Serum collagenase-2 and BMI levels in pregnant women with striae gravidarum

Summary

Objective

Striae gravidarum is a form of scarring on the skin observed during pregnancy and can cause serious cosmetic problems. Striae gravidarum may be influenced by hormonal changes, although the etiology is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether body mass index (BMI) and serum collagenase-2 levels in pregnant women are related to the development of striae gravidarum.

Methods

Thirty pregnant women with striae, 30 pregnant women without striae, and 32 health controls were enrolled in the study.

Results

BMI and serum collagenase-2 levels were measured in the participants.

Conclusion

Pregnant women with striae gravidarum had increased serum collagenase-2 and BMI levels when compared to pregnant women without striae gravidarum and healthy controls (P < 0.05). The increase in serum collagenase-2 levels was related to the development of striae gravidarum alone, or secondary to BMI increase.

http://ift.tt/2c6MYwU

Scholar : Ειδοποίηση Μελετητή - [ ΣΤΟΜΑ

Ειδοποίηση Μελετητή:[ ΣΤΟΜΑΤΙΤΙΣ ]

Various toxicities: case report

B Sun - Reactions, 2016

... Various toxicities: case report A 44-year-old woman developed stomatitis, liver toxicity,
thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, fatigue, palpitation, decreased appetite, nausea, hypokalaemia,
hypocalcaemia, increased AST and ALP during treatment with everolimus [time to reactions ...

Everolimus/exemestane

K Sakiyama - Reactions, 2016

... Grade 3 stomatitis, diarrhoea, anaemia and interstitial pneumonia: case report An 80-year-old
woman developed grade 3 stomatitis, diarrhoea, anaemia and interstitial pneumonia during
treatment with everolimus and exemestane [not all routes and dosages stated]. ...

Impact of Comorbidity on Treatment Decision Making and Outcomes

JJ Lee, M Extermann - Cancer and Chronic Conditions, 2016

... The patients with GFR of 60 mL/min or less experienced more severe toxicities with cytopenia
(76 % vs. 61 %, OR = 1.86, p < 0.001), diarrhea (34 % vs. 29 %, OR = 3.76, p = 0.007), stomatitis
(10 % vs. 6 %, OR = 2.81, p = 0.002), and hand-foot syndrome (18 % vs. ...

Biological Psychiatry of Cancer and Cancer Treatment

A Hodgkiss, HCLPA Hodgkiss - 2016

Page 1. X FIL&I) - = - II . - |0|0|0|CU Psychiatry of Concer and Concer º | Iregiment Andrew
Hodgkiss Page 2. Biological Psychiatry of Cancer and Cancer Treatment Page 3. Page
4. Biological Psychiatry of Cancer and Cancer Treatment ...

[PDF] International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology

M Demirel, U Tursen, U Kavuzlu, TI Kaya, A Kokturk

... blood groups and Rh factor. The results were discussed with respect to literature.
The study group involved 100 patients of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. 42 of them
were female, 58 of them were male. Among 100 patients with ...

MUTANT CHONDROITINASE ABC I COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF THEIR USE

B Kaur - US Patent 20,160,244,740, 2016

Disclosed are compositions comprising mutant chondroitinase ABC I and
methods of their use. Compositions comprising either the nucleic acid or amino
acid sequence of mutant chondroitinase ABC I are di.

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Αυτή η Ειδοποίηση του Μελετητή Google σας προσφέρεται από τη Google

Ακύρωση ειδοποίησης
Δημιουργία λίστας των ειδοποιήσεών μου

Scholar : Ειδοποίηση Μελετητή - [ synchronou

Ειδοποίηση Μελετητή:[ synchronous primary malignancy in laryngeal cancer ]

Swami Vivekananda: Leader of Sacred Nationhood

SK Chakraborty - 2016

Page 1. PROFSKCHAKRABORTY Advaita Ashrama Page 2. Swami Vivekananda
Page 3. SWAMI VIVEKANANDA LEADER OF SACRED NATIONHOOD Swami
Vivekananda's 150th Birth Anniversary Publication SHITANGSHU ...

Life Breaks In: A Mood Almanack

M Cappello, R Purcell - 2016

---

Αυτή η Ειδοποίηση του Μελετητή Google σας προσφέρεται από τη Google

Ακύρωση ειδοποίησης
Δημιουργία λίστας των ειδοποιήσεών μου

Funding in Facial Palsy

Facial palsy is a devastating condition for patients. It has a range of causes and affects facial function in a wide variety of ways. Treatment requires an individualised package of care from a multidisciplinary team. Surgical Interventions and therapy can not only improve on the functional manefestations of the disease but can also significantly improve facial appearance.

http://ift.tt/2bZ4W8e

Does better editorial staff mean a better journal Impact factor?

There is a relationship between the quality of a scientific contribution and its level of acceptance within the scientific community in which it belongs.1

http://ift.tt/2cb6Orr

Predicting Late Enophthalmos: Differences Between Medial and Inferior Orbital Wall Fractures

The purpose of this study was to compare the strength of the relationships between predictors and late-onset enophthalmos in medial and inferior orbital wall fractures and to determine the most significant predictive factor of enophthalmos in medial or inferior orbital wall fracture.

http://ift.tt/2bZ3Mtw

Body Contouring Surgery Decreases Long-Term Weight Regain Following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Matched Retrospective Cohort Study

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) surgery is the safest yet least effective method for massive weight loss. Thirty to 50 percent of patients undergoing LAGB will regain part of their lost weight.

http://ift.tt/2cb6mJR

Restoration of eye closure in facial paralysis using implantable electromagnetic actuator

The most devastating outcome of facial nerve paralysis is the inability to completely close the eye as it can lead to corneal ulceration and loss of vision. Gravity-assisted eye closure with upper lid loading is commonly used; however it is limited in replicating physiological eye closure to adequately lubricate the cornea. Superior results can be obtained using more advanced reconstructive approaches, however they depend on nerve regrowth which may be unpredictable and prolonged. This report describes a novel technique for creating an active eye closure using an implantable actuator.

http://ift.tt/2bZ3Zgy

Long-term outcomes of simplified gingivoperiosteoplasty performed at the time of hard palatal closure: A review of 55 alveolar clefts

Few studies have examined the long-term outcomes of gingivoperiosteoplasty at the age of permanent canine eruption. The success rates of gingivoperiosteoplasty vary significantly depending on the surgeon because of the difficulty of the surgical technique. Therefore, the authors utilized a simplified gingivoperiosteoplasty technique by inserting one or two large, triangular-shaped mucoperiosteal flaps on the opposite side in a tongue-in-groove or interdigitation fashion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of this simplified gingivoperiosteoplasty technique at the age of permanent canine eruption.

http://ift.tt/2cb5VPx

A Five Year Experience of Measuring Clinical Effectiveness in a Breast Reconstruction Service using the BREAST-Q Patient Reported Outcomes Measure; a Cohort Study

To assess the clinical effectiveness of breast reconstruction and the utility of the BREAST-Q patient-reported outcomes measure for routine patient care.

http://ift.tt/2bZ3Fhw

Comparison of Preoperative Quality of Life in Breast Reconstruction, Breast Aesthetic and Non-Breast Plastic Surgery Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

A breast cancer diagnosis imposes significant emotional and psychological duress. The purpose of this study is to assess the baseline quality of life (QOL) of immediate, delayed, and secondary breast reconstruction patients, comparing these results with QOL in women seeking plastic surgery for cosmetic breast, and non-breast procedures.From 2012 through 2013, immediate (group 1), delayed (group 2), and secondary (Group 3) reconstruction patients, aesthetic breast (group 4) and non-breast plastic surgery patients (group 5) answered Breast-Q questionnaires.

http://ift.tt/2cb5W6q

Metabolic syndrome as a risk indicator for periodontal disease and tooth loss

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome (MS) with periodontitis (PE) and tooth loss (TL).

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 363 individuals who underwent full-mouth periodontal examination, and the association between MS and PE was evaluated considering three outcomes: severe periodontitis, mean probing depth ≥2.4 mm, and mean clinical attachment loss ≥2.0 mm. The prevalence ratio (PR) between MS and PE was calculated using a model adjusted for gender, age, smoking, years of education, and socioeconomic status.

Results

The adjusted model showed a PR for severe periodontitis of 1.17 (95 % CI 0.83–1.65). There was no significant association between MS and PE defined as mean probing depth ≥2.4 mm. MS was significantly associated with PE defined as mean attachment loss ≥2 mm in individuals aged 41–60 years (PR 1.47, 95 % CI 1.05–2.06). In addition, MS was associated with TL (>6 teeth) (PR 1.23, 95 % CI 1.02–1.49) for all ages, both in crude and adjusted analyses.

Conclusions

We concluded that there is a weak association of MS with both attachment loss and TL.

Clinical relevance

Patients with MS seem to have a higher risk of attachment loss and tooth loss and should be screened for periodontal disease.

http://ift.tt/2ct62F0

The prevalence and determinants of hypothyroidism in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypothyroidism among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its related factors, and to assess the prevalence of macrovascular and microvascular diseases among type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients with hypothyroidism and euthyroidism. A total of 1662 type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients hospitalized at the Metabolic Diseases Hospital, Tianjin Medical University from 1 January 2008 to 1 March 2013 were included in this study. Information on demographic and anthropometric factors and additional variables related to hypothyroidism were collected from medical records. Prevalence rates were calculated and standardized using direct method based on the age-specific and sex-specific structure of all participants. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. The prevalence of hypothyroidism among type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients was 6.8 %, and 77.0 % of the patients with hypothyroidism had subclinical hypothyroidism. The prevalence of hypothyroidism increased with age, and was higher in women (10.8 %) than in men (3.4 %). Older age (odds ratio, 1.74; 95 % confidence interval, 1. 05 to 2.89), female gender (odds ratio, 2.02; 95 % confidence interval, 1.05 to 3.87), and positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (odds ratio, 4.99; 95 % confidence interval, 2.83 to 8.79) were associated with higher odds of hypothyroidism among type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients. The type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients with hypothyroidism had higher prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases than those with euthyroidism after adjustment for age and gender. The prevalence of hypothyroidism among type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients was 6.8 %, and most patients had subclinical hypothyroidism. Older age, female gender, and positive thyroid peroxidase antibody could be indicators for detecting hypothyroidism in type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients.

http://ift.tt/2cGmvu4

Physical exercise and dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

http://ift.tt/2bU6cIK

Impact of age on plasma vaspin concentration in a group of normal Chinese people

Abstract

Purpose

Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) is an adipocytokine with insulin-sensitizing effects. Accumulating data implied that vaspin represents a compensatory mechanism but it is unknown how vaspin change during ageing. This study was designed to examine the correlation between plasma vaspin and age in a group of normal Chinese people.

Methods

A total of 191 Chinese volunteers aged 19–80 years were enrolled into four groups based upon age quartiles (19–35, 36–50, 51–65 and 66–80 years). Demographic, anthropometric, metabolic covariates, vaspin and adiponectin were measured. The influence of age on plasma vaspin was analysed using SPSS 13.0.

Results

Vaspin increased with ageing, with mean vaspin levels (ng/mL) of 1.01 ± 2.25, 1.67 ± 2.95, 2.05 ± 3.46 and 2.40 ± 3.06 for those between quartile ages 19–35, 36–50, 51–65 and 66–80 years. When divided into subgroups, vaspin increased with increasing age for both sexes, both insulin resistance and non-insulin resistance subjects and both obese and lean subjects. In univariate analyses, vaspin plasma level positively associated with age (r = 0.215, p = 0.003), adiponectin, insulin, homoeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index and waist–hip ratio in the whole population. The correlation between ageing and increasing vaspin remained significant after multivariate adjustments for factors such as sex, body mass index, waist–hip ratio, indices of glucose metabolism, white blood cell, lipid profile and adiponectin. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age contributed 7.6 % on plasma vaspin level.

Conclusion

Vaspin level increased with ageing, independent of sex, indices of glucose metabolism, lipid profile and other markers of adiposity.

http://ift.tt/2ci7U7a

Prognostic factors for long-term quality of life after adjuvant radiotherapy in women with endometrial cancer

Abstract

Background

Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for endometrial cancer (EC) may affect patients' quality of life (QoL). There is a paucity of data on prognostic factors for long-term QoL and sexual functioning. This study aimed to investigate such factors and assess the role of the vaginal dilator (VD).

Methods

QoL was assessed in 112 EC patients 6 years (median) after RT. QoL was compared to normative data, and the influence of age, tumor characteristics, lymphadenectomy, RT, and acute toxicities was assessed. VD use and its effect on subjective vaginal shortening/tightness was analyzed.

Results

QoL was reduced, particularly in younger patients. Vaginal brachytherapy only and intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) were associated with better global health status and reduced chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Higher acute GI toxicity was associated with increased chronic GI symptoms, particularly diarrhea, and reduced role functioning. Higher acute urinary toxicity was associated with increased chronic urological symptoms, muscular/pelvic pain, and chronic GI symptoms, as well as with reduced emotional/social functioning and reduced global health status. Sexual interest/activity was increased despite vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Sexual interest/activity increased with age. Only few, mainly younger patients used the VD. VD use >1 year was found in women with higher sexual interest/activity. Acute vaginal toxicity and chronic pain prevented VD use. Subjective vaginal shortening/tightness was not reduced in VD users.

Conclusion

RT technique and acute toxicities are prognostic for the extent of chronic symptoms and long-term QoL. Sexuality is important even at a higher age. Few patients use the VD and a reduction of subjective vaginal shortening/tightness was not achieved.

http://ift.tt/2cpdL8b

Prophylactic cranial irradiation could improve overall survival in patients with extensive small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the effect of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) on overall survival (OS) in patients with extensive small cell lung cancer (ESCLC).

Methods

Between April 2005 and May 2014, 204 patients with ESCLC who had any response (according to RECIST 1.1) to initial chemotherapy were reviewed. All patients had undergone appropriate imaging tests to exclude brain metastases before initial chemotherapy. PCI was performed on 45 patients (22.1 %) and the remaining patients (77.9 %) received no such treatment (control group). Primary endpoint was OS. The incidence of brain metastases, brain metastases-free survival (BMFS), and adverse effects were also evaluated.

Results

Survival data of the 204 patients were analyzed statistically. PCI significantly prolonged median OS from 12.6 to 16.5 months as compared to the control group (hazard ratio, HR, 0.63; 95 % confidence interval, CI, 0.41 to 0.96; p = 0.033). PCI significantly lowered the risk of brain metastases (HR 0.48; 95 % CI 0.30 to 0.76; p = 0.001). The 1‑year incidence of brain metastases was 17.1 and 55.9 % in the PCI and control group, respectively. PCI significantly correlated with the increased median BMFS (p = 0.002). Additionally, multivariate analyses demonstrated that PCI was a favorable independent predictor of OS, BMFS, and the incidence of brain metastases. Acute and chronic adverse effects were generally low grade and well tolerated in patients receiving PCI.

Conclusion

PCI after any response to initial chemotherapy significantly improved OS of ESCLC patients analyzed in this study.

http://ift.tt/2cCsBdC

NCI embraces scientific road map to achieve Cancer Moonshot goals

National Cancer Institute Acting Director Douglas Lowy, M.D., today accepted, with revisions that reflect NCAB's discussion, the recommendations of a Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) on 10 approaches most likely to make a decade's worth of progress against cancer in five years, a key goal of the White House Cancer Moonshot.

http://ift.tt/2cGxcNf

Previous midlife estradiol treatment results in long-term maintenance of hippocampal ERα levels in ovariectomized rats: Mechanisms and implications for memory

Abstract

Ovariectomized rats that received previous administration of oestradiol in midlife display enhanced cognition and increased hippocampal levels of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) months after oestradiol treatment ended as compared to ovariectomized controls. Objectives of the current work were to investigate mechanisms by which ERα levels are maintained following midlife oestradiol exposure and the role of ERα in memory in aging females in the absence of circuiting oestrogens. Unliganded ERα has increased interaction with the ubiquitin ligase, C terminus of Hsc-70 interacting protein (CHIP) leading to increased degradation of the receptor. In our first experiment, we tested the hypothesis that midlife oestradiol exposure in ovariectomized rats results in decreased interaction between CHIP and hippocampal ERα, leading to increased levels of ERα. Middle-aged rats were ovariectomized and received oestradiol or vehicle implants. After 40 days, implants were removed. One month later, rats were killed and hippocampi processed for whole protein western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation, in which ERα was immunoprecipitated from lysate. As expected, ERα protein expression was increased in rats previously treated with oestradiol compared to vehicle-treated rats. In rats treated with oestradiol, there was a decrease in CHIP-ERα interaction, suggesting that previous oestradiol treatment reduces interaction, slowing degradation of ERα. In a second experiment, we determined the impact on memory of antagonism of ER in the absence of circulating oestrogens. Rats were ovariectomized and implanted with oestradiol capsules. Capsules were removed after 40 days. Rats received chronic i.c.v. infusion of ER antagonist, ICI 182,780 or aCSF vehicle and were tested on a spatial memory radial maze task. Rats treated with ICI 182,780 had significantly worse performance (more errors). These experiments provide evidence that previous midlife oestradiol treatment maintains hippocampal ERα by decreasing its interaction with CHIP and that activation of these receptors provides cognitive benefits in the absence of circulating oestrogens.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2c57w8I

The prevalence and determinants of hypothyroidism in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypothyroidism among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its related factors, and to assess the prevalence of macrovascular and microvascular diseases among type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients with hypothyroidism and euthyroidism. A total of 1662 type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients hospitalized at the Metabolic Diseases Hospital, Tianjin Medical University from 1 January 2008 to 1 March 2013 were included in this study. Information on demographic and anthropometric factors and additional variables related to hypothyroidism were collected from medical records. Prevalence rates were calculated and standardized using direct method based on the age-specific and sex-specific structure of all participants. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. The prevalence of hypothyroidism among type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients was 6.8 %, and 77.0 % of the patients with hypothyroidism had subclinical hypothyroidism. The prevalence of hypothyroidism increased with age, and was higher in women (10.8 %) than in men (3.4 %). Older age (odds ratio, 1.74; 95 % confidence interval, 1. 05 to 2.89), female gender (odds ratio, 2.02; 95 % confidence interval, 1.05 to 3.87), and positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (odds ratio, 4.99; 95 % confidence interval, 2.83 to 8.79) were associated with higher odds of hypothyroidism among type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients. The type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients with hypothyroidism had higher prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases than those with euthyroidism after adjustment for age and gender. The prevalence of hypothyroidism among type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients was 6.8 %, and most patients had subclinical hypothyroidism. Older age, female gender, and positive thyroid peroxidase antibody could be indicators for detecting hypothyroidism in type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients.

http://ift.tt/2cGmvu4

Circulating cytokines as determinants of weight loss-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity

Abstract

Dietary calorie restriction and exercise promote weight loss and may have additive effects for improving insulin sensitivity, independent of weight loss. It is not known if these effects are attributable to changes in circulating cytokines. We evaluated the hypothesis that modest, matched weight loss induced by calorie restriction and exercise have additive effects on circulating cytokines and these changes correlate with improvements in insulin sensitivity. Overweight and sedentary women and men (n = 52, 45–65 years) were randomized to undergo 7 % weight loss by using 3–6 months of calorie restriction, exercise, or a combination of both calorie restriction and exercise. Concentrations of cytokines and hormones were measured in fasting and oral glucose tolerance test blood samples. Insulin sensitivity was estimated based on oral glucose tolerance test for glucose and insulin. With all groups combined, fasting leptin (p < 0.0001) and high molecular weight adiponectin (p = 0.04) decreased and pentraxin-3 increased (p < 0.0001), in a manner that correlated with improvements in insulin sensitivity (all p ≤ 0.0002). These changes, combined with decreases in glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide from the oral glucose tolerance test, explained 63 % of the variance (p < 0.0001) in insulin sensitivity improvements. Exercise and calorie restriction had additive effects on leptin, with a similar trend for high molecular weight adiponectin. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and C-reactive protein concentrations did not change. Calorie restriction and exercise had opposite effects on soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1. Modest weight loss in overweight adults decreases serum leptin and high molecular weight adiponectin, and increases pentraxin-3 concentrations in a manner that correlates with increased insulin sensitivity. Exercise has additive effects to those induced by calorie restriction for reductions in leptin and possibly adiponectin. These changes may contribute to the additive effects of calorie restriction and exercise for improving insulin sensitivity.

http://ift.tt/2csnqJO

Physical exercise and dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

http://ift.tt/2bU6cIK

Feasibility of Periodontal Tissue Regeneration Therapy with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Abstract

Adipose-derived stem cells within subcutaneous adipose tissue were first reported in 2001. Since then, the number of regenerative medicine studies investigating adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) has increased dramatically. This has included not only basic research in regenerative medicine using ASCs but also has progressed and clinical safety studies have now commenced in Japan. Translational research (including clinical research and clinical trials) using cell therapy aims to verify the possibility of achieving repair of tissue or its function and investigating the safety of these protocols. However, despite this simplicity, elucidating the mechanism of action of implanted processed cells is difficult. This indicates the necessity for the further discussion focusing on translational research for cell therapy, as well as continuing to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility of practical application of using ASCs for periodontal tissue regeneration therapy and discuss the legal system for promoting the practical application of regenerative medicine recently enforced in Japan.

http://ift.tt/2cByhS9

Metabolic syndrome as a risk indicator for periodontal disease and tooth loss

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome (MS) with periodontitis (PE) and tooth loss (TL).

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 363 individuals who underwent full-mouth periodontal examination, and the association between MS and PE was evaluated considering three outcomes: severe periodontitis, mean probing depth ≥2.4 mm, and mean clinical attachment loss ≥2.0 mm. The prevalence ratio (PR) between MS and PE was calculated using a model adjusted for gender, age, smoking, years of education, and socioeconomic status.

Results

The adjusted model showed a PR for severe periodontitis of 1.17 (95 % CI 0.83–1.65). There was no significant association between MS and PE defined as mean probing depth ≥2.4 mm. MS was significantly associated with PE defined as mean attachment loss ≥2 mm in individuals aged 41–60 years (PR 1.47, 95 % CI 1.05–2.06). In addition, MS was associated with TL (>6 teeth) (PR 1.23, 95 % CI 1.02–1.49) for all ages, both in crude and adjusted analyses.

Conclusions

We concluded that there is a weak association of MS with both attachment loss and TL.

Clinical relevance

Patients with MS seem to have a higher risk of attachment loss and tooth loss and should be screened for periodontal disease.

http://ift.tt/2ct62F0

An XPA gene splicing mutation resulting in trace protein expression in an elderly xeroderma pigmentosum group A patient without neurological abnormalities

Abstract

A certain relationship between XPA gene mutations and the severity of symptoms has been observed in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XP-A). Patients with mutations within the DNA-binding domain usually exhibit severe symptoms, whereas splicing mutations in the same domain sometimes cause very mild symptoms. This inconsistency can be explained by a small amount of functional XPA protein produced from normally spliced transcripts. We herein report the case of an adult Japanese XP-A patient with unusually mild symptoms. We identified a homozygous c.529G>A mutation in exon 4 of the XPA gene, which resulted in aberrant splicing with a 29-bp deletion in exon 4 causing a frameshift. Intact mRNA was observable, but a Western blot analysis failed to detect any normal XPA protein. We therefore evaluated the DNA repair capacity in normal cells in which the XPA expression was artificially diminished. The repair capacity was still present in cells with trace levels of the XPA protein. The repair capacity of the cells derived from our patient with mild symptoms was poor by comparison, but still significant compared to that of the cells derived from an XP-A patient with severe symptoms. These results provide strong evidence that a trace level of XPA protein can still exert a relatively strong repair capacity, resulting in only a mild phenotype.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2bXWvu0

Protoporphyrin IX in the skin measured non-invasively predicts photosensitivity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria

Summary

Background

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare genetic disease that causes severe sensitivity to visible light due to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation in the skin.

Objectives

To establish a non-invasive method to measure PpIX in the skin of EPP patients and to investigate how skin PpIX relates to erythrocyte PpIX and photosensitivity.

Methods

Skin PpIX was measured in 25 EPP patients as the difference in PpIX fluorescence before and after complete photobleaching of PpIX by controlled illumination. Patients reported symptoms during the illumination and skin erythema was measured before and after. Confirmation of the presence of PpIX was obtained in 7 patients by measuring the in vivo fluorescence emission spectrum. The method was used to examine skin PpIX in the hours after an illumination in 7 patients.

Results

We established a non-invasive method to measure skin PpIX based on measurements of PpIX fluorescence before and after complete PpIX photobleaching. Patients had an average skin PpIX of 2.0 units and skin emission spectra confirmed the presence of skin PpIX (peak emission 632 nm). Skin PpIX was associated with erythrocyte PpIX (P = 0.002; R² = 0.34), skin erythema (P = 0.0001; R² = 0.47) and symptoms during illumination. Furthermore, skin PpIX increased in the hours after illumination.

Conclusions

We have developed a non-invasive method to measure skin PpIX in EPP patients. Skin PpIX is dependent on erythrocyte PpIX and light exposure of the skin. This method can be used for objective monitoring of treatment effect.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2cakTpa

Association between rosacea and gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

We read with great interest the results of a nationwide cohort study published by Egeberg et al.¹ demonstrating that the prevalence of coeliac disease, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and Helicobacter pylori infection was higher among patients with rosacea when compared with controls. Recently, with regard to the same cohort, the authors indicated that rosacea constitutes an independent risk factor for Parkinson disease (PD).²

The entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is affected in PD and motility disorders are included in the most common nonmotor manifestations in these patients. Additionally, increasing evidence suggests that GIT might be the site of initiation of PD. Persistent gastric or intestinal infection with H. pylori and SIBO deteriorates motor fluctuations.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2coKuu7

Adjuvant Therapies or Surgery Alone for High Risk pN0 Esophageal Cancer

Condition:   Esophageal Neoplasms
Interventions:   Drug: Adjuvant chemotherapy (Paclitaxel and Cisplatin);   Radiation: Adjuvant radiotherapy;   Other: Control group (Surgery alone)
Sponsors:   Shanghai Chest Hospital;   Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital;   Sun Yat-sen University;   Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Research Institute;   Hunan Cancer Hospital;   Fujian Cancer Hospital;   Fudan University;   Qingdao University;   Fujian Medical University;   Wuhan TongJi Hospital
Recruiting - verified September 2016

http://ift.tt/2cG6Paa

Swallowable Sponge Cell Sampling Device and Next Generation Sequencing in Detecting Esophageal Cancer in Patients With Low or High Grade Dysplasia, Barrett Esophagus, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Conditions:   Barrett Esophagus;   Dysplasia;   Esophageal Adenocarcinoma;   Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease;   Metaplasia
Interventions:   Other: Cytology Specimen Collection Procedure;   Other: Laboratory Biomarker Analysis;   Other: Quality-of-Life Assessment;   Device: Swallowable Sponge Cell Sampling Device
Sponsors:   OHSU Knight Cancer Institute;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Recruiting - verified September 2016

http://ift.tt/2c7eFEE

A Phase II Trial of Afatinib in Patients With Metastatic or Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus

Condition:   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus
Intervention:   Drug: BIBW2992
Sponsor:   Yonsei University
Recruiting - verified September 2016

http://ift.tt/2cG5Yq0

Radiolabeled Molecules for Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Condition:   Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Intervention:   Radiation: Lu 177
Sponsor:   Instituto Nacional de Cancer, Brazil
Recruiting - verified September 2016

http://ift.tt/2c7euck

Unaltered hypothalamic metabolic gene expression in Kiss1r KO mice despite obesity and reduced energy expenditure

Abstract

Kisspeptin controls reproduction by stimulating GnRH neurons via its receptor Kiss1r. Kiss1r is also expressed other brain areas and in peripheral tissues, suggesting additional non-reproductive roles. We recently determined that Kiss1r knockout (KO) mice develop an obese and diabetic phenotype. Here, we investigated whether Kiss1r KOs develop this metabolic phenotype due to alterations in the expression of metabolic genes involved in the appetite regulating system of the hypothalamus, including neuropeptide Y (Npy) and pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc), as well as leptin receptor (Lepr), ghrelin receptor (Ghsr), and melanocortin receptor 3 and 4 (Mc3r, Mc4r). Body weights, leptin levels, and hypothalamic gene expression were measured in both gonad-intact and gonadectomised (GNX) mice at 8 and 20 weeks of age, fed either normal chow or a high-fat diet. We detected significant increases in Pomc expression in gonad-intact Kiss1r KOs at 8 weeks and 20 weeks, but no alterations in the other metabolic-related genes. However, the Pomc increases appeared to reflect genotype differences in circulating sex steroids, because GNX wildtype (WT) and Kiss1r KOs exhibited similar Pomc levels, along with similar Npy levels. The altered Pomc gene expression in gonad-intact Kiss1r KOs is consistent with previous reports of reduced food intake in these mice and may serve to increase the anorexigenic drive, perhaps compensating for the obese state. However, the surprising overall lack of changes in any of the hypothalamic metabolic genes in GNX KOs suggests that the aetiology of obesity in the absence of kisspeptin signalling may reflect peripheral rather than central metabolic impairments.

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Analysis of morphological and molecular composition changes in allergenic Artemisia vulgaris L. pollen under traffic pollution using SEM and FTIR spectroscopy

Abstract

Nowadays, pollen allergy becomes an increasing problem for human population. Common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) is one of the major allergenic plants in Europe. In this study, the influence of air pollution caused by traffic on the structure and chemical composition of common mugwort pollen was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and curve-fitting analysis of amide I profile was applied to assess the morphological and structural changes of mugwort pollen grains collected from sites with different vehicle pollution levels. Microscopic observations support the conclusion, that the higher the car traffic, the smaller the pollen grains. The obtained results clearly show that air pollution had an impact on different maximum absorbance values of individual functional groups composing the chemical structure of pollen. Moreover, air pollution induced structural changes in macromolecules of mugwort pollen. In pollen collected from the unpolluted site, the content of sporopollenin (850 cm⁻¹) was the highest, whereas polysaccharide concentration (1032 cm⁻¹) was the lowest. Significant differences were observed in lipids. Pollen collected from the site with heavy traffic had the lowest content of lipids at 1709, 2071, and 2930 cm⁻¹. The largest differences were observed in the spectra regions corresponding to proteins. In pollen collected from unpolluted site, the highest level of β-sheet (1600 cm⁻¹) and α-helix (1650 cm⁻¹) was detected. The structural changes in proteins, observed in the second derivative of the FTIR spectrum and in the curve-fitting analysis of amide I profile, could be caused inter alia by air pollutants. Alterations in protein structure and in their content in the pollen may increase the sensitization and subsequent risk of allergy in predisposed people. The obtained results suggest that the changes in chemical composition of pollen may be a good indicator of air quality and that FTIR may be successfully applied in biomonitoring.

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Severe odontogenic infection in pregnancy – A timely reminder

Abstract

Dental practitioners often treat patients who are pregnant. Understanding the altered physiology in the pregnant patient, especially changes in immune function, is vital in effective management of orofacial infections. We present a case of rapidly spreading odontogenic infection in a pregnant patient requiring surgical management. We also discuss the physiological changes of pregnancy relevant to dentistry, and the principles of managing such infections in the gravid patient.

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Cosmetics, Vol. 3, Pages 33: A Fairer Face, a Fairer Tomorrow? A Review of Skin Lighteners

From light-skinned deities depicted in ancient religious tableaux, pearl-swallowing practices in China, turmeric ceremonies in India to clay application in Africa, history has been coloured by our questionable aversion to the darker shades. Complexion has assumed psychological, economic and political currency with continued growth in the desire for skin lighteners sweeping the boundaries of country, race, cultural and socioeconomic status. This review explores our early associations with the symbolism of colour through religion, the ideals of complexion across cultures and time, the motivations behind the use of skin lightening practices, and the use of colour within political and economic agendas. Skin-lightening agents with regard to content, adverse effect profile and regulation are discussed and safe skin care practices in assisting with an individual's adoption of a more tolerable spectrum of shades are alluded to.

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Circulating cytokines as determinants of weight loss-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity

Abstract

Dietary calorie restriction and exercise promote weight loss and may have additive effects for improving insulin sensitivity, independent of weight loss. It is not known if these effects are attributable to changes in circulating cytokines. We evaluated the hypothesis that modest, matched weight loss induced by calorie restriction and exercise have additive effects on circulating cytokines and these changes correlate with improvements in insulin sensitivity. Overweight and sedentary women and men (n = 52, 45–65 years) were randomized to undergo 7 % weight loss by using 3–6 months of calorie restriction, exercise, or a combination of both calorie restriction and exercise. Concentrations of cytokines and hormones were measured in fasting and oral glucose tolerance test blood samples. Insulin sensitivity was estimated based on oral glucose tolerance test for glucose and insulin. With all groups combined, fasting leptin (p < 0.0001) and high molecular weight adiponectin (p = 0.04) decreased and pentraxin-3 increased (p < 0.0001), in a manner that correlated with improvements in insulin sensitivity (all p ≤ 0.0002). These changes, combined with decreases in glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide from the oral glucose tolerance test, explained 63 % of the variance (p < 0.0001) in insulin sensitivity improvements. Exercise and calorie restriction had additive effects on leptin, with a similar trend for high molecular weight adiponectin. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and C-reactive protein concentrations did not change. Calorie restriction and exercise had opposite effects on soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1. Modest weight loss in overweight adults decreases serum leptin and high molecular weight adiponectin, and increases pentraxin-3 concentrations in a manner that correlates with increased insulin sensitivity. Exercise has additive effects to those induced by calorie restriction for reductions in leptin and possibly adiponectin. These changes may contribute to the additive effects of calorie restriction and exercise for improving insulin sensitivity.

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Cerebrovascular Accident due to Thyroid Storm: Should We Anticoagulate?

Cerebrovascular Accident due to Thyroid Storm: Should We Anticoagulate?

Case Rep Endocrinol. 2016;2016:5218985

Authors: Gonzalez-Bossolo A, Gonzalez-Rivera A, Coste-Sibilia S

Abstract
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition that occurs secondary to an uncontrolled hyperthyroid state. Atrial fibrillation is a cardiovascular complication occurring in up to 15% of patients experiencing thyroid storm, and if left untreated this condition could have up to a 25% mortality rate. Thyroid storm with stroke is a rare presentation. This case report details a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke with global aphasia and thyroid storm in a 53-year-old Hispanic male patient. Although uncommon, this combination has been reported in multiple case series. Although it is well documented that dysfunctional thyroid levels promote a hypercoagulable state, available guidelines from multiple entities are unclear on whether anticoagulation therapy is appropriate in this situation.

PMID: 27597905 [PubMed]

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Helicobacter pylori and preeclampsia

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Assessing the changes in E. coli levels and nutrient dynamics during vermicomposting of food waste under lab and field scale conditions

Abstract

Vermicomposting (VC) has proven to be a promising method for treating garden, household, and municipal wastes. Although the VC has been used extensively for converting wastes into fertilizers, pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) survival during this process is not well documented. In this study, both lab and field scale experiments were conducted assessing the impacts of earthworms in reducing E. coli concentration during VC of food waste. In addition, other pertinent parameters such as temperature, carbon and nitrogen content, moisture content, pH, volatile solids, micronutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), and heavy metals (Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu) were monitored during the study. The lab and field scale experiments were conducted for 107 and 103 days, respectively. The carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) decreased by 54 % in the lab scale study and by 36 % in the field study. Results showed that VC was not significantly effective in reducing E. coli levels in food waste under both lab and field scale settings. The carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) decreased by 54 % in the lab scale study and by 36 % in the field study.

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