Σάββατο 30 Δεκεμβρίου 2017
Scholar : West China Journal of Stomatology, Year 2017, Issue 06 -New Issue Alert.
Scholar : Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Year 2017, Issue 06 -New Issue Alert.
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Scholar : Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology, Year 2017, Issue 06 -New Issue Alert.
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Scholar : Chinese Journal of Otology, Year 2017, Issue 05 -New Issue Alert.
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Lipid-lowering and antiatherogenic effects of Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke in a mice experimental model
Publication date: 6 April 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 215
Author(s): Vanessa Aranega Pires, Euclides Lara Cardozo-Junior, Caroline Flach Ortmann, Jhonatan Christian Maraschin, Wagner Alex Jann Favreto, Carmen Maria Donaduzzi, Flávio Henrique Reginatto, Jamil Assreuy
Ethnopharmacological relevanceVitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke is a deciduous tree, native of South America. Its leaves are traditionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases. This activity is related to the presence of flavonoids, the major compounds of the crude extract.Aim of the studyThis study investigated the effects of the oral administration of crude extract and standardized fractions from V. megapotamica leaves on lipid profile and on the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in C57BL/6 LDLr-KO mice treated with high-fat diet (HFD).Materials and methodsMale C57BL/6 LDLr-KO mice were fed with HFD (cholesterol, 1.25%) for 30 days. They were treated with hydroethanolic extract (500 or 1000mg/kg/day) or fractions (125 or 250mg/kg/day). After 30 days of treatment, it was evaluated the serum lipid profile, atherogenic index, and atherosclerotic plaque.ResultsAll doses of the hydroethanolic extract reduced significantly the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c and the atherogenic index. The n-butanolic fraction also reduced significantly the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c and the atherogenic index, at all doses, with exception for the triglycerides, which only the lower dose was effective. The residual fraction reduced significantly the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c and the atherogenic index, at all doses, with exception for the atherogenic index, which only the higher dose was effective. The atherosclerotic plaque formation was impaired only by the lower dose of the hydroethanolic extract.ConclusionsOverall, our data suggest that V. megapotamica has potential for the treatment of dyslipidemias.
Graphical abstract
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Baccharis trimera protects against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in vitro and in vivo
Publication date: 6 April 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 215
Author(s): Ana Carolina Silveira Rabelo, Karine de Pádua Lúcio, Carolina Morais Araújo, Glaucy Rodrigues de Araújo, Pedro Henrique de Amorim Miranda, Ana Claudia Alvarenga Carneiro, Érica Milena de Castro Ribeiro, Breno de Melo Silva, Wanderson Geraldo de Lima, Daniela Caldeira Costa
Ethnopharmacological relevanceBaccharis trimera has been traditionally used in Brazil to treat liver diseases.Aim of the studyTo evaluate the protective effect of Baccharis trimera in an ethanol induced hepatotoxicity model.Materials and methodsThe antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro by the ability to scavenged the DPPH radical, by the quantification of ROS, NO and the transcription factor Nrf2. Hepatotoxicity was induced in animals by administration of absolute ethanol for 2 days (acute) or with ethanol diluted for 28 days (chronic). The biochemical parameters of hepatic function (ALT and AST), renal function (urea and creatinine) and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL) were evaluated. In addition to antioxidant defense (SOD, catalase, glutathione), oxidative damage markers (TBARS and carbonylated protein), MMP-2 activity and liver histology.ResultsBaccharis trimera promoted a decrease in ROS and NO, and at low concentrations promoted increased transcription of Nrf2. In the acute experiment it promoted increase of HDL, in the activity of SOD and GPx, besides diminishing TBARS and microesteatosis. Already in the chronic experiment B. trimera improved the hepatic and renal profile, decreased triglycerides and MMP-2 activity, in addition to diminishing microesteatosis.ConclusionWe believe that B. trimera action is possibly more associated with direct neutralizing effects or inhibition of reactive species production pathways rather than the modulation of the antioxidant enzymes activity. Thus it is possible to infer that the biological effects triggered by adaptive responses are complex and multifactorial depending on the dose, the time and the compounds used.
Graphical abstract
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High-expressed CKS2 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation though down-regulating PTEN
Publication date: Available online 30 December 2017
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice
Author(s): Xiaonan Ji, Yayu Xue, Yu Wu, Fang Feng, Xiangdong Gao
BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a product of cumulative genetic, epigenetic, somatic, and endocrine aberrations. Identifying the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC is of critical importance for diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of the present study was to screen the key genes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and to investigate the functions underlying hepatocellular carcinoma progression.Materials and MethodsThe gene expression profile of GSE64041, GSE40367 and GSE60502, including 100 specimens from HCC patients and 92 specimens from normal liver controls, was downloaded from the GEO database. DEGs were screened using the online analysis tool from the GCBI website and validated by Q-PCR and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. After knockdown by siRNA in HepG2/C3A and Bel7402 HCC cells, the CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were used to measure the clonogenic capacity of the tumor cells. Western blotting assay was used to measure the expression of PTEN.ResultsFive up-regulated genes were identified as overlapping genes associated with tumor cell activation. Upon validation by Q-PCR and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, CKS2 was selected for further study. Although the results of CCK-8 did not show a significant difference, the colony formation assay results indicated that the silencing of CKS2 significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation. Further study found that CKS2 knockdown induced PTEN up-regulation and may associate with P53 pathway activation.ConclusionThese findings indicated that CKS2 play a role in tumor activation and serve as a useful potential target for the treatment of HCC.
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Novel metal modified diatomite, zeolite and carbon xerogel catalysts for mild conditions wet air oxidation of phenol: Characterization, efficiency and reaction pathway
Publication date: 31 May 2018
Source:Separation and Purification Technology, Volume 197
Author(s): Raluca Pleşa Chicinaş, Emese Gál, Horea Bedelean, Mircea Darabantu, Andrada Măicăneanu
Metal (Co, Ce, Ni, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) containing Diatomite (D), Zeolite (Z) and Carbon Xerogel (CX) catalysts were prepared, characterized (SEM-EDX, TEM, FTIR and XRD) and tested as new catalysts in Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation (CWAO) of phenol in aqueous solution. Maximum values of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) or Total Organic Carbon (TOC) efficiencies were obtained in the case of Fe-D, Cu-Z, and Co-CX catalysts. Reaction pathway and kinetics for CWAO of phenol revealed a pseudo first-order catalytic process and a kcat between 0.0473 × 10−3 and 1.4183 × 10−3 L/min g. (Di)carboxylic acids, acetic and oxalic were identified as oxidation organic products.
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Synthesis of core cross-linked star polymers carrying helical poly(phenyl isocyanide) arms via “core-first” strategy and their surface chiral recognition ability
Publication date: 31 January 2018
Source:Polymer, Volume 136
Author(s): Qian Wang, Jian Huang, Zhi-Qiang Jiang, Li Zhou, Na Liu, Zong-Quan Wu
A norbornene functionalized alkyne-Pd(II) complex was designed and synthesized, which copolymerized with a bisnorbornene cross linker via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) afforded a cross-linked Pd(II) macroinitiator. Living polymerization of phenyl isocyanides with the Pd(II) macroinitiator lead to the formation of well-defined core cross-linked star polymer carrying helical poly(phenyl isocyanide)s arms. Because of the living nature of Pd(II)-initiated phenyl isocyanide polymerization, a series of star polymers with controlled structure and tunable compositions was readily prepared. Optically active star polymers with excess of one handed helical arms were obtained by using enantiopure phenyl isocyanide monomers. Such star polymer exhibited excellent chiral recognition ability. The contact angle of the star polymer is strongly dependent on the chirality of the D/L-phenylglycinol droplets. The enantioselective surface recognition can be further applied to the chiral resolution of racemic D/L-phenylglycinol. The enantiomeric excess (ee) of the isolated enantiomer is up to 75%. The chiral star polymers can also be used to induce enantioselectively crystallization of racemic Boc-alanine. The ee value of the induced enantiomer can be up to 91%.
Graphical abstract
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Effects of livestock exclusion on density, survival and biomass of the perennial sagebrush grass Hymenachne pernambucense (Poaceae) from a temperate fluvial wetland
Source:Acta Oecologica, Volume 86
Author(s): Andrea L. Magnano, Analía S. Nanni, Pamela Krug, Elizabeth Astrada, Ricardo Vicari, Rubén D. Quintana
In Argentina, the intensification of soybean production has displaced a substantial proportion of cattle ranching to fluvial wetlands such as those in the Delta of the Paraná River. Cattle grazing affects structure and dynamics of native forage plants but there is little information on this impact in populations from fluvial wetlands. This study addresses the effect of cattle ranching on density, survival, mean life-span and aerial biomass of Hymenachne pernambucense (Poaceae), an important forage species in the region. The study was carried out monthly for one year in permanents plots subject to continuous grazing and plots excluded from grazing in the Middle Delta of the Paraná River. In plots excluded from grazing, tillers showed significantly higher population density and survival, and a two-fold increase in mean life-span, while continuous grazing decreased survival of cohorts. The largest contribution to tiller density in ungrazed and grazed populations was made by spring and summer cohorts, respectively. Total and green biomass were significantly higher in the ungrazed population, with highest differences in late spring-early summer. Cattle grazing affected the relationship between tiller density and green biomass suggesting that cattle prefer sprouts because they are more palatable and nutritious than older tissue.
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Hydrocephalus in pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy: New case and literature review
Publication date: Available online 30 December 2017
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Virginia Navarro-Abia, María Soriano-Ramos, Noemí Núñez-Enamorado, Ana Camacho-Salas, Ana Martinez-de Aragón, Elena Martín-Hernández, Rogelio Simón-de las Heras
IntroductionPyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) is a rare disorder of the lysine metabolism, characterized by a pharmacoresistant epileptic encephalopathy that usually begins in the neonatal period. However, its phenotypic spectrum is wide and not limited to seizures. We report a new case of PDE who developed hydrocephalus, along with an exhaustive review of the literature.Case reportOur patient presented with seizures at 13 h of life. Antiepileptic drugs, vitamins and cofactors were required to achieve seizure control. Laboratory tests were congruent with PDE. She remained seizure-free until age five months, when seizures reappeared in the context of increasing head size and irritability. A cranial ultrasound showed hydrocephalus, for which she underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting.DiscussionSeven other patients with same features have been previously reported. Seizure onset occurred within the first 7 days in all patients. Most of the children developed hydrocephalus at 6–7 months of age. In 4 out of 7 a genetic mutation was identified, despite the accurate etiology of hydrocephalus was unknown in most of them. The case we report behaved similarly to the others previously described. We postulate that the pathogenesis of this complication could be related to the high expression of antiquitin in choroid plexus epithelium, where the cerebrospinal fluid is produced.Conclusionspatients with PDE should be closely monitored, since they may present severe complications. We highlight the development of hydrocephalus, an uncommon but potentially life-threatening problem reported in 8 patients up to present time.
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Differential effects on sodium current impairments by distinct SCN1A mutations in GABAergic neurons derived from Dravet syndrome patients
Publication date: Available online 30 December 2017
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Hyun Woo Kim, Zhejiu Quan, Young-Beom Kim, Eunji Cheong, Heung Dong Kim, Minjung Cho, Jiho Jang, Young Rang You, Joon Soo Lee, Ji Hun Kim, Yang In Kim, Dae-Sung Kim, Hoon-Chul Kang
BackgroundWe investigated how two distinct mutations in SCN1A differentially affect electrophysiological properties of the patient-derived GABAergic neurons and clinical severities in two Dravet syndrome (DS) patients.Materials and MethodsWe established induced pluripotent stem cells from two DS patients with different mutations in SCN1A and subsequently differentiated them into forebrain GABAergic neurons. Functionality of differentiated GABAergic neurons was examined by electrophysiological recordings.ResultsDS-1 patient had a missense mutation, c.4261G > T [GenBank: NM_006920.4] and DS-2 patient had a nonsense frameshift mutation, c.3576_3580 del TCAAA [GenBank: NM_006920.4]. Clinically, contrary to our expectations, DS-1 patient had more severe symptoms including frequency of seizure episodes and the extent of intellectual ability penetration than DS-2 patient. Electrophysiologic recordings showed significantly lower sodium current density and reduced action potential frequency at strong current injection (>60 pA) in GABAergic neurons derived from both. Intriguingly, unique genetic alterations of SCN1A differentially impacted electrophysiological impairment of the neurons, and the impairment's extent corresponded with the symptomatic severity of the donor from which the iPSCs were derived.ConclusionOur results suggest the possibility that patient-derived iPSCs may provide a reliable in vitro system that reflects clinical severities in individuals with DS.
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Prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy among school children in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt
Publication date: Available online 30 December 2017
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Azza Kamal Alshahawy, Amira Hamed Darwish, Safynaz Elsaid Shalaby, Wegdan Mawlana
BackgroundEpilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders among children. Data about its prevalence in Egypt is limited. Our aim was to study the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy among school children in Gharbia governorate, Egypt.Subjects and MethodsA Cross-sectional school-based survey study was conducted; a validated screening questionnaire was distributed among urban and rural primary and preparatory school children. Students with suspected epilepsy were subjected to clinical evaluation, Electroencephalogram (EEG), and neuroimaging.Results9545 students completed the questionnaire, of whom 69 children proved to have idiopathic epilepsy. The lifetime prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy among school students aged 6–14 years was 7.2/1000. Higher prevalence was reported in males (7.7/1000) and in children from urban areas (8.25/1000). Generalized seizures were observed in 56.5% of the children with epilepsy, whereas focal seizures were present in 43.5%. Thirty-four (49.27%) children were diagnosed with specific childhood epileptic syndrome: 25 children had benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and nine children had typical childhood absence epilepsy. Treatment gap is around 12.5% in the studied children. Family history of epilepsy and parental consanguinity were evident in 73.9% and 21.7% of the epileptic children, respectively. The odds ratio for idiopathic epilepsy in children with family history of epilepsy was 23.9.ConclusionThe prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy among school students aged 6–14 years in Gharbia Governorate was 7.2/1000. The reported prevalence is similar to the prevalence of epilepsy in other Arab countries, but lower than the prevalence in Upper Egypt and in most developing countries.
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Cortical inhibition assessed using paired-pulse TMS-EEG is increased in older adults
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): George M. Opie, Simranjit K. Sidhu, Nigel C. Rogasch, Michael C. Ridding, John G. Semmler
BackgroundAlterations in inhibitory processes mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptors may contribute to age-related functional impairments. However, investigation of these circuits using conventional paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at long interstimulus intervals (∼100-200ms) have produced conflicting results in older adults, possibly due to the indirect nature of the TMS motor evoked potential (MEP).ObjectiveTo utilise electroencephalography and TMS coregistration (TMS-EEG) to more directly assess age-related changes in GABAB-mediated long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI).MethodsIn 17 young (24.2 ± 1.1 years) and 17 older (71.4 ± 1.4 years) subjects, the TMS-evoked potential (TEP) was used to assess the global scalp response to single-pulse TMS and LICI applied at two interstimulus intervals of 100 ms (LICI100) and 150 ms (LICI150).ResultsFor single-pulse stimulation, P30 amplitude was unaffected by age. Despite this, N45 amplitude was increased in older adults and both N100 and P180 showed altered spatial distributions. Furthermore, the latency of P30 was shorter, while the latency of P180 was longer, in the elderly. In addition, inhibition of the N100 and P180 was increased in older adults following both LICI100 and LICI150.ConclusionsThese findings with TMS-EEG suggest that the ageing process is associated with a potentiation of GABAergic inhibition, particularly for the GABAB-receptor subtype.
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Short Versions of Two Specific Phobia Measures: The Snake and the Spider Questionnaires
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Andras N. Zsido, Nikolett Arato, Orsolya Inhof, Jozsef Janszky, Gergely Darnai
Zoophobias are the most prevalent form of specific phobia worldwide. Two of the most widely used measures, the Snake Questionnaire (SNAQ) and Spider Questionnaire (SPQ) are good indicators of specific fears, but researchers have recognised that shorter, yet nevertheless reliable measures are needed. Hence the aims of this research were to develop short forms of the SNAQ and SPQ using item response theory and to use receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses to determine cut-offs for use in future research. Twelve-item versions of both scales (SNAQ-12 and SPQ-12) demonstrated excellent discrimination along the latent continuum in a sample of 1354 people. The SNAQ-12 and SPQ-12 showed excellent reliability and were highly correlated with the corresponding full-length scale. The scales discriminated between participants who reported snake (3.25%) or spider (8.05%) phobia and those who did not. Further analyses revealed that non-phobic women report higher fear of both snakes and spiders than do men, but this difference was not present in phobics. These findings suggest that the SNAQ-12 and SPQ-12 have considerable strengths, including shorter assessment and scoring times, whilst retaining high reliability and potential utility as a clinical screening tool.
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Construct validation of the hybrid model of posttraumatic stress disorder: Distinctiveness of the new symptom clusters
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Madison W. Silverstein, Nathalie Dieujuste, Lindsay B. Kramer, Daniel J. Lee, Frank W. Weathers
Despite the factor analytic support for the seven-factor hybrid model (Armour et al., 2015) of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), little research has examined the degree to which newly established symptom clusters (i.e., negative affect, anhedonia, dysphoric arousal, anxious arousal, externalizing behavior) functionally and meaningfully differ in their associations with other clinical phenomena. The aim of the current study was to examine the degree to which newly established PTSD symptom clusters differentially relate to co-occurring psychopathology and related clinical phenomena through Wald testing using latent variable modeling. Participants were 535 trauma-exposed undergraduates who completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5; Weathers et al., 2013) and Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991). As expected and in line with results from previous studies, significant heterogeneity emerged for dysphoric arousal, anxious arousal, and externalizing behavior. However, there was less evidence for the distinctiveness of negative affect and anhedonia. Results indicate that only some of the newly established symptom clusters significantly differ in their associations with related clinical phenomena and that the hybrid model might not provide a meaningful framework for understanding which PTSD symptoms relate to associated features. Limitations include a non-clinical sample and reliance on retrospective self-report assessment measures.
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Plumbagin suppresses the human large cell lung cancer cell lines by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling in vitro
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 55
Author(s): Tao Yu, Yan-Yan Xu, Ying-Ying Zhang, Kai-Yu Li, Yi Shao, Gang Liu
BackgroundLarge cell lung cancer (LCLC) patients have a poor prognosis because their tumors are highly malignant and show resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Plumbagin has anticancer activity toward several tumor types, but its effects on LCLC are unknown. This study investigated the effects of plumbagin on human L9981 and NL9980 large cell lung cancer cells and the mechanisms underlying its action.MethodsThe effects of plumbagin on L9981 and NL9980 cells proliferative activity and invasion were analyzed using MTT and Boyden chamber assays, respectively. Exogenous IL-6 was used to detect the presence of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in LCLC cell lines. L9981 cells were harvested after plumbagin treatment at 9.0μmol/L (IC50), while NL9980 were harvested after treatment at 7.5μmol/L for 6, 24, and 48h, and the expression of IL-6, IL-6R, gp130, and STAT3 and the downstream genes Bcl-2, VEGF, and CycD1 was assessed by RT-PCR. ELISA was performed to determine secreted IL-6 levels, and intracellular phospho-STAT3 levels were measured by western blotting.ResultsAfter the introduction of exogenous IL-6, the mRNA expression of signaling genes and downstream genes was significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, plumbagin significantly inhibited the expression of the above mentioned genes in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. The mRNA expression levels of downstream genes were correlated with those of signaling genes.ConclusionPlumbagin was found to significantly inhibit the proliferation and invasion of L9981 and NL9980 cells, and may be an effective therapy for LCLC through targeting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Platelet-rich plasma inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling in rabbit cartilage cells activated by IL-1β
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 55
Author(s): Jian Wu, Ji-Feng Huang, Xing-Xing Qin, Feng Hu, Zhao-Fei Chen, Yong Zheng, Yan-Xi Liu, Xian-Hua Cai
ObjectivePlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been reported to alleviate degenerative pathological damage to joint cartilage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PRP on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in rabbit chondrocytes.MethodsUsing 3-month-old New Zealand white rabbits, PRP was prepared from venous blood, and chondrocytes were cultured from knee joint cartilage and identified by staining for type II collagen and proteoglycan. The effects of PRP on chondrocyte viability were measured. The chondrocytes were divided into 5 groups: control, IL-1β, PRP (100-fold dilution), Dkk-1 (100ng/mL) and Dkk-1+PRP. The IL-1β, PRP, Dkk-1 and Dkk-1+PRP groups were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β (50μL, 10μg/mL) for24h. Chondrocyte morphology was observed by electron microscopy. Levels of carboxy terminal peptide (CTX-II) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in culture media were measured by ELISA. Wnt-1, β-catenin and GSK-3β mRNA and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and western blot respectively.ResultsPRP enhanced chondrocyte proliferation. Chondrocytes in the IL-1β group showed ultrastructural abnormalities that were less pronounced in the PRP, Dkk-1 and Dkk-1+PRP groups. CTX-II and COMP concentrations were higher in the IL-1β group than in the control, PRP, Dkk-1 and Dkk-1+PRP groups (P<0.05). The IL-1β group had higher mRNA and protein Wnt1 and β-catenin levels and lower GSK-3β levels than the control, PRP, Dkk-1 and Dkk-1+PRP groups (P<0.05).ConclusionPRP may protect chondrocytes activated by IL-1β via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair using the Ovation Stent Graft System in Adverse Anatomy
Publication date: Available online 29 December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Nicholas S. Greaves, Aiden Moore, Dare Seriki, Jonathan Ghosh
ObjectiveThe aim was the evaluation of mid-term efficacy and safety outcome measures for the Ovation (Endologix, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) stent graft system in the management of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (iAAA) with adverse anatomy.MethodsA retrospective observational study of all patients undergoing elective iAAA repair was carried out from 2012 to 2017 using Ovation Prime or iX stent grafts with a minimum of 3 months follow-up at a single UK vascular centre. Post-operative surveillance involved computed tomography scans at 3 months and 1 year, with duplex ultrasound yearly thereafter. Outcome measures were established with retrospective analysis of pre- and post-operative imaging, and included peri-operative mortality, major adverse events, limb complications, aneurysm diameter change, and endoleak rates. All patients were within Ovation instructions for use (IFU), and assessment was made to determine whether aneurysms had anatomical features considered adverse for other commonly used stent graft platforms.ResultsOvation stent grafts were implanted in 52 patients (79% male, mean age 75.7 years) with a mean aneurysm diameter of 62.5 mm (range 55–107 mm). There was 100% technical deployment success. The 30 day mortality was 0% and there was no aneurysm related mortality during follow-up (median 24 months, range 3–48 months). There were no type I or III endoleaks, but 19% developed type II endoleaks with one patient requiring re-intervention. No iliac limb occlusions were identified but one case required relining for limb kinking. All 52 cases were within the IFU for Ovation but only 12% met the IFU criteria for the Cook and Medtronic devices.ConclusionsThe mid-term experience with Ovation demonstrates safe, durable treatment of iAAAs, including those with unfavourable anatomy, frequently off IFU for other commonly used devices.
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Reconsidering the Rupture Risk Potential of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in High Risk Patients
Publication date: Available online 29 December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Kosmas I. Paraskevas
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Treatment of Femoral Vein Obstruction Concomitant with Iliofemoral Stenting in Patients with Severe Post-thrombotic Syndrome
Publication date: Available online 30 December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Kaichuang Ye, Huihua Shi, Minyi Yin, Jinbao Qin, Xinrui Yang, Xiaobing Liu, Mier Jiang, Xinwu Lu
BackgroundThe aim was to assess the clinical and anatomical outcomes of iliofemoral stenting, with concomitant femoral stenting or balloon angioplasty alone, in patients with severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and compromised inflow.MethodsA database of patients with severe PTS who successfully underwent endovascular iliofemoral stenting was reviewed retrospectively. Patients with impaired inflow with chronic post-thrombotic obstructive lesions in the femoral vein (FV), but patent profunda vein, were selected and divided into two groups: the FV stenting (FV-S) group and the FV angioplasty (FV-A) group. Patients in the FV-S group were treated with concomitant iliofemoral and FV stenting, and patients in the FV-A group were treated with iliofemoral stenting and balloon angioplasty alone of the obstructed femoral vein. The clinical and stent outcomes were recorded and compared in the two groups.ResultsThere were 45 patients in the FV-S group and 69 patients in the FV-A group. The groups were well matched for age, gender, and diseased limbs. The pre-procedural symptoms, CEAP classifications, VCSS scores, Villalta scores, and prevalence of active ulcers were also similar between the two groups. Immediate failure (<30 days post-procedure) in the femoral segment occurred more frequently in the FV-A group (70% in FV-A group vs. 24% in FV-S group, p < .001); however, all treated femoral vein segments had occluded at 12 months. There was no significant difference between the FV-S and FV-A groups in cumulative primary and secondary patency rates of the iliofemoral stent at 3 years (55% vs. 52%, p = .71, and 77% vs. 85%, p = .32, respectively). Complete pain relief, swelling relief, VCSS score, Villalta score, and freedom from ulcers at a median of 22 months (1–48 months) following the procedure were similar in the two groups.ConclusionsStent placement to treat post-thrombotic iliofemoral obstruction with concomitant obstructed femoral vein but patent profunda vein shows cumulative patency rates and clinical outcomes similar to previous reports. Adjunctive femoral stenting or angioplasty of the obstructed femoral vein does not appear to improve clinical or stent outcomes in patients with severe PTS.
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Ethological approach to social isolation effects in behavioral studies of laboratory rodents
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 341
Author(s): Hiroyuki Arakawa
The aim of the present review is to discuss how housing conditions affect behavioral performance in laboratory rodents from an ethological view. Commonly used laboratory rodents such as rats and mice, are originally captured animals that largely retain species-typical natural behaviors, while have fully adapted to a laboratory setting after long-term domestication. Laboratory settings including caging and artificial group housing are a considerable ethological factor influencing rodents' behaviors in commonly employed behavioral test paradigms, including emotional and defensive behaviors, learning and memory, and attention-related behaviors. Particularly, isolation rearing, single-housed in a cage, is referred to a deprivation of social relationships with cagemates, has a substantial impact on behavioral performance in laboratory rodents. In this review, we will fully examine the importance of caging related ethological factors, e.g., social relationships and its deprivation, which are essential for unraveling the nature of housing effect in laboratory rodents. These discussions regarding the housing conditions will provide valuable information for appropriately conducting behavioral studies and interpreting data of rodents' behaviors in neuroscience.
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A translational approach to the genetics of anxiety disorders
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 341
Author(s): N.W. McGregor, J.J. Dimatelis, P.J. Van Zyl, S.M.J. Hemmings, C. Kinnear, V.A. Russell, D.J. Stein, C. Lochner
There have been important advances in our understanding of the genetic architecture of anxiety disorders. At the same time, relatively few genes have reached genome wide significance in anxiety disorders, and there is relatively little work on how exposure to an adverse environment impacts on gene expression in either animal models or human clinical populations. Here we assessed differential expression of genes of the dorsal striatum involved in synaptic transmission in an animal models of early adversity (maternal separation followed by restraint stress), and investigated whether variants in these genes were associated with risk for anxiety disorders, particularly in the presence of environmental stressors. Fifty-two male Sprague Dawley rats underwent maternal separation, and gene expression was studied using array technology. The human homologues of the differentially expressed genes were screened and analysed in a DSM-IV anxiety disorders cohort, and healthy controls (patients, n = 92; controls, n = 194), using blood. Two candidate genes (Mmp9 and Bdnf) were aberrantly expressed in the experimental rodent group relative to controls. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human homologues of these genes were significantly associated with susceptibility for anxiety disorders (MMP9: rs3918242 and BDNF: rs6265, rs10835210 and rs11030107). Three of these (BDNF: rs6265, rs10835210, rs11030107) were found to interact significantly with childhood trauma severity resulting in increased likelihood of an anxiety disorder diagnosis. This study provides insights into the utility of rat models for identifying molecular candidates for anxiety disorders in humans.
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A hypothetical pathogenesis model for androgenic alopecia: clarifying the dihydrotestosterone paradox and rate-limiting recovery factors
Publication date: Available online 30 December 2017
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Robert S. English
Androgenic alopecia, also known as pattern hair loss, is a chronic progressive condition that affects 80% of men and 50% of women throughout a lifetime. But despite its prevalence and extensive study, a coherent pathology model describing androgenic alopecia's precursors, biological step-processes, and physiological responses does not yet exist. While consensus isthat androgenic alopecia is genetic and androgen-mediated by dihydrotestosterone, questions remain regarding dihydrotestosterone's exact role in androgenic alopecia onset. What causes dihydrotestosterone to increase in androgenic alopecia-prone tissues? By which mechanisms does dihydrotestosterone miniaturize androgenic alopecia-prone hair follicles? Why is dihydrotestosterone also associated with hair growth in secondary body and facial hair? Why does castration (which decreases androgen production by 95%) stop pattern hair loss, but not fully reverse it? Is there a relationship between dihydrotestosterone and tissue remodeling observed alongside androgenic alopecia onset?We review evidence supporting and challenging dihydrotestosterone's causal relationship with androgenic alopecia, then propose an evidence-based pathogenesis model that attempts to answer the above questions, account for additionally-suspected androgenic alopecia mediators, identify rate-limiting recovery factors, and elucidate better treatment targets. The hypothesis argues that: [1] chronic scalp tension transmitted from the galea aponeurotica induces an inflammatory response in androgenic alopecia-prone tissues; [2] dihydrotestosterone increases in androgenic alopecia-prone tissues as part of this inflammatory response; and [3] dihydrotestosterone does not directly miniaturize hair follicles. Rather, dihydrotestosterone is a co-mediator of tissue dermal sheath thickening, perifollicular fibrosis, and calcification – three chronic, progressive conditions concomitant with androgenic alopecia progression. These conditions remodel androgenic alopecia-prone tissues – restricting follicle growth space, oxygen, and nutrient supply – leading to the slow, persistent hair follicle miniaturization characterized in androgenic alopecia.If true, this hypothetical model explains the mechanisms by which dihydrotestosterone miniaturizes androgenic alopecia-prone hair follicles, describes a rationale for androgenic alopecia progression and patterning, makes sense of dihydrotestosterone's paradoxical role in hair loss and hair growth, and identifies targets to further improve androgenic alopecia recovery rates: fibrosis, calcification, and chronic scalp tension.
http://ift.tt/2BZhioJ
Pneumocephalus after Epidural Injection
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Jerel Chacko, Kelly Levis, Barry Hahn
BackgroundPneumocephalus, or air in the intracranial space, is most commonly encountered after trauma or surgery. Epidural injections are commonly performed in obstetrics and pain management. Complications are uncommon and include hemorrhage, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and infection. A rare complication is pneumocephalus, described in only a few case reports of epidural anesthesia.Case ReportWe describe a 34-year-old woman complaining of a generalized headache 6 days after an unremarkable vaginal delivery that was assisted by an epidural injection. A noncontrast computed tomography scan of the head revealed pneumocephalus secondary to epidural injection.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Pneumocephalus is an uncommon but serious complication of an epidural procedure. Emergency physicians must be aware of this complication entity and maintain this entity in their differential diagnosis given the potential for significant morbidity.
http://ift.tt/2lp9oi6
Profound Prolonged Bradycardia and Hypotension after Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block with Bupivacaine
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Mathew Nelson, Alexandra Reens, Lara Reda, David Lee
BackgroundInterscalene brachial plexus blocks have been a routinely performed method of anesthesia for shoulder surgery that decreases the need for general anesthesia, length of stay, and recovery time. We describe a case of bupivacaine toxicity after an interscalene block.Case ReportThe patient was a 66-year-old man who presented to our Emergency Department by emergency medical services from an ambulatory surgery center where he had undergone rotator cuff surgery, with bradycardia and hypotension. His symptoms began upon completion of the surgery in which he received interscalene nerve block with bupivacaine and lidocaine. He was given three doses of 0.5 mg atropine and one dose of 1 mg epinephrine for a heart rate of 40 beats/min without any improvement prior to arrival. His bradycardia was refractory to atropine. He was started on a dopamine drip and transferred to the coronary care unit. The timing of his symptoms, minutes after his regional nerve block, and his complete recovery with only supportive care, make the diagnosis of bupivacaine toxicity likely.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Despite the safety profile of local anesthetics, we must be aware of their potential side affects. Whereas most adverse reactions are secondary to misdirection of anesthetic or accidental vascular puncture, local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is the major cause of significant adverse events with regional anesthesia. As regional anesthesia becomes more common, emergency physicians must be more aware of the potential complications and be able to both diagnose and treat.
http://ift.tt/2lwbM65
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