No abstract available
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Τετάρτη 21 Δεκεμβρίου 2016
Smile reanimation after Unilateral Facial Palsy by Lengthening Temporalis Myoplasty : Objective and Subjective Evaluation on 25 cases.
Comparison of functional results of Lengthening Temporalis Myoplasty (LTM) relies in current practice on subjective scales. The goal of this study was to define a simple, reproducible objective scale validated through a comparison with a subjective scale for smile symmetrization results after temporal muscle myoplasty. This retrospective study was conducted on 25 patients having an unilateral facial palsy and rehabilitated with LTM. Evaluation consisted in objectives measures (smile horizontal symmetry between left and right side dsmile vertical symmetry dV, and smile width on Healthy (Hs) and Paretic side (Ps) on pre- and postoperative photos. Subjective scales were also employed (numeric scale (NS) and Terzis and Noah scale (TNS)) by a jury (4 professionals and 4 non-professionals) and the patient himself. Each evaluation was performed in three conditions: at rest, intermediary and maximum smile. Comparison of objectives measures on the impaired side showed a postoperative improvement in the three conditions evaluation. Reproducibility of NS was weak (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC
http://ift.tt/2i3Vhf3
http://ift.tt/2i3Vhf3
A Temporoparietal Fascia Pocket Method in Elevation of Reconstructed Auricle for Microtia.
Background: In the two-stage procedures for the reconstruction of microtia, an axial flap of temporoparietal fascia (TPF) is widely used to cover the costal cartilage blocks placed behind the framework. Although a TPF flap is undoubtedly reliable, use of the flap has some morbidity and comes at the expense of the option for salvage surgery. Methods: The authors devised a simplified procedure for covering the cartilage blocks by creating a pocket in the postauricular TPF. In the procedure, the constructed auricle is elevated from the head superficially to the TPF, and a pocket is created under the TPF and the capsule of the auricle framework. Then, cartilage blocks are inserted into the pocket and fixed. A total of 38 reconstructed ears in 38 patients with microtia ranging in age from 9 to 19 years were elevated using the authors' method from 2002 to 2014 and followed-up for at least 5 months. To evaluate the long-term stability of the method, two-way analysis of variance (p
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http://ift.tt/2i3UESx
Customizing extensor reconstruction in vascularized toe joint transfers to finger proximal interphalangeal joints - a strategic approach for correcting extensor lag.
Introduction: Vascularized toe proximal interphalangeal joint transfers (VJT) allows the restoration of damaged joints. However, extensor lag and poor arc of motion (AOM) have been reported. We present our outcomes treated according to a novel reconstructive algorithm addresses extensor lag and allows for consistent results post-operatively. Material and methods: VJTs were performed in a consecutive series of 26 digits in 25 patients. The average age was 30.5 years. There were 14 right hands (dominant) and 12 left. Reconstructed digits included 8 index, 10 middle, and 8 ring fingers. Simultaneous extensor reconstructions were performed and 8 were centralization of lateral bands, 5 direct EDL-to-EDC repairs and 13 central slip reconstructions. Results: The average length of follow up was 16.7 months. Average extension lag of 17.9[degrees] was noted at the last follow-up. The AOM was 57.7[degrees] (81.7% functional usage of pre-transferred toe PIPJ AOM). There was no significant difference in the reconstructed PIPJ AOM between the handedness (p= 0.23), recipient digits (p= 0.37) or surgical experience in VJTs (p= 0.25). Comparing the outcomes of different techniques of extensor mechanism reconstructions, the extension lag of centralization, direct EDL-to-EDC repair, and central slip reconstruction was 19.4[degrees], 13[degrees], and 18.8[degrees] (p= 0.42) respectively; The AOM was 54.4[degrees], 55[degrees], and 60.8[degrees] (p= 0.42); The reconstructed finger AOM compared to the pre-transferred toe PIP joint AOM was 76.3%, 79.7%, and 85.9% (p= 0.34). Discussion: With this treatment algorithm, consistent outcomes can be produced with minimal extensor lag and maximum usage of potential toe PIPJ AOM. (C)2016American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://ift.tt/2i46bBw
http://ift.tt/2i46bBw
Adipose extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel: a novel adipose tissue-derived injectable for stem cell therapy.
Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and other stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells were used more often for stem cell therapy, even though limitations such as poor cell retention rate, complicated and expensive isolation processes, and the use of specific laboratory equipment need to be overcome. Methods: Here, we developed a novel but simple method for generating an injectable mixture of SVF cells and native adipose extracellular matrix (ECM). It is a purely mechanical process in which lipoaspirate is processed into an "ECM/SVF-gel". The standard processing procedure was established using quantized tests. The therapeutic potential of ECM/SVF-gel for wound healing was then tested in an animal model. Results: ECM/SVF-gel derived from lipoaspirate and processed using a standard Coleman technique, followed by 1 min of mechanical processing by passage back and forth between two 10-ml syringes at a flow rate of 10 ml/sec, showed the highest ASC and endothelial cell density (1.9 +/- 0.2 x 105 cells/ml and 7.7 +/- 2.4 x 104, respectively). The SVF cells within the ECM/SVF-gel also showed potential for multipotent differentiation similar to that of cells from normal fat samples. Additionally, the ECM/SVF-gel showed better therapeutic results than SVF cell suspension when used to treat a nude mouse model of wound healing. Conclusions: ECM/SVF-gel is an autologous injectable derived of native ECM and is a functional cellular component generated using a simple mechanical process. As such, it may offer a novel mode of tissue repair suitable for clinical application in stem cell therapies. (C)2016American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://ift.tt/2iiiJEw
http://ift.tt/2iiiJEw
Validating facial aesthetic surgery results with the FACE-Q.
Introduction: In aesthetic clinical practice surgical outcome is best measured by patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL). For many years there has been a lack of validated questionnaires. Recently the FACE-Q was introduced and we present the largest series of facelift patients evaluated by FACE-Q with the longest follow-up to date. Materials/Methods: 200 consecutive patients were identified who underwent high SMAS facelifts, with or without additional facial rejuvenation procedures, between Jan 2005 and Jan 2015. Patients were sent eight FACE-Q scales and were asked to answer questions in regards to their satisfaction. Rank analysis of covariance was used to compare different subgroups. Results: 38% response rate. Combination of facelift with other procedures resulted in higher satisfaction than facelift alone (p
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http://ift.tt/2hcEA2F
Reconstruction of the Radiated Breast: A National Claims-Based Assessment of Postoperative Morbidity.
Objective: Implant based reconstruction rates have risen among radiation treated breast cancer patients in the United States. The aim of this study is to assess the morbidity associated with various breast reconstruction techniques in radiated patients. Methods: From the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, we selected breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy, radiation and breast reconstruction from 2009 to 2012. We obtained demographic and clinical treatment data including data on the timing of radiation relative to breast reconstruction. We recorded complications and failures after implant and autologous reconstruction. We developed a multivariable logistic regression model with postoperative complications as the dependent variable and patient demographic and clinical variables including method and timing of reconstruction as independent variables. Results: 4,781 radiated patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. A majority of the patients (n=3,846, 80%) were reconstructed with implants. Overall complication rates were 45.3% and 30.8% for patients with implant and autologous reconstruction respectively. Failure of reconstruction occurred in 29.4% of patients with implant reconstruction compared to 4.3% for patients with autologous reconstruction. In multivariable logistic regression, radiated patients with implant reconstruction had 2 times the odds of having any complication and 11 times the odds of failure relative to patients with autologous reconstruction. Conclusions: Implant based breast reconstruction in the radiated patient, though popular, is associated with significant morbidity. Failures of reconstruction with implants in these patients approach 30% in the short term, suggesting a need for careful shared decision-making with full disclosure of the potential morbidity. (C)2016American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://ift.tt/2hcE0Sm
http://ift.tt/2hcE0Sm
Serum Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels and Frailty in the Elderly: The Progetto Veneto Anziani Study
Rejuvenation Research , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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Inactivating frameshift mutation of putative tumor suppressor genes PLA2R1 and SRPK1 in gastric and colorectal cancers
Source:Cancer Genetics
Author(s): Ju Hwa Lee, Yun Sol Jo, Min Sung Kim, Nam Jin Yoo, Sug Hyung Lee
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Phytostabilization of Zn-Pb ore flotation tailings with Dianthus carthusianorum and Biscutella laevigata after amending with mineral fertilizers or sewage sludge
Publication date: 15 March 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 189
Author(s): Krystyna Ciarkowska, Ewa Hanus-Fajerska, Florian Gambuś, Ewa Muszyńska, Tomasz Czech
Zinc-lead mining wastes remain largely unvegetated and prone to erosion for many years because of phytotoxic levels of residual heavy metals, low nutrient status and poor physical structure. The optimal solution for these areas is to restore plant cover using species which spontaneously appear on the spoils. These species are adapted to the conditions of tailings, and their establishment will promote further vegetation by increasing soil organic matter and development of a soil system capable of supporting the nutrient and water requirements of plants and microoorganisms. The potential of Dianthus carthusianorum and Biscutella laevigata to stabilize mine spoils was analysed in a three-year pot experiment. Post-flotation wastes accumulated after Zn and Pb recovery from ores, were collected from tailings and used as a substrate for plant growth. Seeds for seedling production were collected from plants growing spontaneously on mine tailings. Prior to the establishment of the three-year pot experiment, the substrate was amended with fertilizer NPK or municipal sewage sludge, supplemented with K2O (SS). Substrate samples were collected for chemical analyses, dehydrogenase and urease activities measurements each year at the end of the growing season. The plants were harvested three years after the amendments. Both tested plant species were equally suitable for revegetation of the tailings. The amendment including both SS and NPK resulted in an increase of Corg, Nt, available P, K, Mg contents, an increase of dehydrogenase (DHA) and urease activities and a decrease in the concentrations of the soluble forms of Zn, Pb and Cd. However, nutrient content, DHA activity and plant biomass were higher with SS than NPK addition. NPK application enhanced the substrate properties after the first growing season, while positive effects of SS use were still observed after three years. A longer-lasting positive effect of SS than NPK application was probably due to the high organic matter content in SS, which was gradually decomposing and releasing nutrients.
Graphical abstract
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Synthesis and their enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of ZnO nanoparticle-loaded CuO dandelion heterostructures under solar light
Publication date: 31 March 2017
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 399
Author(s): Guanying Dong, Bin Du, Lei Liu, Weiwei Zhang, Yujie Liang, Honglong Shi, Wenzhong Wang
Here we report an easy and large-scale synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) ZnO nanoparticle-loaded CuO dandelion (denoted as n-ZnO/p-CuO nanoparticle/dandelion) heterostructures and their photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting under simulated solar light illumination. CuO dandelions were fabricated by a facile and cost-effective chemical strategy, in which the ribbon-like CuO nanoplates were first formed and then assembled into dandelion-like architectures. ZnO nanoparticle-loaded CuO dandelion heterostructures were fabricated by calcining Zn(Ac)2-loaded CuO dandelions. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) studies demonstrate that intimate p-n junction is built between p-CuO and n-ZnO interface. The n-ZnO/p-CuO nanoparticle/dandelion photoelectrodes exhibit significant improvement in PEC water splitting to CuO dandelion photoelectrodes. The correlation between photocurrents and different loading contents of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is studied in which the n-ZnO/p-CuO nanoparticle/dandelion heterostructures with loading 4.6wt% ZnO NPs show higher photocathodic current. The efficient separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes driven by the intimate p-n junction between p-type CuO and n-type ZnO interface is mainly contributed to the enhanced photoanode current. The achieved results in the present study offer a very useful strategy for designing p-n junction photoelectrodes for efficiency and low-cost PEC cells for clean solar hydrogen production.
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Heavy metals in sludge during anaerobic sanitary landfill: Speciation transformation and phytotoxicity
Publication date: 15 March 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 189
Author(s): Kai Yang, Ying Zhu, Ranran Shan, Yanqiu Shao, Chao Tian
Sanitary landfill persists as a predominant sludge disposal method in particular in China. In this study, successive subsurface sludge samples (0.3 m deep) were collected from a bioreactor landfill unit where an anaerobic process took place during a 500 d period. The sludge samples were analyzed for total concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) and their species distributions, together with selected sludge chemical properties. In addition, the sludge samples were subjected to phytotoxicity testing. The results showed that the mobilities of Cd and Ni were decreased with landfill time, while the mobilities of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn remained consistently low over the landfill period. The residual amounts of all these heavy metals were increased with landfill time, suggesting that the anaerobic sanitary landfill is an effective sludge stabilization method to reduce the ecological risk of these heavy metals. The increase in the sludge pH value with landfill time tended to promote the precipitation of heavy metals. Moreover, the sludge stabilization was found to be indicated by the formation of humic substance (HS) and volatilization of volatile matter (VM). The germination index (GI) values of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis) seeds grown in the 500 d anaerobically stabilized sludge were approximately 5.2- and 4.1-times higher than the values of those grown in the fresh sludge. The final sludge extract did not cause any significant inhibitory effect on the germination of the two types of seeds.
Graphical abstract
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Co-metal-organic-frameworks with pure uniform crystal morphology prepared via Co2+ exchange-mediated transformation from Zn-metallogels for luminol catalysed chemiluminescence
Publication date: 15 March 2017
Source:Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, Volume 175
Author(s): Xue Qian Tang, Bo Wen Xiao, Chun Mei Li, Dong Mei Wang, Cheng Zhi Huang, Yuan Fang Li
Cation exchange-mediated transformation from Zn-metallogels (MOGs), which was a mild facile strategy relative to the demanding hydrothermal method, was employed to develop Co2+ metal-organic frameworks (Co-MOFs) at room temperature. The obtained Co-MOFs was of uniform octahedral morphology and possessed high activity to catalyze luminol chemiluminescence without extra oxidants. By adding cysteine, the CL emission of luminol-Co-MOFs system was further enhanced. Based on this phenomenon, Co-MOFs was utilized to build a practical sensing platform for cysteine determination. Under the optimized conditions, the relative CL intensity (ΔI) was proportional to the concentration of cysteine in the range of 2–10μM, and the detection limit was 0.49μM (3S/N). Moreover, the established method was applied to the determination of cysteine in commercially available pharmaceutical injections.
Graphical abstract
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Interprofessional Education to Create and Sustain High-Performance Teams to Support Our Transforming Health Care System and Future Educational Model: How Nutrition and Dietetics Can “Weigh-in”
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Anne M. Davis, Sandra G. Affenito
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Effect of partial replacement of wheat flour with varying levels of flaxseed flour on physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of cookies
Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre
Author(s): Maninder Kaur, Varinder Singh, Rajwinder Kaur
Replacement of wheat flour with varying levels of flaxseed flour (0–30%) on nutritional, functional and antioxidant properties of cookies was investigated. Cookies produced from composite flour mixes were significantly (p<0.05) higher in protein, fat, ash and fibre contents than the control. Flaxseed was found to be rich in antioxidant potential as evident from the higher total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity and reducing power of composite flour cookies in comparison to control. The results indicated that as the concentration of flaxseed flour in the blend increased, the cookies became darker in color with a significant (p<0.05) increase in their spread factor. Sensory panellists rated cookies containing 15% level of flaxseed flour as highly acceptable in relation to their overall acceptability scores. Beyond this level of replacement the texture and flavour of cookies was adversely affected. Principal component analysis revealed that physicochemical and sensory properties of cookies produced by 10% replacement with flaxseed flour were closest to the control cookies.
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Full title with Editorial board members
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 319
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Acute and chronic toxicity of diuron and carbofuran to the neotropical cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii
Abstract
In order to contribute to the increase of the body of knowledge on the sensitivity of tropical indigenous species to pesticides, acute and chronic toxicity tests were conducted with the neotropical cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii. Tests were carried out with the active ingredients diuron and carbofuran and one of their commercial formulations, the Diuron Nortox® 500 SC and the Furadan® 350 SC, respectively. For carbofuran, the active ingredient was more toxic than the commercial product, whereas for diuron, the commercial product appeared more toxic. In addition, hormetic effects on fertility were recorded for intermediate diuron concentrations. Acute and chronic toxicity data indicated that C. silvestrii was among the most sensitive invertebrate species for both test compounds. Based on concentrations measured in Brazilian water bodies, these compounds represent ecological risks for causing direct and indirect toxic effects on C. silvestrii and other aquatic organisms. Our results support previous claims on the advantages of using native species to better tune ecological risk assessment of chemicals in tropical ecosystems.
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Effect of chlorine dosage in prechlorination on trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids during water treatment process
Abstract
To identify the effect of chlorine dosage in prechlorination on the formation of disinfection by-products during drinking water treatment process, the relationship between chlorine dosage and concentrations of THMs and HAAs was analyzed. Furthermore, the variation about the ratio of THMs/HAAs was also analyzed. The results indicated that concentrations of THMs and HAAs would rise with the increase of chlorine dosage, and TCM was the main product of four THMs, while DCAA and TCAA were the primary products of five HAAs. Moreover, the ratio of THMs to HAAs rose with the chlorine dosage increase. Thus, chlorine dosage in prechlorination had a significant impact on THMs and HAAs and should be controlled effectively.
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Greenhouse gas emissions during plantation stage of palm oil-based biofuel production addressing different land conversion scenarios in Malaysia
Abstract
The environmental impacts with regard to agro-based biofuel production have been associated with the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this study, field GHG emissions during plantation stage of palm oil-based biofuel production associated with land use changes for oil palm plantation development have been evaluated. Three different sites of different land use changes prior to oil palm plantation were chosen; converted land-use (large and small-scales) and logged-over forest. Field sampling for determination of soil N-mineralisation and soil organic carbon (SOC) was undertaken at the sites according to the age of palm, i.e. <5 years (immature), 5–20 and >21 years (mature oil palms). The field data were incorporated into the estimation of nitrous oxide (N2O) and the resulting CO2-eq emissions as well as for estimation of carbon stock changes. Irrespective of the land conversion scenarios, the nitrous oxide emissions were found in the range of 6.47–7.78 kg N2O-N/ha resulting in 498–590 kg CO2-eq/ha. On the other hand, the conversion of tropical forest into oil palm plantation has resulted in relatively higher GHG emissions (i.e. four times higher and carbon stock reduction by >50%) compared to converted land use (converted rubber plantation) for oil palm development. The conversion from previously rubber plantation into oil palm plantation would increase the carbon savings (20% in increase) thus sustaining the environmental benefits from the palm oil-based biofuel production.
http://ift.tt/2icVi3A
Microbial synthesis of bimetallic PdPt nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Abstract
Bimetallic nanoparticles are generally believed to have improved catalytic activity and stability due to geometric and electronic changes. In this work, biogenic-Pd (bio-Pd), biogenic-Pt (bio-Pt), and biogenic-PdPt (bio-PdPt) nanoparticles were synthesized by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in the absence or presence of quinone. Compared with direct microbial reduction process, the addition of anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) could promote the reduction efficiency of Pd(II) or/and Pt(IV) and result in decrease of particles size. All kinds of nanoparticles could catalyze 4-nitrophenol reduction by NaBH4 and their catalytic activities took the following order: bio-PdPt (AQDS) ∼ bio-PdPt > bio-Pd (AQDS) > bio-Pd > bio-Pt (AQDS) ∼ bio-Pt. Moreover, the bio-PdPt (AQDS) nanoparticles could be reused for 6 cycles. We believe that this simple and efficient biosynthesis approach for synthesizing bimetallic bio-PdPt nanocatalysts is important for preparing active and stable catalysts.
http://ift.tt/2h4fkrL
Control of the pollution of antibiotic resistance genes in soils by quorum sensing inhibition
Abstract
To investigate whether pollution from antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) could be affected by bacterial quorum sensing, the oxytetracycline (OTC)-containing manure was fertilized to establish the ARG-polluted soil environment. Under long-term OTC stress, substantial ARGs in the range from 10−4 to 10−3 RG/16S rRNA (resistance genes/16S rRNA) were detected in the antibiotics control (AC) group, in which OTC-containing manure was fertilized. Meanwhile, 10−6 RG/16S rRNA was detected in biological control (BC) group, in which non-OTC-containing manure was fertilized. Subsequently, two typical quorum sensing inhibitors, 4-nitropyridine N-oxide (4-NPO) and 3,4-dibromo-2H-furan-5-one (DBF), were used to treat the ARG-polluted soils. These two groups called 4-NPO treatments (NT) and DBF treatments (FT), respectively. There were no significant differences in bacterial growth and OTC degradation in NT and FT groups, compared to AC group. However, acyl-homoserine lactones such as C4-HSL, C6-HSL, and C8-HSL decreased significantly in both NT and FT groups, compared to AC group. Meanwhile, the abundance of most ARGs decreased dramatically. In FT group, the concentrations of tet(L) and tet(Q) were below the detection limits. It was demonstrated that quorum sensing inhibition could be an effective way to prevent and control the pollution of ARGs in soil.
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Equilibrium modeling of cadmium biosorption from aqueous solution by compost
Abstract
One of the most serious environmental issues of the present century is metal contamination of the aqueous environment due to the release of metal-containing effluents into the water bodies. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the toxic heavy metals which is not biodegradable thereby causing high risks to animals, plants, and humans. In the present study, potential and feasibility of compost derived from fruits and vegetables for Cd biosorption from aqueous solution were investigated. The batch biosorption experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of Cd concentrations (5, 15, 30, and 60 mg/L), compost biomass (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/100 mL), pH (4, 6, and 8), contact time (1, 4, and 19 h), and temperature (28 and 35 °C) on Cd sorption and removal by compost. The biosorption of Cd was found to be highly dependent on initial Cd concentration, sorbent biomass, pH, contact time, and temperature of aqueous solution. It was observed that Cd sorption by compost was rapid up to 4 h, and then it became slow and stable as the contact time shifted towards equilibrium state (19 h). At equilibrium, the Cd sorption (q = 0.33–5.43 mg/g compost) and removal (45–99%) were observed at pH 6 and temperature 28 °C depending upon Cd concentrations and sorbent biomass in aqueous solution. The equilibrium experimental data were fitted well with Langmuir adsorption isotherm model (q max = 6.35–7.14 mg/g compost, R 2 = 0.77–0.98). FTIR spectrum of the compost indicated the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which might be involved in the biosorption of Cd through ion exchange and complexation mechanisms. The optimal environmental conditions (pH 6, sorbent biomass 0.5 g/100 mL, and temperature 28 °C) induced more Cd sorption on compost at equilibrium. Results show compost as a cost-effective adsorbent material having high potential for heavy metal remediation from aqueous solution.
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Cytotoxic effects of moderate static magnetic field exposure on human periphery blood mononuclear cells are influenced by Val16Ala-MnSOD gene polymorphism
Abstract
Technological advancement has increasingly exposed humans to magnetic fields (MFs). However, more insights are necessary into the potential toxicity of MF exposure as a result of genetic variations related to oxidative metabolism. Therefore, the following study has assessed an in vitro cytotoxic effect of static magnetic field (SMF) (5 mT) on cells with Val16Ala polymorphism (AA, VA, and VV) in the manganese superoxide dismutase gene. Homozygous Val16Ala-superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) genotypes present oxidative imbalance that is associated with risk to several chronic degenerative diseases (VV produces less efficient and AA more efficient SOD2 enzyme). Blood samples from healthy adult subject carriers with different Val16Ala-SOD2 genotypes were obtained and exposed to MF at different times (0, 1, 3, 6 h). The cytotoxic effect as well as oxidative stress was evaluated after incubation of 24 h at 37 °C. In addition, apoptosis induction has been analyzed by flow cytometry as well as Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), and caspases 8 and 3 gene expression. SMF cytotoxic effect has been observed in AA cells at all times of exposure, whereas AV cells presented higher mortality only after 6 h of exposure at SMF. Higher apoptosis induction has been observed in AA cells when compared to VV and AV cells. These results suggest a toxicogenetic SMF effect related to an imbalance in SOD2 activity.
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Modulation of erythromycin-induced biochemical responses in crucian carp by ketoconazole
Abstract
The individual and combined biochemical responses of erythromycin and ketoconazole have been examined in an organism representative of the aquatic environment, crucian carp (Carassius auratus). The possible interactions between erythromycin and ketoconazole were investigated on the bioaccumulation and the expression of biotransformation enzymes 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), and an antioxidant defense enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in fish tissues. After 14 days of combined exposure (erythromycin + ketoconazole), the addition of ketoconazole at nominal concentrations of 0.2, 2, and 20 μg/L significantly increased the accumulation of erythromycin in fish bile; however, elevated erythromycin accumulation levels were not observed in the other test tissues. The inductions of EROD and SOD activity to erythromycin were inhibited by the combined exposure of ketoconazole in most cases; however, the GST activity returned to normal with exposure time and concentration of combined administration. From the tested pharmaceutical mixtures, it indicated that certain specific combinations may pose some perturbations in biochemical responses in fish and also provide a better understanding of the effects of toxic mixtures.
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Co-modified MCM-41 as an effective adsorbent for levofloxacin removal from aqueous solution: optimization of process parameters, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies
Abstract
Antibiotics are emerging contaminants due to their potential risks to human health and ecosystems. Poor biodegradability makes it necessary to develop effective physical-chemical methods to eliminate these contaminants from water. The cobalt-modified MCM-41 was prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method and characterized by SAXRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM, UV–Vis DR, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results revealed that the prepared 3% Co-MCM-41 possessed mesoporous structure with BET surface areas at around 898.5 m2g−1. The adsorption performance of 3% Co-MCM-41 toward levofloxacin (LVF) was investigated by batch experiments. The adsorption of LVF on 3% Co-MCM-41 was very fast and reached equilibrium within 2 h. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with the second-order rate constants in the range of 0.00198–0.00391 g mg−1 min−1. The adsorption isotherms could be well represented by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm equations. Nevertheless, D-R isotherm provided the best fit based on the coefficient of determination and average relative error values. The mean free energy of adsorption (E) calculated from D-R model was about 11 kJ mol−1, indicating that the adsorption was mainly governed by a chemisorption process. Moreover, the adsorption capacity was investigated as a function of pH, adsorbent dosage, LVF concentration, and temperature with help of respond surface methodology (RSM). A quadratic model was established, and an optimal condition was obtained as follows: pH 8.5, adsorbent dosage of 1 g L−1, initial LVF concentration of 119.8 mg L−1, and temperature of 31.6 °C. Under the optimal condition, the adsorption capacity of 3% Co-MCM-41 to LVF could reach about 108.1 mg g−1. The solution pH, adsorbent dosage, LVF concentration, and a combination of adsorbent dose and LVF concentration were significant factors affecting the adsorption process. The adsorption thermodynamic functions were also determined. The negative ΔH 0 (−33.50 kJ mol−1) and ΔS 0 (−43.57 J mol−1 K−1) suggested that the adsorption was an exothermic process accompanied by decreasing disorder. This study may indicate that 3% Co-MCM-41 is a promising adsorbent for removing emerging pollutants of LVF from water.
http://ift.tt/2h4cSlg
Mycorrhizal colonization status of lowland rice ( Oryza sativa L.) in the southeastern region of China
Abstract
The accumulation, distribution, and speciation of contaminants, such as arsenic, in rice can be affected by soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). As a potential measure to control contaminant acquisition in rice, the status and performance of AMF in the field need to be investigated. Root samples of rice plants were collected in seven different cities in Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Jiangsu Provinces in China in order to investigate the colonization rate of AMF. The total DNA of the roots was extracted, followed by PCR and sequencing, and further confirmed the existence of AMF. The highest colonization rates (19.5 ± 7.2%) were observed in samples from Huizhou City, Guangdong Province. Sequences of ribosomal DNA derived from Pingtan (PT) and Shuikou (SK) in Huizhou shared a similarity of 73 and 86% to Glomus cf. clarum Att894-7 (FM865542) and "uncultured fungus" (EF434122.1), respectively. The moisture tolerance of the AMF from different sources was tested by subjecting to different levels of water content in the soil. Only AMF from PT, SK, and LJ colonized rice under a condition of 100% of the soil water holding capacity (WHC), but not those isolated from upland plants. The AM colonization rate could be governed by the lighting conditions and temperature. AMF isolated in paddy fields has been shown to have more tolerance to moisture than other upland species. Radial oxygen loss (species and stress dependent) could be an essential factor influencing the colonization rate and requires more investigation.
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Challenges and methodology in the incorporation of biomarkers in cancer clinical trials
Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Charlotte S. Wilhelm-Benartzi, Shahrul Mt-Isa, Francesca Fiorentino, Robert Brown, Deborah Ashby
Biomarkers can be used to establish more homogeneous groups using the genetic makeup of the tumour to inform the selection of treatment for each individual patient. However, proper preclinical work and stringent validation are needed before taking forward biomarkers into confirmatory studies. Despite the challenges, incorporation of biomarkers into clinical trials could better target appropriate patients, and potentially be lifesaving. The authors conducted a systematic review to describe marker-based and adaptive design methodology for their integration in clinical trials, and to further describe the associated practical challenges. Studies published between 1990 to November 2015 were searched on PubMed. Titles, abstracts and full text articles were reviewed to identify relevant studies. Of the 4438 studies examined, 57 studies were included. The authors conclude that the proposed approaches may readily help researchers to design biomarker trials, but novel approaches are still needed.
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Monitoring Ca2+ elevations in individual astrocytes upon local release of amyloid beta in acute brain slices
Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Olga Tyurikova, Kaiyu Zheng, Annika Rings, Anna Drews, David Klenerman, Dmitri A. Rusakov
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to involve acute neurotoxic effects exerted by oligomeric forms of amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ). Application of Aβ oligomers in physiological concentrations have been shown to transiently elevate internal Ca2+ in cultured astroglia. While the cellular machinery involved has been extensively explored, to what degree this important signalling cascade occurs in organised brain tissue has remained unclear. Here we adapted two-photon excitation microscopy and calibrated time-resolved imaging (FLIM), coupled with patch-clamp electrophysiology, to monitor Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) inside individual astrocytes and principal neurons in acute brain slices. Inside the slice tissue local micro-ejection of Aβ in sub-micromolar concentrations triggered prominent [Ca2+] elevations in an adjacent astrocyte translated as an approximately two-fold increase (averaged over ∼5min) in basal [Ca2+]. This elevation did not spread to neighbouring cells and appeared comparable in amplitude with commonly documented spontaneous [Ca2+] rises in astroglia. Principal nerve cells (pyramidal neurons) also showed Ca2+ sensitivity, albeit to a lesser degree. These observations shed light on the extent and dynamics of the acute physiological effects of Aβ on brain cells in situ, in the context of AD.
http://ift.tt/2hc0KC1
Naringin alleviates early brain injury after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting apoptosis
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Yuwei Han, Jingyuan Su, Xiujuan Liu, Yuan Zhao, Chenchen Wang, Xiaoming Li
This study aims to clarify the neuroprotective effect of naringin on early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the possible mechanisms of naringin in the treatment of SAH. The endovascular puncture model was performed to induce SAH model in rats and the efficacy of 40mg/kg and 80mg/kg naringin were tested by intraperitoneally administration. SAH grade, neurological score, brain edema, blood-brain barrier permeability, the changes of oxidative stress related factors, apoptosis-related proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and neuronal morphology were detected to analyze the potential effect of naringin against SAH. The results demonstrated that naringin significantly ameliorated EBI, including SAH severity, neurologic deficits, brain edema and blood-brain barrier integrity by attenuating SAH-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and reduced the oxidant damage and apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway, which suggested a therapeutic potential of naringin in providing neuroprotection after SAH.
http://ift.tt/2ihIhlj
Imaging of Acute Pelvic Pain in Girls: Ovarian Torsion and Beyond
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Lena Naffaa, Tejaswini Deshmukh, Shanthan Tumu, Chris Johnson, Kevin P. Boyd, Arthur B. Meyers
Identifying the etiology of acute pelvic pain in girls is often clinically challenging. Particularly in young girls it is often difficult to determine if acute pelvic symptoms are originating from a gynecologic source or from a genitourinary or gastrointestinal etiology based on the child′s clinical exam alone. Therefore, imaging plays a key role in establishing a diagnosis and in directing medical and surgical treatment. Pediatric gynecologic conditions which can present acutely with pain and/or mass include: ovarian torsion, hematometrocolpos, pelvic inflammatory disease, inguinal hernias containing an ovary and/or the uterus, adnexal cysts, pregnancy, vaginal foreign bodies and ovarian vein thrombosis. Sources of pelvic pain in girls from non- gynecologic etiologies include: appendicitis, distal ureterolithiasis and Crohn′s disease. Due to the lack of ionizing radiation, widespread availability, and lack of need for sedation grey scale and Doppler ultrasound examination is often the initial imaging obtained when there is suspicion of gynecologic pathology. Radiographs of the abdomen and pelvis are commonly used in the acute setting when there is concern for a bowel obstruction or free intraperitoneal air. Cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI is used when the diagnosis remains unknown and to clarify findings found on ultrasound and radiographs. Correctly identifying and diagnosing the causes of acute pelvic pain in girls is crucial for the care of these patients. Here we review the spectrum of causes of acute pelvic pain in female infants to teens with emphasis on imaging approach and age-related characteristics.Objectiveso Review the normal anatomy, key anatomic relationships and age-related changes of the uterus and ovaries.o Discuss the appropriate choice of imaging for girls with acute pelvic pain.o Review the imaging of pelvic pathological conditions presenting in girls in the emergent clinical setting.o Differentiation of surgical from nonsurgical entities
http://ift.tt/2i33wYQ
Creating and Sustaining a Successful Fellowship Program: Challenges and Solutions
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Keith D. Herr, Tarek N. Hanna, Bharti Khurana, Jamlik-Omari Johnson, Aaron Sodickson
http://ift.tt/2hXjmqs
A survey of herbal weeds that are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders from southern Thailand: Krabi and Songkhla provinces
Publication date: 20 January 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 196
Author(s): Oratai Neamsuvan, Thamakorn Ruangrit
Ethnopharmacological relevanceWeeds are plants grow naturally and are commonly seen. They are mostly used for feedstuff. However, their use as herbs for treating diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, is rare. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (1) quantify the number of herbal weeds used for treating gastrointestinal disorders; (2) study local knowledge of weed utilization for treating gastrointestinal disorders in Songkhla and Krabi provinces; and (3) analyse quantitative data with the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Fidelity Level (FL).Materials and methodsThe study was conducted from November 2014 to January 2016 through semi-structured interviews with 35 folk healers. The main questions were designed to obtain plant information, including the local name, method of use, preparation method and medicinal properties. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, quantitative indexes (UV, ICF as well as FL) and interpretation.ResultsA total of 49 species in 46 genera and 28 families were found. The most common use of weeds was as herbs (80%). The preferred part used was the whole plant (76.27%). The preferred methods of drug preparation and use were decoction and drink, respectively. The highest UV was found for Acmella oleracea (0.83). The highest FLs (100%) were found for 12 species, including Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus viridis, Alternanthera sessilis, Sauropus androgynus, Plantago major, and others. The highest ICFs (1.00) were found for treating toothache, dysentery, haemorrhoids, intestinal pain and abdominal pain.ConclusionOverall, there are reports on the pharmacological activity of 31 species of weeds and reports on toxicity for 20 species of weeds. Therefore, awareness of the use of herbs is necessary to ensure that they are used safely and that benefits arise from the therapy. This study showed that medicinal weeds are still popularly used by folk healers. The pharmacological properties were consistent with the local uses, which supported a preliminary indication that the weed plants were effective for treating gastrointestinal diseases.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2i31l7r
Lab-in-a-syringe using gold nanoparticles for rapid colorimetric chiral discrimination of enantiomers
Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Erhan Zor, Nisa Bekar
Nanomaterials with different characteristics are offering many ingenious sensing approaches with interest for simple and disposable paper-based (bio)sensing applications. In this study, the colorimetric discrimination of alanine enantiomers is examined and, more importantly, AuNPs-embedded paper-based lab-in-a-syringe (LIS) device is developed as a sensing strategy. The LIS consists of two cellulose acetate membranes: the conjugate pad capturing the analyte and the detection pad signaling the presence of the captured analyte, both are sandwiched between reusable plastic filter holders connected to a disposable syringe. The principle of LIS assay is based on the enantioselective interaction occurring between the inherently chiral AuNPs and enantiomers in the first filter holder, which results in aggregation of AuNPs to give a distinct colour change from red to purple in solution and finally the aggregated AuNPs is kept on the detection pad through vertical-flow operation. AuNPs show an enantioselective recognition response toward L-Alanine and limit of detection (LOD) value is determined as 0.77mM. In addition, we demonstrate the efficiency of the LIS device for detecting L-Alanine in human serum. The proposed LIS assay has some advantages such as useful for naked-eye observation, disposable, not time-consuming, inexpensive, no need of advanced instruments, easy to prepare and easy to handle. In the field, the approach which is the first demonstration of applicability of LIS device to show simple colorimetric enantioselective sensing of chiral species with a fast readout in less than 5min is truly new and may have broad interest in enantiosensing of various chiral molecules.
Graphical abstract
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Ratiometric fluorescent response of electrospun fibrous strips for real-time sensing of alkaline phosphatase in serum
Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Long Zhao, Songzhi Xie, Xiaojie Song, Jiaojun Wei, Zhao Zhang, Xiaohong Li
The development of rapid, convenient and reliable assays for monitoring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels is valuable for clinical diagnoses and biomedical research. In the current study, a ratiometric assay of ALP activity has been realized by covalent immobilization of fluorescein onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, followed by electrostatic adsorption of bisquaternary ammonium salt of tetraphenylethene (TPE-2N+). In the absence of ALP, the complex formation between phosphorylated fluorescein and TPE-2N+ results in the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of TPE at 471nm. While in the presence of ALP, the hydrolysis of phosphoesters leads to a gradual removal of TPE-2N+ and the restoration of fluorescein emission at 514nm. Fibers with surface amine densities of 30 nmol/mg show the most significant and almost linear increases in I514/I471 ratios from 0.73 to 3.05 with increasing ALP concentrations from 0 to 100 mU/mL. The ratiometric fluorescence responses result in color changes of fibrous strips from blue (TPE-2N+) to green (fluorescein) under an ultraviolet lamp in a matter of minutes. The color changes are more suitable for an eyeball detection of ALP levels ranging from 0 to 80 mU/mL, which is included in the concentration range of ALP in human serum considering the dilution factor if necessary. The ALP detection indicates no apparent interference by serum components and good agreement with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thus, this is the first study on ratiometric fluorescent assay of serum ALP levels by fibrous strips, which offers a capacity to exploit electrospun fibrous mats and ratiometric responses for real-time assays of bioactive substances as self-test devices.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2hXrAPi
An electrochemical DNA sensor without electrode pre-modification
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Nian Hong, Lin Cheng, BingGuo Wei, ChaDan Chen, Ling Ling He, DeRong kong, JinXiang Ceng, Han-Feng Cui, Hao Fan
We present a non-modification electrochemical DNA sensing strategy, which used Potential-Assisted Au-S Deposition and a clamp-like DNA probe. The dual-hairpin probe DNA was tagged with a methylene blue (MB) at the 3′ terminal and a thiol at the 5′ terminal., Without being hybridized with target DNA, the loop of probe prevented the thiol from reaching the bare gold electrode surface with an applied potential., After hybridization with the target DNA, the probe' s loop–stem structure opened through two distinct and sequential events, which led to the formation of a triplex DNA structure. Then the thiol easily contacted with electrode and resulted in potential-assisted Au-S self-assembly. Electrochemical signals of MB were measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and used for target quantitative detection. This strategy offered a detection limit down to 2.3pM. and an inherently high specificity for detecting even single mismatch.
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Real-time near-infrared bioimaging of a receptor-targeted cytotoxic dendritic theranostic agent
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 120
Author(s): Junchen Wu, Yuren Zhou, Shang Li, Dahui Qu, Wei-Hong Zhu, He Tian
Efficient and site-specific delivery of anticancer drugs to tumors is important in the development of effective cancer chemotherapy. As an undecapeptide of the tachykinin neuropeptide family, the substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) system has been identified as a promising ligand-receptor pair in tumor-specific drug delivery. However, the rational design of suitable theranostic agents with high drug loading capacity and tumor targeting for cancer patients remains a great challenge. Herein, we report a dendritic strategy that utilizes the two amine functionalities of lysine to create branch points that allow conjugation of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to the tumor-targeting ligand substance P, along with an additional near-infrared (NIR) squaraine dye, to construct a theranostic dendritic agent, P-FU 4. This cytotoxic theranostic agent, containing four carboxyl-modified 5-FU molecules, has several desirable advantages: i) the ability to self-assemble into nanoparticles; ii) enhanced cytotoxicity with high drug loading capacity (16%) and a specific receptor-targeted interaction with NK1R through the SP moiety; and iii) a high NIR squaraine fluorescence efficiency due to the specific dendron isolation, avoiding aggregation-mediated quenching. As demonstrated in this report, the cytotoxic activity of P-FU 4 is dose-dependent against the tested cancer cells. The improved drug loading capacity with dendritic branching distinctly enhanced cytotoxicity to tumor cells but had little effect on the viability of normal cells. P-FU 4 was preferentially taken up by tumor cells through a receptor-mediated interaction, which was monitored by effective NIR fluorescence with high tissue penetration. Studies using a mouse model revealed that P-FU 4 can significantly inhibit tumor progression, with a tumor-inhibition rate of 60.2%. The receptor-targeted cytotoxic dendritic theranostic agent is highly preferable to standard chemotherapeutic treatments and decreases the negative side effects of medications on healthy cells, which establishes its utility in drug delivery and cancer chemotherapy.
http://ift.tt/2icGCRZ
Superparamagnetic iron oxide-encapsulating polymersome nanocarriers for biofilm eradication
Publication date: March 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 119
Author(s): Benjamin M. Geilich, Ilia Gelfat, Srinivas Sridhar, Anne L. van de Ven, Thomas J. Webster
The rising prevalence and severity of antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections poses an alarming threat to public health worldwide. Here, biocompatible multi-compartment nanocarriers were synthesized to contain both hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and the hydrophilic antibiotic methicillin for the treatment of medical device-associated infections. SPION co-encapsulation was found to confer unique properties, enhancing both nanocarrier relaxivity and magneticity compared to individual SPIONs. These iron oxide-encapsulating polymersomes (IOPs) penetrated 20 μm thick Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms with high efficiency following the application of an external magnetic field. Three-dimensional laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed differential bacteria death as a function of drug and SPION loading. Complete eradication of all bacteria throughout the biofilm thickness was achieved using an optimized IOP formulation containing 40 μg/mL SPION and 20 μg/mL of methicillin. Importantly, this formulation was selectively toxic towards methicillin-resistant biofilm cells but not towards mammalian cells. These novel iron oxide-encapsulating polymersomes demonstrate that it is possible to overcome antibiotic-resistant biofilms by controlling the positioning of nanocarriers containing two or more therapeutics.
Graphical abstract
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Temperature and pH-sensitive injectable hydrogels based on poly(sulfamethazine carbonate urethane) for sustained delivery of cationic proteins
Publication date: 27 January 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 109
Author(s): V.H. Giang Phan, Thavasyappan Thambi, Moon Soo Gil, Doo Sung Lee
In recent years, protein therapeutics plays a promising role in the field of medicine. However, intrinsic properties of proteins, including short plasma half-life and hydrolytic stability in vivo, are severely limits their application. To surmount these issues, we developed an anionic injectable hydrogel based on temperature- and pH-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(sulfamethazine carbonate urethane) (PEG-PSMCU) copolymers for the sustained delivery of cationic model protein, lysozyme. The PEG-PSMCU copolymers exhibit pH and temperature-induced sol-to-gel phase transition in aqueous solutions. The mechanical properties of PEG-PSMCU copolymers, such as viscosity, gelation rate, and mechanical strength, were controllably tunable by varying the polymer weight, pH and temperature. An in vitro biocompatibility test indicated that PEG-PSMCU-based copolymers, even at high polymer concentrations (up to 2000 μg/ml), was not toxic to fibroblast cells. The in vivo gel formation was confirmed by subcutaneous injection of PEG-PSMCU-based copolymer solutions (20 wt%) into Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, which indicated in situ gel formation with uniform porous structure. Furthermore, an in vivo biodegradation study of the PEG-PSMCU anionic hydrogels showed a surface-controlled degradation of the gel matrix. Lysozyme, chosen as a cationic model protein, was loaded into an anionic hydrogel through ionic and hydrophobic interactions. Lysozyme-loaded PEG-PSMCU copolymers readily formed an in situ hydrogel after subcutaneous injection in SD rats, which markedly retarded the initial burst and led to the sustained release of lysozyme for 7 days. Overall, injectable anionic hydrogels prepared in this study can act as a localized hydrogel depot of cationic proteins, which inhibited initial burst while facilitating sustained release, and open a new paradigm for sustained delivery of cationic proteins.
Graphical abstract
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Synthesis and characterization of new aramids based on o-(m-triphenyl)-terephthaloyl chloride and m-(m-triphenyl)-isophthaloyl chloride
Publication date: 27 January 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 109
Author(s): Sheng Zhou, Mengyao Zhang, Rong Wang, Jing Ping, Xiaoli Zhang, Ning Zhao, Jian Xu, Zhihao Shen, Xinghe Fan
Two monomers o-(m-triphenyl)-terephthaloyl chloride (TPH1-COCl) and m-(m-triphenyl)- isophthaloyl chloride (TPH2-COCl) with bulky pendant groups were prepared, and they were polymerized with p-phenylenediamine (PPD) or copolymerized with PPD and terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) to prepare aromatic polyamides which were named TPH1 polymer and TPH2 polymer, respectively. The structures of the monomers with bulky pendant groups and the polymers were characterized by 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography. The resulting polymers are soluble in some organic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. However, the solubility of the two series of polymers was different due to the different structures of the two monomers, and it is affected by the feeding ratio of the monomers. Both kinds of polymers have good thermal stabilities with 5% weight loss temperatures close to 500 °C. And glass transitions of some TPH2 polymers were observed. Most of these polyamides show lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) behaviors as evidenced by polarized light microscopy results. And the LLC properties are influenced by the structures, molecular weights, and concentrations of the polymers.
Graphical abstract
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Penile Replantation: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes and Complications
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597567
Purpose Penile replantation is an uncommonly performed procedure, which can alleviate physical and psychosocial sequelae of penile amputation. This study critically appraises the current literature on penile replantation. Methods A comprehensive literature search of the Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases was conducted with multiple search terms related to penile replantation. Data on outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction were collected. Results A total of 74 articles met inclusion criteria. One hundred and six patients underwent penile replantation, but outcome, complication, and satisfaction data were not standardized across all patients. Penile amputation most often resulted from self-mutilation or trauma. The majority were complete amputations (74.8%). Full sensation was maintained in 68.4% of patients. Most reported adequate urinary function (97.4%) and normal erection (77.5%). Skin necrosis (54.8%) and venous congestion (20.2%) were the most common complications. Urethral stricture (11.0%) and fistula (6.6%) were common urethral complications. Most (91.6%) patients reported overall satisfaction although there was a lack of patient-reported outcomes. Multivariate analysis suggested that complete amputation (β = 3.15, 95% CI 0.41–5.89, p = 0.024), anastomosis of the superficial dorsal artery (β = 9.88, 95% CI 0.74–19.02, p = 0.034), and increasing number of nerves coapted (β = 1.75, 95% CI 0.11–3.38, p = 0.036) were associated with favorable sexual, urinary, and sensation outcomes. Increasing number of vessels anastomosed (β = −3.74, 95% CI −7.15 to −0.32, p = 0.032) was associated with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion Although penile replantation is associated with complications, it has a high rate of satisfaction and efficacy. Coaptation of multiple nerves and anastomosis of the superficial dorsal artery should be completed.
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Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
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The cyclopurine deoxynucleosides: DNA repair, biological effects, mechanistic insights, and unanswered questions
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Philip J. Brooks
Patients with the genetic disease xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) who lack the capacity to carry out nucleotides excision repair (NER) have a dramatically elevated risk of skin cancer on sun exposed areas of the body. NER is the DNA repair mechanism responsible for the removal of DNA lesions resulting from ultraviolet light. In addition, a subset of XP patients develop a progressive neurodegenerative disease, referred to as XP neurologic disease, which is thought to be the result of accumulation of endogenous DNA lesions that are repaired by NER but not other repair pathways. The 8,5-cyclopurine deoxynucleotides (cyPu) have emerged as leading candidates for such lesions, in that they result from the reaction of the hydroxyl radical with DNA, are strong blocks to transcription in human cells, and are repaired by NER but not base excision repair. Here I present a focused perspective on progress into understating the repair and biological effects of these lesions. In doing so, I emphasize the role of Tomas Lindahl and his laboratory in stimulating cyPu research. I also include a critical evaluation of the evidence supporting a role for cyPu lesions in XP neurologic disease, with a focus on outstanding questions, and conceptual and technologic challenges.
http://ift.tt/2hJe6qc
Piperlongumine attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through inhibition of NF-kappaB activity
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Sun Mi Gu, Jaesuk Yun, Dong Ju Son, Hoi Yeong Kim, Kyung Tak Nam, Hae Deun Kim, Min Gi Choi, Jeong Soon Choi, Young Min Kim, Sang-Bae Han, Jin Tae Hong
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease in which demyelination sporadically and repeatedly occurs in the central nervous system (CNS). The activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a family of transcription factors, was increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or the serum and brain and/or spinal cord of MS patients than in a healthy donors. In our study, we investigated whether piperlongumine (PL), which is known to have inhibitory effect on activity of NF-κB, can alleviate an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35–55 (MOG35–55), and then we injected PL (1.5mg/kg/day or 3.0mg/kg/day) into the mice intraperitoneally on every second day from days 2 to 28. For in vitro study, we treated PL (0.5, 1 and 2.5μM) to RAW 264.7 and Jurkat cells with each stimulator. We observed that the paralytic severity and neuropathology of EAE in PL-treated group were decreased compared with the EAE group. PL showed a suppressed effect on demyelination, immune cells infiltration, astrocytes/microglials activation, level of inflammatory cytokines and proteins as well as NF-κB activity. Production of inflammatory cytokines and proteins as well as translocation of NF-κB into nucleus by treatment stimulators in RAW 264.7 and Jurkat cells were reduced by PL. Moreover, treatment of NF-κB inhibitor further inhibited production of inflammatory cytokines and proteins. These results suggest that PL can mitigate MOG-induced EAE symptoms and activation of macrophages and T cells by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. Therefore, PL could be useful for the treatment for MS.
http://ift.tt/2hV9gE9
Cell-matrix mechanical interaction in electrospun polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering: implications for scaffold design and performance
Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Kelsey M. Kennedy, Archana Bhaw-Luximon, Dhanjay Jhurry
Engineered scaffolds produced by electrospinning of biodegradable polymers offer a 3D, nanofibrous environment with controllable structural, chemical, and mechanical properties that mimic the extracellular matrix of native tissues and have shown promise for a number of tissue engineering applications. The microscale mechanical interactions between cells and electrospun matrices drive cell behaviors including migration and differentiation that are critical to promote tissue regeneration. Recent developments in understanding these mechanical interactions in electrospun environments are reviewed, with emphasis on how fiber geometry and polymer structure impact on the local mechanical properties of scaffolds, how altering the micromechanics cues cell behaviors, and how, in turn, cellular and extrinsic forces exerted on the matrix mechanically remodel an electrospun scaffold throughout tissue development. Techniques used to measure and visualize these mechanical interactions are described. We provide a critical outlook on technological gaps that must be overcome to advance the ability to design, assess, and manipulate the mechanical environment in electrospun scaffolds toward constructs that may be successfully applied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.Statement of significanceTissue engineering requires design of scaffolds that interact with cells to promote tissue development. Electrospinning is a promising technique for fabricating fibrous, biomimetic scaffolds. Effects of electrospun matrix microstructure and biochemical properties on cell behavior have been extensively reviewed previously; here, we consider cell-matrix interaction from a mechanical perspective. Micromechanical properties as a driver of cell behavior has been well established in planar substrates, but more recently, many studies have provided new insights into mechanical interaction in fibrillar, electrospun environments. This review provides readers with an overview of how electrospun scaffold mechanics and cell behavior work in a dynamic feedback loop to drive tissue development, and discusses opportunities for improved design of mechanical environments that are conducive to tissue development.
Graphical abstract
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Mimicking the Tumor Microenvironment to Regulate Macrophage Phenotype and Assessing Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Embedded Cancer Cell/Macrophage Spheroid Models
Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Kristie M. Tevis, Ryan J. Cecchi, Yolonda L. Colson, Mark W. Grinstaff
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are critical stromal components intimately involved with the progression, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. To address the need for an in vitro system that mimics the clinical observations of TAM localizations and subsequent functional performance, a cancer cell/macrophage spheroid model is described. The central component of the model is a triple negative breast cancer spheroid embedded in a three-dimensional collagen gel. Macrophages are incorporated in two different ways. The first is a heterospheroid, a spheroid containing both tumor cells and macrophages. The heterospheroid mimics the population of TAMs infiltrated into the tumor mass, thus being exposed to hypoxia and metabolic gradients. In the second model, macrophages are diffusely seeded in the collagen surrounding the spheroid, thus modeling TAMs in the cancer stroma. The inclusion of macrophages as a heterospheroid changes the metabolic profile, indicative of synergistic growth. In contrast, macrophages diffusely seeded in the collagen bear the same profile regardless of the presence of a tumor cell spheroid. The macrophages in the heterospheroid secrete EGF, a cytokine critical to tumor/macrophage co-migration, and an EGF inhibitor decreases the metabolic activity of the heterospheroid, which is not observed in the other systems. The increased secretion of IL-10 indicates that the heterospheroid macrophages follow an M2/TAM differentiation pathway. Lastly, the heterospheroid exhibits resistance to paclitaxel. In summary, the collagen embedded heterospheroid model promotes TAM-like characteristics, and will be of utility in cancer biology and drug discovery.Statement of SignificanceTwo in vitro collagen-embedded multicellular spheroid models are described that mimic the clinical observations of macrophage localization within a tumor. Incorporation of macrophages within a breast cancer spheroid emphasizes cell-cell interactions with subsequent differentiation toward a tumor-promoting TAM phenotype. In contrast, macrophages seeded around the tumor spheroid display decreased interaction with cancer cells and no indication of a TAM phenotype. Finally, the presence of macrophages in the heterospheroid increases resistance to paclitaxel. This study demonstrates that cell-cell interactions and 3D collagen matrix direct macrophage activity, and, thus, highlights the important role the local environment itself plays in macrophage behavior.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2hbLt4l
Clinical significance of intraoral strain elastography for diagnosing early stage tongue carcinoma: a preliminary study
Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical significance of using intraoral strain elastography to establish an early diagnosis of tongue carcinoma.
Methods
A total of 17 patients (11 men, 6 women; median age 67 years; age range 38–85 years) with a tumorous lesion of the tongue suggesting that early stage tongue carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Intraoral strain elastography was performed with a small hockey stick-shaped intraoperative probe and acoustic coupling polymer gel. The elasticity of the lesions was classified into four grades, with a score of 1 indicating a very soft tissue and a score of 4 indicating a very hard tissue. The patients were divided into two groups based on the histopathologically verified malignancy: carcinoma group (n = 15) and non-malignancy group (n = 2).
Results
All patients underwent surgical resection and histopathological examination of the surgical specimen. The pathology in the carcinoma group included 12 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and three cases of carcinoma in situ. The pathology in the non-malignancy group included one case of viral stomatitis and one case of pyogenic granuloma. The elasticity score was limited to 3 or 4 in the carcinoma group and 1 or 2 in the non-malignancy group. There was no significant difference in the elasticity scores between squamous cell carcinoma and carcinoma in situ.
Conclusions
Although limited by the small number of subjects, the present results suggest that intraoral strain elastography could be an alternative noninvasive method for diagnosing tongue carcinoma.
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Editorial Board
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
http://ift.tt/2hWP07C
Table of Contents
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
http://ift.tt/2i2AQPA
Aquatic Exercise for People With Spinal Cord Injury
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
Author(s): Sara Kate Frye, Anna Ogonowska-Slodownik, Paula Richley Geigle
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Editors' Selections From This Issue: Volume 98 / Number 1 / January 2017
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
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Masthead
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
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Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Supplements
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
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The Authors Respond
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
Author(s): Arrate Pinto-Carral, Tania Fernández-Villa, Antonio José Molina de la Torre
http://ift.tt/2hWT5sr
Feasibility of a Smartphone-Based Exercise Program for Office Workers With Neck Pain: An Individualized Approach Using a Self-Classification Algorithm
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
Author(s): Minyoung Lee, Sang Heon Lee, TaeYeong Kim, Hyun-Joon Yoo, Sung Hoon Kim, Dong-Won Suh, Jaebum Son, BumChul Yoon
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of a newly developed smartphone-based exercise program with an embedded self-classification algorithm for office workers with neck pain, by examining its effect on the pain intensity, functional disability, quality of life, fear avoidance, and cervical range of motion (ROM).DesignSingle-group, repeated-measures design.SettingThe laboratory and participants' home and work environments.ParticipantsOffices workers with neck pain (N=23; mean age ± SD, 28.13±2.97y; 13 men).InterventionParticipants were classified as having 1 of 4 types of neck pain through a self-classification algorithm implemented as a smartphone application, and conducted corresponding exercise programs for 10 to 12min/d, 3d/wk, for 8 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresThe visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and cervical ROM were measured at baseline and postintervention.ResultsThe VAS (P<.001) and NDI score (P<.001) indicated significant improvements in pain intensity and functional disability. Quality of life showed significant improvements in the physical functioning (P=.007), bodily pain (P=.018), general health (P=.022), vitality (P=.046), and physical component scores (P=.002) of the SF-36. The FABQ, cervical ROM, and mental component score of the SF-36 showed no significant improvements.ConclusionsThe smartphone-based exercise program with an embedded self-classification algorithm improves the pain intensity and perceived physical health of office workers with neck pain, although not enough to affect their mental and emotional states.
http://ift.tt/2h3DBy8
Call for Papers
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
http://ift.tt/2i2xTOK
Muscle Activation During Pilates Exercises in Participants With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
Author(s): Naiane Teixeira Bastos de Oliveira, Sandra Maria Sbeghen Ferreira Freitas, Fernanda Ferreira Fuhro, Maurício Antônio da Luz, Cesar Ferreira Amorim, Cristina Maria Nunes Cabral
ObjectiveTo determine the amplitude of the electromyographic activity of trunk muscles during Pilates exercises in women with and without chronic low back pain (LBP).DesignCase-control study.SettingUniversity physical therapy clinic.ParticipantsWomen (N=60) divided into an LBP group and a control group.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresAmplitude of the electromyographic activity (root mean square values) of the gluteus maximus and external oblique muscles collected during 3 Pilates exercises: Shoulder Bridge performed on the mat, and Hip Roll and Breathing performed in equipment. Pain intensity was assessed in the LBP group.ResultsThe amplitude of the electromyographic activity was similar between groups (P≥.05). For both groups, the amplitude of the gluteus maximus was higher in the Shoulder Bridge exercise compared with the Hip Roll with 2 springs (control group: mean difference [MD]=.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], .05–.41; LBP group: MD=.29; 95% CI, .16–.31) and the Breathing exercise (control group: MD=−.40; 95% CI, −.55 to −.26; LBP group: MD=−.36; 95% CI, −.52 to −.20). The amplitude of the external oblique muscle was higher in the Shoulder Bridge compared with the Hip Roll with 2 springs (control group: MD=.13; 95% CI, .05–.21; LBP group: MD=.18; 95% CI, .03–.33). Pain intensity increased after exercises, but this increase was lower for the mat exercises.ConclusionsSimilar muscle activation between groups was found. The findings suggest that mat exercises caused less pain and a greater difference in the amplitude of muscle activation compared with the equipment-based exercises.
http://ift.tt/2icnQu8
Criteria for Recommending a Patient Self-Report Functional Outcome
Publication date: January 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98, Issue 1
Author(s): Mark Werneke
http://ift.tt/2hWOM0g
Reproducibility of three-dimensional posterior cranial base angles using low-dose computed tomography
Abstract
Objectives
One of the key aspects of three-dimensional (3D) craniofacial cephalometry is the measurement of posterior cranial base angle as this area is deeply involved in craniofacial development. The purpose of our retrospective study was to define the best reproducible 3D posterior cranial base angles among five 3D angles transposed from 2D cephalometry (Cousin, BL1 of Ross and Ravosa, Bjork, Delaire, CBA4 of Liberman) and seven 3D angles based on physical anthropology studies and on new concepts (R1 to R7). The null hypothesis was that all 3D posterior cranial base angles were equally reproducible.
Material and methods
We used a preoperative low-dose computed tomography (CT) data from 20 adult patients undergoing orthognathic surgery after approval by local ethical committee. Two independent observers performed two series of 23 3D landmark identifications on 3D CT surface rendering of each patient using Maxilim software. Then, the same observers performed twice 3D cephalometric analyses (23 landmarks, 4 midpoints, 19 planes) that provided the automatic measurement of 12 posterior cranial base angles.
Results
Inter-observer correlation coefficient varied from 0.545 (Cousin) to 0.695 (CBA4 of Liberman) and from −0.177 (R2) to 0.827 (R4).
Conclusions
The null hypothesis was rejected. The most reproducible angle was 3D angle R4 based on "basion," "superior optic" (right, left), and "crista galli inferior" landmarks.
Clinical relevance
R4 angle might be used as reference 3D posterior cranial base angle in further clinical studies involving 3D cephalometry as a diagnostic tool for orthodontics and for orthognathic surgery.
http://ift.tt/2hH59h0
Efficacy of desensitizing products containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate for hypersensitivity relief in MIH-affected molars: an 8-week clinical study
Abstract
Objectives
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy in reducing hypersensitivity in molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH)-affected molars immediately and over 8 weeks combining a single in-office application and a homed-based program with desensitizing products containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate.
Materials and methods
Nineteen children with at least one MIH-affected molar with hypersensitivity were included. Hypersensitivity was assessed with an evaporative (air) stimulus and a tactile stimulus. Each child received a single in-office treatment with a desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate (elmex Sensitive Professional desensitizing paste), followed by 8 weeks of brushing twice daily with a desensitizing toothpaste containing 8% arginine, calcium carbonate with 1450 ppm fluoride (elmex Sensitive Professional toothpaste), using the elmex Sensitive Professional toothbrush. Additionally, the corresponding mouthwash (elmex Sensitive Professional mouthwash) was used. Clinical assessments were made at baseline, immediately after the in-office treatment and after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of brushing twice daily.
Results
Fifty-six molars with an air blast hypersensitivity score of 2 or 3 (Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale) were included. Application of the desensitizing paste decreased hypersensitivity significantly immediately and throughout the 8 weeks recalls (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
In conclusion, 8% arginine and calcium carbonate were able to reduce hypersensitivity successfully during this 8-week trial.
Clinical relevance
Hypersensitivity is a major complaint in patients with MIH. This is the first study evaluating the desensitizing effect of a desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate in patients with MIH.
http://ift.tt/2hHYMd8
Clinical performance of a glass ionomer restorative system: a 6-year evaluation
Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term clinical performance of a glass ionomer (GI) restorative system in the restoration of posterior teeth compared with a micro-filled hybrid posterior composite.
Materials and methods
A total of 140 (80 Cl1 and 60 Cl2) lesions in 59 patients were restored with a GI system (Equia) or a micro hybrid composite (Gradia Direct). Restorations were evaluated at baseline and yearly during 6 years according to the modified-USPHS criteria. Negative replicas at each recall were observed under SEM to evaluate surface characteristics. Data were analyzed with Cohcran's Q and McNemar's tests (p < 0.05).
Results
One hundred fifteen (70 Cl1 and 45 Cl2) restorations were evaluated in 47 patients with a recall rate of 79.6% at 6 years. Significant differences were found in marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration for both restorative materials for Cl1 and Cl2 restorations (p < 0.05). However, none of the materials were superior to the other (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in color match was observed in Equia restorations (p < 0.05). Only one Cl2 Equia restoration was missing at 3 years and another one at 4 years. No failures were observed at 5 and 6 years. Both materials exhibited clinically successful performance after 6 years. SEM evaluations were in accordance with the clinical findings.
Conclusions
Both materials showed a good clinical performance for the restoration of posterior teeth during the 6-year evaluation.
Clinical relevance
The clinical effectiveness of Equia and Gradia Direct Posterior was acceptable in Cl1 and Cl2 cavities subsequent to 6-year evaluation.
http://ift.tt/2hSXmux
Clinical feasibility of 3D-QALAS – Single breath-hold 3D myocardial T1- and T2-mapping
Publication date: May 2017
Source:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volume 38
Author(s): Sofia Kvernby, Marcel Warntjes, Jan Engvall, Carl-Johan Carlhäll, Tino Ebbers
PurposeTo investigate the in-vivo precision and clinical feasibility of 3D-QALAS - a novel method for simultaneous three-dimensional myocardial T1- and T2-mapping.MethodsTen healthy subjects and 23 patients with different cardiac pathologies underwent cardiovascular 3T MRI examinations including 3D-QALAS, MOLLI and T2-GraSE acquisitions. Precision was investigated in the healthy subjects between independent scans, between dependent scans and as standard deviation of consecutive scans. Clinical feasibility of 3D-QALAS was investigated for native and contrast enhanced myocardium in patients. Data were analyzed using mean value and 95% confidence interval, Pearson correlation, Paired t-tests, intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman analysis.ResultsAverage myocardial relaxation time values and SD from eight repeated acquisitions within the group of healthy subjects were 1178±18.5ms (1.6%) for T1 with 3D-QALAS, 52.7±1.2ms (2.3%) for T2 with 3D-QALAS, 1145±10.0ms (0.9%) for T1 with MOLLI and 49.2±0.8ms (1.6%) for T2 with GraSE.Myocardial T1 and T2 relaxation times obtained with 3D-QALAS correlated very well with reference methods; MOLLI for T1 (r=0.994) and T2-GraSE for T2 (r=0.818) in the 23 patients. Average native/post-contrast myocardial T1 values from the patients were 1166.2ms/411.8ms for 3D-QALAS and 1174.4ms/438.9ms for MOLLI. Average native myocardial T2 values from the patients were 53.2ms for 3D-QALAS and 54.4ms for T2-GraSE.ConclusionsRepeated independent and dependent scans together with the intra-scan repeatability, demonstrated all a very good precision for the 3D-QALAS method in healthy volunteers. This study shows that 3D T1 and T2 mapping in the left ventricle is feasible in one breath hold for patients with different cardiac pathologies using 3D-QALAS.
http://ift.tt/2hsUKCp
Sanggenol F exerts anti-diabetic effects via promoting adipocyte differentiation and modifying adipokines expression
Abstract
Adipose tissue is not only a lipid storage site, but also a well-known endocrine organ. Dysfunction of adipose tissue is associated with irregular lipid metabolism, ectopic lipid accumulation and insulin resistance. It is proposed that modulating on adipose tissue is a reasonable way to ameliorate glucose and lipid metabolism. (±)-sanggenol F (SGF, purity >98.5%) was synthesized as a racemic mixture of natural (+)-sanggenol F. In this study, SGF was found to promote adipocyte differentiation, enhance insulin sensitivity, and upregulate beneficial adipokines expression in 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, in vivo study showed that treatment with SGF for 4 weeks improved glucose metabolism, by decreasing fasting blood glucose and enhancing insulin sensitivity. It also improved lipid metabolism, with reduced serum lipid level and ameliorated hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. During the process of target finding, we found that SGF had multiple activities of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibition, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α agonism. These results showed the potential of SGF as a candidate for the therapy of type 2 diabetes.
http://ift.tt/2hrTFuT
Ghrelin is independently associated with anti-mullerian hormone levels in obese but not non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Abstract
Ghrelin is an endogenous appetite stimulant that may have a role in ovarian function. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have anovulation and frequently weight management issues; however the associations between ghrelin and hormonal markers in polycystic ovary syndrome have not been well studied. In order to characterize the association between total ghrelin levels and ovarian function and the possible modification of this relationship by obesity, we examined total ghrelin levels and anti-mullerian hormone, total testosterone, and insulin in obese and non-obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. Total ghrelin levels were lower in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 45) compared to obese controls (n = 33) (p = 0.005), but similar in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 20) compared to non-obese controls (n = 21) (p = NS). In the obese polycystic ovary syndrome group, anti-mullerian hormone was associated with ghrelin levels independent of age, insulin, and total testosterone (p = 0.008). There was no association between total ghrelin and anti-mullerian hormone levels in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome, non-obese controls, or obese controls (p = NS). Our results provide evidence for a potential relationship between ghrelin and ovarian function in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome that was not observed in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome or controls.
http://ift.tt/2hdbB0c
LONG-TERM EFFECT OF ADRENALECTOMY ON CARDIOVASCULAR REMODELING IN PATIENTS WITH PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hUPfxm
Long-term Quality of Life in Adult Survivors of Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hIHXyT
Metabolic Health and Long-term Safety of Growth Hormone Treatment in Silver-Russell Syndrome
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hUPRDc
INSULIN RESISTANCE IS ASSOCIATED WITH SMALLER CORTICAL BONE SIZE IN NON-DIABETIC MEN AT THE AGE OF PEAK BONE MASS
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hUP19u
Continuous Intraoperative Monitoring of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery
Background/Aims: The monitoring of interictal epileptiform discharge rates (IEDRs) all along anterior temporal lobe resections (ATLRs) has never been reported. Here the effect of ATLR on continuous IEDR monitoring is described. Methods: IEDRs computed automatically during entire interventions were recorded in 34 patients (38.2%, 13/34 depth; 61.8%, 21/34 scalp electrodes only). Monitorings were invalidated when burst suppression occurred or if initial IEDRs were Results: Monitoring was successful for 69.2% (9/13) of the patients with depth recordings and for 4.8% (1/21) of the patients with scalp recordings. Burst suppressions precluded it in 30.8% (4/13) of the depth and in 57.1% (12/21) of the scalp recordings. Initial IEDRs were Conclusion: IEDR monitoring was possible with depth, but not with scalp electrodes. IEDR decreases started with resection of the superior temporal gyrus. A larger patient cohort is necessary to confirm the high predictive values of IEDR monitoring that could become a tool for surgery customization.
Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2016;94:404-412
http://ift.tt/2ic73XM
Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2016;94:404-412
http://ift.tt/2ic73XM
Is the reproducibility of Shear Wave Elastography of Thyroid Nodules High enough for Clinical Use? A Methodological Study
Abstract
Objective
To systematically assess the reproducibility of thyroid ultrasonographic Shear Wave Elastography (SWE). Context: SWE has been suggested as a potential tool for thyroid nodule evaluation, but assessment of its reproducibility has been insufficiently addressed. Design: SWE examinations were performed prospectively by two investigators. Patients: Seventy-two patients [male/female: 19/53; mean age: 53±14 years; malignant/benign 17/55] undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled in the study.
Measurements
Repeated and blinded measurements of Elasticity Index (EI) in predefined regions of interest (ROI) were collected. The inter- and intrarater agreement, along with the day-to-day agreement, was evaluated in terms of the 95% limits of agreement (LOA). Results are presented as a ratio, by which 1.0 indicates perfect agreement.
Results
The interrater-, intrarater-, and day-to-day LOA showed ratios between repeated measurements of 1.7-3.6, 1.8-3.7, and 2.2-2.9, respectively. These values reflect a low to moderate degree of agreement for all EI outcomes. The interrater LOA was higher for malignant nodules compared with benign nodules for six out of seven EI outcomes (p<0.001-0.03). The proportion of agreement calculated from the optimum cut-point for differentiating malignant from benign nodules was 63-88% for the investigated EI outcomes.
Conclusions
In this methodological study, EI measured by thyroid SWE seems suboptimal for clinical use, due to a low inter- and intrarater agreement. That EI varies from day-to-day furthermore jeopardizes the validity of the method. Although the proportion of agreement was acceptable for some EI parameters, it is questionable if EI assessments can reliably differentiate malignant from benign nodules in the individual patient.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2hWNRwH
Anti-hyperglycemic activity of Aegle marmelos (L.) corr. is partly mediated by increased insulin secretion, α-amylase inhibition, and retardation of glucose absorption
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
http://ift.tt/2hbfBwr
Vitamin D receptor expression in plasmablastic lymphoma and myeloma cells confers susceptibility to vitamin D.
Endocrinology, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hsqAiE
Vitamin D receptor expression in plasmablastic lymphoma and myeloma cells confers susceptibility to vitamin D.
Endocrinology, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hsqAiE
Kisspeptin in the hypothalamus of two rat models of polycystic ovary syndrome
Endocrinology, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hJ395h
Roles of RFRP-3 in the daily and seasonal regulation of reproductive activity in female Syrian hamsters
Endocrinology, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hEWifW
Minireview: Therapeutic Implications of Epigenetic Signaling in Breast Cancer
Endocrinology, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hISjwn
The chemical chaperone phenylbutyrate rescues MCT8 mutations associated with milder phenotypes in patients with AHDS
Endocrinology, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hC2rHr
Lipid Osteoclastokines Regulate Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis
Endocrinology, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2hQLXKk
Low Dose Dihydrotestosterone Drives Metabolic Dysfunction via Cytosolic and Nuclear Hepatic Androgen Receptor Mechanisms
Endocrinology, Early Release.
http://ift.tt/2gNWjNF
Methodology for analyzing environmental quality indicators in a dynamic operating room environment
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Thomas Gormley, Troy A. Markel, Howard W. Jones, Jennifer Wagner, Damon Greely, James H. Clarke, Mark Abkowitz, John Ostojic
BackgroundSufficient quantities of quality air and controlled, unidirectional flow are important elements in providing a safe building environment for operating rooms.MethodsTo make dynamic assessments of an operating room environment, a validated method of testing the multiple factors influencing the air quality in health care settings needed to be constructed. These include the following: temperature, humidity, particle load, number of microbial contaminants, pressurization, air velocity, and air distribution. The team developed the name environmental quality indicators (EQIs) to describe the overall air quality based on the actual measurements of these properties taken during the mock surgical procedures. These indicators were measured at 3 different hospitals during mock surgical procedures to simulate actual operating room conditions. EQIs included microbial assessments at the operating table and the back instrument table and real-time analysis of particle counts at 9 different defined locations in the operating suites. Air velocities were measured at the face of the supply diffusers, at the sterile field, at the back table, and at a return grille.ResultsThe testing protocol provided consistent and comparable measurements of air quality indicators between institutions. At 20 air changes per hour (ACH), and an average temperature of 66.3°F, the median of the microbial contaminants for the 3 operating room sites ranged from 3-22 colony forming units (CFU)/m3 at the sterile field and 5-27 CFU/m3 at the back table. At 20 ACH, the median levels of the 0.5-µm particles at the 3 sites were 85,079, 85,325, and 912,232 in particles per cubic meter, with a predictable increase in particle load in the non–high-efficiency particulate air-filtered operating room site. Using a comparison with cleanroom standards, the microbial and particle counts in all 3 operating rooms were equivalent to International Organization for Standardization classifications 7 and 8 during the mock surgical procedures.ConclusionsThe EQI protocol was measurable and repeatable and therefore can be safely used to evaluate air quality within the health care environment to provide guidance for operational practices and regulatory requirements.
http://ift.tt/2i1SCm4
Salivary Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: A Review
Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Elisa Cançado Porto-Mascarenhas, Daniele Xavier Assad, Hélène Chardin, David Gozal, Graziela De Luca Canto, Ana Carolina Acevedo, Eliete Neves Silva Guerra
Salivary biomarkers could be helpful to characterize breast cancer. Therefore, this review was performed to evaluate the capability of salivary biological markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they assessed the potential diagnostic value or other discriminatory properties of biological markers in saliva of patients with breast cancer. The search was performed in six electronic databases (Cochrane, LILACS, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science). In addition the biomarkers were classified according to their potential clinical application. We identified 567 pertinent studies, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. Combined biomarker approaches demonstrated better ability to predict breast cancer patients than individual biomarkers. As single biomarker, namely proline, reported great capacity in both early and late stage breast cancer diagnosis. Taurine showed interesting capability to identify early breast cancer individuals. Furthermore, valine also demonstrated excellent diagnostic test accuracy for advanced stages of breast cancer. Only seven studies reported sensitivity and specificity (Zhang et al., 2010; Streckfus et al., 2000a; Brooks et al., 2008; Cheng et al., 2015; Bigler et al., 2002; Zhong et al., 2016; Streckfus, 2009), which varied considerably from 50% to 100%, and from 51% to 97%, respectively. In general, salivary biomarkers identified advanced stages of breast cancer better than early stages. There is currently limited evidence to confirm the putative implementation of salivary biomarkers as diagnostic tools for breast cancer. However, current review provides new research directions.
http://ift.tt/2ibBfTc
Literature Review of Cosmetic Procedures in Men: Approaches and Techniques are Gender Specific
Abstract
The proportion of men receiving non-surgical cosmetic procedures has risen substantially in recent years. Various physiologic, anatomic, and motivational considerations differentiate the treatments for male and female patients. Nevertheless, research regarding approaches to the male cosmetic patient is scarce. We sought to provide an overview and sex-specific discussion of the most popular cosmetic dermatologic procedures pursued by men by conducting a comprehensive literature review pertaining to non-surgical cosmetic procedures in male patients. The most common and rapidly expanding non-surgical interventions in men include botulinum toxin, filler injection, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, laser hair removal, hair transplantation, and minimally invasive techniques for adipose tissue reduction. Important sex-specific factors associated with each of these procedures should be considered to best serve the male cosmetic patient.
http://ift.tt/2h2Rih0
Biomarkers associated with disease severity in allergic and nonallergic asthma
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 82
Author(s): Selene Baos, David Calzada, Lucía Cremades, Joaquín Sastre, Joaquín Quiralte, Fernando Florido, Carlos Lahoz, Blanca Cárdaba
Asthma is a complex, chronic respiratory disease with a wide clinical spectrum. Use of high-throughput technologies has generated a great deal of data that require validation. In this work the objective was to validate molecular biomarkers related to asthmatic disease types in peripheral blood samples and define their relationship with disease severity. With this purpose, ninety-four previously described genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR in 30 healthy control (HC) subjects, 30 patients with nonallergic asthma (NA), 30 with allergic asthma (AA), and 14 patients with allergy (rhinitis) but without asthma (AR). RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using the TRIzol method. After data normalization, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, and multiple approaches were used to test for differential gene expression. Relevance was defined by RQ (relative quantification) and corrected P value (<0.05). Protein levels of IL-8 and MSR1 were determined by ELISA and Western blot, respectively.PCA showed 4 gene expression clusters that correlated with the 4 clinical phenotypes. Analysis of differential gene expression between clinical groups and HCs revealed 26 statistically relevant genes in NA and 69 in AA. Protein interaction analysis revealed IL-8 to be a central protein. Average levels of IL-8 were higher in the asthma patients' sera (NA: 452.28±357.72, AA: 327.46±377pg/ml) than in HCs (286.09±179.10), but without reaching statistical significance. Nine genes, especially MSR1, were strongly associated with severe NA.In conclusion, several molecular biomarkers of asthma have been defined, some of which could be useful for the diagnosis or prognosis of disease severity.
http://ift.tt/2haR9LD
Vascular alterations after photodynamic therapy mediated by 5-aminolevulinic acid in oral leukoplakia
Abstract
Impairment of vascular functions after photodynamic therapy (PDT) is frequently associated with tumor remission and is considered one of the main antineoplastic PDT effects. Vascular alterations in oral leukoplakia (OL) treated with PDT have not yet been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical 5-ALA-mediated PDT on the vascular network of 4NQO-induced OL in rats. After applying 4NQO topically on the tongue during 16 weeks, there was induction of dysplastic lesions, which were treated with two PDT sessions (with an interval of 72 h between them), using topical application of 5-ALA and posterior irradiation with a laser (90 J/cm2 fluency). Histological sections of the tongues were obtained and analyzed concerning plasmatic exudation and microvessel density after immunolabeling with CD31 and CD34 vessel markers. There was intense plasmatic exudation after 6 h of the first PDT session; at 6 h of the second PDT session, there was a significant reduction in the density of CD31- and CD34-positive microvessels in comparison to controls (p < 0.05). In the PDT intervals, there was an increase in the density of CD31 and CD34 microvessels, suggesting angiogenesis. Topical application of 5-ALA-mediated PDT caused an immediate deleterious effect on the vascular network, increasing vessel permeability and reducing vessel density, mainly after two sessions of the treatment. However, secondary angiogenesis emerged in these lesions during intervals of the PDT session. This fact may be considered during the adoption of a PDT protocol, to avoid OL resistance and recurrence after the treatment.
http://ift.tt/2igipGv
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