, with the impedance of the suspension obtained from Maxwell-Wagner's mixing equation applied to hemiellipsoidal cells.



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An ultrasensitive competitive immunosensor using silica nanoparticles as an enzyme carrier for simultaneous impedimetric detection of tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether and tetrabromobisphenol A mono(hydroxyethyl) ether

Publication date: 15 May 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 105
Author(s): Zhen Zhang, Shuaibing Dong, Daohan Ge, Nuanfei Zhu, Kun Wang, Gangbing Zhu, Wanzhen Xu, Hai Xu
Based on our produced polyclonal antibody capable of recognizing tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether (TBBPA-DHEE) and tetrabromobisphenol A mono(hydroxyethyl) ether (TBBPA-MHEE) (cross-reactivity, 100% for TBBPA DHEE; 98.7% for TBBPA MHEE), an important derivative and byproduct of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), respectively, a novel ultrasensitive competitive immunosensor was established using an electrochemical impedimetric strategy for the simultaneous detection of both chemicals. A significantly amplified electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for quantitative target analysis was obtained through (i) the biocatalytic precipitation of 4-chloro-1-naphthol (CN) on the electrode surface triggered by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and (ii) increased amounts of the enzyme with HRP-loaded silica nanoparticles carrying poly-brushes (SiO2@PAA) as labels, achieving a remarkable improvement in catalytic performance. Under the optimized conditions, the immunosensor showed satisfactory accuracy (recovery, 84.6–118%) and a good linear range (0.21- 111.31ng/mL) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.08ng/mL (S/N = 3) for TBBPA DHEE and TBBPA MHEE. In addition, the proposed approach was used to analyse real environmental water samples, and our results indicated that this immunosensor had great potential for the determination of the trace pollutants in aquatic environments.



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Access to dental services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities – A scoping review

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 74
Author(s): Rahila Ummer-Christian, Teresa Iacono, Nathan Grills, Archana Pradhan, Nicole Hughes, Mark Gussy
BackgroundChildren with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) face considerable challenges in participating in dental services. These challenges include resource constraints and inadequate skills of health service providers to work with this population.AimThe aim was to scope published studies that addressed access to dental services for children with IDD in order to determine the extent to which various barriers have been researched, using an access framework derived from the literature. Access was defined to include the six dimensions of accessibility, availability, affordability, accommodation, acceptability, and appropriateness.MethodArksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework was used. Relevant databases (e.g., Medline) were searched for all empirical studies conducted from January 2000 to February 2017 that met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted along the six dimensions of the access framework.ResultsSixteen international studies were identified which indicated common key barriers to dental service use: the difficulties of physical inaccessibility, lack of access to information among carers, lack of knowledge of disability issues, and low experience and skills in caring for children with IDD among dental practitioners.ConclusionsKey recommendations made were exploring dental practitioners' understanding of disability legislation and developing training for practitioners to expand on issues specific to IDD.



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A spherical treadmill system to train head-fixed adult rats

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 297
Author(s): Anabel M.M. Miguelez Fernández, Ariel Burman, Alfredo I. Martínez Cáceres, Camilo J. Mininni, B. Silvano Zanutto, Sergio E. Lew
BackgroundWhile spherical treadmills are widely used in mouse models, there are only a few experimental setups suitable for adult rats, and none of them include head-fixation.New methodWe introduce a novel spherical treadmill apparatus for head-fixed rats that allows a wide repertory of natural responses. The rat is secured to a frame and placed on a freely rotating sphere. While being head-fixed, it can walk in any direction and perform different motor tasks.Comparison with existing methodsInstead of being air-lifted, which is acceptable for light animals, the treadmill is sustained by three spherical bearings ensuring a smooth rotation in any direction. Movement detection is accomplished using a video camera that registers a dot pattern plotted on the sphere.ResultsLong Evans rats were trained to perform an auditory discrimination task in a Go/No-Go (walking/not-walking) paradigm. Animals were able to successfully discriminate between a 1 kHz and a 8 kHz auditory stimulus and execute the correct response, reaching the learning criterion (80% of correct responses) in approximately 20 training sessions.ConclusionsOur system broadens the possibilities of head-fixation experiments in adult rats making them compatible with spatial navigation on a spherical treadmill.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: 15 January 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 294





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Reconstructing the functional connectivity of multiple spike trains using Hawkes models

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 297
Author(s): Régis C. Lambert, Christine Tuleau-Malot, Thomas Bessaih, Vincent Rivoirard, Yann Bouret, Nathalie Leresche, Patricia Reynaud-Bouret
BackgroundStatistical models that predict neuron spike occurrence from the earlier spiking activity of the whole recorded network are promising tools to reconstruct functional connectivity graphs. Some of the previously used methods are in the general statistical framework of the multivariate Hawkes processes. However, they usually require a huge amount of data, some prior knowledge about the recorded network, and/or may produce an increasing number of spikes along time during simulation.New methodHere, we present a method, based on least-square estimators and LASSO penalty criteria, for a particular class of Hawkes processes that can be used for simulation.ResultsTesting our method on small networks modeled with Leaky Integrate and Fire demonstrated that it efficiently detects both excitatory and inhibitory connections. The few errors that occasionally occur with complex networks including common inputs, weak and chained connections, can be discarded based on objective criteria.Comparison with existing methodsWith respect to other existing methods, the present one allows to reconstruct functional connectivity of small networks without prior knowledge of their properties or architecture, using an experimentally realistic amount of data.ConclusionsThe present method is robust, stable, and can be used on a personal computer as a routine procedure to infer connectivity graphs and generate simulation models from simultaneous spike train recordings.



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Neutrophilia, gelatinase release and microvascular leakage induced by human mast cell tryptase in a mouse model: Lack of a role of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2)

Abstract

Background

Tryptase, the most abundant protease of the human mast cell, has been implicated as a key mediator of allergic inflammation that acts through activation of PAR2.

Objectives

To investigate the contribution of PAR2 in the pro-inflammatory actions mediated by tryptase in a mice model.

Methods

We have injected recombinant human βII-tryptase into the peritoneum of PAR2-deficient and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. After 6, 12 and 24 hours mice were euthanized, peritoneal lavage performed and inflammatory changes investigated.

Results

Tryptase stimulated an increase in neutrophil numbers in the peritoneum, but responses did not differ between PAR2-deficient and wild-type mice. Heat-inactivation of tryptase or pre-incubation with a selective tryptase inhibitor reduced neutrophilia, but neutrophil accumulation was not elicited with a peptide agonist of PAR2 (SLIGRL-NH₂). Zymography indicated that tryptase stimulated the release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 in the peritoneum of both mouse strains. Studies involving immunomagnetic isolation of neutrophils suggested that neutrophils represent the major cellular source of tryptase-induced MMP2 and MMP9. At 24 h after tryptase injection there was increased microvascular leakage as indicated by high levels of albumin in peritoneal lavage fluid, and this appeared to be partially abolished by heat-inactivating tryptase or addition of a protease inhibitor. There was no corresponding increase in levels of histamine or total protein. The extent of tryptase-induced microvascular leakage or gelatinase release into the peritoneum did not differ between PAR2-deficient and wild-type mice.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that tryptase is a potent stimulus for neutrophil accumulation, MMP release and microvascular leakage. Though these actions required an intact catalytic site, the primary mechanism of tryptase in vivo would appear to involve processes independent of PAR2.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Repeated vaccination with tetanus toxoid of plasma donors with pre-existing specific IgE transiently elevates tetanus-specific IgE but does not induce allergic symptoms

Abstract

IgE responses against allergens have acquired much attention due to their pathogenic nature as mediators of allergic reactions. In contrast, IgE responses against vaccines like Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) and the potential persistence of IgE production have received relatively little attention, presumably because of the low prevalence of allergic symptoms. In general, common early sensitivity reactions against vaccines, including tetanus toxoid, consist of mild local reactions and are not contraindicative of future vaccinations (1, 2).

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Step-down of inhaled corticosteroids in non-eosinophilic asthma: a prospective trial in real life

Abstract

Background

While non-eosinophilic asthmatics are usually considered poorly responsive to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), studies assessing a step-down of ICS in this specific population are currently lacking.

Objectives

To assess the proportion of non-eosinophilic asthmatics in whom ICS may be withdrawn without any clinical degradation and to determine the predictive markers of a failure to stop treatment with ICS.

Methods

This prospective study was completed by 36 non-eosinophilic asthmatics, defined by sputum eosinophils <3% and blood eosinophils <400/μL. In these patients, whichever the baseline asthma control level, the dose of ICS was gradually reduced every 3 months until they met the failure criteria or successfully discontinued ICS for 6 months. The failure criteria were an ACQ score ≥1.5 with an increase from baseline >0.5 or a number of severe exacerbations during the study which was greater than the number during the year prior to the baseline visit. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess predictors of a failure to stop ICS. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials. gov, number NCT02169323.

Results

In 14 patients (39%), ICS were completely withdrawn and in 10 further patients (28%), ICS were stepped-down to a reduced ICS dose without any deterioration of asthma control and exacerbation rate. Baseline predictors of a failure to stop ICS were a greater age (area under ROC curve [ROC AUC] and [95% CI]: 0.77 [0.62-0.93]) and elevated blood eosinophils (ROC AUC [95% CI]: 0.77 [0.61-0.93]). After the first step-down of ICS, the best predictor was an elevated blood eosinophil count (ROC AUC [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.72-0.99]).

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

Withdrawing or reducing the dose of ICS is feasible in two thirds of non-eosinophilic asthmatics irrespective of baseline asthma control. An elevated blood eosinophil count may predict the failure to stop ICS.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Temperature-controlled laminar airflow (TLA) device in the treatment of children with severe atopic eczema: Open-label, proof-of-concept study

Abstract

Background

Children with severe, persistent atopic eczema (AE) have limited treatment options, often requiring systemic immunosuppression.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the temperature-controlled laminar airflow (TLA) treatment in children/adolescents with severe AE.

Methods

We recruited 15 children aged 2-16 years with longstanding, severe AE and sensitization to ≥1 perennial inhalant allergen. Run-in period of 6-10 weeks (3 visits), was followed by 12-month treatment with overnight TLA (Airsonett^®, Sweden). The primary outcome was eczema severity (SCORAD-Index and Investigator Global Assessment-IGA). Secondary outcomes included child/family dermatology quality of life and family impact questionnaires (CDQLI, FDQLI, DFI), patient oriented eczema measure (POEM), medication requirements, and healthcare contacts. The study is registered as ISRCTN65865773.

Results

There was a significant reduction in AE severity ascertained by SCORAD and IGA during the 12-month intervention period (P<0.001). SCORAD was reduced from a median of 34.9 [interquartile range 28.75-45.15] at baseline to 17.2 [12.95-32.3] at the final visit, and IGA improved significantly from 4 [3-4] to 2 [1-3]. We observed a significant improvement in FDQLI (16.0 [12.25-19.0] to 12 [8-18], P=0.023) and DFI (P=0.011), but not CDQLI or POEM. Compared to 6-month period prior to enrollment, there was a significant reduction at six months after the start of the intervention in potent topical corticosteroids (P=0.033). The exploratory cluster analysis revealed two strongly divergent patterns of response, with 9 patients classified as responders, and 6 as non-responders.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Addition of TLA device to standard pharmacological treatment may be an effective add-on to the management of difficult-to-control AE.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Short Peptide Analogs as Alternatives to Collagen in Pro-Regenerative Corneal Implants

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Jaganmohan R. Jangamreddy, Michel K.C. Haagdorens, M. Mirazul Islam, Philip Lewis, Ayan Samanta, Per Fagerholm, Aneta Liszka, Monika K. Ljunggren, Oleksiy Buznyk, Emilio I. Alarcon, Nadia Zakaria, Keith M. Meek, May Griffith
Short collagen-like peptides (CLPs) are being proposed as alternatives to full-length collagen for use in tissue engineering, on their own as soft hydrogels, or conjugated to synthetic polymer for mechanical strength. However, despite intended clinical use, little is known about their safety and efficacy, mechanism of action or degree of similarity to the full-length counterparts they mimic. Here, we show the functional equivalence of a CLP conjugated to polyethylene glycol (CLP-PEG) to full-length recombinant human collagen in vitro and in promoting stable regeneration of corneal tissue and nerves in a pre-clinical mini-pig model. We also show that these peptide analogs exerted their pro-regeneration effects through stimulating extracellular vesicle production by host cells. Our results support future use of CLP-PEG implants for corneal regeneration, suggesting the feasibility of these or similar peptide analogs in clinical application in the eye and other tissues.Statement of significanceAlthough biomaterials comprising full-length recombinant human collagen and extracted animal collagen have been evaluated and used clinically, these macromolecules provide only a limited number of functional groups amenable to chemical modification or crosslinking and are demanding to process. Synthetic, customizable analogs that are functionally equivalent, and can be readily scaled-up are therefore very desirable for pre-clinical to clinical translation. Here, we demonstrate, using cornea regeneration as our test bed, that collagen-like-peptides conjugated to multifunctional polyethylene glycol (CLP-PEG) when grafted into mini-pigs as corneal implants were functionally equivalent to recombinant human collagen-based implants that were successfully tested in patients. We also show for the first time that these materials affected regeneration through stimulation of extracellular vesicle production by endogenous host cells that have migrated into the CLP-PEG scaffolds.

Graphical abstract

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Trivalent chromium incorporated in a crystalline calcium phosphate matrix accelerates materials degradation and bone formation in vivo

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Barbe Rentsch, Anne Bernhardt, Anja Henß, Seemun Ray, Claudia Rentsch, Martha Schamel, Uwe Gbureck, Michael Gelinsky, Stefan Rammelt, Anja Lode
Remodeling of calcium phosphate bone cements is a crucial prerequisite for their application in the treatment of large bone defects. In the present study trivalent chromium ions were incorporated into a brushite forming calcium phosphate cement in two concentrations (10 and 50 mmol/mol β-tricalcium phosphate) and implanted into a femoral defect in rats for 3 and 6 month, non-modified brushite was used as reference. Based on our previous in vitro findings indicating both an enhanced osteoclastic activity and cytocompatibility towards osteoprogenitor cells we hypothesized a higher in vivo remodeling rate of the Cr³⁺ doped cements compared to the reference. A significantly enhanced degradation of the chromium modified cements was evidenced by micro computed tomography, x-ray and histological examinations. Furthermore the formation of new bone tissue after 6 month of implantation was significantly increased from 29% to 46% during remodeling of cements, doped with the higher Cr³⁺ amount. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) of histological sections was applied to investigate the release of Cr³⁺ ions from the cement after implantation and to image their distribution in the implant region and the surrounding bone tissue. The relatively weak incorporation of chromium into the newly formed bone tissue is in agreement to the low chromium concentrations which were released from the cements in vitro. The faster degradation of the Cr³⁺ doped cements was also verified by ToF-SIMS. The positive effect of Cr³⁺ doping on both degradation and new bone formation is discussed as a synergistic effect of Cr³⁺ bioactivity on osteoclastic resorption on one hand and improvement of cytocompatibility and solubility by structural changes in the calcium phosphate matrix on the other hand.Statement of significanceWhile biologically active metal ions like strontium, magnesium and zinc are increasingly applied for the modification of ceramic bone graft materials, the present study is the first report on the incorporation of low doses of trivalent chromium ions into a calcium phosphate based biomaterial and testing of its performance in bone defect regeneration in vivo. Chromium (III)-doped calcium phosphate bone cements show improved cytocompatibility and both degradation rate and new bone formation in vivo are significantly increased compared to the reference cement. This important discovery might be the starting point for the application of trivalent chromium salts for the modification of bone graft materials to increase their remodelling rate.

Graphical abstract

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Central β-turn increases the cell selectivity of imperfectly amphipathic α-helical peptides

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Changxuan Shao, Haotian Tian, Tianyu Wang, Zhihua Wang, Shuli Chou, Anshan Shan, Baojing Cheng
Although membrane lytic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show enormous potential for addressing mounting global antibiotic resistance, therapeutic applications are hindered by their weak antimicrobial activity, high toxicity, salt sensitivity and poor understanding of structure-activity relationships. To investigate the effects of different parameters on the biological activities of AMPs, a rational approach was adopted to design a series of short cationic α-helical peptides comprising the Ac-WxKyWxzzyKxWyK-NH2 sequence, where x: cationic residues (Arg or Lys), y: hydrophobic residues (Ala, Val, Ile or Leu), and zz: β-turn (rigid D-Pro-Gly turn or flexible Gly-Gly turn). The peptides showed a more helical structure as the concentration of membrane-mimetic solution increased. The peptide RL with a central D-Pro-Gly turn (x: Arg, y: Lys, zz = D-Pro-Gly) exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities (2-8 μM) against ten types of clinically relevant microorganisms and even maintained its activity in the presence of physiological salts and showed excellent selectivity toward bacterial cells over human red blood cells and mammalian cells. However, the toxicity was increased after the removal of D-Pro-Gly turn. Additionally, the bactericidal activity was reduced when the D-Pro-Gly turn was replaced by a Gly-Gly turn. Fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses indicated that RL and its derivatives killed microbial cells by permeabilizing the cell membrane and damaging membrane integrity. In conclusion, these findings clearly generalized a potential method for designing or optimizing AMPs, and the peptide RL is a promising therapeutic candidate to combat antibiotic resistance.Statement of significanceWe proposed a rational approach to design imperfectly amphiphilic peptides and identified RL (Ac-WRKLWRpGLKRWLK-NH2) in particular that shows strong antibacterial properties, low toxicity and high salt resistance. The β-turn unit inserted into the central position of cationic α-helical peptides, especially the D-Pro-Gly turn, significantly increase the cell selectivity of the synthetic amphiphiles. The findings demonstrate a potential method for designing and/or optimizing AMPs, which would facilitate the development of strategies to design peptide-based antimicrobial biomaterials in a variety of biotechnological and clinical applications.

Graphical abstract

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Refeeding syndrome in adults with celiac crisis: a case report

Refeeding syndrome is a rare and life-threatening pathology with polyvisceral manifestations occurring in severely malnourished patients. It is rarely described in adults with celiac disease.

http://ift.tt/2GyjW7Q

Intestinal endometriosis combined with colorectal cancer: a case series

Intestinal endometriosis is a common benign disease among menstruating women that affects the intestinal tract.

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A Dynamic Structure of Social Trait Space

Publication date: Available online 30 January 2018
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Ryan M. Stolier, Eric Hehman, Jonathan B. Freeman
Facial appearance evokes robust impressions of other people's personality traits. Recent research suggests that the trait space arising from face-based impressions shifts due to context and social cognitive factors. We suggest a novel framework in which multiple bottom-up and top-down processes mutually determine a dynamic rather than fixed trait space.



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Creating diverse synapses from the same molecules

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 51
Author(s): Zoltan Nusser
Research over the past half a century has revealed remarkable diversity among chemical synapses of the CNS. The structural, functional and molecular diversity of synapses was mainly concluded from studying different synapses in distinct brain regions and preparations. It is not surprising that synapses made by molecularly distinct pre-synaptic and post-synaptic cells display different morphological and functional properties with distinct underlying molecular mechanisms. However, synapses made by a single presynaptic cell onto distinct types of postsynaptic cells, or distinct presynaptic inputs onto a single postsynaptic cell, also show remarkable heterogeneity. Here, by reviewing recent experiments, I suggest that robust functional diversity can be achieved by building synapses from the same molecules, but using different numbers, densities and nanoscale arrangements.



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Towards resolving the presynaptic NMDA receptor debate

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 51
Author(s): Guy Bouvier, Rylan S Larsen, Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno, Ole Paulsen, P Jesper Sjöström
In the classical view, postsynaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) trigger Hebbian plasticity via Ca²⁺ influx. However, unconventional presynaptic NMDARs (preNMDARs) which regulate both long-term and short-term plasticity at several synapse types have also been found. A lack of sufficiently specific experimental manipulations and a poor understanding of how preNMDARs signal have contributed to long-standing controversy surrounding these receptors. Although several prior studies linked preNMDARs to neocortical timing-dependent long-term depression (tLTD), a recent study argues that the NMDARs are actually postsynaptic and signal metabotropically, that is, without Ca²⁺. Other recent work indicates that, whereas ionotropic preNMDARs signaling controls evoked release, spontaneous release is regulated by metabotropic NMDAR signaling. We argue that elucidating unconventional NMDAR signaling modes—both presynaptically and metabotropically—is key to resolving the preNMDAR debate.



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Editorial overview: Neurobiology of disease (2018)

Publication date: Available online 30 January 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology
Author(s): Claudia Bagni, Anatol C Kreitzer




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REST, a master transcriptional regulator in neurodegenerative disease

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 48
Author(s): Jee-Yeon Hwang, R Suzanne Zukin
The restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor)/NRSF (neuron-restrictive silencing factor (NRSF) is a transcriptional repressor which acts via epigenetic remodeling to silence target genes. Emerging evidence indicates that REST is a master transcriptional regulator of neuron-specific genes not only in neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation, but also in differentiated neurons during the critical period in postnatal brain development, where it plays a role in fine-tuning of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, and in normal aging, where it promotes neuroprotection by repressing genes involved in oxidative stress and β-amyloid toxicity. This review focuses on recent findings that dysregulation of REST and REST-dependent epigenetic remodeling provide a central mechanism critical to the progressive neurodegeneration associated with neurologic disorders and diseases including global ischemia, stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease.



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Otoacoustic emission estimates of human basilar membrane impulse response duration and cochlear filter tuning.

Related Articles

Otoacoustic emission estimates of human basilar membrane impulse response duration and cochlear filter tuning.

Hear Res. 2016 Dec;342:150-160

Authors: Raufer S, Verhulst S

Abstract
This study describes a method based on temporal suppression of click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (CEOAEs) to estimate the time course and duration of human basilar membrane impulse responses (BM IRs). This was achieved by tracing the suppression of dominant peaks in the CEOAE spectrum as a function of the temporal separation between two equal-level stimulus clicks. The relationship between the suppression pattern and underlying BM IR duration near the generation site of the CEOAE frequency was established using model simulations. To relate BM IR duration estimates to cochlear filter tuning (QERB), a tuning ratio was derived from available BM IR measurements in animals. Results for 11 normal-hearing subjects yielded BM IR duration estimates of 37.4/F ms at 65 dB peSPL and 36.4/F ms at 71 dB peSPL, with F in kHz. Corresponding QERB estimates were 14.2F[in kHz]0.22 at 65 dB peSPL and 13.8F[in kHz]0.22 at 71 dB peSPL. Because the proposed temporal suppression method relies on cochlear nonlinearity, the method is applicable for stimulus levels above 30-40 dB SPL and complements existing OAE methods to assess human cochlear filter tuning.

PMID: 27989947 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Binaural hearing in children using Gaussian enveloped and transposed tones.

Related Articles

Binaural hearing in children using Gaussian enveloped and transposed tones.

J Acoust Soc Am. 2016 04;139(4):1724

Authors: Ehlers E, Kan A, Winn MB, Stoelb C, Litovsky RY

Abstract
Children who use bilateral cochlear implants (BiCIs) show significantly poorer sound localization skills than their normal hearing (NH) peers. This difference has been attributed, in part, to the fact that cochlear implants (CIs) do not faithfully transmit interaural time differences (ITDs) and interaural level differences (ILDs), which are known to be important cues for sound localization. Interestingly, little is known about binaural sensitivity in NH children, in particular, with stimuli that constrain acoustic cues in a manner representative of CI processing. In order to better understand and evaluate binaural hearing in children with BiCIs, the authors first undertook a study on binaural sensitivity in NH children ages 8-10, and in adults. Experiments evaluated sound discrimination and lateralization using ITD and ILD cues, for stimuli with robust envelope cues, but poor representation of temporal fine structure. Stimuli were spondaic words, Gaussian-enveloped tone pulse trains (100 pulse-per-second), and transposed tones. Results showed that discrimination thresholds in children were adult-like (15-389 μs for ITDs and 0.5-6.0 dB for ILDs). However, lateralization based on the same binaural cues showed higher variability than seen in adults. Results are discussed in the context of factors that may be responsible for poor representation of binaural cues in bilaterally implanted children.

PMID: 27106319 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Speech rate effects on the processing of conversational speech across the adult life span.

Related Articles

Speech rate effects on the processing of conversational speech across the adult life span.

J Acoust Soc Am. 2016 04;139(4):1618

Authors: Koch X, Janse E

Abstract
This study investigates the effect of speech rate on spoken word recognition across the adult life span. Contrary to previous studies, conversational materials with a natural variation in speech rate were used rather than lab-recorded stimuli that are subsequently artificially time-compressed. It was investigated whether older adults' speech recognition is more adversely affected by increased speech rate compared to younger and middle-aged adults, and which individual listener characteristics (e.g., hearing, fluid cognitive processing ability) predict the size of the speech rate effect on recognition performance. In an eye-tracking experiment, participants indicated with a mouse-click which visually presented words they recognized in a conversational fragment. Click response times, gaze, and pupil size data were analyzed. As expected, click response times and gaze behavior were affected by speech rate, indicating that word recognition is more difficult if speech rate is faster. Contrary to earlier findings, increased speech rate affected the age groups to the same extent. Fluid cognitive processing ability predicted general recognition performance, but did not modulate the speech rate effect. These findings emphasize that earlier results of age by speech rate interactions mainly obtained with artificially speeded materials may not generalize to speech rate variation as encountered in conversational speech.

PMID: 27106310 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Productivity losses due to premature mortality from cancer in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS): A population-based comparison

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 53
Author(s): Alison Pearce, Linda Sharp, Paul Hanly, Anton Barchuk, Freddie Bray, Marianna de Camargo Cancela, Prakash Gupta, Filip Meheus, You-Lin Qiao, Freddy Sitas, Shao-Ming Wang, Isabelle Soerjomataram
BackgroundOver two-thirds of the world's cancer deaths occur in economically developing countries; however, the societal costs of cancer have rarely been assessed in these settings. Our aim was to estimate the value of productivity lost in 2012 due to cancer-related premature mortality in the major developing economies of Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).MethodsWe applied an incidence-based method using the human capital approach. We used annual adult cancer deaths from GLOBOCAN2012 to estimate the years of productive life lost between cancer death and pensionable age in each country, valued using national and international data for wages, and workforce statistics. Sensitivity analyses examined various methodological assumptions.ResultsThe total cost of lost productivity due to premature cancer mortality in the BRICS countries in 2012 was $46·3 billion, representing 0·33% of their combined gross domestic product. The largest total productivity loss was in China ($28 billion), while South Africa had the highest cost per cancer death ($101,000). Total productivity losses were greatest for lung cancer in Brazil, the Russian Federation and South Africa; liver cancer in China; and lip and oral cavity cancers in India.ConclusionLocally-tailored strategies are required to reduce the economic burden of cancer in developing economies. Focussing on tobacco control, vaccination programs and cancer screening, combined with access to adequate treatment, could yield significant gains for both public health and economic performance of the BRICS countries.



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TGFβ C-509T, TGFβ T869C, XRCC1 Arg194Trp, IKBα C642T, IL4 C-590T Genetic polymorphisms combined with socio-economic, lifestyle, diet factors and gastric cancer risk: A case control study in South Indian population

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 53
Author(s): Dhayalan Pavithra, Majumdar Gautam, Ranganathan Rama, Rajaraman Swaminathan, Gopisetty Gopal, Ayyalur Seshadri Ramakrishnan, Thangarajan Rajkumar
BackgroundGastric cancer is worldwide the third major cause of cancer related death. Risk factors for gastric cancer includes Helicobacter pylori infection, gastric ulcer, less hygienic condition, use of tobacco, alcohol consumption, use of salted, smoked food, genetic alterations etc. In order to identify the risk factors associated with gastric cancer in South Indian population a case-control study involving 200 proven gastric cancer cases and 400 controls was conducted.MethodsA structured questionnaire was used to interview all the subjects who participated in our study. Genotyping assay was performed using Taqman allelic discrimination assay for 5 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)-TGFβ C-509T, TGFβ T869C, XRCC1 Arg194Trp, IkBα C642T and IL4C-590T.ResultsOdds Ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression. Statistical analysis on socio-economic factors, lifestyle factors had showed that subjects from low socio economic status, use of tobacco and consumption of non-vegetarian food had increased risk of developing gastric cancer. Multi-factorial analysis for the SNPs adjusting for the risk factors obtained in this study showed that TGFΒ C-509T TT genotypes had four fold increased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 4.11, CI = 1.02–16.56) and TGFβ T869C CC genotype had a decreased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 0.21, CI = 0.05–0.85).ConclusionEconomic status, tobacco use and food habits play a significant role in gastric cancer development. TT genotype for TGFβ C-509T had an increased risk and CC genotype for TGFβ T869C had a decreased risk of gastric cancer in south Indian population after adjusting for socio-economic factors and lifestyle factors.



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The association between recreational physical activity, sedentary time, and colorectal polyps in a population screened for colorectal cancer

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 53
Author(s): Darren R. Brenner, Eileen Shaw, Demetra H. Yannitsos, Matthew T. Warkentin, Nigel T. Brockton, S. Elizabeth McGregor, Susanna Town, Robert J. Hilsden
PurposeRegular recreational moderate to vigorous physical activity (rMVPA) has been previously associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), however, few studies have examined the association of rMVPA with colorectal polyps, the pre-malignant precursor lesions. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between physical activity and sitting time and polyps at the time of screening.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 2496 individuals undergoing screening-related colonoscopy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Physical activity and sitting time were characterized using hours of rMVPA, meeting physical activity recommendations and hours of sitting time using self-reported data obtained from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for presence of polyps associated with rMVPA and sitting time.ResultsMeeting physical activity guidelines of ≥150 min/week was non-significantly associated with a modest decrease in odds of having ≥1 polyp at screening (ORadj = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.80–1.14). In males, threshold effects for sitting time were observed for up to 20 h/week (ORadj per hour sitting = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.13). In stratified analysis, larger inverse associations were observed between physical activity and the presence of polyps in females, obese individuals, and ever smokers, compared to pooled findings.ConclusionsIn this large CRC screening population, there was a suggestive association between increased rMVPA and reduced prevalence of polyps at screening, particularly among females. Even low amounts of regular sitting time (0–20 h/day) were associated with the presence of polyps, particularly among males. Further research on rMVPA and sitting time is necessary to better inform strategies to reduce the frequency of pre-malignant colorectal lesions.



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Biofilms busters to improve the detection of Borrelia using PCR

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Medical Hypotheses, Volume 112
Author(s): Alexis Lacout, Véronique Dacher, Mostafa El Hajjam, Pierre Yves Marcy, Christian Perronne
Lyme disease is an affection caused by a spirochete infection called Borrelia Burgdorferi which may harbor a varied and misleading clinical symptomatology. The serology tests commonly used for diagnosis show a wide sensitivity varying from 34% to 70,5%, leaving many infected patients with false negative tests. Alternative techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could be helpful but not conclusive enough. Using biofilm busters, such as stevia and serratiopeptidase, could lead to bacterial blood release, thus increasing the spirochete load, making PCR test more sensitive, thus improving the patient's diagnosis and management.



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Novel mutant of Escherichia coli asparaginase II to reduction of the glutaminase activity in treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia by molecular dynamics simulations and QM-MM studies

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Medical Hypotheses, Volume 112
Author(s): Noeman Ardalan, Sako Mirzaie, Abbas Akhavan Sepahi, Ramazan Ali Khavari-Nejad
L-Asparaginases (ASNase) belong to a family of amidohydrolases, have both asparaginase and glutaminase activity. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is an outrageous disease worldwide. Bacterial ASNase has been used for the treatment of ALL. Glutaminase activity of enzyme causes some side effect and it is not essential for anticancer activity. The aim of this study was engineering of Escherichia coli asparaginase II to find a mutant with reduced glutaminase activity by molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) and QM-MM (Quantum mechanics molecular dynamics) simulations. Residues with low free energy of binding to Asn and high free binding energy to Gln were chosen for mutagenesis. Then, a mutant with higher glutaminase free binding energy was selected for further studies. Additionally, the MD simulation and QM-MM computation of wild type (WT) were employed and the selected mutated ASNase were analyzed and discussed. Our data showed that V27T is a good candidate to reduction the glutaminase activity, while has no remarkable effect on asparaginase activity of the enzyme. The simulation analysis revealed that V27T mutant is more stable than WT and mutant simulation was successful completely. QM-MM results confirmed the successfulness of our mutagenesis.



http://ift.tt/2EmvH09

Role of silent information regulator 1 in the protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on homocysteine-induced cognitive dysfunction: Involving reduction of hippocampal ER stress

Publication date: 16 April 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 342
Author(s): Yi-Yun Tang, Ai-Ping Wang, Hai-Jun Wei, Man-Hong Li, Wei Zou, Xiang Li, Chun-Yan Wang, Ping Zhang, Xiao-Qing Tang
Homocysteine (Hcy) causes cognitive deficits and hippocampal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Our previous study has confirmed that Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) attenuates Hcy-induced cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal ER stress. Silent information regulator 1 (Sirt-1) is indispensable in the formation of learning and memory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the role of Sirt-1 in the protective effect of H2S against Hcy-induced cognitive dysfunction. We found that NaHS (a donor of H2S) markedly up-regulated the expression of Sirt-1 in the hippocampus of Hcy-exposed rats. Sirtinol, a specific inhibitor of Sirt-1, reversed the improving role of NaHS in the cognitive function of Hcy-exposed rats, as evidenced by that sirtinol increased the escape latency and the swim distance in the acquisition trial of morris water maze (MWM) test, decreased the times crossed through and the time spent in the target quadrant in the probe trail of MWM test, and reduced the discrimination index in the novel object recognition test (NORT) in the rats cotreated with NaHS and Hcy. We also found that sirtinol reversed the protection of NaHS against Hcy-induced hippocampal ER-stress, as evidenced by up-regulating the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and cleaved caspase-12 in the hippocampus of rats cotreated with NaHS and Hcy. These results suggested the contribution of upregulation of hippocampal Sirt-1 to the improving role of H2S in the cognitive function of Hcy-exposed rats, which involves suppression of hippocampal ER stress. Our finding provides a new insight into the mechanism underlying the inhibitory role of H2S in Hcy-induced cognitive dysfunction.



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Effects of exercise and enrichment on behaviour in CD-1 mice

Publication date: 16 April 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 342
Author(s): Amiirah B. Aujnarain, Owen D. Luo, Natalie Taylor, Jonathan K.Y. Lai, Jane A. Foster
A host of scholarly work has characterized the positive effects of exercise and environmental enrichment on behaviour and cognition in animal studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the uptake and longitudinal impact of exercise and enrichment on the behavioural phenotype of male and female CD-1 mice. CD-1 mice housed in standard (STD) or exercise and enrichment (EE) conditions post-weaning were tested in the 3-chamber sociability test, open field, and elevated plus maze and exercise activity was monitored throughout the enrichment protocol. Male and female EE mice both showed reduced anxiety and activity in the open field and elevated plus maze relative to sex-matched STD mice. EE altered social behaviours in a sex-specific fashion, with only female EE mice showing increased social preference relative to female STD mice and a preference for social novelty only present in male EE mice. This sexual dimorphism was not observed to be a product of exercise uptake, as CD-1 mice of both sexes demonstrated a consistent trend of wheel rotation frequencies. These findings suggest the importance of considering variables such as sex and strain on experimental design variables in future work on environmental enrichment.

Graphical abstract

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Perineurium-like sheath derived from long-term surviving mesenchymal stem cells confers nerve protection to the injured spinal cord

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 160
Author(s): Yuan-Huan Ma, Xiang Zeng, Xue-Cheng Qiu, Qing-Shuai Wei, Ming-Tian Che, Ying Ding, Zhou Liu, Guo-Hui Wu, Jia-Hui Sun, Mao Pang, Li-Min Rong, Bin Liu, Zaid Aljuboori, Inbo Han, Eng-Ang Ling, Yuan-Shan Zeng
The functional multipotency enables mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promising translational potentials in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). Yet the fate of MSCs grafted into the injured spinal cord has not been fully elucidated even in preclinical studies, rendering concerns of their safety and genuine efficacy. Here we used a rat spinal cord transection model to evaluate the cell fate of allograft bone marrow derived MSCs. With the application of immunosuppressant, donor cells, delivered by biocompatible scaffold, survived up to 8 weeks post-grafting. Discernible tubes formed by MSCs were observed beginning 2 weeks after transplantation and they dominated the morphological features of implanted MSCs at 8 weeks post-grafting. The results of immunocytochemistry and transmission electron microscopy displayed the formation of perineurium-like sheath by donor cells, which, in a manner comparable to the perineurium in peripheral nerve, enwrapped host myelins and axons. The MSC-derived perineurium-like sheath secreted a group of trophic factors and permissive extracellular matrix, and served as a physical and chemical barrier to insulate the inner nerve fibers from ambient oxidative insults by the secretion of soluble antioxidant, superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD3). As a result, many intact regenerating axons were preserved in the injury/graft site following the forming of perineurium-like sheath. A parallel study utilizing a good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade human umbilical cord-derived MSCs or allogenic MSCs in an acute contusive/compressive SCI model exhibited a similar perineurium-like sheath formed by surviving donor cells in rat spinal cord at 3 weeks post-grafting. The present study for the first time provides an unambiguous morphological evidence of perineurium-like sheath formed by transplanted MSCs and a novel therapeutic mechanism of MSCs in treating SCI.



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Biomimetic and enzyme-responsive dynamic hydrogels for studying cell-matrix interactions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 160
Author(s): Hung-Yi Liu, Murray Korc, Chien-Chi Lin
The tumor microenvironment (TME) governs all aspects of cancer progression and in vitro 3D cell culture platforms are increasingly developed to emulate the interactions between components of the stromal tissues and cancer cells. However, conventional cell culture platforms are inadequate in recapitulating the TME, which has complex compositions and dynamically changing matrix mechanics. In this study, we developed a dynamic gelatin-hyaluronic acid hybrid hydrogel system through integrating modular thiol-norbornene photopolymerization and enzyme-triggered on-demand matrix stiffening. In particular, gelatin was dually modified with norbornene and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid to render this bioactive protein photo-crosslinkable (through thiol-norbornene gelation) and responsive to tyrosinase-triggered on-demand stiffening (through HPA dimerization). In addition to the modified gelatin that provides basic cell adhesive motifs and protease cleavable sequences, hyaluronic acid (HA), an essential tumor matrix, was modularly and covalently incorporated into the cell-laden gel network. We systematically characterized macromer modification, gel crosslinking, as well as enzyme-triggered stiffening and degradation. We also evaluated the influence of matrix composition and dynamic stiffening on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell fate in 3D. We found that either HA-containing matrix or a dynamically stiffened microenvironment inhibited PDAC cell growth. Interestingly, these two factors synergistically induced cell phenotypic changes that resembled cell migration and/or invasion in 3D. Additional mRNA expression array analyses revealed changes unique to the presence of HA, to a stiffened microenvironment, or to the combination of both. Finally, we presented immunostaining and mRNA expression data to demonstrate that these irregular PDAC cell phenotypes were a result of matrix-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).



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Galactosylated iodine-based small molecule I.V. CT contrast agent for bile duct imaging

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 160
Author(s): Yeonjin Jung, Hee Sook Hwang, Kun Na
Computed tomography (CT) with contrast plays an important role as a clinical diagnostic tool but still has a limited diagnostic range. In this work, we developed a novel injectable iodine-based small molecule CT contrast agent, even can be used for bile duct diagnostics. The bile duct diagnosable CT contrast agent (BDICA) is synthesized with 5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthaloyl dichloride (ATIPC), tromethamine and lactobionic acid (LBA) for asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) targeted delivery via receptor-mediated endocytosis and transport to the bile canaliculi. Specific binding to the ASGPRs was confirmed by in vitro cellular uptake in HepG2 cells (ASGPR positive) and HCT 116 cells (ASGPR negative). Compared to iohexol, BDICA has equal in vivo distribution and a 13-fold iodine increase in content was observed in bile juice after BDICA injection. The radiopaque contrast effect in the bile duct has been clearly shown in in vivo CT scans. Furthermore, within 36 h, 91.3% of the BDICA was eliminated without organ damage, which verified the overall safety of the contrast agent. BDICA not only provides sufficient contrast images similar to iohexol, but also provides superior images of the bile duct. Based on recent studies, it has been shown that BDICA is a promising, safe and effective contrast agent for CT imaging of the organs and soft tissues, including the bile duct.



http://ift.tt/2BE9Pe1

Past and future

The New Year, or Hogmanay as it is known in these parts, is traditionally a time to reflect and to look forward in expectation of greater things to come. Our specialty has a relatively short history to reflect upon. Fifty years ago a very small number of consultants comprised the British Association of Plastic Surgeons, which published this Journal. Their training, autonomy, junior support, breadth and pattern of work would have been barely recognisable to current NHS consultants. Many of the techniques they employed would have seemed strange to us, inpatient care predominated, and sub-specialisation did not really exist.

http://ift.tt/2rTuCdH

The efficacy of bacterial species to decolourise reactive azo, anthroquinone and triphenylmethane dyes from wastewater: a review

Abstract

The industrial dye-contaminated wastewater has been considered as the most complex and hazardous in terms of nature and composition of toxicants that can cause severe biotic risk. Reactive azo, anthroquinone and triphenylmethane dyes are mostly used in dyeing industries; thus, the unfixed hydrolysed molecules of these dyes are commonly found in wastewater. In this regard, bacterial species have been proved to be highly effective to treat wastewater containing reactive dyes and heavy metals. The bio-decolourisation of dye occurs either by adsorption or through degradation in bacterial metabolic pathways under optimised environmental conditions. The bacterial dye decolourisation rates vary with the type of bacteria, reactivity of dye and operational parameters such as temperature, pH, co-substrate, electron donor and dissolved oxygen concentration. The present paper reviews the efficiency of bacterial species (individual and consortia) to decolourise wastewater containing reactive azo, anthroquinone and triphenylmethane dyes either individually or mixed or with metal ions. It has been observed that bacteria Pseudomonas spp. are comparatively more effective to treat reactive dyes and metal-contaminated wastewater. In recent studies, either immobilised cell or isolated enzymes are being used to decolourise dye at a large scale of operations. However, it is required to investigate more potent bacterial species or consortia that could be used to treat wastewater containing mixed reactive dyes and heavy metals like chromium ions.

http://ift.tt/2Gvq40B

Resolution of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss in a pediatric patient with a severe phenotype of Muckle-Wells syndrome treated with Anakinra: a case report and review of the literature

Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) is a rare auto-inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of recurrent urticaria, deafness and amyloidosis. Progressive sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is reported to occu...

http://ift.tt/2EoqDID

The prevalence of human papillomavirus in pediatric tonsils: a systematic review of the literature

HPV-related head and neck cancer rates have been increasing in recent years, with the tonsils being the most commonly affected site. However, the current rate of HPV infection in the pediatric population remai...

http://ift.tt/2DO5Flk

International consensus (ICON) on treatment of Ménière's disease

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2018
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): J. Nevoux, M. Barbara, J. Dornhoffer, W. Gibson, T. Kitahara, V. Darrouzet
ObjectiveTo present the international consensus for recommendations for Ménière's disease (MD) treatment.MethodsBased on a literature review and report of 4 experts from 4 continents, the recommendations have been presented during the 21st IFOS congress in Paris, in June 2017 and are presented in this work.ResultsThe recommendation is to change the lifestyle, to use the vestibular rehabilitation in the intercritic period and to propose psychotherapy. As a conservative medical treatment of first line, the authors recommend to use diuretics and Betahistine or local pressure therapy. When medical treatment fails, the recommendation is to use a second line treatment, which consists in the intratympanic injection of steroids. Then as a third line treatment, depending on the hearing function, could be either the endolymphatic sac surgery (when hearing is worth being preserved) or the intratympanic injection of gentamicin (with higher risks of hearing loss). The very last option is the destructive surgical treatment labyrinthectomy, associated or not to cochlear implantation or vestibular nerve section (when hearing is worth being preserved), which is the most frequent option.



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Epiglottoplasty technique in endoscopic partial laryngectomy

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2018
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): M. Moulin, C.A. Righini, P.F. Castellanos, I. Atallah
The main advantage of endoscopic laser surgery for laryngeal cancer is to allow tumour resection, while limiting functional sequelae, thereby improving the postoperative course. In this type of surgery, the epiglottis is often partially resected, leaving a raw zone without any reconstruction. The surgical technique described here involves endoscopic reconstruction of the epiglottis after partial resection. The sectioned edge of the epiglottis is sutured to the base of the tongue to create a neoepiglottis and to reconstruct the vallecula, thus resembling preoperative anatomy, allowing improvement of postoperative swallowing.



http://ift.tt/2rNeXMU

Meningeal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: The meningioma trap

Publication date: Available online 10 January 2018
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): Alexandre Villeneuve, François Rubin, Pierre Bonfils
ObjectiveTo report a case of marginal zone MALT lymphoma of the temporal dura mater, initially mistaken for temporal meningioma.Case reportA 60-year-old immunocompetent woman, followed for more than 10 years for temporal meningioma causing vertigo and mixed hearing loss, presented with cervical lymphadenopathy, revealing marked progression of an intracranial lesion, leading to a diagnosis of marginal zone MALT lymphoma based on histological examination of a cervical lymph node. Treatment with 6 cycles of rituximab and bendamustine allowed complete remission of cervical lymph node and intracranial lesions, confirming the diagnosis of temporal dural mater lymphoma.ConclusionPrimary dural lymphoma must be part of the differential diagnosis of meningioma. Long-term follow-up allows correction of the diagnosis.



http://ift.tt/2GyXSdc

Physiology of the paransal sinus ostia: Endoscopic findings

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2018
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): R. Jankowski, C. Rumeau




http://ift.tt/2rRBQyT

A Novel Surgical Approach to Nasolabial Fistula

Abstract

Infection of hair follicle is commonly called 'boil' or furunculosis. This can result in abscess formation leading to accumulation of pus and necrotic tissue. This can be more common in immunocompromised patients such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Commonest organism to cause furunculosis is believed to be Staphylococcus aureus. We present an elderly patient where multiple nasal vestibular furunculosis suppurated resulting in extensive tissue damage and nasolabial fistula. Reconstruction was delayed to accommodate tissue healing from hyperglycemic insult and necrosis. Alar advancement flap was employed to give a suitable 3 layer closure to the fistula.

http://ift.tt/2EnMa4g

What's New Online

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2





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Academy Members and Agriculture: A Winning Combination

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2
Author(s): Donna S. Martin




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Communicating the Dietary Guidelines: Tools for Professionals

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2
Author(s): Elizabeth Rahavi, Frances Bevington




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Nutrition Facts Panels: Who Uses Them, What Do They Use, and How Does Use Relate to Dietary Intake?

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2
Author(s): Mary J. Christoph, Nicole Larson, Melissa N. Laska, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
BackgroundNutrition labels are a low-cost tool with the potential to encourage healthy eating habits.ObjectiveTo investigate correlates of frequent Nutrition Facts label use, describe the types of label information most often used, and measure how label use relates to dietary intake in young adults.DesignCross-sectional population-based study of young adults participating in Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults-IV.Participants/settingSurveys and food frequency questionnaires were completed during 2015-2016 by young adults (N=1,817; weighted sample=49% women) aged 25 to 36 years.Main outcome measuresNutrition Facts label use, frequency of using specific information on labels, and dietary intake.Statistical analyses performedRelative risks and adjusted means were used to examine how demographic, behavior, and weight-related factors were associated with Nutrition Facts panel use, and how label use related to dietary outcomes. Associations with P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsApproximately one-third (31.4%) of participants used Nutrition Facts labels "frequently." Use was significantly higher for women; for participants with high education and income; among those who prepared food regularly; among those who were physically active; among those with a weight status classified as overweight; and among those who were trying to lose, gain, or maintain weight. Label components used most often included sugars (74.1%), total calories (72.9%), serving size (67.9%), and the ingredient list (65.8%). Nutrition Facts label users consumed significantly more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, compared with nonusers. Nutrition Facts label users ate significantly more frequently at sit-down restaurants but less frequently at fast-food restaurants compared with nonusers.ConclusionsAlthough Nutrition Facts label use was associated with markers of better dietary quality in a population-based sample of young adults, only one-third of participants used labels frequently. Methods to improve label use should be studied, particularly through leveraging weight- or health-related goals (eg, interest in making healthier food choices), and meeting consumer preferences concerning label content.



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Stress, Anxiety, and Weight Gain among University and College Students: A Systematic Review

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2
Author(s): Suzan A. Haidar, N.K. de Vries, Mirey Karavetian, Rola El-Rassi
BackgroundStress and anxiety levels are elevated among university and college students. Although high stress levels can lead to an increase in adiposity, it is not clear whether stress and anxiety experienced when in university or college have an influence on students' weight.ObjectiveThe aim of this systemic review was to investigate whether stress and anxiety levels encountered during university and college enrollment were associated with higher adiposity or weight changes among students.MethodA search strategy was used to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 1985 and March 2017 using the following databases: Medline using Ovid; PubMed, CINAHL using EBSCO, Embase using Ovid, PSYCHINFO, and Open Access Theses and Dissertation. Two reviewers independently assessed the title, abstract, and then the full article of the studies that met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and quality assessment was conducted for the included studies.ResultsTwenty-five observational studies were identified in this review (23 cross-sectional and two longitudinal); 11 found that there was no association between stress and body mass index or weight change. In addition, five studies did not find a significant association between anxiety and body mass index. A few studies revealed stress and anxiety might be associated with higher or lower weight status, thus there is a possibility that stress can increase or decrease weight, demonstrating that a bidirectional influence on body mass index may exist.ConclusionsThe current data in this review are inadequate to draw firm conclusions about the role of stress on weight change in university and college students. The inconsistency of results in the literature reviewed for this article suggest that a focus on longitudinal studies with adequate sample size would better evaluate the relationship between stress or anxiety and its influence on weight status or weight change among college and university students.



http://ift.tt/2no5iHk

Picky Eaters Improved Diet Quality in a Randomized Behavioral Intervention Trial in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2
Author(s): Tonja R. Nansel, Leah M. Lipsky, Denise L. Haynie, Miriam H. Eisenberg, Katie Dempster, Aiyi Liu
BackgroundChildren who are picky eaters typically demonstrate persistent food refusal and poor diet quality and may be resistant to intervention.ObjectiveThis study tested whether pickiness moderated the effect of a nutrition intervention on diet quality in youth with type 1 diabetes, hypothesizing that the intervention effect would be smaller among picky relative to nonpicky eaters.DesignThe study was an 18-month randomized clinical trial.ParticipantsYouth age 8.0 to 16.9 years (n=136) with type 1 diabetes duration ≥1 year, receiving care at an outpatient diabetes center in Boston, MA, and a parent, participated from 2010 to 2013.InterventionThe intervention integrated motivational interviewing, active learning, and applied problem solving to increase whole plant food intake.Main outcome measuresWhole plant food density (WPFD, cup/oz equivalents per 1,000 kcal target food groups), Healthy Eating Index–2005 (HEI2005, measures conformance to US dietary guidelines), and dietary variety were calculated from 3-day food records completed at six different times. Parents completed the pickiness subscale of the Child Feeding Questionnaire.Statistical analyses performedMean WPFD and HEI2005 were estimated using the population ratio method; standard errors were computed using jackknife variance-covariance estimation. Overall P value comparing groups across visits was derived using the χ² test.ResultsBaseline diet quality was lower in picky than in nonpicky eaters. No intervention effect on pickiness or dietary variety was seen. In stratified analyses, the intervention effect on diet quality was significant for picky eaters only (WPFD P=0.0003; HEI2005 P=0.04). Among picky eaters, diet quality in the treatment group improved, whereas diet quality in the control group remained low. Diet quality of nonpicky eaters in the intervention group changed to a lesser degree.ConclusionsThe intervention resulted in increased diet quality in picky eaters, whereas no intervention effect was seen in nonpicky eaters. Findings suggest that diet quality of picky eaters can be improved without changing their underlying pickiness.



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Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in the Prevention and Treatment of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2
Author(s): Kathaleen Briggs Early, Kathleen Stanley
It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) is effective in improving medical outcomes and quality of life, and is cost-effective. MNT provided by RDNs is also successful and essential to preventing progression of prediabetes and obesity to type 2 diabetes. It is essential that MNT provided by RDNs be integrated into health care systems and public health programs and be adequately reimbursed. The Academy's evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for the prevention of diabetes and the management of diabetes document strong evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of MNT provided by RDNs. Cost-effectiveness has also been documented. The nutrition practice guidelines recommend that as part of evidence-based health care, providers caring for individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes should be referred to an RDN for individualized MNT upon diagnosis and at regular intervals throughout the lifespan as part of their treatment regimen. Standards of care for three levels of diabetes practice have been published by the Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group. RDNs are also qualified to provide additional services beyond MNT in diabetes care and management. Unfortunately, barriers to accessing RDN services exist. Reimbursement for services is essential. Major medical and health organizations have provided support for the essential role of MNT and RDNs for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.



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February 2018 People & Events

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2





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THE HUDDLESON AWARD 2017: Recognize research excellence—Nominate an article published in the 2017 Journal for the Huddleson

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2





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February 2018 New in Review

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2





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February 2018 Sites in Review

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2





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February 2018 Classified Advertisements

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2





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What Does the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Do for Academy Members?

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 2
Author(s): Paul Slomski




http://ift.tt/2nq5TbF

A Novel Surgical Approach to Nasolabial Fistula

Abstract

Infection of hair follicle is commonly called 'boil' or furunculosis. This can result in abscess formation leading to accumulation of pus and necrotic tissue. This can be more common in immunocompromised patients such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Commonest organism to cause furunculosis is believed to be Staphylococcus aureus. We present an elderly patient where multiple nasal vestibular furunculosis suppurated resulting in extensive tissue damage and nasolabial fistula. Reconstruction was delayed to accommodate tissue healing from hyperglycemic insult and necrosis. Alar advancement flap was employed to give a suitable 3 layer closure to the fistula.

http://ift.tt/2EnMa4g