Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with postoperative cognitive decline. One of the proposed underlying mechanisms is the surgical procedure with the lead trajectory penetrating the caudate nucleus. Objective: To study whether penetration of the caudate nucleus affects neuropsychological outcome. Methods: Neuropsychological and imaging data of 30 PD patients who underwent bilateral STN DBS were analysed. Lead trajectories were evaluated leading to a group with (n = 10) and a group without penetration of the caudate nucleus (n = 20). The neuropsychological performance of each group was compared to baseline, both at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Only the Trail-Making Test part B (TMT-B) showed an interaction effect within the groups over time at 3 months postoperatively. At 12 months postoperatively, there was only a main effect of time with a decrease in performance in TMT-B for both groups. Also verbal fluency showed a significant decrease over time for both groups at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Caudate nucleus penetration affects cognitive flexibility only in the short term after surgery.
Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2016;94:413-420
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Πέμπτη 22 Δεκεμβρίου 2016
Splenic irradiation for splenomegaly: a systematic review
Publication date: Available online 22 December 2016
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Nicholas G. Zaorsky, Graeme R. Williams, Stefan K. Barta, Nestor F Esnaola, Patricia L. Kropf, Shelly B. Hayes, Joshua E. Meyer
Splenic irradiation (SI) is a palliative treatment option for symptomatic splenomegaly (i.e. for pain, early satiety, pancytopenia from sequestration) secondary to hematologic malignancies and disorders. The purpose of the current article is to review the literature on SI for hematologic malignancies and disorders, including: (1) patient selection and optimal technique; (2) efficacy of SI; and (3) toxicities of SI. PICOS/PRISMA methods are used to select 27 articles including 766 courses of SI for 486 patients from 1960 to 2016. The most common cancers treated included chronic lymphocytic leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders; the most common regimen was 10 Gy in 1 Gy fractions over two weeks, and 27% of patients received retreatment. A partial or complete response (for symptoms, lab abnormalities) was obtained in 85-90% of treated patients, and 30% were retreated within 6-12 months. There was no correlation between biologically equivalent dose of radiation therapy and response duration, pain relief, spleen reduction, or cytopenia improvement (r2 all < 0.4); therefore, lower doses (e.g. 5 Gy in 5 fractions) may be as effective as higher doses. Grade 3-4 toxicity (typically leukopenia, infection) was noted in 22% of courses, with grade 5 toxicity in 0.7% of courses. All grade 5 toxicities were due to either thrombocytopenia with hemorrhage or leukopenia with sepsis (or a combination of both); they were sequelae of cancer and not directly caused by SI. In summary, SI is generally a safe and efficacious method for treating patients with symptomatic splenomegaly.
Graphical abstract
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Rituximab: 13 Open Questions after 20 Years of Clinical Use
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Francesca Pavanello, Emanuele Zucca, Michele Ghielmini
Rituximab improved the prognosis of all B-cell derived lymphoproliferative diseases, but despite 20 years of intensive use, it remains a drug with a number of still obscure characteristics and unanswered questions. These include the mechanism of action and of resistance, the optimal schedule, the interaction with chemotherapy, as well as predictive factors for response rate and duration. Despite being very well tolerated, the question of its long term side effects and the risks of the administration near to a pregnancy have only recently been addressed. Also the indications are still not all clear: rituximab induces remissions as a single agent and improves the effect of chemotherapy, but its use as maintenance or as a substitute for watch and wait is still debated. Also, it is still unclear if its efficacy derives at least partly by reducing the risk of histological transformation in indolent NHL and reducing the risk of CNS relapse in aggressive NHL. Finally, despite of 20 years of research, it is still unclear if rituximab can be efficiently substituted by biosimilars or new anti-CD20 antibodies. In this review we address all these questions and analyze the literature addressing these aspects.
http://ift.tt/2hfbyzl
A comparison of two models of dental care for Aboriginal communities in New South Wales
Abstract
Background
Aboriginal people, and particularly those in rural areas, continue to suffer very high levels of dental disease despite significant reductions in the wider Australian population in the past 30 years. Until recently, there has been a shortage of oral health clinicians and the majority have provided care in major cities. The NSW Government funded various models of care for rural and regional areas and vulnerable population groups including Aboriginal people. This study utilises a comparative retrospective analysis to compare two models of oral health care for Aboriginal people including those living in rural NSW to inform future policy decisions.
Methods
Two models of public oral health care for Aboriginal patients in NSW were examined using publicly available descriptive information. Two years of funding and Dental Weighted Activity Units (DWAUs) data were analysed and regression analysis was used to compare the trends of monthly time series of DWAUs for the two different models.
Results
The cost per DWAU for Model A was significantly higher than Model B, and Model B delivered significantly more treatment over the period.
Conclusions
Based on the standardised national weighted pricing for public dentistry Model B offers significantly more services for less financial resources.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Effectiveness of the European Chromium VI Directive for cement implementation on occupational allergic contact dermatitis occurrence: Assessment in France and UK
Hexavalent chromium is the main sensitizer in wet cement and a common cause of occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD), especially among workers in the construction industry.1,2 The European Chromium VI directive3 transposed into national regulations in France and UK respectively on May and January 2005, prohibits selling or using of hydrated cement with more than 0.0002% of chromium. This was achieved through the addition of ferrous sulphate to the dry product, allowing to reduce chromium VI to chromium III which is less sensitizing.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Highly sensitive and low operating temperature SnO2 gas sensor doped by Cu and Zn two elements
Publication date: May 2017
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 243
Author(s): Wenlong Zhang, Bin Yang, Jingquan Liu, Xiang Chen, Xiaolin Wang, Chunsheng Yang
In order to improve the sensitivity and reduce working temperature of tin oxide sensor, two elements of copper, zinc doped tin oxide gas sensor has been successfully synthesized using one-step hydrothermal method. During the preparation process, the common zinc acetate and cupric chloride were adopted as copper, zinc source, respectively. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared sample were further characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and ASAP 2460 (used for mesoporous distribution analysis). It's found that octahedral nanoparticle enclosed by (221) high energy crystal facet had been prepared. The results also demonstrated that the as-prepared tin oxide doped by copper, zinc elements was single crystal structure of tetragonal system and the size of the crystalline grain was about 50nm. During the gas sensing performance experiments, the sample's gas-sensing properties have been proved to be greatly enhanced in sensitivity and working temperature. The response value to 50ppm ethanol at 110°C of the sample was increased to 210 that was almost 10 times higher than reported values. Besides, the optimal working temperature was decreased to be 110°C from reported 350°C.
Graphical abstract
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Use of pyrolyzed paper as disposable substrates for voltammetric determination of trace metals
Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 165
Author(s): Luiz André Juvêncio Silva, Weberson Pereira da Silva, Jason G. Giuliani, Sheila Cristina Canobre, Carlos D. Garcia, Rodrigo Alejandro Abarza Munoz, Eduardo Mathias Richter
The possibility of using pyrolyzed paper as disposable working electrodes for trace metals determination is reported for the first time. A small piece of pyrolyzed paper (0.7×0.7cm) was positioned at the bottom side of the electrochemical cell using a rubber O-ring, which defined the electrode area (0.48cm; 0.18cm2). A large number of electrodes can be obtained from a single piece of standard dimensions (2.5cm×7.5cm) of paper, therefore minimizing the cost per unit. The electrochemical performance of the pyrolyzed paper was demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and by the determination of Zn, Cd, and Pb by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The unmodified pyrolyzed paper showed excellent performance for Pb and Cd detection (LOD =0.19 and 0.16 ppb, respectively). In the presence of Bi3+(in-situ film formation), the simultaneous determination of Zn, Cd and Pb was also possible (LOD=0.26, 0.25, and 0.39 ppb, respectively).
Graphical abstract
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Au Decorated ZnO hierarchical architectures: Facile synthesis, tunable morphology and enhanced CO detection at room temperature
Publication date: May 2017
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 243
Author(s): S. Arunkumar, Tianfeng Hou, Young-Bae Kim, Byungchul Choi, Su Han Park, Seunghun Jung, Dong-Weon Lee
A highly selective and sensitive gas sensing material was prepared by decorating gold (Au) nanoparticles on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure. First, zinc oxide architectures were synthesised through facile one-pot hydrothermal synthesis route by using zinc acetate as the metal precursors, ethanolamine as the organic Lewis base and water as the reaction medium. The versatile zinc oxide architectures such as (i) nanostars (ZNS), (ii) marigold flower (ZMF), (iii) nanorods assembled flower (ZNF) and (iv) nanorods (ZNR) were successfully synthesised by the controlled variation of the reaction medium mole ratio. The crystal structure and morphological evaluation of the as prepared material were investigated in detail by several analytical techniques, and the findings are consistent with each other. The carbon monoxide (CO) sensing ability of the as prepared materials was carried out at different sensing temperature (Ts≤300°C) and at different gas concentration (5–1000ppm). Gas sensing study clearly shows that the sensor responses are found to be morphology and surface area dependent. Among all the zinc oxide nanostructures, nanostars exhibits excellent sensitivity (SR∼31 toward 5ppm) at the optimized sensing temperature of 275°C. Further, to improve the sensing characteristics and to reduce the operating temperature, different wt% of gold nanopartilces were decorated on the surface of zinc oxide nano-stars by solution impregnation technique. Surface decoration of only 3wt% gold nanoparticles incorporated zinc oxide nanostars exhibits enhanced sensing response (SR ∼15 toward 50ppm) at 35°C with an excellent response (ΓRES ∼8s) and recovery (ΓREC ∼15s) time. Sensor also posses excellent selectivity toward CO compare to other interfering gases such as methanol, ethanol, acetone and hydrogen.
http://ift.tt/2hiIyZ7
Ultrasonic-promoted rapid TLP bonding of fine-grained 7034 high strength aluminum alloys
Publication date: May 2017
Source:Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, Volume 36
Author(s): Weibing Guo, Xuesong Leng, Tianmin Luan, Jiuchun Yan, Jingshan He
High strength aluminum alloys are extremely sensitive to the thermal cycle of welding. An ultrasonic-promoted rapid TLP bonding with an interlayer of pure Zn was developed to join fine-grained 7034 aluminum alloys at the temperature of lower 400°C. The oxide film could be successfully removed with the ultrasonic vibration, and the Al-Zn eutectic liquid phase generated once Al and Zn contacted with each other. Longer ultrasonic time can promote the diffusion of Zn into the base metal, which would shorten the holding time to complete isothermal solidification. The joints with the full solid solution of α-Al can be realized with the ultrasonic action time of 60s and holding time of only 3min at 400°C, and the shear strength of joints could reach 223MPa. The joint formation mechanism and effects of ultrasounds were discussed in details.
http://ift.tt/2hxyck8
Excitation energy transfer in ruthenium (II)-porphyrin conjugates led to enhanced emission quantum yield and 1O2 generation
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Journal of Luminescence, Volume 184
Author(s): Jie Pan, Lijun Jiang, Chi-Fai Chan, Tik-Hung Tsoi, Kwok-Keung Shiu, Daniel W.J. Kwong, Wing-Tak Wong, Wai-Kwok Wong, Ka-Leung Wong
Porphyrins are good photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents due to its flexibility for modifications to achieve tumor localization and photo-cytotoxicity against cancer. Yet they are not perfect. In a Ru(polypyridyl)-porphyrin system, the Ru(polypyridyl) moiety improves the water solubility and cell permeability. Consider the similar excited state energies between Ru(polypyridyl) and porphyrin moieties; a small perturbation (e.g. Zn(II) metalation) would lead to a marked change in the energy migration process. In this work, we have synthesized a series of porphyrins conjugated with Ru(polypyridyl) complexes using different linkers and investigated their photophysical properties, which included singlet oxygen quantum yield and their in vitro biological properties, resulting from linker variation and porphyrin modification by Zn(II) metalation.
Graphical abstract
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Fabrication of biodegradable Zn-Al-Mg alloy: Mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities
Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:Materials Science and Engineering: C, Volume 73
Author(s): H.R. Bakhsheshi-Rad, E. Hamzah, H.T. Low, M. Kasiri-Asgarani, S. Farahany, E. Akbari, M.H. Cho
In this work, binary Zn-0.5Al and ternary Zn-0.5Al-xMg alloys with various Mg contents were investigated as biodegradable materials for implant applications. Compared with Zn-0.5Al (single phase), Zn-0.5Al-xMg alloys consisted of the α-Zn and Mg2(Zn, Al)11 with a fine lamellar structure. The results also revealed that ternary Zn-Al-Mg alloys presented higher micro-hardness value, tensile strength and corrosion resistance compared to the binary Zn-Al alloy. In addition, the tensile strength and corrosion resistance increased with increasing the Mg content in ternary alloys. The immersion tests also indicated that the corrosion rates in the following order Zn-0.5Al-0.5Mg<Zn-0.5Al-0.3Mg<Zn-0.5Al-0.1Mg<Zn-0.5Al. The cytotoxicity tests exhibited that the Zn-0.5Al-0.5Mg alloy presents higher viability of MC3T3-E1 cell compared to the Zn-0.5Al alloy, which suggested good biocompatibility. The antibacterial activity result of both Zn-0.5Al and Zn-0.5Al-Mg alloys against Escherichia coli presented some antibacterial activity, while the Zn-0.5Al-0.5Mg significantly prohibited the growth of Escherichia coli. Thus, Zn-0.5Al-0.5Mg alloy with appropriate mechanical properties, low corrosion rate, good biocompatibility and antibacterial activities was believed to be a good candidate as a biodegradable implant material.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2hiQDwO
Synthesis, spectroscopic, cyclic voltammetry properties and molecular structure of the thiocyanato-N meso-tetratolylporphyrinato zinc(II) ion complex
Publication date: 5 April 2017
Source:Journal of Molecular Structure, Volume 1133
Author(s): Zouhour Denden, Wafa Harhouri, Leila Ben Haj Hassen, Yoann Rousselin, Eric Saint-Aman, Habib Nasri
This paper describes the synthesis of the (thiocyanato-N)(meso-tetratolylporphyrinato)zinc(II) chlorobenzene monosolvate complex with the formula [K(2,2,2-crypt)][Zn(TTP)(NCS)]·C6H5Cl (I) using the cryptand-222 to solubilize potassium thiocyanate in chlorobenzene solvent. Complex (I) has been characterized by elementary analysis, IR, UV–vis, 1H NMR and MS, and the structure of this new zinc(II) metalloporphyrin been examined crystallographically. A cyclic voltammetry investigation was also carried out on this species. The title compound crystallizes in the triclinic, space group P-1, with a = 11.5151(7) Å, b = 15.212(10) Å, c = 20.1093(12) Å, α = 80.428(4)°, β = 74.926(4)°, γ = 84.704(4)°, V = 3364.7(4) Å3, Z = 2 and Dcal = 1.303 g cm−3. The porphyrin macrocycle of (I) exhibits moderate ruffling and saddle distortions. In the crystal, the [Zn(TTP)(NCS)]− ion complexes, the [K(2,2,2-crypt)]+ counterions and the chlorobenzene solvent molecules are involved in a number of weak C__H⋯S and C–H⋯π intermolecular interactions forming a three-dimensional framework.
Graphical abstract
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A rapid screening platform for catalyst discovery in azide–alkyne cycloaddition by ICP-MS/MS
Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 165
Author(s): Qian He, Jia Wang, Yuxiang Mo, Chao Wei, Xiang Fang, Zhi Xing, Sichun Zhang, Xinrong Zhang
We developed a rapid high-throughput screening platform using a modified ICP-MS/MS system for monovalence metal ions catalysts discovery in azide–alkyne cycloaddition. Among the ten monovalence metal ions in the first row of periodic table containing Sc+, Ti+, V+, Cr+, Mn+, Fe+, Co+, Ni+, Cu+, and Zn+, five monovalence metal ions of Sc+, Co+, Ni+, Cu+ and Zn+ ions show relatively stronger catalytic activities than others. The catalytic mechanism of Sc+, Co+ and Ni+ ions is similar to the Cu+ ions, but Zn+ ions take a different catalytic route. A yields range of 77–98% for azide-alkyne cycloaddition was achieved with Sc+, Co+, Ni+, Cu+ and Zn+ ions as catalyst, respectively by using a UV laser ablation reactor in 20min, notable that the yields of Co+ and Sc+ ions were even higher than the common catalyst of Cu+ ions. The proposed platform would be used not only for catalyst discovery in azide-alkyne cycloaddition, but also for the discovery of single atom/ion catalysts in other organic reactions.
Graphical abstract
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Selenite modulates the level of phenolics and nutrient element to alleviate the toxicity of arsenite in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 138
Author(s): Reshu Chauhan, Surabhi Awasthi, Preeti Tripathi, Seema Mishra, Sanjay Dwivedi, Abhishek Niranjan, Shekhar Mallick, Pratibha Tripathi, Veena Pande, Rudra Deo Tripathi
Arsenic (As) contamination of paddy rice is a serious threat all over the world particularly in South East Asia. Selenium (Se) plays important role in protection of plants against various abiotic stresses including heavy metals. Moreover, arsenite (AsIII) and selenite (SeIV) can be biologically antagonistic due to similar electronic configuration and sharing the common transporter for their uptake in plant. In the present study, the response of oxidative stress, phenolic compounds and nutrient elements was analyzed to investigate Se mediated As tolerance in rice seedlings during AsIII and SeIV exposure in hydroponics. Selenite (25µM) significantly decreased As accumulation in plant than As (25µM) alone treated plants. Level of oxidative stress related parameters viz., reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, electrical conductivity, nitric oxide and pro-oxidant enzyme (NADPH oxidase), were in the order of As>As+Se>control>Se. Selenium ameliorated As phytotoxicity by increased level of phenolic compounds particularly gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid and rutin and thiol metabolism related enzymes viz., serine acetyl transferase (SAT) and cysteine synthase (CS). Selenium supplementation enhanced the uptake of nutrient elements viz., Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, and improved plant growth. The results concluded that Se addition in As contaminated environment might be an important strategy to reduce As uptake and associated phytotoxicity in rice plant by modulation of phenolic compounds and increased uptake of nutrient elements.
http://ift.tt/2hiM2ej
Performance of Mn-Zn ferrite magnetic fluid in a prototype distribution transformer under varying loading conditions
Publication date: April 2017
Source:International Journal of Thermal Sciences, Volume 114
Author(s): Jaykumar Patel, Kinnari Parekh, R.V. Upadhyay
The temperature distribution performance of prototype transformer has been evaluated for varying loads. A 3 KVA single phase transformer is prototyped for this purpose and thermocouples were inserted at various places for the study. A novel temperature sensitive magnetic fluid (TSMF - Mn-Zn ferrite magnetic fluid) is proposed to improve the cooling performance. Winding temperature reduces when prototype transformer is submerged in TSMF compared to the same experiment performed with transformer oil, for all loading (normal load, under load, overload). The reduction in temperature with TSMF attributes to the thermo-magnetic convection, and it is the maximum when the Curie temperature of the magnetic fluid is comparable to the hot spot temperature of the transformer. The experimental results match with numerical calculation and the existing simulation. The maximum cooling is observed with TSMF for overload condition and increases normal life expectancy nine times. In case of planned overload condition normal life expectancy doubles for all situations. Study leads to the conclusion that TSMF works as a better transformer coolant under all conditions, delivers more power than its nameplate rating without using any external accessories, and improves normal life of transformer. This will reduce the basic investment cost and maintenance of transformer.
Graphical abstract
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Using Objective Structured Clinical Examinations to Assess Intern Orthopaedic Physical Examination Skills: A Multimodal Didactic Comparison
Publication date: Available online 21 December 2016
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Donna Phillips, Christian A. Pean, Kathleen Allen, Joseph Zuckerman, Kenneth Egol
Patient care is 1 of the 6 core competencies defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The physical examination (PE) is a fundamental skill to evaluate patients and make an accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate 3 different methods to teach PE skills and to assess the ability to do a complete PE in a simulated patient encounter.DesignProspective, uncontrolled, observational.SettingNortheastern academic medical center.ParticipantsA total of 32 orthopedic surgery residents participated and were divided into 3 didactic groups: Group 1 (n = 12) live interactive lectures, demonstration on standardized patients, and textbook reading; Group 2 (n = 11) video recordings of the lectures given to Group 1 and textbook reading alone; Group 3 (n = 9): 90-minute modules taught by residents to interns in near-peer format and textbook reading.ResultsThe overall score for objective structured clinical examinations from the combined groups was 66%. There was a trend toward more complete PEs in Group 1 taught via live lectures and demonstrations compared to Group 2 that relied on video recording. Near-peer taught residents from Group 3 significantly outperformed Group 2 residents overall (p = 0.02), and trended toward significantly outperforming Group 1 residents as well, with significantly higher scores in the ankle (p = 0.02) and shoulder (p = 0.02) PE cases.ConclusionsThis study found that orthopedic interns taught musculoskeletal PE skills by near-peers outperformed other groups overall. An overall score of 66% for the combined didactic groups suggests a baseline deficit in first-year resident musculoskeletal PE skills. The PE should continue to be taught and objectively assessed throughout residency to confirm that budding surgeons have mastered these fundamental skills before going into practice.
http://ift.tt/2i85zeb
New Media for Educating Urology Residents: An Interview Study in Canada and Germany
Publication date: Available online 22 December 2016
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Johannes Salem, Hendrik Borgmann, Andrew MacNeily, Katharina Boehm, Marianne Schmid, Christer Groeben, Martin Baunacke, Johannes Huber
ObjectiveTo investigate the usage and perceived usefulness of new media for educating urology residents in Canada and Germany.DesignWe designed an 11-item online survey to assess the use and perceived usefulness of new media for education. We performed a comparative analysis.SettingThe survey was distributed via e-mail to 143 Canadian and 721 German urology residents.ParticipantsThe survey included 58 urology residents from Canada and 170 from Germany.ResultsA total of 58 residents from Canada (41% response rate) and 170 from Germany (24% response rate) responded to this survey. Residents spent 45% of their education time on new media. The Internet was used by 91% (n = 208) of the residents for professional education purposes, with a median time of 270 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 114-540) per month. Apps were used by 54% (n = 118) of the residents, with a median time of 101 minutes (IQR: 45-293) per month. A total of 23% (n = 47) of the residents used social media (SoMe) for education, with a median time of 90 minutes (IQR: 53-80) per month. In all, 100% (n = 228) rated the Internet, 76% (n = 173) apps, and 43% (n = 97) SoMe as being useful for professional education purposes. A total of 90% (n = 205) watched medical videos for education, and 89% (n = 203) of these videos were on surgical procedures. Canadian urology residents used more new media sources for professional education than did the Germans (58% vs. 41%, p < 0.001). The time spent for education on new media was higher among Canadian residents for the Internet (p < 0.001), apps (p < 0.001), and SoMe (p = 0.033). Canadian residents reported more privacy concerns (p < 0.001).ConclusionsNew media play a dominant role in the education of urology residents. The primary source for personal education in urology is the Internet. Future studies and technological developments should investigate and improve new media tools to optimize education during residency.
http://ift.tt/2i85yH9
Decline in acute urinary toxicities with increased institutional experience: 15-year experience of permanent seed prostate brachytherapy in a single Australasian institution
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): Wee Loon Ong, Bronwyn Matheson, Jeremy Millar
PurposeTo evaluate the incidence of acute urinary toxicity after permanent seed prostate brachytherapy (BT) over a 15-year period.Methods and MaterialsThe study consisted of 782 prostate cancer patients treated with BT. All patients completed self-administered International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) at baseline and during regular follow-up. We evaluated the risk of acute urinary retention (AUR) up to 3 months post-BT and lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) resolution (defined as return to within two points of baseline IPSS score) at regular intervals, up to 24 months post-BT. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to evaluate the effect of various patient, tumor, and treatment factors on the risk of AUR and the likelihood of LUTS resolution.ResultsNinety-six patients (12%) developed AUR at a median of 1 day post-BT. Increased peak urinary flow is independently associated with lower risk of AUR (odds ratio [OR] = 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91–0.97). Decline in incidence of AUR was observed over time with increased institutional experience (p = 0.03). Of the 646 patients with a minimum of 24-month follow-up, 29%, 49%, and 72% had LUTS resolution at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Patients who had pre-BT transurethral resection of prostate (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.5–4.0), cytoreductive neo-adjuvant androgen deprivation (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.0–4.0), and higher baseline IPSS (OR = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.07–1.19) are more likely to report LUTS resolution at 24 months.ConclusionsWe reported decline in AUR over time with increased institutional experience in one of the largest Australasian BT series. Approximately three-quarters of patients achieved LUTS resolution at 24-month follow-up.
http://ift.tt/2iinYrP
A process-based emission model of volatile organic compounds from silage sources on farms
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 152
Author(s): H.F. Bonifacio, C.A. Rotz, S.D. Hafner, F. Montes, M. Cohen, F.M. Mitloehner
Silage on dairy farms can emit large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a precursor in the formation of tropospheric ozone. Because of the challenges associated with direct measurements, process-based modeling is another approach for estimating emissions of air pollutants from sources such as those from dairy farms. A process-based model for predicting VOC emissions from silage was developed and incorporated into the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM, v. 4.3), a whole-farm simulation of crop, dairy, and beef production systems. The performance of the IFSM silage VOC emission model was evaluated using ethanol and methanol emissions measured from conventional silage piles (CSP), silage bags (SB), total mixed rations (TMR), and loose corn silage (LCS) at a commercial dairy farm in central California. With transport coefficients for ethanol refined using experimental data from our previous studies, the model performed well in simulating ethanol emission from CSP, TMR, and LCS; its lower performance for SB could be attributed to possible changes in face conditions of SB after silage removal that are not represented in the current model. For methanol emission, lack of experimental data for refinement likely caused the underprediction for CSP and SB whereas the overprediction observed for TMR can be explained as uncertainty in measurements. Despite these limitations, the model is a valuable tool for comparing silage management options and evaluating their relative effects on the overall performance, economics, and environmental impacts of farm production. As a component of IFSM, the silage VOC emission model was used to simulate a representative dairy farm in central California. The simulation showed most silage VOC emissions were from feed lying in feed lanes and not from the exposed face of silage storages. This suggests that mitigation efforts, particularly in areas prone to ozone non-attainment status, should focus on reducing emissions during feeding. For the simulated dairy farm, a reduction of around 30% was found if cows were housed and fed in a barn rather than in an open lot, and 23% if feeds were delivered as four feedings per day rather than as one. Reducing the exposed face of storage can also be useful. Simulated use of silage bags resulted in 90% and 18% reductions in emissions from the storage face and whole farm, respectively.
http://ift.tt/2h86FVe
Inhalation exposure and health risk levels to BTEX and carbonyl compounds of traffic policeman working in the inner city of Bangkok, Thailand
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 152
Author(s): Navaporn Kanjanasiranont, Tassanee Prueksasit, Daisy Morknoy
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) and carbonyl compounds (CCs) are recognized traffic-related air pollutants in urban environments and are the focus of this study. In Bangkok, the BTEX and CC concentrations in both ambient air and personal exposure samples were studied during two periods (April–May and August–September 2014) at four different sampling sites around the Pathumwan District (three intersections and one T-junction). Traffic policemen, representing the high-exposure group for these toxic air pollutants, were observed, and the health risk to these workers was evaluated. Toluene was the predominant aromatic compound in the ambient and personal exposure samples. The maximum average ambient concentration of BTEX was 2968.96 μg/m3. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were the most abundant CCs at all of the sampling sites, with the greatest mean concentrations of these substances being 21.50 μg/m3 and 64.82 μg/m3, respectively. In the personal exposure samples, the highest levels of BTEX, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations were 2231.85 μg/m3, 10.61 μg/m3, and 16.03 μg/m3, respectively. In terms of risk assessment, benzene posed the greatest cancer risk (at the 95% CI), followed by toluene, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde (1.15E-02, 5.14E-03, 2.84E-04, and 2.52E-04, respectively). Three risk factors were investigated to reduce the total cancer risk levels: reducing the chemical concentration, exposure time and exposure duration. The use of a mask (chemical concentration) was the best way to reduce the risk to traffic police. However, the risk value of benzene (average 1.57E-05) was still higher than an acceptable value when using a mask.
http://ift.tt/2i7Gfop
Use of Different Vegetable Products to Increase Preschool-Aged Children’s Preference for and Intake of a Target Vegetable: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Victoire W.T. de Wild, Cees de Graaf, Gerry Jager
BackgroundChildren's low vegetable consumption requires effective strategies to enhance preference for and intake of vegetables.ObjectiveThe study compared three preparation practices for a target vegetable (spinach) on their effectiveness in increasing preschool-aged children's preference for and intake of the target vegetable in comparison to a control vegetable (green beans).DesignWe conducted a randomized controlled trial with four parallel groups: plain spinach, creamed spinach, spinach ravioli, and green beans. During the intervention, children were served the vegetable at their main meal six times over 6 weeks at home.Participants/settingChildren aged 2 to 4 years were recruited from six child-care centers located in Wageningen, the Netherlands, and randomly assigned to one of the four groups, with vegetable products provided by the researchers. The study was performed between September 2014 and January 2015. In total, 103 children participated, with 26, 25, 26, and 26 in the plain spinach, creamed spinach, spinach ravioli, and green beans groups, respectively.Main outcome measuresPreference for and ad libitum intake of cooked spinach were assessed during a test meal at the day-care center pre- and postintervention. Food neophobia was assessed via the Child Food Neophobia Scale.Statistical analyses performedGeneral linear model repeated measures analysis, including food neophobia, spinach liking, exposure, and consumption scores as covariates, was performed to test for effects of group on intake. Logistic regression was used to assess changes in preference between pre- and postintervention.ResultsAll four groups significantly increased their spinach intake from pre- (53 g) to postintervention (91 g) by an average of 70%. For preference, no significant shift toward the target vegetable was found from pre- to postintervention. The effect on intake depended on the child's neophobia status and preintervention spinach consumption, with children with neophobia being less responsive to the intervention and with children who ate more spinach before the intervention being more responsive to the intervention.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that repeated exposure to differently prepared spinach products, or even another green vegetable, improved children's spinach intake. However, children with neophobia may need a different approach.
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A Validation Study of the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall for Children, 2014 Version, at School Lunch
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Caroline F. Krehbiel, George J. DuPaul, Jessica A. Hoffman
BackgroundObtaining valid and reliable estimates of usual dietary intake at a reasonable cost is a challenge in school-based nutrition research. The Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall for Children, 2014 version (ASA24 Kids-2014), a self-administered, computerized 24-hour dietary recall, offers improved feasibility over traditional interviewer-administered 24-hour recalls.ObjectiveThis mixed-methods study examined ASA24 Kids-2014′s validity for measuring dietary intake from National School Lunch Program lunches.Participants/settingAfter 24% attrition, 96 middle-school students from three urban schools in eastern Pennsylvania participated in the study. A subsample of 27 participants completed qualitative interviews. Data were collected in the spring of 2014.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported ASA24 Kids-2014 data were compared to direct observations of school lunch, which served as the criterion measure. Dependent variables included eight meal components selected from the National School Lunch Program guidelines (fruit, vegetables, grains, protein-rich foods, dairy, oils, solid fats, and added sugars). A supplemental interview collected qualitative data regarding students' perceptions of content and substantive validity.Statistical analysesThe Wilcoxon signed rank test and Spearman's ρ examined criterion-related validity; qualitative content analysis examined content and substantive validity.ResultsParticipants inaccurately recalled food items eaten at lunch, as 58% of foods were reported in error. However, among foods recalled correctly, no statistically significant differences emerged for estimates of portions consumed for six meal components (fruit, vegetables, grains, protein-rich foods, oils, and added sugars). In addition, statistically significant positive correlations emerged between ASA24 Kids-2014 and direct observation for all estimates. Qualitative data identified students' interest and motivation, comprehension, memory, and English-language fluency as relevant sources of error.ConclusionsMiddle school students have difficulty recalling food items eaten at school lunch; however, they are somewhat successful at estimating intake of accurately recalled foods using ASA24 Kids-2014. Like many self-administered computerized recalls, it remains limited by substantial error. Findings have implications for the development of ASA24 Kids-2014 among diverse youth in urban school settings.
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Weaning from the ventilator: a modern knowledge
Effective weaning from the ventilator is the key to a patient's expectation of a good future quality of life. Failed weaning from ventilation means a significantly shorter and lower quality of life for the patient. Thus, the effectiveness of weaning from the ventilator process plays a crucial role for critical care results — differentiating survivors from non survivors. From the perspective of ventilator weaning effectiveness, critical elements include lung protection against ventilation induced lung injury and diaphragm injury risk limitation, as well as prophylactic action against muscle weakness. The application of Clinical Decisions Support Systems for physicians, or weaning protocols for technicians and nurses, can improve the success rate according to the results achieved in randomized controlled trials. The important elements of a patient's clinical situation resulting in better ventilator weaning success rates are proper qualification, analgesia and sedation optimization, reestablishing homeostasis, as well as adequate nutritional therapy. Dexmedetomidyne administration for sedation, as well as advanced enteral nutrition products supplementation (with enriched protein and lipids participation and reduced carbohydrates concentration e.g. Diason Energy HP) increases the chances for treatment success. The introduction of specific programmess dedicated for supportive therapy consolidation (e.g. awakening and breathing coordination, delirium monitoring/management, and early excercise/mobility) may additionally improve results. Especially important is delirium elimination as such disturbance may create significant disruption in patient cooperation. The use of automatic algorithms for weaning from the ventilator process, such as Smartcare/PS or adaptive support ventilation presents one with the possibility of total ventilation time reduction. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, when applied as additional support for the patient after extubation in cases of acute respiratory insufficiency resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or circulatory insufficiency, may improve results in comparison with traditional care. There is also the widespread practice of spontaneous breathing trial which is used for the limitation of the risk of inadequate early extubation. However, in cases of long term mechanical ventilation lasting longer than 21 days, there is still an increased risk of unsuccessful extubation, even if the weaning and spontaneous breathing trials were successful. If the subsequent weaning trials fail despite patient status improvement being achieved with a probably good prognosis, there is still a possibility of the patient being transferred to the reference centre as good clinical practice. On the other hand, the possibility of home ventilation should be carefully assessed if there are no real chances for effective weaning from the ventilator, focusing on the family environment, conditions, and dedication.
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Delivering Summer Electronic Benefit Transfers for Children through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children: Benefit Use and Impacts on Food Security and Foods Consumed
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Anne R. Gordon, Ronette R. Briefel, Ann M. Collins, Gretchen M. Rowe, Jacob A. Klerman
BackgroundThe Summer Electronic Benefit Transfers for Children (SEBTC) demonstration piloted summer food assistance through electronic benefit transfers (EBTs), providing benefits either through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT.ObjectiveTo inform food assistance policy and describe how demonstrations using WIC and SNAP models differed in benefit take-up and impacts on food security and children's food consumption.DesignSites chose to deliver SEBTC using the SNAP or WIC EBT system. Within each site, in 2012, households were randomly assigned to a benefit group or a no-benefit control group.ParticipantsGrantees (eight states and two Indian Tribal Organizations) selected school districts serving many low-income children. Schoolchildren were eligible in cases where they had been certified for free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Before the demonstration, households in the demonstration sample had lower incomes and lower food security, on average, than households with eligible children nationally.InterventionGrantees provided selected households with benefits worth $60 per child per summer month using SNAP or WIC EBT systems. SNAP-model benefits covered most foods. WIC-model benefits could only be used for a specific package of foods.Outcome measuresKey outcomes were children's food security (assessed using the US Department of Agriculture food security scale) and food consumption (assessed using food frequency questions).Statistical analysesDifferences in mean outcomes between the benefit and control groups measured impact, after adjusting for household characteristics.ResultsIn WIC sites, benefit-group households redeemed a lower percentage of SEBTC benefits than in SNAP sites. Nonetheless, the benefit groups in both sets of sites had similar large reductions in very low food security among children, relative to no-benefit controls. Children receiving benefits consumed more healthful foods, and these impacts were larger in WIC sites.ConclusionsResults suggest the WIC SEBTC model deserves strong consideration.
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Behavioral outcomes of school-aged full-term small-for-gestational-age infants: A nationwide Japanese population-based study
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Akihito Takeuchi, Takashi Yorifuji, Kyohei Takahashi, Makoto Nakamura, Misao Kageyama, Toshihide Kubo, Tatsuya Ogino, Katsuhiro Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Doi
BackgroundSmall for gestational age (SGA) birth is linked with neurological deficits among children at pre-school age, but the evidence is still limited on whether such deficits are still observable at school age. We investigated the association between SGA birth and behavioral development at school age among full-term infants.MethodsWe analyzed data from a large, Japanese, nationwide, population-based longitudinal survey that started in 2001. We restricted the study participants to children born at 37–41weeks of gestation with information on birth weight and behavioral outcomes at 8years of age (n=33,795). Behavioral outcomes including three attentional problems and four aggressive behaviors queried at 8years of age by survey questions were used as outcome indicators. We then used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the associations between SGA birth and each outcome, adjusting for potential infant- and parent-related confounding factors.ResultsAmong full-term children, SGA children were more likely to interrupt people (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01, 1.20), unable to wait his/her turn (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00, 1.38), and destroy toys and/or books (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00, 1.31).ConclusionsThis is the largest study ever conducted on this issue. SGA birth is negatively associated with some attentional problems and aggressive behavior at school age among full-term children. Appropriate long-term developmental follow-up and support may be needed for full-term SGA infants.
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Predicting the reading skill of Japanese children
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Tatsuya Ogino, Kaoru Hanafusa, Teruko Morooka, Akihito Takeuchi, Makio Oka, Yoko Ohtsuka
ObjectiveTo clarify cognitive processes underlining the development of reading in children speaking Japanese as their first language, we examined relationships between performances of cognitive tasks in the preschool period and later reading abilities.MethodsNinety-one normally developing preschoolers (41 girls and 50 boys; 5years 4months to 6years 4months, mean 5years 10months) participated as subjects. We conducted seven cognitive tasks including phonological awareness tasks, naming tasks, and working memory tasks in the preschool period. In terms of reading tasks, the hiragana naming task was administered in the preschool period; the reading times, which is a composite score of the monomoraic syllable reading task, the word and the non-word reading tasks, and the single sentence reading task, was evaluated in first and second grade; and the kanji reading task (naming task) was tested in second grade. Raven's colored progressive matrices and picture vocabulary test revised were also conducted in first grade. Correlation analyses between task scores and stepwise multiple regression analyses were implemented.ResultsTasks tapping phonological awareness, lexical access, and verbal working memory showed significant correlations with reading tasks. In the multiple regression analyses the performances in the verbal working memory task played a key role in predicting character naming task scores (the hiragana naming task and the kanji reading task) while the digit naming task was an important predictor of reading times. Unexpectedly, the role of phonological (mora) awareness was modest among children speaking Japanese.ConclusionCognitive functions including phonological awareness, digit naming, and verbal working memory (especially the latter two) were involved in the development of reading skills of children speaking Japanese.
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Muscle development in healthy children evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Tomoka Uchiyama, Takahiro Nakayama, Satoshi Kuru
ObjectivesThis study aimed to use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to generate a new muscle density index (MDI), the MDI_BIA, to evaluate muscle development, and to demonstrate the changes that occur in the BIA-based muscle cross-sectional area index (MCAI_BIA) that accompany growth. We also sought to determine the traceability of chronological changes in the MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA.MethodsHealthy children (n=112) aged 8.68±3.16years (0.33–14.00years) underwent bioelectrical impedance (BI) measurements of their upper arms, thighs, and lower legs. The MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA were calculated, and cross-sectional investigations were conducted into the changes in these indices that accompanied growth. Data collected after 1.10±0.08years from 45 participants determined the traceability of the chronological changes in the MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA.ResultsThe MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA were significantly positively correlated with age and height at all locations (P<0.01). The relationships between the locations and the MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA differed, indicating that these indices evaluated the muscles from different perspectives. Except for the upper arm MDI_BIA, both indices at all locations regardless of age, showed significant chronological increases after an average period of 1.10years.ConclusionsThe MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA were significantly correlated with age and height in healthy children, and they showed significant chronological increases. Hence, these indices could be used to represent muscle development and muscle mass increases. BIA is non-invasive, convenient, and economical and it may be useful in evaluating muscle development and muscle cross-sectional areas in children.
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Editorial Board
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
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ACTH has beneficial effects on stuttering in ADHD and ASD patients with ESES: A retrospective study
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Attila Altunel, Ali Sever, Emine Özlem Altunel
IntroductionEtiology of stuttering remains unknown and no pharmacologic intervention has been approved for treatment. We aimed to evaluate EEG parameters and the effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy in stuttering.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 25 patients with attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and comorbid stuttering were followed and treated with ACTH for electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES). Sleep EEGs were recorded at referral and follow-up visits and short courses of ACTH were administered when spike–wave index (SWI) was ⩾15%. The assessment of treatment effectiveness was based on reduction in SWI, and the clinician-reported improvement in stuttering, and ADHD or ASD. Statistical analyses were conducted in order to investigate the relationship between the clinical and EEG parameters.ResultsFollowing treatment with ACTH, a reduction in SWI in all the patients was accompanied by a 72% improvement in ADHD or ASD, and 83.8% improvement in stuttering. Twelve of the 25 patients with stuttering showed complete treatment response. Linear regressions established that SWI at final visit significantly predicted improvement in ADHD or ASD, and in stuttering. If symptoms had recurred, improvement was once again achieved with repeated ACTH therapies. Stuttering always improved prior to, and recurred following ADHD or ASD.ConclusionThe underlying etiology leading to ESES may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of stuttering and connect stuttering to other developmental disorders. ACTH therapy has beneficial effects on stuttering and improves EEG parameters.
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Spectral characteristics of intracranial electroencephalographic activity in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Dongpyo Lee, Junge Liang, Yun Jung Hur, Nam-Young Kim, Heung Dong Kim
ObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to characterize the frequency profiles of epileptogenic regions, independent of visible epileptiform discharges, in intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) patients.MethodsWe selected eight LGS patients who underwent resective surgery in the absence of definite neuroimaging findings. We calculated the absolute and relative band powers of continuous spike-free iEEG data and compared the characteristics of the resected and remaining regions.ResultsFor absolute band powers, there was a trend for higher absolute gamma band power in the remaining brain section. We also found that the absolute delta power in the resected area was higher than that in the remaining area. However, this trend was not statistically different in all patients. For relative band powers, we found decreased relative band power in the beta and gamma band ranges within the areas defined by the surgical margins. Delta, theta, and alpha relative band power differences between the resected and remaining areas were inconsistent between the subjects.ConclusionsOur results showed systematic relative beta and gamma band power variation in the resected areas of LGS patients.
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Disparities in visuo-spatial constructive abilities in Williams syndrome patients with typical deletion on chromosome 7q11.23
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Yukako Muramatsu, Yoshihito Tokita, Seiji Mizuno, Miho Nakamura
BackgroundWilliams syndrome (WS) is known for its uneven cognitive abilities, especially the difficulty in visuo-spatial cognition, though there are some inter-individual phenotypic differences. It has been proposed that the difficulty in visuo-spatial cognition of WS patients can be attributed to a haploinsufficiency of some genes located on the deleted region in 7q11.23, based on an examination of atypical deletions identified in WS patients with atypical cognitive deficits. According to this hypothesis, the inter-individual differences in visuo-spatial cognitive ability arise from variations in deletion.MethodsWe investigated whether there were inter-individual differences in the visuo-spatial constructive abilities of five unrelated WS patients with the typical deletion on chromosome 7q11.23 that includes the candidate genes contributing visuo-spatial difficulty in WS patients. We used tests with three-dimensional factors such as Benton's three-dimensional block construction test, which are considered to be more sensitive than those with only two-dimensional factors.ResultsThere were diverse inter-individual differences in the visuo-spatial constructive abilities among the present participants who shared the same typical genomic deletion of WS. One of the participants showed almost equivalent performances to typically developing adults in those tests.ConclusionIn the present study, we found a wide range of cognitive abilities in visuo-spatial construction even among the patients with a common deletion pattern of WS. The findings suggest that attributing differences in the phenotypes entirely to genetic factors such as an atypical deletion may not be always correct.
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Determination of restless legs syndrome prevalence in children aged 13–16years in the provincial center of Kayseri
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Huseyin Per, Neslihan Gunay, Sevda Ismailogullari, Didem Behice Oztop, Osman Gunay
ObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and associated factors in adolescents aged 13–16years in the provincial center of Kayseri.Materials and methodsThe study sample included 5720 adolescents who were selected from among 74,421 grade 7–10 students aged 13–16years in the provincial center of Kayseri. Overall, datas from 4792 subjects were included into analysis. Data were collected by using a self reported questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The prevalence rate of RLS was determined by questionnaire datas and phone interviews. The effects of age, gender, economical status and body weight on RLS prevalence rate were analyzed. Mean ESS score was calculated. The effect of RLS on academic success, as measured by grade point average, was also assessed. The subjects were stratified as underweight, normal, overweight and obese according to the body mass index and the RLS prevalence rate was compared among groups.ResultsThe RLS prevalence rate was determined to be 2.9% among adolescents aged 13–16years in the study group. It was found that gender and economical status had no significant effect on RLS prevalence. Mean age at symptom onset was 11.4years of age. There was a positive family history in 11.3% of subjects. Mean body mass index (BMI) was found to be significantly higher in subjects with RLS (21.5±3.8 vs. 20.5±3.2). Academic success (72.0±11.2 vs. 77.0±12.0) was found to be poorer and daytime sleepiness level, as measured by ESS (11.4±3.9 vs. 6.3±4.0), was found to be higher in subjects with RLS.ConclusionThe RLS prevalence rate was 2.9% in the study sample while gender and economical status had no significant effect on prevalence rate. The RLS, which results in decreased sleep quality and academic success, is an important disorder with a considerable prevalence in the population.
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Hypersomnolence-hyperkinetic movement disorder in a child with compound heterozygous mutation in 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (ABAT) gene
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Madhu Nagappa, Parayil Sankaran Bindu, Shwetha Chiplunkar, Periasamy Govindaraj, Gayathri Narayanappa, Ayyappan Krishnan, M.M. Srinivas Bharath, Aarthi Swaminathan, Jitender Saini, Hanumanthapura R. Arvinda, Sanjib Sinha, Pavagada S. Mathuranath, Arun B. Taly
Deficiency of gamma-amino-butyrate aminotransferase (ABAT) is a rare inherited disorder. A six-month-old girl presented with hyper-somnolence, hyperkinetic movements of distal extremities during wakefulness, hypotonia, bi-pyramidal signs, and impaired response to sound and visual stimuli. Brain MRI at five months showed restricted diffusion along the internal capsule and genu of corpus callosum. A follow up MRI at 18months, showed hyperintensities in brainstem, external and internal capsule, 'trilaminated' appearance of posterior limb of internal capsule and dysmyelination of sub-cortical white matter. MRS showed a peak between 2.2ppm and 2.4ppm, corresponding to glutamine, glutamate and GABA. EEG was normal at six months but showed multifocal epileptiform discharges at 18months. Targeted exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous missense variations in ABAT resulting in its reduced function. We report the novel association of hypersomnolence and hyperkinetic movement disorder with ABAT variations thus expanding the clinical spectrum of this uncommon neuro-metabolic disorder and discuss the emerging role of GABA in pathways regulating sleep-wake cycle and movement disorders.
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A novel homozygous HOXB1 mutation in a Turkish family with hereditary congenital facial paresis
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Yavuz Sahin, Olcay Güngör, Akif Ayaz, Gülay Güngör, Bedia Sahin, Kursad Yaykasli, Serdar Ceylaner
Hereditary congenital facial paresis (HCFP) is characterized by isolated dysfunction of the facial nerve (CN VII) due to congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders. HCFP has genetic heterogeneity and HOXB1 is the first identified gene. We report the clinical, radiologic and molecular investigations of three patients admitted for HCFP in a large consanguineous Turkish family. High-throughput sequencing and Sanger sequencing of all patients revealed a novel homozygous mutation p.Arg230Trp (c.688C>T) within the HOXB1 gene. The report of the mutation brings the total number of HOXB1 mutations identified in HCFP to four. The results of this study emphasize that in individuals with congenital facial palsy accompanied by hearing loss and dysmorphic facial features, HOXB1 mutation causing HCFP should be kept in mind.
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Early cardiac involvement in an infantile Sandhoff disease case with novel mutations
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Hsiu-Fen Lee, Ching-Shiang Chi, Chi-Ren Tsai
IntroductionHepatosplenomegaly is often present in infantile Sanshoff disease. However, cardiac involvement is extremely uncommon.Case reportWe describe a 14-month-old female baby who exhibited mitral regurgitation and cardiomegaly at the age of 2months, dilation of the left atrium and left ventricle at age of 6months, followed by regression of developmental milestones after an episode of minor infection at age of 14months. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed signal changes over the bilateral thalami, bilateral cerebral white matter and left putamen. An examination of the fundus showed presence of cherry-red spots in both macular areas. The lysosomal enzymatic activities showed a marked reduction of β-hexosaminidase B (HEXB) activity. Two novel mutations of HEXB gene were identified. One of the mutations was a c.1538 T>C mutation, which predicted a p.L513P amino acid substitution of leucine to proline; the other was a c.299+5 G>A mutation, which was a splice site mutation.ConclusionCardiac involvement might occur prior to neurological symptoms in infantile Sandhoff disease, and it should be included in the differential diagnoses of metabolic cardiomyopathies in the infantile stage.
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Mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly: A case presenting with seizures
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Mari Matsuo, Akemi Yamauchi, Yasushi Ito, Masako Sakauchi, Toshiyuki Yamamoto, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Yoshinori Tsurusaki, Noriko Miyake, Naomichi Matsumoto, Kayoko Saito
We report a case of mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly presenting with seizures. The proband, a 6-year-old Korean boy, had microcephaly, malar and mandibular hypoplasia, and deafness. He showed developmental delay and had suffered recurrent seizures beginning at 21months of age. Electroencephalography revealed occasional spike discharges from the right frontal area. Head magnetic resonance imaging revealed dilatation of the lateral ventricles and a small frontal lobe volume. Whole exome sequencing revealed a de novo frame shift mutation, c.2698_2701 del, of EFTUD2. The epileptic focus was consistent with the reduced frontal lobe volume on head magnetic resonance imaging. Seizures are thus a main feature of mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly, which results from an embryonic development defect due to the EFTUD2 mutation.
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Uniparental disomy of chromosome 1 unmasks recessive mutations of PPT1 in a boy with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 1
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Lorena Travaglini, Chiara Aiello, Viola Alesi, Sara Loddo, Antonio Novelli, Giulia Tozzi, Enrico Bertini, Vincenzo Leuzzi, Francesco Brancati
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Reply to: Uniparental disomy of chromosome 1 unmasks recessive mutations of PPT1 in a boy with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 1
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
Author(s): Yo Niida, Ayano Yokoi, Mondo Kuroda, Yusuke Mitani, Hiroyasu Nakagawa, Mamoru Ozaki
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Announcements and reports
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
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Cover
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
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Contents
Source:Brain and Development, Volume 39, Issue 2
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Quetiapine treatment reverses depressive-like behavior and reduces DNA methyltransferase activity induced by maternal deprivation
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 320
Author(s): Zuleide M. Ignácio, Gislaine Z. Réus, Helena M. Abelaira, Amanda L. Maciel, Airam B. de Moura, Danyela Matos, Júlia P. Demo, Júlia B.I. da Silva, Fernanda F. Gava, Samira S. Valvassori, André F. Carvalho, João Quevedo
Stress in early life has been appointed as an important phenomenon in the onset of depression and poor response to treatment with classical antidepressants. Furthermore, childhood trauma triggers epigenetic changes, which are associated with the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Treatment with atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine, exerts therapeutic effect for MDD patients and induces epigenetic changes. This study aimed to analyze the effect of chronic treatment with quetiapine (20mg/kg) on depressive-like behavior of rats submitted to maternal deprivation (MD), as well as the activity of histone acetylation by the enzymes histone acetyl transferases (HAT) and deacetylases (HDAC) and DNA methylation, through DNA methyltransferase enzyme (DNMT) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus. Maternally deprived rats had a depressive-like behavior in the forced swimming test and an increase in the HDAC and DNMT activities in the hippocampus and NAc. Treatment with quetiapine reversed depressive-like behavior and reduced the DNMT activity in the hippocampus. This is the first study to show the antidepressant-like effect of quetiapine in animals subjected to MD and a protective effect by quetiapine in reducing epigenetic changes induced by stress in early life. These results reinforce an important role of quetiapine as therapy for MDD.
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Mental rotation task specifically modulates functional connectivity strength of intrinsic brain activity in low frequency domains: A maximum uncertainty linear discriminant analysis
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 320
Author(s): Mengxia Gao, Delong Zhang, Zengjian Wang, Bishan Liang, Yuxuan Cai, Zhenni Gao, Junchao Li, Song Chang, Bingqing Jiao, Ruiwang Huang, Ming Liu
Neuroimaging studies have highlighted that intrinsic brain activity is modified to implement task demands. However, the relation between mental rotation and intrinsic brain activity remains unclear. To answer this question, we collected functional MRI (fMRI) data from 30 healthy participants in two mental rotation task periods (1st-task state, 2nd-task state) and two rest periods before (pre-task resting state) and after the task (post-task resting state) respectively. By combining the spatial independent component analysis (ICA) and voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS), we identified FCS maps of 10 brain resting state networks (RSNs) within six different bands (i.e., 0–0.05, 0.05–0.1, 0.1–0.15, 0.15–0.2, 0.2–0.25, and 0.01–0.08Hz) corresponding to the four states for each subject. The maximum uncertainty linear discriminant analysis (MLDA) method showed that the FCS within the low frequency bandwidth of 0.05–0.1Hz could effectively classify the mental rotation task state from pre-/post-task resting states but failed to discriminate the pre- and post-task resting states. Discriminative FCSs were observed in the cognitive executive-control network (central executive and attention) and the imagery-based internal mental manipulation network (default mode, primary sensorimotor, and primary visual). Imagery manipulation is a stable mental element of mental rotation, and the involvement of executive control is dependent on the degree of task familiarity. Together, the present study provides evidence that mental rotation task specifically modifies intrinsic brain activity to complement cognitive demands, which provides further insight into the neural basis of mental rotation manipulation.
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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.
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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
http://ift.tt/2icLZkd
Effects of levothyroxine treatment on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease
Background
Despite some studies indicating that thyroid antibody positivity during pregnancy has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, evidence regarding the effects of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment of euthyroid/subclinical hypothyroid pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease on pregnancy outcome is limited. We aimed to assess whether pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease, but without overt thyroid dysfunction are affected by higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In addition, we aimed to explore whether LT4 treatment improves the pregnancy outcome of affected women.
MethodsA prospective study was carried out on pregnant women from the first trimester to delivery. The study was conducted among pregnant women receiving prenatal care in centers under coverage of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Of a total of 1746 pregnant women, screened for thyroid dysfunction, 1028 euthyroid TPOAb-negative (TPOAb–) and 131 thyroid peroxidase antibody-positive (TPOAb+) women without overt thyroid dysfunction entered the second phase of the study. TPOAb+ women were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 65), treated with LT4 and group B (n = 66), received no treatment. The 1028 TPOAb– women (group C) served as a normal population control group. Primary outcomes were preterm delivery and miscarriage and secondary outcomes included placenta abruption, still birth, neonatal admission and neonatal TSH levels.
ResultsGroups B and C displayed a lower rate of preterm deliveries compared with group A (RR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.1–0.85, P = 0.0229) and (RR = 0.23, shows the percentages of women with TSH values 95% CI: 0.14–0.40, P < 0.001) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of preterm labor between groups A and C (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.30–2.09, P = 0.64). The number needed to treat (NNT) for preterm birth was 1.7 (95% CI: 0.039–0.30).
ConclusionsTreatment with LT4 decreases the risk of preterm delivery in women who are positive for TPOAb.
http://ift.tt/2i0UfTI
Cushing syndrome in a child due to pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) secretion from a yolk sac tumor
Context
Pituitary microadenomas and adrenal tumours are the most common causes for endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) in children.
Case descriptionWe describe a two-year old girl with Cushing syndrome due to ectopic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) production from an abdominal yolk sac tumor. Cortisol concentrations were elevated but adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations were equivocal. The use of antibodies specifically detecting ACTH precursors revealed that plasma ACTH precursors were elevated. Additionally, an ACTH assay with a low cross-reactivity for precursors showed low concentrations of ACTH. Immunohistochemistry suggested POMC but not ACTH production by the tumour.
ConclusionWe describe a yolk sac tumour as a novel source of ectopic POMC production leading to CS in a young girl.
http://ift.tt/2i7xD1j
Regional cerebral blood flow changes in patients with internet addiction: Authors' reply.
| Related Articles |
Regional cerebral blood flow changes in patients with internet addiction: Authors' reply.
Hell J Nucl Med. 2016 Sep-Dec;19(3):290-291
Authors: Liu G, Shi H
Abstract
To the comments of Prof. Andreas Otte to our work we reply as follows: As was mentioned by Prof. Andreas Otte, our study was the first study of regional cerebral blood flow changes in patients with internet addiction. Therefore, there was not much previous, established experience to refer to. As an exploration study, it was inevitable that there were some insufficiencies. We feel great appreciation to Prof. Andreas Otte for his comments on our work, which will improve our studying quality in this field in the future. Prof. Andreas Otte inquired in his letter how the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was calculated, and was scaled, relatively to the whole brain mean value or to the cerebellar mean value. All rCBF data were scaled relatively to the whole brain, in our study. As for the question in relation to the test level, the P-value of 0.05 was only used when comparing intergroup differences of baseline or clinical information of patients using SPSS, while the P-value of 0.01 was used for the statistical parametric mapping (SPM) t-test. We had tried using the test level of P<0.001 to indicate the significance when performing the SPM t-test, but there were not very meaningful findings identified at this test level. This might be explained by the relatively old generation and low sensitivity of the SPET scanner used in our study. For the purpose to identify more potential cerebral regions with abnormal rCBF, we lowered down the test level to 0.01, although this might had resulted in some false-positive results. However, in order to control false-positive errors, we performed intragroup comparisons from rest to adenosine-stressed status firstly by paired t test to identify cerebral regions with obvious rCBF changes because of administration of adenosine. On the basis of these cerebral regions, we subsequently performed a two-sample t test to compare intergroup differences to identify cerebral regions with rCBF that could have attributed to internet addiction. We believed that this "twostep" statistical mode might reduce the probability of falsepositive results to some extent. As for the cluster question in relation to SPM analysis, it seems more problematic and more prone for clusterwise inference to produce false-positive results than voxelwise inference, as mentioned in the paper by Eklund et al (2016). We did not take the two-way ANOVA analysis, instead, we performed the more suitable "twostep" statistical mode mentioned above. However, when facing multiple comparisons, we did adjust the P values with the relatively conservative Bonferroni method. Thanks again for the interesting and the meaningful comments of Prof. Andreas Otte to our study. If there are any more queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
PMID: 27999830 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2heX02R
Regional cerebral blood flow changes in patients with internet addiction.
| Related Articles |
Regional cerebral blood flow changes in patients with internet addiction.
Hell J Nucl Med. 2016 Sep-Dec;19(3):290
Authors: Otte A
Abstract
Dear Editor, Internet addiction (IA) has become a severe challenge of our modern world today, though little is known about its pathology. In this context, the interesting study by Liu et al. in the May-August 2016 issue of HJNM using (99m)Tc-labelled ethylene biyldicysteinate dimer single photon emission tomography (SPET) at rest and after pharmaceutical (adenosine) stress is more than welcomed. As this seems to be the first perfusion SPET study in this indication, the obtained data may be discussed carefully. There are mainly the following questions: a) Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF): There is no description on how the rCBF was calculated: Was it scaled relatively to the whole brain mean value or to the cerebellar mean value? b) P value threshold and clusters: There is no indication of whether the authors are performing any kind of correction for multiple comparisons in the statistical parametric mapping (SPM) t-test. This, combined with the use of a really "liberal" voxel P value of only 0.01 could be subject to providing many false positive results. Generally a P value threshold of 0.001 should be used. In addition, there is no information related to the clusters. For the question of the validity of parametric statistical methods used for the analysis of functional neuroimaging data, we would like to mention the important recent paper by Eklund et al. 2016. c) Data analysis: The authors state (p. 97): "As some abnormal rCBF in adenosine-stressed state might relate with normal responses to adenosine compared to resting state, we excluded those regions that showed abnormal rCBF in stressed state in healthy controls (Table 4) from those in IA group (Table 5). The rest abnormal regions were compared between the IA group and the control group". For this, with SPM a flexible factorial design with all the data rather than only t-tests would have been interesting to find out whether the difference between the groups at stress is the same difference observed between the groups at rest. In "traditional" region-of-interest statistics, a repeated 2-way ANOVA to account for individual variance would have been done. The authors are, however, just "manually" removing the regions that pop-up in the previous analysis. In conclusion, it would be of great scientific interest if the authors of this first SPET study on an important indication, IA, could give us some more details on their data.
PMID: 27999829 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2hf7I9d
A case of abdominal mesenteric Castleman's disease with left renal cell carcinoma and stomach leiomyoma.
| Related Articles |
A case of abdominal mesenteric Castleman's disease with left renal cell carcinoma and stomach leiomyoma.
Hell J Nucl Med. 2016 Sep-Dec;19(3):285-288
Authors: Chen S, Song L, Xie X, Han X, Cheng B
Abstract
A rare case of abdominal mesenteric Castleman's disease with left renal cell carcinoma and stomach leiomyoma is reported. A 57 years old male patient was transferred to our hospital for investigation of a left kidney tumor. Physical examination and routine laboratory tests were normal. Multi mode imaging by 64-slices spiral computed tomography (CT) scan, the enhanced CT scan and the fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) scan were applied. Computed tomography showed a 5.4cm×5.2cm mass in the abdomen. The radioactive distribution of the mass was high SUVmax about 4.5. Furthemore, a soft tissue mass, about 3.9cm×3.0cm, was detected in the left kidney, with significantly inhomogeneous enhancement in the arterial phase of the CT scan, while contrast agent CT showed activity in the venous phase. The radioactive distribution of this mass was slightly concentrated and its SUVmax was about 3.2. With the stomach filled with water , an oval shaped and slightly lobulated soft tissue mass was also observed in the cardia, with a size about 4.6cm×3.0cm. Computed tomography showed mild enhancement of radioactively in the arterial phase and delayed enhancement in the venous phase. The radioactive distribution of the mass was diffused and SUVmax was about 4.7.
CONCLUSION: The patient was operated and pathology showed: a) A mesenteric mass and abdominal lymph nodes with cells of the hyaline vascular type of Castleman's disease. b) Renal clear cells carcinoma of the left kidney and c) Spindle cells leiomyoma tumor in the gastric cardia. Three tumors in the same patient are extremely rare.
PMID: 27999828 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2heYxWB
Cauda equina syndrome. An emergency, some unexpected severe symptoms and conservative treatment.
| Related Articles |
Cauda equina syndrome. An emergency, some unexpected severe symptoms and conservative treatment.
Hell J Nucl Med. 2016 Sep-Dec;19(3):277-280
Authors: Grammaticos P, Papadopoulos N, Tarazi L, Katsarkas D
Abstract
An 83 years old physician, doing only office work and no exercise, presented with cauda equine, due to a large intervertebral disk hernia between L1-L2 vertebrae, after an unorthodox movement. He also had a facet syndrome, a muscular spasm in the gluteus, a small fracture in the periphery of the body of the L2 vertebra and pain in the L4-L5, due to a previous vertebral hernia five years ago. All L1-L5 left lateral area was painful. He felt an unbearable pain. He also had a degree of paralysis of the gastrointestinal (GI) and the genitourinary system. He could not take analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs per os because of the paralysis of the GI system. His pain was relieved only by intramuscular injections of parecoximbe (a cyclooxigenase-2 inhibitor, COX-2). The disc hernia was treated without surgery. After 43 days in bed, he was able to start exercising in order to treat muscles' atrophy.
PMID: 27999827 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2heOdhk
The diagnosis of silent myocardial ischemia. Motion-Frozen (or morphing) myocardial perfusion imaging.
| Related Articles |
The diagnosis of silent myocardial ischemia. Motion-Frozen (or morphing) myocardial perfusion imaging.
Hell J Nucl Med. 2016 Sep-Dec;19(3):196-199
Authors: Chang C, Ye B, Xie W, Zhang D, Lei B, Ye X
Abstract
Silent myocardial ischemia is typically defined as objective evidence of myocardial ischemia in patients without subjective ischemia symptoms. Currently, coronary artery angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) can visually demonstrate the morphology, trend and extent of coronary stenosis and is commonly used in clinical screening of CAD. Myocardial perfusion imaging can be used not only to identify whether anatomical stenosis causes myocardial dysfunction, but to also assess the risk stratification and prognosis of myocardial disease (MD). Myocardial perfusion imaging using morphing combined with CTCA can simultaneously show the relationship between CAD and myocardial ischemia from an anatomical and functional aspect. This allows earlier diagnosis of asymptomatic CAD myocardial ischemia, accurate identification of the culprit vessels, and could prevent unnecessary interventional therapy. The 1-day dobutamine stress/resting met-hod is also one of the methods used. The combination of CTCA and the morphing technique can provide anatomical and functional information on coronary arteries at the same time, significantly improving the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MD.
PMID: 27999826 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2hWlqwB
Is there a relationship between non-obstructive coronary artery disease or cardiac syndrome X and migraine? An integrated multi-disciplinary approach.
| Related Articles |
Is there a relationship between non-obstructive coronary artery disease or cardiac syndrome X and migraine? An integrated multi-disciplinary approach.
Hell J Nucl Med. 2016 Sep-Dec;19(3):193-195
Authors: Nemati R, Nabipour I, Akbarzadeh M, Assadi M
Abstract
Non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) which is mostly called cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is noted in about 30% of men and 40%-60% of women and seems to be incremental. In addition, frequent myocardial perfusion defects with various levels of severity are often seen in this disease. Recently, we noticed that the frequency of migraine in patients with CSX was noticeably higher than in healthy people and in CAD patients. This may support the evolving story that CSX is related to migraine and to chest pain and that CSX and migraine may have a similar pathophysiology. Hence, myocardial perfusion imaging could be used as a complement any diagnostic test to support the relation between CSX and migraine.
PMID: 27999825 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2heNLj5
Causes and Cures XII: Public Health Approaches
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Bandy X. Lee
The past two years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014; a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly; and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach of the topic has been lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the twelfth of a series of fifteen articles that will cover, as an example, an outline of the Global Health Studies course entitled, "Violence: Causes and Cures," reviewing the major bio-psycho-social and structural-environmental perspectives on violence. Violence is a public health problem that requires a multi-factorial understanding for its causes and consequences and needs action at all levels, involving all the stakeholders, whether they are directly or indirectly concerned. The field of public health has contributed greatly to the understanding and prevention of violence.
http://ift.tt/2i0V0w3
Causes and Cures XIII: Global Medicine Approaches
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Bandy X. Lee
The past two years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014; a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly; and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach of the topic has been lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the thirteenth of a series of fifteen articles that will cover, as an example, an outline of the Global medicine Studies course entitled, "Violence: Causes and Cures," reviewing the major bio-psycho-social and structural-environmental perspectives on violence. Global medicine bases its principles after public health applied to global populations, while maintaining sensitivity to the local situation, which requires special consideration.
http://ift.tt/2i0PiKN
Pathogenic conversion of coagulase-negative staphylococci
Source:Microbes and Infection
Author(s): Wenqi Yu, Hwan Keun Kim, Sabine Rauch, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas
Humans and animals are colonized by members of the genus Staphylococcus, however only some of these species evolved to cause invasive disease. The genetic basis for conversion of commensal staphylococci into pathogens is not known. We hypothesized that Staphylococcus aureus genes for coagulation and agglutination in vertebrate blood (coa, vwb and clfA) may support pathogenic conversion. Expression of coa and vwb in Staphylococcus epidermidis or Staphylococcus simulans supported a coagulase-positive phenotype but not the ability to cause disease in a mouse model of bloodstream infection. However, the simultaneous expression of coa, vwb and clfA in coagulase-negative staphylococci enabled bacterial agglutination in plasma and enhanced survival of S. simulans in human whole blood. Agglutination of S. simulans in the bloodstream of infected mice upon expression of coa, vwb and clfA provided also a mean for dissemination and replication in distal organs. Thus, the acquisition of genes for bacterial agglutination with fibrin appear sufficient for the conversion of commensal staphylococci into invasive pathogens.
http://ift.tt/2h7KRcs
Photodynamic inactivation of oral paracoccidioidomycosis affecting woman with systemic lupus erythematosus: an unusual case report
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Cínthia Magalhães Ribeiro, Clenivaldo Alves Caixeta, Marina Lara de Carli, Felipe Fornias Sperandio, Evandro Monteiro de Sá Magalhães, Alessandro Antônio Costa Pereira, João Adolfo Costa Hanemann
http://ift.tt/2hxbGb8
CA3 HIPPOCAMPAL FIELD: CELLULAR CHANGES AND ITS RELATION WITH BLOOD NITRO-OXIDATIVE STRESS REVEAL A BALANCING FUNCTION OF CA3 AREA IN RATS EXPOSED TO REPETEAD RESTRAINT STRESS
Publication date: Available online 22 December 2016
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Vlad Al. Toma, Anca D. Farcas, Marcel Parvu, Radu Silaghi-Dumitrescu, Ioana Roman
Rats exposed to repeated restraint stress exhibit structural and functional deficits in hippocampus that are similar to those observed in patients with depressive illnesses. Blood corticosterone concentrations are proportionally increased with catalase and glutathione-peroxidase activity and are inversely proportional with 3-nitrotyrosine concentrations.Cytochrome c oxidase, adenosin tryphosphatase and monoamine oxidase activities of CA3 hippocampal field mark a stress-time dependent decrease. Acridine-orange labeling of the CA3 field reveals an enhancing green fluorescence of glyocites in stress conditions. After three days of restraint stress, the secretory activity of CA3 neurons did not show significant decrease, and neurons appeared with normal shapes and distribution. CA3 neurons after seven days of restraint stress have marked a slight decrease of secretory activity. In contrast to a well-preserved histological appearance of the CA3 neurons, local and blood stress-related reactions are observed. CA3-glial activation and disturbance of blood oxidative homeostasis are tandem processes during three and seven days of RS. This study depicts the balancing role of CA3 area in time-varying stress conditions.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2h7T8gE
Direct detection of cysteine using functionalized BaTiO3 nanoparticles film based self-powered biosensor
Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Sophia Selvarajan, Nagamalleswara Rao Alluri, Arunkumar Chandrasekhar, Sang-Jae Kim
Simple, novel, and direct detection of clinically important biomolecules have continuous demand among scientific community as well as in market. Here, we report the first direct detection and facile fabrication of a cysteine-responsive, film-based, self-powered device. NH2 functionalized BaTiO3 nanoparticles (BT-NH2 NPs) suspended in a three-dimensional matrix of an agarose (Ag) film, were used for cysteine detection. BaTiO3 nanoparticles (BT NPs) semiconducting as well as piezoelectric properties were harnessed in this study. The changes in surface charge properties of the film with respect to cysteine concentrations were determined using a current–voltage (I-V) technique. The current response increased with cysteine concentration (linear concentration range=10µM–1mM). Based on the properties of the composite (BT/Ag), we created a self-powered cysteine sensor in which the output voltage from a piezoelectric nanogenerator was used to drive the sensor. The potential drop across the sensor was measured as a function of cysteine concentrations. Real-time analysis of sensor performance was carried out on urine samples by non-invasive method. This novel sensor demonstrated good selectivity, linear concentration range and detection limit of 10µM; acceptable for routine analysis.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2h7Sr76
A novel fluorimetric sensing platform for highly sensitive detection of organophosphorus pesticides by using egg white-encapsulated gold nanoclusters
Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Xu Yan, Hongxia Li, Tianyu Hu, Xingguang Su
Assays for organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) with high sensitivity as well as on-site screening have been urgently required to protect ecosystem and prevent disease. Herein, a novel fluorimetric sensing platform was constructed for quantitative detection of OPs via tyrosinase (TYR) enzyme-controlled quenching of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). One-step green synthetic approach was developed for the synthesis of AuNCs by using chicken egg white (CEW) as template and stabilizer. Initially, TYR can catalyze the oxidation of dopamine to dopaminechrome, which can efficiently quench the fluorescence intensity of AuNCs at 630nm based on dynamic quenching process. However, with the presence of OPs, the activity of TYR was inhibited, resulting in the fluorescence recovery of AuNCs. This proposed fluorescence platform was demonstrated to enable rapid detection for OPs (paraoxon as model) and to provide excellent sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.1ngmL−1. Significantly, the fluorescence probe was used to prepare paper-based test strips for visual detection of OPs, which validated the excellent potential for real-time and on-site application.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2h7Peo3
Ratiometric detection of copper ions and alkaline phosphatase activity based on semiconducting polymer dots assembled with rhodamine B hydrazide
Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 91
Author(s): Junyong Sun, Han Mei, Feng Gao
The rational surface functionalization of semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) has attracted much attention to extend their applications in fabricating chemo/biosensing platform. In this study, a novel ratiometric fluorescent sensing platform using functionalized Pdots as probes for fluorescence signal transmission has been designed for sensing Cu(Ⅱ) and activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with high selectivity and enhanced sensitivity. The highly fluorescent Pdots were firstly prepared with Poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(1,4-benzo-{2,1′,3}-thiadiazole)] (PFBT) via nanoprecipitation method, and then assembled with non-fluorescent rhodamine B hydrazide (RB-hy), which shows special binding activity to Cu(Ⅱ), through adsorption process to obtain functionalized nanohybrids, Pdots@RB-hy. As thus, a FRET donors/acceptors pair, in which PFBT Pdots act as energy donors while RB-hy-Cu(II) complexes act as energy acceptors were constructed. On the basis of the varies in fluorescence intensities of donors/acceptors in the presence of different amounts of Cu(II), a ratiometric method for sensing Cu(II) has been proposed. The proposed ratiometric Cu(II) sensor shows a good linear detection range from 0.05 to 5μM with a detection limit of 15nM. Furthermore, using the Pdots@RB-hy-Cu(II) system as signal transducer, a ratiometric sensing for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity has also been established with pyrophosphate (PPi) as substrates. The constructed ratiometric sensor of ALP activity displays a linear detection range from 0.005 to 15UL−1 with a detection limit of 0.0018UL−1. The sensor was further successfully used for ALP activity detection in human serum with satisfactory results.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2h7QGqB
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Summary Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that classically present with fasting hypoglycaemia. This case report discusses an un...
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