Παρασκευή 4 Μαΐου 2018
Effect of metals on zooplankton abundance and distribution in the coast of southwestern Taiwan
Abstract
Three transects were established along the southwestern coast of Taiwan; transects from north to south were respectively extended from the Kaohsiung Harbor, Kaoping River estuary, and Fangshan River estuary. Six metals including Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni were analyzed in the zooplankton and seawater samples. A total of 24 groups of zooplankton were identified. Calanoid was the frequently collected group and accounted for greater than 40% of the relative abundance of zooplankton. Results showed that metal concentrations in seawater close to coast were higher than those in the outside of transect. The mean of metal concentrations in zooplankton followed the hierarchy: Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cd. On the whole, metal concentrations in zooplankton from sampling sites in the coastal region were observed to be higher than those in the offshore region. The bioconcentration factor of zooplankton ranged within 103–105 for all studied metals and indicated that zooplankton in the seawater of southwestern Taiwan can accumulate metal even at background concentrations of metals. The value of diversity indices exhibited an increase in the distance to the coast, whereas the abundance showed no significant correlation with that. Consequently, the lowest mean abundance of zooplankton and the highest average metal bioaccumulation were found in transect outside Kaohsiung Harbor, representing that Kaohsiung Harbor has the contamination of anthropogenic metals that results in the impact on zooplankton.
https://ift.tt/2JSl4Us
Voice quality preservation in thyroid surgery with neuromonitoring
Abstract
Purpose
Voice problems are common after thyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the voice related quality of life after thyroidectomy with neuromonitoring. The sociodemographic and treatment factors influencing the quality of voice after the operation were investigated.
Methods
A total of 40 patients after thyroidectomy with neuromonitoring were enrolled into the study. The voice outcome was analyzed pre and postoperatively by two validated self-assessment questionnaires: Voice Handicap Index and Voice-Related Quality of Life survey.
Results
All external branches of the superior laryngeal nerve were identified during the operation. There were no recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies. The mean total VHIs before and after thyroid operation were 1.2 [SD 2.564] and 2.8 [SD 6.944], respectively (p = 0.5). Preoperatively, the mean overall score for the V-RQOL was 99.6; postoperatively 98.7 (p = 0.05). A strong correlation between the V-score of the V-RQOL and O-score of the VHI before and after thyroidectomy was observed (both p < 0.001).
There was no correlation between V-RQOL or VHI and sex, the kind of thyroid operations, diagnosis, thyroid function, the mean volume of the goitre, the presence of retrosternal position and the extent of thyroid operations (p > 0.05). A small correlation between the mean age of the patients and postoperative O-Score of the VHI (p = 0.007650) and between the mean age and postoperative V-Score for the V-RQOL (p = 0.00648) was observed.
Conclusions
The use of neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery is beneficial for patients to improve voice quality. The identification and preservation of EBSLNs is crucial to eliminate altered voice after thyroidectomy.
https://ift.tt/2JWKhNJ
Alcohol mixed with energy drink use during young adulthood
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 84
Author(s): Megan E. Patrick, Phil Veliz, Ashley Linden-Carmichael, Yvonne M. Terry-McElrath
AimsAlcohol mixed with energy drink (AmED) use is associated with negative consequences including hazardous alcohol use and driving under the influence. While many studies have focused on correlates of AmED use among college samples, very few have examined patterns of AmED use during adolescence and young adulthood within the general population. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to assess age differences in AmED use among a national sample of respondents aged 18 to 30.MethodsThe data for this study come from the Monitoring the Future panel study from 2012 to 2015. The sample consists of 2222 respondents between the ages of 18 and 30. Multiple logistic regression using generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to model past-year AmED prevalence across age and other covariates.ResultsNearly half (45.0%) of respondents indicated past-year AmED use at some point during the study period. The lowest prevalence rates were found at age 18 (25.9%) and the highest prevalence rates at age 21/22 (43.5%). GEE analyses indicated a statistically significant positive linear and negative quadratic trend with respect to the association between age of respondent and past-year AmED use. Namely, peak use occurred in early young adulthood (age 21/22 and 23/24) and then declined, reaching 32.0% by age 29/30. College attendance and several substance use behaviors at age 18 moderated these linear and quadratic age trends.ConclusionsAmED use peaked rapidly in early young adulthood and declined into later young adulthood. Substance use during adolescence was associated with a higher incidence of AmED use across all young adult ages and a slower decline of AmED use after age 21/22. Several sociodemographic factors were associated with AmED use, particularly college attendance at the age of 21/22.
https://ift.tt/2Iftb03
Epistaxis complicating treatment by anti-vitamin K and new oral anticoagulants
Publication date: Available online 4 May 2018
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): V. L'Huillier, C. Badet, L. Tavernier
ObjectivesTo assess any differences in severity and management of epistaxis when complicating treatment by anti-vitamin K (AVK) or by new oral anticoagulants (NOAC).Materials and methodAll patients admitted to the ENT department of a University Hospital Center for epistaxis under oral anticoagulation therapy between January 2010 and June 2015 were included in a retrospective study. Severity was assessed in terms of management and of hemoglobin level at admission. Two groups were distinguished: treatment by AVK or by NOAC.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-four patients were included: 126 under AVK and 8 under NOAC. There was a significant difference in mean hospital stay: 4.5 days for AVK versus 3.5 days for NOAC (P=0.019; 95% CI [0.1921; 0.8907]). There were no significant differences for the other severity criteria. None of the patients died.ConclusionAdmission rates for epistaxis complicating NOAC therapy was low, and much lower than in case of AVK. Bleeding severity was equivalent with both treatments. NOACs significantly reduce hospital stay. Contrary to the study hypothesis, epistaxis is less serious when complicating NOAC than AVK therapy.
https://ift.tt/2FIibDj
Fronto-orbital feminization technique. A surgical strategy using fronto-orbital burring with or without eggshell technique to optimize the risk/benefit ratio
Publication date: Available online 4 May 2018
Source:European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
Author(s): A. Villepelet, A. Jafari, B. Baujat
The demand for facial feminization is increasing in transsexual patients. Masculine foreheads present extensive supraorbital bossing with a more acute glabellar angle, whereas female foreheads show softer features. The aim of this article is to describe our surgical technique for fronto-orbital feminization. The mask-lift technique is an upper face-lift. It provides rejuvenation by correcting collapsed features, and fronto-orbital feminization through burring of orbital rims and lateral canthopexies. Depending on the size of the frontal sinus and the thickness of its anterior wall, frontal remodeling is achieved using simple burring or by means of the eggshell technique. Orbital remodeling comprises a superolateral orbital opening, a reduction of ridges and a trough at the lateral orbital rim to support the lateral canthopexy. Frontal, corrugator and procerus myectomies, plus minimal scalp excision, complete the surgery. Our technique results in significant, natural-looking feminization. No complications were observed in our series of patients. The eggshell technique is an alternative to bone flap on over-pneumatized sinus. Fronto-orbital feminization fits into a wider surgical strategy. It can be associated to rhinoplasty, genioplasty, mandibular angle remodeling, face lift and laryngoplasty. Achieving facial feminization in 2 or 3 stages improves psychological and physiological tolerance.
https://ift.tt/2jtUx4J
Voice quality preservation in thyroid surgery with neuromonitoring
Abstract
Purpose
Voice problems are common after thyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the voice related quality of life after thyroidectomy with neuromonitoring. The sociodemographic and treatment factors influencing the quality of voice after the operation were investigated.
Methods
A total of 40 patients after thyroidectomy with neuromonitoring were enrolled into the study. The voice outcome was analyzed pre and postoperatively by two validated self-assessment questionnaires: Voice Handicap Index and Voice-Related Quality of Life survey.
Results
All external branches of the superior laryngeal nerve were identified during the operation. There were no recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies. The mean total VHIs before and after thyroid operation were 1.2 [SD 2.564] and 2.8 [SD 6.944], respectively (p = 0.5). Preoperatively, the mean overall score for the V-RQOL was 99.6; postoperatively 98.7 (p = 0.05). A strong correlation between the V-score of the V-RQOL and O-score of the VHI before and after thyroidectomy was observed (both p < 0.001).
There was no correlation between V-RQOL or VHI and sex, the kind of thyroid operations, diagnosis, thyroid function, the mean volume of the goitre, the presence of retrosternal position and the extent of thyroid operations (p > 0.05). A small correlation between the mean age of the patients and postoperative O-Score of the VHI (p = 0.007650) and between the mean age and postoperative V-Score for the V-RQOL (p = 0.00648) was observed.
Conclusions
The use of neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery is beneficial for patients to improve voice quality. The identification and preservation of EBSLNs is crucial to eliminate altered voice after thyroidectomy.
https://ift.tt/2JWKhNJ
Differential sensitivity to the antifouling chemical medetomidine between wood frog and American toad tadpoles with evidence for low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition of metamorphosis
Abstract
Antifouling chemicals are legacy contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Previous experiments have shown that a 14-day exposure to the antifouling chemical medetomidine delays metamorphosis and reduces body mass in wood frog tadpoles. In the present study, we exposed wood frog tadpoles to medetomidine for 3, 7, and 10 days at 100 nM, 1 μM, and 10 μM. We also exposed American toad tadpoles to medetomidine for 3 days at four concentrations (10 nM, 100 nM, 1 μM, and 10 μM) in static renewal experiments. In each experiment, we measured growth, frequency and time to metamorphosis, and mass at metamorphosis. In both species, medetomidine significantly slowed development as measured by the Gosner stage. After 34 days in culture, wood frog tadpoles exposed to 1 and 10 μM medetomidine for as few as 3 days were significantly less developed compared to controls. Toads exposed to 1 μM medetomidine for 3 days were also significantly less developed on day 27, but by day 34, there was no difference from controls. For wood frogs, medetomidine significantly affected time to metamorphosis with a trend for tadpoles at lower concentrations metamorphosing sooner than those at higher concentrations. While medetomidine affected time to metamorphosis in wood frogs, it did not affect fresh mass, dry mass, or mortality compared to controls. Wood frog tadpoles that did not metamorphose after over 90 days in culture were more frequent in high-concentration groups than in the control. In toads, 10 μM medetomidine was 100% lethal within 23 days, but at the same concentration and duration, no wood frog tadpoles died. Lower concentrations were also significantly lethal to toads compared to controls, but tadpoles that survived in 10 and 100 nM metamorphosed sooner than those in 1 μM. Fresh mass of toad tadpoles exposed to 1 μm was significantly smaller at metamorphosis compared to that of controls. Medetomidine also affected the behavior of tadpoles. In toads, medetomidine significantly reduced both percent activity and startle response. In wood frogs, medetomidine significantly reduced percent activity, but increased startle response. We discuss our finding of low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition of different life history endpoints in terms of hormetic mechanisms. The differential sensitivity between species in terms of mortality, frequency of metamorphosis, and behavior highlights the potential negative environmental effects of medetomidine to amphibians.
https://ift.tt/2rkoBEg
The tolerogenic peptide hCDR1 immunomodulates cytokine and regulatory molecule gene expression in blood mononuclear cells of primary Sjogren's syndrome patients
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Zev Sthoeger, Amir Sharabi, Ilan Asher, Heidy Zinger, Rafael Segal, Gene Shearer, Ori Elkayam, Edna Mozes
Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands. We investigated whether the tolerogenic peptide, hCDR1, that ameliorates lupus manifestations would have beneficial effects on pSS as well. The in vitro effects of hCDR1 on gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulatory molecules were tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 16 pSS patients. hCDR1, but not a control peptide, significantly reduced gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, MX-1 and BlyS and up-regulated immunosuppressive (TGF-β, FOXP3) molecules in PBMC of pSS patients. hCDR1 did not affect gene expression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and anti-phospholipid syndrome. Further, hCDR1 up-regulated the expression of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) via elevation of TGF-β. IDO inhibition led to a significant decrease in the expression of FOXP3 which is crucial for the induction of T regulatory cells. Thus, hCDR1 is potential candidate for the specific treatment of pSS patients.
https://ift.tt/2KFO0A6
The tolerogenic peptide hCDR1 immunomodulates cytokine and regulatory molecule gene expression in blood mononuclear cells of primary Sjogren's syndrome patients
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Zev Sthoeger, Amir Sharabi, Ilan Asher, Heidy Zinger, Rafael Segal, Gene Shearer, Ori Elkayam, Edna Mozes
Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands. We investigated whether the tolerogenic peptide, hCDR1, that ameliorates lupus manifestations would have beneficial effects on pSS as well. The in vitro effects of hCDR1 on gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulatory molecules were tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 16 pSS patients. hCDR1, but not a control peptide, significantly reduced gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, MX-1 and BlyS and up-regulated immunosuppressive (TGF-β, FOXP3) molecules in PBMC of pSS patients. hCDR1 did not affect gene expression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and anti-phospholipid syndrome. Further, hCDR1 up-regulated the expression of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) via elevation of TGF-β. IDO inhibition led to a significant decrease in the expression of FOXP3 which is crucial for the induction of T regulatory cells. Thus, hCDR1 is potential candidate for the specific treatment of pSS patients.
https://ift.tt/2KFO0A6
Nanowires promise new ways to restore vision and movement
Source:Nano Today
https://ift.tt/2jtLAZb
Fire-resistant nano-wallpaper sounds the alarm
Source:Nano Today
https://ift.tt/2FMlOrI
The contribution of cholesterol and epigenetic changes to the pathophysiology of breast cancer
Publication date: Available online 4 May 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Maliha T. Munir, Christopher Ponce, Catherine A. Powell, Kaiser Tarafdar, Teru Yanagita, Mahua Choudhury, Lauren S. Gollahon, Shaikh M. Rahman
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women. Accumulating evidence suggests that cholesterol plays an important role in the development of breast cancer. Even though the mechanistic link between these two factors is not well understood, one possibility is that dysregulated cholesterol metabolism may affect lipid raft and membrane fluidity and can promote tumor development. Current studies have shown oxysterol 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-HC) as a critical regulator of cholesterol and breast cancer pathogenesis. This is supported by the significantly higher expression of CYP27A1 (cytochrome P450, family 27, subfamily A, polypeptide 1) in breast cancers. This enzyme is responsible for 27-HC synthesis from cholesterol. It has been shown that 27-HC can not only increase the proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells but also stimulate tumor growth and metastasis in several breast cancer models. This phenomenon is surprising since 27-HC and other oxysterols generally reduce intracellular cholesterol levels by activating the liver X receptors (LXRs). Resolving this paradox will elucidate molecular pathways by which cholesterol, ER, and LXR are connected to breast cancer. These findings will also provide the rationale for evaluating pharmaceutical approaches that manipulate cholesterol or 27-HC synthesis in order to mitigate the impact of cholesterol on breast cancer pathophysiology. In addition to cholesterol, epigenetic changes including non-coding RNAs, and microRNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modifications, have all been shown to control tumorigenesis. The purpose of this review is to discuss the link between altered cholesterol metabolism and epigenetic modification during breast cancer progression.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2wekdeX
Esophageal Metal Stents with Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer: Safe or Not?
AbstractBackground.The purpose of this study was to review the risks and benefits of concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) with esophageal self‐expandable metal stents (SEMS) for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer.Materials and Methods.Between January 2014 and December 2016, the data from 46 locally advanced esophageal cancer patients who received CCRT at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Eight patients who received CCRT concomitant with SEMS placement (SEMS plus CCRT group) and thirty‐eight patients who received CCRT without SEMS placement (CCRT group) were identified. The risk of developing esophageal fistula and the overall survival of the two groups were analyzed.Results.The rate of esophageal fistula formation during or after CCRT was 87.5% in the SEMS plus CCRT group and 2.6% in the CCRT group. The median doses of radiotherapy in the SEMS plus CCRT group and the CCRT group were 47.5 Gy and 50 Gy, respectively. SEMS combined with CCRT was associated with a greater risk of esophageal fistula formation than CCRT alone (hazard ratio [HR], 72.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.62–606.12; p < .001). The median overall survival times in the SEMS plus CCRT and CCRT groups were 6 months and 16 months, respectively. Overall survival was significantly worse in the SEMS plus CCRT group than in the CCRT group (HR, 5.72; 95% CI, 2.15–15.21; p < .001).Conclusion.CCRT concomitant with SEMS for locally advanced esophageal cancer results in earlier life‐threatening morbidity and a higher mortality rate than treatment with CCRT alone. Further prospective and randomized studies are warranted to confirm these observations.Implications for Practice.Patients treated with SEMS placement followed by CCRT had higher risk of esophageal fistula formation and inferior overall survival rate compared with patients treated with CCRT alone. SEMS placement should be performed cautiously in patients who are scheduled to receive CCRT with curative intent.
https://ift.tt/2wg8s7K
Predictors of Location of Death for Children with Cancer Enrolled on a Palliative Care Service
AbstractBackground.In the U.S., more children die from cancer than from any other disease, and more than one third die in the hospital setting. These data have been replicated even in subpopulations of children with cancer enrolled on a palliative care service. Children with cancer who die in high‐acuity inpatient settings often experience suffering at the end of life, with increased psychosocial morbidities seen in their bereaved parents. Strategies to preemptively identify children with cancer who are more likely to die in high‐acuity inpatient settings have not been explored.Materials and Methods.A standardized tool was used to gather demographic, disease, treatment, and end‐of‐life variables for 321 pediatric palliative oncology (PPO) patients treated at an academic pediatric cancer center who died between 2011 and 2015. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict patient subgroups at increased risk for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) death.Results.Higher odds of dying in the PICU were found in patients with Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 4.02; p = .002), hematologic malignancy (OR, 7.42; p < .0001), history of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (OR, 4.52; p < .0001), total number of PICU hospitalizations (OR, 1.98; p < .0001), receipt of cancer‐directed therapy during the last month of life (OR, 2.96; p = .002), and palliative care involvement occurring less than 30 days before death (OR, 4.7; p < .0001). Conversely, lower odds of dying in the PICU were found in patients with hospice involvement (OR, 0.02; p < .0001) and documentation of advance directives at the time of death (OR, 0.37; p = .033).Conclusion.Certain variables may predict PICU death for PPO patients, including delayed palliative care involvement. Preemptive identification of patients at risk for PICU death affords opportunities to study the effects of earlier palliative care integration and increased discussions around preferred location of death on end‐of‐life outcomes for children with cancer and their families.Implications for Practice.Children with cancer who die in high‐acuity inpatient settings often experience a high burden of intensive therapy at the end of life. Strategies to identify patients at higher risk of dying in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have not been explored previously. This study finds that certain variables may predict PICU death for pediatric palliative oncology patients, including delayed palliative care involvement. Preemptive identification of patients at risk for PICU death affords opportunities to study the effects of earlier palliative care integration and increased discussions around preferred location of death on end‐of‐life outcomes for children with cancer and their families.
https://ift.tt/2HRErjW
Development of magnetite nanoparticles/gelatin composite films for triggering drug release by an external magnetic field
Publication date: 15 August 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 152
Author(s): Tíffany Marín, Paula Montoya, Oscar Arnache, Rodolfo Pinal, Jorge Calderón
Films of magnetite nanoparticles/gelatin composite (gelatin/NPs) with a magnetic response allowing controlled drug release by an external magnetic field were developed. The controlled release of acetaminophen as a model drug by the diffusion mechanism was tested using the gelatin/NPs films and different external magnetic fields. Composite material films of gelatin/NPs were made by dispersion of magnetite nanoparticles into gelatin solution. The nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, Zeta potential, and TEM. The gelatin/NPs composite films were analyzed by FTIR, Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopy, the thermal properties of the films were analyzed by DSC and their magnetic properties by magnetization curves (M vs H) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM). The films were evaluated in a diffusion cell containing acetaminophen solution for 24 h using a permanent magnet as a remote trigger device. The results showed that gelatin/NPs composite films do not exhibit a high oxidation level of the nanoparticles contained in the gelatin matrix. The magnetic properties of magnetite NPs were not affected by interaction with the polymeric matrix. Furthermore, the diffusion results enable the conclusion that the response of gelatin composite films to an external magnetic field modified the release percentage of drug, in accordance with the magnitude of the field.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2rmIj1d
Premartensite serving as an intermediary state between strain glass and martensite in ferromagnetic Ni-Fe-Mn-Ga
Publication date: 15 August 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 152
Author(s): Yu Wang, Chonghui Huang, Haijun Wu, Jinghui Gao, Sen Yang, Xiaoping Song, Xiaobing Ren
Previous investigations indicate that the two intrinsically different states, i.e., strain glass and premartensite in ferromagnetic Ni-Mn-Ga based system share some similarities in their transforming properties, such as nano-domain structure, elastic anomaly and temperature-induced transition to martensite. This indicates that the two states are possibly related with each other. However, the relationship between them is unclear so far. To explore this problem, we investigated the transforming behaviors of the ferromagnetic Ni55-xFexMn20Ga25 (x = 4–14) system. It was found that the transforming route of this system changes greatly with increasing Fe content. We also observed that the strain glass transforms into premartensitic state upon cooling, which is called spontaneous strain glass to premartensite transition. The local structure of strain glass is similar to that of premartensite. Moreover, a strain glass phase diagram of the Ni-Fe-Mn-Ga system was constructed, which reveals that the premartensite serves as an intermediary state between strain glass and martensite. With increasing Fe doping, the system changes from the martensite (long-range-ordered strain state with large spontaneous strain) into the premartensite (long-range-ordered strain state with small spontaneous strain) at first, and then the strain glass (short-range-ordered strain state with small local strain) is derived from premartensite by further doping Fe.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2HP0Eza
Thio-olivine Mn2SiS4 thin films by reactive magnetron sputtering: Structural and optical properties with insights from first principles calculations
Publication date: 15 August 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 152
Author(s): A. Davydova, J. Eriksson, R. Chen, K. Rudisch, C. Persson, J.J.S. Scragg
Thio-olivines such as (Fe,Mn)2(Si,Ge)S4 have been proposed as candidate earth-abundant materials for single and multi-junction solar cells. In this work we present the first investigation of Mn2SiS4thin films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering deposition, using a composition grading approach. Precursor instability in ambient conditions is observed, revealing the oxidation/hydrolysis of SiS bonds from the as-deposited film as a blocking mechanism for the ternary compound formation. Structural, morphological and optical properties of the annealed Mn2SiS4 films are reported for the first time. Resulting Mn2SiS4 films have orthorhombic Pnma structure and are polycrystalline. Raman active modes at 325 nm excitation are observed at 262, 320, 400 and 464 cm−1. From room temperature photoluminescence at 532 nm excitation the band gap is estimated to be about 1.9 eV, but a high optical absorption coefficient of >104 cm−1 was only obtained at E > 2.8 eV. First principles calculations are used for better understanding of opto-electronic properties. From the calculations, Mn2SiS4 is suggested to have a band gap of about 1.73–1.86 eV depending on the magnetic configuration of Mn and slight indirect nature. The slow absorption onset is interpreted by strong anisotropy due to one of the components of the dielectric function.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2rmIhX9
Tunable green/red dual-mode luminescence via energy management in core-multishell nanoparticles
Publication date: 15 August 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 152
Author(s): Zhihua Leng, Liping Li, Dan Zhang, Guangshe Li
Achieving up-conversion luminescence from Tb3+/Eu3+ ions was generally via a complicated energy transfer process (Yb3+ → Tm3+ → Gd3+ → Ln3+, Ln = Tb/Eu), which makes the relevant energy management rather difficult and inevitably results in impure blue luminescence of Tm3+. In this work, a facile and rational strategy is designed to integrate dual-mode luminescence from Eu3+/Tb3+ ions into NaGdF4:Yb/Eu@NaGdF4:Ce@NaGdF4:Yb/Tb@NaYF4 core-multishell nanostructure. It is found that the down-conversion energy transfer across NaGdF4@NaGdF4 interface is confined in a narrow space region of approximately 2 nm. For the up-conversion mode, the primary factor that dominates the emission intensity of Eu3+ is determined to be the molar ratio of NaGdF4:Yb/Tb component in the second shell to NaGdF4:Yb/Eu one in the core, which differs from the anisotropic filtration effect previously reported. Eventually, tunable dual-mode emission colors were achieved through simply varying the inner shell thickness of NaGdF4:Yb/Tb. The strategy of integrating dual-mode luminescence of Eu3+/Tb3+ reported here for energy management allows one to design new luminescence materials for many important applications.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2KDYBM8
[Identification of new mutations in TCIRG1 as a cause of infantile malignant osteopetrosis in two Mexican patients].
[Identification of new mutations in TCIRG1 as a cause of infantile malignant osteopetrosis in two Mexican patients].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):108-116
Authors: Hernández-Martínez C, Guzmán-Martínez MN, Scheffler-Mendoza S, Espinosa-Padilla SE, Sobacchi C, Blancas-Galicia L
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Osteopetrosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases that are characterized by increased bone density due to abnormalities in osteoclast differentiation or function, which result in a lack of bone resorption.
CASE REPORTS: Two patients with osteopetrosis onset since the first months of life, with facial dysmorphia, blindness, deafness, hepatosplenomegaly, hypotonia, neurodevelopmental retardation and bicytopenia. Bone radiographs showed osteosclerosis. They were assessed by different specialists prior to definitive diagnosis. Genetic analysis determined mutations in the TCIRG1 gene. Patient 1 had a homozygous mutation for p.Ile720Alafs*14 identified, which hasn't been previously reported. Patient 2 had a compound heterozygous mutation: the first one, p.Phe459Leufs*79, and the second one, p.Gly159Argfs*68, none of which has been previously reported as far as we know.
CONCLUSION: The only therapeutic option for patients with osteopetrosis is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which should be carried out in the course of the first 3 months of life, before neurological damage occurs. Although osteopetrosis diagnosis is relatively simple, it is delayed owing to the lack of clinical suspicion.
PMID: 29723947 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2KFDzwq
[Plantago psyllium-secondary anaphylaxis. Case report].
[Plantago psyllium-secondary anaphylaxis. Case report].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):103-107
Authors: Collado-Chagoya R, Hernández-Romero J, Eliosa-Alvarado GA, García-González AC, Campos-Gutiérrez RI, Velasco-Medina A, Velázquez-Sámano G
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Psyllium is a derivative of Plantago ovata ground seed and husk that is used as bulk-forming laxatives owing to its hydrocolloid properties.
CASE REPORT: 43-year-old female nurse with previous diagnosis of drug allergy and allergic rhinitis who, after the preparation and administration of a laxative, developed rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, urticarial syndrome, angioedema and bronchospasm, which led to conclude that she had an anaphylactic reaction. She was treated with adrenaline, corticosteroids and antihistamines. After symptom resolution, with in vivo tests by means of the skin prick technique and by in vitro assay (specific IgE), hypersensitivity to plantago psyllium was determined.
DISCUSSION: Most cases of anaphylaxis have been reported with psyllium ingestion, since, through that route, antigenic burden is higher. It should be noted that, even when exposure in the described patient was only by inhalation, manifestations were life-threatening.
PMID: 29723946 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2rkEaLa
[Are natural analgesic products safe in patients with allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?]
[Are natural analgesic products safe in patients with allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?]
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):99-102
Authors: Chérrez-Ojeda I, Calderón JC, Calero E, Terán C, Chérrez A
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)-induced hypersensitivity reactions can be clinically apparent with asthma, rhinosinusitis, anaphylaxis or rash. Although natural anti-inflammatory products can have similar components, they are not subjected to rigorous quality control standards.
CASE REPORT: The case is presented of a 22-year-old female with NSAID allergy who attended with facial and laryngeal angioedema associated with pruritus in eyelids and pharynx. She developed these symptoms fifteen minutes after taking an over-the-counter (OTC) natural anti-inflammatory product. She received treatment with epinephrine, antihistamines and corticosteroids.
CONCLUSION: Different natural anti-inflammatory products are freely available both OTC and online. Some contain dangerous substances that can cause important, and even lethal. side effects. Allergologists, dermatologists and general practitioners should be able to recognize that the consumption of these products, which is widely spread, can cause angioedema.
PMID: 29723945 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2KBzeuc
[The importance of clinical case reports in research].
[The importance of clinical case reports in research].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):92-98
Authors: Pineda-Leguízamo R, Miranda-Novales G, Villasís-Keever MÁ
Abstract
Clinical case reports correspond to articles that have the lowest level of evidence within different research trials. However, not only are they common and significant in the medical field, but they have often been the basis the generation of research. The purpose of their publication can be scientific or educational. In general terms, the discovery of new diseases, the presentation of rare diseases, unusual forms of common diseases, the complications of a common treatment, or the effect (beneficial or adverse) of a treatment, among other things, are narrated in these documents. Clinical case reports continue to be one of the most important sources of knowledge. The advent of a standardized guideline for the creation of this type of reports allows homogenizing the form and content of the cases intended to be described in the near future and, furthermore, will enable authors to have a reference when preparing this type of publications. Case reports are valuable resources of new and unusual information that can encourage and serve to conduct future research studies with a higher level of evidence.
PMID: 29723944 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2rm71yW
[Antioxidant vitamins in asthma].
[Antioxidant vitamins in asthma].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):61-77
Authors: Barrera-Mendoza CC, Ayala-Mata F, Cortés-Rojo C, García-Pérez ME, Rodríguez-Orozco AR
Abstract
Asthma is a condition of unknown etiology characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Cells that mediate the inflammatory response generate reactive oxygen species that, together with other respiratory tract naturally-occurring oxidant species, produce a rupture of the redox balance, generating oxidative stress. It has been proposed that oxidative stress can be reverted by supplemental or dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D and E, and this way relieve, improve or protect people with asthma. In this research, observational and placebo-controlled trials with regard to the role of antioxidant vitamins in the course of asthma, published between 1979 and 2016, were reviewed. The search engines were Google and Google Scholar, whereas consulted databases were PubMed and The Cochrane Library. There were 75 articles relevant to the subject that were found and reviewed, and it was concluded that it is not clear if the intake of supplements of these vitamins has any beneficial clinical effect on asthma control. Further controlled, longer trials are needed to elucidate the role of these nutrients in the course of asthma.
PMID: 29723942 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2rman4N
[Characterization of children younger than five years with suspected allergic diseases].
[Characterization of children younger than five years with suspected allergic diseases].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):52-60
Authors: Vásquez LM, Olaya M, Cleves D, Ramírez-Zuluaga LF, Serrano C
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Symptoms of allergic diseases are a common cause of consultation during childhood.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of a population of Colombian preschool children seen in an allergology department and assess possible risk factors.
METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study of patients younger than 5 years who were assessed for one year. A complete medical history was obtained and allergology workup was carried out with skin prick tests as appropriate for each case. Risk factors were assessed by means of multivariate analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 674 patients were included, out of which 382 (52.7%) were males. Median age was 34 months. The reasons for consultation were cough or recurrent wheezing (54.3%), rhinitis (48.7%), and eczema (32.2%). Skin prick tests were performed with aeroallergens in 299 patients (48%) and with food in 170 (27%), with positivity being found in 114 (38%) and 16 (9.4%), respectively. Main sensitizers were dust mites and egg. A direct association was found between eczema and prematurity (OR = 0.496; 95 % CI = 0.289-0.823)], between recurrent cough/wheezing and family history of allergy (OR = 1.837; 95 % CI = 1,306-2,586), and between recurrent cough/wheezing and history of bronchiolitis (OR = 2.646; 95 % CI = 1.812-3.886).
CONCLUSION: Respiratory symptoms represented the main cause of consultation. Dust mites were the most commonly identified allergens. Family history of allergy and bronchiolitis.
PMID: 29723941 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2HOVFyk
[Intradermal immunotherapy with low-dose house dust mite allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis: A proof-of-concept study].
[Intradermal immunotherapy with low-dose house dust mite allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis: A proof-of-concept study].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):41-51
Authors: Vieira-Hernández A, Capriles-Hulett A, Sánchez-Borges M, Fabiano F, Albarrán-Barrios C
Abstract
BACKGROUND: High-dose aqueous subcutaneous immunotherapy is a validated and effective administration route for house dust mite and pollen allergens.
OBJECTIVE: A proof-of-concept study using intradermal immunotherapy (IDIT) with low-dose house dust mite allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinnus/Dermatophagoides farinae [Dp/Df] and Blomia tropicalis [Bt]) was carried out in children with allergic rhinitis symptomatic upon exposure to house dust.
METHODS: Eight immunotherapy-naïve patients with positive prick skin tests and specific serum IgE to a Dp/Df mixture and to Bt were weekly administered 0.05 mL of an IDIT consisting of a phenolyzed albumin-saline preparation containing low-dose dust mites (8.3 AU [5 ng] of Dp/Df and 2.5 DBU of Bt), for 3 months. Nasal (Total Nasal Symptom Score) and facial symptoms (Visual Analog Scale) were recorded 2 weeks prior to treatment and once weekly during its course. Serial dilutions skin prick tests (1/100-1/1.000.000) and serum allergen-specific IgG4 determinations were performed at baseline and at treatment conclusion.
RESULTS: Values on the scales suggested clinical improvement. There was a significant decrease in serial dilutions skin prick tests' wheal diameters, as well as an increase in serum IgG4 values at treatment completion. IDIT was well tolerated.
CONCLUSION: If the present results are confirmed by further studies, allergen-specific immunotherapy wider use could be promoted.
PMID: 29723940 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2rlzqoQ
[Allergen extracts for immunotherapy in Latin America].
[Allergen extracts for immunotherapy in Latin America].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):25-40
Authors: Cardona R, Sánchez A, Larenas-Linnemann D, Járes E, Sánchez J
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (SLAAI) presents a document about the use of immunotherapy (IT) in Latin America, where administration patterns, indications and contraindications, effects on health, adverse events and socioeconomic impact are reviewed.
OBJECTIVE: To review publications analyzing the use of IT in Latin America.
METHODS: A literature review was carried out in order to identify works addressing IT in Latin America. This review was focused on practical scientific information available on IT in the region, and a parallel comparison was made with practices observed in the United States and European countries.
RESULTS: Of the 21 Latin American countries included, only 9 had original articles meeting the selection criteria; a total of 82 articles were selected, most of them from Brazil and Mexico. Most widely used allergenic extracts in Latin America tropical and subtropical regions were those of mites and pollen.
CONCLUSION: Although it is true that there are huge challenges for the future of IT in Latin America, studies on subcutaneous IT and sublingual IT are increasing, but most of them are retrospective and some have design bias, and more prospective studies are therefore required, using internationally validated scales for clinical evaluation.
PMID: 29723939 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2HVivk7
[Prevalence of sensitization and allergy to kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) in adults with allergic diseases].
[Prevalence of sensitization and allergy to kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) in adults with allergic diseases].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):19-24
Authors: Bedolla-Pulido TR, Álvarez-Corona SA, Bedolla-Pulido TI, Uribe-Cota B, González-Mendoza T, Bedolla-Barajas M
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a food that has been recognized for its allergenic capability for more than 30 years. In general, kiwi allergy is characterized by local discomfort, but systemic reactions such as rash, angioedema, rhinitis, conjunctivitis or anaphylaxis can be triggered.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sensitization and allergy to kiwi in adults with allergic diseases.
METHODS: By means of a cross-sectional, retrolective study, data corresponding to 370 patients aged ≥16 years were analyzed.
RESULTS: 226 patients had positive skin reaction against aeroallergens. The prevalence of food sensitization was 84/226 (37.2%; 95 % CI = 31.1 to 43.6). Overall, the prevalence of sensitization to kiwi fruit was 15/226 (6.6%; 95% CI = 3.9 to 10.7), and of kiwi allergy, 2/15 (13.3%; 95% CI = 2.5 to 39.1); one patient had symptoms consistent with oral allergy syndrome, and another, gastrointestinal and cutaneous manifestations.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sensitization to kiwi fruit is not a rare event; in contrast, symptoms related to its consumption are uncommon.
PMID: 29723938 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2HPsDPg
[Latex allergy self-report in medical students: prevalence and associated factors].
[Latex allergy self-report in medical students: prevalence and associated factors].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):10-18
Authors: Bedolla-Barajas M, Macriz-Romero N, Jara-Ettinger AC, Macriz-Romero M, Fregoso-Fregoso M, Morales-Romero J
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of latex allergy in medical students is not known.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of self-reported latex allergy and associated factors in medical students.
METHODS: Cross-sectional, analytical study of students with or without self-reported latex allergy. By means of a structured questionnaire, past personal and family history of allergic disease, time and frequency of exposure to latex gloves and symptoms after exposure to products or foods associated with latex allergy were inquired. Logistic regression models were carried out.
RESULTS: Out of 854 subjects, 431 (50.5%) were females. Median age was 21 years. Overall prevalence of latex allergy was 4.3% (95% CI = 3.1 to 5.9). Associated risk factors were age (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.79), personal history of atopic dermatitis (OR = 7.32; 95% CI = 3.14 to 17.08), use of gloves ≥ 15/week (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.17 to 5.76), use of latex products (OR = 5.76; 95% CI = 2.15 to 15.49) and fruit allergy (OR = 3.24; 95% CI = 1.27 t o8.27).
CONCLUSION: Four out of a hundred students reported latex allergy. Age, personal history of atopic dermatitis, higher frequency of exposure to latex gloves and history of fruit allergy were risk factors for self-report latex allergy.
PMID: 29723937 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2HTxvP8
[Latex-papaya syndrome: an infrequent association].
[Latex-papaya syndrome: an infrequent association].
Rev Alerg Mex. 2018 Jan-Mar;65(1):3-9
Authors: Rojas-Mandujano V, González-Juárez K, Hernández-Fernández C, O'Farrill-Romanillos PM, Del Rivero L, Herrera-Sánchez DA
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Latex-fruit syndrome (LFS) is characterized by allergy to latex and plants. Papain, chymopapain, caricaine and class I chitinases are papaya's most allergenic proteins. The similarity between latex hevein epitopes and papaya class I chitinases might explain the latex-papaya syndrome (LPS).
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with LPS.
METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study where 11 patients diagnosed with latex allergy by skin prick test and clinically diagnosed with papaya-induced anaphylaxis were included. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: Out of 11 patients with LPS, 72.7% were females (7 to 46 years), all with a history of papaya-induced anaphylaxis, identified by medical history and medical notes plus latex-positive skin prick tests, with 63.3% exhibiting anaphylaxis in the skin prick tests. Risk factors included multiple surgeries, another allergic disease, and being employed in the field of health; 63.6% were allergic to to other foods, 45.4% to medications, 45.4% had allergic rhinitis and 27.3% had asthma.
CONCLUSIONS: Hypersensitivity to papaya increases the risk of anaphylaxis in patients with latex allergy and, therefore, mortality. Clinical data is the main diagnostic tool. Education for the management of anaphylaxis with adrenaline self-administration is essential.
PMID: 29723936 [PubMed - in process]
https://ift.tt/2IcHm6e
Genes underlying delayed puberty
Publication date: Available online 4 May 2018
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): S.R. Howard
The genetic control of pubertal timing has been a field of active investigation for the last decade, but remains a fascinating and mysterious conundrum. Self-limited delayed puberty (DP), also known as constitutional delay of growth and puberty, represents the extreme end of normal pubertal timing, and is the commonest cause of DP in both boys and girls. Familial self-limited DP has a clear genetic basis. It is a highly heritable condition, which often segregates in an autosomal dominant pattern (with or without complete penetrance) in the majority of families. However, the underlying neuroendocrine pathophysiology and genetic regulation has been largely unknown. Very recently novel gene discoveries from next generation sequencing studies have provided insights into the genetic mutations that lead to familial DP. Further understanding has come from sequencing genes known to cause GnRH deficiency, next generation sequencing studies in patients with early puberty, and from large-scale genome wide association studies in the general population. Results of these studies suggest that the genetic basis of DP is likely to be highly heterogeneous. Abnormalities of GnRH neuronal development, function, and its downstream pathways, metabolic and energy homeostatic derangements, and transcriptional regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis may all lead to DP. This variety of different pathogenic mechanisms affecting the release of the puberty 'brake' may take place in several age windows between fetal life and puberty.
https://ift.tt/2rm11WO
Detection of white spot lesions by segmenting laser speckle images using computer vision methods
Abstract
This paper aims to develop a method for laser speckle image segmentation of tooth surfaces for diagnosis of early stages caries. The method, applied directly to a raw image obtained by digital photography, is based on the difference between the speckle pattern of a carious lesion tooth surface area and that of a sound area. Each image is divided into blocks which are identified in a working matrix by their χ2 distance between block histograms of the analyzed image and the reference histograms previously obtained by K-means from healthy (h_Sound) and lesioned (h_Decay) areas, separately. If the χ2 distance between a block histogram and h_Sound is greater than the distance to h_Decay, this block is marked as decayed. The experiments showed that the method can provide effective segmentation for initial lesions. We used 64 images to test the algorithm and we achieved 100% accuracy in segmentation. Differences between the speckle pattern of a sound tooth surface region and a carious region, even in the early stage, can be evidenced by the χ2 distance between histograms. This method proves to be more effective for segmenting the laser speckle image, which enhances the contrast between sound and lesioned tissues. The results were obtained with low computational cost. The method has the potential for early diagnosis in a clinical environment, through the development of low-cost portable equipment.
https://ift.tt/2FIXx60
Benzo(a)pyrene parallel measurements in PM 1 and PM 2.5 in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk (Baltic Sea) in the heating and non-heating seasons
Abstract
Parallel measurements of PM1 and PM2.5 aerosols were conducted in the urbanized coastal zone of the southern Baltic Sea. The main aim of the research was to assess and determine annual, seasonal (heating and non-heating), and daily concentration variability of benzo(a)pyrene in aerosols, these being the most dangerous constituents to human health. The average annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) was equal to 2.6 ng·m−3 in PM1 and 4.6 ng·m−3 in PM2.5, and both values were several times higher than the level of 1 ng·m−3 which was set out in the CAFE Directive. High mean daily concentrations of B(a)P persisted for 50 and 65% of the study period in PM1 and PM2.5, respectively. In order to determine the sources of B(a)P in both aerosol fractions, organic (OC) and elemental (EC) carbon concentrations were examined. The highest concentrations of all carbon species were reported during the heating season under local or regional land advection and at low air temperatures. The origin of pollutants was the same and was primarily related to the combustion of fossil fuels in the communal-utility sector. During the non-heating period, the role of transportation, both land and marine, increased and may have been significant in creating higher concentrations of carbon compounds in PM1 and PM2.5. Regardless of the size of the aerosol fractions, B(a)P loads introduced into the Baltic coastal zone were several times higher during the heating period compared to the non-heating season.
Graphical abstract
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https://ift.tt/2jtZZVb
Increased expression of IL-1R8 and a possible immunomodulatory role of its ligand IL-37 in allergic rhinitis patients
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 60
Author(s): Cong Li, Yang Shen, Jue Wang, Zu-Xia Ma, Xia Ke, Zhi-Hai Wang, Su-Ling Hong, Guo-Hua Hu
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that is caused by an abnormal T cell response. T helper (Th)-17 cells and Th2 cells are the CD4+ T cell subsets implicated in the pathogenesis of AR. The suppression of excessive responses of these Th17 and Th2 cells has been reported to be an effective therapeutic approach to treat AR patients, and continuous efforts are being undertaken to find new methods to modulate the function of these cells. Recent studies have shown that IL-1R8 and its ligand IL-37 negatively regulate the immune response. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory the roles of IL-37/IL-1R8 axis in AR patients. We found that IL-1R8 expression was very low on dendritic cells (DCs) and resting CD4+ T cells but increased strongly on CD4+ T cells following T cell activation. Furthermore, IL-1R8 expression on CD4+ T cells was markedly higher in AR patients than in healthy controls. The IL-1R8 ligand IL-37 could act on CD4+ T cells to inhibit IL-17 and IL-4 production but could not influence DC-induced IL-17- and IL-4-producing CD4+ T cell responses. Meanwhile, recombinant IL-37 (rIL-37) did not influence IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 production by DCs and expression of co-stimulatory molecules (including CD80, CD40, CD86 and HLA-DR) in DCs. Thus, IL-37 may regulate aberrant T cell immune response of allergic rhinitis mainly through CD4+ T cells, not DCs. The immunomodulatory roles of the IL-37/IL-1R8 axis indicate the therapeutic potential of this axis in AR.
https://ift.tt/2rlHLZK
MLN3126, an antagonist of the chemokine receptor CCR9, ameliorates inflammation in a T cell mediated mouse colitis model
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 60
Author(s): Keiko Igaki, Yusaku Komoike, Yoshiki Nakamura, Takeshi Watanabe, Masashi Yamasaki, Paul Fleming, Lili Yang, Dulce Soler, Eric Fedyk, Noboru Tsuchimori
C-C chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) is the homing receptor for C-C motif chemokine ligand 25 (CCL25), and contributes to the maintenance of mucosal immunity and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through the recruitment of T cells into the gut mucosa. Recent reports suggest that the interaction of CCR9 and CCL25 in the large intestine correlate with disease severity of colonic IBD. MLN3126 is an orally available small molecular compound with potent and selective CCR9 antagonist activity. MLN3126 inhibited CCL25-induced calcium mobilization in human CCR9 transfected cells and CCL25-induced chemotaxis of mouse primary thymocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The potential effect of MLN3126 in an activated T cell transfer mouse colitis model was compared with that of an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibody. CCL25 protein was detected in the colon of mucosal epithelial cells and CCR9+ CD4+ T cells were observed in the lamina propria of the colon of mice with colitis. Dietary administration of MLN3126 to the mice maintained sufficient concentration of the compound in the plasma and dose-dependently inhibited progression of colitis compared to the vehicle control group. Anti-TNF-α antibody, a surrogate for a standard of care for IBD treatment, was also efficacious in the colitis model. These results suggest that MLN3126 would be a promising orally available CCR9 antagonist to treat colonic IBD.
https://ift.tt/2HQ5Gvo
Down-regulation of IFIT3 protects liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 60
Author(s): Ge Guan, Yuntai Shen, Qianqian Yu, Huan Liu, Bin Zhang, Yuan Guo, Xiaodan Zhu, Zhiqiang Li, Wei Rao, Likun Zhuang, Yunjin Zang
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) could result in severe liver damage and dysfunction during liver surgery and transplantation. As one of the Interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes, IFIT3 exerted antitumor activity but its roles in hepatic IRI are still unknown. In this study, roles of IFIT3 in hepatic IRI were investigated using a mouse hepatic IRI model and a cellular hypoxia-reoxygenation model. Firstly, our results showed that IFIT3 was up-regulated in reperfused liver tissues of patients undergoing liver transplantation and was positively correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Secondly, knockdown of IFIT3 could significantly ameliorate hepatic IRI and suppress ischemia and reperfusion-induced release of inflammatory cytokines in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, knockdown of IFIT3 inhibited phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2, and decreased expressions of IFN-stimulated genes induced by ischemia and reperfusion in vivo and in vitro. These data highlight the importance and potential clinical use of IFIT3 in hepatic IRI.
https://ift.tt/2rlHJkA
Enhancement of exposure therapy in participants with specific phobia: a randomized controlled trial comparing yohimbine, propranolol and placebo
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): K. Meyerbröker, N. Morina, P.M.G. Emmelkamp
BACKGROUNDRecent research indicates that pharmacological agents may enhance psychotherapeutic outcome. Yet, empirical results have not been conclusive with respect to two pharmacological agents, yohimbine hydrochloride (YOH) and propranolol. YOH is suggested to enhance emotional memory by elevating norepinephrine, whereas the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol might help better cope with feared situations by reducing accompanying bodily sensations.METHODSIn this controlled trial, fifty-six participants with specific phobia were randomly assigned to either 1) virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) plus YOH, 2) VRET plus Propranolol, or 3) VRET plus placebo. Participants in all conditions received three sessions of VRET over a period of two weeks.RESULTSWe conducted 2 × 3 repeated measures MANOVA's. Results showed a significant effect for time, with partial eta squared ranging from ηp2=.647 to ηp2=.692, for specific phobia, yet no significant interaction effects were found.CONCLUSIONNo significant differences were found when VRET with YOH or a beta-blocker was compared to VRET with a non-active placebo. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
https://ift.tt/2rryb8z
Social Interaction Anxiety and Personality Traits Predicting Engagement in Health Risk Sexual Behaviors
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Ryan L. Rahm-Knigge, Mark A. Prince, Bradley T. Conner
Individuals with social interaction anxiety, a facet of social anxiety disorder, withdraw from or avoid social encounters and generally avoid risks. However, a subset engages in health risk sexual behavior (HRSB). Because sensation seeking, emotion dysregulation, and impulsivity predict engagement in HRSB among adolescents and young adults, the present study hypothesized that latent classes of social interaction anxiety and these personality traits would differentially predict likelihood of engagement in HRSB. Finite mixture modeling was used to discern four classes: two low social interaction anxiety classes distinguished by facets of emotion dysregulation, positive urgency, and negative urgency (Low SIAS High Urgency and Low SIAS Low Urgency) and two high social interaction anxiety classes distinguished by positive urgency, negative urgency, risk seeking, and facets of emotion dysregulation (High SIAS High Urgency and High SIAS Low Urgency). HRSB were entered into the model as auxiliary distal outcomes. Of importance to this study were findings that the High SIAS High Urgency class was more likely to engage in most identified HRSB than the High SIAS Low Urgency class. This study extends previous findings on the heterogeneity of social interaction anxiety by identifying the effects of social interaction anxiety and personality on engagement in HRSB.
https://ift.tt/2JTKzVD
A Qualitative Analysis of Disclosing Sexual Victimization by #NotOkay During the 2016 Presidential Election
Violence and Gender, Ahead of Print.
https://ift.tt/2wcIORf
Effects of Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles on the chlorophyll fluorescence and chloroplast ultrastructure of soybean ( Glycine max )
Abstract
Chromic oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3 NPs) are widely used in commercial factories and can cause serious environmental problems. However, the mechanism behind Cr2O3 NP-induced phytotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, the effects of Cr2O3 NPs on the growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, SEM-EDS analysis, and chloroplast ultrastructure of soybean (Glycine max) were investigated to evaluate its phytotoxicity. The growth of soybean treated with various Cr2O3 NP suspensions (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 g L−1) was significantly inhibited. Specially, shoot and root biomass decreased by 9.9 and 46.3%, respectively. Besides, the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) as well as the photochemical quenching (qP) decreased by 8–22 and 30–37%, respectively, indicating that the photosynthetic system was damaged when treated with Cr2O3 NPs. Moreover, the inhibition was confirmed by the reduction of Rubisco and MDH enzyme activity (by 54.5–86.4 and 26.7–96.5%, respectively). Overall, results indicated that the damage was caused by the destruction of chloroplast thylakoid structure, which subsequently reduced the photosynthetic rate. Our research suggests that Cr2O3 NPs can be transported and cause irreversible damage to soybean plants by inhibiting the activity of electron acceptors (NADP+) and destroying ultrastructure of chloroplasts, providing insights into plant toxicity issues.
Graphical abstract
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https://ift.tt/2KA4w4O
Ethnic differences and comorbidities of 909 Prurigo Nodularis patients
•Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a pruritic dermatosis of unknown etiology.•PN is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, Hepatitis C, HIV, and several psychiatric comorbidities•Clinicians should be aware of psychiatric, metabolic, and infectious disease associations when treating PN patients.
https://ift.tt/2FLzUJR
Cutaneous toxicity as a predictive biomarker for clinical outcome in patients receiving anticancer therapy
•There is an association between clinical outcomes and development of cutaneous toxicities due to anticancer therapeutics.•Vitiligo, rash, nail toxicity, or alopecia induced by anticancer therapeutics may be potential biomarkers in predicting treatment efficacy.•Identification of cutaneous toxicities may be an early and non-invasive way to determine cancer treatment efficacy.
https://ift.tt/2FLb6BO
A Critical Overview of the Current Myofascial Pain Literature – April 2018
Publication date: Available online 28 April 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Jan Dommerholt, Li-Wei Chou, Michelle Finnegan, Todd Hooks
Twenty-four basic and clinical studies and case reports are included in this quarters review of the myofascial pain literature. The majority of publication focus on invasive techniques, especially dry needling. We hope, that this not suggest that clinicians and researchers are slowly moving away from manual trigger point (TrP) approaches. While some physiotherapists have bought into the notion that hands-on approaches are a thing of the past, since "pain is in the brain" and "the issues are not in the tissues," there is also a body of research that aims to combine so-called top-down and bottom-up therapies. Combining manual therapy and dry needling with pain neuroscience education is likely the preferred method using a multimodal approach (Puentedura and Flynn, 2016; Lluch Girbes et al., 2015).
https://ift.tt/2jwiOau
Combination of bioleaching by gross bacterial biosurfactants and flocculation: A potential remediation for the heavy metal contaminated soils
Publication date: September 2018
Source:Chemosphere, Volume 206
Author(s): Zhihui Yang, Wei Shi, Weichun Yang, Lifen Liang, Wenbin Yao, Liyuan Chai, Shikang Gao, Qi Liao
Combining bioleaching by the gross biosurfactants of Burkholderia sp. Z-90 and flocculation by poly aluminium chloride (PAC) was proposed to develop a potential environment-friendly and cost-effective technique to remediate the severely contaminated soils by heavy metals. The factors affecting soil bioleaching by the gross biosurfactants of Burkholderia sp. Z-90 were optimized. The results showed the optimal removing efficiencies of Zn, Pb, Mn, Cd, Cu, and As by the Burkholderia sp. Z-90 leachate were 44.0, 32.5, 52.2, 37.7, 24.1 and 31.6%, respectively at soil liquid ratio of 1:20 (w/v) for 5 d, which were more efficient than that by 0.1% of rhamnolipid. The amounts of the bioleached heavy metals by the Burkholderia sp. Z-90 leachate were higher than that by other biosurfactants in the previous studies, although the removal efficiencies of the metals by the leachate were relatively lower. It was suggested that more heavy metals caused more competitive to chelate with function groups of the gross biosurfactants and the metal removal efficiencies by biosurfactants in natural soils were lower than in the artificially contaminated soils. Moreover, the Burkholderia sp. Z-90 leachate facilitated the metals to be transformed to the easily migrating speciation fractions. Additional, the results showed that PAC was efficient in the following flocculation to remove heavy metals in the waste bio-leachates. Our study will provide support for developing a bioleaching technique model to remediate the soils extremely contaminated by heavy metals.
https://ift.tt/2jtSUUw
Prolonged stimulation of insulin release from MIN6 cells causes zinc depletion and loss of β-cell markers
Publication date: September 2018
Source:Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 49
Author(s): Rebecca Lawson, Wolfgang Maret, Christer Hogstrand
Zinc is integral for the normal function of pancreatic β-cells in glycaemic control. Large amounts of zinc are secreted from β-cells following insulin exocytosis and regulated replenishment is required, which is thought to be mediated by the ZIP family of zinc importer proteins. Within Type 2 Diabetic patients, β-cells are stressed through prolonged stimulation by hyperglycaemia and this is thought to be a major factor contributing to loss of β-cell identity and mass. However, the consequences for the β-cell zinc status remain largely unexplored. We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to show that 24 h treatment of MIN6 cells with potassium chloride, mimicking hyperglycaemic stimulation, reduces the total cellular zinc content 2.8-fold, and qPCR to show an increase in mRNA expression for metallothioneins (Mt1 and Mt2) following 4 and 24 h of stimulation, suggestive of an early rise in cytosolic zinc. To determine which ZIP paralogues may be responsible for zinc replenishment, we used immunocytochemistry, Western blot and qPCR to demonstrate initial ZIP1 protein upregulation proceeded by downregulation of mRNA coding for ZIP1, ZIP6, ZIP7 and ZIP14. To assign a biological significance to the decreased total cellular zinc content, we assessed expression of key β-cell markers to show downregulation of mRNA for MafA, Mnx-1, Nkx2.2 and Pax6. Our data suggest hyperglycaemia-induced zinc depletion may contribute to loss of β-cell markers and promote β-cell dedifferentiation through disrupting expression of key transcription factors.
https://ift.tt/2wg1K1q
A comparative study on the mineralogy, chemical speciation, and combustion behavior of toxic elements of coal beneficiation products
Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Fuel, Volume 228
Author(s): Biao Fu, Guijian Liu, Mei Sun, James C. Hower, Guangqing Hu, Dun Wu
The huge demand for high-quality coal in China has resulted in increased generation of preparation plant wastes of various properties. A series of beneficiation products collected from a preparation plant were characterized to understand their petrographic and mineralogical characteristics, as well as thermochemical and trace element behavior during combustion. The minerals in the Luling preparation plant wastes from Huaibei coalfield mainly included kaolinite and quartz, with minor calcite, ankerite, pyrite, illite, chalcopyrite, albite, K-feldspar, anatase/rutile, and iron-oxide minerals. Massive clay lumps of terrigenous origin, cleat-infilling carbonate, and pyrite of epigenetic origin were prone to be enriched in the middlings and coal gangue. Minor or trace heavy minerals also reported to the preparation plant wastes. The contents of low-density density vitrinite and liptinite were enhanced in the clean coal, while inertinite-maceral group were enriched in the middlings. The modes of occurrences of toxic elements differed between raw coal and the waste products; and their transformation behavior during heavy medium separation is largely controlled by clay minerals (V, Cr, Co, Sb, and Pb), carbonate minerals (Co and Pb), sulfide minerals (As, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Zn) and organic matters (V, Cr, Se, and Cu). Three groups were classified based on the volatile ratio (Vr) of toxic elements. Group 1 includes the highly volatile element Se with Vr > 85%; Group 2 contained elements As, Pb, Zn, Cd and Sb, with the Vr in the range of 20–85% and V, Cr, Co, Ni and Cu with Vr less than 20% were placed into Group 3. Thermal reactivity of coal inferred from the combustion profiles could be significantly improved after coal beneficiation, whereas the increased inorganic components probably inhibited the thermal chemical reaction of wastes.
https://ift.tt/2jxFqr0
Investigating the metal contamination of sediment transported by the 2016 Seine River flood (Paris, France)
Publication date: September 2018
Source:Environmental Pollution, Volume 240
Author(s): Marion Le Gall, Sophie Ayrault, Olivier Evrard, J. Patrick Laceby, David Gateuille, Irène Lefèvre, Jean-Marie Mouchel, Michel Meybeck
Fine sediment transport in rivers is exacerbated during flood events. These particles may convey various contaminants (i.e. metals, pathogens, industrial chemicals, etc.), and significantly impact water quality. The exceptional June 2016 flood of the Seine River (catchment area: 65 000 km2, France), potentially mobilized and deposited contaminated materials throughout the Paris region. Flood sediment deposits (n = 29) were collected along the Seine River and its main tributaries upstream (Yonne, Loing and Marne Rivers) and downstream of Paris (Oise and Eure Rivers). Fallout radionuclides (137Cs, 7Be) were measured to characterize the sources of the material transiting the river, while trace elements (e.g. Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, Cd, Sb, Pb, Tl, Ag) and stable lead isotopes (206Pb/207Pb) were analyzed to quantify the contamination of sediment transported during the flood. In upper sections of the Seine River, sediment mainly originated from the remobilization of particles with a well-balanced contribution of surface and subsurface sources. In the upstream tributaries, sediment almost exclusively originated from the remobilization of subsurface particles. In Paris and downstream of Paris, recently eroded particles and surface sources dominated, suggesting particles were mainly supplied by urban runoff and the erosion of agricultural soils. The highest metal concentrations and Enrichment Factors (EF) were found in the sediment collected in the Loing, Orge and Yvette upstream tributaries. Although these inputs were diluted in the Seine River, an increase in elemental concentrations was observed, progressing downstream through Paris. However, EFs in sediment collected along the Seine River were lower or in the same range of values sampled over the last several decades, reflecting the progressive decontamination of the urbanized Seine River basin.
Graphical abstract
Teaser
During the June 2016 flood of the Seine River there was a flush of contaminated sediment originating from upstream tributaries, while along the Seine River, sediment metal concentrations remained lower than historical records.https://ift.tt/2wfHn4A
In situ pilot test for bioremediation of energetic compound-contaminated soil at a former military demolition range site
Abstract
Bioremediation was performed in situ at a former military range site to assess the performance of native bacteria in degrading hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). The fate of these pollutants in soil and soil pore water was investigated as influenced by waste glycerol amendment to the soil. Following waste glycerol application, there was an accumulation of organic carbon that promoted microbial activity, converting organic carbon into acetate and propionate, which are intermediate compounds in anaerobic processes. This augmentation of anaerobic activity strongly correlated to a noticeable reduction in RDX concentrations in the amended soil. Changes in concentrations of RDX in pore water were similar to those observed in the soil suggesting that RDX leaching from the soil matrix, and treatment with waste glycerol, contributed to the enhanced removal of RDX from the water and soil. This was not the case with 2,4-DNT, which was neither found in pore water nor affected by the waste glycerol treatment. Results from saturated conditions and Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure testing, to investigate the environmental fate of 2,4-DNT, indicated that 2,4-DNT found on site was relatively inert and was likely to remain in its current state on the site.
https://ift.tt/2FLHPqD
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss is a multifactorial condition that affects more than one-third of the aging population. Left untreated it can increase the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, social isolation, depression, and falls. Hearing augmentation devices exhibit improved digital sound processing and Smartphone connectivity. Stigma remains one of the prominent barriers and todays devices offer in the canal models, miniature sizes, and camouflage with the hair or skin color. Although rigorous scientific efforts are made in the research field of inner ear regeneration and some clinical early phase studies do exist, to date, the clinical availability is still some time away.
https://ift.tt/2KzX4GS
Stenting the Eustachian tube to treat chronic otitis media - a feasibility study in sheep
Abstract
Background
Untreated chronic otitis media severely impairs quality of life in affected individuals. Local destruction of the middle ear and subsequent loss of hearing are common sequelae, and currently available treatments provide limited relief. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of the insertion of a coronary stent from the nasopharynx into the Eustachian tube in-vivo in sheep and to make an initial assessment of its positional stability, tolerance by the animal, and possible tissue reactions.
Methods
Bilateral implantation of bare metal cobalt-chrome coronary stents of two sizes was performed endoscopically in three healthy blackface sheep using a nasopharyngeal approach. The postoperative observation period was three months.
Results
Stent implantation into the Eustachian tube was feasible with no intra- or post-operative complications. Health status of the sheep was unaffected. All stents preserved their cylindrical shape. All shorter stents remained in position and ventilated the middle ear even when partially filled with secretion or tissue. One of the long stents became dislocated toward the nasopharynx. Both of the others remained fixed at the isthmus but appeared to be blocked by tissue or secretion. Tissue overgrowth on top of the struts of all stents resulted in closure of the tissue-lumen interface.
Conclusion
Stenting of the Eustachian tube was successfully transferred from cadaver studies to an in-vivo application without complications. The stent was well tolerated, the middle ears were ventilated, and clearance of the auditory tube appeared possible. For fixation, it seems to be sufficient to place it only in the cartilaginous part of the Eustachian tube.
https://ift.tt/2HUbGzc
Kisspeptin and LH pulsatile temporal coupling in PCOS patients
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the temporal coupling between spontaneous kisspeptin and luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatile releases in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.
Methods
We examined 71 patients diagnosed with PCOS. A 2 h pulsatility study was performed to evaluate serum kisspeptin and LH pulse frequency and concentration, sampled every 10 min; baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), cortisol, 17-hydroksy-progesterone (17OHP), testosterone (T), free testosterone index (FTI, and insulin levels were also measured. Detect and Specific Concordance (SC) algorithms were used to evaluate the temporal coupling associations between spontaneous episodic secretion of kisspeptin and LH.
Results
All PCOS patients demonstrated LH and kisspeptin pulsatile secretions. When the SC index was calculated across the sample of PCOS patients (n = 71), no temporal coupling was observed between kisspeptin and LH pulses. When PCOS patients were subdivided according to their menstrual cyclicity, oligomenorrheic patients demonstrated elevated kisspeptin pulse frequency. Additionally, the SC index reveled a temporal coupling between kisspeptin and LH secretory peaks only in eumenorrheic patients (n = 30, intermenstrual interval < 45 days). Oligomenorrheic PCOS patients (intermenstrual interval > 45 days) did not demonstrate temporal coupling between kisspeptin and LH secretory peaks.
Conclusions
The study of the endogenous kisspeptin and LH pulsatile release revealed the temporal coupling of kisspeptin with LH secretory pulses only in eumenorrheic. This data supports the hypothesis that neuroendocrine impairments in PCOS affect the coupling of kisspeptin with LH pulses and potentially worsen as the disease progresses, becoming unequivocally evident in oligomenorrheic PCOS patients.
https://ift.tt/2KD2st0
Natural history and clinical characteristics of 50 patients with Wolfram syndrome
Abstract
Purpose
To describe clinical characteristics of diabetes mellitus (DM) in a group of patients with Wolfram Syndrome (WS).
Methods
Descriptive, cross-sectional observational design. The sample consisted of 50 patients diagnosed with WS. Clinical criteria contributing to WS diagnosis were analyzed: diabetes mellitus (DM), optic nerve atrophy (OA), sensorineural deafness, urological and neurological dysfunction, among others. These parameters were assessed according to their presence/absence, age of onset, and various clinical-analytical parameters.
Results
All the patients studied presented DM and OA, with a mean age of onset of 5.4 ± .9 (1–14) years and 9 ± .9 (1–16) years, respectively. The remaining criteria were present with a variable frequency: 77% had diabetes insipidus, 66.7% auditory alterations, 77.8% neurogenic bladder, 61.1% neurological involvement, and 27.8% hypogonadism. A 16.7% of the patients had positive albuminuria (urinary albumin/creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g) and 72.2% had hyporreflexia. There were no significant differences in the age of diagnosis nor of the presence of different pathologies according to sex.
Conclusions
The early presence of a non-autoimmune insulin dependent DM, should alert us of an "infrequent" diabetes syndrome. Wolfram's presumptive diagnosis could be established if juvenile-onset DM occurs concomitantly with OA, and this visual impairment is not attributable to diabetic retinopathy. Despite the long period of evolution of DM and altered values of HbA1c, the prevalence of microvascular complications in the sample are low.
https://ift.tt/2FLAhnM
Management von Sprachentwicklungsstörungen und Aussprachestörungen bei Kindern
Zusammenfassung
Im internationalen Vergleich ist Deutschland scheinbar ein Land mit einer weit überdurchschnittlichen Prävalenz therapiebedürftiger Sprachstörungen bei Kindern. Da HNO-Ärzte in Praxis und Klinik häufig Sprach- und Sprechtherapie verordnen, wird im ersten Teil dieser Fortbildung die richtlinien- und leitliniengerechte Diagnose systematisch dargestellt. Es wird erläutert, wie eine Verdachtsdiagnose entwickelt wird, die sprachbefundliche Untersuchungen begründet. Darüber hinaus wird erörtert, wie aus den verfügbaren Tests eine sinnvolle Auswahl getroffen wird, die der Arzt selbst durchführen oder veranlassen kann, und wie daraus der Schweregrad beurteilt wird. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt dieser Arbeit ist die Differenzialdiagnose zugrunde liegender Ursachen, z. B. Schwerhörigkeiten oder globale Entwicklungsstörungen. Beim Vorliegen aller erforderlichen Ergebnisse kann eine Arbeitsdiagnose erstellt und der Fall durch ICD-10-Codes klassifiziert werden.
https://ift.tt/2KEUvU6
Clioquinol induces G2/M cell cycle arrest through the up-regulation of TDH3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Chongjia Yan, Song Wang, Jian Wang, Hui Li, Zhiwei Huang, Jing Sun, Min Peng, Wenbin Liu, Ping Shi
Clioquinol (CQ) has been used as a classical antimicrobial agent for many years. However, its mode of action is still unclear. In our study, the growth of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was inhibited by CQ. It did not kill yeast cells, but shortened G1 phase and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase. By using two-dimensional electrophoresis based proteomic approach, six proteins were found to be significantly affected by CQ. Among them, four (PDC1, ADH1, TDH3, IPP1) were up-regulated and the other two (TDH1 and PGK1) were down-regulated. According to the Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD), these proteins were involved in various biological processes including glycolytic fermentation, gluconeogenesis, glycolytic process, amino acid catabolism, redox reaction and reactive oxygen species metabolic process. It was noted that there was a link between TDH3 and cell cycle. The overexpression of TDH3 phenocopied CQ treatment and arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase. RT-PCR analysis showed that the mRNA levels of CLN3 and CDC28, critical genes for passage through G1 phase, were up-regulated after the treatment of CQ as well as the overexpression of TDH3. It demonstrates that CQ inhibits the growth of yeast by up-regulating the expression of TDH3 to influence the cell cycle. It is expected to provide new insights for the antimicrobial mechanism of CQ.
https://ift.tt/2JUft02
The developmental regulator Pcz1 affects the production of secondary metabolites in the filamentous fungus Penicillium roqueforti
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Juan F. Rojas-Aedo, Carlos Gil-Durán, Alejandra Goity, Inmaculada Vaca, Gloria Levicán, Luis F. Larrondo, Renato Chávez
Penicillium roqueforti is used in the production of several kinds of ripened blue-veined cheeses. In addition, this fungus produces interesting secondary metabolites such as roquefortine C, andrastin A and mycophenolic acid. To date, there is scarce information concerning the regulation of the production of these secondary metabolites. Recently, the gene named pcz1 (Penicillium C6 zinc domain protein 1) was described in P. roqueforti, which encodes for a Zn(II)2Cys6 protein that controls growth and developmental processes in this fungus. However, its effect on secondary metabolism is currently unknown. In this work, we have analyzed how the overexpression and down-regulation of pcz1 affect the production of roquefortine C, andrastin A and mycophenolic acid in P. roqueforti. The three metabolites were drastically reduced in the pcz1 down-regulated strains. However, when pcz1 was overexpressed, only mycophenolic acid was overproduced while, on the contrary, levels of roquefortine C and andrastin A were diminished. Importantly, these results match the expression pattern of key genes involved in the biosynthesis of these metabolites. Taken together, our results suggest that Pcz1 plays a key role in regulating secondary metabolism in the fungus Penicillium roqueforti.
https://ift.tt/2rkrLaX
Brazilian red propolis: Chemical composition and antibacterial activity determined using bioguided fractionation
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Luciane Corbellini Rufatto, Paola Luchtenberg, Charlene Garcia, Christine Thomassigny, Sylvie Bouttier, Françoise Dumas, João Antonio Pêgas Henriques, Mariana Roesch-Ely, Sidnei Moura
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics is causing an increase in bacterial resistance, complicating therapeutic planning. In this context, natural products have emerged as major providers of bioactive compounds. This work performs a bioguided study of Brazilian red propolis to identify compounds with antibacterial potential and to evaluate their cytotoxicity against non-tumour cells. Using bioguided fractionation performed with the hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis from Alagoas, it was possible to obtain subfractions with remarkable bacteriostatic activity compared with the precursor fractions. The SC2 subfraction was highlighted and showed the best results with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 56.75, 28.37, 454.00, and 227.00 μg.mL−1 against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. However, this study also revealed a cytotoxic effect against the non-tumour Vero cell line. Furthermore, through chemical analyses using high resolution mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection, and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, we verified the presence of important marker compounds in the fractions and extracts, including formononetin (m/z 267.0663), biochanin A (m/z 283.0601), and liquiritigenin (m/z 255.0655). The results obtained in this study suggest an important antibacterial potential of red propolis subfractions. In this context, the bioguided fractionation has been a useful process, due to its ability to isolate and concentrate active compounds in a logical and rational way.
https://ift.tt/2JU0bbo
Master mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus: consider its excellent protective mechanisms hindering vaccine development
Publication date: Available online 4 May 2018
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Xu Zhang, Manukumar H. Marichannegowda, Kadalipura P. Rakesh, Hua-Li Qin
Lack of known mechanisms of protection against Staphylococcus aureus in humans represents an important risk factor for skin infections and bacteremia in patients, intern hindering the development of efficacious vaccines. However, development of effective humoral response may be dampened by converging immune-evasion mechanisms of S. aureus. To develop a promising vaccine against S. aureus, it is pre-requisite to clear understanding of cutaneous, innate and adaptive immune response. The S. aureus dampening the humoral response, T cell help, blocking complement factors, and killing immune players by its toxins are the important factors need to understand clearly. We hypothesized that the master mechanism of S. aureus counteracts may hindering the immune action which may result in failure of target-oriented vaccine development. Developing immunological interventions that can effectively block the S. aureus counteracting mechanisms are the key success for a developing vaccine for the future was warranted.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2Iegbbk
Kisspeptin and LH pulsatile temporal coupling in PCOS patients
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the temporal coupling between spontaneous kisspeptin and luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatile releases in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.
Methods
We examined 71 patients diagnosed with PCOS. A 2 h pulsatility study was performed to evaluate serum kisspeptin and LH pulse frequency and concentration, sampled every 10 min; baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), cortisol, 17-hydroksy-progesterone (17OHP), testosterone (T), free testosterone index (FTI, and insulin levels were also measured. Detect and Specific Concordance (SC) algorithms were used to evaluate the temporal coupling associations between spontaneous episodic secretion of kisspeptin and LH.
Results
All PCOS patients demonstrated LH and kisspeptin pulsatile secretions. When the SC index was calculated across the sample of PCOS patients (n = 71), no temporal coupling was observed between kisspeptin and LH pulses. When PCOS patients were subdivided according to their menstrual cyclicity, oligomenorrheic patients demonstrated elevated kisspeptin pulse frequency. Additionally, the SC index reveled a temporal coupling between kisspeptin and LH secretory peaks only in eumenorrheic patients (n = 30, intermenstrual interval < 45 days). Oligomenorrheic PCOS patients (intermenstrual interval > 45 days) did not demonstrate temporal coupling between kisspeptin and LH secretory peaks.
Conclusions
The study of the endogenous kisspeptin and LH pulsatile release revealed the temporal coupling of kisspeptin with LH secretory pulses only in eumenorrheic. This data supports the hypothesis that neuroendocrine impairments in PCOS affect the coupling of kisspeptin with LH pulses and potentially worsen as the disease progresses, becoming unequivocally evident in oligomenorrheic PCOS patients.
https://ift.tt/2KD2st0
Natural history and clinical characteristics of 50 patients with Wolfram syndrome
Abstract
Purpose
To describe clinical characteristics of diabetes mellitus (DM) in a group of patients with Wolfram Syndrome (WS).
Methods
Descriptive, cross-sectional observational design. The sample consisted of 50 patients diagnosed with WS. Clinical criteria contributing to WS diagnosis were analyzed: diabetes mellitus (DM), optic nerve atrophy (OA), sensorineural deafness, urological and neurological dysfunction, among others. These parameters were assessed according to their presence/absence, age of onset, and various clinical-analytical parameters.
Results
All the patients studied presented DM and OA, with a mean age of onset of 5.4 ± .9 (1–14) years and 9 ± .9 (1–16) years, respectively. The remaining criteria were present with a variable frequency: 77% had diabetes insipidus, 66.7% auditory alterations, 77.8% neurogenic bladder, 61.1% neurological involvement, and 27.8% hypogonadism. A 16.7% of the patients had positive albuminuria (urinary albumin/creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g) and 72.2% had hyporreflexia. There were no significant differences in the age of diagnosis nor of the presence of different pathologies according to sex.
Conclusions
The early presence of a non-autoimmune insulin dependent DM, should alert us of an "infrequent" diabetes syndrome. Wolfram's presumptive diagnosis could be established if juvenile-onset DM occurs concomitantly with OA, and this visual impairment is not attributable to diabetic retinopathy. Despite the long period of evolution of DM and altered values of HbA1c, the prevalence of microvascular complications in the sample are low.
https://ift.tt/2FLAhnM
Origin and circuitry of spinal locomotor interneurons generating different speeds
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 53
Author(s): Henrik Boije, Klas Kullander
The spinal circuitry governing the undulatory movements of swimming vertebrates consist of excitatory and commissural inhibitory interneurons and motor neurons. This locomotor network generates the rhythmic output, coordinate left/right alternation, and permit communication across segments. Through evolution, more complex movement patterns have emerged, made possible by sub-specialization of neural populations within the spinal cord. Walking tetrapods use a similar basic circuitry, but have added layers of complexity for the coordination of intralimbic flexor and extensor muscles as well as interlimbic coordination between the body halves and fore/hindlimbs. Although the basics of these circuits are known there is a gap in our knowledge regarding how different speeds and gaits are coordinated. Analysing subpopulations among described neuronal populations may bring insight into how changes in locomotor output are orchestrated by a hard-wired network.
https://ift.tt/2wdLiyT
Experience-dependent plasticity in the lateral geniculate nucleus
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 53
Author(s): Tobias Rose, Tobias Bonhoeffer
Experience-dependent plasticity in the visual system is traditionally thought to be exclusively cortical whereas the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) is classically considered to just be a 'relay' of visual information between the retina and the cortex. However, a number of recent experiments call into question the simplistic view of visual cortex being the only site of plasticity. Thalamic neurons, at least in mouse dLGN, combine inputs from ganglion cells located in both eyes and recent evidence suggests that the feature selectivity of dLGN neurons is subject to experience-dependent plasticity. Here we discuss new insights into the nature of thalamic visual processing, focusing on the unexpected degree and plasticity of functional binocular convergence in mouse dLGN.
https://ift.tt/2rlAjP7
Combination of urea-crosslinked hyaluronic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases: An in vitro study
Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 120
Author(s): Arianna Fallacara, Laura Busato, Michele Pozzoli, Maliheh Ghadiri, Hui Xin Ong, Paul M. Young, Stefano Manfredini, Daniela Traini
This in vitro study evaluated, for the first time, the safety and the biological activity of a novel urea-crosslinked hyaluronic acid component and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (HA-CL – SAP), singularly and/or in combination, intended for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases. The aim was to understand if the combination HA-CL – SAP had an enhanced activity with respect to the combination native hyaluronic acid (HA) – SAP and the single SAP, HA and HA-CL components. Sample solutions displayed pH, osmolality and viscosity values suitable for lung delivery and showed to be not toxic on epithelial Calu-3 cells at the concentrations used in this study. The HA-CL – SAP displayed the most significant reduction in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, due to the combined action of HA-CL and SAP. Moreover, this combination showed improved cellular healing (wound closure) with respect to HA – SAP, SAP and HA, although at a lower rate than HA-CL alone. These preliminary results showed that the combination HA-CL - SAP could be suitable to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in lung disorders like acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, where inflammation is prominent.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2juLlgv
Can the positive association of osteocalcin with testosterone be unmasked when the preeminent hypothalamic–pituitary regulation of testosterone production is impaired? The model of spinal cord injury
Abstract
Purpose
Osteocalcin (OCN), released from the bone matrix during the resorption phase, in its undercarboxylated form, stimulates testosterone (T) biosynthesis in mouse and a loss-of-function mutation of its receptor was associated with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in humans. Nevertheless, when population-based studies have explored the OCN-T association, conflicting results have been reported. Hypothesizing that the evidence of a positive association between OCN and T could have been hindered by the preeminent role of a well-functioning hypothalamus–pituitary axis in promoting T biosynthesis, we explored this association in men with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), exhibiting high prevalence of non-hypergonadotropic androgen deficiency.
Methods
Fifty-five consecutive men with chronic SCI underwent clinical/biochemical evaluations, including measurements of total T (TT), OCN and 25(OH)D levels. Free T (FT) levels were calculated by the Vermeulen formula. Comorbidity was scored by Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).
Results
A biochemical androgen deficiency (TT < 300 ng/dL) was observed in 15 patients (27.3%). TT was positively correlated with OCN, 25(OH)D and leisure time physical activity and negatively correlated with age, BMI and CCI. OCN was also positively correlated with calculated FT and negatively correlated with BMI and HOMA-IR. At the multiple linear regression analyses, a positive association of OCN with TT and calculated FT persisted after adjustment for confounders.
Conclusions
The positive association here found between OCN and T levels in men with chronic SCI reinforces the notion that a bone–testis axis is also functioning in humans and suggests that it can be unmasked when the preeminent hypothalamic–pituitary regulation of T production is impaired.
https://ift.tt/2FL48g1
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