Head and Neck Diseases by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 05/01/18

Τρίτη 1 Μαΐου 2018

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Pornography Purchase Task

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 84
Author(s): Kyler Mulhauser, Emily Miller Short, Jeremiah Weinstock
Excessive pornography use and hypersexuality are frequently evaluated via direct self-report of problem severity and negative consequences associated with these behaviors. These face-valid assessments may be less sensitive to problems of hypersexuality in persons with low insight into their condition or in persons with motivation to minimize the negative impact of their pornography use. Demand for addictive substances has been effectively evaluated through a behavioral economic framework using a hypothetical purchase task, in which respondents are asked to report their degree of engagement with the substance as the financial costs associated with use increase. The present study describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Pornography Purchase Task (PPT), a novel hypothetical purchase task for internet pornography use, in both a general population sample of adults (Study 1) and a clinical sample of men seeking hypersexuality treatment (Study 2). Overall, results showed good test-retest reliability of the PPT and the exponential-demand equation provided an excellent fit to responses on the PPT. The demand characteristic Intensity was most strongly related to concurrent indicators of hypersexuality and differentiated participants in Study 1. A similar pattern of results was observed in Study 2, with markedly stronger associations between most measures of demand for pornography and measures of hypersexuality for persons with recent use of pornography. Research and clinical implications of the PPT are discussed.

https://ift.tt/2KsMm57

Symptom control in chronic rhinosinusitis is an independent predictor of productivity loss

Publication date: Available online 1 May 2018
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): A.P. Campbell, L.P. Hoehle, K.M. Phillips, D.S. Caradonna, S.T. Gray, A.R. Sedaghat
AimsSinonasal symptoms cause significant productivity losses in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Patient-perceived CRS symptom control is a longitudinal measure of CRS symptomatology and is directly associated with general health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients with CRS. The aim of this study was to better understand the relationship between symptom control and productivity loss in CRS.Materials and methodsProspective cross-sectional cohort study of 200 patients with CRS. Patients categorized their CRS symptom control as "Not at all", "A little", "Somewhat", "Very", and "Completely". Lost productivity was assessed by determining the number of work and/or school days missed in the last 3 months due to CRS symptoms. Sinonasal symptom severity was measured using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22). Associations were sought between lost productivity and patient-perceived CRS symptom control.ObjectiveTo determine the association between patient-perceived longitudinal symptom control and productivity in patients with CRS.ResultsA total of 200 participants (48% male, 52% female), with a mean age of 52 years (Standard Deviation [SD]: 16) were enrolled. The mean SNOT-22 score of participants was 33.5 (SD: 22.4). Participants missed a mean of 3 days (SD: 10) of work or school due to CRS. CRS symptom control classified as "not at all" was associated with 11 days of lost productivity due to CRS on univariate analysis (β=11.16, 95% CI: 5.39–16.94, P<0.001) and 8 days of lost productivity on multivariate analysis (β=8.02, 95% CI: 1.92–14.13, P=0.011). None of the other categories of patient-reported CRS symptom control were associated with lost productivity due to CRS.ConclusionsPatient-perceived control of CRS symptoms, an important metric previously shown to be significantly associated with QOL in CRS patients, is independently associated with lost productivity. These results motivate longitudinal studies to determine if improvement of CRS symptom control may reduce losses in productivity.

https://ift.tt/2HGBVNs

Disordered eating behaviour in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background

The combination of eating disorders and diabetes is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of disordered eating behaviour (DEB) in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus to a sample of non-diabetic controls, and to examine the relationship of DEB to glycaemic control.

Methods

The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was administered to 51 individuals aged 18–30 years attending an outpatient diabetic clinic in a large university teaching hospital. Glycaemic control was assessed by the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). The control group comprised a consecutive sample of 236 male and female students aged 18–30 years attending a university primary health care service.

Results

The mean global EDE-Q score for the diabetes group was 0.82 ± 1.1 (mean ± SD) and the mean for the control group was 1.4 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD). The diabetes group was significantly more likely to have a lower global EDE-Q score compared to the control group. There was no association between the global EDE-Q score of the diabetes group and HbA1c level.

Conclusions

We did not find increased levels of disordered eating behavior (DEB) in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared to a non-diabetic control sample.

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Application of the alteration uptake ratio of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma patients.

Application of the alteration uptake ratio of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma patients.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Jan-Apr;21(1):55-59

Authors: Huang Z, Lou C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: We aimed to semi-quantitatively evaluate using technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) scintigraphy the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma (OS) patients.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A hundred and two patients with OS were retrospectively included in this study. All of them underwent 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Semi-quantitative parameters including the uptake ratio (UR) and alteration of uptake ratio (AUR) were calculated for each patient. According to tumor necrosis rate (TNR), patients were classified into three group: a) Poor response group (grade I, TNR: less than 50%), b) Partial response group (grade II, TNR: 50%-89%) and c) Good response group (grade III, TNR: greater than 90%). The linear regression analysis of the AUR versus TNR was carried out.
RESULTS: Poor response, partial response and good response were found in 30, 52 and 20 patients, respectively. In the poor-response group the URpre and URpost were 1.68±0.44 and 1.83±0.71, respectively and the AUR was -0.02±0.33. In the partial-response group the URpre and URpost were 2.42±1.42 and 1.59±0.71, respectively and the AUR was 0.28±0.18. In the good-response group the URpre and URpost were 2.58±0.61 and 1.21±0.16, respectively and the AUR was 0.46±0.10. There was a statistically significant difference of the AUR between poor-response and partial-response groups (P<0.01) and also between the poor-response and good-response groups (P<0.01). The linear regression analysis of the AUR versus TNR which showed a significantly positive correlation (r=0.76).
CONCLUSION: The AUR was significant after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the partial-response group and in the good-response group. Furthermore, it exhibited a positive correlation with TNR. All results indicated that 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy can be used to evaluate neoadjuvant chemotherapy for OS patients.

PMID: 29705817 [PubMed - in process]

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Brain perfusion defects by SPET/CT and neurostat semi-quantitative analysis in two patients with congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Brain perfusion defects by SPET/CT and neurostat semi-quantitative analysis in two patients with congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Jan-Apr;21(1):43-47

Authors: Frusciante V, Ferrari C, Totaro M, Valle G, Guida CC, Aucella F, Caputo P, Rubini G

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited disorder with chronic and relatively stable presentation. Till now brain blood flow derangements have been described only in acute hepatic porphyrias. We describe the first findings of brain perfusion defects, studied by single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPET/CT), in two patients affected by CEP, by using a semi-quantification anatomic-standardized voxel-based program compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two Pakistanis brothers were investigated for CEP confirmed by a genetic test. The disease was severe with: skin burning, mood depression and haemolytic anemia. Considering depression, patients underwent brain SPET/CT and MRI. Single photon emission tomography/CT images were processed by neurostat semi-quantitative software. Data obtained were compared to a normal database and z-score images were generated.
RESULTS: In both patients we found several perfusion defects evident in transaxial slices and in z-score images obtained by neurostat processing. Magnetic resonance imaging was negative in both patients. Biochemical mechanisms inducing localized brain hypoperfusion are uncertain. However, mismatch between SPET/CT data and MRI was probably due to absence of necrosis.
CONCLUSION: In our opinion, SPET/CT could have a key role in this setting of patients due to its high sensitivity and reliability in mild-to-moderate brain perfusion defects detection. Moreover, the quantitative analysis by using neurostat may allow to recognize even mild brain perfusion alterations, difficult to detect only visually.

PMID: 29705816 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HKDlm9

Application of the alteration uptake ratio of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma patients.

Application of the alteration uptake ratio of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma patients.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Jan-Apr;21(1):55-59

Authors: Huang Z, Lou C

PMID: 29705817 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2relMEy

Brain perfusion defects by SPET/CT and neurostat semi-quantitative analysis in two patients with congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Brain perfusion defects by SPET/CT and neurostat semi-quantitative analysis in two patients with congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Jan-Apr;21(1):43-47

Authors: Frusciante V, Ferrari C, Totaro M, Valle G, Guida CC, Aucella F, Caputo P, Rubini G

PMID: 29705816 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HKDlm9

Low-level laser irradiation induces a transcriptional myotube-like profile in C2C12 myoblasts

Abstract

Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) has been used as a non-invasive method to improve muscular regeneration capability. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LLLI exerts these effects remain largely unknown. Here, we described global gene expression profiling analysis in C2C12 myoblasts after LLLI that identified 514 differentially expressed genes (DEG). Gene ontology and pathway analysis of the DEG revealed transcripts among categories related to cell cycle, ribosome biogenesis, response to stress, cell migration, and cell proliferation. We further intersected the DEG in C2C12 myoblasts after LLLI with publicly available transcriptomes data from myogenic differentiation studies (myoblasts vs myotube) to identify transcripts with potential effects on myogenesis. This analysis revealed 42 DEG between myoblasts and myotube that intersect with altered genes in myoblasts after LLLI. Next, we performed a hierarchical cluster analysis with this set of shared transcripts that showed that LLLI myoblasts have a myotube-like profile, clustering away from the myoblast profile. The myotube-like transcriptional profile of LLLI myoblasts was further confirmed globally considering all the transcripts detected in C2C12 myoblasts after LLLI, by bi-dimensional clustering with myotubes transcriptional profiles, and by the comparison with 154 gene sets derived from previous published in vitro omics data. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that LLLI regulates a set of mRNAs that control myoblast proliferation and differentiation into myotubes. Importantly, this set of mRNAs revealed a myotube-like transcriptional profile in LLLI myoblasts and provide new insights to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of LLLI on skeletal muscle cells.

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Improving influenza vaccines: challenges to effective implementation

Fan Zhou | Mai-Chi Trieu | Richard Davies | Rebecca Jane Cox

https://ift.tt/2rdQb6b

Effects of fibroblast growth factors and the transcription factor, early growth response 1, on bovine theca cells

Publication date: Available online 1 May 2018
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Peng Han, Hilda Guerrero-Netro, Anthony Estienne, Christopher A. Price
The theca cell layer of the ovarian follicle secretes growth factors that impact the function of granulosa cells. One such factor is fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) that causes apoptosis of granulosa cells, however it is not known if FGF18 induces apoptosis also in theca cells. Addition of recombinant FGF18 to bovine theca cells in vitro inhibited steroidogenesis but, in contrast to previous data in granulosa cells, decreased the incidence of apoptosis. FGF18 activated typical FGF signaling pathways in theca cells, which was not previously observed in granulosa cells. The transcription factor Early Growth Response-1 (EGR1) was a target of FGF18 action; overexpression and knock-down experiments demonstrated that EGR1 is a major upstream component of FGF signaling in theca cells and that it directs cell fate toward proliferation. These data suggest that FGF18 is mitogenic for theca cells while being pro-apoptotic in granulosa cells.

Graphical abstract

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Endocytosis regulation by autophagy proteins in MHC restricted antigen presentation

Role of calcium permeable channels in dendritic cell migration

Pablo J Sáez | Juan C Sáez | Ana-María Lennon-Duménil | Pablo Vargas

https://ift.tt/2I1Y9ZA

Oromandibular dystonia screening questionnaire for differential diagnosis

Abstract

Objectives

Oromandibular dystonia, which is characterized by stereotypic, task-specific, or sustained contractions of masticatory and/or lingual muscles, is frequently misdiagnosed as temporomandibular disorders or psychogenic disease. Diagnostic delay in oromandibular dystonia is not acceptable; thus, a screening tool that can distinguish this condition from a temporomandibular disorder may be helpful for medical professionals unfamiliar with involuntary movements or temporomandibular disorders.

Materials and methods

A questionnaire that included questions on the clinical features of oromandibular dystonia, such as stereotypy, task-specificity, sensory tricks, and morning benefit, and included questions to rule out temporomandibular disorders (total point range 0–40) was administered to 553 patients suspected to have involuntary movements.

Results

Based on a careful examination and the differential diagnosis, the patients were divided into four groups: oromandibular dystonia (n = 385), oral dyskinesia (n = 84), psychogenic (functional) movement disorder (n = 50), and temporomandibular disorders (n = 34). The questionnaire had a high level of internal consistency as measured by the Cronbach's α (0.91), and item-total correlation was significant (p < 0.001). The test-retest reliability on two separate occasions showed a significant correlation (p < 0.001). Mean total scores of the questionnaire significantly differed among oromandibular dystonia (32.0), temporomandibular disorders (10.4; one-way analysis of variance, p < 0.001), oral dyskinesia (21.0; p < 0.001), and psychogenic (functional) movement disorder (13.7; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Findings of this study suggest that the present questionnaire is a simple diagnostic tool that is useful for tentative differentiation of oromandibular dystonia from temporomandibular disorders.

Clinical relevance

This screening tool can be used to distinguish oromandibular dystonia from temporomandibular disorders.

https://ift.tt/2KvcBYn

Microbial accumulation on different suture materials following oral surgery: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background

The aim of the study was to compare bacterial accumulation on different suture materials following oral surgery.

Methods

Patients scheduled for implant or periodontal surgery were included in the study. Upon flap closure, four different sutures were placed in a randomized sequence—silk, coated polyglactin, nylon, and polyester. Ten days following surgery, the sutures were removed and incubated in aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions for 7 days and colony-forming units (CFUs) were calculated. Association between bacterial accumulation and periodontal diagnosis, type of surgery, and antibiotic treatment were also tested.

Results

All sutures in all patients were found to contain bacteria. Overall, nylon sutures showed significantly lower CFU levels compared to silk, coated polyglactin, and polyester sutures. The type of surgery (implant vs. periodontal surgery) did not significantly influence bacterial accumulation. Also, periodontal diagnosis had little impact on CFU counts. Interestingly, post-surgical antibiotic treatment also had only a minor effect on bacterial accumulation on the various sutures.

Discussion

The results indicate that the monofilamentous nylon sutures showed less microbial accumulation than the other tested materials that were all braided. This effect may be due to material qualities as well as suture macrostructure. Type of surgery, periodontal diagnosis, and antibiotic consumption have little effect on bacterial accumulation of sutures.

Clinical relevance

The study provides the microbial profile of commonly used sutures and may assist in suture selection during clinical procedures.

https://ift.tt/2FymDVf

Biochemical and life cycle effects of triclosan chronic toxicity to earthworm Eisenia fetida

Abstract

The study aimed at determining the response of adult Eisenia fetida earthworms to chronic exposure to triclosan (TCS) (10–750 mg kg⁻¹) in soil. TCS life cycle toxicity was evaluated by the means of survival, growth rate, and reproduction assessment. Biochemical responses including changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Significant reduction in the earthworm survival was observed only if the exposure to TCS was longer than 4 weeks. TCS reduced the growth rate of E. fetida; the weight of the fastest growing control individuals exceeded that for the slowest growing by factor of 2.56. Reproduction was the most sensitive life cycle parameter and was affected at the very low levels of TCS in the soil. The results showed that chronic exposure to TCS levels in the soil induced a significant increase in the activity of antioxidative enzymes and MDA concentration. Present study revealed that an integrated approach combining biochemical and life cycle endpoints would provide a more comprehensive assessment of the ecological effects of chronic TCS exposure on earthworms.

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Prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid induces nerve growth factor expression in cerebral cortex cells of mouse offspring

Abstract

Previous studies have showed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) inducing cytotoxicity in an organ. In addition, epidemiological data show that high level of PFOA in cord blood of a pregnant woman is detected. Therefore, we extrapolate that circulating PFOA may affect organogenesis in offspring, such as the brain. In this study, intrauterine exposure to PFOA in mice was used to characterize the potential impacts of prenatal PFOA exposure on cerebral cortex cells of postnatal 21 (PND21) offspring. In an ex vivo cell model, PND21-based cortex cells were exposed to PFOA or/and nerve growth factor (NGF)-specific inhibitor before further biochemical assays. As results, biochemical data showed increased trends of liver metabolic enzymes in sera of PFOA-treated PND21 mice. Interestingly, PFOA-treated PND21 mice resulted in increased levels of NGF in sera and cortex cells. In addition, PFOA-exposed cerebral cortex cells induced NGF and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions, while exposure to PFOA/NGF-specific inhibitor downregulated expressions of NGF and PCNA. In addition, Nissl-labeled, NGF-positive cells, and NGF protein expression in cortex cells of PFOA-treated PND21 mice were upregulated, respectively. Further, immunoblotting assays showed that intracephalic poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proliferation-regulated protein levels were elevated in PFOA-treated cortex cells. Taken together, our current findings indicate that the prenatal PFOA exposure may induce proliferation of cerebral cortex cells in PND21 mice through promoting intracephalic NGF expression in the cortex.

https://ift.tt/2jmvsZC

Status, sources, and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils of Xi’an, China

Abstract

To identify status, source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban soils and to assess soil environmental quality in Xi'an City, China, total 45 soil samples were collected from surface layer (0–10 cm) in different functional areas. Total concentrations of 16 US EPA priority PAHs ranged from 149.9 to 5770 μg kg⁻¹, with a mean of 1246 μg kg⁻¹. High molecular weight (HMW) PAHs accounted for the majority (42.4–72.2%) of the total PAHs in the urban soils, and phenanthrene (Phe), fluorene (Flo), pyrene (Pyr), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), and chrysene (Chr) were the major compounds. Concentrations of PAHs varied among different functional areas. High level of PAHs was particularly apparent in industrial zones and city road overpass, while low level was recorded in scenic spots and campus. The integration of isomer ratios, principal component analysis (PCA), and positive matrix factor (PMF) indicated that the sources of PAHs in Xi'an urban soils were mainly derived from vehicle emissions and coal combustion. Based on incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) model, the urban soils from the three functional areas (industrial zone, urban road, and city road overpass) posed potential cancer risk, and the cancer risks of direct ingestion for children were apparently higher than that for adolescence and for adult, respectively. Therefore, attention should be paid to the health risk for children exposed to PAHs in the urban soils.

https://ift.tt/2HJbPFn

Effect of compost tea containing phosphogypsum on potato plant growth and protection against Fusarium solani infection

Abstract

Three composts made of industrial wastes were prepared by mixing olive oil mill waste water (OMW), olive pomace, coffee grounds, and phosphogypsum (0, 10, and 30%). Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) cultivated in a greenhouse were used to screen compost tea suppressive ability. All compost tea treatments inhibited Fusarium solani growth and improved plant growth and response to F. solani infection. The antagonistic effects of the different treatments were associated with a marked increase of the antioxidant enzymes and PR (pathogenesis related) protein expression and a decrease of disease severity. These results also showed that plant growth and disease suppression were improved by application of phosphogypsum-supplemented compost teas (A10 and A30). This enhancement can be attributed to the influence of phosphogypsum on nutrient elements and microbial diversity in the resulting compost teas.

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Exploiting polymer blending approach for fabrication of buccal chitosan-based composite sponges with augmented mucoadhesive characteristics

Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 120
Author(s): May S. Freag, Wedad M. Saleh, Ossama Y. Abdallah
In the course of application and modernization of buccal dosage forms, lyophilized sponges for transmucosal drug delivery symbolize one of the most attractive approaches. Chitosan (CS) has been extensively investigated as a forming material of different buccal dosage forms including sponges. However, CS-based buccal delivery systems suffer from many limitations like weak adhesion strength and poor tensile properties. So, for the first time, the current study focused on the polymer blending approach to enhance the mucoadhesive properties of buccal CS-based composite sponges. Composite sponges were prepared using lyophilization technique. Thorough in-vitro characterization of the proposed sponges was performed including mechanical strength determination, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR), surface pH, % moisture content, water uptake capacity, viscosity and % porosity assessments. Furthermore, the surface topology of selected sponges was viewed using scanning electron microscope. The mucoadhesive properties of sponges were tested both ex-vivo and in-vivo. Among all fabricated sponges, sponges fabricated of CS:HPMC (1:1) showed the best physicochemical characteristics suitable for buccal applications. Incorporation of HPMC into CS-sponges significantly enhanced the mucoadhesion time to 6 h, while CS-sponges lost contact after around 10 min. Preliminary stability study showed CS:HPMC sponges stored in low humidity conditions maintain their soft texture and mucoadhesive properties for one month.

Graphical abstract

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Verapamil and riluzole cocktail liposomes overcome pharmacoresistance by inhibiting P-glycoprotein in brain endothelial and astrocyte cells: A potent approach to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 120
Author(s): Tianzhi Yang, Laine Ferrill, Leanne Gallant, Sarah McGillicuddy, Tatiana Fernandes, Nicole Schields, Shuhua Bai
Riluzole is currently one of two approved medications for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, brain disposition of riluzole, as a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), is limited by the efflux transporters at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We propose to develop a liposomal co-delivery system that could effectively transport riluzole to brain cells by reducing efflux pumps with a P-gp inhibitor, verapamil. Riluzole and verapamil cocktail liposomes were prepared by lipid film hydration. The average particle size of cocktail liposomes was 194.3 ± 6.0 nm and their polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.272 ± 0.017. The encapsulation efficiencies of verapamil and riluzole in the cocktail liposomes were 86.0 ± 1.4% and 85.6 ± 1.1%, respectively. The drug release from cocktail liposomes after 8 h in PBS at 37 °C was 78.4 ± 6.2% of riluzole and 76.7 ± 3.8% of verapamil. The average particle size of liposomes did not show significant changes at 4 °C after three months. Verapamil cocktail liposomes inhibited P-gp levels measured by western blotting in dose and time-dependent manners in brain endothelial bEND.3 cells. Increased drug efflux transporters were detected in bEND.3 and astrocytes C8D1A cells, promoted by tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Restored accumulations of riluzole and fluorescent dye rhodamine 123 were observed in bEND.3 cells after treatments with cocktail liposomes. It indicated that inhibitory potential of co-delivery liposome system towards P-gp could mediate the transport of both P-gp substrates. Verapamil and riluzole co-loaded liposomes may be used to overcome pharmacoresistance of riluzole for improving ALS therapy.

Graphical abstract

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Effect of β-elemene on the kinetics of intracellular transport of d-luciferin potassium salt (ABC substrate) in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells and the associated molecular mechanism

Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 120
Author(s): Chao-yuan Tang, Li-xin Zhu, Jian-dong Yu, Zhi Chen, Man-cang Gu, Chao-feng Mu, Qi Liu, Yang Xiong
In order to explore the mechanism of the reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes by β-elemene (β-ELE) in doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/DOX), both the functionality and quantity of the ABC transporters in MCF-7/DOX were studied. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was used to study the efflux of d-luciferin potassium salt, the substrate of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters), in MCF-7/DOX cells treated by β-ELE. At the same time three major ABC transport proteins and genes-related MDR, P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP, ABCC1) as well as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) were analyzed by q-PCR and Western blot.To investigate the efflux functionality of ABC transporters, MCF-7/DOX^Fluc cell line with stably-overexpressed luciferase was established. BLI was then used to real-time monitor the efflux kinetics of d-luciferin potassium salt before and after MCF-7/DOX^Fluc cells being treated with β-ELE or not. The results showed that the efflux of d-luciferin potassium salt from MCF-7/DOX^Fluc was lessened when pretreated with β-ELE, which means that β-ELE may dampen the functionality of ABC transporters, thus decrease the efflux of d-fluorescein potassium or other chemotherapies which also serve as the substrates of ABC transporters. As the effect of β-ELE on the expression of ABC transporters, the results of q-PCR and Western blot showed that gene and protein expression of ABC transporters such as P-gp, MRP, and BCRP were down-regulated after the treatment of β-ELE. To verify the efficacy of β-ELE on reversing MDR, MCF-7/DOX cells were treated with the combination of DOX and β-ELE. MTT assay showed that β-ELE increased the inhibitory effect of DOX on the proliferation of MCF-7/DOX, and the IC50 of the combination group was much lower than that of the single DOX or β-ELE treatment. In all, β-ELE may reverse MDR through the substrates of ABC transporters by two ways, to lessen the ABC protein efflux by weakening their functionality, or to reduce the quantity of ABC gene and protein expression.

Graphical abstract

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International Comparison of Abdominal Fat Distribution Among Four Populations: The ERA-JUMP Study

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Volume 16, Issue 4, Page 166-173, May 2018.

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Heterogenic expression of stem cell markers in patient-derived glioblastoma spheroid cultures exposed to long-term hypoxia.

Heterogenic expression of stem cell markers in patient-derived glioblastoma spheroid cultures exposed to long-term hypoxia.

CNS Oncol. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Rosenberg T, Aaberg-Jessen C, Petterson SA, Kristensen BW

Abstract
AIM: To investigate the time profile of hypoxia and stem cell markers in glioblastoma spheroids of known molecular subtype.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Patient-derived glioblastoma spheroids were cultured up to 7 days in either 2% or 21% oxygen. Levels of proliferation (Ki-67), hypoxia (HIF-1α, CA9 and VEGF) and stem cell markers (CD133, nestin and musashi-1) were investigated by immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS: Hypoxia markers as well as CD133 and partially nestin increased in long-term hypoxia. The proliferation rate and spheroid size were highest in normoxia.
CONCLUSION: We found differences in hypoxia and stem cell marker profiles between the patient-derived glioblastoma cultures. This heterogeneity should be taken into consideration in development of future therapeutic strategies.

PMID: 29708435 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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BRAF inhibition with concomitant tumor treating fields for a multiply progressive pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.

BRAF inhibition with concomitant tumor treating fields for a multiply progressive pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.

CNS Oncol. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Lukas RV, Merrell RT

Abstract
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas can be very resistant to treatment if they progress after standard therapy with surgery and radiation. We present the case of a patient with a multiply recurrent pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma which demonstrated a sustained partial response to a combination regimen of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and tumor treating fields. The regimen proved tolerable and efficacious in this case.

PMID: 29708404 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Detection of unknown primary tumor in patients presented with brain metastasis by F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

Detection of unknown primary tumor in patients presented with brain metastasis by F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

CNS Oncol. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Koç ZP, Kara PÖ, Dağtekin A

Abstract
AIM: F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT has several advantages in diagnosis of cancer of unknown primary with reported incremental diagnostic value. In this study, we evaluated the patients who were presented with multiple brain metastasis and unknown primary tumor.
MATERIALS & METHODS: 31 patients (17 males, 14 females; mean: 56.1 ± 14.22 years old) with diagnosis of brain metastasis according to histopathology and/or MRI were included into this retrospective study.
RESULTS: The patients presented with hypermetabolic (n = 17; mean SUVmax: 11.6 ± 6.9) or hypometabolic brain lesions with additional different metastatic sites in 13 patients (mean SUVmax: 9.03 ± 4.02). The primary tumor was determined by FDG PET/CT in 20/26 patients (77%) (lung [n = 6], primary brain [n = 9], renal cell carcinoma [n = 2], skin [n = 1], breast [n = 1] and neuroendocrine tumor [n = 1]).
CONCLUSION: New generation multislice scanners may provide higher detection ratios. The detection rate of FDG PET/CT might be higher than previously reported according to this study.

PMID: 29708403 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Patterns of care and treatment outcomes of patients with astroblastoma: a National Cancer Database analysis.

Patterns of care and treatment outcomes of patients with astroblastoma: a National Cancer Database analysis.

CNS Oncol. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Merfeld EC, Dahiya S, Perkins SM

Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the use of chemotherapy and radiation, and their outcomes for patients with astroblastoma.
PATIENTS & METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients extracted from the National Cancer Database. We investigated overall survival (OS) using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox proportional hazards models were used to correlate OS with risk variables and treatments.
RESULTS: OS at 5 years was 79.5%. Patients with high-grade tumors were more likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation. Patients with high-grade astroblastoma who did not receive adjuvant radiation had poor survival.
CONCLUSION: Patients with astroblastoma should be treated with curative intent. Radiation is likely beneficial in high-grade astroblastoma. The exact role of radiation and chemotherapy following surgical resection warrant further investigation.

PMID: 29708401 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HHlFLY

Shadow study: randomized comparison of clinic with video follow-up in glioma undergoing adjuvant temozolomide therapy.

Shadow study: randomized comparison of clinic with video follow-up in glioma undergoing adjuvant temozolomide therapy.

CNS Oncol. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Patil VM, Pande N, Chandrasekharan A, M C, Tonse R, Krishnatry R, Goda JS, Dsouza H, Vallathol DH, Chakraborty S, Gupta T, Jalali R

Abstract
AIM: This study was designed with a primary objective to study the rate of agreement in treatment plan and decisions between video follow-up (VF) and conventional clinic follow-up (CF).
PATIENTS & METHODS: Adult patients with intermediate- to high-grade glioma on adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) with facilities for live video call were invited to participate in the study.
RESULTS: The concurrence in decision of administering TMZ between VF and CF was 100% (p < 0.00). The median cost incurred in VF was US$58.15 while that incurred in CF was US$131.23 (p < 0.00).
CONCLUSION: VF can substitute CF during adjuvant TMZ administration (CTRI/2017/01/007626).

PMID: 29708400 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2w3vazY

Management of extranodal lymphoma of the spine: a study of 30 patients.

Management of extranodal lymphoma of the spine: a study of 30 patients.

CNS Oncol. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Hashi S, Goodwin CR, Ahmed AK, Sciubba DM

Abstract
Extranodal lymphoma of the spine is often a late manifestation of systemic disease, and may result in symptoms of pain, neurologic compromise or spinal instability. Symptomatic relief is generally achieved by radiotherapy alone, but is not sufficient in addressing spinal instability. The indications for surgery remain controversial, but may be required for spinal stabilization, or refractory disease. Currently, there is a lack of studies that compare the indications and clinical outcomes of patients receiving surgical and nonsurgical management of spinal extranodal lymphoma. Medical records of 30 patients seen from March 2006 to August 2015, with histologically confirmed spinal lymphoma, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, clinical factors, imaging, treatment and clinical outcomes were recorded. 19 patients were treated surgically and 11 nonsurgically (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation or combination). Surgery was performed for emergent neurological deterioration, mechanical stabilization, refractoriness to medical management or to perform an open biopsy for pathological diagnosis. Among those treated surgically, significantly fewer patients could carry on normal activities (KPS <70) at baseline, compared with those treated nonsurgically. However, there were no significant differences regarding pain medication use, functional status at 1 year, or mean survival (87.6 months) between groups. Surgery for extranodal lymphoma may be required in specific cases, resulting in favorable and similar outcomes compared with nonsurgical management.

PMID: 29706086 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HLevmb

Electrocorticographic telemetric recording in unrestrained mouse pups

Publication date: Available online 1 May 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Nicole Chemaly, Astrid Nehlig, Catherine Chiron, Rima Nabbout
BackgroundEarly onset epileptic encephalopathies are rare paediatric diseases, with seizures resistant to drugs and impacting development of cognitive and motor functions. Many of them show monogenic aetiology and engineered animal models are crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms and propose treatment trials. These models have mostly been explored in vitro or in vivo under anaesthesia. This may affect the occurrence of epileptic activities and their clinical expression. These study conditions perturb social skills and are limited in time.New methodWe developed a technique using telemetric recordings by means of the Data Science International (DSI) mouse transmitter to study long lasting electro-cortical activity in freely moving mice younger than three weeks, trying to minimally affect social interactions and developmentResultsWe describe how to implant telemetry EEG devices in mice aged P13 to P18, weighing 7–10 g, including the surgical procedure and the recovery phase. Normal EEG data and epileptic activities can be recorded up to 2 months after implantation in normally behaving animals.Comparisons with existing methodsElectrocorticographic studies of mouse pups are rare, and few devices allow EEG recording at these ages. Here, the telemetry devices used for adult mice were implanted in mouse pups. The surgical procedure was well tolerated. An adapted recovery protocol allowed EEG recording during the period of interest.ConclusionThis technique was developed with currently used devices to enable better understanding of the pathophysiology of epileptic encephalopathies, chronic recording of seizures and helping the development of new therapies using chronic trials in the young animal.

https://ift.tt/2Fyltc6

Might robotic-assisted surgery become commonplace in endometrial cancer treatment?

Might robotic-assisted surgery become commonplace in endometrial cancer treatment?

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Zanagnolo V, Achilarre MT, Maruccio M, Garbi A

PMID: 29708002 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2jlicUX

Adjuvant therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Adjuvant therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Meissner MA, McCormick BZ, Karam JA, Wood CG

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Locally advanced, non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is conventionally managed with surgery. However, patients are at a high risk of RCC recurrence and have poor survival outcomes. An effective adjuvant systemic treatment is needed to improve on these outcomes. Targeted molecular and immune-based therapies have been investigated, or are under investigation, but their role in this setting remains unclear. Areas covered: A comprehensive search of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for relevant literature. The following topics pertinent to adjuvant therapy in RCC were evaluated: strategies for patient selection, cytokine-based immunotherapy, vaccine therapy, VEGF and non-VEGF targeted molecular agents, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Expert commentary: Strong evidence for the incorporation of adjuvant therapy in high-risk RCC is lacking. Multiple targeted molecular therapies have been examined with only one approved for use. Genetic and molecular-based prognostic models are needed to determine who may benefit from adjuvant therapy. Developing adjuvant therapy strategies in the future depends on the results of important ongoing trials with immunotherapy and targeted agents.

PMID: 29707987 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HJ8Mx1

Application of Chemogenetics and Optogenetics to Dissect Brain-Immune Interactions.

Application of Chemogenetics and Optogenetics to Dissect Brain-Immune Interactions.

Methods Mol Biol. 2018;1781:195-208

Authors: Korin B, Rolls A

Abstract
For many years, the complexity and multifactorial nature of brain-immune interactions limited our ability to dissect their underlying mechanisms. An especially challenging question was how the brain controls immunity, since the repertoire of techniques to control the brain's activity was extremely limited. New tools, such as optogenetics and chemogenetics (e.g., DREADDs), developed over the last decade, opened new frontiers in neuroscience with major implications for neuroimmunology. These tools enable mapping the causal effects of activating/attenuating defined neurons in the brain, on the immune system. Here, we present a detailed experimental protocol for the analysis of brain-immune interactions, based on chemogenetic or optogenetic manipulation of defined neuronal populations in the brain, and the subsequent analysis of immune cells. Such detailed and systematic dissection of brain-immune interactions has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how mental and neurological states affect health and disease.

PMID: 29705849 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2w5282I

Action and learning shape the activity of neuronal circuits in the visual cortex

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 52
Author(s): Janelle MP Pakan, Valerio Francioni, Nathalie L Rochefort
Nonsensory variables strongly influence neuronal activity in the adult mouse primary visual cortex. Neuronal responses to visual stimuli are modulated by behavioural state, such as arousal and motor activity, and are shaped by experience. This dynamic process leads to neural representations in the visual cortex that reflect stimulus familiarity, expectations of reward and object location, and mismatch between self-motion and visual-flow. The recent development of genetic tools and recording techniques in awake behaving mice has enabled the investigation of the circuit mechanisms underlying state-dependent and experience-dependent neuronal representations in primary visual cortex. These neuronal circuits involve neuromodulatory, top-down cortico-cortical and thalamocortical pathways. The functions of nonsensory signals at this early stage of visual information processing are now beginning to be unravelled.

https://ift.tt/2KtbOqR

What a predator can teach us about visual processing: a lesson from the archerfish

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 52
Author(s): Mor Ben-Tov, Ohad Ben-Shahar, Ronen Segev
The archerfish is a predator with highly unusual visually guided behavior. It is most famous for its ability to hunt by shooting water jets at static or dynamic insect prey, up to two meters above the water's surface. In the lab, the archerfish can learn to distinguish and shoot at artificial targets presented on a computer screen, thus enabling well-controlled experiments. In recent years, these capacities have turned the archerfish into a model animal for studying a variety of visual functions, from visual saliency and visual search, through fast visually guided prediction, and all the way to higher level visual processing such as face recognition. Here we review these recent developments and show how they fall into two emerging lines of research on this animal model. The first is ethologically motivated and emphasizes how the natural environment and habitat of the archerfish interact with its visual processing during predation. The second is driven by parallels to the primate brain and aims to determine whether the latter's characteristic visual information processing capacities can also be found in the qualitatively different fish brain, thereby underscoring the functional universality of certain visual processes. We discuss the differences between these two lines of research and possible future directions.

https://ift.tt/2redxYj

Mechanism of cancer: Oncohistones in action

Publication date: Available online 30 April 2018
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Lei Qiu, Xiaoyan Hu, Qian Jing, Xinyi Zeng, Kui-Ming Chan, Junhong Han
Oncohistones are histones with high-frequency point mutations that are associated with tumorigenesis. Although each histone variant is encoded by multiple genes, a single mutation in one allele of one gene seems to have a dominant effect over global histone H3 methylation level at the relevant amino acid residue. These oncohistones are highly tumor type specific. For example, H3K27M and H3G34V/R mutations occur only in pediatric brain cancers, whereas H3K36M and H3G34W/L have only been found in pediatric bone tumors. H1 mutations also seem to be exclusively linked to lymphomas. In this review, we discuss the occurrence, frequency and potential functional mechanisms of each oncohistone in tumorigenesis of its relevant cancer. We believe further investigation into the mechanism regarding their tumor type specificity and cancer-related functions will shed new light on their application in cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy development.

https://ift.tt/2joFitD

New Hope for Treatment of Duchene Dystrophy by Employing Dystrophin Expressing Chimeric Cells - Studies Published in Stem Cell Reviews and Reports.

New Hope for Treatment of Duchene Dystrophy by Employing Dystrophin Expressing Chimeric Cells - Studies Published in Stem Cell Reviews and Reports.

Stem Cell Rev. 2018 Apr 28;:

Authors: Ratajczak MZ

PMID: 29705868 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HJOfbP

Effect of solution potential on selective separation of metals from acid wastewater by controlling potential

Publication date: 2 October 2018
Source:Separation and Purification Technology, Volume 204
Author(s): Weifeng Liu, Baiqi Sun, Duchao Zhang, Lin Chen, Tianzu Yang
In view of the difficulties in separating similar metals from acidic wastewater, a new process is proposed to selectively separate metals by controlling potential. In this study, the effects of solution potential on precipitation ratio and separation efficiency were investigated. The potential was controlled by adding sodium sulfide or xanthate and was monitored by an MT320-SpH instrument with a Pt electrode and a calomel electrode. E-pH diagrams of Me-S-H2O system were plotted through thermodynamic calculations. The results revealed that with the drop of solution potential, the metal precipitation ratios increased. Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, and Zn²⁺ can be selectively separated and completely precipitated under controlling potential at 330 mV, 125 mV and 30 mV, respectively. Mn²⁺ could be recovered by carbonate precipitation from the residual solution after Zn removal. The precipitation ratios of Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mn²⁺ were as high as 99%.

https://ift.tt/2HFiBjM

3D mossy structures of zinc filaments: A facile strategy for superamphiphobic surface design

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Volume 526
Author(s): Shudi Zhi, Gang Wang, Zhixiang Zeng, Lijing Zhu, Zhixiong Liu, Dawei Zhang, Kaile Xu, Qunji Xue
The superamphiphobic surfaces with extreme repellency to liquids are very attractive in many fields, but their fabrication processes are always low effective and expensive. So it is still a challenge to create the superamphiphobic surfaces by simple, time saving and universal method. In this work, the mossy zinc (Zn) filaments, a promising re-entrant structure, was rapidly constructed on various metal surfaces by electrochemical deposition approach. After modification by 1H,1H,2H,2H- perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (PFDTCS), the Zn@PFDTCS coating exhibited superamphiphobicity in air. The correlation between the morphology of Zn filaments and electrochemical deposition parameters has been studied. The superamphiphobic surface with contact angle higher than 154°, sliding angle lower than 5° and adhesive force lower than 0.043 mN to water and hexadecane was obtained, when the current density was 1.78 A ·dm⁻², the mass fraction of zinc was 0.71 wt% and the deposition time was 40 min. Furthermore, the Zn@PFDTCS 2D-meshes were used to collect oil droplets under water and cut water droplet in oil due to their superoleophilicity under water and superhydrophobicity under oil. We anticipated that the simple and rapid method guides the design of perfect artificial superamphiphobic surfaces in practical application.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2w1TrWV

Metal accumulation, growth and reproduction of razor clam Sinonovacula constricta transplanted in a multi-metal contaminated estuary

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 636
Author(s): Yizhou Ke, Wen-Xiong Wang
In recent years, elevated metal discharges have seriously affected the health of many estuarine ecosystems in China. This study examined the influences of metal pollution on the growth and reproduction of razor clam, Sinonovacula constricta. An eight-month field experiment was conducted at two sites with different contamination levels in Jiulong River Estuary of Southern China. Concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in seawater, suspended particles, surface sediments, and clams, as well as the clam growth and gonad condition were simultaneously determined on a monthly basis. Over the 8-month period, Ag, Cu and Ni concentrations in the clams were significantly higher at the more polluted site, whereas the concentrations of other metals were rather comparable between the two sites. Comparison of the 8-month pattern of metal concentrations among different compartments suggested that Ag, As, Cd, Cu and Zn bioaccumulation in the clams was mainly derived from ingestion of suspended particles, whereas Cr and Ni accumulation was mainly from the waterborne uptake. The growth of clams in the more polluted site was depressed and there was no significant growth after 4 months of transplantation, which was mainly caused by Cu and Ag accumulation in the clam tissues. Correspondingly, the gonad somatic index was also lower at the more polluted site. Our study demonstrated a significant impact of multi-metal pollution on the growth and reproduction of clams in an estuary. Simultaneous measurements of metal bioaccumulation were important for the interpretation of metal toxicity observed in the field.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2w2Jb0D

Сontamination of urban soils with heavy metals in Moscow as affected by building development

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 636
Author(s): Natalia E. Kosheleva, Dmitry V. Vlasov, Ilya D. Korlyakov, Nikolay S. Kasimov
Building development in cities creates a geochemical heterogeneity via redistributing the atmospheric fluxes of pollutants and forming sedimentation zones in urban soils and other depositing media. However, the influence of buildings on the urban environment pollution is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the barrier functions of urban development by means of a joint analysis of the contents of heavy metals and metalloids in the upper horizon of urban soils, their physicochemical properties, and the parameters of the buildings. The soil-geochemical survey was performed in the residential area of the Moscow's Eastern Administrative District (Russia). The parameters of the buildings near sampling points were determined via processing data from the OpenStreetMap database, 2GIS databases and GeoEye-1 satellite image. A high level of soil contamination with Cd, W, Bi, Zn, As, Cr, Sb, Pb, Cu was revealed, depending on building parameters. A protective function of the buildings for yards is manifested in the decreasing concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, W by 1.2–3 times at distances of <23–36 m from the buildings with their total area ≥660 m² and the height ≥7.5–21 m. An opposite effect which enhances concentrations of Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, W, Zn by 1.2–1.9 times is seen in "well-shaped" yards acting as traps under similar distances and heights, but at their average area ≥118–323 m², and total area ≥323–1300 m². The impact of these two building patterns on the soil contamination is only seen for certain directions of atmospheric flows. Buildings located in the northwestern sector relative to the sampling point protect the latter from the aerial pollution.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2w07Tih

Validation of a dilute and shoot method for quantification of 12 elements by inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry in human milk and in cow milk preparations

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 49
Author(s): Stéphane Dubascoux, Daniel Andrey, Mario Vigo, Peter Kastenmayer, Eric Poitevin
Nutritional information about human milk is essential as early human growth and development have been closely linked to the status and requirements of several macro- and micro-elements. However, methods addressing whole mineral profiling in human milk have been scarce due in part to their technical complexities to accurately and simultaneously measure the concentration of micro- and macro-trace elements in low volume of human milk.In the present study, a single laboratory validation has been performed using a "dilute and shoot" approach for the quantification of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo) and iodine (I), in both human milk and milk preparations.Performances in terms of limits of detection and quantification, of repeatability, reproducibility and trueness have been assessed and verified using various reference or certified materials. For certified human milk sample (NIST 1953), recoveries obtained for reference or spiked values are ranged from 93% to 108% (except for Mn at 151%).This robust method using new technology ICP-MS/MS without high pressure digestion is adapted to both routinely and rapidly analyze human milk micro-sample (i.e. less than 250 μL) in the frame of clinical trials but also to be extended to the mineral profiling of milk preparations like infant formula and adult nutritionals.

https://ift.tt/2I8SdOv

Highly sensitive and selective ion-imprinted polymers based on one-step electrodeposition of chitosan-graphene nanocomposites for the determination of Cr(VI)

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Carbohydrate Polymers, Volume 195
Author(s): Shuping Wu, Xiangzi Dai, Tingting Cheng, Songjun Li
A sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor based on ion-imprinted chitosan-graphene nanocomposites (IIP-S) has been developed for the determination of Cr(VI). The ion-imprinted polymers were constructed by one-step electrodeposition. The morphology and structure of IIP-S were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR and EDS, respectively. Meanwhile, the electrochemical behavior of IIP-S was investigated using CV, EIS and DPV. The linear range of IIP-S was from 1.0 × 10⁻⁹ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L, with the low detection limit of 6.4 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L (S/N = 3). The sensor exhibited high selectivity for the determination of Cr(VI) in the presence of Zn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), MnO⁴⁻, C2O4²⁻, S2O6²⁻ and MoO4²⁻ ions. The IIP-S also provided excellent stability and good repeatability that the sensitivity remained 85% after 9 cycles of rebinding-removal, while the sensitivity retained 87% of its initial response storing at 4 °C for 17 days. Moreover, it was successfully applied to the detection of Cr(VI) ions in tap water and river water.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2HJVa4P

Trends in the use of puberty blockers among transgender children in the United States

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

https://ift.tt/2KuWk5N

Severe lactic acidosis in an extremely low birth weight infant due to thiamine deficiency

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

https://ift.tt/2FxM74R

Incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in China: data from the national newborn screening program, 2013–2015

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

https://ift.tt/2Ku27so

Five novel ALMS1 gene mutations in six patients with Alström syndrome

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

https://ift.tt/2Fzkpoi

Does initial dosing of levothyroxine in infants with congenital hypothyroidism lead to frequent dose adjustments secondary to iatrogenic hyperthyroidism on follow-up?

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print

https://ift.tt/2I4JhcZ

Effects of water extract from epimedium on neuropeptide signaling in an ovariectomized osteoporosis rat model

Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 221
Author(s): Hengrui Liu, Yingquan Xiong, Haixia Wang, Li Yang, Chaopeng Wang, Xiaoguang Liu, Zhidi Wu, Xiaoyun Li, Ling Ou, Ronghua Zhang, Xiaofeng Zhu
Ethnopharmacological relevanceFor the past millennium, water extract from Epimedium (dried leaves of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim.) has been widely used for bone disease therapy in traditional Chinese medicine and has been reported to exhibit salutary effects on osteoporosis in clinical trials. The therapeutic effect of Epimedium is associated with the function of the brain in traditional Chinese medicine theory.Study aimTo determine the potential relationship between treating osteoporosis with Epimedium and neuropeptide regulation.Materials and methodsWater extract from Epimedium was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed with HPLC-TOF-MS. Ovariectomized rats were used as an osteoporosis model and were treated orally with water extract from Epimedium 16 weeks after surgery to mimic clinical therapy. After treatment, gene expression and protein levels of four neuropeptides, as well as their main receptors or receptor precursors including; neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its receptors NPY 1 (NPYR1) and 2; calcitonin gene-related peptide and its receptor precursor calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR); vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and its receptor VIP 1 (VIP1R) and 2; and substance P (SP) and its receptor neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) were detected in samples taken from bone, brain and spinal cord.ResultsTreatment with water extract from Epimedium prevented bone mineral loss and reduced femoral bone strength decline associated with osteoporosis. Detection of neuropeptides showed that treatment also affected neuropeptide in the brain/spinal cord/bone axis; specifically, treatment increased brain NPY, bone NPY1R, bone CRLR, bone and spinal cord VIP and VIP2R, bone SP, and brain and spinal cord NK1R.ConclusionThe effects of osteoporosis can largely be reduced by treatment with Epimedium most likely through a mechanism associated with several neuropeptides involved in regulation of the brain/spinal cord/bone axis. These novel results contribute to existing literature regarding the possible mechanisms of habitual use of Epimedium in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2Koyokt

Aidi injection plus platinum-based chemotherapy for stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis of 42 RCTs following the PRISMA guidelines

Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 221
Author(s): Jue Wang, Guochun Li, Lili Yu, Tingting Mo, Qibiao Wu, Zhou Zhou
Ethnopharmacological relevanceAidi injection is one of the most commonly used Chinese patent medicines for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is made from an extraction of Mylabris Phalerata, Radix Astragalus, Radix Ginseng, and Acanthopanax Senticosus.Aim of the studyThe objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Aidi injection in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for stage IIIB/IV NSCLC.Materials and methodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the PRISMA (the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Trials were combined using Review Manager 5.3 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis(CMA) 2.0. Dichotomous data were expressed as risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes as weighted mean difference (WMD), with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) respectively. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Aidi injection plus platinum-based chemotherapy versus platinum-based chemotherapy, with efficacy and safety outcomes were selected. Disease Control Rate (DCR) was the primary outcome, Objective Response Rate (ORR), survival rate, quality of life (QOL), and toxic effects were the secondary outcomes.Results42 RCTs recruiting 4081 patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were included, with overall low-moderate methodological quality. Compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone, Aidi injection plus platinum-based chemotherapy can increase relative benefit of DCR (RR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.16, P < 0.00001), ORR (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.18–1.36, P < 0.00001), improve 1-, 2-, 3-year survival rates (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28, P = 0.03; RR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.05–1.64, P = 0.02; and RR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.32–2.67, P = 0.0005, respectively), QOL (RR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.61–2.01, P < 0.00001), and reduce severe (grade 3 and 4) toxicities by 36% (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.58–0.70, P < 0.00001).ConclusionsFrom the available evidence, compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone, Aidi injection plus platinum-based chemotherapy improves the clinical efficacy and alleviates the toxicity of chemotherapy in patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC. However, considering the intrinsic limitations of the included RCTs, well-designed, rigorously performed, high-quality trials are still required to further assess and confirm the results.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2rdGW4V

The use of a simultaneous integrated boost in spinal stereotactic body radiotherapy to reduce the risk of vertebral compression fractures: a treatment planning study.

The use of a simultaneous integrated boost in spinal stereotactic body radiotherapy to reduce the risk of vertebral compression fractures: a treatment planning study.

Acta Oncol. 2018 Apr 28;:1-4

Authors: van der Velden JM, Hes J, Sahgal A, Hoogcarspel SJ, Philippens MEP, Eppinga WSC, Seravalli E

PMID: 29706108 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HH7cjl

Adaptive radiotherapy in head and neck cancer is required to avoid tumor underdose.

Adaptive radiotherapy in head and neck cancer is required to avoid tumor underdose.

Acta Oncol. 2018 Apr 28;:1-4

Authors: Castelli J, Simon A, Rigaud B, Chajon E, Thariat J, Benezery K, Vauleon E, Jegoux F, Henry O, Lafond C, de Crevoisier R

PMID: 29706107 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2rbNAIQ

[ROS-1 rearranged bronchopulmonary adenocarcinoma revealed by a pulmonary miliary].

[ROS-1 rearranged bronchopulmonary adenocarcinoma revealed by a pulmonary miliary].

Bull Cancer. 2018 Apr 26;:

Authors: Brindel A, Huet D, Vaillant P, Vignaud JM, Tiotiu A

PMID: 29706357 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HK5Z6S

[Novel strategy in oncoimmunology].

[Novel strategy in oncoimmunology].

Bull Cancer. 2018 Apr 25;:

Authors: Ghiringhelli F

Abstract
Recent advances in immuno-oncology with the development of anti-PD1/PD-L1 antibodies are revolutionizing oncological management. Immuno-oncology I currently developing in most histological types of cancer. However, the rate of success of anti-PD1/PD-L1 antibodies in monotherapy is limited by a limited to a subpopulation of patients accounting for about 25-30 % of patients in most indications. The development of new strategies is based on this observation with the aim to predict response or enhancing response rate. Thus, we note the development of different strategies aimed at better selecting patients or combining inhibitory checkpoints with other therapies in order to increase their effectiveness. This review will study therapeutic test strategies to validate these new associations.

PMID: 29704931 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2rchKfQ

Influences of Phonological Context on Tense Marking in Spanish-English Dual Language Learners.

http:--pubs.asha.org-images-b_pubmed_ful

https:--www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pm

Influences of Phonological Context on Tense Marking in Spanish-English Dual Language Learners.

J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2017 Aug 16;60(8):2199-2216

Authors: Combiths PN, Barlow JA, Potapova I, Pruitt-Lord S

Abstract
Purpose: The emergence of tense-morpheme marking during language acquisition is highly variable, which confounds the use of tense marking as a diagnostic indicator of language impairment in linguistically diverse populations. In this study, we seek to better understand tense-marking patterns in young bilingual children by comparing phonological influences on marking of 2 word-final tense morphemes.
Method: In spontaneous connected speech samples from 10 Spanish-English dual language learners aged 56-66 months (M = 61.7, SD = 3.4), we examined marking rates of past tense -ed and third person singular -s morphemes in different environments, using multiple measures of phonological context.
Results: Both morphemes were found to exhibit notably contrastive marking patterns in some contexts. Each was most sensitive to a different combination of phonological influences in the verb stem and the following word.
Conclusions: These findings extend existing evidence from monolingual speakers for the influence of word-final phonological context on morpheme production to a bilingual population. Further, novel findings not yet attested in previous research support an expanded consideration of phonological context in clinical decision making and future research related to word-final morphology.

PMID: 28750415 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

https://ift.tt/2eTK6sd

Montelukast inhibits hypoxia inducible factor-1α translation in prostate cancer cells.

Montelukast inhibits hypoxia inducible factor-1α translation in prostate cancer cells.

Cancer Biol Ther. 2018 Apr 30;:1-25

Authors: Tang C, Lei H, Zhang J, Liu M, Jin, Luo H, Xu H, Wu Y

Abstract
Through regulating the expression of hundreds of genes, hypoxia-inducible factor -1(HIF-1) plays a critical role in hypoxic adaption of cancer cells and is considered as a target for cancer therapy. Here we show that montelukast, a clinical leukotriene receptor antagonist for the treatment of asthma, inhibits hypoxia or CoCl2-induced HIF-1α activation and reduces its protein expression in prostate cancer cells. However, the other two leukotriene receptor antagonists, pranlukast and zafirlukast, cannot decrease HIF-1α protein, which indicates that montelukast-induced downregulation of HIF-1α is not mediated by leukotriene receptor. Neither proteasome inhibitor MG132 nor the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) can block montelukast-induced downregulation of HIF-1α protein. Interestingly, GSK2606414, a PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) inhibitor, abrogates montelukast-induced downregulation of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions. However, montelukast increases phosphorylation of eIF-2α at Ser51. Moreover, montelukast inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, which can be reversed by overexpression of HIF-1α protein. In conclusion, we identify montelukast may be used as a novel agent for the treatment of prostate cancer by decreasing HIF-1α protein translation.

PMID: 29708817 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HMtXOR

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors inhibit the growth of melanoma cells with mTOR H2189Y mutations in vitro.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors inhibit the growth of melanoma cells with mTOR H2189Y mutations in vitro.

Cancer Biol Ther. 2018 Apr 30;:1-6

Authors: Wu X, Yu J, Yan J, Dai J, Si L, Chi Z, Sheng X, Cui C, Ma M, Tang H, Xu T, Yu H, Kong Y, Guo J

Abstract
mTOR is an important therapeutic target in many types of cancers. In melanoma, the mTOR nonsynonymous mutation rate is up to 10.4%. However, mTOR inhibitors have shown limited effects in clinical trials of melanoma. Because mTOR mutations are distributed, not selecting patients with specific mTOR mutations may be the main reason for therapeutic failures. Our previous research found that mutations in the mTOR P2213S and S2215Y kinase domains resulted in gain-of-function and were sensitive to specific inhibitors. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of heterozygous/homozygous H2189Y mutations on downstream pathways and sensitivity to inhibitors. mTOR kinase activity was analyzed by western blot and a K-LISA™ mTOR activity kit. The sensitivity of melanoma cells to inhibitors was tested by a proliferation assay. The expression of downstream pathway proteins was also analyzed by western blot. The results showed that heterozygous/homozygous H2189Y mutations were gain-of-function. The heterozygous H2189Y mutation was sensitive to the AKT inhibitor, AZD5363, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002. The homozygous H2189Y mutation was sensitive to the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, and the AKT inhibitors AZD5363 and MK-2206 2HCL,and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002. These results indicated that homozygous mutations in the kinase domain have a greater effect on protein function than heterozygous mutations. The mTOR kinase domain may play an important role in mTOR kinase activity and may be the target of selective inhibitors. Our study can facilitate the selection of appropriate inhibitors for patients in clinical trials.

PMID: 29708815 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2I5dHM1

US Food and Drug Administration Approval of Whole Slide Imaging for Primary Diagnosis: A Key Milestone Is Reached and New Questions Are Raised.

US Food and Drug Administration Approval of Whole Slide Imaging for Primary Diagnosis: A Key Milestone Is Reached and New Questions Are Raised.

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2018 Apr 30;:

Authors: Evans AJ, Bauer TW, Bui MM, Cornish TC, Duncan H, Glassy EF, Hipp J, McGee RS, Murphy D, Myers C, O'Neill DG, Parwani AV, Rampy BA, Salama ME, Pantanowitz L

Abstract
April 12, 2017, marked a significant day in the evolution of digital pathology in the United States, when the US Food and Drug Administration announced its approval of the Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution for primary diagnosis in surgical pathology. Although this event is expected to facilitate more widespread adoption of whole slide imaging for clinical applications in the United States, it also raises a number of questions as to the means by which pathologists might choose to incorporate this technology into their clinical practice. This article from the College of American Pathologists Digital Pathology Committee reviews frequently asked questions on this topic and provides answers based on currently available information.

PMID: 29708429 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2rdmtND

Montelukast inhibits hypoxia inducible factor-1α translation in prostate cancer cells.

Montelukast inhibits hypoxia inducible factor-1α translation in prostate cancer cells.

Cancer Biol Ther. 2018 Apr 30;:1-25

Authors: Tang C, Lei H, Zhang J, Liu M, Jin, Luo H, Xu H, Wu Y

PMID: 29708817 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HMtXOR

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors inhibit the growth of melanoma cells with mTOR H2189Y mutations in vitro.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors inhibit the growth of melanoma cells with mTOR H2189Y mutations in vitro.

Cancer Biol Ther. 2018 Apr 30;:1-6

Authors: Wu X, Yu J, Yan J, Dai J, Si L, Chi Z, Sheng X, Cui C, Ma M, Tang H, Xu T, Yu H, Kong Y, Guo J

PMID: 29708815 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2I5dHM1

EEG source reconstruction evidence for the noun-verb neural dissociation along semantic dimensions.

https:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-ima

EEG source reconstruction evidence for the noun-verb neural dissociation along semantic dimensions.

Neuroscience. 2017 Sep 17;359:183-195

Authors: Zhao B, Dang J, Zhang G

Abstract
One of the long-standing issues in neurolinguistic research is about the neural basis of word representation, concerning whether grammatical classification or semantic difference causes the neural dissociation of brain activity patterns when processing different word categories, especially nouns and verbs. To disentangle this puzzle, four orthogonalized word categories in Chinese: unambiguous nouns (UN), unambiguous verbs (UV), ambiguous words with noun-biased semantics (AN), and ambiguous words with verb-biased semantics (AV) were adopted in an auditory task for recording electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from 128 electrodes on the scalps of twenty-two subjects. With the advanced current density reconstruction (CDR) algorithm and the constraint of standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography, the spatiotemporal brain dynamics of word processing were explored with the results that in multiple time periods including P1 (60-90ms), N1 (100-140ms), P200 (150-250ms) and N400 (350-450ms), noun-verb dissociation over the parietal-occipital and frontal-central cortices appeared not only between the UN-UV grammatical classes but also between the grammatically identical but semantically different AN-AV pairs. The apparent semantic dissociation within one grammatical class strongly suggests that the semantic difference rather than grammatical classification could be interpreted as the origin of the noun-verb neural dissociation. Our results also revealed that semantic dissociation occurs from an early stage and repeats in multiple phases, thus supporting a functionally hierarchical word processing mechanism.

PMID: 28729063 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

https://ift.tt/2ukA9cv

Adjusting Pediatric Endotracheal Tube Depths Relative to the Cricoid by Using Longitudinal Ultrasound Images of the Saline-Inflated Cuff in the Trachea: Two Case Reports.

Adjusting Pediatric Endotracheal Tube Depths Relative to the Cricoid by Using Longitudinal Ultrasound Images of the Saline-Inflated Cuff in the Trachea: Two Case Reports.

A A Pract. 2018 May 01;10(9):235-238

Authors: Kayashima K, Mizuyama H, Takesue M, Doi T, Imai K, Murashima K

Abstract
Cuff positions of endotracheal tubes should be confirmed to ensure safe anesthesia. However, determining the cuff positions relative to the cricoid by using chest radiography or fiberoptic bronchoscopy is difficult. We identified the cephalad edges of saline-inflated pediatric endotracheal tube cuffs relative to the cricoid on longitudinal ultrasound images over the larynx and trachea in 2 children. Thereafter, we adjusted the endotracheal tube depths and confirmed the cuff positions relative to the cricoid. Longitudinal ultrasound images over the larynx and trachea can help confirm the distance from the caudal edge of the cricoid to the saline-inflated cuff.

PMID: 29708918 [PubMed]

https://ift.tt/2rdycvM

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis: techniques and results.

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis: techniques and results.

Ann Cardiothorac Surg. 2018 Mar;7(2):299-305

Authors: Axtell AL, Mathisen DJ

Abstract
Idiopathic subglottic stenosis is a rare condition of unknown etiology characterized by circumferential stenosis in the subglottic larynx and upper trachea. Historically, patients were treated with dilation or ablation, however this approach has proven to be largely palliative and often leads to recurrence and the need for tracheostomy. A single-staged laryngotracheal resection and reconstruction is now the preferred definitive treatment for idiopathic subglottic stenosis and can be performed with excellent patient outcomes and rare subsequent progression of the disease. Avoiding anastomotic tension and devascularization are important technical keys to minimizing complications.

PMID: 29707509 [PubMed]

https://ift.tt/2HE3l6p

Cervical exenteration.

Cervical exenteration.

Ann Cardiothorac Surg. 2018 Mar;7(2):217-226

Authors: Sachdeva UM, Lanuti M

Abstract
Cervical exenteration is a radical procedure for the treatment of locally invasive cancers of the trachea, esophagus, or thyroid, as well as recurrent tumors at the site of a tracheal stoma, and occasionally for benign disease. Exenteration involves removal of the larynx, pharynx, esophagus, and trachea, as well as associated lymphatic tissue. The tracheal stump is brought up as a cervical or mediastinal tracheostomy, depending on the length and the location of the distal resection site. The alimentary tract can be reconstructed with several types of conduits, but most commonly the stomach or left colon are used. Tension on the innominate artery must be avoided when repositioning the trachea to prevent innominate artery erosion. Tension on the artery can be addressed by either dividing the vessel or by transposing the trachea inferior and lateral to the innominate artery and vein. Overall, cervical exenteration is associated with a significant risk of morbidity, including anastomotic leak, innominate artery erosion, and tracheostomy dehiscence with subsequent mediastinitis, as well as the potential for postoperative death. Nevertheless, in highly selected patients, it can provide an unparalleled opportunity for either cure or palliation, with functional results equivalent to that of total laryngectomy.

PMID: 29707499 [PubMed]

https://ift.tt/2rdCrHz

Management of laryngotracheal trauma.

Management of laryngotracheal trauma.

Ann Cardiothorac Surg. 2018 Mar;7(2):210-216

Authors: Moonsamy P, Sachdeva UM, Morse CR

Abstract
Laryngotracheal trauma is a rare but potentially life-threatening injury. It is usually seen in multiple-trauma patients and can go unrecognized and undertreated due to its scarcity. The presenting symptoms often do not correlate with the severity of the injury and injuries may range from an endolaryngeal hematoma to a complete tracheal transection. Accurate diagnosis of the extent of the injury can be achieved with a combination of high resolution computed tomography, flexible fiber optic laryngoscopy and flexible bronchoscopy. Treatment may include observation with symptomatic management, reduction and repair of laryngeal skeletal fractures, or complete tracheal or laryngeal reconstruction. Endolaryngeal stents are reserved for use in cases of significant mucosal trauma or injuries that disrupt the anterior commissure of the larynx. The most important goal in management is to first secure and reconstruct the airway. Once this has been achieved, the long-term goal of treatment is to restore the voice and swallowing mechanism.

PMID: 29707498 [PubMed]

https://ift.tt/2Kqllz0

The palatal septal cartilage implantation for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

The palatal septal cartilage implantation for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2018 Apr 26;:

Authors: Lee YC, Lee LA, Li HY

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea frequently have nasal and palatal obstruction. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of a palatal septal cartilage implant (SCI) for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
METHODS: This was a preliminary study of 10 consecutive patients who were enrolled retrospectively from electronic charts. The patients had undergone a single-stage operation including septoturbinoplasty and palatal SCI at a tertiary referral hospital. After nasal surgery, the harvested cartilage was prepared and trimmed into strips for palatal implantation. Key procedures of palatal SCI include vertical tunneling of the midline and paramedian soft palate, insertion of the septal cartilage strips, and fixation suture of the implants. The primary outcome measures were adverse events, including implant extrusion, infection, bleeding, velopharyngeal insufficiency and globus symptoms, assessed by the Glasgow-Edinburgh Throat Scale (GETS) questionnaire (10-item, 8-grade [0-7] Likert scale). Secondary outcomes were subjective snoring loudness (visual analogue scale, VAS), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale, ESS) and objective apnea-hypopnea index. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year.
RESULTS: None of the aforementioned adverse events were noted during the one-year follow-up. Among the ten items of the GETS, the median score of nine items was 0, and the median score of the total GETS was 2.0, which was classified as "asymptomatic". The snoring loudness improved significantly from 8.0 points (IQR 8.0-9.0) preoperation to 4.0 points (IQR 2.5-6.0) at 3 months postoperation and 4.5 points (IQR 3.3-6.0) at 1 year postoperation (P=0.002 and P=0.002, respectively). The ESS score improved significantly from 11.5 points (IQR 8.3-18.5) preoperation to 8.0 points (IQR 6.3-10.8) at 3 months postoperation and 8.5 points (IQR 6.3-10.8) at 1 year postoperation (P=0.004 and P=0.004, respectively). The apnea-hypopnea index significantly decreased from 54.7 (IQR 23.4-62.8) to 20.5 (IQR 14.7-45.6) (P=0.047) in patients with a lower tongue position (modified Mallampati class≤II; n=7).
CONCLUSION: Palatal SCI is a safe and feasible procedure. The advantages include providing implants of tailor-made length, biocompatible autologous cartilage and no need for extra-payment for the implant material. By using the SCI procedure, both nasal obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing can be managed in a single-stage operation. The long-term effectiveness of SCI deserves further research.

PMID: 29706415 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2HE3cjn

WRAP53β, survivin and p16INK4a expression as potential predictors of radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy response in T2N0-T3N0 glottic laryngeal cancer.

WRAP53β, survivin and p16INK4a expression as potential predictors of radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy response in T2N0-T3N0 glottic laryngeal cancer.

Oncol Rep. 2017 Oct;38(4):2062-2068

Authors: Tiefenböck-Hansson K, Haapaniemi A, Farnebo L, Palmgren B, Tarkkanen J, Farnebo M, Munck-Wikland E, Mäkitie A, Garvin S, Roberg K

Abstract
The current treatment recommendation for T2-3N0M0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the Nordic countries comprises of radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Tumor radiosensitivity varies and another option is primary surgical treatment, which underlines the need for predictive markers in this patient population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation of the proteins WRAP53β, survivin and p16INK4a to RT/CRT response and ultimate outcome of patients with T2-T3N0 glottic SCC. Protein expression was determined using immunohistochemistry on tumors from 149 patients consecutively treated with RT or CRT at Helsinki University Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, and Linköping University Hospital during 1999-2010. Our results demonstrate a significantly better 5-year relapse-free survival, disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival and overall survival of patients with T3N0 tumors treated with CRT compared with RT alone. Patients with tumors showing a cytoplasmic staining of WRAP53β revealed significantly worse DFS compared with those with nuclear staining. For survivin, we observed a trend towards better 5-year DFS in patients with strong nuclear survivin expression compared with those with weak nuclear survivin expression (p=0.091). Eleven (7%) tumors showed p16 positivity, with predilection to younger patients, and this age group of patients with p16-positive SCC had a significantly better DFS compared with patients with p16-negative SCC. Taken together, our results highlight WRAP53β as a potential biomarker for predicting RT/CRT response in T2-T3N0 glottic SCC. p16 may identify a small but distinct group of glottic SCC with favorable outcome. Furthermore, for T3N0 patients better outcome was observed following CRT compared to RT alone.

PMID: 28849066 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

https://ift.tt/2wIORfB

Glottal Aerodynamic Measures in Women With Phonotraumatic and Nonphonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction.

Glottal Aerodynamic Measures in Women With Phonotraumatic and Nonphonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction.

J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2017 Aug 16;60(8):2159-2169

Authors: Espinoza VM, Zañartu M, Van Stan JH, Mehta DD, Hillman RE

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of preliminary reports showing that glottal aerodynamic measures can identify pathophysiological phonatory mechanisms for phonotraumatic and nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction, which are each distinctly different from normal vocal function.
Method: Glottal aerodynamic measures (estimates of subglottal air pressure, peak-to-peak airflow, maximum flow declination rate, and open quotient) were obtained noninvasively using a pneumotachograph mask with an intraoral pressure catheter in 16 women with organic vocal fold lesions, 16 women with muscle tension dysphonia, and 2 associated matched control groups with normal voices. Subjects produced /pae/ syllable strings from which glottal airflow was estimated using inverse filtering during /ae/ vowels, and subglottal pressure was estimated during /p/ closures. All measures were normalized for sound pressure level (SPL) and statistically tested for differences between patient and control groups.
Results: All SPL-normalized measures were significantly lower in the phonotraumatic group as compared with measures in its control group. For the nonphonotraumatic group, only SPL-normalized subglottal pressure and open quotient were significantly lower than measures in its control group.
Conclusions: Results of this study confirm previous hypotheses and preliminary results indicating that SPL-normalized estimates of glottal aerodynamic measures can be used to describe the different pathophysiological phonatory mechanisms associated with phonotraumatic and nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction.

PMID: 28785762 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

https://ift.tt/2wtnOBU

Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

! # Ola via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader

Η λίστα ιστολογίων μου

Τρίτη 1 Μαΐου 2018

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Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου