Publication date: Available online 17 January 2018
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Chao Wu, Juan Huang, Wen-Bin Xu, Yong-Jing Guan, Hua-Wei Ling, Jian-Qing Mi, Hua Yan
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aimed to measure apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma by whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (WB-DWI MRI) and assess the diagnostic accuracy of ADC in the discrimination of deep response to induction chemotherapy.Materials and MethodsSeventeen patients underwent WB-DWI MRI before and after induction chemotherapy (week 20). DWI images and ADC maps were produced and 89 regions of interest were chosen. ADC percent changes were compared between deep (complete response or very good partial response) and non–deep responders (partial response, minimal response, stable disease, or progressive disease) as International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Diagnostic accuracy of ADC was calculated using specific cut offs. Predictive positive value of ADC was calculated to predict deep response to consolidation therapy.ResultsLesions reduced in size and number and signal intensity decreased in follow-up DWI, which did not differ between deep and non–deep responders. ADC percent changes were significantly higher in deep responders (36.79%) than in non–deep responders (11.50%) after induction therapy (P = .02) in per lesion analysis. ADC percent increases by 46.96%, 78.0% yielded specificity at 81.4%, 90.7% in discriminating deep response to induction therapy. Predictive positive value predicting deep response to consolidation therapy was 60.5% by using ADC cutoff >1.00 × 10−3 mm2/s at week 20.ConclusionsADC from WB-DWI MRI increased remarkably in patients who achieved deep response at the end of induction chemotherapy, which represented a confirmatory diagnostic tool to discriminate deep response to induction therapy for patients with multiple myeloma. ADC may have a potential to predict deep response to consolidation therapy.
http://ift.tt/2DpS8DF
Τετάρτη 17 Ιανουαρίου 2018
Discriminating Depth of Response to Therapy in Multiple Myeloma Using Whole-body Diffusion-weighted MRI with Apparent Diffusion Coefficient
Associations of County-level Radiologist and Mammography Facility Supply with Screening Mammography Rates in the United States
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Andrew B. Rosenkrantz, Linda Moy, Margaret M. Fleming, Richard Duszak
Rationale and ObjectivesThe present study aims to assess associations of Medicare beneficiary screening mammography rates with local mammography facility and radiologist availability.Materials and MethodsMammography screening rates for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries were obtained for US counties using the County Health Rankings data set. County-level certified mammography facility counts were obtained from the United States Food and Drug Administration. County-level mammogram-interpreting radiologist and breast imaging subspecialist counts were determined using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services fee-for-service claims files. Spearman correlations and multivariable linear regressions were performed using counties' facility and radiologist counts, as well as counts normalized to counties' Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary volume and land area.ResultsAcross 3035 included counties, average screening mammography rates were 60.5% ± 8.2% (range 26%–88%). Correlations between county-level screening rates and total mammography facilities, facilities per 100,000 square mile county area, total mammography-interpreting radiologists, and mammography-interpreting radiologists per 100,000 county-level Medicare beneficiaries were all weak (r = 0.22–0.26). Correlations between county-level screening rates and mammography rates per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries, total breast imaging subspecialist radiologists, and breast imaging subspecialist radiologists per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries were all minimal (r = 0.06–0.16). Multivariable analyses overall demonstrated radiologist supply to have a stronger independent effect than facility supply, although effect sizes remained weak for both.ConclusionMammography facility and radiologist supply-side factors are only weakly associated with county-level Medicare beneficiary screening mammography rates, and as such, screening mammography may differ from many other health-care services. Although efforts to enhance facility and radiologist supply may be helpful, initiatives to improve screening mammography rates should focus more on demand-side factors, such as patient education and primary care physician education and access.
http://ift.tt/2FRzzqf
Does Second Reader Opinion Affect Patient Management in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma?
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Giuseppe Corrias, Sandra Huicochea Castellanos, Ryan Merkow, Russel Langan, Vinod Balachandran, Monica Ragucci, Gabriella Carollo, Marcello Mancini, Luca Saba, Lorenzo Mannelli
Rationale and ObjectivesTo determine the impact of second-opinion assessment on cancer staging and patient management in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.Methods and MaterialsThis retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board with a waiver of informed consent. Second-opinion reports between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013, alongside outside reports for 65 consecutive cases of biopsy-proven pancreatic adenocarcinomas, were presented in random order to two experienced abdominal surgeons who independently reviewed them blinded to the origin of the report, images of the examinations, and patient identifier. Each surgeon filled in a questionnaire for each report recommending cancer staging and patient management. Recommended patient management and staging were evaluated against reference standards (actual patient management at 6 months following second-opinion assessment, and pathology or other clinical and imaging reference standards at 6 months or longer, respectively) using Cohen kappa.ResultsCancer staging differed in 13% (9 of 65) of cases for surgeon 1 and in 18.4% (12 of 65) for surgeon 2. Patient management changed in 38.4% (25 of 65) of cases for surgeon 1 and in 20% (13 of 65) for surgeon 2. When compared to the pathologic staging gold standard, second opinion was correct in 85.7% (six of seven) of the time for both surgeons. Recommended patient management from second-opinion reports showed good agreement with the reference standard (weighted k = 0.6467 [0.4014–0.892] and weighted k = 0.6262 [0.3954–0.857] for surgeon 2).ConclusionSecond-opinion review by subspecialized oncologic radiologists can impact patient care, specifically in terms of management decision.
http://ift.tt/2rjqhjH
Automated Radiology-Pathology Module Correlation Using a Novel Report Matching Algorithm by Organ System
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Bari Dane, Ankur Doshi, Soterios Gfytopoulos, Priya Bhattacharji, Michael Recht, William Moore
Objectives and RationaleRadiology-pathology correlation is time-consuming and is not feasible in most clinical settings, with the notable exception of breast imaging. The purpose of this study was to determine if an automated radiology-pathology report pairing system could accurately match radiology and pathology reports, thus creating a feedback loop allowing for more frequent and timely radiology-pathology correlation.MethodsAn experienced radiologist created a matching matrix of radiology and pathology reports. These matching rules were then exported to a novel comprehensive radiology-pathology module. All distinct radiology-pathology pairings at our institution from January 1, 2016 to July 1, 2016 were included (n = 8999). The appropriateness of each radiology-pathology report pairing was scored as either "correlative" or "non-correlative." Pathology reports relating to anatomy imaged in the specific imaging study were deemed correlative, whereas pathology reports describing anatomy not imaged with the particular study were denoted non-correlative.ResultsOverall, there was 88.3% correlation (accuracy) of the radiology and pathology reports (n = 8999). Subset analysis demonstrated that computed tomography (CT) abdomen/pelvis, CT head/neck/face, CT chest, musculoskeletal CT (excluding spine), mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abdomen/pelvis, MRI brain, musculoskeletal MRI (excluding spine), breast MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), breast ultrasound, and head/neck ultrasound all demonstrated greater than 91% correlation. When further stratified by imaging modality, CT, MRI, mammography, and PET demonstrated excellent correlation (greater than 96.3%). Ultrasound and non-PET nuclear medicine studies demonstrated poorer correlation (80%).ConclusionThere is excellent correlation of radiology imaging reports and appropriate pathology reports when matched by organ system. Rapid, appropriate radiology-pathology report pairings provide an excellent opportunity to close feedback loop to the interpreting radiologist.
http://ift.tt/2FPyhfu
Increased serum periostin concentrations are associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Abstract
Purpose
To determine the association between serum periostin and the presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Methods
Serum periostin was detected in 114 healthy subjects, 122 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 159 patients with DR and compared among groups. Clinical data and other laboratory measurements such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles, serum creatinine (Cr) and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) were also collected and compared among groups. For subgroup analysis, patients with DR were divided into a non-proliferated diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group and a proliferated diabetic retinopathy (PDR) group. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression models.
Results
The serum periostin level was significantly higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy compared with healthy subjects and patients with T2DM (both P < 0.001, respectively). Also, the periostin level was significantly higher in the PDR group compared to the NPDR group (P = 0.044). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that serum periostin was independently associated with the presence of DR in patients with T2DM (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for DR development using serum periostin showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was 0.838 (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
The current study demonstrated that serum periostin is significantly associated with the presence of DR in patients with T2DM and is an independent risk factor of DR.
http://ift.tt/2DLwurs
Oral bacterial colonization on dental implants restored with titanium or zirconia abutments: 6-month follow-up
Abstract
Objective
This investigation aimed to characterize in a 6-month follow-up the microbial profile of implants restored with either titanium or zirconia abutments at the genus or higher taxonomic levels.
Methods
Twenty healthy individuals indicative for implant-retained single restorations were investigated. Half of participants were restored with titanium and half with zirconia abutments. Biofilm was collected from the implant-related sites after 1, 3, and 6 months of loading. The 16S rDNA genes were amplified and sequenced with Roche/454 platform.
Results
A total of 596 species were identified in 360 samples and grouped in 18 phyla and 104 genera. Titanium- or zirconia-related sites as well as teeth showed similar total numbers of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) colonizing surfaces over time. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the most prevalent phyla with significant differences between different surfaces and time point. Unclassified genera were found in lower levels (1.71% up to 9.57%) on titanium and zirconia samples when compared with teeth, with no significant differences.
Conclusion
Titanium- and zirconia-related surfaces are promptly colonized by a bacterial community similar to those found in the remaining adjacent teeth. Results suggest a selective adhesion of different bacterial genotypes for either titanium or zirconia surfaces. Data also indicate a significant interaction between the relative effects taxa, time point, and sampling site.
Clinical relevance
The present study disclosed a wider spectrum of microorganisms colonizing either titanium- or zirconia-related microbiomes in very early stage of implant colonization, revealing differences and suggesting a probably specific mechanism for selective bacterial adhesion.
http://ift.tt/2mNZgQY
In vivo evaluation of some biophysical parameters of the facial skin of Indian subjects living in Mumbai. Part II: Variability with age and gender
Abstract
Background
A previously published work explored the diversity of some biophysical parameters (colour, elasticity, sebum production, skin micro relief….) of the skin of 1204 Indian women, differently aged, living in 4 Indian cities (Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai). The present work aimed at completing such research by focusing on possible gender-related differences in the same skin parameters, between Indian men and women living in the same Indian city (Mumbai).
Methods
297 Indian men, differently aged (18-70y) were recruited in Mumbai, completing the panel of 303 women who were previously recruited in this same city. The same instrumental measurements of facial skin colour and its homogeneity, its mechanical properties, the sebum production, skin pores size, skin relief etc.. as in the previous work, were conducted.
Results
Overall, the facial skin colour shows a darker complexion in men as compared to women, on forehead, ocular region, lips, chin and cheek. The skin colour unevenness, which increases with age, was found higher in men, as compared to women. At comparable age, women and men present a same density of skin pores, whereas those of men appear larger, up to 55y. The deepness of Crow's feet wrinkles does not significantly differ between genders. A lesser extensibility was found on then cheeks of men. In men, the sebum production was found significantly higher than that of women at ages above 40y.
Conclusions
This work indicates some commonly shared age-related skin features between women and men from Mumbai, despite slight different characteristics such as skin pigmentation, forehead/cheek colour contrast, mechanical properties and sebum production.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2mPv9Iy
Photobiomodulation induces in vitro re-epithelialization via nitric oxide production
Abstract
Photobiomodulation is a widely used tool in regenerative medicine thanks to its ability to modulate a plethora of physiological responses. Wound re-epithelialization is strictly regulated by locally produced chemical mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive free radical generated by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymatic family. In this study, it has been hypothesized that a 980-nm low-level laser stimulation could increase NO production in human keratinocytes and that such event might be directly related to the re-epithelialization process. Human keratinocytes were irradiated with increasing energy outputs (10–75 J) in the absence or presence of L-NAME, a NOS inhibitor. Laser stimulation induced an increase in NO production, resulting in an energy-dependent increase in both keratinocytes proliferation and re-epithelialization ability. The direct link between increased NO production and the observed physiological responses was confirmed by their inhibition in L-NAME pre-treated samples. Since NO production increase is a quick event, it is conceivable that it is due to an increase in existing NOS activity rather than to a de novo protein synthesis. For this reason, it could be hypothesized that photobiomodulation-derived NO positive effects on keratinocytes behavior might rely on a near infrared mediated increase in NOS conformational stability and cofactors as well as substrate binding ability, finally resulting in an increased enzymatic activity.
http://ift.tt/2rmdb5q
Treatment of severe periodontitis with a laser and light-emitting diode (LED) procedure adjunctive to scaling and root planing: a double-blind, randomized, single-center, split-mouth clinical trial investigating its efficacy and patient-reported outcomes at 1 year
Abstract
Broad methodological heterogeneity makes the literature on the clinical effects of laser treatment in periodontitis, both as monotherapy and adjunct to non-surgical therapy, which is difficult to interpret. The present split-mouth study was performed: (i) to determine the efficacy and safety of a photoablative-photodynamic diode laser therapy, including antiseptic LED irradiation, in adjunct to scaling and root planing (iPAPD+SRP) vs. sham-treatment+SRP for the treatment of diffuse severe periodontitis and (ii) to estimate the patient-reported outcomes. Twenty-four patients with severe periodontitis were treated with iPAPD+SRP or sham-treatment+SRP. iPAPD+SRP consisted of the following: (1) intra-/extra-pocket de-epithelization with photoablative λ 810 nm laser, (2) disinfection with λ 405 nm LED, (3) SRP, and (4) 10 weekly antiseptic/anti-inflammatory photodynamic treatments with λ 635 nm laser and 0.1% toluidine blue as photosensitizer. Clinical and cytofluorescent periodontal markers and patient-reported results were analyzed. At 1-year follow-up, both groups showed a significant reduction of several severity markers of periodontitis, namely probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BoP), as well as of bacteria, polymorphonuclear cells, erythrocytes and damaged epithelial cells in exfoliative samples, as compared with day 0. The quadrants subjected to iPAPD+SRP showed significantly better values of these parameters as well as of clinical attachment level (CAL) as compared with those undergoing sham-treatment+SRP. The patients' perceived pain/discomfort, and overall liking was also in favor of the iPAPD+SRP treatment. This study confirms the efficacy of combined phototherapy in adjunct to SRP which had emerged from previous clinical trials, extending its field of application to severe periodontitis.
http://ift.tt/2FOtz1K
3D printing of carbon fiber-filled conductive silicon rubber
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): Pei Huang, Zhidong Xia, Song Cui
Conductive silicon rubbers (CSRs) are potential candidates for strain sensor application owing to their specific electrical response and superior mechanical flexibility. In this work, carbon fiber-filled CSRs were printed by an extrusion device. Thixotropic agent was added to modify mobility and viscosity of the liquid CSR. It was found that the CSR with 5wt% thixotropic agent addition exhibited better shape-retention. Fibers in matrix were observed to be oriented in the printing direction resulting in an anisotropic electrical and mechanical behavior. The printed CSRs showed better electrical and mechanical properties along the orientation direction of fibers. In particular, the volume resistivity at the orientation direction was 6.8 times lower than that at perpendicular direction. Higher tensile strength, larger elongation at break, and higher Young's modulus were found along the orientation direction when the printed CSRs were stretched, where a large number of fibers were pulled out and visible holes remained at the fractured surface. Electrical responses of the CSRs under various loadings, including stretching, compressing, bending, twisting and cyclic folding, were closely related with deformations of the CSRs. Sandwich strain sensors were finally fabricated to verify a practical application as motion sensor of the printed CSRs.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2DmsHnc
How grain boundary chemistry controls the fracture mode of molybdenum
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): K. Leitner, D. Scheiber, S. Jakob, S. Primig, H. Clemens, E. Povoden-Karadeniz, L. Romaner
The design of metallic alloys with superior properties requires a deep understanding of the atomistic processes governing the materials behavior. In this paper, we present results providing a close link between grain boundary (GB) chemistry and fracture behavior in a Mo-Hf alloy. By combining atom probe tomography and ab-initio simulations of GBs, we unravel the origin for the transition between intergranular and transgranular fracture in technological Mo-Hf alloys. The main agent affecting GB strength is not the primary alloying element Hf, but rather the impurities O, C and B. With larger Hf additions, an intricate interplay between segregation and precipitation leads to a strong GB enrichment of C and B and to a depletion of O and Hf resulting in a higher cohesion of the GBs and thus, leading to a change in fracture mode. Our investigation exemplarily demonstrates that smallest additions of solutes can be decisive for understanding fracture behavior on the macroscale.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2DmqLLD
S and B microalloying of biodegradable Fe-30Mn-1C - Effects on microstructure, tensile properties, in vitro degradation and cytotoxicity
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): J. Hufenbach, F. Kochta, H. Wendrock, A. Voß, L. Giebeler, S. Oswald, S. Pilz, U. Kühn, A. Lode, M. Gelinsky, A. Gebert
Austenitic Fe-Mn-C-based alloys are considered as promising candidates for biodegradable vascular implants due to their high strength, ductility and mechanical integrity during degradation.The present study demonstrates that microalloying with S and B is an effective method to further enhance the degradation rate and the mechanical properties of a Fe-30Mn-1C twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) alloy without deteriorating the biocompatibility. For studying the microstructural changes due to S or B addition, the alloys were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis (WDX) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Thereby precipitates of (Fe0.3Mn0.7)S and (Fe,Mn)23(C3B3) types were detected in the austenitic matrix. These precipitates have a distinct influence not only on the mechanical properties under tensile load but also on the occurring corrosion mechanism. This was displayed by potentiodynamic polarization measurements and immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) and associated SEM as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigations. In vitro cytotoxicity analyses with L929 fibroblast cells indicated that microalloying with S and B does not affect the cytocompatibility.Thus, the novel alloy modifications show a high potential for future application as biodegradable implant material.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2DmqGaN
Development of new β/α″-Ti-Nb-Zr biocompatible coating with low Young's modulus and high toughness for medical applications
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): E. Frutos, M. Karlík, J.A. Jiménez, H. Langhansová, J. Lieskovská, T. Polcar
Ideal biomaterials to fabricate orthopedic implants, especially for load-bearing joint replacements, should include only non-toxic elements with good biocompatibility, high corrosion resistance and surface bioactivity, together with a good combination of mechanical properties. Based on these criteria, a manufacturing approach based on sputtering techniques can be ideal to develop coatings free of toxic elements tailored for advanced applications on pure titanium or titanium alloys used in biomedical applications. In this work, the ternary Ti-Nb-Zr system was used to develop non-toxic β-rich Ti coatings with several complex microstructures by careful control of Nb and Zr concentration and deposition parameters, such as bias voltage. Depending on the alloy chemistry and processing, the coating included variable amounts of α- , α″- and β-phases of Ti with different morphologies and crystallographic texture. Mechanical properties of every coating is largely determined by the micro-structure present, which is directly related to bias voltage used during sputtering process. Thus, hardness values change as a function of the compressive residual stresses magnitude and Young's modulus decreased from 63 GPa, at 0 V, to 47 GPa, at −63 V, being this value close to human bone (~30 GPa). After that, Young's modulus progressively increases to 89 GPa, at −148 V. On the other hand, bioactivity of the coating is practically doubled when compared to Ti6Al4V alloy.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2DpDZX5
Function-dependent coating architectures by hybrid powder-suspension plasma spraying: Injector design, processing and concept validation
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): Stefan Björklund, Sneha Goel, Shrikant Joshi
The attractive properties achieved by Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS), combined with the availability of high throughput capable plasma spray systems that permit axial feeding, provide encouragement to explore use of suspensions for next generation functional applications. This paper deals with realization of coatings with various pre-determined function-dependent architectures by employing a hybrid powder-suspension feedstock. Some illustrative application-relevant coating architecture designs are discussed, along with the specific benefits that can accrue by deploying a multi-scale powder-suspension feedstock combination. An elegant feedstock delivery arrangement to enable either simultaneous or sequential feeding of powders and suspensions to enable convenient processing of coatings with desired architectures is presented. As proof-of-concept, deposition of layered, composite and functionally graded coatings using the above system is also demonstrated using appropriate case studies.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2DqR2Yk
Fabrication of 3D porous poly(lactic acid)-based composite scaffolds with tunable biodegradation for bone tissue engineering
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): Daoyong Mao, Qing Li, Daikun Li, Yashi Chen, Xinhong Chen, Xi Xu
Success of biomimetic scaffold relies on the comparability of its microarchitecture and physicochemical properties to the natural bone. However, porous scaffolds which simultaneously possessed excellent mechanical properties, favorable bioactivity and tunable biodegradation were rarely reported. Herein, to integrate the high stiffness of hydroxyapatite (HA), the formability of lignocellulose (LG), the processability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and the bioactivity of sol-gel derived 58S bioactive glass (BG), poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based composite scaffolds were fabricated by a simple technique of combining the solvent casting/particulate leaching and sol-gel method. The resultant scaffolds showed well-defined interconnected porous structure with pore size of 200–400 μm and rough pore wall, which was reported to be potentially beneficial for cell adhesion and ingrowth. In addition, the mechanical properties were obviously improved by the reinforcements of LG, HA, and BG. In vitro biomineralization studies indicated the incorporation of BG significantly enhanced the bioactivity of composite scaffolds. Specially, the degradation rate of scaffolds could be easily regulated by adjusting the BG content to match the regeneration of new bone. The developed PLA-based composite scaffolds might have a great potential for bone regeneration.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2DsYVwE
Design, fabrication, and analysis of lattice exhibiting energy absorption via snap-through behavior
Publication date: 5 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 141
Author(s): Chan Soo Ha, Roderic S. Lakes, Michael E. Plesha
In this study, an energy absorption lattice, comprised of multiple tetra-beam-plate unit cells with negative stiffness, was designed, fabricated by selective laser sintering method, and analyzed both numerically and experimentally. Snap-through behavior of the unit cell developed due to negative stiffness caused by geometric nonlinearity from large deflection of the constituent elastic beams, resulting in energy absorption. A criterion for the unit cell to achieve the snap-through behavior was investigated numerically in terms of the beam slenderness ratio and the inclined angle. This approach was chosen to facilitate control of energy dissipation performance and further design space such as tuning force threshold. The unit cell with the selected geometric parameters was then created and used to construct the energy absorption lattice. Load-displacement relationships of the lattices obtained from cyclic loading tests disclosed an area enclosed by two distinct loading and unloading curves, which indicates energy dissipation. This was shown both numerically and experimentally. Drop tests were also performed to investigate energy loss of the lattices due to an impact. An energy absorption phenomenon was revealed by observing a reduced rebound height when the lattice exhibited the snap-through behavior.
Graphical abstract
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A study of creep in polycarbonate fused deposition modelling parts
Publication date: 5 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 141
Author(s): Antonio G. Salazar-Martín, Marco A. Pérez, Andrés-Amador García-Granada, Guillermo Reyes, Josep M. Puigoriol-Forcada
This paper presents an experimental investigation on the influence of process parameters such as part orientation, air gap and number of contours along with their interactions on the creep behaviour of fused deposition modelling (FDM) processed polycarbonate (PC) parts. Due to the lack of creep curve data with parts processed by FDM, this research gives a first quantitative approach to the time-dependent mechanical properties. This study not only varies significant process parameters viz., part build orientation, raster to raster air gap and number of contours, but also applies different loads to the samples to further understand primary and secondary creep behaviour for PC, providing the creep curves. Furthermore, two mathematical models are used to fit the experimental data, which can be used in numerical modelling. The first model is the well-documented and commonly used Bailey-Norton equation. As a second model, the fractional Voigt Maxwell in series (FVMS) is proposed to use. This model applies fractional calculus to reduce the number of parameters to be calculated. Conclusions obtained about how process parameters affect the creep behaviour are in agreement with previous research in mechanical properties of FDM parts.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2DoxX9n
Optimization of Permeability in a Series of Pyrrolotriazine Inhibitors of IRAK4
Publication date: Available online 17 January 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Sébastien L. Degorce, Rana Anjum, Keith S. Dillman, Lisa Drew, Sam D. Groombridge, Christopher T. Halsall, Eva M. Lenz, Nicola A. Lindsay, Michele F. Mayo, Jennifer H. Pink, Graeme R. Robb, James S. Scott, Stephen Stokes, Yafeng Xue
We have developed a series of orally efficacious IRAK4 inhibitors, based on a scaffold hopping strategy and using rational structure based design. Efforts to tackle low permeability and high efflux in our previously reported pyrrolopyrimidine series1 led to the identification of pyrrolotriazines which contained one less formal hydrogen bond donor and were intrinsically more lipophilic. Further optimisation of substituents on this pyrrolotriazine core culminated with the discovery of 30 as a promising in vivo probe to assess the potential of IRAK4 inhibition for the treatment of MyD88 mutant DLBCL in combination with a BTK inhibitor. When tested in an ABC-DLBCL model with a dual MyD88/CD79 mutation (OCI-LY10), 30 demonstrated tumour regressions in combination with ibrutinib.
Graphical abstract
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Cryolipolysis for the treatment of submental fat: Review of the literature
Summary
Background
Submental fat accumulation is a common cosmetic concern. Cryolipolysis utilizes noninvasive cooling to lyse adipocytes. A cryolipolysis device was recently approved for treatment of submental fat.
Objective
This manuscript provides a review of the preclinical work and clinical trials related to cryolipolysis for the treatment of submental fat. Settings, efficacy, and side effects are also discussed.
Materials and Methods
A literature search was performed through Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL, using the search terms "cryolipolysis," "submental," and "paradoxical adipose hyperplasia". Additional sources from the original source bibliographies were used to further supplement this review.
Results
There are 4 clinical trials and one case series (total 101 patients) that evaluated the use of cryolipolysis for treatment of submental fat. In these studies, there was a statistically significant reduction in submental fat and patients expressed high satisfaction with the treatment. Adverse effects were mild and transient.
Conclusions
Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive cooling technique that is safe and effective for treatment of submental fat. To date, there are no reports of marginal mandibular nerve injury or paradoxical adipose hyperplasia following treatment with this device.
http://ift.tt/2ERBGJy
The effects of platelet lysate patches on the activity of tendon-derived cells
Publication date: Available online 16 January 2018
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Raquel Costa-Almeida, Albina R. Franco, Tamagno Pesqueira, Mariana B. Oliveira, Pedro S. Babo, Isabel B. Leonor, João F. Mano, Rui L. Reis, Manuela E. Gomes
Platelet-derived biomaterials are widely explored as cost-effective sources of therapeutic factors, holding a strong potential for endogenous regenerative medicine. Particularly for tendon repair, treatment approaches that shift the injury environment are explored to accelerate tendon regeneration. Herein, genipin-crosslinked platelet lysate (PL) patches are proposed for the delivery of human-derived therapeutic factors in patch augmentation strategies aiming at tendon repair. Developed PL patches exhibited a controlled release profile of PL proteins, including bFGF and PDGF-BB. Additionally, PL patches exhibited an antibacterial effect by preventing the adhesion, proliferation and biofilm formation by S. aureus, a common pathogen in orthopaedic surgical site infections. Furthermore, these patches supported the activity of human tendon-derived cells (hTDCs). Cells were able to proliferate over time and an up-regulation of tenogenic genes (SCX, COL1A1 and TNC) was observed, suggesting that PL patches may modify the behavior of hTDCs. Accordingly, hTDCs deposited tendon-related extracellular matrix proteins, namely collagen type I and tenascin C.In summary, PL patches can act as a reservoir of biomolecules derived from PL and support the activity of native tendon cells, being proposed as bioinstructive patches for tendon regeneration.Statement of significancePlatelet-derived biomaterials hold great interest for the delivery of therapeutic factors for applications in endogenous regenerative medicine. In the particular case of tendon repair, patch augmentation strategies aiming at shifting the injury environment are explored to improve tendon regeneration. In this study, PL patches were developed with remarkable features, including the controlled release of growth factors and antibacterial efficacy. Remarkably, PL patches supported the activity of native tendon cells by up-regulating tenogenic genes and enabling the deposition of ECM proteins. This patch holds great potential towards simultaneously reducing post-implantation surgical site infections and promoting tendon regeneration for prospective in vivo applications.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2FKUiMt
Bioinspired Capsules based on Nanocellulose, Xyloglucan and Pectin – the influence of Capsule Wall Composition on Permeability Properties
Publication date: Available online 16 January 2018
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): T. Paulraj, A.V. Riazanova, A.J. Svagan
Materials based on renewable biopolymers, selective permeability and stimuli-responsive release/loading properties play an important role in biomedical applications. Here, in order to mimic the plant primary cell-wall, microcapsules have been fabricated using cell wall polysaccharides, namely pectin, xyloglucan and cellulose nanofibers. For the first time, a large amount of xyloglucan was successfully included in such capsules. These capsules demonstrated stimuli-responsive (ON/OFF) permeability and biocompatibility. The live cell staining revealed that the microcapsules' surface enhanced cell growth and also the non-toxic nature of the microcapsules. In water, the microcapsules were completely and partially permeable to fluorescent dextrans with an average molecular weight of 70 kDa (hydrodynamic diameter of ca. 12 nm) and 2000 kDa (ca. 54 nm), respectively. On the other hand, the permeability dropped quickly when the capsules were exposed to 250 mM NaCl solution, trapping a fraction of the 70 kDa dextrans in the capsule interior. The decrease in permeability was a direct consequence of the capsule-wall composition, i.e. the presence of xyloglucan and a low amount of charged molecules such as pectin. The low permeability of capsules in saline conditions (and in a model biological medium), combined with a capsule wall that is made from dietary fibers only, potentially enables their use in biological applications, such as colon targeted delivery in the gastro-intestinal tract.Statement of Significance:For the first time, microcapsules have been prepared that possess capsule walls that mimic the primary cell wall found in natural plant cells. The capsules were assembled using pectin, xyloglucan and cellulose in the form of cellulose nanofibers. The capsules demonstrated stimuli-responsive (ON/OFF) permeability and biocompatibility. The low permeability of capsules in saline conditions (and in a model biological medium), combined with a capsule wall that is made from dietary fibers only, potentially enables their use in biological applications, such as colon targeted delivery in the gastro-intestinal tract. Such model plant cell capsules might also further improve the understanding for the digestion and release of nutrients from natural plant cells found in vegetables and fruits.
Graphical abstract
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The acute effects of erythromycin and oxytetracycline on enhanced biological phosphorus removal system: shift in bacterial community structure
Abstract
Since extensive application, an increasing amount of antibiotics has been released into wastewater treatment plants. In this study, the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) system was fed with synthetic wastewater containing erythromycin (ERY) and oxytetracycline (OTC) for 7 days to evaluate the variations of solution ortho-P (SOP), volatile fatty acid (VFA), poly-bhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), specific oxygen uptake rater (SOUR), and microbial community in the EBPR system. The obtained results showed that the P-removal efficiency decreased to 0.0%, and at the end of the experiment, only less than 20% of the VFA could be consumed. Besides, the variable processes of P and PHAs were destroyed. Moreover, to better grasp the inhibitory mechanism of antibiotics, microbial community compositions of activated sludge sampled in all reactors were investigated by high-throughput sequencing techniques. Results of comparative and evolutionary analysis revealed that high concentrations (5 and 10 mg/L) of ERY and OTC could seriously shift microbial communities, while combined antibiotics could induce more. Additionally, Accumulibacter and Competibacter were two primary microorganisms at the genus level in the EBPR system. Accumulibacter decreased seriously for exposure to antibiotics, while Competibacter increased in all experimental reactors especially in combined antibiotics reactor.
http://ift.tt/2rgDc6b
A cross-cultural study of acceptability and food pairing for hot sauces
Source:Appetite, Volume 123
Author(s): Hyun-Jee Kim, Seo-Jin Chung, Kwang-Ok Kim, Belinda Nielsen, Rie Ishii, Michael O'Mahony
This study was conducted to understand the acceptance levels of hot sauces among consumers from different culinary cultures. Two newly developed hot sauces [fermented red chili pepper with soybean-paste-based sauce(GS) and fermented red chili-pepper-based sauce(KS)] were compared with Tabasco sauce(TB) and Sriracha sauce(SR). Two separate cross-cultural home-use tests(HUTs) were conducted: pizza and cream soup were provided as food items in HUT 1, whereas grilled chicken wings and rice noodle soup were provided in HUT 2. Consumers residing in Denmark, South Korea, and US participated in each HUT (n≅100 per country). Acceptance levels and the reasons for (dis)liking particular hot sauces applied to food systems were assessed. The food items that paired well with different hot sauces when the sauces were applied freely to regular meals were also analyzed among the US and Korean subjects. When the hot-sauce samples were applied to pizza and cream soup, the preferred order of the samples exhibited a cross-cultural agreement (GS = KS > TB). In the case of grilled chicken and rice noodle soup, the acceptance rating was similar for the three types of hot sauces among Koreans, whereas the acceptance was higher for SR among the US subjects for both foodstuffs, while Danish subjects preferred GS and KS over SR. The US subjects did not like hot-sauce samples with sweet and weak spiciness, whereas the Korean and Danish subjects disliked the hot-sauce sample when it was too spicy and not sufficiently sweet. These findings indicate that the matching of particular sauces with specific food items is culture-dependent, and this needs to be considered when trying to export food products such as hot sauce to other countries.
http://ift.tt/2ETCnSJ
Is the bioaccessibility of minerals affected by the processing steps of juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Mart.)?
Publication date: May 2018
Source:LWT, Volume 91
Author(s): Letícia Pupin, Vívian da Silva Santos, João Paixão dos Santos Neto, Deborah Oliveira De Fusco, Gustavo Henrique de Almeida Teixeira
The objective of this study was to verify if the processing steps of juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) affect mineral bioaccessibility using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (IVG) followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) analysis. The processing of the juçara fruit affected the content of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), and their bioaccessibility. It was observed an increase in the content of all minerals after the pulp extraction and reduction in bioaccessibility. It was possible to determine the bioaccessibility with the use of the IVG method and ICP OES. The bioaccessibility of Mg, Fe, Mn, and Cu decreased in the last processing step (pulp extraction), with the exception of Ca and Zn that could not be determined.
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Laterality and Left-sidedness in the Nose, Face, and Body: A New Finding
http://ift.tt/2FOhoBW
Late-Onset Inflammatory Response to Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
http://ift.tt/2FOhdqg
Intentional Lower Pole Rotation of Anatomic Breast Implants in Chest Wall Deformities
http://ift.tt/2FPb4Ki
Venous Anastomosis for Prevention of Venous Congestion in Distally Based Flaps
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Inhibition of bone resorption by bisphosphonates interferes with orthodontically induced midpalatal suture expansion in mice
Abstract
Objectives
Craniofacial sutures are important growth sites for skull development and are sensitive to mechanical stress. In order to determine the role of bone resorption in stress-mediated sutural bone growth, midpalatal suture expansion was performed in mice receiving alendronate, an anti-resorptive bisphosphonate.
Materials and methods
The midpalatal sutures of 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were expanded by orthodontic wires over the period of 2 weeks. Mice with maxillary expansion without drug treatment as well as untreated animals served as controls. Skulls were analyzed with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), immunohistochemistry and histology.
Results
Maxillary expansion in mice without drug treatment resulted in an increase of TRAP-positive osteoclasts. In contrast, no increase in osteoclasts was observed in expanded sutures of mice with bisphosphonate treatment. Double calcein labeling demonstrated rapid bone formation on the oral edges of the expanded sutures in mice without bisphosphonate treatment. Less bone formation was observed in bisphosphonate-treated mice after expansion. Histology revealed that the sutural architecture was reestablished in expanded sutures of mice without bisphosphonate treatment. In contrast, the sutural architecture was disorganized and the cartilage had an irregular form, following expansion in bisphosphonate-treated mice. Finally, micro-CT imaging demonstrated that the total amount of maxillary expansion was significantly lower in mice with bisphosphonate treatment as compared to those of mice without drug treatment.
Conclusions
In conclusion, our results indicate that osteoclast-mediated bone resorption is needed for maxillary suture expansion and reorganization of sutural architecture.
Clinical significance
Orthodontic palatal expansion can be complicated in patients with inherited or drug-induced diseases of osteoclast dysfunction.
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Comparison of two observational methods, scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopies, in the adhesive interface analysis of endodontic sealers to root dentine
Abstract
Objectives
To compare the accuracy of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) during the analysis of the adhesive interface integrity and intratubular penetration of root canal sealers to radicular dentine.
Materials and methods
Twenty roots of human maxillary incisors were prepared and distributed into two groups (n = 10), followed by filling with gutta-percha and Endofill (G1) or AH Plus (G2). After 7 days, roots were sectioned and analyzed under CLSM and SEM. Score systems were used to evaluate the adhesive interface integrity (0–4) and sealer intratubular penetration (0–3). Data were submitted to Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kendall correlation statistical tests (α = 5%).
Results
In the adhesive interface analysis, CLSM was similar (P = 0.157) to SEM for Endofill; however, the results were different for AH Plus (P = 0.029). Intratubular penetration had significant difference between observational methods for both sealers (P < 0.0001). Correlation analysis between SEM and CLSM for adhesive interface was moderate for Endofill and low for AH Plus. Intratubular penetration was low for both sealers.
Conclusion
SEM and CLSM analysis had similar results when sealers were compared, with a more homogeneous adhesive interface, and greater intratubular penetration for AH Plus. Comparison between observational methods demonstrated low positive correlation for adhesive interface and intratubular penetration analysis.
Clinical relevance
A proper interface formed between sealer and dentine is very important for final quality of root canal filling. Observational methods which allow an accurate analysis of this interface must be selected to assess such features.
http://ift.tt/2mKON86
Iron Chelation Therapy as a Modality of Management
Source:Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
Author(s): Yesim Aydinok
Teaser
Introduction of MRI techniques for identifying and monitoring tissue iron overload and the current understanding of iron homeostasis in transfusion-dependent (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia have allowed for a more robust administration of iron chelation therapies. The development of safe and efficient oral iron chelators and the insights gained from large-scale prospective studies using these agents have improved iron overload management. A significant reduction in iron toxicity–induced morbidity and mortality and improvements in quality of life were observed in TDT. The appropriate management of tissue-specific iron loading in TDT has been portrayed using evidence-based data obtained from investigational studies.http://ift.tt/2DjOGLD
Short communication: Decreasing the dietary ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids increases the n-3 concentration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in weaned Holstein heifer calves
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): L.C. Worden, M.G. Erickson, S. Gramer, C. Tap, C. Ylioja, N. Trottier, C.L. Preseault, M.J. VandeHaar, A.L. Lock, E.L. Karcher
Utilization of nutrients to improve overall heifer health is of interest because of the importance of replacement heifers to the dairy industry. The objective of our study was to compare the effect of supplementation of dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (FA) on FA concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of Holstein calves. Twenty-seven Holstein heifer calves (107 ± 2.6 d of age; 142.6 ± 6.5 kg of body weight) from the university research and teaching herd were randomly assigned to a common TMR supplemented with 1 of 3 treatments: Ca salts of flaxseed FA (Virtus Nutrition, Corcoran, CA) containing 35% 18:3 n-3 (N3), Ca salts of soybean FA (Virtus Nutrition) containing 50% 18:2 n-6 (N6), or a 50:50 mix of N3 and N6. Treatments were supplemented with FA at 4% of dietary dry matter and fed for 30 d. Feed intake was recorded daily, and body weight, wither height, and body condition score were measured weekly throughout the study. On d 28 heifers were vaccinated with a Pasteurella vaccine and the temperature response to the vaccine was recorded. Blood was collected on d 0 and 28 for PBMC isolation. After total lipid extraction and FA methyl ester preparation, FA composition of PBMC was measured. We observed no effect of treatment on body weight gain, body condition score change, or wither height change. Heifers receiving the N3 diet had a lower temperature response to Pasteurella challenge compared with both the mix and N6 diets. Heifers consuming the N3 diet had a greater content of total n-3 FA, α-linolenic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid in PBMC compared with heifers fed the N6 and mix diets. Heifers receiving the N3 diet also had a lower content of total n-6 FA, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid in PBMC than heifers fed the N6 and mix diets. In conclusion, our study determined that feeding weaned female Holstein heifers a diet high in n-3 FA increased concentrations of n-3 FA in PBMC.
http://ift.tt/2FN8vZr
News and Announcements
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
http://ift.tt/2EPkQLa
Letter to the Editor: Proceedings from the USDA and National Dairy Council Collaborative Research Planning Meeting Held August 24, 2016
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): Michelle Slimko, Juan M. Tricarico, Gregory D. Miller
http://ift.tt/2FN8vbT
Effects of replacement of late-harvested grass silage and barley with early-harvested silage on ruminal digestion efficiency in lactating dairy cows
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): E.H. Cabezas-Garcia, S.J. Krizsan, K.J. Shingfield, P. Huhtanen
The objective of this experiment was to quantify the effects of graded replacement of late-harvested grass silage and barley with early-harvested silage on nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation. Four experimental diets were fed to 4 multiparous rumen-cannulated Nordic Red cows in 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Dietary treatments consisted of late-cut grass silage (LS) and rolled barley, which was gradually replaced with early-cut grass silage [ES; 0, 33, 67, and 100% of the forage component (ES + LS) of the diet]. With increased proportion of ES in the diet, the proportion of barley decreased from 47.2 to 26.6% on a dry matter basis. Early- and late-cut silages were harvested at 2-wk intervals (predicted concentrations of metabolizable energy 11.0 and 9.7 MJ/kg of dry matter). The 4 diets were formulated to support the same milk production. Nutrient flows were quantified using omasal sampling technique applying the triple-marker method (Cr, Yb, and indigestible neutral detergent fiber) and 15N as a microbial marker. Feed intake decreased with graded replacement of LS and barley with ES, but milk production was not influenced by diet. Digestibility of nutrients improved with graded addition of ES in the diet with the greatest difference observed in digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and potentially digestible NDF (pdNDF). The results suggested that improved cell wall digestibility with graded level of ES in the diet was partly related to higher intrinsic digestibility of ES than LS, and partly due to negative associative effects with an increased proportion of LS and barley in the diet. Efficiency of microbial N synthesis was not influenced by the diet, but ruminal protein degradability increased with ES in the diet. Rumen fermentation pattern was not affected by the diet despite large difference in the profile of dietary carbohydrates. Rumen pool size of NDF and pdNDF, and ruminal turnover time of NDF decreased with graded addition of ES in the diet, whereas digestion rate of pdNDF improved. The results of this study indicate that increased CH4 yield in a parallel production study with graded addition of ES in the diet were more related to greater ruminal and total digestibility of organic matter than to the changes in rumen fermentation pattern.
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Interpretive Summaries, February 2018
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
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Fluctuations in milk yield are heritable and can be used as a resilience indicator to breed healthy cows
Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): G.G. Elgersma, G. de Jong, R. van der Linde, H.A. Mulder
Automatic milking systems record an enormous amount of data on milk yield and the cow itself. These type of big data are expected to contain indicators for health and resilience of cows. In this study, the aim was to define and estimate heritabilities for traits related with fluctuations in daily milk yield and to estimate genetic correlations with existing functional traits, such as udder health, fertility, claw health, ketosis, and longevity. We used daily milk yield records from automatic milking systems of 67,025 lactations in the first parity from 498 herds in the Netherlands. We defined 3 traits related to the number of drops in milk yield using Student t-tests based on either a rolling average (drop rolling average) or a regression (drop regression) and the natural logarithm of the within-cow variance of milk yield (LnVar). Average milk yield was added to investigate the relationships between milk yield and these new traits. ASReml was used to estimate heritabilities, breeding values (EBV), and genetic correlations among these new traits and average milk yield. Approximate genetic correlations were calculated using correlations between EBV of the new traits and existing EBV for health and functional traits correcting for nonunity reliabilities using the Calo method. Partial genetic correlations controlling for persistency and average milk yield and relative contributions to reliability were calculated to investigate whether the new traits add new information to predict fertility, health, and longevity. Heritabilities were 0.08 for drop rolling average, 0.06 for drop regression, and 0.10 for LnVar. Approximate genetic correlations between the new traits and the existing health traits differed quite a bit, with the strongest correlations (−0.29 to −0.52) between LnVar and udder health, ketosis, persistency, and longevity. This study shows that fluctuations in daily milk yield are heritable and that the variance of milk production is best among the 3 fluctuations traits tested to predict udder health, ketosis, and longevity. Using the residual variance of milk production instead of the raw variance is expected to further improve the trait to breed healthy, resilient, and long-lasting dairy cows.
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Factors associated with herd bulk milk composition and technological traits in the Italian dairy industry
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): A. Benedet, C.L. Manuelian, M. Penasa, M. Cassandro, F. Righi, M. Sternieri, P. Galimberti, A.V. Zambrini, M. De Marchi
The aim of the present study was to investigate sources of variation of milk composition and technological characteristics routinely collected in field conditions in the Italian dairy industry. A total of 40,896 bulk milk records from 620 herds and 10 regions across Italy were analyzed. Composition traits were fat, protein, and casein percentages, urea content, and somatic cell score; and technological characteristics were rennet coagulation time, curd firming time, curd firmness 30 min after rennet addition to milk, and titratable acidity. Data of herd bulk milks were analyzed using a model that included fixed effects of region, herd nested within region, and season of milk analysis. An average good milk quality was reported in the dairy industry (especially concerning fat, protein, and casein percentages), and moderate to high correlations between composition and technological traits were observed. All factors included in the statistical model were significant in explaining the variation of the studied traits except for region effect in the analysis of casein and somatic cell score. Northeast and central-southern Italian regions showed the best performance for composition and technological features, respectively. Traits varied greatly across regions, which could reflect differences in herd management and strategies. Overall, less suitable milk for dairy processing was observed in summer. Results of the present study suggested that a constant monitoring of technological traits in the dairy industry is necessary to improve production quality at herd level and it may be a way to segregate milk according to its processing characteristics.
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Comprehensive analysis of proteolysis during 8 months of ripening of high-cooked Old Saare cheese
Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): A. Taivosalo, T. Kriščiunaite, A. Seiman, N. Part, I. Stulova, R. Vilu
We applied capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass-spectrometry (MS/MS), and ultra-performance liquid chromatography to determine the composition of water-insoluble and water-soluble proteinaceous fractions of the cheese and to study in detail the degradation of caseins during 8 mo of ripening of Estonian high-temperature cooked hard cheese Old Saare. The application of high-resolution and high-accuracy MS/MS enabled identification of more than 3,000 small peptides, representing a fairly full casein peptidome containing peptides of 4 to 25 AA in length: 1,049 from β-casein (CN), 944 from αS1-CN, 813 from αS2-CN, and 234 from κ-CN. The majority of β-CN- and αS1-CN-derived peptides originated from the N-terminal parts of the molecule, f6-93 and f1-124, respectively; peptides from αS2-CN arose predominantly from the C-terminal end f100-162. At the beginning of ripening, we found a relatively high amount of peptides originating from the glycomacropeptide part of κ-CN, whereas peptides from para-κ-CN prevailed during the later stages of ripening of the cheese. The cleavage patterns of β-CN, αS2-CN, as well as αS1-CN, showed that primary proteolysis was started mainly by plasmin, although a low proteolytic activity of chymosin was also evident. Based on the analysis of cleavage sites, we observed a significant participation of proteolytic enzymes, including amino- and carboxypeptidases, of both mesophilic and thermophilic starter bacteria in further hydrolysis of oligopeptides during the ripening. Several new phosphopeptides were detected in the result of MS/MS data analysis. The profiles of the estimated concentrations of phosphopeptides revealed that those originating from β-CN and αS1-CN accumulated during cheese maturation. In contrast, we did not notice any generation of phosphopeptides from the highly phosphorylated part of αS2-CN, f25-80, presumably due to the inaccessibility of this region to the action of plasmin and chymosin. The analysis of cleavage sites and the combination of principal component and clustering analyses provided a characterization of the complex dynamics of formation and degradation of peptides during cheese maturation. We made an attempt to obtain a comprehensive picture of proteolysis during Old Saare cheese ripening on the basis of the detailed peptidomic data, including also the less abundant peptides determined by MS/MS, and complemented by the data on intact caseins and free AA and reported the results in the paper.
http://ift.tt/2EQkjsu
Lactobacillus demonstrate thiol-independent metabolism of methylglyoxal: Implications toward browning prevention in Parmesan cheese
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): N.N. Gandhi, P.F. Cobra, J.L. Steele, J.L. Markley, S.A. Rankin
Endogenous production of α-dicarbonyls by lactic acid bacteria can influence the quality and consistency of fermented foods and beverages. Methylglyoxal (MG) in Parmesan cheese can contribute toward undesired browning during low temperature ripening and storage conditions, leading to the economic depreciation of affected cheeses. We demonstrate the effects of exogenously added MG on browning and volatile formation using a Parmesan cheese extract (PCE). To determine the influence of Lactobacillus on α-dicarbonyls, strains were screened for their ability to modulate concentrations of MG, glyoxal, and diacetyl in PCE. It was found that a major metabolic pathway of MG in Lactobacillus is a thiol-independent reduction, whereby MG is partially or fully reduced to acetol and 1,2-propanediol, respectively. The majority of lactobacilli grown in PCE accumulated the intermediate acetol, whereas Lactobacillus brevis 367 formed exclusively 1,2-propanediol and Lactobacillus fermentum 14931 formed both metabolites. In addition, we determined the inherent tolerance to bacteriostatic concentrations of MG among lactobacilli grown in rich media. It was found that L. brevis 367 reduces MG exclusively to 1,2-propanediol, which correlates to both its ability to significantly decrease MG concentrations in PCE, as well as its significantly higher tolerance to MG, in comparison to other lactobacilli screened. These findings have broader implications toward lactobacilli as a viable solution for reducing MG-mediated browning of Parmesan cheese.
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Plasma calcium concentrations are decreased at least 9 hours before parturition in multiparous Holstein-Friesian cattle in a herd fed an acidogenic diet during late gestation
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): Ameer A. Megahed, Mark W.H. Hiew, Shymaa A. El Badawy, Peter D. Constable
Calcium homeostatic mechanisms are challenged in periparturient multiparous dairy cattle due to the rapid transport of large amounts of calcium into the mammary gland associated with colostrogenesis, resulting in decreased plasma total calcium concentration ([Ca]). An unresolved issue is the timing of the decrease in plasma [Ca] relative to the time of parturition, with the consensus view being that plasma [Ca] does not decrease until after parturition. The objective of this study, therefore, was to characterize the change in plasma [Ca] over time in periparturient dairy cattle. Plasma and mid-stream urine samples were collected daily starting 3 d before calving from 104 periparturient Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in a herd fed an acidogenic total mixed ration during the late dry period. Mixed-models ANOVA and linear and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. Plasma [Ca] decreased in periparturient multiparous cattle (n = 70) but not in primiparous cattle (n = 34). Compared with mean values approximately 72 h before parturition ([Ca] = 2.32 mmol/L), mean plasma [Ca] in multiparous cattle first decreased at 9 h before parturition (2.13 mmol/L) and remained decreased for up to 48 h after parturition, with the lowest mean value (1.87 mmol/L) occurring at 28 h after parturition. Mean 24-h urine Ca excretion was calculated to decrease by 3.5 to 3.8 g in periparturient multiparous cattle. Regression analysis indicated that plasma [Ca] in the 12-h period before and 24-h period after parturition was strongly and negatively associated with age but was also negatively associated with milk production indices. We conclude that plasma [Ca] was decreased at least 9 h before parturition in multiparous dairy cattle fed an acidogenic diet in late gestation, and that calcium homeostasis was disrupted for 2 to 3 d around parturition.
http://ift.tt/2EQsipu
Predicting omasal flow of nonammonia N and milk protein yield from in vitro-determined utilizable crude protein at the duodenum
Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): H. Gidlund, M. Vaga, S. Ahvenjärvi, M. Rinne, M. Ramin, P. Huhtanen
This study evaluated the relationship between utilizable crude protein (uCP) at the duodenum estimated in vitro and omasal flow of crude protein (CP; omasal flow of nonammonia N × 6.25) measured in lactating dairy cows. In vivo data were obtained from previous studies estimating omasal digesta flow using a triple-marker method and 15N as microbial marker. A total of 34 different diets based on grass and red clover silages were incubated with buffered rumen fluid previously preincubated with carbohydrates for 3 h. The buffer solution was modified to contain 38 g of NaHCO3 and 1 g of (NH4)HCO3 in 1,000 mL of distilled water. Continuous sampling of the liquid phase for determination of ammonia-N was performed at 0.5, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 30 h after the start of incubation. The ammonia N concentrations after incubation were used to calculate uCP. The natural logarithm of uCP [g/kg of dry matter (DM)] at time points 0.5, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 30 h of incubation was plotted against time to estimate the concentration of uCP (g/kg of DM) at time points 16, 20, and 24 h using an exponential function. Fixed model regression analysis and mixed model regression analysis with random study effect were used to evaluate the relationships between predicted uCP (supply and concentration) and observed omasal CP flow and milk protein yield. Residual analysis was also conducted to evaluate whether any dietary factors influenced the relationships. The in vitro uCP method ranked the diets accurately in terms of total omasal CP flow (kg/d) or omasal CP flow per kilogram of DM intake. We also noted a close relationship between estimated uCP supply and adjusted omasal CP flow, as demonstrated by a coefficient of determination of 0.87, although the slope of 0.77 indicated that estimated uCP supply (kg/d) was greater than the value determined in vivo. The linear bias with mixed model analysis indicated that uCP supply overestimated the difference in omasal CP flow between the diets within a study, an error most likely related to study differences in feed intake, animals, and methodology. Predicting milk protein yield from uCP supply showed a positive relationship using a mixed model (coefficient of determination = 0.79), and we observed no difference in model fit between the time points of incubation (16, 20, or 24 h). The results of this study indicate that the in vitro method can be a useful tool in evaluating protein value of ruminant diets.
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Genetic parameters for yield, fitness, and type traits in US Brown Swiss dairy cattle
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): K.D. Gibson, C.D. Dechow
The objective of this research was to evaluate heritabilities and genetic correlations among yield, fitness, and type traits for US Brown Swiss cattle born in 2000 and later. The data set used consisted of 108,633 first through fifth lactation records from 45,464 cows for yield, somatic cell score (SCS), days open, and productive life. Approximately half of the records had observations for 17 type traits and 41,074 had observations for milking speed. These data were analyzed using a series of 3 trait models. Heritability estimates of each trait were similar to previously reported values for both Holsteins, and Brown Swiss in other countries. Milk, fat, and protein yield had strong positive genetic correlations with productive life (0.67 to 0.71), whereas days open and SCS had strong negative correlations with productive life (−0.60 and −0.69, respectively). Days open was more unfavorably correlated with dairy form (angularity) than with yield. The genetic correlation of udder depth and milk yield was unfavorable (−0.40), whereas rear udder height (0.20) and width (0.48) were favorably correlated with milk yield. Udder depth had a favorable genetic correlation with SCS (−0.26). Type traits with the strongest genetic correlations with productive life were fore udder attachment, mobility, and final score (0.44, 0.50, and 0.57, respectively). These updated genetic parameters will allow for improved genetic selection within the Brown Swiss breed.
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Characteristics of feed efficiency within and across lactation in dairy cows and the effect of genetic selection
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): A.M. Hurley, N. Lopez-Villalobos, S. McParland, E. Lewis, E. Kennedy, M. O'Donovan, J.L. Burke, D.P. Berry
The objective of the present study was to investigate the phenotypic inter- and intra-relationships within and among alternative feed efficiency metrics across different stages of lactation and parities; the expected effect of genetic selection for feed efficiency on the resulting phenotypic lactation profiles was also quantified. A total of 8,199 net energy intake (NEI) test-day records from 2,505 lactations on 1,290 cows were used. Derived efficiency traits were either ratio based or residual based; the latter were derived from least squares regression models. Residual energy intake (REI) was defined as NEI minus predicted energy requirements based on lactation performance; residual energy production (REP) was defined as net energy for lactation minus predicted energy requirements based on lactation performance. Energy conversion efficiency was defined as net energy for lactation divided by NEI. Pearson phenotypic correlations among traits were computed across lactation stages and parities, and the significance of the differences was determined using the Fisher r-to-z transformation. Sources of variation in the feed efficiency metrics were investigated using linear mixed models, which included the fixed effects of contemporary group, breed, parity, stage of lactation, and the 2-way interaction of parity by stage of lactation. With the exception of REI, parity was associated with all efficiency and production traits. Stage of lactation, as well as the 2-way interaction of parity by stage of lactation, were associated with all efficiency and production traits. Phenotypic correlations among the efficiency and production traits differed not only by stage of lactation but also by parity. For example, the strong phenotypic correlation between REI and energy balance (EB; 0.89) for cows in parity 3 or greater and early lactation was weaker for parity 1 cows at the same lactation stage (0.81), suggesting primiparous cows use the ingested energy for both milk production and growth. Nonetheless, these strong phenotypic correlations between REI and EB suggested negative REI animals (i.e., more efficient) are also in more negative EB. These correlations were further supported when assessing the effect on phenotypic performance of animals genetically divergent for feed intake and efficiency based on parental average. Animals genetically selected to have lower REI resulted in cows who consumed less NEI but were also in negative EB throughout the entire lactation. Nonetheless, such repercussions of negative EB do not imply that selection for negative REI (as defined here) should not be practiced, but instead should be undertaken within the framework of a balanced breeding objective, which includes traits such as reproduction and health.
http://ift.tt/2FN8t3L
Using video microscopy to improve quantitative estimates of protozoal motility and cell volume
Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): B.A. Wenner, B.K. Wagner, J.L. Firkins
The objective of this study was to apply digital imaging to improve quantification of rumen protozoal biomass and distinguish treatment differences in cell motility and volume among ruminal protozoa. Observations of protozoa in rumen fluid treated with essential oils (CinnaGar, CIN; Provimi North America, Brookville, OH) or an ionophore (monensin, MON) indicated possible cell shrinkage. We hypothesized that MON would decrease protozoal motility and interact with CIN on cell volume. In addition, we hypothesized that analysis of still frames from video of swimming protozoa would improve volume prediction accuracy. Flocculated rumen fluid was incubated in batch culture dosed with N-free feed only (control), MON, CIN, or a combination of MON+CIN. Samples were taken at 0, 3, or 6 h post-treatment and wet-mounted on a microscope fitted with a high-definition camera. At 3 h post-inoculation, there was a treatment interaction for average speed such that CIN attenuated the effect of MON, with treatment means of 243, 138, 211, and 183 µm/s for control, MON, CIN, and MON+CIN, respectively. At 6 h post-inoculation, MON decreased average speed by 79.2 µm/s compared with the main effect mean without MON. We measured both minimum and maximum diameters (depth and width, respectively) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of swimming protozoa, yielding a 3-dimensional estimate of protozoal volume. The ellipsoid formula (4/3)πabc, where a = 1/2 length, b = 1/2 width, and c = 1/2 depth, was compared with previously published volume estimations using genera-specific coefficients (genera-specific coefficient × length × width2). Residuals (genera-specific coefficients – ellipsoid) were plotted against predicted (ellipsoid) and centered to the mean (Xi-x¯) to evaluate both mean and slope biases. For Entodinium spp., Y = 0.248 (±0.037) (Xi − 7.98 × 104) + 1.97 × 104 (±1.48 × 103); n = 100; r2 [coefficient of determination (squared correlation coefficient)] = 0.31, with significant slope and mean biases. For family Isotrichidae, Y = −0.124 (±0.068) (Xi − 2.54 × 106) − 1.21 × 104 (±4.86 × 104); n = 32; r2 = 0.10, where slope tended to be different from zero but with no mean bias. For Epidinium spp., Y = 0.375 (±0.056) (Xi − 2.45 × 105) + 6.65 × 104 (±0.28 × 104); n = 64; r2 = 0.43, with both mean and slope biases. The present regression analyses demonstrate that the genera-specific coefficient-based method more likely overestimates volume for Entodinium and Epidinium than for the teardrop-shaped Isotrichidae. Based on simulations derived from previous literature reporting treatments that depress protozoal populations or among-animal changes in protozoal population structures, our proposed ellipsoid method offers potential to advance the prediction of treatment effects on protozoal volume and to shift focus from the number of cells present to the diversity, function, and biomass of protozoa under various treatment conditions.
http://ift.tt/2ESImXT
The contribution of previous lameness events and body condition score to the occurrence of lameness in dairy herds: A study of 2 herds
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): L.V. Randall, M.J. Green, L.E. Green, M.G.G. Chagunda, C. Mason, S.C. Archer, J.N. Huxley
It has been demonstrated that low body condition and previous occurrence of lameness increase the risk of future lameness in dairy cows. To date the population attributable fraction (PAF), which provides an estimate of the contribution that a risk factor makes toward the total number of disease events in a population, has not been explored for lameness using longitudinal data with repeated measures. Estimation of PAF helps to identify control measures that could lead to the largest improvements on-farm. The aim of this study was to use longitudinal data to evaluate the proportion of lameness that could be avoided in 2 separate herds (2 populations) through (1) reduced recurrence of previous lameness events, (2) and moving body condition score (BCS) into more optimal ranges. Data were obtained from 2 UK dairy herds: herd A, a 200-cow herd with 8 yr of data from a total of 724 cows where lameness events were based on weekly locomotion scores (LS; 1 to 5 scale), and herd B, a 600-cow herd with data recorded over 44 mo from a total of 1,040 cows where treatment of clinical cases was used to identify lameness events. The PAF for categories of BCS were estimated using a closed equation appropriate for multiple exposure categories. Simulation models were used to explore theoretical scenarios to reflect changes in BCS and recurrence of previous lameness events in each herd. For herd A, 21.5% of the total risk periods (cow-weeks) contained a lameness event (LS 3, 4, or 5), 96% of which were repeat events and 19% were recorded with BCS <2 (3 wk previously; 0 to 5 scale). When lameness events were based on 2 consecutive weeks of LS 4 or 5, 4% of risk periods were recorded as lame, of which 89.5% were repeat events. For herd B, 16.3% of the total risk periods (consecutive 30 d) contained a lameness event (72.6% were repeat events) and 20% were recorded with BCS ≤2 (0 to 120 d previously). The median PAF for all previous lameness was between 79 and 83% in the 2 herds. Between 9 and 21% of lameness events could be attributed to previous lameness occurring >16 wk before a risk period. The median PAF estimated for changes in BCS were in the region of 4 to 11%, depending on severity of lameness. Repeated bouts of lameness made a very large contribution to the total number of lameness events. This could either be because certain cows are initially susceptible and remain susceptible, due to the increased risk associated with previous lameness events, or due to interactions with environmental factors. This area requires further research.
http://ift.tt/2FOOEZE
Predicting nutrient digestibility in high-producing dairy cows
Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): R.A. de Souza, R.J. Tempelman, M.S. Allen, W.P. Weiss, J.K. Bernard, M.J. VandeHaar
Our objective was to determine the effects of dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), and diet characteristics on total tract digestibilities of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and starch (DMD, NDFD, and StarchD, respectively) in high-producing dairy cows. Our database was composed of 1,942 observations from 662 cows in 54 studies from Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia. On average, cows ate 23 ± 4.5 kg of dry matter/d, weighed 669 ± 79 kg, and produced 38 ± 10 kg of milk/d. Diets were 31 ± 5% neutral detergent fiber, 27 ± 6% starch, 2.6 ± 1.2% fatty acids, and 17 ± 1.4% crude protein. Digestibility means were 66 ± 6, 42 ± 11, and 93 ± 5% for DMD, NDFD, and StarchD, respectively. Forage sources included corn silage, alfalfa, and grasses. Corn source was classified by its ruminal fermentability. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects model, including diet chemical composition, forage source, and corn source, all expressed as percentage of dry matter, except for DMI, which was expressed as percentage of BW (DMI%BW); location and 2-way interactions were fixed effects. Cow, block, period, treatment, and study were included as random effects. Best fitting candidate models were generated using backward and stepwise regression methods. Additionally, the simplest model was generated using only DMI and location as fixed effects and all random effects. Candidate models were cross-validated across studies, and the resulting predictive correlation coefficients across studies (PC) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were compared by t-test. For each nutrient, the digestibility model that resulted in the highest PC and lowest RMSEP was determined to be the best fitting model. We observed heterogeneous coefficients among the different locations, suggesting that specific location factors influenced digestibilities. The overall location-averaged best fitting prediction equations were: DMD = 69 − 0.83 × DMI%BW (PC = 0.22, RMSEP = 5.39); NDFD = 53 + 0.26 × grass %DM − 0.59 × starch %DM + 3.06 × DMI%BW − 0.46 × DMI%BW2 (PC = 0.53, RMSEP = 9.70); and StarchD = 96 + 0.19 × HFERM%DM − 0.12 × starch %DM − 1.13 × DMI%BW (PC = 0.34, RMSEP = 4.77); where HFERM%DM is highly-fermentable corn source as percentage of DM. Our results confirm that digestibility is reduced as DMI increases, albeit at a lower rate than that reported in National Research Council. Furthermore, dietary starch depresses NDFD. Whereas DMD can be predicted based on DMI only, the best predictions for NDFD and StarchD require diet characteristics in addition to DMI.
http://ift.tt/2ETkXFP
Intramammary infections with different non-aureus staphylococci in dairy cows
Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 101, Issue 2
Author(s): A.-K. Nyman, C. Fasth, K. Persson Waller
Subclinical mastitis causes an increase in milk somatic cell count (SCC) and can lead to reduced milk production and early culling. In many countries, non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) is the most common bacterial finding in subclinical mastitis of dairy cows. New methodology makes it possible to identify NAS species, but knowledge about the epidemiology is limited. The objective of this project was to improve advisory services for mastitis control by investigating associations between NAS and SCC, milk production, and persistence of intramammary infections (IMI). Farmers who had sent milk samples to the Swedish National Veterinary Institute (Uppsala, Sweden) were asked to participate if NAS was identified in the samples. Participating farmers were asked to resample all udder quarters of the cow once within 1 mo. Regression models were used to investigate associations between NAS and cow factors, udder quarter California mastitis test and SCC, and persistence of IMI. Associations with cow composite milk yield and SCC were also investigated. In total, 671 cows from 201 herds were enrolled in the study, and 19 NAS species were identified, of which the 4 most common were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus simulans, Staphylococcus chromogenes, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Persistent IMI was more common in udder quarters with Staphylococcus hyicus and S. simulans and less common in those with Staphylococcus saprophyticus IMI. β-Lactamase production by the different NAS species varied from 0 to 100%. There was a significant association between NAS species and California mastitis test and SCC of udder quarters, and this varied depending on parity. The cow composite milk SCC at the test milking before the initial sample was taken differed significantly with NAS species, but not at the subsequent test milking. Milk yield—at the test milking before or after the initial sample—did not differ significantly for NAS species. There were no significant associations between milk yield or SCC and persistent NAS IMI. In conclusion, the NAS species affects SCC and persistent IMI differently but not milk yield.
http://ift.tt/2FMs303
Salivary biomarkers for oral cancer and pre-cancer screening: a review
Abstract
Objective
The objective of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature assessing potential salivary biomarkers of oral cancer and pre-cancer and discuss emerging issues and challenges in relation to oral cancer and pre-cancer diagnostics.
Materials and methods
Search for articles involved the Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE. Specific terms were used from January 1995 to March 2017 by three experts.
Results
This search collected 270 articles, of which 105 articles such as reviews, case reports, news, letter to editor, etc. in first round and 117 articles such as publications in other languages than English, non-human studies, etc. were excluded. The remaining 48 articles considered analyzing whole saliva as well as specific gland saliva. Thirty-one studies considered oral stimuli such as eating, drinking, and oral hygiene practices for varied periods of time prior to sample collection. The time of collection of saliva was morning in most studies, but the exact time of collection was not mentioned. Three studies showed to have evaluated the whole saliva without centrifugation. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry were the most commonly used methods. Most of the potential salivary biomarkers of oral cancer are salivary proteins.
Conclusion
Combination approach of salivary biomarkers could be used as screening tool to improve early detection and diagnostic precision of oral pre-cancer and cancer.
Clinical relevance
The current findings are of importance for clinicians and researchers to mitigate the challenges in salivary-based diagnosis of oral cancer and to evaluate reliable, specific, and sensitive salivary biomarkers for oral pre-cancer and cancer diagnosis.
http://ift.tt/2DmFy9i
Impact of individual and neighborhood factors on disparities in prostate cancer survival
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 53
Author(s): Mindy C. DeRouen, Clayton W. Schupp, Jocelyn Koo, Juan Yang, Andrew Hertz, Salma Shariff-Marco, Myles Cockburn, David O. Nelson, Sue A. Ingles, Esther M. John, Scarlett L. Gomez
BackgroundWe addressed the hypothesis that individual-level factors act jointly with social and built environment factors to influence overall survival for men with prostate cancer and contribute to racial/ethnic and socioeconomic (SES) survival disparities.MethodsWe analyzed multi-level data, combining (1) individual-level data from the California Collaborative Prostate Cancer Study, a population-based study of non-Hispanic White (NHW), Hispanic, and African American prostate cancer cases (N = 1800) diagnosed from 1997 to 2003, with (2) data on neighborhood SES (nSES) and social and built environment factors from the California Neighborhoods Data System, and (3) data on tumor characteristics, treatment and follow-up through 2009 from the California Cancer Registry. Multivariable, stage-stratified Cox proportional hazards regression models with cluster adjustments were used to assess education and nSES main and joint effects on overall survival, before and after adjustment for social and built environment factors.ResultsAfrican American men had worse survival than NHW men, which was attenuated by nSES. Increased risk of death was associated with residence in lower SES neighborhoods (quintile 1 (lowest nSES) vs. 5: HR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.11–2.19) and lower education (<high school vs. college: HR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05–1.67), and a joint association of low education and low nSES was observed. Adjustment for behavioral, hospital, and restaurant and food environment characteristics only slightly attenuated these associations between SES and survival.ConclusionBoth individual- and contextual-level SES influence overall survival of men with prostate cancer. Additional research is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying these robust associations.
http://ift.tt/2FMIGIZ
Nano-cellulose based nano-coating biomaterial dataset using corn leaf biomass: An innovative biodegradable plant biomaterial
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): A.B.M. Sharif Hossain, Musamma M. Uddin, Vajid N. Veettil, Mohammad Fawzi
The nanocellulose derived biodegradable plant biomaterial as nano-coating can be used in the medical, biomedical cosmetics, and bioengineering products. Bio-plastic and some synthetic derived materials are edible and naturally biodegradable. The study was conducted to investigate edible nano-biopolymer based nano-coating of capsules and drugs or other definite biomedical materials from corn leaf biomass. Corn leaf biomass was used as an innovative sample to produce edible nano-coating bioplastic for drug and capsule coating and other industrial uses. The data show the negligible water 0.01% absorbed by bio-plastic nanocoating. Odor represented by burning test was under the completely standard based on ASTM. Moreover, data on color coating, tensile strength, pH, cellulose content have been shown under standard value of ASTM (American standard for testing and materials) standard. In addition to that data on the chemical element test like K+, CO3−−, Cl-, Na+ exhibited positive data compared to the synthetic plastic in the laboratory using the EN (166)) standardization. Therefore, it can be concluded that both organic (cellulose and starch) based edible nano-coating bioplastic may be used for drug and capsule coating as biomedical and medical components in the pharmaceutical industries.
http://ift.tt/2Bbw2iZ
A role of Ficus species in the management of diabetes mellitus: A review
Publication date: 6 April 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 215
Author(s): Ponnuvel Deepa, Kandhasamy Sowndhararajan, Songmun Kim, Se Jin Park
Ethnopharmacological relevanceDiabetes mellitus is one of the most common global health concerns, with a rapidly increasing incidence. A variety of medicinal plants, particularly those belonging to the genus Ficus (Moraceae), and their active compounds have been used to treat diabetes and related chronic disorders since ancient times.Aim of the studyThe aim of this review is to provide information regarding traditional and scientific knowledge of Ficus species with antidiabetic activity to researchers.Materials and methodsA literature search was conducted to obtain information about the antidiabetic properties of Ficus from the electronic databases. Common and scientific names of various Ficus species were used as keywords for the search, along with the terms antidiabetic, hypoglycemic and diabetes.ResultsAmong the assorted species of Ficus that were included in our search, F. benghalensis, F. carica, F. glomerata, F. glumosa, F. racemosa, and F. religiosa exhibited remarkable antidiabetic properties with various mechanisms of action. Moreover, Ficus species are versatile sources of bioactive metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, triterpenoids, sterols and vitamin E. These extracts and isolated compounds significantly have enhanced insulin secretion and subsequently reduced blood glucose level in various in vivo studies.ConclusionThis review summarizes the antidiabetic potentials of the genus Ficus, including pharmacological studies with mechanisms of action as well as ethnobotanical uses. This review can help inform future scientific research towards the development of novel antidiabetic drugs.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2rfvM2N
Polar-angle representation of saccadic eye movements in human superior colliculus
Publication date: 1 May 2018
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 171
Author(s): Ricky R. Savjani, Sucharit Katyal, Elizabeth Halfen, Jung Hwan Kim, David Ress
The superior colliculus (SC) is a layered midbrain structure involved in directing both head and eye movements and coordinating visual attention. Although a retinotopic organization for the mediation of saccadic eye-movements has been shown in monkey SC, in human SC the topography of saccades has not been confirmed. Here, a novel experimental paradigm was performed by five participants (one female) while high-resolution (1.2-mm) functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure activity evoked by saccadic eye movements within human SC. Results provide three critical observations about the topography of the SC: (1) saccades along the superior-inferior visual axis are mapped across the medial-lateral anatomy of the SC; (2) the saccadic eye-movement representation is in register with the retinotopic organization of visual stimulation; and (3) activity evoked by saccades occurs deeper within SC than that evoked by visual stimulation. These approaches lay the foundation for studying the organization of human subcortical – and enhanced cortical mapping – of eye-movement mechanisms.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2mO7RD8
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Summary Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that classically present with fasting hypoglycaemia. This case report discusses an un...
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