Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 41: Anti-Aging Effects of Monomethylsilanetriol and Maltodextrin-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid on Nails, Skin and Hair

Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 41: Anti-Aging Effects of Monomethylsilanetriol and Maltodextrin-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid on Nails, Skin and Hair

Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics5030041

Authors: Anderson Oliveira Ferreira Érika Santos Freire Hudson Caetano Polonini Paulo José Lopes Cândido da Silva Marcos Antônio Fernandes Brandão Nádia Rezende Barbosa Raposo

Chemical form of silicon determines its absorption and bioavailability: particulate and polymerized forms exhibit minimal oral bioavailability, while monomers (maltodextrin-stabilized orthosilicic acid, M-OSA) and organic compounds (monomethylsilanetriol, MMST) may hypothetically be highly absorbed. This study aimed to investigate the dermatological effects of oral ingestion of silicon, either solid (M-OSA–SiliciuMax® Powder) or liquid (MMST, SiliciuMax® Liquid) on the skin, hair and nails of healthy volunteers, through a clinical trial (Registry number 2,032,724. Full protocol at Plataforma Brasil website). Patients were randomized to receive 5 mg of elemental Si, either M-OSA or MMST (group 1 and 2, n = 17 each) or placebo (group 3, n = 17) twice a day for 150 days. Clinical and patients’ subjective evaluations were conducted. Multispectral face imaging and hair mineral analysis were also performed. Use of M-OSA and MMST provided significant (p < 0.05) betterment of facial wrinkles and UV spots. Changes were also observed at the end of the study in skin texture and length of eyelashes. Hair aluminum levels decrease with the treatments. Self-reported questionnaire indicated good satisfaction with both M-OSA and MMST. Continuous use of both M-OSA and MMST can provide improvements on skin parameters, as well as act as a detox agent for aluminum.

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A retrospective analysis of surgical resection of large ear keloids

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2lLCbgL

A retrospective analysis of surgical resection of large ear keloids

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2lLCbgL

Histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient maps for differentiating malignant from benign parotid gland tumors

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of histogram parameters derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for differentiating malignant from benign parotid gland tumors compared with that of hotspot region of interest (ROI)-based apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement.

Methods

Our study retrospectively enrolled 60 patients with parotid gland tumors who had undergone DWI scan for pre-treatment evaluation. ADC measurements were performed using hotspot ROI (ADC_HS-ROI)-based and histogram-based approach. Histogram parameters included mean (ADC_mean), median (ADC_median), 10th (ADC₁₀), 90th (ADC₉₀) percentiles, skewness and kurtosis of ADC. Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc Dunn–Bonferroni method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used for statistical analyses.

Results

ADC_HS-ROI and ADC histogram parameters showed no significant differences between malignant and benign parotid gland tumors (All Ps > 0.05). Within the sub-group analyses, Warthin's tumors showed the lowest ADC_HS-ROI, ADC_mean, ADC_median, ADC₁₀ and ADC₉₀ value, followed by malignant tumors and pleomorphic adenomas (All Ps < 0.05). ADC₁₀ out-performed ADC_HS-ROI in differentiating malignant tumors from pleomorphic adenomas (area under curve, 0.890 vs 0.821; sensitivity, 79.31 vs 82.76%; specificity, 90.91 vs 72.73%; P = 0.016), and improved the diagnostic performance in differentiating malignant tumors from Warthin's tumors (area under curve, 1.000 vs 0.965; sensitivity, 100.00 vs 90.91%), although the difference was not significant (P = 0.348).

Conclusions

ADC histogram analysis, especially ADC₁₀, might be a promising imaging biomarker for characterizing parotid gland tumors.

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Exercise-induced neuroplasticity: Balance training increases cortical thickness in visual and vestibular cortical regions

Publication date: 1 October 2018
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 179
Author(s): Ann-Kathrin Rogge, Brigitte Röder, Astrid Zech, Kirsten Hötting
Physical exercise has been shown to induce structural plasticity in the human brain and to enhance cognitive functions. While previous studies focused on aerobic exercise, suggesting a link between increased cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise-induced neuroplasticity, recent findings have suggested that whole-body exercise with minor metabolic demands elicits beneficial effects on brain structure as well. In the present study, we tested if balance training, challenging the sensory-motor system and vestibular self-motion perception, induces structural plasticity. Thirty-seven healthy adults aged 19–65 years were randomly assigned to either a balance training or a relaxation training group. All participants exercised twice a week for 12 weeks. Assessments before and after the training included a balance test and the acquisition of high-resolution T1-weighted images to analyze morphological brain changes. Only the balance group significantly improved balance performance after training. Cortical thickness was increased in the superior temporal cortex, in visual association cortices, in the posterior cingulate cortex, in the superior frontal sulcus, and in the precentral gyri in the balance group, compared to the relaxation group. Moreover, there was evidence that the balance training resulted in decreased putamen volume. Improved balance performance correlated with the increase of precentral cortical thickness and the decrease in putamen volume. The results suggest that balance training elicits neuroplasticity in brain regions associated with visual and vestibular self-motion perception. As these regions are known for their role in spatial orienting and memory, stimulating visual-vestibular pathways during self-motion might mediate beneficial effects of physical exercise on cognition.



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Newborn Screening Saves Lives but Cannot Replace the Need for Clinical Vigilance

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) enables early diagnosis and treatment leading to improved health outcomes for patients with CF. Although the sensitivity of newborn screening is high, false-negative results can still occur which can be misleading if clinicians are not aware of the clinical presentation of CF. We present a case of a young male with negative newborn screen diagnosed for CF. He was diagnosed at 3 years of age despite having symptoms indicative of CF since infancy. The delayed diagnosis resulted in diffuse lung damage and poor growth.

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RE: Antithrombotic therapies in digit replantation with papaverine administration A postoperative, observational study

No abstract available

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Reply: Macrotextured Breast Implants with Defined Steps to Minimize Bacterial Contamination around the Device. Experience in 42,000 Implants

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2z10hxD

“The Economics of Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2lO8QC8

Objective assessment of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using 3D strereophotogrammetry: severity and outcome

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2z3h7Mc

Letter to the Editor: A matter of eponyms

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2lLp671

Reply: “Macrotextured Breast Implants with Defined Steps to Minimize Bacterial Contamination around the Device. Experience in 42,000 Implants”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2z0zmSj

Smaller-Diameter Anastomotic Coupling Devices Have Higher Rates of Venous Thrombosis in Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2lLoNcv

Hand and Wrist Surgery, Third Edition. By Kevin C. Chung, MD. Pp. 924. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA., 2018. Price: $241.98

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2tW4ixw

A Novel Innovation for Surgical Flap Markings using Projected Stencils

Summary Despite the vast amount of technological advancements seen in the operating room, surgical markings are still drawn as "best estimates" the same way Susruta drew them in the sixth century B.C. Many of the flaps used in plastic surgery have precise geometries that are hard to replicate by hand. In this article, the authors describe a novel approach in making surgical markings more accurate by using a pico-projector to project a prefabricate flap, designed on Google Sketchup, as a stencil. Projected and hand drawn Rhomboid and Bilobed flaps were tested on cadavers with both quantitative and qualitative outcomes favoring the projected flaps. This unique concept can not only be used in the operating room but also serve as an as educational tool for training plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Financial Disclosure Statement: Dr. Sayadi, Dr. Chopan, Dr. Banyard, Dr. Maguire, Mr. Ehret, Dr. Widgerow and Dr. Evans have nothing to disclose. No funding was received for this article. Declaration of Helsinki: All the principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000, have been followed in all the experiments involving human subjects during the current study Corresponding Author: Dr. Alan D. Widgerow – MBBCh(MD); MMed(MHS); FCS (Plast); FACS, Professor Plastic Surgery, Director Center for Tissue Engineering, Dept. of Plastic Surgery, University of California, Irvine (Suite 108a Building 55, 101 S. City Dr, Orange CA, 92868- Tel 714.456.3482 awidgero@uci.edu) ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Reply - Objective Assessment of the Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity Using 3D Stereophotogrammetry: Severity and Outcome

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2z1NFWX

“Smaller Diameter Anastomotic Coupling Devices Have Higher Rates of Venous Thrombosis in Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer“

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2lP03A8

“Acellular Dermal Matrix in Immediate Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction: A Multicenter Assessment of Risks and Benefits”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2z3h5E4

Ethics in Plastic Surgery: Applying the Four Common Principles to Practice

The topic of ethics in plastic surgery remains underrepresented in the literature. By applying the four principles of biomedical ethics - respect for autonomy, beneficience, non-maleficience and justice - as described by Beauchamp and Childress to proposed ethical scenarios, this article attempts to provide plastic surgeons with a systematic approach to recognize and address ethical dilemmas as they present in day to day practice. Through the perspective of an experienced plastic surgeon and medical ethicist this paper is intended to spark discussion, reflection and debate on ethical challenges in plastic surgery. Financial Disclosure Statement: The authors have no financial interests to disclose Corresponding Author: Achilles Thoma, MD, MSc, 206 James Street South, Suite 101, Hamilton, ON, Canada, athoma@mcmaster.ca ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Bridging the gap: A 20-year experience with vein grafts for free flap reconstruction, the odds for success

BACKGROUND: Successful free tissue transfer requires tension-free microvascular anastomoses. Vein grafts are utilized when this cannot be obtained, which increases microsurgical complexity and the chance of vessel thrombosis. Previous studies on vein grafts are limited to low numbers and selected techniques, making it difficult to draw conclusions. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent vein grafts in free flap reconstruction from 1995 to 2015. Information on patient and flap characteristics, as well as returns to the operating room and flap loss were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-two free flap reconstructions requiring 122 vein grafts were performed. The majority were performed in the initial operation (82%) and of those, the majority were planned (71%). Reconstruction was most often in the genitourinary/perineal (49%) and head and neck (38%) regions. The most common vein graft types utilized were transposition arteriovenous (AV) loops (57%) and interpositions (26%). Of the initial cases, 22% returned to the operating room resulting in a 7% total and 7% partial flap loss rate. On univariate analysis, graft timing/planning, gap type, vein graft type, and reconstruction location were significantly associated with take-backs and flap loss. However, gap type and location seem to be strongly associated with graft timing/planning and vein graft type. Graft type and planning/timing don't have as strong a relationship and seem to independently relate to flap loss. CONCLUSIONS: Vein grafts are more successful when planned and when performing transpositions and AV loops over interpositions. These graft types should be considered over interpositions when possible. Presented at ASRM annual meeting 2017, Hawaii. Clinical Trial Registration: Not applicable. IRB Approval: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. Funding Source: No external funding was secured for this study. Products Used in Manuscript: None Corresponding Author: Amir Inbal MD, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 6035, Chicago, IL 60637, Email: amirkormaninbal@gmail.com, Mobile: +972 54 7500522 ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

https://ift.tt/2z0zlhd

Partial Breast Reconstruction: Techniques in Oncoplastic Surgery. By Albert Losken and Moustapha Hamdi. Second Edition. Pp. 641. Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., New York, New York. 2017. Price $274.99

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2lLoQoz

“RE: Antithrombotic therapies in digit replantation with papaverine administration A postoperative, observational study”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2z30YX4

Lymph Flow Restoration after Tissue Replantation and Transfer: Importance of Lymph Axiality and Possibility of Lymph Flow Reconstruction without Lymph Node Transfer or Lymphatic Anastomosis

Background: Lymph system plays important roles in maintaining fluid balances, immune system, and lipid metabolism. After tissue replantation or transfer, some cases suffer from long-lasting edema or lymphedema due to interruption of main lymph flows, but its mechanism is yet to be clarified. Methods: Medical charts of 38 patients who underwent ICG lymphography after tissue replantation or free flap transfer were reviewed to obtain data of clinical demographics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative ICG lymphography findings. Postoperative lymph flow restoration (LFR) based on ICG lymphography findings were evaluated according to intraoperative findings including raw-surface in lymph axiality (RLA) and compatible lymph axiality (CLA). Results: LFR was observed in 24 cases (63%). There were significant differences of positive for LFR in sex (male 78% vs. female 40%, P = 0.017), cause of defect (trauma 83% vs. others 33%, P = 0.002), type of operation (replantation 94% vs. free flap 41%, P = 0.001), and CLA (positive 96% vs. negative 0%, P

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Cultural Considerations Regarding Glansplasty

No abstract available

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Reply: The Role of Tranexamic Acid in Plastic Surgery Review and Technique Considerations

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2lP03jC

Discussion: The Role of Tranexamic Acid in Plastic Surgery Review and Technical Considerations

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2yXwuFX

Measuring Patient Knowledge of Kidney Transplantation: an Initial Step to Close the Knowledge Gap

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2KxnOdU

Measurement Characteristics of the Knowledge Assessment of Renal Transplantation (KART)

Background Kidney transplant is the best treatment for most end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, but proportionally few ESRD patients receive kidney transplant. To make an informed choice about whether to pursue kidney transplant, patients must be knowledgeable of its risks and benefits. To reliably and validly measure ESRD patients' kidney transplant knowledge, rigorously tested measures are required. This paper describes the development and psychometric testing of the Knowledge Assessment of Renal Transplantation (KART). Methods We administered 17 transplant knowledge items to a sample of 1,294 ESRD patients. Item characteristics and scale scores were estimated using an item response theory (IRT) graded response model. Construct validity was tested by examining differences in scale scores between patients who had spent 1 hour receiving various types of transplant education. Results IRT modelling suggested that 15 items should be retained for the KART. This scale had a marginal reliability of 0.75 and evidenced acceptable reliability (>0.70) across most of its range. Construct validity was supported by the KART's ability to distinguish patients who had spent 1 hour receiving different types of kidney transplant education, including talking to doctors/medical staff [effect size (ES) = 0.61; p

https://ift.tt/2KEQZII

Efficient B-cell depletion with rituximab despite massive proteinuria

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2KnFXvj

Comparison of two Luminex Single-Antigen bead flow cytometry assays for detection of Donor Specific Antibodies after renal transplantation

Background Defining the clinical relevance of Donor Specific HLA antibodies (DSA) detection by Luminex Single Antigen (LSA) flow beads assay is critical in monitoring posttransplant outcome. Methods Sera of kidney transplanted patients were tested by LSA1 and LSA2 with One Lambda Labscreen (test 1) and Immucor Lifecodes (test 2), at the time of a graft biopsy. The first group (G1, n=50) had a biopsy highly suggestive of humoral rejection and the second (G2, n=50) had no criteria of rejection. Positivity criteria for DSA was MFI >500 for test 1, while specificity assignation respected provider's recommendations for test 2. Results In G1, we identified at least 1 DSA in 44 patients with test 1, and in 39 patients with test 2. In G2, test 1 identified at least 1 DSA in 16 patients (32%) and test 2 in 7 patients (14 %). Sensitivity and specificity for ABMR diagnosis was 88% and 68% respectively with One Lambda, and 78% and 86% respectively with Immucor. Correlation and agreement were found in class I and II between intensity parameters of the 2 manufacturers. The use of the sum of the intensity of DSA (sDSA) improved the sensitivity and specificity of the 2 tests. Conclusions We report the first comparative study of the 2 Luminex assays available for detecting DSA in the post kidney transplant setting. Although there is a good correlation and reliability between the 2 assays, significant differences exist. Positivity criteria for DSA determination differ and interpretation should take these specificities into account. * Corresponding author: Dominique Bertrand, MD, Rouen University Hospital, 1 rue de Germont 76000 Rouen, France, dominique.bertrand@chu-rouen.fr Authorship: DB: performed research, collected data, analyzed data, and wrote the paper. FF, FHam, FHau: collected the data, performed research. DG: contributed to the revision and approval of the paper. All the others authors: collected data and contributed to the approval of the paper. Funding The authors have declared no funding. Disclosure: All of the authors of this manuscript have no conflicts of interest to disclose as described by Transplantation. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2KDewdj

Quantifying the effect of transplanting older donor livers into younger recipients: the need for donor-recipient age matching

Background Increasing recipient and donor age are independently associated with survival after liver transplantation (LT). Whether donor age differentially impacts post-LT outcomes based on recipient age is unknown. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data. All adult deceased-donor, single organ, primary LTs from 2002-2015 were included. Donor and recipient age were categorized as

https://ift.tt/2KGikxK

PHARMACOKINETIC STUDY OF CONVERSION BETWEEN TWO FORMULATIONS OF ONCE-DAILY EXTENDED-RELEASE TACROLIMUS IN STABLE LUNG TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability, and safety of a novel once-daily extended-release formulation of tacrolimus (LCPT) with that of once-daily prolonged-release tacrolimus (ODT) in stable adult lung transplant (LT) recipients. METHODS: Phase II, open-label, single-arm, single-center, prospective pilot pharmacokinetic study. Study population comprised 20 stable LTR receiving ODT, mean age 55.9 (r: 38-67) years, 13 (65%) men. Patients were switched to LCPT in a 1:0.7 (mg/mg) conversion dose. Follow-up was 6 months, and cystic fibrosis patients were excluded. Two 24-hour pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained for each patient, the first on day -14 and the second on day +14 after switching to LCPT. Pharmacokinetic parameters and safety were compared. RESULTS: Mean (SD) AUC0-24 was 253.97 (61.90) ng/mL/h for ODT and 282.44 (68.2) ng/mL/h for LCPT. Systemic exposure was similar in both (Schuirmann two 1-sided test). Mean (SD) dose was 5.05 (1.67) mg in ODT and 3.36 (1.03) mg in LCPT (p: 0.0002). Time to maximum concentration was 125 minutes for ODT and 325 minutes for LCPT (p

https://ift.tt/2KF4ats

Scalp Block for Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)-induced Headache

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2MGzqJ8

Bilateral Ultasound Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Pain Management in Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Case Series

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2KzUIL2

Causes of Delayed Care Seeking for Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media at a Rwandan Tertiary Hospital

Background. Chronic suppurative otitis media causes serious lifelong consequences when treatment is delayed. Early detection and effective treatment result in a good outcome and possible complications are thus avoided. The aim of this study was to determine the factors resulting in delayed care seeking for treatment of CSOM. Method and Patient. The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Rwanda. A questionnaire was used to collect data of patients diagnosed with CSOM who attended ENT Department during the study period. We defined delayed care seeking as seeking treatment 6 months after onset of symptoms. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS 16.0. Result. This study enrolled 109 patients, 97 (88.9%) of whom had delays in care seeking. Majority were young adults ranging between 21 and 30 years (39.2%) while 58.8% were rural residents. Fifty-eight patients (56.9%) of those with delayed presentation used traditional medicine. The main reason for delayed care seeking was low knowledge of CSOM reported by 88 (90.7%) patients. Conclusion. This study shows that majority of patients with delayed care seeking are young adult patients. There is low knowledge concerning this disease and this significantly contributes to delayed care seeking.

https://ift.tt/2KHhZY0

Tobacco‐induced suppression of the vascular response to dental plaque

Molecular Oral Microbiology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KAuTKW

An update on the NLRP3 inflammasome and influenza: the road to redemption or perdition?

Tate Michelle D | Mansell Ashley

https://ift.tt/2lO9Jek

Differences of Cd uptake and expression of MT family genes and NRAMP2 in two varieties of ryegrasses

Abstract

In order to understand the mechanism of the difference of Cd absorption and Cd enrichment in different ryegrass varieties, pot experiment was conducted to study on the response of two varieties of ryegrass (Bond and Abbott) to Cd stress as well as the differences of Cd uptake and expression of MT family genes and NRAMP2. Results showed that root dry weights of two varieties and shoot dry weights of Abbott increased first and then decreased with the increase of Cd level in soil. When exposed to 75 mg kg⁻¹ Cd, shoot dry weight and plant dry weight of Abbott both reached maximum values (10.92 and 12.03 g pot⁻¹), which increased by 11.09 and 10.67% compared with the control, respectively. Shoot dry weight and plant dry weight of Bond decreased with the increase of Cd level in soil. When the Cd level in soil was 75 mg kg⁻¹, shoot Cd concentrations of the two varieties were 111.19 mg kg⁻¹ (Bond) and 133.69 mg kg⁻¹ (Abbott), respectively, both of which exceeded the critical value of Cd hyperaccumulator (100 mg kg⁻¹). The expression of MT gene family and NRAMP2 in the leaf of Bond variety significantly increased at the Cd level of 75 mg kg⁻¹ and reached maximum value (except MT2C) at Cd level of 150 mg kg⁻¹. The expression of MT gene family in the stem of Bond variety showed a double-peak pattern, while the expression of NRAMP2 was a single-peak pattern. The expression of MT gene family and NRAMP2 in Abbott variety was consistent with single-peak pattern. The expression of MT gene family and NRAMP2 in leaf both significantly increased at Cd level of 150 mg kg⁻¹, while that in stem and root significantly increased at Cd level of 75 mg kg⁻¹. For both varieties of ryegrass, the expression amount of MT family genes and Nramp2 in leaf was higher than that in root and stem, indicating the Cd tolerance of ryegrass can be improved by increasing the expression levels of MT family genes and Nramp2 in stem and root. There was significant genotypic difference in the expression of MT gene family and NRAMP2 between the two varieties of ryegrass, and the expression of MT gene family and NRAMP2 in leaves and stems of Bond variety was higher than that in Abbott variety, while the expression of MT gene family and NRAMP2 in roots of Abbott variety was higher than that in Bond variety. The two gene families investigated in this study may be closely related to Cd uptake, but not related to Cd transport from root to leaf and Cd enrichment in shoot.

https://ift.tt/2z1rMaf

Slipping Rib Syndrome in a Female Adult with Longstanding Intractable Upper Abdominal Pain

Slipping rib syndrome is a rare cause of abdominal or lower chest pain that can remain undiagnosed for many years. Awareness among health care personnel of this rare but significant disorder is necessary for early recognition. Prompt treatment can avoid unnecessary testing, radiographic exposure, and years of debilitating pain. A 52-year-old female was evaluated for a 3-year history of recurrent abdominal and lower chest pain. Pain was sharp, primarily located in the lower chest and subcostal region left more than right, waxing and waning, nonradiating, and aggravates with specific movements. She underwent frequent physical therapies, treated with multiple muscle relaxants and analgesics with minimal improvement. Imaging modalities including CT scan, MRI, and X-rays performed on multiple occasions failed to signify any underlying abnormality. Complete physical examination was unremarkable except for positive hooking maneuver. Dynamic flow ultrasound of lower chest was performed which showed slipping of the lowest rib over the next lowest rib bilaterally left worse than right, findings consistent with slipping rib syndrome. Slipping rib syndrome is caused by hypermobility of the floating ribs (8 to 12) which are not connected to the sternum but attached to each other with ligaments. Diagnosis is mostly clinical, and radiographic tests are rarely necessary. Hooking maneuver is a simple clinical test to reproduce pain and can aid in the diagnosis. Reassurance and avoiding postures that worsen pain are usually helpful. In refractory cases, nerve block and surgical intervention may be required.

https://ift.tt/2KAIvm8

Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome: Sustained Clinical Response with Anti-TNF Therapy

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare, nonfamilial syndrome that occurs in the sixth to seventh decades of life. It is characterized by acquired gastrointestinal polyposis with an associated ectodermal triad, including alopecia, onchodystrophy, and hyperpigmentation. CCS is characteristically a progressive disease, with a high mortality rate despite medical interventions. Disease complications are typically secondary to severe malnutrition, malignancy, GI bleeding, and infection. CCS is believed secondary to immune dysregulation; however, the underlying etiology remains to be determined. Treatment for CCS is largely anecdotal, and randomized controlled therapeutic trials are lacking due to the rarity of the disease. Aggressive nutritional support in conjunction with immunosuppression has been used previously with inconsistent results. In this report, we describe the presentation and diagnosis of a case of CCS and report encouraging treatment response with anti-TNF therapy.

https://ift.tt/2KlheI6

Asymptomatic progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a case report and review of the literature

We report the development of asymptomatic progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with multiple sclerosis on natalizumab therapy. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy often presents with ...

https://ift.tt/2tVKU3w

Elaboration of an instrument to evaluate the recognition of Brazilian melodies in children

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia Mondelli, Ivan dos Santos José, Maria Renata José, Natália Barreto Frederigue Lopes
IntroductionThere is evidence pointing to the importance of the evaluation of musical perception through objective and subjective instruments. In Brazil, there is a shortage of instruments that evaluates musical perception.ObjectiveTo develop an instrument to evaluate the recognition of traditional Brazilian melodies and investigate the performance of children with typical hearing.MethodsThe study was developed after approval from the research ethics committee (1.198.607). The instrument was made in software format with website access, using the languages PHP 5.5.12, Javascript, Cascade style sheets and "HTML5"; database "MYSQL 5.6.17" on the "Apache 2.4.9" server. Fifteen melodies of Brazilian folk songs were recorded with piano synthesized timbre, with 12 seconds per melody reproduction and four second intervals between them. A total of 155 children, literate, aged eight to 11 years, of both sexes, with typical hearing participated in the study. The test was performed in a silent room with sound stimuli amplified by a sound box at 65dBNA, positioned at 0 azimuth, and at one meter from the participant, the notebook was used for children to play with on the screen on the title and illustration of the melody they recognized they were listening to. The responses were recorded on their own database.ResultsThe instrument titled "Evaluation of recognition of traditional melodies in children" can be run on various devices (computers, notebooks, tablets, mobile phones) and operating systems (Windows, Macintosh, Android, Linux). Access: https://ift.tt/2tIPQJS by login and password. The most easily recognized melody was "Cai, cai balão" (89%) and the least recognized was "Capelinha de melão" (25.2%). The average time to perform the test was 3′15″.ConclusionThe development and application of the software proved effective for the studied population. This instrument may contribute to the improvement of protocols for the evaluation of musical perception in children with hearing aid and/or cochlear implants users.



https://ift.tt/2yWC8s0

Genetic Variants with Gene Regulatory Effects are Associated with Diisocyanate Asthma

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Author(s): David I. Bernstein, Zana L. Lummus, Banu Kesavalu, Jianbo Yao, Leah Kottyan, Daniel Miller, André Cartier, Maria-Jesús Cruz, Catherine Lemiere, Xavier Muñoz, Santiago Quirce, Susan Tarlo, Joaquin Sastre, Louis Philippe Boulet, Matthew T. Weirauch, Kenneth Kaufman
BackgroundIsocyanates are major causes of occupational asthma but susceptibility and mechanisms of Diisocyanate Asthma (DA) remain uncertain.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to identify DA-associated functional genetic variants via next generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics, and functional assays.MethodsNGS was performed in 91 workers with DA. Fourteen loci with known DA associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were sequenced and compared to data from 238 unexposed subjects. Ranking of DA associated SNPs based on their likelihood to affect gene regulatory mechanisms in the lung yielded 21 prioritized SNPs. Risk (R) and non-risk (NR) oligonucleotides were tested for binding of nuclear extracts from A549, BEAS 2B, and IMR-90 lung cell lines by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). DNA constructs were cloned into a pGL3-promoter vector for luciferase gene reporter assays.ResultsNGS detected 130 risk variants associated with DA (3.1 x10^-6 – 6.21x10^-4), of which 129 were located in non-coding regions. The 21 SNPs prioritized by functional genomic data sets were in or proximal to five genes: CDH17 (n=10), ATF3 (n=7), FAM71A (n=2), TACR1 (n=1), and ZBTB16 (n=1). EMSA detected allele-dependent nuclear protein binding in A549 cells for 8 of 21 variants. In the luciferase assay, 4 of the 21 SNPs exhibited allele-dependent changes in gene expression. DNA affinity precipitation and mass spectroscopy of rs147978008 revealed allele-dependent binding of H1 histones, which was confirmed by Western blot.ConclusionsWe identified five DA associated potential regulatory SNPs. Four variants exhibited effects on gene regulation (ATF rs11571537, CDH17 rs2446824, rs2513789, and TACR1 rs2287231). A fifth variant (FAM71A rs147978008) showed non-risk allele preferential binding to H1 histones. These results demonstrate that many DA-associated genetic variants likely act by modulating gene regulation.

Teaser

This study advances knowledge of genetic mechanisms of occupational asthma by identification of a role for regulatory genetic variants associated with diisocyanate-induced asthma.


https://ift.tt/2KnZCvo

Evaluation of food allergy candidate loci in the Genetics of Food Allergy Study

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Ingo Marenholz, Sarah Grosche, Franz Rüschendorf, Birgit Kalb, Katharina Blumchen, Rupert Schlags, Neda Harandi, Mareike Price, Gesine Hansen, Jürgen Seidenberg, Songül Yürek, Georg Homuth, Carsten O. Schmidt, Markus M. Nöthen, Norbert Hubner, Bodo Niggemann, Kirsten Beyer, Young-Ae Lee

Teaser

A recent genome-wide association study suggested novel candidate loci for food allergy. Apart from the established locus at 11q13, these revealed no association with food allergy in the Genetics Of Food Allergy Study.


https://ift.tt/2MCmgN6

Structural characterization and evaluation of municipal wastewater sludge (biosolids) from two rural wastewater treatment plants in East Texas, USA

Publication date: 5 November 2018
Source:Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, Volume 204
Author(s): Kefa K. Onchoke, Christopher M. Franclemont, Paul Wayne Weatherford
Wastewater sludge (or) biosolids collected from two rural wastewater treatment plants (NWWTP, LWWTP) in East Texas, USA were characterized and evaluated via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ion chromatography. The proximate organic and inorganic compositions and spectroscopic characteristics of sewage sludge were determined. The results show that the concentrations of toxic metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Hg, and Zn meet USEPA guideline recommendations for land applications. Notably, metals concentrations in biosolids from NWWTP (Mn (700 ± 83) > Zn (422.5 ± 35.4 ppm) > Ba (319.5 ± 87 ppm) > Cu (240 ± 27 ppm) > B (107 ± 14 ppm) > V (24 ± 3.3 ppm) > Cr (20 ± 3.3 ppm) > Ni (16.7 ± 2.0 ppm) > Pb (16.8 ± 1.1 ppm) > As (11.99 ± 1.27 ppm) > Co (7.6 ± 0.7 ppm) > Mo (6.4 ± 1.4 ppm) > Hg (0.55 ± 0.24 ppm) > Cd (0.130 ± 0.109 ppm)) and LWWTP follow similar trends. Macro-elements concentrations in LWWTP follow the trend P (19,648 ± 169) > Fe (22,688 ± 2110) > Ca (9372 ± 163) > S (9010 ± 1009) > Al (12,538 ± 2116) > K (3514 ± 550) > Mg (33,370 ± 502) > Na (1511 ± 472). The Br⁻, NO3⁻, NO2⁻, F⁻, Cl⁻, and SO4²⁻ concentrations meet USEPA guidelines. Whereas biosolid particle sizes were in the range ~20 μm to 500 μm mineralogical results show quartz and vermiculite to be major constituents with abundancies 12.94%, and 10.87% w/wt, respectively.

Graphical abstract

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The effect of doping with rare earth elements (Sc, Y, and La) on the stability, structural, electronic and photocatalytic properties of the O-termintaed ZnO surface; a first-principles study

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 457
Author(s): M.A. Lahmer
The effect of doping with rare earth atoms (Sc, Y, and La) on the stability, structural, electronic, and photocatalytic properties of the O-terminated ZnO surface was investigated by using the first-principles method. The obtained results show that all these elements have negative formation energies for all possible values of the oxygen chemical potential, and this means that the doping process with RE atoms (RE = Sc, Y, and La) enhances the stability of this surface. Our results show also that, among all considered elements, the Sc atoms have the lowest formation energy followed by Y and La, respectively. We have also investigated the effect of the formation of a RE-VO complex on the properties of the ZnO(0001¯) surfaces. We find that the formation of a RE-VO complex is energetically more favored than the formation of isolated REZn defect under Zn-rich conditions. The effect of the formation of both REZn and RE-VO defects on the electronic and photocatalytic properties of the O-terminated ZnO surface was studied in details and the obtained results show that the RE-VO complex may be the origin of the photocatalytic properties enhancement of the doped surfaces. Moreover, we found that the Sc-doped surface prepared under Zn rich conditions may have the best photocatalytic properties followed by Y- and La-doped surfaces, respectively.

Graphical abstract

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Normal microscopic anatomy of equine body and limb skin: A morphological and immunohistochemical study

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 218
Author(s): Elin Jørgensen, Giulia Lazzarini, Andrea Pirone, Stine Jacobsen, Vincenzo Miragliotta
IntroductionInformation on microscopic anatomy of equine skin is sparse. In horses, limb wounds often become chronic and/or non-healing whereas body wounds heal normally. These dissimilarities in healing patterns might be a product of different phenotypic characteristics of body and limb skin. The objective of this study was to investigate microscopic anatomy, epidermal thickness, keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation as well as the presence of mast cells in normal equine skin of body and limb.Materials and methodsThe study involved body and limb skin biopsies from six horses. Histological characteristics of the epidermis were assessed and epithelial thickness measured. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate epidermal differentiation patterns of cytokeratin (CK) 10, CK14, CK16, loricrin, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), epidermal proliferation (Ki-67 immunostaining), and mast cells distribution in the skin.ResultsThe epidermis was significantly thicker in the limb skin compared to body skin (p<0.01). Epidermal proliferation and CK distribution did not show differences in the two anatomical areas. Loricrin presence was focally found in the spinous layer in four out of six limb skin samples but not in body skin samples. Tryptase positive mast cells were detected in the dermis and their density (cell/mm²) was not different between body and limb.Discussion and conclusionHere we report for the first time about the normal distribution of CK10, CK14, CK16, PPAR-α, and loricrin in equine limb and body skin as well as about epidermal proliferation rate and mast cell count. It will be relevant to investigate the distribution of the investigated epithelial differentiation markers and the role of mast cells during equine wound healing and/or other skin diseases.



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Fractal Dimension Analysis a supplementary mathematical method for bone defect regeneration measurement

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Kamil Jurczyszyn, Paweł Kubasiewicz-Ross, Izabela Nawrot-Hadzik, Tomasz Gedrange, Marzena Dominiak, Jakub Hadzik
Aim or purposeThe geometry of a bone defect is very complex. Its shape is too complicated to measure or compare with other bone defects using only traditional measuring methods Traditional measuring techniques based on the histomorphometric analysis of a bone specimen require supplementary measuring. For the fractal dimension analysis (FDA) mathematic formulas are used to describe complicated and chaotic shapes. The FDA offers a possibility of a comparison between complicated and complex shapes such as a histological image of a bone defect.The aim of this study was to evaluate the FDA of bone defects as a supplementary methodfor a defect regeneration assessment.Materials and methodsFor the purpose of this study, microscopic photographs of bone specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin obtained during a block biopsy were used. The bone blocks used in this study were obtained during a rat animal model study. Specimens were collected from 36 Wistar rats where a cranial defect was created and augmented with five different novel biomaterials and compared to the unfilled defect in the control group. New bone formation in every specimen was histomorphometrically measured by two independent operators and compared to FDA measurements.ResultsBoth traditional and FDA techniques have shown statistically significant differences between bone formation in test groups compared to the control one; on the other hand, no statistically significant difference was found between other groups. The Pearson's r-test was conducted to measure the linear dependence (correlation) between standard measurements and the FDA, and a positive linear correlation was found − r=0.94.ConclusionsThe FDA can be used as a supplementary method for bone regeneration measurements.



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The development of human digital Meissner’s and Pacinian corpuscles

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): J. Feito, O. García-Suárez, J. García-Piqueras, Y. García-Mesa, A. Pérez-Sánchez, I. Suazo, R. Cabo, J. Suárez-Quintanilla, J. Cobo, J.A. Vega
Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles are cutaneous mechanoreceptors responsible for different modalities of touch. The development of these sensory formations in humans is poorly known, especially regarding the acquisition of the typical immunohistochemical profile related to their full functional maturity. Here we used a panel of antibodies (to specifically label the main corpuscular components: axon, Schwann-related cells and endoneurial-perineurial-related cells) to investigate the development of digital Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles in a representative sample covering from 11 weeks of estimated gestational age (wega) to adulthood. Development of Pacinian corpuscles starts at 13 wega, and it is completed at 4 months of life, although their basic structure and immunohistochemical characteristics are reached at 36 wega. During development, around the axon, a complex network of S100 positive Schwann-related processes is progressively compacted to form the inner core, while the surrounding mesenchyme is organized and forms the outer core and the capsule. Meissner's corpuscles start to develop at 22 wega and complete their typical morphology and immunohistochemical profile at 8 months of life. In developing Meissner's corpuscles, the axons establish complex relationships with the epidermis and are progressively covered by Schwann-like cells until they complete the mature arrangement late in postnatal life. The present results demonstrate an asynchronous development of the Meissner's and Pacini's corpuscles and show that there is not a total correlation between morphological and immunohistochemical maturation. The correlation of the present results with touch-induced cortical activity in developing humans is discussed.



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Fast and reliable dissection of porcine parathyroid glands — A protocol for molecular and histological analyses

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): Michael Oster, Jonas Keiler, Marko Schulze, Henry Reyer, Andreas Wree, Klaus Wimmers
As calcium and phosphorus are of vital importance for life, physiological activity of the parathyroid glands (PTGs) is crucial to maintain mineral homeostasis and bone mineralization. However, PTG-specific molecular routes in response to environmental factors and intrinsic hormonal responses are not yet fully understood. Since nutrient requirements, pathophysiology and functional genomics of pigs are similar to those of humans, pigs might be a suitable model to study the holistic gene expression and physiological aspects of the parathyroid gland, which could be used in both animal sciences and biomedical research. However, due to their small size and hidden location, the dissection of the PTGs, particularly in pigs, is difficult. Therefore, a protocol for untrained dissectors has been established that allows a fast and reliable identification of the PTGs in domestic pigs. Based on their localization within the cranial thymus near the carotid bifurcation, sampling was verified by histological staining and mRNA expression pattern. Analyses revealed the prominence of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-producing chief cells. Moreover, the copy numbers of PTH differed substantially between the PTGs and their surrounding thymus tissue, as PTH was expressed virtually exclusively in the PTGs. The developed protocol will substantially facilitate a fast and reliable dissection of porcine PTGs which is essential for studies characterizing the molecular mechanisms of parathyroid glands, e.g. when applying new feeding strategies in pigs.



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Neurotrophins and Trk receptors in the developing and adult ovary of Coturnix coturnix japonica

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): L. Maruccio, C. Lucini, P. de Girolamo, L. Avallone, C. Solcan, L.E. Nechita, L. Castaldo
NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and their specific receptors TrkA, TrkB and TrkC are known to be involved in the development and maintenance of vertebrates' nervous system. However, these molecules play a role also in non-neuronal tissue, such as in the reproductive system. In this study we investigated the presence and localization of neurotrophins and Trk receptors to unravel their potential role in the developing and adult ovary of Japanese quail, a model species well suited for reproduction studies. Western blotting analysis on ovaries of three month old quails in the period of egg laying showed the presence of pro and mature forms of neurotrophins and splice variants of Trk receptors. Immunohistochemical investigation reported that in embryonic ovaries from the 9th day of incubation to the hatching NGF and NT-3 were observed in the cortical and medullar areas respectively, whereas Trk receptors were observed in both areas. In adult ovary, all NTs were detected in glandular stromal cells, NGF and NT-3 also in the nervous component. Regarding follicle components, NGF and BDNF were observed in oocytes and follicular cells. All TrK receptors were present in nervous components and only TrkA in glandular stromal cells. In follicles, TrkA was present in oocyte cytoplasm and TrkB in theca cells. The results suggest an involvement of the neurotrophin system in the quail ovary physiology, promoting the oocyte development and follicular organization in the embryo, as well as oocyte and follicular maturation in adults.



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3D-Printed specimens as a valuable tool in anatomy education: A pilot study

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): Monique Garas, Mauro Vaccarezza, George Newland, Kylie McVay-Doornbusch, Jamila Hasani
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a modern technique of creating 3D-printed models that allows reproduction of human structures from MRI and CT scans via fusion of multiple layers of resin materials. To assess feasibility of this innovative resource as anatomy educational tool, we conducted a preliminary study on Curtin University undergraduate students to investigate the use of 3D models for anatomy learning as a main goal, to assess the effectiveness of different specimen types during the sessions and personally preferred anatomy learning tools among students as secondary aim. The study consisted of a pre-test, exposure to test (anatomical test) and post-test survey. During pre-test, all participants (both without prior experience and experienced groups) were given a brief introduction on laboratory safety and study procedure thus participants were exposed to 3D, wet and plastinated specimens of the heart, shoulder and thigh to identify the pinned structures (anatomical test). Then, participants were provided a post-test survey containing five questions. In total, 23 participants completed the anatomical test and post-test survey. A larger number of participants (85%) achieved right answers for 3D models compared to wet and plastinated materials, 74% of population selected 3D models as the most usable tool for identification of pinned structures and 45% chose 3D models as their preferred method of anatomy learning. This preliminary small-size study affirms the feasibility of 3D-printed models as a valuable asset in anatomy learning and shows their capability to be used adjacent to cadaveric materials and other widely used tools in anatomy education.



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What podoplanin tells us about cells with telopodes

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 218
Author(s): L. Manta, M.C. Rusu, F. Pop
Telocytes (TCs) are stromal cells with telopodes, which represent long, thin, moniliform cell processes; however, this morphological feature alone is insufficient to define a cell type. Specific markers of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), such as Prox-1, podoplanin (D2-40) or LYVE-1, are not usually tested in TCs. We thus aimed at performing a study in light microscopy to evaluate whether or not LECs could be mistaken for TCs. Therefore we used CD34, α-smooth muscle actin and D2-40 for an immunohistochemical study on archived paraffin-embedded samples of uterine leiomyoma. Lymphatic vessels were identified by the expression of D2-40, but on the microscopic slides, false spindle-shaped TCs appearances either corresponded to collapsed lymphatic lumina or were determined by grazing longitudinal cuts of lymphatics. It is therefore mandatory to check the expression of lymphatic markers in telocyte-like cells and, moreover, to carefully examine the bidimensional cuts in order to avoid false results.



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Musculoskeletal Anatomy Education: Evaluating the Influence of Different Teaching and Learning Activities on Medical Students Perception and Academic Performance

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): Jason Peeler, Hugo Bergen, Alison Bulow
Medical schools have traditionally used a lecture and dissection-based approach for educating students about human anatomy. There is growing interest in the adoption of alternative teaching and learning activities (TLAs) that incorporate the use of cadaveric prosection and computer-based learning into musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomy curricula. The purpose of this investigation was to examine retrospectively how different TLAs influenced student perceptions about learning, and performance on MSK anatomy examinations. Pre-clerkship students from the same medical school were compared. One group completed 15hours of dissection-based laboratory instruction; another group completed 15hours of prosection-based laboratory instruction. All other aspects of the curricula were the same. Information was gathered about student perceptions using a standardized survey that compared six different TLAs on eight specific learning objectives. Academic performance on examinations was compared. Ninety-three medical students (50% of first year class/34% of second year class) participated. Only 27 had taken a MSK anatomy course prior to enrolling in medicine. Both groups rated learning via medical imaging and clinical case-based scenarios highly. While each group also ranked both methods of cadaveric teaching highly, only the prosection group thought there was a significant difference. No differences in academic performance were noted between groups. Data support the inclusion of cadaveric-based teaching, medical imaging and clinical case-based scenarios as key elements of a MSK anatomy curriculum, and suggest that academic performance is not influenced by the method of cadaveric instruction. These results should help guide the selection of effective MSK anatomy TLAs within undergraduate medical programs.



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Micro-anatomical structure of the first spine of the dorsal fin of Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (Osteichthyes: Scombridae)

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): Nicoletta Santamaria, Giambattista Bello, Letizia Passantino, Mariasevera Di Comite, Rosa Zupa, Chrysovalentinos Pousis, Robert Vassallo-Agius, Vincenzo Cicirelli, Gualtiero Basilone, Salvatore Mangano, Aldo Corriero
The first spine of the first dorsal fin (FS) of the Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT), Thunnus thynnus, is customarily used in age determination research because its transverse sections display well-defined growth marks. In this paper the FS structure was studied to explain its known dramatic age- and season-related morphological modifications, which are evidently caused by bone remodeling. Cross sections of samples from six adult ABFT were in part decalcified to be stained with histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods, and in part embedded in methyl-methacrylate to be either observed under a linear polarized light or microradiographed. FS showed an external compact bone zone and an inner trabecular bone zone. The compact bone zone consisted of an outer non-osteonic primary bone layer (C1) and an inner osteonic bone layer (C2). C1 was in turn characterized by alternate translucent and opaque bands. Evidence of spine bone remodeling was shown by the presence of osteoclasts and osteoblasts as well as by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive bands at the boundary between old and newly formed bone. The examination of plain, i.e. not-fixed and not-decalcified, FS from 28 ABFT showed that the average thickness of C1 remained fairly constant during fish growth, whereas C2 increased significantly, indicating that the periosteal primary bone apposition is counterbalanced by the parallel bone remodeling occurring inside the compact bone zone. The present study revealed the structure of the ABFT FS and the pattern of its bone remodeling. Both of them underlay phenomena, never examined in detail before, such as the appearance followed by the progressive disappearance of growth bands.



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Optical coherence tomography assessment of gingival epithelium inflammatory status in periodontal — Systemic affected patients

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): Petra Șurlin, Adrian Camen, Stefan Ioan Stratul, Alexandra Roman, Dorin-Nicolae Gheorghe, Elena Herăscu, Eugen Osiac, Ion Rogoveanu
IntroductionOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging tool used in various medical fields (ophthalmology, dermatology), which allows the observation of morphological particularities on the surface of tissues or internal constructive details of about 2–3mms in depth. In periodontology, it has been used as an experimental tool for periodontal pocket analysis (depth, calculus deposits) but not for the assessment of periodontal inflammation in the gingival tissues, which has been the subject of our in-vitro study.Material and methodGingival samples were collected from three types of patients: patients with periodontal disease; patients with periodontal disease and a systemic comorbidity; periodontal and systemic healthy patients. The samples were scanned with an OCT light beam, resulting two-dimensional images of the gingival tissue (full thickness epithelium and partial connective tissue). The images were assessed using dedicated software, which allowed the quantification of pixels on a given segment in the epithelium. The average pixel densities were then calculated for each patient group and statistically analyzed.ResultsThe resulted pixel densities were highest for the control group samples, while the lowest pixel densities were found in samples originating from periodontal patients with diabetes mellitus. For the other possible periodontal comorbidity, chronic hepatitis C, image assessment also exhibited lower pixel densities than those of the periodontal group, suggesting that this condition could also have an added effect on the tissular changes induced by periodontal disease.ConclusionOCT has proven that in an in-vitro environment it can be a useful tool for the assessment of periodontal inflammation in gingival samples of periodontal patients. In terms of inflammatory tissular changes observed by OCT analysis, chronic hepatitis C could be regarded as possible periodontal disease's comorbidity.



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Localization of cholecystokinin in the zebrafish retina from larval to adult stage

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 218
Author(s): M.C. Guerrera, F. Abbate, G. Di Caro, G.P. Germanà, M. Levanti, V. Micale, G. Montalbano, R. Laurà, A. Germanà, U. Muglia
The peptide hormone cholecistokinin (CCK) plays a key role in the central and peripheral nervous system. It is known to be involved in the digestive physiology and in the regulation of food intake. Moreover, the CCK expression has also been detected in the retina of different vertebrates, including fish, although its biological activity in this tissue remains to be elucidated. In literature no data are yet available about the CCK-immunoreactivity in the zebrafish retina during development. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8-S) as a well preserved form during evolution in the zebrafish retina from 3days post hatching (dph) until adult stage, using immunohistochemistry in order to elucidate the potential role of this protein in the development and maintenance of normal retinal homeostasis. The cellular distribution of CCK in the retina was similar from 3 dph to 40days post fertilization (dpf) when immunoreactivity was found in the photoreceptors layer, in the outer plexiform layer, in the inner plexiform layer and, to a lesser extent, in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Immunohistochemical localization at 50 dpf as well as in the adult stage was observed in a subpopulation of amacrine cells in the proximal inner nuclear layer, in the inner plexiform layer, in displaced amacrine cells and in retinal ganglion cells in the GCL. Our results demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of CCK in the zebrafish retina from larval to adult stage with a different pattern of distribution, suggesting different roles of CCK during retinal cells maturation.



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Key molecules in lymphatic development, function, and identification

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): Sawan Kumar Jha, Khushbu Rauniyar, Michael Jeltsch
While both blood and lymphatic vessels transport fluids and thus share many similarities, they also show functional and structural differences, which can be used to differentiate them. Specific visualization of lymphatic vessels has historically been and still is a pivot point in lymphatic research. Many of the proteins that are investigated by molecular biologists in lymphatic research have been defined as marker molecules, i.e. to visualize and distinguish lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) from other cell types, most notably from blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs) and cells of the hematopoietic lineage.Among the factors that drive the developmental differentiation of lymphatic structures from venous endothelium, Prospero homeobox protein 1 (PROX1) is the master transcriptional regulator. PROX1 maintains lymphatic identity also in the adult organism and thus is a universal LEC marker. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) is the major tyrosine kinase receptor that drives LEC proliferation and migration. The major activator for VEGFR-3 is vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C). However, before VEGF-C can signal, it needs to be proteolytically activated by an extracellular protein complex comprised of Collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1) protein and the protease A disintegrin and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 3 (ADAMTS3).This minireview attempts to give an overview of these and a few other central proteins that scientific inquiry has linked specifically to the lymphatic vasculature. It is limited in scope to a brief description of their main functions, properties and developmental roles.



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Probiotic supplementation affects the glycan composition of mucins secreted by Brunner’s glands of the pig duodenum

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 218
Author(s): Gianluca Accogli, Alberto Maria Crovace, Maria Mastrodonato, Giacomo Rossi, Edda G. Francioso, Salvatore Desantis
The effect of a dietary probiotic blend on the carbohydrate composition of mucins secreted by the Brunner's glands in the duodenum of growing-finishing pigs was investigated by means of conventional (periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian Blue pH 2.5, high iron diamine staining) and lectin (15 lectins) histochemistry. Pigs were assigned to two dietary treatments: a control basal diet without the probiotic blend (No-Pro) and a test diet that included the probiotic blend (Pro). Duodenal tissue fragments were fixed in 4% phosphate-buffered-saline-buffered paraformaldehyde, dehydrated through a graded alcohol series, and embedded in paraffin wax. The secretory cells of the Brunner's glands from No-Pro pigs primarily produced neutral glycoproteins and a small amount of acidic non-sulphated mucins. This glycan pattern was opposite that of the Brunner's glands from Pro animals. A comparison of lectin-binding profiles of the secretory cells of Brunner's glands in these two groups showed that in Pro pigs, there was (i) a decrease in N-linked glycans containing α1,2-linked fucose (Con A, UEA I); (ii) a loss of complex types of N-glycans (PHA-L, PHA-E) terminating with lactosamine (RCA120), α1,6- and α1,3-linked fucose (LTA), and α-galactose (GSA I-B4), as well as of O-glycans with terminal Galβ1,3GalNAc (PNA); and (iii) an increase in O-glycans containing GalNAc HPA. No-Pro and Pro samples showed no change in the expression of α2,6 sialoglycans and terminal GlcNAc residues and no affinity for MAL II, DBA, and SBA. These results indicate that probiotic supplementation affects the glycan composition of mucins produced in the Brunner's glands of growing-finishing pigs. These changes could effectively act on the gastrointestinal function and health status of these animals because the probiotic blend induced higher growth performance and meat quality in the test probiotic group than it did in the control basal diet group (Tufarelli et al., 2017).



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Atlas of Human Fascial Topography, Hanno Steinke (Ed.). Leipziger Universitätsverlag (2018)

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): Winfried Neuhuber




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Mesenteric organ lymphatics and inflammatory bowel disease

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 218
Author(s): Yuanyuan Ge, Yi Li, Jianfeng Gong, Weiming Zhu
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex gastrointestinal disorder and its etiology is unclear yet. Current theory in IBD is focused on genetics, immunity and intestinal microbes. Emerging clinical evidence and experimental results suggest that morphologic abnormalities and dysfunction of mesenteric lymphatics may have potential roles in the pathogenesis and disease course of IBD. In this review, we summarize the findings of specific investigations of the lymphatics and explore its role in IBD.



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The Terminologia Histologica after 10years: Inconsistencies, mistakes, and new proposals

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 219
Author(s): Ivan Varga, Alzbeta Blankova, Marek Konarik, Vaclav Baca, Vlasta Dvorakova, Vladimir Musil
This article details our experience with the Terminologia Histologica (TH) and its utility in the teaching of histology, cytology, and clinical medicine (e.g., pathology and hematology). Latin histological nomenclature has been used for 43years, and the latest version of the TH has been in use for 15years (although it was only issued publicly within the past 10years). The following findings and ensuing proposals allow us to discuss key points pertaining to the TH and make important suggestions for potential changes to the TH (such as the exclusion and inclusion of various terms). We classify these changes into six groups: 1.) mistakes in the TH, 2.) discrepancies among various Terminologiae, 3.) discrepancies within the TH, 4.) the repetition of terms, 5.) synonyms in the TH, and 6.) missing terms in the TH. Surprisingly, unlike the anatomical nomenclature, the histological nomenclature has been neglected in the literature. This article addresses this problem by reviewing and summarizing the state of this field, pointing out key discrepancies, offering solutions, and highlighting topics for further discussion.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 218





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Stromal cells/telocytes and endothelial progenitors in the perivascular niches of the trigeminal ganglion

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 218
Author(s): M.C. Rusu, V.S. Mănoiu, D. Creţoiu, S.M. Creţoiu, A.D. Vrapciu
Stromal cells/telocytes (SCs/TCs) were recently described in the human adult trigeminal ganglion (TG). As some markers are equally expressed in SCs/TCs and endothelial cells, we hypothesized that a subset of the TG SCs/TCs is in fact represented by endothelial progenitor cells of a myelomonocytic origin. This study aimed to evaluate whether the interstitial cells of the human adult TG correlate with the myelomonocytic lineage. We used primary antibodies for c-erbB2/HER-2, CD31, nestin, CD10, CD117/c-kit, von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD34, Stro-1, CD146, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD68, VEGFR-2 and cytokeratin 7 (CK7). The TG pial mesothelium and subpial vascular microstroma expressed c-erbB2/HER-2, CK7 and VEGFR-2. SCs/TCs neighbouring the neuronoglial units (NGUs) also expressed HER-2, which suggests a pial origin. These cells were also positive for CD10, CD31, CD34, CD68 and nestin. Endothelial cells expressed CD10, CD31, CD34, CD146, nestin and vWF. We also found vasculogenic networks with spindle-shaped and stellate endothelial progenitors expressing CD10, CD31, CD34, CD68, CD146 and VEGFR-2. Isolated mesenchymal stromal cells expressed Stro-1, CD146, CK7, c-kit and nestin. Pericytes expressed α-SMA and CD146. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found endothelial-specific Weibel–Palade bodies in spindle-shaped stromal progenitors. Our study supports the hypothesis that an intrinsic vasculogenic niche potentially involved in microvascular maintenance and repair might be present in the human adult trigeminal ganglion and that it might be supplied by either the pial mesothelium or the bone marrow niche.



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The mechanical properties of fresh versus fresh/frozen and preserved (Thiel and Formalin) long head of biceps tendons: A cadaveric investigation

Publication date: Available online 4 June 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Erik Hohmann, Natalie Keough, Vaida Glatt, Kevin Tetsworth, Reinhard Putz, Andreas Imhoff
Human cadaveric specimens commonly serve as mechanical models and as biological tissue donors in basic biomechanical research. Although these models are used to explain both in vitro and in vivo behavior, the question still remains whether the specimens employed reflect the normal in vivo situation. The mechanical properties of fresh-frozen or preserved cadavers may differ, and whether they can be used to reliably investigate pathology could be debated. The purpose of this study was to therefore examine the mechanical properties of cadaveric long biceps tendons, comparing fresh (n=7) with fresh-frozen (n=8), formalin embalmed (n=15), and Thiel-preserved (n=6) specimens using a Universal Testing Machine. The modulus of elasticity and the ultimate tensile strength to failure was recorded. Tensile failure occurred at an average of 12N/mm² in the fresh group, increasing to 40.1N/mm² in the fresh-frozen group, 50.3N/mm² in the formalin group, and 52N/mm² in the Thiel group. The modulus of elasticity/stiffness of the tendon increased from fresh (25.6MPa), to fresh-frozen (55.3MPa), to Thiel (82.5MPa), with the stiffest being formalin (510.6MPa). Thiel-preserved and formalin-embalmed long head of biceps tendons and fresh-frozen tendons have a similar load to failure. Either the Thiel or formalin preserved tendon could therefore be considered as alternatives for load to failure studies. However, the Young's modulus of embalmed tendons were significantly stiffer than fresh or fresh frozen specimens, and these methods might be less suitable alternatives when viscoelastic properties are being investigated.



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Decreased microglial numbers in Vav1-Cre+:dicer knock-out mice suggest a second source of microglia beyond yolk sac macrophages

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, Volume 218
Author(s): M.K. Fehrenbach, M. Tjwa, I. Bechmann, M. Krueger
Microglia represent the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). While it is clear that microglia recruitment is established by differentiation of primitive yolk sac (YS) macrophages and consecutive invasion of the brain, starting around E8 in rodents (Ginhoux et al., 2010), more recent studies suggest that a non-YS contribution to the microglia population should not entirely be dismissed (Swinnen et al., 2013; Xu et al., 2015). Therefore, we used Vav1-Cre⁺:dicer knock-out mice in order to study the effect of the post-YS hematopoiesis on the definitive microglial population in late prenatal (E16.5, E18.5) and early postnatal brains (P0, P1). Since Vav1 is thereby exclusively expressed in hematopoietic cells starting at E11, the depletion of the micro RNA processing enzyme dicer in Vav1-positive cells allows interfering with post-YS microglia recruitment. Using this approach, analysis of the number of Iba-1 positive microglia revealed a reduction of microglial numbers by 40% in knock-out mice at P1 compared to their individual control littermates. Noteworthy, immunolabeling for Ki-67 and active caspase 3 confirmed that the differences in the microglial numbers are not related to differential rates of proliferation or apoptosis. Therefore, our data demonstrates that interfering with the definitive hematopoiesis highly impacts on the microglial population, implicating an important role of post-YS hematopoiesis on microglial development and recruitment.



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Antimicrobial photodynamic active biomaterials for periodontal regeneration

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): B.W. Sigusch, S. Dietsch, A. Berg, A. Voelpel, A. Guellmar, U. Rabe, M. Schnabelrauch, D. Steen, B. Gitter, V. Albrecht, D.C. Watts, S. Kranz
ObjectiveBiomaterials for periodontal regeneration may have insufficient mechanical and antimicrobial properties or are difficult to apply under clinical conditions. The aim of the present study was to develop a polymeric bone grafting material of suitable physical appearance and antimicrobial photodynamic activity.MethodsTwo light curable biomaterials based on urethane dimethacrylate (BioM1) and a tri-armed oligoester-urethane methacrylate (BioM2) that additionally contained a mixture of β-tricalcium phosphate microparticles and 20wt% photosensitizer mTHPC (PS) were fabricated and analyzed by their compressive strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. Cytotoxicity was observed by incubating eluates and in direct-contact to MC3T3-E1 cells. Antimicrobial activity was ascertained on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Enterococcus faecalis upon illumination with laser light (652nm, 1×100J/cm², 2×100J/cm²).ResultsThe compressive strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus were, respectively, 311.73MPa, 22.81MPa and 318.85MPa for BioM1+PS and 742.37MPa, 7.58MPa and 406.23MPa for BioM2+PS. Both materials did not show any cytotoxic behavior. Single laser-illumination (652nm) caused total suppression of P. gingivalis (BioM2+PS), while repeated irradiation reduced E. faecalis by 3.7 (BioM1+PS) and 3.1 (BioM2+PS) log-counts.SignificanceBoth materials show excellent mechanical and cytocompatible properties. In addition, irradiation with 652nm induced significant bacterial suppression. The manufactured biomaterials might enable a more efficient cure of periodontal bone lesions. Due to the mechanical properties functional stability might be increased. Further, the materials are antimicrobial upon illumination with light that enables a trans-mucosal eradication of residual pathogens.



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Disability and the Rohingya Displacement Crisis: A Humanitarian Priority

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Michel D. Landry, Anna Tupetz




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IRE1α Aggravates Ischemia Reperfusion Injury of Fatty Liver by Regulating Phenotypic Transformation of Kupffer Cells

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Faji Yang, Shuai Wang, Yang Liu, Yuan Zhou, Longcheng Shang, Min Feng, Xianwen Yuan, Wei Zhu, Xiaolei Shi
Fatty liver is one of the widely accepted marginal donor for liver transplantation, but is also more sensitive to ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) and produces more reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, so far, no effective method has been developed to alleviate it. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-stress) of hepatocyte is associated with the occurrence of fatty liver disease, but ER-stress of kupffer cells (KCs) in fatty liver is not clear at all. This study evaluates whether ER-stress of KCs is activated in fatty liver and accelerate IRI of fatty livers.ER-stress of KCs was activated in fatty liver, especially the IRE1α signal pathway. KCs with activated ER-stress secreted more proinflammatory cytokine to induce its M1-phenotypic shift in fatty liver, resulting in more severe IRI. Also, activated ER-stress of BMDMs in vitro by tunicamycin can induce its pro-inflammatory shift and can be reduced by 4-PBA, an ER-stress inhibitor. Knockdown of IRE1α could regulate the STAT1 and STAT6 pathway of macrophage to inhibit the M1-type polarization and promote M2-phenotypic shift. Furthermore, transfusion of IRE1α-knockdown KCs significantly reduced the liver IRI as well as the ROS of HFD feeding mice. Altogether, these data demonstrated that IRE1α of KCs may be a potential target to reduce the fatty liver associated IRI in liver transplantation.

Graphical abstract

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Clinical analysis of second primary gingival squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 84
Author(s): Xiaoyan Fu, Shuwei Chen, Weichao Chen, Zhongyuan Yang, Ming Song, Hao Li, Huayong Zhang, Fan Yao, Xuan Su, Tianrun Liu, An-Kui Yang
IntroductionClinically, we have observed that some oral cancer patients have a history of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer; we have named this condition radiotherapy-associated cancer (RAC). Gingival cancer, which is usually juxtaposed with other oral cancer subtypes, is seldom reported individually, and there are few reports on the association between the incidence of oral cancer and history of radiation therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of second primary gingival squamous cell carcinoma after head and neck radiotherapy.Materials and methodsThe data collected included 450 patients diagnosed with gingival squamous cell carcinoma from 1964 to 2012 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer, among whom 52 patients had a history of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. We retrospectively analysed the differences in the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis between sporadic gingival squamous cell carcinoma and radiation-associated gingival carcinoma, with an emphasis on gingival carcinoma.ResultsSporadic gingival squamous cell carcinoma is less likely to have more advanced T stage, and the second primary tumour is more likely to be located in the molar area of the maxillary gingiva than in the mandibular gingiva (75.6% vs 24.4%, P < 0.05). The 5-year overall survival of patients with second primary gingival carcinoma was influenced by age distribution, T classification, N classification, clinical TNM stage, histological grade and radiation history in head and neck. Mandibular gingival carcinoma was more likely to have an increased neck lymph node metastasis than maxillary gingival carcinoma (P = 0.001), but there was no significant difference in 5-year overall survival between these two groups (P = 0.828). The main therapy for gingiva carcinoma is surgery or comprehensive treatment based on surgery.ConclusionsSecond primary gingival squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy demonstrated particular clinicopathologic features, such as prominent sites and TNM stage; and there was statistically significant difference in 5-year overall survival and prognosis between second primary gingival carcinoma after radiotherapy and sporadic gingival carcinoma.



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Evaluation of Targeted Curcumin (CUR) loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for in vitro Photodynamic Therapy on Human Glioblastoma Cell Line

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Zahra Jamali, Mehdi Khoobi, Sedigheh Marjaneh Hejazi, Neda Eivazi, Saeideh Abdolahpour, Fatemeh Imanparast, Hemen Moradi-Sardareh, Maliheh Paknejad
In this study, antibody-conjugated biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles were developed to enhance the photodaynamic efficiency of curcumin (CUR) on glioblastoma tumor cells. Poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) were synthesized and stabilized by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PEMA) was used to provide carboxyl groups on the surface of NPs. The CUR or FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) was encapsulated in PLGA NPs using the nanoprecipitation method. The carboxylic groups on the surface of the PLGA NPs were covalently conjugated to the amino groups of a monoclonal antibody against EGFRvIII (A-EGFRvIII-f). The prepared NPs were fully characterized by Zetasizer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and then entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading efficiency (DLE), CUR release, cell internalization, intrinsic cytotoxicity, and phototoxicity were evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of monoclonal antibody (MAb) on the tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFRvIII after photodynamic therapy (PDT) was assessed.The immunoreactivity of the antibody in MAb-PLGA NPs was preserved during the process of conjugation. The selective cellular internalization of MAb-PLGA NPs (FITC or CUR loaded) into the DKMG/EGFRvIII cells (EGFRvIII overexpressed human glioblastoma cell line) in comparison with DK-MG^low (human glioblastoma cell line with low level of EGFRvIII) was also confirmed. MAb-CUR-PLGA NPs were able to show more effective photodynamic toxicity (56% vs. 24%) on the DKMG/EGFRvIII cells compared to CUR-PLGA NPs. These results suggest that the anti-EGFRvIII MAb-CUR-PLGA NPs have potential of targeted drug delivery system for PDT in the overexpressed EGFRvIII tumor cells.



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Inhibiting ABCG2 could potentially enhance the efficacy of Hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy in spheroidal cell models of colorectal cancer

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): M. Ibrahim Khot, Sarah L. Perry, Thomas Maisey, Gemma Armstrong, Helen Andrew, Thomas A. Hughes, Nikil Kapur, David G. Jayne
BackgroundPhotodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an attractive modality for treating solid cancers. This study evaluates the efficacy of Hypericin-PDT as a cytotoxic therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC), using 2D cell cultures and 3D multicellular tumour spheroids.MethodsSpheroids were generated through forced-floating and agitation-based techniques. 2D and spheroid models of HT29 and HCT116 CRC cells were incubated with Hypericin (0–200 nM) for 16 hours. Cultures were irradiated with light (1 J/cm²) and cytotoxicity assessed using Propidium Iodide fluorescence. Expression of ABCG2 protein was assessed by immunoassays in 2D and spheroid cultures. The effect of ABCG2 inhibition, using 10 μM Ko143, on cytotoxicity following Hypericin-PDT was evaluated.ResultsHypericin-PDT produced a significant reduction in HT29 (p < 0.0001) and HCT116 (p < 0.0001) cell viability in 2D cultures, with negligible non-phototoxicity. Spheroids were more resistant than 2D cultures to Hypericin-PDT (HT29: p = 0.003, HCT116: p = 0.006) and had a greater expression of ABCG2. Inhibition of ABCG2 in spheroids with Ko143 resulted in an enhanced Hypericin-PDT effect compared to Hypericin-PDT alone (HT29: p = 0.04, HCT116: p = 0.01).ConclusionsHypericin-PDT has reduced efficacy in CRC spheroids as compared to 2D cultures, which maybe attributable through upregulation in ABCG2. The clinical efficacy of Hypericin-PDT maybe enhanced by ABCG2 inhibition.



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Risk factors for female perpetrators of intimate partner violence within criminal justice settings: A systematic review

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Jenny Mackay, Erica Bowen, Kate Walker, Lorna O'Doherty
There is a lack of understanding of the risk factors for female-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) relative to men's IPV behaviours. Males can access offence-specific interventions in prison and on probation. However, depending on national criminal justice policies, female IPV perpetrators access general offending behaviour programmes only or offence-specific programmes that have been designed with male perpetrators in mind. The extent to which men's and women's treatment needs are similar or different is unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise what is known about the risk factors for IPV perpetration by women located within criminal justice settings to inform appropriate interventions for this group of offenders. Thirty-one studies met inclusion criteria and no factors meeting our definition of risk factor were identified. However, there were associations between IPV perpetration and experience of child abuse, substance use, borderline personality traits, attachment issues and experiencing trauma. It remains unclear what factors need to be targeted in interventions for female IPV perpetrators, although associations have pointed to possible predisposing factors. In order to improve the evidence base for IPV interventions, researchers need to clearly define the term 'risk factor', extending beyond reporting on prevalence only, and to increase understanding of the pathways to IPV perpetration among women.



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Neural Circuitry Among Connecting the Hippocampus, Prefrontal Cortex and Basolateral Amygdala in a Mouse Depression Model: Associations Correlations Between BDNF Levels and BOLD – fMRI Signals

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Peng Huang, Tingting Gao, Zhaoyang Dong, Chuying Zhou, Yuling Lai, Ting Pan, Yuan Liu, Xiaoshan Zhao, Xuegang Sun, Heyu Hua, Ge Wen, Lei Gao, Zhiping Lv
BackgroundDepression is a heterogeneous disorder, but the exact neuronal mechanisms causing the disease have not yet been discovered.Methods/Materials: We have established a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model to explore the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) activity in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and basolateral amygdala (BLA) using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We initially studied the relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and BOLD activity using BDNF^tm1Krj/J mice.ResultsWe found that CUMS induced depressive-like behaviours and stimulated changes in brain regions expressing a different BDNF level, which was decreased in the hippocampus and PFC but increased in the BLA. In contrast, the BOLD activity was elevated in the hippocampus and PFC but reduced in the BLA after CUMS exposure, indicating that the BDNF level negatively correlated with the BOLD activity in the WT CUMS-exposed mice. Moreover, the depressive-like behaviours and region-specific BOLD activity in BDNF^tm1Krj/J mice were consistent with those in WT CUMS-exposed mice.ConclusionWe surmised that critical neural circuitry connects the hippocampus, PFC and BLA in mice, which was regulated by BDNF to protect against depression. These findings suggested a potential central role of BDNF expression in functional changes in the brain.

Graphical abstract

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Pleistocene animal communities of a 1.5 million-year-old lake margin grassland and their relationship to Homo erectus paleoecology

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Journal of Human Evolution
Author(s): Neil T. Roach, Andrew Du, Kevin G. Hatala, Kelly R. Ostrofsky, Jonathan S. Reeves, David R. Braun, John W.K. Harris, Anna K. Behrensmeyer, Brian G. Richmond
The ecological and selective forces that sparked the emergence of Homo's adaptive strategy remain poorly understood. New fossil and archaeological finds call into question previous interpretations of the grade shift that drove our ancestors' evolutionary split from the australopiths. Furthermore, issues of taphonomy and scale have limited reconstructions of the hominin habitats and faunal communities that define the environmental context of these behavioral changes. The multiple ∼1.5 Ma track surfaces from the Okote Member of the Koobi Fora Formation at East Turkana provide unique windows for examining hominin interactions with the paleoenvironment and associated faunas at high spatiotemporal resolution. These surfaces preserve the tracks of many animals, including cf. Homo erectus. Here, we examine the structure of the animal community that inhabited this landscape, considering effects of preservation bias by comparing the composition of the track assemblage to a skeletal assemblage from the same time and place. We find that the track and skeletal assemblages are similar in their representation of the vertebrate paleocommunity, with comparable levels of taxonomic richness and diversity. Evenness (equitability of the number of individuals per taxon) differs between the two assemblages due to the very different circumstances of body fossil versus track preservation. Both samples represent diverse groups of taxa including numerous water-dependent species, consistent with geological interpretations of the track site environments. Comparisons of these assemblages also show a pattern of non-random hominin association with a marginal lacustrine habitat relative to other vertebrates in the track assemblage. This evidence is consistent with behavior that included access to aquatic foods and possibly hunting by H. erectus in lake margins/edaphic grasslands. Such behaviors may signal the emergence of the adaptative strategies that define our genus.



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Melatonin attenuates airway inflammation via SIRT1 dependent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β in rats with COPD

Publication date: September 2018
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 62
Author(s): Zhenyu Peng, Wenxuan Zhang, Jianfeng Qiao, Baimei He
Chronic airway inflammation is a characteristic feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previous studies demonstrated that melatonin had a protective effect against COPD. In addition, silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) was reported to be beneficial in COPD. However, whether SIRT1 is involved in the protective effect of melatonin against COPD remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of melatonin on a rat model of COPD and explored the potential mechanisms. Twenty eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control group, COPD group, COPD+Mel group and COPD+Mel+EX527 group. Rats were challenged with cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 28 days with or without melatonin or EX527. The pulmonary function, lung histopathology, inflammatory cells count and the concentration of IL-1β in the BALF as well as the protein expressions of SIRT1, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 and ASC in the lung tissues were measured. The results demonstrated that melatonin prevented the development of COPD, which was attributed to the inhibition of airway inflammation by attenuating NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β. Furthermore, melatonin increased the expression of SIRT1 in lung tissues of rats with COPD, while inhibition of SIRT1 by EX527 abolished the protective effect of melatonin against COPD. In conclusion, these findings suggested that melatonin attenuated airway inflammation via SIRT1 dependent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β in rats with COPD.



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Oxytocin modulates the expression of norepinephrine transporter, β3-adrenoceptor and muscarinic M2 receptors in the hearts of socially isolated rats

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Predrag Jovanovic, Natasa Spasojevic, Nela Puskas, Bojana Stefanovic, Sladjana Dronjak
Social stress produces behavioral alterations, and autonomic and cardiac dysfunction in animals. In addition to the well-known roles of oxytocin on birth and maternal bonding, recent evidence shows that this neuropeptide possesses cardio-protective properties. However less is known about its role in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. The direct influence of oxytocin on the cardiac catecholamine synthesizing enzyme, transport beta-adrenoceptors and muscarinic receptors in animals exposed to chronic social isolation stress has not yet been studied. In this study, we examined the influence of peripheral chronic oxytocin treatment on anxiety-related behavior, the morphology and content of epinephrine and norepinephrine, mRNA and protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), norepinephrine transporter (NET) and receptors <beta> 3 (β3-AR) and muscarinic 2 (M2 MR) in the right and left cardiac atrium and ventricle of chronically socially isolated male rats. Our results show that oxytocin treatment exhibits an anxiolytic effect, decreases the heart/body weight ratio and prevents the hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes in the wall of the left ventricle of stressed rats. Epinephrine and TH protein levels were unchanged after prolonged oxytocin treatment. Peripheral oxytocin administration led to the enhancement of gene expression of β3-AR in both atria, NET protein in the left ventricle and gene expression of M2 MR in the right atrium and the left ventricle of chronically socially isolated rats. The study provides evidence that oxytocin treatment in chronically socially isolated animals enhances norepinephrine uptake and expression of cardio-inhibitory receptors in cardiac tissues, which could have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system under the increased activity of the sympathoneural system.



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Increased training compensates for OX1R blockage-impairment of spatial memory and c-Fos expression in different cortical and subcortical areas

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 353
Author(s): Soleil García-Brito, Laura Aldavert-Vera, Gemma Huguet, Adam Álvarez, Elisabet Kádár, Pilar Segura-Torres
It has been suggested that the orexin system modulates learning and memory-related processes. However, the possible influence that training could have on the effect of the blockade of orexin-A selective receptor (OX1R) on a spatial memory task has not been explored. Therefore, the present study attempts to compare the effects of OX1R antagonist SB-334867 infusion on spatial memory in two different conditions in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). This experiment evaluated the animals' performance in weak training (2 trials per session) vs strong training (6 trials per session) protocols in a spatial version of the MWM. We found that in the 2-trial condition the post-training SB-334867 infusion had a negative effect on consolidation as well as on the retention and reversal learning of the task 72 h later. This effect was not apparent in the 6-trial condition. In addition, while the strong training groups showed a general increase in c-Fos expression in several brain areas of the hippocampal-thalamic-cortical circuit, SB-334867 administration had the opposite effect in areas that have been previously reported to have a high density of OX1R. Specifically, the SB-infused group in the 2-trial condition showed a decrease in c-Fos immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus, granular retrosplenial and prelimbic cortices, and centrolateral thalamic nucleus. This was not observed for subjects in the 6-trial condition. The activation of these areas could constitute a neuroanatomical substrate involved in the compensatory mechanisms of training upon SB-334867 impairing effects on a MWM spatial task.



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Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 40: Antioxidant and Moisturizing Effect of Camellia assamica Seed Oil and Its Development into Microemulsion

Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 40: Antioxidant and Moisturizing Effect of Camellia assamica Seed Oil and Its Development into Microemulsion

Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics5030040

Authors: Wantida Chaiyana Pimporn Leelapornpisid Jaroon Jakmunee Chawalit Korsamphan

The present study aimed to investigate the fatty acid content, and antioxidant and moisturizing effect of Camellia assamica seed oil (CA). Additionally, microemulsions containing CA were also developed for topical use. The antioxidant activity of CA and two commercial Camellia oleifera seed oils were investigated by means of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy radical (DPPH) assay and lipid peroxidation by ferric thiocyanate method. Moreover, the in vitro skin moisturizing effect was investigated on stillborn piglet skin by using a Corneometer&reg;. CA microemulsions were developed and characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy, rheometer, and heating-cooling stability tests. The results revealed that the major fatty acid components of CA were cis-9-oleic acid, cis-9,12-linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. CA had a significantly higher lipid peroxidation inhibition and DPPH scavenging capacity compared to the commercial oils (p &lt; 0.05). Lipid peroxidation inhibition of CA was 39.2% &plusmn; 0.6% at 37.5 mg/mL and the IC50 value of DPPH assay was 70.8 &plusmn; 27.1 mg/mL. The skin moisture content after applying CA, commercial oils, and tocopheryl acetate were significantly higher than untreated skin (p &lt; 0.05) and the moisturizing efficacy increased with time. Interestingly, radical scavenging and antioxidant effect of CA microemulsions were significantly higher than the native oil even after the stability test (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating CA into microemulsion increased its antioxidant activity indicating that it would be beneficial as a cosmeceutical application for anti-aging.

https://ift.tt/2tVFUfe

From the Wave Equation to Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018
Source:Trends in Biochemical Sciences
Author(s): Suren A. Tatulian
The multiscale models for complex chemical systems constitute a powerful computational tool to describe biomolecular structure and dynamics, including enzymatic reactions. Here, the development of this method is presented as a miraculous chain of events, involving astoundingly lucky encounters of brilliant minds such as Planck, Schrödinger, Pauling, Karplus, Levitt, and Warshel.



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Case 20-2018: A 64-Year-Old Man with Fever, Arthralgias, and Testicular Pain

Presentation of Case. Dr. Jaime L. Schneider (Medicine): A 64-year-old man was admitted to this hospital with a 2-week history of fever, chills, arthralgias, abdominal and testicular pain, and leukocytosis. Twenty-five years before the current admission, while the patient was living in China, he…

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Case 19-2018: A 15-Year-Old Girl with Acute Kidney Injury

Presentation of Case. Dr. Helen I. Healy (Pediatrics): A 15-year-old girl was admitted to this hospital during the summer because of acute kidney injury. The patient had been well until 8 days before admission, when painful cramping in the lower abdomen and bloody diarrhea developed. Bowel…

https://ift.tt/2KznoUo