Head and Neck Diseases by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 04/18/18

Τετάρτη 18 Απριλίου 2018

Hair-thin OLED fibers

Publication date: Available online 19 April 2018
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): David Bradley

https://ift.tt/2EZ1brO

On the role of atmospheric oxygen into mechanical properties and fracture behavior of selective laser melted AlCu5MnCdVA

Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 150
Author(s): Zhiheng Hu, Haihong Zhu, Xiaojia Nie, Changchun Zhang, Hu Zhang, Xiaoyan Zeng
In this study, the difference in the mechanical properties of AlCu5MnCdVA samples fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) with different atmospheric oxygen content when it has little effect on the formability has been investigated and the mechanism of the earlier fracture has been proposed. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the samples fabricated with the atmospheric oxygen content below 20ppm (LOC samples) are 10.89% and 128.21% higher than those of the samples fabricated with the atmospheric oxygen content below 200ppm (HOC samples), respectively. By comparing the formability, density, microstructure, phase and fracture surface of the HOC samples and the LOC samples, it is found that the earlier fracture is caused by the larger size particles forming during the process. The chemical reaction rate dramatically increases as the atmospheric oxygen content increases. The closer particles and the longer duration of high temperature of the molten pool make the collision of the particles easier, resulting in the formation of the larger particles. These findings indicate the atmospheric oxygen plays a different role when alloys with high oxygen sensitivity are being selective laser melted.

Graphical abstract

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Preface – Virtual Special Issue on Materials and Design for Sports Technology

Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 150
Author(s): Aravind Dasari, Zhong Chen, Wei Min Huang, Alexander M. Korsunsky

https://ift.tt/2vwgNE0

Insights into the degradation of (CF3)2CHOCH3 and its oxidative product (CF3)2CHOCHO & the formation and catalytic degradation of organic nitrates

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 183
Author(s): Feng-Yang Bai, Zi-Man Jia, Xiu-Mei Pan
In this work, a systematic investigation of the atmospheric oxidation mechanism of (CF3)2CXOCH3 and their oxidative products (CF3)2CXOCHO (X = H, F) initiated by OH radical or Cl atom is performed by density functional theory. This study reveals that the introduction of NO and O2 promotes the formation of organic nitrates, which are hygroscopic and are inclined to form secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and can affect the air quality. The rate constants of the individual reactions are found to be in agreement with the experimental results. One of the intriguing findings of this work is that the peroxynitrite of (CF3)2CHOCH2OONO formed from the subsequent reactions of (CF3)2CHOCH3 is more favorable to isomerize to organic nitrate (CF3)2CHOCH2ONO2 than to dissociate into alkoxy radical (CF3)2CHOCH2O and NO2 because of the lower energy barrier of isomerization. The second significant observation is that the organic nitrate can be degraded more favorably with the presence of NH3, CH3NH2, and CH3NHCH3 than its naked decomposition reaction (CF3)2CHOCH2ONO2→(CF3)2CHOCHO + HONO. The ammonium salt, a vital part of haze, is harmful to human health and can be formed in the existence of the NH3, CH3NH2, and CH3NHCH3. In addition, the toxic substance of peroxyalkyl nitrate (CF3)2CHOC(O)ONO2 which can reduce the visibility of the atmosphere is produced as the primary subsequent oxidation product of (CF3)2CHOCHO in a NO-rich environment. The main species detected experimentally are confirmed by this study. The computational results are crucial to risk assessment and pollution prevention of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Graphical abstract

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New open access no-fee journal on rural neurosciences

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice (https://ift.tt/2HMNOhO) is new semi-annual peer-reviewed open access journal to be published from January 2010 on behalf of the Associacion Ayuda Enfermo Neuroquirurgico. The journal would not charge the authors for submission, processing or publication of manuscripts and would provide immediate free access to all its content.

September-2009

https://ift.tt/2vo8xG1

Intraspinal intradural nodular fasciitis mimicking glioblastoma metastasis: a case report.

Intraspinal intradural nodular fasciitis mimicking glioblastoma metastasis: a case report.

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):75-79

Authors: Zipser CM, Füllbier L, Beschorner R, Bösmüller H, Ziemann U, Tatagiba MS, Tabatabai G, Bender B, Behling F

Abstract
We report the case of a 78-year-old male patient suffering from right temporal glioblastoma with radiographic meningeal tumor spread. During the further course of the disease he developed a rapidly progressive paraplegia. An magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a contrast enhancing an intraspinal intradural lesion with compression of the myelon on segment Th 8/9. With a high suspicion of a spinal metastasis of the known glioblastoma, emergency spinal decompression and resection of the intradural mass was performed. However, histopathological evaluation revealed nodular fasciitis without any signs of glial origin.

PMID: 29663743 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HL3NwI

Degenerative effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® on mice peripheral sensory neurons in vitro.

Degenerative effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® on mice peripheral sensory neurons in vitro.

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):67-74

Authors: Üstün R, Oğuz EK

Abstract
Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) is a licensed medicinal herbal extract that ensures effective hemostasis on external, internal, postoperative and dental bleeds. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) harbor cell bodies of peripheral sensory neurons. DRG neurons receive peripheral information and regularly send projections to nuclei in the brainstem and the spinal cord. These neurons play critical roles in neural development. Neuronal dysfunctions were reported due to ABS use in surgical interventions. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the degenerative effects of the ABS on mice DRG cells in vitro. DRG neurons were isolated from adult mice and cultured in vitro. The neurons were incubated with various concentrations of ABS for 24 h. At the end of 24 hours, under fluorescence microscopy, cell viability was determined with the fluorescent dye calcein-AM, and cell death was determined with the fluorescent dye propidium iodide. The behavior of the cells was displayed with time-lapse video microscopy for 12 hours from the time of treatment. ABS killed both neurons and non-neuronal cells via necrosis at a concentration of 25 µl/ml or more. ABS has the degenerative effect on mice peripheral sensory neurons, depending on the ABS level.

PMID: 29663742 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2vtJ5im

Interactive involvement of hippocampal cAMP/PKA and cyclooxygenase-2 signaling pathways in spatial learning in the Morris water maze.

Interactive involvement of hippocampal cAMP/PKA and cyclooxygenase-2 signaling pathways in spatial learning in the Morris water maze.

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):58-66

Authors: Tabrizian K, Hashemzaei M, Nasiri AA, Najafi S, Amelinia F, Sanati M, Shamshirgaran F, Fanoudi S

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Accumulated evidence shows that the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway plays a key role in memory functions. Cyclooxygenase-2, a critical player in neuroinflammation, has been confirmed in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This study is aimed to assess the effect of the interaction of cAMP-PKA and cyclooxygenase pathways on spatial memory acquisition in animal models.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, the effects of the four-day bilateral intra-hippocampal infusions of H-89 as a protein kinase AII inhibitor (10 µM/side), celecoxib (0.1 M/side) as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, cele-coxib/H-89 and bucladesine (10 µM/side)/celecoxib/H-89 on spatial memory acquisition in the Morris water maze were investigated. Control animals received bilateral intra-hippocampal infusions of dimethyl sulfoxide. Rats were trained for 4 days; each day included one block of four trials. Post-training probe trial tests were performed on day five.
RESULTS: A bilateral intra-hippocampal infusion of H-89 and celecoxib led to a significant impairment in spatial learning compared to the controls through a notable decrease in escape latency and traveled distance. But, combination treatment of animals with celecoxib/H-89 and bucladesine/celecoxib/H-89 could considerably reverse celecoxib and H-89-induced spatial memory acquisition impairments in the Morris water maze.
CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the probable regulatory effects of cAMP/PKA and cyclooxygenase-2 signaling pathways on spatial memory acquisition in the Morris water maze.

PMID: 29663741 [PubMed - in process]

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miRNA-223 regulates ischemic neuronal injury by targeting the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R).

miRNA-223 regulates ischemic neuronal injury by targeting the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R).

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):49-57

Authors: Feng SJ, Zhang XQ, Li JT, Dai XM, Zhao F

Abstract
Cerebral ischemia injury seriously endangers human health and its molecular mechanism is still not fully understood. microRNA-223 (miR-223) has been reported to be involved in many physiological functions but the specific role of miRNA-223 in ischemic neuronal injury is still unclear. An oxygen-glucose deprivation and simulated reperfusion (OGD/R) model was constructed here to investigate the possible role miR-223 played in ischemic neuronal injury. The expression of miRNA-223 in the OGD/R model and its effect on cell proliferation were studied by qPCR and CCK8 assay. We observed that miR-223 was significantly over-expressed after OGD/R treatment and it suppressed significantly cortical neurons proliferation. To further study the mechanism involved, we predicted and examined the potential targets of miR-223 by targetscan, qPCR, western blot and luciferase reporter assay. We found that the expression level of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) was negatively associated with the level of miR-223. Furthermore, the relative luciferase activity of pmirGLO-WT was inhibited obviously, while no significant change was observed in the pmirGLO-Mut group, indicating that miR-223 could bind to IGF1R. Similar cell proliferation suppression caused by miR-223 antagomir was observed when IGF1R was silenced. On the contrary, when cortical neurons were co-treated with miR-223 agomir and the cDNA of IGF1R which did not contain 3'- untranslated region, the inhibition caused by miR-223 disappeared. Our results suggested that miR-223 may suppress proliferation of cortical neurons that were treated with OGD/R via inhibiting IGF1R expression.

PMID: 29663740 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2vpfGpr

Neurotoxic effects of domoic acid on dopaminergic neurons in primary mesencephalic cell culture.

Neurotoxic effects of domoic acid on dopaminergic neurons in primary mesencephalic cell culture.

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):39-48

Authors: Radad K, Al-Shraim M, Al-Emam A, Moldzio R, Rausch WD

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Domoic acid is a potent marine neurotoxin produced by certain species of the diatom genus Pseudonitzschia. To our knowledge, there are no studies that have investigated neurotoxic effects of domoic acid on dopaminergic neurons. Accordingly, the present study was carried out to investigate the potential neurotoxic effects of domoic acid on dopaminergic neurons in primary mesencephalic cell culture.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cultures prepared from embryonic mouse mesencephala (total of 250 embryos) were treated with different concentrations of domoic acid (0.1, 1, 10, 100 µM) on the 10th DIV for 48 h. On the 12th DIV, culture media were used for measurement of lactate dehydrogenase and cultured cells were subjected to immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase, neuronal nuclear antigen and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and fluorescence staining using H2DCFDA, JC-1 and DAPI stains. Moreover, roles of AMPA/KA and NMDA receptors in domoic acid neurotoxicity were also investigated.
RESULTS: Domoic acid significantly decreased the number of dopaminergic neurons, decreased the expression of neuronal nuclear antigen and slightly affected astrocyte populations, and increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the culture media. AMPA/KA receptor antagonist NBQX but not NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 significantly inhibited the neurotoxic effect of domoic acid on dopaminergic neurons. H2DCFDA, JC-1 and DAPI fluorescence staining, respectively, revealed that DomA slightly raised ROS production, and significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased apoptotic cell death of cultured cells.
CONCLUSION: The current study presents for the first time the neurotoxic effects of domoic acid on dopaminergic neurons and this effect appears to be attributed to activation of AMPA/KA receptors on dopaminergic neurons.

PMID: 29663739 [PubMed - in process]

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Expression of amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) in glioblastoma is associated with patient prognosis.

Expression of amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) in glioblastoma is associated with patient prognosis.

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):30-38

Authors: Chen Y, Wang H, Tan C, Yan Y, Shen J, Huang Q, Xu T, Lin J, Chen J

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression status of amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) and its clinical relevance in patients with glioblastoma. The publically available database Project Betastasis involving Repository for Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data (REMBRANDT) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was first utilized to analyze the expression and prognostic potential of APLP2 in glioblastoma. Compared with normal controls, the glioblastoma group from each dataset showed no significant difference of APLP2 expression (p > 0.05). However, when connected to glioblastoma patient's prognosis, a high APLP2 expression was found to be associated with short overall survival in REMBRANDT cases (p = 0.0323) but not the TCGA group (p = 0.0578). Consistently, APLP2 expression detected by immunohistochemistry in our cohort revealed an undifferentiated expression pattern between glioblastoma (n = 114) and normal brain (n = 16) (p = 0.265) and among all grade gliomas. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analyses identified a high APLP2 expression as an independent risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.537, p = 0.041) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.783, p = 0.037) of glioblastoma patients. In conclusion, the expression of APLP2 might correlate with tumor development and be a prognostic factor for patients with glioblastoma.

PMID: 29663738 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2vqeulQ

Visualization of synaptic vesicle dynamics with fluorescence proteins.

Visualization of synaptic vesicle dynamics with fluorescence proteins.

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):21-29

Authors: Li W, Geng C, Liu B

Abstract
Synaptic vesicle (SV) will be transported to the bouton along the axon, once it is formed in a cell body. After docking in the active zone, neurotransmitters will be released upon the stimulation, and then transmission of chemical signals will be initiated. Presently, many advanced technologies and burgeoning molecular sensors are being used to explore the synaptic transmission. These studies provide a new sight into the presynaptic structure and its function. The present review summarizes the application of fluorescent proteins (FPs) for SV tracking and recycling. Some FPs and relevant imaging technologies such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), are introduced here. In addition, some examples are also analyzed to visualize the dynamics of SVs in living cells with the help of some FPs.

PMID: 29663737 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2qKVJnI

Platelets, lymphocytes and erythrocytes from Alzheimer's disease patients: the quest for blood cell-based biomarkers.

Platelets, lymphocytes and erythrocytes from Alzheimer's disease patients: the quest for blood cell-based biomarkers.

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):14-20

Authors: Pluta R, Ułamek-Kozioł M, Januszewski S, Czuczwar SJ

Abstract
In elderly population, Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder and accounts for about 70% of all cases of dementia. The neurodegenerative processes of this disease start presumably 20 years ahead of the clinical beginning of the disorder. The postmortem histopathological examination, brains from Alzheimer's disease patients with characteristic features like amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal and synaptic disintegration confirm the final diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Senile plaques are composed of -amyloid peptide, deriving from the amyloid protein precursor, which is present not only in the brain tissue, but also in other non-neuronal tissues. Some investigations reported that platelets possess amyloid protein precursor and all the enzymatic activities required for the metabolism of this protein throughout the same pathways present in the brain. Thus, platelets may be a good peripheral blood cell-based biomarker to study the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Another line of research indicated molecular and cellular aberrations in blood lymphocytes and erythrocytes from Alzheimer's disease patients and emphasizes the systemic nature of the disease. In this review, we will summarize the recent knowledge on the involvement and/or response of platelets, lymphocytes and red blood cells in the circulation during Alzheimer's disease development. The facts will be reviewed with the special possibility for applying the above blood cells as Alzheimer's disease preclinical and antemortem blood cell-based biomarkers.

PMID: 29663736 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HJ1WbA

The quantitative analysis of neurodegenerative disease: classification, noda, constellations, and multivariate geometry.

The quantitative analysis of neurodegenerative disease: classification, noda, constellations, and multivariate geometry.

Folia Neuropathol. 2018;56(1):1-13

Authors: A Armstrong R

Abstract
A variety of methods are available for the quantitative description and analysis of neurodegenerative disease. If neurodegenerative disease exists as a series of distinct disorders, then classificatory methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and decision tree analysis (DTA) can be used to classify cases into groups more objectively. If neurodegenerative disease consists of overlapping phenotypes, then the Braun-Blanquet 'nodal' system and 'constellation diagrams' implicitly recognise intermediate cases and reveal their relationships to the main groupings. By contrast, if cases are more continuously distributed without easily distinguishable disease entities, then methods based on spatial geometry, such as a triangular system or principal components analysis (PCA), may be more appropriate as they display cases spatially according to their similarities and differences. This review compares the different methods and concludes that as a result of the heterogeneity and overlap commonly present plus the multiplicity of possible descriptive variables, methods such as PCA are likely to be particularly useful in the quantitative analysis of neurodegenerative disease. A more general application of such methods, however, has implications for studies of disease risk factors and pathogenesis and in clinical trials.

PMID: 29663735 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2EZdPHt

Oral Health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes of immediately or delayed loaded implants in the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws: a retrospective comparative study.

Oral Health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes of immediately or delayed loaded implants in the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws: a retrospective comparative study.

Minerva Stomatol. 2018 Apr 16;:

Authors: Cosola S, Marconcini S, Giammarinaro E, Poli GL, Covani U, Barone A

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patient-centred outcomes are being given great attention by the dental scientific community. The Oral Health Impact Profile -14 questionnaire (OHIP-14) has been introduced to address patients' success criteria when describing the impact of oral rehabilitations on quality of life (OHrQoL).
METHODS: Thirty-five patients wearing a full-arch implant-prosthesis being in place between 4 and 6 years before this analysis were considered eligible and then enrolled in the present retrospective study. According to their prosthetic anamnesis, two groups were defined: delayed loading group (IL-group) and immediate loading group (IL-group). At the moment of analysis, clinical and radiographic parameters were collected, and patients were asked to complete the Oral Health Impact Profile -14 questionnaire (OHIP-14) in order to measure their OHrQoL.
RESULTS: Independent t-test showed total OHIP-14 scores to be not significantly different between groups; however, the domains "Functional limitation" and "physical disability" resulted significantly higher in patients within the DL-group. On the contrary, social disability was higher in the IL-group. When the comparison was performed taking sex into account, no significant differences between groups were highlighted. Instead, the stratification for years of follow-up led to significant evidences. When the follow-up was shorter (less-than-5 years), the functional limitation reported scores were higher.
CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the analysis supports the absence of significant differences between immediate loading and delayed loading full-arch protocol in term of clinical, radiological parameters and OHrQoL.

PMID: 29660976 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2J9g8uf

A florid paranasal sinus reaction from a systemic disease

Publication date: Available online 19 April 2018
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): G. Barrett, N. Keates, E. Kyrodimou, H. Wilson

https://ift.tt/2HvVI1c

Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Clinical Immunology, Volume 191

https://ift.tt/2JVh6LA

Caffeine inhibits STAT1 signaling and downregulates inflammatory pathways involved in autoimmunity

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2018
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Merve Iris, Pei-Suen Tsou, Amr H. Sawalha
Caffeine is a widely consumed pharmacologically active product. We focused on characterizing immunomodulatory effects of caffeine on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Caffeine at high doses showed a robust downregulatory effect on cytokine activity and genes related to several autoimmune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Dose-dependent validation experiments showed downregulation at the mRNA levels of key inflammatory genes including STAT1, TNF, and PPARG. TNF and PPARG were suppressed even with the lowest caffeine dose tested, which corresponds to the serum concentration of caffeine after administration of one cup of coffee. Cytokine levels of IL-8, MIP-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, GM-CSF, TNF, IL-2, IL-4, MCP-1, and IL-10 were decreased significantly with caffeine treatment. Upstream regulator analysis suggests that caffeine inhibits STAT1 signaling, which was confirmed by showing reduced phosphorylated STAT1 after caffeine treatment. Further studies exploring disease-modulating potential of caffeine in autoimmune diseases and further exploring the mechanisms involved are warranted.

https://ift.tt/2JZq2zM

Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Clinical Immunology, Volume 191

https://ift.tt/2JVh6LA

Caffeine inhibits STAT1 signaling and downregulates inflammatory pathways involved in autoimmunity

Recasting Human Vδ1 Lymphocytes in an Adaptive Role

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2018
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Martin S. Davey, Carrie R. Willcox, Alfie T. Baker, Stuart Hunter, Benjamin E. Willcox
γδ T cells are unconventional lymphocytes commonly described as 'innate-like' in function, which can respond in both a T cell receptor (TCR)-independent and also major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted TCR-dependent manner. While the relative importance of TCR recognition had remained unclear, recent studies revealed that human Vδ1 T cells display unexpected parallels with adaptive αβ T cells. Vδ1 T cells undergo profound and highly focussed clonal expansion from an initially diverse and private TCR repertoire, most likely in response to specific immune challenges. Concomitantly, they differentiate from a Vδ1 T cell naïve (Tnaïve) to a Vδ1 T cell effector (Teffector) phenotype, marked by the downregulation of lymphoid homing receptors and upregulation of peripheral homing receptors and effector markers. This suggests that an adaptive paradigm applies to Vδ1 T cells, likely involving TCR-dependent but MHC-unrestricted responses to microbial and non-microbial challenges.

https://ift.tt/2Ha2dTX

Treatment of endo-periodontal lesion using leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin. A case report.

Treatment of endo-periodontal lesion using leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin. A case report.

Colomb Med (Cali). 2017 Dec 30;48(4):204-207

Authors: Betancourt P, Elgueta R, Fuentes R

Abstract
Case Description: The main objective of this paper was to report the clinical effectiveness of leukocyte- platelet- rich fibrin (L-PRF) in the treatment of a combined endo-periodontal lesion of an upper first premolar.
Clinical Findings: The tooth had a profound abfraction on the vestibular aspect and presented no mobility but revealed a deep pocket measuring of 11 mm on the mesial vestibular aspect and 14 mm on the mesial palatine aspect. The three dimensional image analysis showed total bone loss in the mesial aspect and an extensively bone loss of the vestibular aspect of the vestibular root.
Treatment and Outcome: Endodontic treatment was performed and periodontal access surgery (surgical periodontal therapy) was done with the application of autologous L-PRF. Three month and 6 months after surgery, the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams showed no bone regeneration in any aspect of the tooth. However, periodontal examination showed a significative improvement in the deepness of surcus. The mesial vestibular aspect had a deep pocket of 3 mm and 5 mm on the mesial palatine aspect showing a reduction in deepness of 8 mm and 9 mm, respectively.
Clinical Relevance: The actual treatment for teeth with bad prognosis is the extraction and replacement with implants. Even though implants are capable of restore function and aesthetic, the abuse of this approach have led to the loss of teeth that could be successfully treated with a less invasive technique. The prognosis of teeth with endoperiodontal lesion is poor but could be enhanced with regenerative therapies. Until now there are no clinical trials and just four case report about the treatment of these teeth with platelet rich fibrin.

PMID: 29662262 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2JWV6zT

Prediabetes in Colombia: Expert Consensus.

Prediabetes in Colombia: Expert Consensus.

Colomb Med (Cali). 2017 Dec 30;48(4):191-203

Authors: López-Jaramillo P, Calderón C, Castillo J, Escobar ID, Melgarejo E, Parra GA

Abstract
The prevalence of Prediabetes in Colombia is high, and despite being recognized and categorized in the main Medical Guidelines and included in the International Classification of Diseases in Colombia, knowledge and awareness of it is limited amongst healthcare professionals and in the community. Our expert group recommends that educational programs emphasize a global approach to risk which includes a recognition of the importance of prediabetes and its evaluation along with and other risk factors such as a family history of DM2, overweight and obesity, dislipidemia and hypertension. Studies conducted in Colombia demonstrate the value of the FINDRIS questionnaire as a tool to identify subjects at risk of prediabetes and DM2, and we recommend that it should be systematic applied throughout the country as part of government policy. Prediabetes progresses to DM2 at an annual rate of 10%, but it has also been shown that prediabetes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. On this basis, the Committee recommends that once prediabetes is detected and diagnosed, immediate management of the disease begins through lifestyle changes, with follow up assessments performed at 3 and 6 months. If the patient does not respond with a weight loss of at least 5% and if the HbA1C values are not normalized, pharmacological management should be initiated with a metformin dose of 500 mg / day, increasing up to 1,500 - 1,700 mg / day, according to tolerance.

PMID: 29662261 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HgjP0E

Characterization of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter ssp. strains isolated from medical intensive care units in Cali - Colombia.

Characterization of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter ssp. strains isolated from medical intensive care units in Cali - Colombia.

Colomb Med (Cali). 2017 Dec 30;48(4):183-190

Authors: Gómez RF, Castillo A, Chávez-Vivas M

Abstract
Introduction: The extensive use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multi-resistant strains in some species of the genus Acinetobacter.
Objective: To investigate the molecular characteristics of multidrug-resistant of Acinetobacter ssp. strains isolated from 52 patients collected between March 2009 and July 2010 in medical intensive care units in Cali - Colombia.
Methods: The susceptibility to various classes of antibiotics was determined by disc diffusion method, and the determination of the genomic species was carried out using amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and by sequencing of the 16s rDNA gene. Also, the genes of beta-lactamases as well as, integrases IntI1 and IntI2 were analyzed by PCR method.
Results: The phenotypic identification showed that the isolates belong mainly to A. calcoaceticus- A. baumannii complex. All of them were multi-resistant to almost the whole antibiotics except to tigecycline and sulperazon, and they were grouped into five (I to V) different antibiotypes, being the antibiotype I the most common (50.0%). The percent of beta-lactamases detected was: blaTEM (17.3%), blaCTX-M (9.6%), blaVIM (21.2%), blaIMP (7.7%), blaOXA-58 (21.2%), and blaOXA-51 (21.2%). The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the isolates were clustering to A. baumannii (74.1%), A. nosocomialis (11.1%) and A. calcoaceticus (7.4 %). Besides, the integron class 1 and class 2 were detected in 23.1% and 17.3% respectively.
Conclusion: The isolates were identified to species A. baumanii mainly, and they were multiresistant. The resistance to beta-lactams may be by for presence of beta-lactamases in the majority of the isolates.

PMID: 29662260 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2JWAKH9

Psychometric validation of the Columbia-Suicide Severity rating scale in Spanish-speaking adolescents.

Psychometric validation of the Columbia-Suicide Severity rating scale in Spanish-speaking adolescents.

Colomb Med (Cali). 2017 Dec 30;48(4):174-182

Authors: Serrani Azcurra D

Abstract
Introduction: Adolescent suicide is a major public health issue, and early and accurate detection is of great concern. There are many reliable instruments for this purpose, such as the Columbia-Suicide severity rating scale (C-SSRS), but no validation exists for Spanish speaking Latin American adolescents.
Objetive: To assess psychometric properties and cut-off scores of the C-SSRS in Spanish speaking adolescents.
Methods: Exploratory assessment with principal component analysis (PCA) and Varimax rotation, and confirmatory analysis (CFA) were performed on two groups with 782 and 834 participants respectively (N=1616). Mean age was 24.8 years. A Receiver operator analysis was applied to distinguish between control and suicide-risk subgroups adolescents.
Results: Promax rotation yielded two 10-items factors, for suicide ideation and behavior respectively. C-SSRS was positively correlated with other suicide risk scales, such as Beck Depression Inventory-II, Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, or PHQ-9. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a two-factor solution as the best goodness of fit model. C-SSRS showed adequate ability to detect suicide risk group with positive predictive value of 68.3%. ROC analyses showed cutoff scores of ≥ 6 and ≥ 4 for suicide ideation and behavior scales respectively.
Conclusion: This research offers data supporting psychometric validity and reliability of C-SSRS in nonclinical Spanish-speaking students. Added benefits are flexible scoring and management easiness. This questionnaire yields data on distinct aspects of suicidality, being more parsimonious than separate administration of a bunch of questionnaires.

PMID: 29662259 [PubMed - in process]

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Frequency of common polymorphisms in Caveolin 1 ( CAV1 ) gene in adults with high serum triglycerides from Colombian Caribbean Coast.

Frequency of common polymorphisms in Caveolin 1 ( CAV1 ) gene in adults with high serum triglycerides from Colombian Caribbean Coast.

Colomb Med (Cali). 2017 Dec 30;48(4):167-173

Authors: Mora-Garcia GJ, Ruiz-Diaz MS, Gomez-Camargo DE, Gomez-Alegria CJ

Abstract
Background: Caveolin 1 gene (CAV1) has been associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and hypertension in humans. Also, it has been related to high serum triglycerides in rodents, however there is little evidence of this relation in humans.
Aim: To describe frequencies of common variations in CAV1 in adults with high serum triglycerides.
Methods: A case-control study was carried out with adults from Colombian Caribbean Coast. A whole blood sample was employed to measure serum concentrations of triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol and HDLc. Six common Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in CAV1 were genotyped (rs926198, rs3779512, rs10270569, rs11773845, rs7804372 and rs1049337). Allelic and genotypic frequencies were determined by direct count and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) was assessed. Case and control groups were compared with null-hypothesis tests.
Results: A total of 220 cases and 220 controls were included. For rs3779512 an excess in homozygotes frequency was found within case group (40.4% (GG), 41.3% (GT) and 18.1% (TT); Fis=0.13, p=0.03). Another homozygotes excess among case group was found in rs7804372 (59.5% (TT), 32.3% (TA) and 8.2% (AA); Fis= 0.12, p= 0.04). In rs1049337, cases also showed an excess in homozygotes frequency (52.7% (CC), 35.0% (CT) and 12.3% (TT); Fis= 0.16, p= 0.01). Finally, for rs1049337 there were differences in genotype distribution between case and control groups (p <0.05).
Conclusion: An increased frequency of homozygote genotypes was found in subjects with high serum triglycerides. These findings suggest that minor alleles for SNPs rs3779512, rs7804372 and rs1049337 might be associated to higher risk of hypertriglyceridemia.

PMID: 29662258 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2JWAJmz

17-hydroxiprogesterone values in healthy preterm infants.

17-hydroxiprogesterone values in healthy preterm infants.

Colomb Med (Cali). 2017 Dec 30;48(4):161-166

Authors: Mendoza-Rojas VC, Díaz-Martínez LA, Mantilla-Mora G, Contreras-García GA, Mora-Bautista VM, Martínez-Paredes JF, Calderón-Rojas AL, Gómez-Tarazona CA, Pinzón-Mantilla K

Abstract
Introduction: In preterm newborn, problems with the interpretation of 17-OHP may occur.
Objective: Evaluate 17-OHP values in healthy preterm newborns until they reach the corrected gestational age.
Methods: Longitudinal study of 36 preterm infants with 17-OHP evaluation using ELISA from heel blood from 3 to 5 days and thereafter every 2 weeks until the corrected gestational age. Values adjusting multiple variables such as gestational age, birth weight and sex, among others were compared. The results were analyzed against 82 healthy full-term infants.
Results: In the first week of life, early term infants born within less than 34 months of gestational age show 17-OHP values that are much higher than the full term neonates. After a week, the values decrease and stabilize, but are still higher than those of full term neonates and remain so even at the corrected gestational age. (average difference of 63.0%, CI 95%: 11.8%-115.5%). 33.6% (41 samples) of a total of 122 samples taken from preterm infants were higher than 30 ng/mL.
Conclusions: 17-OHP values in early term infants are higher than those in full term neonates and can be related to postnatal adaptive processes. It is suggested that a second screening at the 37th week of corrected age be performed.

PMID: 29662257 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2J7EQuG

Analysis of combat casualties admitted to the emergency department during the negotiation of the comprehensive Colombian process of peace.

Analysis of combat casualties admitted to the emergency department during the negotiation of the comprehensive Colombian process of peace.

Colomb Med (Cali). 2017 Dec 30;48(4):155-160

Authors: Ordoñez CA, Manzano Nunez R, Parra MW, Herrera JP, Naranjo MP, Escobar SS, Badiel M, Morales M, Cevallos C, Bayona JG, Sanchez AI, Puyana JC, García AF

Abstract
Aim: Our objective was to describe the variations in casualties admitted to the emergency department during the period of the negotiation of the comprehensive peace agreement in Colombia between 2011 and 2016.
Methods: A retrospective study of all hostile military casualties managed at a regional Level I trauma center from January 2011 to December 2016. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups: those seen before the declaration of the process of peace truce (November 2012) and those after (negotiation period). Variables were compared with respect to periods.
Results: A total of 448 hostile casualties were registered. There was a gradual decline in the number of admissions to the emergency department during the negotiation period. The number of soldiers suffering blast and rifle injuries also decreased over this period. In 2012 there were nearly 150 hostile casualties' admissions to the ER. This number decreased to 84, 63, 32 and 6 in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. Both, the proportion of patients with an ISS ≥9 and admitted to the intensive care unit were significantly higher in the period before peace negotiation. From August to December/2016 no admissions of war casualties were registered.
Conclusion: We describe a series of soldiers wounded in combat that were admitted to the emergency department before and during the negotiation of the Colombian process of peace. Overall, we found a trend toward a decrease in the number of casualties admitted to the emergency department possibly in part, as a result of the period of peace negotiation.

PMID: 29662256 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2JXG11k

The uncertainty of colombian scientific journals with Publindex.

The uncertainty of colombian scientific journals with Publindex.

Colomb Med (Cali). 2017 Dec 30;48(4):152-154

Authors: Palacios M

PMID: 29662255 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2Hgjf2Y

Laryngo-Rhino-Otologie 2018; S 02 Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Congress

Laryngo-Rhino-Otologie 2018; S 02

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Congress

https://ift.tt/2HJJH5X

A Case of Septicemia due to Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia Occurring in Induction Chemotherapy

In nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), mesenteric ischemia and intestinal necrosis occur despite the absence of organic blockage in mesenteric blood vessels. As abdominal pain is often absent and few characteristic findings are seen in blood biochemistry, imaging diagnosis or other examinations, discovery is often delayed. With a mortality rate of 56–79%, NOMI is a very serious disease. However, few reports have described this pathology in association with chemotherapy regimens such as those used for malignant head and neck tumors. We encountered a case of NOMI during induction therapy combining cisplatin, docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil. The patient was a 74-year-old man receiving chemotherapy for T2N2bM0 stage IVA oropharyngeal carcinoma. Febrile neutropenia appeared on treatment day 8. An antibacterial agent and a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor were administered, but septic shock developed and he was transferred to the intensive care unit. Abdominal distension was present and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen suggested NOMI. Emergency surgery on day 9 resected the necrotized small intestine and created a single-hole ileostomy. The patient subsequently recovered with 2 weeks of continuous hemodiafiltration and other intensive therapies. Otolaryngological surgeons seldom encounter intestinal diseases, which are thus easily overlooked. The present case report may help in achieving early diagnosis.

https://ift.tt/2HKPYyb

Oral Health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes of immediately or delayed loaded implants in the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws: a retrospective comparative study.

Oral Health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes of immediately or delayed loaded implants in the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws: a retrospective comparative study.

Minerva Stomatol. 2018 Apr 16;:

Authors: Cosola S, Marconcini S, Giammarinaro E, Poli GL, Covani U, Barone A

PMID: 29660976 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2J9g8uf

Studies on the effects of storage stability of bio-oil obtained from pyrolysis of Calophyllum inophyllum deoiled seed cake on the performance and emission characteristics of a direct-injection diesel engine

Abstract

The highly unbalanced nature of bio-oil composition poses a serious threat in terms of storage and utilization of bio-oil as a viable fuel in engines. So it becomes inevitable to study the variations in physicochemical properties of the bio-oil during storage to value its chemical instability, for designing stabilization methodologies. The present study aims to investigate the effects of storage stability of bio-oil extracted from pyrolyzing Calophyllum inophyllum (CI) deoiled seed cake on the engine operating characteristics. The bio-oil is produced in a fixed bed reactor at 500 °C under the constant heating rate of 30 °C/min. All the stability analysis methods involve an accelerated aging procedure based on standards established by ASTM (D5304 and E2009) and European standard (EN 14112). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to analytically characterize the unaged and aged bio-oil samples. The results clearly depict that stabilizing Calophyllum inophyllum bio-oil with 10% (w/w) methanol improved its stability than that of the unstabilized sample thereby reducing the aging rate of bio-oil to 0.04 and 0.13 cst/h for thermal and oxidative aging respectively. Engine testing of the bio-oil sample revealed that aged bio-oil samples deteriorated engine performance and increased emission levels at the exhaust. The oxidatively aged sample showed the lowest BTE (24.41%), the highest BSEC (20.14 MJ/kWh), CO (1.51%), HC (132 ppm), NOx (1098 ppm) and smoke opacity (34.8%).

https://ift.tt/2vqojAf

Calcified Triticeous Cartilage Detected on Digital Panoramic Radiographs in a Sample of Lebanese Population

Georges Aoun, Ibrahim Nasseh

Journal of Clinical Imaging Science 2018 8(1):16-16

Objective: Triticeous cartilage is a small ovoid structure belonging to the laryngeal skeleton. When calcified, it becomes visible on panoramic radiographs and be mistaken for a carotid artery calcification (CAC) associated with cerebrovascular accidents. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of calcified triticeous cartilage (CTC) detected by means of digital panoramic radiographs in a sample of Lebanese population. Materials and Methods: Digital panoramic radiographs of 500 Lebanese adult patients (281 females and 219 males) with a mean age of 47.9 years were included in this study and examined for CTC. The IBM® SPSS® for Windows version 20.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) was used to carry out statistical analysis of the data collected. Results: Nearly 10.6% (53 out of 500) of the radiographs examined presented CTC. Of all the calcifications, 11 were on the right side, 5 on the left side, and 37 were bilateral. The cases detected belonged to 31 females and 22 males with an average age of 55.6 years (ranging from 24 to 85 years). Chi-square test did not show any statistical connection between gender and CTC, while Spearman's correlation analysis showed low positive correlation with age (r = 0.146). Conclusion: CTC can be detected on panoramic radiographs taken in daily dental practice; its identification is essential to avoid misdiagnosis with other calcifications in the neck region closely related to life-threatening risks such as CAC.

https://ift.tt/2HcceUV

Herniation of Packing Material into a Bronchopleural Fistula after Right Pneumonectomy and Clagett Window

Iclal Ocak, Gideon Bollino, Diane Strollo

Journal of Clinical Imaging Science 2018 8(1):17-17

Diagnosis of a bronchopleural fistula (BPF) can be challenging in patients after pneumonectomy and Clagett window. Herein, we present a case of pneumonectomy for advanced lung cancer complicated by a BPF. Herniation of packing material from the open-chest cavity into the fistula and airways on computed tomography was an important clue to making the diagnosis.

https://ift.tt/2qK8ui3

Renal Granulomatosis Post Intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guerin Therapy for Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

Karen Tran-Harding, Rashmi T Nair, Halemane Ganesh

Journal of Clinical Imaging Science 2018 8(1):18-18

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy is a proven, effective treatment for intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Minor side effects are common and expected but systemic effects can occur in <5% of treated patients. We present a rare case of a 49-year-old male that presented with fever and chills after 3 weeks of intravesical BCG therapy post transurethral resection of bladder tumor. New renal lesions were present on contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan which was histologically proven to be necrotizing renal granulomatosis.

https://ift.tt/2HapnO1

Open-Fit Domes and Children with Bilateral High-Frequency Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Benefits and Outcomes.

Open-Fit Domes and Children with Bilateral High-Frequency Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Benefits and Outcomes.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Apr;29(4):348-356

Authors: Johnstone PM, Yeager KR, Pomeroy ML, Hawk N

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Open-fit domes (OFDs) coupled with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids were designed for adult listeners with moderate-to-severe bilateral high-frequency hearing loss (BHFL) with little to no concurrent loss in the lower frequencies. Adult research shows that BHFL degrades sound localization accuracy (SLA) and that BTE hearing aids with conventional earmolds (CEs) make matters worse. In contrast, research has shown that OFDs enhance spatial hearing percepts in adults with BHFL. Although the benefits of OFDs have been studied in adults with BHFL, no published studies to date have investigated the use of OFDs in children with the same hearing loss configuration. This study seeks to use SLA measurements to assess efficacy of bilateral OFDs in children with BHFL.
PURPOSE: To measure SLA in children with BHFL to determine the extent to which hearing loss, age, duration of CE use, and OFDs affect localization accuracy.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A within-participant experimental design using repeated measures was used to determine the effect of OFDs on localization accuracy in children with BHFL. A between-participant experimental design was used to compare localization accuracy between children with BHFL and age-matched controls with normal hearing (NH).
STUDY SAMPLE: Eighteen children with BHFL who used CE and 18 age-matched NH controls. Children in both groups were divided into two age groups: older children (10-16 yr) and younger children (6-9 yr).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All testing was done in a sound-treated booth with a horizontal array of 15 loudspeakers (radius of 1 m). The stimulus was a spondee word, "baseball": the level averaged 60 dB SPL and randomly roved (±8 dB). Each child was asked to identify the location of a sound source. Localization error was calculated across the loudspeaker array for each listening condition.
RESULTS: A significant interaction was found between immediate benefit from OFD and duration of CE usage. Longer CE usage was associated with degraded localization accuracy using OFDs. Regardless of chronological age, children who had used CEs for <6 yr showed immediate localization benefit using OFDs, whereas children who had used CEs for >6 yr showed immediate localization interference using OFDs. Development, however, may play a role in SLA in children with BHFL. When unaided, older children had significantly better localization acuity than younger children with BHFL. When compared to age-matched controls, children with BHFL of all ages showed greater localization error. Nearly all (94% [17/18]) children with BHFL spontaneously reported immediate own-voice improvement when using OFDs.
CONCLUSIONS: OFDs can provide sound localization benefit to younger children with BHFL. However, immediate benefit from OFDs is reduced by prolonged use of CEs. Although developmental factors may play a role in improving localization abilities over time, children with BHFL will rarely equal that of peers without early use of minimally disruptive hearing aid technology. Also, the occlusion effect likely impacts children far more than currently thought.

PMID: 29664727 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HJYkX4

Measurement of the Electrically Evoked Stapedial Reflex Response with Wideband Acoustic Reflectance Measurement.

Measurement of the Electrically Evoked Stapedial Reflex Response with Wideband Acoustic Reflectance Measurement.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Apr;29(4):337-347

Authors: Wolfe J, Gifford R, Schafer E

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The electrically evoked stapedial reflex threshold (ESRT) has been shown to be a good predictor of upper stimulation level for cochlear implant recipients. Previous research has shown that the ESRT may be recorded at lower stimulation levels and with a higher incidence of success with the use of higher frequency probe tones (e.g., 678 and 1000 Hz) relative to the use of the conventional 226-Hz probe tone. Research has also shown that the acoustic reflex may be recorded at lower stimulus levels with the use of wideband reflectance when compared to the acoustic reflex threshold recorded with a conventional acoustic immittance measurement.
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the ESRT recorded with acoustic immittance and wideband reflectance measurements.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A repeated measures design was used to evaluate potential differences in ESRTs with stimulation at an apical, middle, and basal electrode contact with the use of two different techniques, acoustic immittance measurement and wideband reflectance.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twelve users of Cochlear Nucleus cochlear implants were included in the study.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Participants' ESRTs were evaluated in response to simulation at three different electrode contact sites (i.e., an apical, middle, and basal electrode contact) with the use of two different middle ear measurement techniques, acoustic immittance with the use of a 226-Hz probe tone and wideband reflectance with the use of a chirp stimulus.
RESULTS: The mean ESRT recorded with wideband reflectance measurement was significantly lower when compared to the ESRT recorded with acoustic immittance. For one participant, the ESRT was not recorded with acoustic immittance before reaching the participant's loudness discomfort threshold, but it was successfully recorded with the use of wideband reflectance.
CONCLUSIONS: The ESRT may potentially be recorded at lower presentation levels with the use of wideband reflectance measures relative to the use of acoustic immittance with a 226-Hz probe tone. This may allow for the ESRT to be obtained at levels that are more comfortable for the cochlear implant recipient, which may also allow for a higher incidence in the successful recording of the ESRT.

PMID: 29664726 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HIkZ61

Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Adoption and Use: A Qualitative Study.

Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Adoption and Use: A Qualitative Study.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Apr;29(4):300-312

Authors: Gallagher NE, Woodside JV

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite a high prevalence of age-related hearing loss in older people, there is an unexplained low level of hearing aid adoption and use. Further research is required to determine the reason because hearing aids can vastly improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with hearing aid adoption and use, and to determine whether these differed between groups with different hearing aid use behaviors.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Individual face-to-face semistructured interviews.
STUDY SAMPLE: Three groups of older people with hearing loss in Northern Ireland were recruited: (1) regular hearing aid users (n = 12), (2) irregular hearing aid users (n = 10), and (3) hearing aid nonowners (n = 10).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Qualitative thematic analysis, using principles of grounded theory, was used to code the data and extract emerging themes for each of the three groups to distinguish similarities and differences between the groups. One-way analysis of variance and χ² tests were used to determine the difference in continuous and categorical variables, respectively, between the three groups.
RESULTS: Similar themes emerged across the three groups: the complexity of low hearing aid use and attitudes to hearing loss/hearing aid use. A third theme, inadequacy of audiology services, was identified in both groups using hearing aids. Older age people having more severe hearing loss and longer duration of hearing aid ownership were associated with greater hearing aid adoption and use.
CONCLUSIONS: Similar themes emerged from qualitative analysis across groups of people with hearing loss. More information for those with hearing loss and those with hearing aids and scheduled follow-up appointments for those with hearing aids are essential to improve hearing aid adoption and use in older people. Further research should focus on the most suitable methods of distributing this information and how often follow-up appointments should take place to achieve optimal hearing aid adoption and use.

PMID: 29664724 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HbM7JB

Using a Digital Language Processor to Quantify the Auditory Environment and the Effect of Hearing Aids for Adults with Hearing Loss.

Using a Digital Language Processor to Quantify the Auditory Environment and the Effect of Hearing Aids for Adults with Hearing Loss.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Apr;29(4):279-291

Authors: Klein KE, Wu YH, Stangl E, Bentler RA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Auditory environments can influence the communication function of individuals with hearing loss and the effects of hearing aids. Therefore, a tool that can objectively characterize a patient's real-world auditory environments is needed.
PURPOSE: To use the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system to quantify the auditory environments of adults with hearing loss, to examine if the use of hearing aids changes a user's auditory environment, and to determine the association between LENA variables and self-report hearing aid outcome measures.
RESEARCH DESIGN: This study used a crossover design.
STUDY SAMPLE: Participants included 22 adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, age 64-82 yr.
INTERVENTION: Participants were fitted with bilateral behind-the-ear hearing aids from a major manufacturer.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The LENA system consists of a digital language processor (DLP) that is worn by an individual and records up to 16 hr of the individual's auditory environment. The recording is then automatically categorized according to time spent in different types of auditory environments (e.g., meaningful speech and TV/electronic sound) by the LENA algorithms. The LENA system also characterizes the user's auditory environment by providing the sound levels of different auditory categories. Participants in the present study wore a LENA DLP in an unaided condition and aided condition, which each lasted six to eight days. Participants wore bilateral hearing aids in the aided condition. Percentage of time spent in each auditory environment, as well as median levels of TV/electronic sounds and speech, were compared between subjects' unaided and aided conditions using paired sample t tests. LENA data were also compared to self-report measures of hearing disability and hearing aid benefit using Pearson correlations.
RESULTS: Overall, participants spent the greatest percentage of time in silence (∼40%), relative to other auditory environments. Participants spent ∼12% and 26% of their time in meaningful speech and TV/electronic sound environments, respectively. No significant differences were found between mean percentage of time spent in each auditory environment in the unaided and aided conditions. Median TV/electronic sound levels were on average 2.4 dB lower in the aided condition than in the unaided condition; speech levels were not significantly different between the two conditions. TV/electronic sound and speech levels did not significantly correlate with self-report data.
CONCLUSIONS: The LENA system can provide rich data to characterize the everyday auditory environments of older adults with hearing loss. Although TV/electronic sound level was significantly lower in the aided than unaided condition, the use of hearing aids seemed not to substantially change users' auditory environments. Because there is no significant association between objective LENA variables and self-report questionnaire outcomes, these two types of measures may assess different aspects of communication function. The feasibility of using LENA in clinical settings is discussed.

PMID: 29664722 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HH22R6

Effect of Adaptive Compression and Fast-Acting WDRC Strategies on Sentence Recognition in Noise in Mandarin-Speaking Pediatric Hearing Aid Users.

Effect of Adaptive Compression and Fast-Acting WDRC Strategies on Sentence Recognition in Noise in Mandarin-Speaking Pediatric Hearing Aid Users.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Apr;29(4):273-278

Authors: Liu H, Liu Y, Li Y, Jin X, Li J, Zhou Y, Ge W, Ni X

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) has been widely used in hearing aid technology. However, several reports indicate that WDRC may improve audibility at the expense of speech intelligibility. As such, a modified amplification compression scheme, named adaptive compression, was developed. However, the effect of compression strategies on speech perception in pediatric hearing aid users has not been clearly reported.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of adaptive compression and fast-acting WDRC processing strategies on sentence recognition in noise with Mandarin, pediatric hearing aid users.
RESEARCH DESIGN: This study was set up using a double-blind, within-subject, repeated-measures design.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-six children who spoke Mandarin Chinese as their primary language and had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss participated in the study.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Sentence recognition in noise was evaluated in behind-the-ear technology with both adaptive compression processing and fast-acting WDRC processing and was selected randomly for each child. Percent correct sentence recognition in noise with fast-acting WDRC and adaptive compression was collected from each participant. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the effect of gender, age at assessment, and hearing threshold of the better ear on signal-to-noise ratio, and a paired-samples t test was employed to compare the performance of the adaptive compression strategy and fast-acting WDRC processing.
RESULTS: The mean percentage correct of sentence recognition in noise with behind-the-ear technology with fast-acting WDRC and adaptive compression processing were 62.24% and 68.71%, respectively. The paired-samples t test showed that the performance of the adaptive compression strategy was significantly better than the fast-acting WDRC processing (t = 3.190, p = 0.004).
CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the fast-acting WDRC, adaptive compression provided better sentence recognition in noise for Mandarin pediatric hearing aid users.

PMID: 29664721 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2voVc0e

Functional Outcomes in Audiology: There is Room for Improvement.

Functional Outcomes in Audiology: There is Room for Improvement.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Apr;29(4):272

Authors: McCaslin DL

PMID: 29664720 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2Hu17pB

Electroconvulsive therapy for depression in a patient with an inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulator device for obstructive sleep apnea: A case report

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that affects 5–10% of the US adult population [1]. Affected patients report significant reduction in quality of life due to poor sleep quality, excessive daytime fatigue, and disruption of partner's sleep quality due to chronic snoring. In addition, moderate to severe OSA is highly associated with hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, vascular disease, and cardiac dysrhythmias [1], and is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality [2].

https://ift.tt/2qJ3avD

The fork in the road: A laryngeal filter airway foreign body

Upper aero-digestive tract foreign body management can be complicated and life threatening in both adult and pediatric populations. The variation seen with foreign bodies including shape, material, and duration of ingestion can impact clinical decision making and management. The objective of this report is to demonstrate a complicated case of upper airway obstruction by a plastic fork.

https://ift.tt/2Hbp7yt

Meat reintroduction in a patient with alpha-gal allergy

A 56-year-old woman presented to a drug allergy clinic for evaluation of a possible allergic reaction to acetaminophen. Two months before presentation the patient took 1000mg acetaminophen for pain relief and five hours later awoke with pruritic hives that resolved with diphenhydramine. Two weeks later, she took acetaminophen and developed pruritic hives four hours later, this time with vomiting, cramping, pruritic mouth, and sensation of throat closure. These symptoms resolved with diphenhydramine.

https://ift.tt/2Haq7Tn

Leaving the nest: improving food allergy management on college campuses

The transition from adolescence to young adulthood marks a developmental period where responsibility for management of chronic conditions such as food allergy shifts from the caregiver to the young adult. Fatal food-induced anaphylaxis is most common among adolescents and young adults. However, colleges are currently not well-positioned to provide integrated support for students with food allergies.

https://ift.tt/2HvZtnn

Rhinitis and Sinusitis in the Geriatric Population

Rhinitis and sinusitis are common medical conditions that affect the geriatric population and have a significant impact on their quality of life. Because few studies examine differences in the clinical management between the geriatric and general adult population, therapies should be based on current guidelines. Special considerations should be made when treating these patients in regards to multiple comorbidities and the potential for drug interactions from polypharmacy. Further research on the pathogenesis of sinusitis in the geriatric population may provide specific differences in the clinical management in this population.

https://ift.tt/2Hax9rp

Molecular genetic studies in a case series of isolated hypoaldosteronism due to biosynthesis defects or aldosterone resistance

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2EVR1Ix

Pneumolabyrinth, intracochlear and vestibular fluid loss after cochlear implantation

The present case was a 38-year-old male who presented with progressive hearing loss, resulting in profound bilateral hearing loss. He had a past history of childhood medulloblastoma, which was treated with posterior fossa craniotomy and radiotherapy. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was put in place to manage the hydrocephalus. Cochlear implantation (CI) was carried out on his right ear by a standard procedure. At CI activation, the electric impedance of the electrode was very high, and computed tomography revealed that there was no area of liquid density, suggesting depletion of the perilymph in the cochlea and vestibule.

https://ift.tt/2EZufj8

Low frequency of soya allergy in peanut‐allergic children: Relevance to allergen labelling on medicines

Allergy, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2JXysra

The role of sulfated steroids in reproduction

Publication date: May 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 179
Author(s): Joachim Geyer, Martin Bergmann, Stefan A Wudy

https://ift.tt/2vnvidi

Transport of steroid 3-sulfates and steroid 17-sulfates by the sodium-dependent organic anion transporter SOAT (SLC10A6)

Publication date: May 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 179
Author(s): Gary Grosser, Josefine Bennien, Alberto Sánchez-Guijo, Katharina Bakhaus, Barbara Döring, Michaela Hartmann, Stefan A. Wudy, Joachim Geyer
The sodium-dependent organic anion transporter SOAT/Soat shows highly specific transport activity for sulfated steroids. SOAT substrates identified so far include dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estrone-3-sulfate, pregnenolone sulfate, 17β-estradiol-3-sulfate, and androstenediol sulfate. Apart from these compounds, many other sulfated steroids occur in mammals. Therefore, we aimed to expand the substrate spectrum of SOAT and analyzed the SOAT-mediated transport of eight different sulfated steroids by combining in vitro transport experiments in SOAT-transfected HEK293 cells with LC–MS/MS analytics of cell lysates. In addition, we aimed to better understand the structural requirements for SOAT substrates and so selected structural pairs varying only at specific positions: 3α/3β-sulfate, 17α/17β-sulfate, mono-sulfate/di-sulfate, and 17α-hydroxylation. We found significant and sodium-dependent SOAT-mediated transport of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate, 17β-estradiol-17-sulfate, androsterone sulfate, epiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone sulfate, epitestosterone sulfate, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone sulfate. However, 17β-estradiol-3,17-disulfate was not transported by SOAT.In conclusionSOAT substrates from the group of sulfated steroids are characterized by a planar and lipophilic steroid backbone in trans-trans-trans conformation of the rings and a negatively charged mono-sulfate group at positions 3′ or 17′ with flexibility for α- or β- orientation. Furthermore, 5α-reduction, 16α-hydroxylation, and 17α-hydroxylation are acceptable for SOAT substrate recognition, whereas addition of a second negatively charged sulfate group seems to abolish substrate binding to SOAT, and so 17β-estradiol-3,17-disulfate is not transported by SOAT.

https://ift.tt/2HMlaNq

Editorial Board

Publication date: May 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 179

https://ift.tt/2vqOCWN

The art of measuring steroids

Publication date: May 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 179
Author(s): S.A. Wudy, G. Schuler, A. Sánchez-Guijo, M.F. Hartmann
Steroids are small and highly important structural or signalling molecules in living organisms and their metabolism is complex. Due to the multiplicity of enzymes involved there are many different steroid related disorders. E.g., an individual enzyme defect is rather rare but can share various clinical symptoms and can thus be hardly diagnosed clinically. Therefore, reliable hormonal determination still presents the most reasonable initial diagnostic approach and helps to avoid uncritical and expensive attempts at molecular diagnostic testing. It also presents a backbone of monitoring these complex patients. In science, reliable hormone measurement is indispensable for the elucidation of new mechanisms of steroid hormone actions.Steroid analytics is highly challenging and should never be considered trivial. Most common methods for steroid determination comprise traditionally immunoassay, or more recently, mass spectrometry based methods. It is absolutely necessary that clinicians and scientists know the methods they are applying by heart. With the introduction of automated direct assays, a loss of quality could be observed over the last two decades in the field of steroid immunoassays.This review wants to meet the need for profound information and orientation in the field of steroid analysis. The pros and cons of the most important methods, such as immunoassays and mass spectrometry based methods will be discussed. The focus of the latter will lie on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) as well as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Selected analytical applications from our Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Research Group FOR 1369 "Sulfated Steroids in Reproduction" will illustrate the contents.In brief, immunoassays have for long presented the traditional technique for steroid analysis. They are easy to set up. Only one analyte can be measured per immunoassay. Specificity problems can arise and caution has to be exerted especially regarding direct assays lacking purification steps. Mass spectrometry based methods provide structural information on the analyte and thus higher specificity. In combination with chromatographic techniques, they permit the simultaneous determination of a multitude of analytes. Highest specificity can be obtained using GC–MS, a sophisticated but most powerful tool for characterizing steroid metabolomes. LC–MS is a true high throughput technique and highly suited for detecting complex steroids. GC–MS and LC–MS are not competing but complementary techniques.Since reliable steroid determination requires extremely high expertise in the field of analytics as well as steroid biochemistry, it is recommended that collaborations and networking with highly specialized centers of expertise are developed.

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Daidzein-rich isoflavone aglycones inhibit cell growth and inflammation in endometriosis

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): O. Takaoka, T. Mori, F. Ito, H. Okimura, H. Kataoka, Y. Tanaka, A. Koshiba, I. Kusuki, S. Shigehiro, T. Amami, J. Kitawaki
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, and isoflavones interact with estrogen receptors. The purposes of this study are to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of daidzein-rich isoflavone aglycones (DRIAs), dietary supplements, on cellular proliferation in endometriosis. Stromal cells isolated from ovarian endometrioma (OESCs) and normal endometrium (NESCs) were cultured with DRIAs, i.e., each of the DRIA components (daidzein, genistein, or glycitein), or isoflavone glycosides (IG; DRIA precursors). A mouse model of endometriosis was established by transplanting donor-mouse uterine fragments into recipient mice. Our results showed that DRIAs (0.2-20 μM) inhibited the proliferation of OESCs (P<0.05 for 0.2 μM; P<0.01 for 2 and 20 μM) but not of NESCs. However, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and IG did not inhibit their proliferation. DRIA-induced suppression was reversed by inhibition of the estrogen receptor (ER)β by an antagonist, PHTPP, or by ERβ siRNA (P<0.05), but not by MPP, an ERα antagonist. In OESCs, DRIAs led to reduced expression of IL-6, IL-8, COX-2, and aromatase, as well as reduced aromatase activity, serum glucocorticoid-regulated kinase levels, and PGE2 levels (P<0.05). Western blot and immunofluorescence assays revealed that DRIAs inhibited TNF-α-induced IκB phosphorylation and p65 uptake into the nuclei of OESCs. In the mouse model, a DRIA-containing feed significantly decreased the number, weight, and Ki-67 proliferative activity of endometriosis-like lesions compared to in mice fed with an IG-containing feed and the control feed (P<0.01). In conclusion, DRIAs inhibit cellular proliferation in endometriosis, thus representing a potential therapeutic option for the management of endometriosis.

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HMGA1a induces alternative splicing of estrogen receptor alpha in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Publication date: Available online 17 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Kenji Ohe, Shinsuke Miyajima, Tomoko Tanaka, Yuriko Hamaguchi, Yoshihiro Harada, Yuta Horita, Yuki Beppu, Fumiaki Ito, Takafumi Yamasaki, Hiroki Terai, Masayoshi Mori, Yusuke Murata, Makito Tanabe, Kenji Ashida, Munechika Enjoji, Toshihiko Yanase, Nobuhiro Harada, Toshiaki Utsumi, Akila Mayeda
The high-mobility group A protein 1a (HMGA1a) protein is known as an oncogene whose expression level in cancer tissue correlates with the malignant potential, and known as a component of senescence-related structures connecting it to tumor suppressor networks in fibroblasts. HMGA1 protein binds to DNA, but recent studies have shown it exerts novel functions through RNA-binding. Our previous studies have shown that sequence-specific RNA-binding of HMGA1a induces exon-skipping of Presenilin-2 exon 5 in sporadic Alzheimer disease. Here we show that HMGA1a induced exon-skipping of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) gene and increased ERα46 mRNA expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. An RNA-decoy of HMGA1a efficiently blocked this event and reduced ERα46 protein expression. Blockage of HMGA1a RNA-binding property consequently induced cell growth through reduced ERα46 expression in MCF-7 cells and increased sensitivity to tamoxifen in the tamoxifen-resistant cell line, MCF-7/TAMR1. Stable expression of an HMGA1a RNA-decoy in MCF-7 cells exhibited decreased ERα46 protein expression and increased estrogen-dependent tumor growth when these cells were implanted in nude mice. These results show HMGA1a is involved in alternative splicing of the ERα gene and related to estrogen-related growth as well as tamoxifen sensitivity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

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Analysis and validation of a new extended method for estimating plasma free cortisol including neutrophil elastase and competition from other steroids

Publication date: Available online 17 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Johanne Gudmand-Hoeyer, Johnny T. Ottesen
A non-linear mechanistic model for the distribution of cortisol in plasma on free and bound forms is proposed. The influence of progesterone, testosterone and neutrophil elastase on the cortisol distribution in the blood is investigated.The activity of neutrophil elastase is directly included in the model with the concentration of elastase and the kinetic constants describing the activity of elastase collected in one single input variable. The model is very sensitive towards this input variable and fits data excellently, when it is allowed to be subject specific.The analysis shows that steroids such as testosterone with low affinity for corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) do not significantly influence the concentration of free cortisol. Progesterone has a high affinity for CBG, but low plasma concentrations compared to cortisol. Contrary to expectations, progesterone is shown to impact the distribution of cortisol in plasma both under circumstances with high levels as seen in pregnancy and during the normal menstrual cycle of women.Comparing the predictions of our model with predictions made with the equilibrium models by [1], [2] and [3] shows that the models differ considerably not only in their predictions for free cortisol, but also for cortisol on bound forms; i.e. bound to albumin, intact CBG and elastase-cleaved CBG.Disregarding some of the smallest terms of the model equations a reduced version of the model in form of a fourth order polynomial equation is obtained. The reduced version of the model performs almost identically to the full version and serves as a new formula for calculating the plasma free cortisol concentration.

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an inflammatory, systemic, lifestyle endocrinopathy

Publication date: Available online 17 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Seema Patel
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, afflicting females of reproductive age. This syndrome leads to infertility, apart from a gamut of other metabolic co-morbidities such as insulin resistance, obesity, cardiovascular problems, including a litany of other health issues. PCOS is a polygenic, polyfactorial, systemic, inflammatory, dysregulated steroid state, autoimmune disease, manifesting largely due to lifestyle errors. The advent of biochemical tests and ultrasound scanning has enabled the detection of PCOS in the affected females. Subsequently, a huge amount of insight on PCOS has been garnered in recent times. Interventions like oral contraceptive pills, metformin, and hormone therapy have been developed to bypass or reverse the ill effects of PCOS. However, lifestyle correction to prevent aberrant immune activation and to minimize the exposure to inflammatory agents, appears to be the sustainable therapy of PCOS. This holistic review with multiple hypotheses might facilitate to devise better PCOS management approaches.

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Regulation and function of runt-related transcription factors (RUNX1 and RUNX2) in goat granulosa cells

Publication date: Available online 4 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Kexin Gao, Peijie Wang, Jiayin Peng, Junjun Xue, Kaiwen Chen, Yuxuan Song, Jiangang Wang, Guang Li, Xiaopeng An, Binyun Cao
Transcription factors, runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) and 2 (RUNX2), belong to the runt-related (RUNX) gene family and play critical roles in mammalian reproduction processes. However, the regulatory mechanisms of RUNX1 and RUNX2 expression or their functions in goat follicles remain largely unknown. Herein, RUNX1 and RUNX2 proteins were detected in the oocytes and granulosa cells of preantral and antral follicles, as well as corpus luteum by immunohistochemistry. Treatments with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or with the agonists and inhibitors of hCG-induced intracellular signaling pathways in granulosa cells in vitro, we found that hCG increased RUNX1 expression by activating PKC and PI3K signaling molecules, and increased RUNX2 expression by activating adenylate cyclase, PKC, and PI3K signaling molecules. We also demonstrated that miR-181b expression is dependent on the hCG-induced activation of PKC and PKA, and miR-222 expression is dependent on the hCG-induced activation of PI3K and PKC in cultured granulosa cells. Meanwhile, miR-181b and miR-222 suppressed RUNX1 and RUNX2 expression by targeting RUNX1 and RUNX2 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) with or without hCG, respectively. These results suggested that hCG-mediated miR-181b and miR-222 expression are important for the regulation of RUNX1 and RUNX2 expression levels in granulosa cells. To explore the specific functions of RUNX1 and RUNX2, we transfected RUNX1 and RUNX2 small interfering RNAs into primary cultured granulosa cells. Knockdown of RUNX1 and RUNX2 significantly decreased progesterone productions and the mRNA abundance of key steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, CYP11A1 and HSD3B) after hCG treatment. But only miR-222 increased estradiol secretion in goat granulosa cells. In addition, knockdown of RUNX1 and RUNX2 also promoted granulosa cell proliferation. The hormonally regulated expression of RUNX1 and RUNX2 in granulosa cells, their involvement in progesterone production, and promoted granulosa cell proliferation suggest important roles of RUNX1 and RUNX2 in follicular development and luteinization.

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Prevalence, clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of classical 11 β-hydroxylase deficiency (11BOHD) in Turkish population and novel mutations in CYP11B1 gene

Publication date: Available online 4 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Firdevs Baş, Güven Toksoy, Berrin Ergun-Longmire, Zehra Oya Uyguner, Zehra Yavaş Abalı, Şükran Poyrazoğlu, Volkan Karaman, Şahin Avcı, Umut Altunoğlu, Ruveyde Bundak, Birsen Karaman, Seher Başaran, Feyza Darendeliler
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11BOHD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder and the second most common form of CAH.AimTo investigate genotype-phenotype correlation and to evaluate clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with 11BOHD.MethodsA total of 28 patients (n = 14, 46,XX; n = 14, 46,XY) with classical 11BOHD from 25 unrelated families were included in this study. Screening of CYP11B1 is performed by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenic features of novel variants are investigated by the use of multiple in silico prediction tools and with family based co-segregation studies. Protein simulations were investigated for two novel coding region alterations.ResultsThe age at diagnosis ranged from 6 days to 12.5 years. Male patients received diagnose at older ages than female patients. The rate of consanguinity was high (71.4%). Five out of nine 46,XX patients were diagnosed late (age 2–8.7 years) and were assigned as male due to severe masculinization. Twenty one patients have reached adult height and sixteen were ultimately short due to delayed diagnosis. Two male patients had testicular microlithiasis and 5 (35.7%) patients had testicular adrenal rest tumor during follow up. Four patients (28.6%) had gynecomastia.Mutation analyses in 25 index patients revealed thirteen different mutations in CYP11B1 gene, 4 of which were novel (c.393 + 3A > G, c.428G > C, c.1398 + 2T > A, c.1449_1451delGGT). The most frequent mutations were c.896T > C with 32%, c.954G > A with 16% and c.1179_1180dupGA with 12% in frequency. There was not a good correlation between genotype and phenotype; phenotypic variability was observed among the patients with same mutation.ConclusionThis study presents the high allelic heterogeneity of CYP11B1 mutations in CAH patients from Turkey. Three dimensional protein simulations may provide additional support for the pathogenicity of the genetic alterations. Our results provide reliable information for genetic counseling, preventive and therapeutic strategies for the families.

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Feedstock composition influences vermicomposting performance of Dichogaster annae relative to Eudrilus eugeniae and Perionyx excavatus

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Carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio influences substrate combinations and earthworm performance in vermicomposting systems. To elucidate these factor effects, a comparative evaluation of species, C/N ratio combined with feed rate, was conducted on three local earthworm species: Perionyx excavatus, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Dichogaster annae. Earthworms were stocked at similar densities and fed shredded paper (SP), cattle manure (CM), and lawn clippings (LC) combined to form C/N ratios of 28, 36, and 53. Earthworms were fed at rates of 1, 1.25, and 2 g feed (dry wt.)/g worm/day for a period of 8 weeks. Percent vermiconversion, earthworm adult and juvenile biomass, and vermicast quality were measured. Vermicast production was significantly affected by the combination of C/N ratio and feed rate and varied among species. All treatment combinations resulted in > 70% conversion, except E. eugenaie fed at the medium rate. Vermiconversion increased for P. excavatus and D. annae with increasing C/N ratio but decreased with increasing the feed rate. Vermicast EC, pH, and C/N ratio was strongly affected by species, relative to other experimental factors. D. annae showed the greatest change in biomass, which peaked at the highest feed rate and lowest C/N ratio. Average adult biomass decreased for P. excavatus with increasing feed rate, while differences were nonsignificant for E. eugenaie and D. annae. Significant increases in average juvenile biomass were only evident for D. annae in response to increasing feed rates. Feed rate had a greater influence on earthworm population dynamics and vermicast quality compared to initial feedstock C/N ratio.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases related to outdoor PM 10 , O 3 , SO 2 , and NO 2 in a heavily polluted megacity of Iran

Abstract

This study was conducted to quantify, by an approach proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the daily hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) related to exposure to particulate matter (PM₁₀) and oxidants such as ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in a heavily polluted city in Iran. For the health impact assessment, in terms of COPD, the current published relative risk (RR) and baseline incidence (BI) values, suggested by the WHO, and the 1-h O₃ concentrations and daily PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂ concentrations were compiled. The results showed that 5.9, 4.1, 1.2, and 1.9% of the COPD daily hospitalizations in 2011 and 6.6, 1.9, 2.3, and 2.1% in 2012 were attributed to PM₁₀, O₃, SO₂, and NO₂ concentrations exceeding 10 μg/m³, respectively. This study indicates that air quality and the high air pollutant levels have an effect on COPD morbidity. Air pollution is associated with visits to emergency services and hospital admissions. A lower relative risk can be achieved if some stringent control strategies for reducing air pollutants or emission precursors are implemented.

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Interactions between tetrahydroisoindoline-1,3-dione derivatives and human serum albumin via multiple spectroscopy techniques

Abstract

Some tetrahydroisoindoline-1,3-dione derivatives (TDDs) possess potent herbicidal activity. To assess possible impacts of TDDs on humans, the interactions between TDDs and human serum albumin (HSA) were evaluated with steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The thermodynamic data obtained at temperatures of 298, 307, and 316 K indicate that TDDs spontaneously bind to HSA and thus form a TDD-HSA complex. The conformation and secondary structure of HSA are changed, and the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA is statically quenched by TDDs. Moreover, the TDD-HSA complex is formed primarily through electrostatic interactions and has only one binding site on HSA. A competitive ligand-binding assay revealed that site II (subdomain IIIA) displays the greatest affinity for TDDs. In addition, an acute toxicity bioassay showed no zebrafish mortality upon exposure to 4000 μg L⁻¹ of TDDs. This work is helpful for understanding interactions between TDDs and HSA.

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Polar pesticide contamination of an urban and peri-urban tropical watershed affected by agricultural activities (Yaoundé, Center Region, Cameroon)

Abstract

Urban agriculture is crucial to local populations, but the risk of it contaminating water has rarely been documented. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide contamination of surface waters from the Méfou watershed (Yaoundé, Cameroon) by 32 selected herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides (mainly polar) according to their local application, using both grab sampling and polar organic compounds integrative samplers (POCIS). Three sampling campaigns were conducted in the March/April and October/November 2015 and June/July 2016 rainy seasons in urban and peri-urban areas. The majority of the targeted compounds were detected. The quantification frequencies of eight pesticides were more than 20% with both POCIS and grab sampling, and that of diuron and atrazine reached 100%. Spatial differences in contamination were evidenced with higher contamination in urban than peri-urban rivers. In particular, diuron was identified as an urban contaminant of concern because its concentrations frequently exceeded the European water quality guideline of 0.200 μg/L in freshwater and may thus represent an ecological risk due to a risk quotient > 1 for algae observed in 94% of grab samples. This study raises concerns about the impacts of urban agriculture on the quality of water resources and to a larger extent on the health of the inhabitants of cities in developing countries.

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You Can't Fool the Children of the Revolution

Rejuvenation Research, Volume 21, Issue 2, Page 89-90, April 2018.

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Commentary on Some Recent Theses Relevant to Combating Aging: April 2018

Rejuvenation Research, Volume 21, Issue 2, Page 173-177, April 2018.

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Telomerase May Paradoxically Accelerate Aging of the DNA Methylome

Rejuvenation Research, Volume 21, Issue 2, Page 168-172, April 2018.

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The Next Generation of Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences Researchers: Breaking Through [Prepublication Draft].

Since the end of the Second World War, the United States has developed the world's preeminent system for biomedical research, one that has given rise to revolutionary medical advances as well as a dynamic and innovative business sector generating high-quality jobs and powering economic output and exports for the U.S. economy. However, there is a growing concern that the biomedical research enterprise is beset by several core challenges that undercut its vitality, promise, and productivity and that could diminish its critical role in the nation's health and innovation in the biomedical industry.

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! # Ola via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader

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Τετάρτη 18 Απριλίου 2018

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