Publication date: 2017
Source:Cereal Grains
Author(s): Colin Wrigley, Walter Bushuk
Rye is an important crop in regions where rye breads are popular, especially in Poland, Germany, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. However, world rye production is only about 3% that of wheat. Traditional rye bread is made exclusively from rye flour or rye wholemeal, but rye bread is more often made from a grist of wheat and rye flours, because of the need for wheat gluten to compensate for the weakness of rye gluten. Nevertheless, the analytical and management procedures for rye are similar to those for wheat. Nutritionally, the thick cell walls of rye aleurone and endosperm cells are a rich source of fibre, including pentosans and β-glucan.
http://ift.tt/2jinqC1
Παρασκευή 13 Ιανουαρίου 2017
Chapter 7 Rye: Grain-Quality Characteristics and Management of Quality Requirements
Disinhibition in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Changes in [oxy-Hb] on near-infrared spectroscopy during “rock, paper, scissors” task
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Sayaka Ishii, Yoshimi Kaga, Tomoko Tando, Kakuro Aoyagi, Fumikazu Sano, Hideaki Kanemura, Kanji Sugita, Masao Aihara
ObjectiveAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a common developmental disorder. Many reports have suggested that symptoms of AD/HD are related to frontal lobe dysfunctions, particularly disinhibition. However, measuring neurological findings with biomarkers during frontal functional tasks has sometimes been difficult in children with AD/HD. This study aimed to investigate frontal inhibitory function objectively in children with AD/HD during "rock, paper, scissors" (RPS) tasks, as a familiar game for Japanese children, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).Subjects and methodsEighteen children with AD/HD were compared with 27 typically developing children (TDC). Children from each group were divided into two age groups: younger, 6–10years; and older, 11–16years. Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin [oxy-Hb] were measured in the prefrontal region using NIRS during a 'to lose' RPS task, in which subjects were asked to present the RPS signal that would lose in response to one of the three signals displayed randomly on a computer screen every 2.0s.ResultsThe rate of correct performance with both TDC and AD/HD increased with age. Only in the older group, the rate of correct performance was significantly higher with TDC than with AD/HD. However, children with AD/HD in both age groups showed significantly lower [oxy-Hb] activity in the prefrontal region during the 'to lose' RPS task, particularly in the dorsolateral area.ConclusionsOur results suggest that prefrontal region activation during the 'to lose' RPS task could offer a biomarker for diagnosing AD/HD, and may help in the early treatment of AD/HD.
http://ift.tt/2jHjojw
A case of generalized lymphatic anomaly causing skull-base leakage and bacterial meningitis
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Kenichi Suga, Aya Goji, Miki Inoue, Masami Kawahito, Masako Taki, Kazuhiro Mori
Generalized lymphatic anomaly is a multifocal lymphatic malformation that affects the skin, thoracic viscera, and bones. A 3year-old Japanese boy presented with right facial palsy due to cystic tumors in the ipsilateral petrous bone. Pericardial effusion had been found incidentally and generalized lymphatic anomaly had been diagnosed by pericardial biopsy. Petrous bone tumor had been followed up without surgery. At the age of seven he presented with fever and disturbance of consciousness, and bacterial meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae was diagnosed. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed middle skull-base leakage due to lymphatic malformation. He achieved complete recovery under intensive care with antibiotics and mechanical ventilation. One year later, he presented with multiple cystic formations in bilateral femora. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient was healthy with no recurrence of meningitis and osteolytic lesions in the femora were non-progressive. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful for demonstration of skull-base leakage by generalized lymphatic anomaly. We should consider generalized lymphatic anomaly among the differential diagnoses for skull-base leakage.
http://ift.tt/2jhubEL
Phytochemical study and protective effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek seeds) against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in liver and kidney of male rat
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Sakhria Mbarki, Hichem Alimi, Hafsia Bouzenna, Abdelfettah Elfeki, Najla Hfaiedh
Liver and kidney diseases are a global concern, therefore considerable efforts to obtain fine herbs useful as drugs from medicinal plants are currently in progress. The aim of this work was to study the antioxidant effects of previous supplementation with fenugreek seeds (FS) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity in the liver and kidney. CCl4 toxicity was induced by one dose (i.g. 5ml CCl4/kg of body weight, 50% CCl4 in olive oil) after 7 weeks of normal diet or diet rich in 10% of grinded fenugreek seeds (20g of pellet rat food/rat/day). 24h after the treatment with CCl4, all animals were scarified and biological analyses were performed. A phytochemical study of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) was also carried out. The phytochemical analysis of FS and FSE revealed the presence of polyphenols (5.92±0.02mg EGA/g DM), flavonoids (0.44±0.19mg ER/g DM), polysaccharides and trace elements. DPPH radical-scavenging activity of FSE showed an EC50 of 285.59±2.01μg/ml. In vivo, CCl4 administration significantly (p<0.05) induced an increase liver and kidney biomarkers. A significant (p<0.05) alteration of the antioxidant enzyme activities was also observed. In animals pretreated with FS, the studied parameters were much less shifted. These results indicate that the supplementation with fenugreek seeds is significantly effective in protecting the liver and kidneys from CCl4 toxicity.
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Suppressive effect of Spirulina fusiformis on diclofenac-induced hepato-renal injury and gastrointestinal ulcer in Wistar albino rats: A biochemical and histological approach
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Jerine Peter S, Kadar Basha S, R. Giridharan, Udhaya Lavinya B, Evan Prince Sabina
ContextThe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac causes hepato-renal toxicity and gastric ulcer. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Spirulina fusiformis on Diclofenac-induced toxicity in Wistar albino rats.MethodsRats were treated as follows: normal control (group I); diclofenac (50mg/kgb.w., i.p.) treated rats (group II); diclofenac-induced (50mg/kgb.w., i.p.) rats treated with Spirulina fusiformis (400mg/kgb.w., p.o.) (group III); diclofenac-induced (50mg/kgb.w., i.p.) rats treated with silymarin (25mg/kgb.w., p.o.) (group IV); Spirulina fusiformis (400mg/kgb.w., p.o.) alone treated rats (groupV). Biochemical (liver and kidney functional markers) and antioxidant parameters (enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants) were measured in the blood and tissue homogenates of the rats. Evaluation of intestinal ulcer score and assessment of liver and kidney histology were also done.DiscussionAlterations in the levels of biochemical and antioxidant assays and histopathological changes in liver and kidney proved the toxic effect of diclofenac. The ulcer score was significantly increased in the diclofenac treated rats. Spirulina fusiformis showed to reduce such changes and was able to restore normal antioxidant status in the rats.ConclusionOur study proves the hepato-renal and gastroprotective activity of Spirulina fusiformis in diclofenac-treated rats.
Graphical abstract
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Blocking TGF-β1 by P17 peptides attenuates gastric cancer cell induced peritoneal fibrosis and prevents peritoneal dissemination in vitro and in vivo
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Zhi-Dong Lv, Wei-Jun Zhao, Li-Ying Jin, Wen-Juan Wang, Qian Dong, Na Li, Hui-Mian Xu, Hai-Bo Wang
Our previous study demonstrated that the peritoneal stroma environment favors proliferation of tumor cells by serving as a rich source of growth factors and chemokines known to be involved in tumor metastasis. In this study, we investigated the interaction between gastric cancer cells and peritoneal mesothelial cells, and determined the effects of TGF-β1 in this processing. Human peritoneal tissues and peritoneal wash fluid were obtained, which examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining or ELISA for measurements of TGF-β1 levels. The peritoneal mesothelial cells were co-incubated with the supernatants of gastric cancer, the expression of TGF-β1, collagen and fibronectin was observed by ELISA and western blot. We then investigated the effects of serum-free conditioned media from HSC-39 gastric cancer cells on the peritoneum of nude mice, and the effects of peritoneal fibrosis on the development of peritoneal metastasis in vivo. The peritoneum from gastric patients were thickened and contained extensive fibrosis. After co-culture both gastric tumor cells and mesothelial cells, we found that TGF-β1 expression was greatly increased in the co-culture system compared to individual culture condition. Serum-free Conditioned Media from HSC-39 was able to induce extracellular matrix expression in vitro and in vivo, and tumorigenicity in mice with peritoneal fibrosis was greater than in mice with normal peritoneum, while blocking TGF-β1 by peptide P17 can partially inhibit these effects. In conclusion, these results indicated that the interaction of gastric cancer with peritoneal fibrosis and determined that TGF-β1 plays a key role in induction of peritoneal fibrosis, which in turn affected dissemination of gastric cancer.
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Therapeutic effects of bach1 siRNA on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Mansoor Aletaha, Behzad Mansoori, Ali Mohammadi, Mehdi Fazeli, Behzad Baradaran
BackgroundDespite the great improvements in clinical and therapeutic techniques in recent years, many advanced breast cancer patients still died of the postoperative recurrence and metastasis of disease. Bach1 plays a role in the development of the invasive phenotypes of cancer, cell division and apoptosis in tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of specific bach1 siRNAs, on the proliferation, migration, invasive, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and alter EMT related miRNA of MDA-MB-468 cells (breast cancer).MethodssiRNA transfection was performed with transfection reagent. The expression levels of Bach1 mRNA and protein were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The survival of cells was determined using MTT assay cells, apoptosis using Tunel assay, Cell migration using scratch assay and Cell cycle analysis by Propidium Iodide (PI) DNA staining method by using flow cytometry on the MDA-MB-468. The expression levels of MMP-9 and CXCR4 were measured by qRT-PCR.ResultsTransfection with siRNA significantly suppressed the expression of bach1 gene in dose dependent manner after 48h (p<0.0001). Surprisingly, treatment with bach1 siRNA arrest cell cycle in S phases (p<0.0001). Moreover siRNA transfection had effects on breast adenocarcinoma cells and inhibits the migration (p<0.0001), proliferation (p<0.0001), cell cycle arrest (p=0.03) and induces apoptosis (p<0.0001) and reduces the expression of miR-21 (P=0.0014).ConclusionOur results suggest that the bach1 can be considered as a potent adjuvant in breast cancer therapy.
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Enhanced effect in combination of curcumin- and ketoconazole-loaded methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone) micelles
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Fangfang Teng, Peizong Deng, Zhimei Song, Feilong Zhou, Runliang Feng
In order to enhance water-solubility and realize controlled release while keeping synergistic effects of ketoconazole and curcumin, drug-loaded methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (ε-caprolactone) micelles were prepared through thin membrane hydration method. Transmission electric microscopy and dynamitic light scattering characterization revealed the formation of ketoconazole- and curcumin-loaded micelles with an average size of 44.70nm and 39.56nm, respectively. The drug-loaded micelles endowed the two drugs' slow controlled release with water-solubility enhanced to 85 and 82000 folds higher than the corresponding raw drugs, respectively. In vitro antifungal activity test, chequerboard test and inhibition zone test indicated that efficacy of ketoconazole-loaded micelles was improved by introduction of curcumin-loaded micelles with a low fractional inhibitory concentration index (0.073). Biofilm formation inhibition assay also demonstrated that participation of curcumin-loaded micelles obviously strengthened the inhibition of fungal biofilms formation induced by ketoconazole-loaded micelles. The high synergistic activity of combinations is encouraging and the MPEG-PCL micelle is a potential drug delivery system for the combination of ketoconazole and curcumin.
Graphical abstract
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Effect and mechanism of Sorbus pohuashanensis (Hante) Hedl. flavonoids protect against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Xiaojin Yu, Zhenyu Wang, Zunpeng Shu, Zhengqing Li, Yuan Ning, Keli Yun, Haina Bai, Ruihai Liu, Wenli Liu
The cardiotoxicity of arsenic trioxide (ATO) limits its clinical application in cancer treatment. Evidences suggest that sorbus has antioxidant activity and its consumption has been linked with improved cardioprotection. In this study, we investigated the cardio-protective effect and mechanisms of Sorbus pohuashanensis (Hante) Hedl. flavonoids (SPF) against ATO in BALB/c mice and H9c2 cells. Eleven major flavonoids were confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). SPF recovered the ATO-induced disordered electrocardiogram (ECG) and abnormal cardiac structure in the heart of mice. At the same time, SPF significantly reduced levels of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) against ATO-induced injury and inhibited ATO-induced apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, SPF regulated ATO-induced oxidative stress damage by increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in vivo and in vitro, and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Analysis of the oxidative stress pathways showed that SPF prevented the ATO-induced downregulation of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in vivo and in vitro. Pre-treatment of H9c2 cells with SPF inhibited attenuation of nuclear factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1). Hence, SPF could be used as a preventive and therapeutic plant ingredient against ATO-induced cardiotoxicity.
Graphical abstract
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Cinnamaldehyde potentially attenuates gestational hyperglycemia in rats through modulation of PPARγ, proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 88
Author(s): Ahmed A. Hosni, A. Adel Abdel-Moneim, Eman S. Abdel-Reheim, Samah M. Mohamed, Hamdi Helmy
Cinnamon has a history of use for medicinal purposes and its major benefits have been linked to cinnamaldehyde. The present study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic action of cinnamaldehyde against fatty-sucrosed diet/streptozotocin (FSD/STZ)-rat model of gestational diabetes. Female albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I fed with normal diet (ND) while group II and III were fed with FSD for eight weeks (five weeks pre-gestational and three weeks gestational). Rats of group III were administered with a daily oral dose of 20mg/kg cinnamaldehyde one week before mating onward. At the 7th day of gestation, FSD-fed rats were injected intraperitoneally with STZ (25mg/kg b.wt.) to induce gestational diabetes. Pre-mating treatment of cinnamaldehyde controls hyperphagia and glucose intolerance during the gestational period than in diabetic rats. It also reduced levels of fructosamine, total cholesterols, triglycerides, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), while it significantly increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, adiponectin, liver glycogen, reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity at term pregnancy. In addition, cinnamaldehyde administration up-regulated the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferated activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and also ameliorated the number of viable fetuses, implantation loss sites, fetal glucose and insulin levels. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde has safe hypoglycemic action on gestational diabetes by potentiating insulin secretion and sensitivity through activating the antioxidant defense system, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines production, upregulating PPARγ gene expression and alleviating the reproductive performance.
Graphical abstract
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Implementation of Elastography Score and Strain Ratio in Combination with B-Mode Ultrasound Avoids Unnecessary Biopsies of Breast Lesions
Source:Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
Author(s): Kristina Bojanic, Natasa Katavic, Martina Smolic, Marija Peric, Kristina Kralik, Miroslav Sikora, Kristina Vidačić, Mirta Pacovski, Damir Stimac, Gordana Ivanac
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the combination of B-mode ultrasound, elastography score (ES) and strain ratio (SR) improves diagnostic performance with respect to breast lesions. One hundred thirty lesions were prospectively evaluated by B-mode ultrasound and strain elastography, followed by fine-needle aspiration cytology/biopsy in 117 woman who were scheduled for regular breast BUS. The median ES (4.5 vs. 2.9, p < 0.001) and SR (4.9 vs. 2.3, p < 0.001) were significantly higher for malignant than for benign lesions. A sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 93.2% for the ES (cutoff point = 3.8) and a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 87.6% for the SR (cutoff point = 3.5) were obtained. Elastography combined with B-mode ultrasound improved the specificity, accuracy and positive predictive value. Receiver operating characteristic curves yielded a higher value for the combined technique for diagnosis of breast lesions. Routine use of such a diagnostic algorithm could reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.
http://ift.tt/2jhfukM
Differential Intensity Projection for Visualisation and Quantification of Plaque Neovascularisation in Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Images of Carotid Arteries
Source:Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
Author(s): Wing Keung Cheung, Benoy N. Shah, Antonio Stanziola, Dorothy M. Gujral, Navtej S. Chahal, David O. Cosgrove, Roxy Senior, Meng-Xing Tang
Studies have reported that intraplaque neovascularisation (IPN) is closely correlated with plaque vulnerability. In this study, a new image processing approach, differential intensity projection (DIP), was developed to visualise and quantify IPN in contrast-enhanced non-linear ultrasound image sequences of carotid arteries. DIP used the difference between the local temporal maximum and the local temporal average signals to identify bubbles against tissue non-linear artefact and noise. The total absolute and relative areas occupied by bubbles within each plaque were calculated to quantify IPN. In vitro measurements on a laboratory phantom were made, followed by in vivo measurements in which 24 contrast-enhanced non-linear ultrasound image sequences of carotid arteries from 48 patients were selected and motion corrected. The results using DIP were compared with those obtained by maximum intensity projection (MIP) and visual assessment. The results indicated that DIP can significantly reduce non-linear propagation tissue artefacts and is much more specific in detecting bubble signals than MIP, being able to reveal microbubble signals that are buried in tissue artefacts in the corresponding MIP image. A good correlation was found between microvascular area (MVA) (r = 0.83, p < 0.001)/microvascular density (r = 0.77, p < 0.001) obtained using DIP and the corresponding expert visual grades, comparing favourably to r = 0.26 and 0.23 obtained using MIP on the same data. In conclusion, the proposed method exhibits great potential in quantification of IPN in contrast-enhanced ultrasound images of carotid arteries.
http://ift.tt/2jGU1i2
Determination of the total cadmium, copper, lead and zinc concentrations and their labile species fraction in apple beverages by flow-through anodic stripping chronopotentiometry
Publication date: 15 June 2017
Source:Food Chemistry, Volume 225
Author(s): Dominika Jedryczko, Paweł Pohl, Maja Welna
An analytical procedure for operationally defined speciation of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in apple beverages by anodic stripping chronopotentiometry (ASCP) is presented. Optimal measurement conditions were set down to reliably determine the fraction of the labile metals species. The mean total concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn were 69±20, 7.3±3.3, and 129±59μgL−1 in apple juices, and 18±3, 4.2±0.1, 53±5μgL−1 in apple drinks, respectively. The contributions of the fraction of the ASCP-labile species varied from 43 to 63% (Cu), from 32 to 42% (Pb) and from 38 to 58% (Zn). The Cd content in all analyzed samples was below 0.02μgL−1. The detection limits (DLs) achieved for Cu, Pb and Zn were 0.04μgL−1 (Cu), 0.02μgL−1 (Pb), and 0.10μgL−1 (Zn).
http://ift.tt/2ja6dsk
Hypermethylation of IFN-γ in oral cancer tissues
Abstract
Objectives
The study aimed to evaluate the methylation pattern of the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) gene in oral cancer tissues compared with normal and benign oral disease tissues.
Materials and methods
The oral tissues were gained from the patients of 85 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), 47 cases of oral dysplastic lesions, and 53 normal biopsies. IFN -γ methylation in oral tissues was verified through methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing analyses, and the expression levels of IFN-γ messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were detected using real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. IFN-γ was localized in macrophages from oral tissues and detected via immunostaining.
Results
IFN-γ mRNA and protein expression levels were evidently decreased in oral cancer tissues, whereas the IFN-γ methylation rate was significantly higher in malignant tumors than in benign and normal tissues (normal, 22.6%; benign, 38.3%; and cancer, 55.3%; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of IFN-γ mRNA was significantly downregulated in oral tumors with methylation compared with tumors without methylation, as determined by real-time RT-PCR (4.76-fold difference; P < 0.05). Likewise, mRNA expression was downregulated by 6.79-fold in oral epithelial dysplasia tissues with methylation compared with those without methylation (P < 0.01). Co-immunostaining to detect MAC2 and IFN-γ demonstrated that macrophages comprised the main source of IFN-γ in oral tissues. IFN-γ methylation demonstrated a significant association with the clinical stage, histopathology grade, and primary tumor.
Conclusions
Aberrant IFN-γ promoter methylation may be involved in the process of tumorigenesis of oral cancer.
Clinical relevance
IFN-γ hypermethylation during the process of oral carcinogenesis could be useful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for OSCC.
http://ift.tt/2itRbPE
The influence of dental treatment on the development of osteoradionecrosis after radiotherapy by modern irradiation techniques
Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of dental treatment on the development of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw.
Methods
This study included the data of 776 patients who underwent 3D-CRT or IMRT because of head and neck cancer. Sex, dental status before and after radiotherapy (RT), tumor site, bone surgery during tumor operation, concomitant chemotherapy, and the development of an advanced ORN were documented for each patient. The patients' dentitions before and after RT were classified into four groups with regard to the number and localization of the remaining teeth. Differences between the patients with ORN and patients without ORN with regard to the teeth's condition before and after RT, and with regard to the extent of dental treatment were determined descriptively. Cox proportional hazards regression to study the association between dentition and the development of ORN.
Results
The extent of dental treatment in patients with and without ORN did not differ in a clinically relevant way. The highest risk of developing ORN was observed in patients who had undergone primary bone surgery during the tumor operation (HR = 5.58, 95%CI 2.91–10.7) and patients who had a tumor in the oral cavity (HR = 4.84, 95%CI 1.37–17.11).
Conclusions
Based on the results of this study, tumor localization and its required treatment are prognostic factors for the development of ORN.
Clinical significance
After implementing a consequent dental treatment scheme, no influence of dentition on the risk of developing ORN could be demonstrated. Patients with a lower risk could prospectively benefit from a more moderate dental treatment scheme.
http://ift.tt/2ipvHQx
The effect of veneering on the marginal fit of CAD/CAM-generated, copy-milled, and cast metal copings
Abstract
Objective
This in vitro study investigated the marginal fit of metal and zirconia copings before and after veneering on dies with shoulder/chamfer (s/c) finish lines.
Materials and methods
Using CAD/CAM, ten (n = 10) each s/c zirconia (NZ) copings and ten (n = 10) each s/c metal (MM) copings were generated. As controls, ten (n = 10) each s/c zirconia copings were copy-milled (ZZ) and ten (n = 10) each s/c metal copings were cast (CC). The vertical marginal discrepancy of the copings was measured at 20 predefined spots of the circular shoulder and chamfer finish lines in microns (μm) before and after a first and a second veneering firing using a stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification. Data were statistically analyzed, and the comparisons of CAD/CAM-milled (NZ, MM), copy-milled (ZZ), and cast (CC) copings before and after veneering were made at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results
Gap width at s/c finish lines of ZZ was (91 ± 11/100 ± 28) and increased significantly (109 ± 21/141 ± 18) after the first firing (ZZ1). NZ showed significantly smaller gaps than ZZ (36 ± 6/46 ± 12) and (NZ1) after the first firing (61 ± 16/71 ± 29). Gap widths of CC groups (36 ± 8/25 ± 4) were not significantly different from NZ but were significantly lower after the (CC1) first veneering firing (40 ± 8/42 ± 7). MM copings showed gap values similar to NZ. Second firings did not significantly increase gaps in all groups except ZZ2 of chamfer finish line.
Conclusion
Veneering increased the marginal gap width of copings.
Clinical relevance
Within the limits of this in vitro study, aesthetic ceramic veneering of CAD/CAM-generated copings caused a statistically significant but tolerable loss of marginal fit precision.
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Referrals: Apicectomy
British Dental Journal 222, 2 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.2
Author: P. Raftery
http://ift.tt/2jtt4yI
Impacted canines
British Dental Journal 222, 2 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.3
Author: M. Wardle
http://ift.tt/2jtAbr9
Empowerment in a model of outreach undergraduate dental education
British Dental Journal 222, 41 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.35
Authors: D. R. Radford & P. Hellyer
http://ift.tt/2jtiTu2
Antimicrobial resistance: Refresh your memory
British Dental Journal 222, 3 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.5
Author: L. Samaranayake
http://ift.tt/2jtAtOA
Smoking cessation: The role of e-cigarettes
British Dental Journal 222, 3 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.6
Authors: R. Holliday, P. Preshaw & L. Bauld
http://ift.tt/2jty5r9
Safe intrapulpal anaesthesia
British Dental Journal 222, 4 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.8
Authors: Saravana Karthikeyan Balasubramanian & Velmurugan Natanasabapathy
http://ift.tt/2jtyzxk
A semi-interpenetrating network of polyacrylamide and recombinant basement membrane allows pluripotent cell culture in a soft, ligand-rich microenvironment
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 121
Author(s): Andrew J. Price, Eva Y. Huang, Vittorio Sebastiano, Alexander R. Dunn
The physical properties of the extracellular matrix play an essential role in guiding stem cell differentiation and tissue morphogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. Existing work to investigate the role of matrix mechanics in directing stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation has been limited by the poor attachment and survival of human pluripotent cells cultured on soft matrices (Young's modulus E ≲ 1000 Pa). To address this limitation we developed a protocol for generating semi-interpenetrating networks of polyacrylamide and recombinant basement membrane. Using these materials, we found that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) remained proliferative and pluripotent even when grown in small colonies and on surfaces ranging in stiffness from 150 to 12000 Pa, spanning the range of tissue stiffnesses likely to be encountered in the embryo. Considerable recent attention has focused on the role of the transcriptional coactivator and Hippo effector YAP in regulating differentiation and cell proliferation both in the early embryo and in vitro. We found that while YAP localized to the nucleus on substrates of E ≳ 1000 Pa, its localization was heterogeneous on substrates of moduli ≲ 450 Pa, with predominantly nuclear localization at the colony periphery and mixed cytoplasmic and nuclear localization for cells in the colony interior, a pattern reminiscent of YAP subcellular localization in the inner cell mass (ICM) of the early embryo. In addition, hESC colony dynamics were highly responsive to substrate stiffness, with cells assembling into monolayers, multilayer structures, and transient, hollow rosettes in response to decreasing substrate stiffnesses in the range of 12000 to 150 Pa. We suggest that soft, ligand-rich substrates such as are described here provide a promising means of recapitulating aspects of early mammalian development that are otherwise inaccessible, and more broadly may be useful in the derivation of complex tissues from pluripotent cells in an in vitro setting.
http://ift.tt/2ijFgFH
Periodontal evaluation of crown-root fractured teeth following modified crown lengthening surgery
British Dental Journal 222, 21 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.25
Authors: M. Zhen, C. Wang, W-J. Hu, H. Zhang, L-S. Li, Y-P. Wei & K-H. Chung
http://ift.tt/2jtqUzm
Anaesthesia: LA in pregnancy
British Dental Journal 222, 3 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.7
Authors: G. Markose & R. M. Graham
http://ift.tt/2jtAvGi
RhoA knockdown by cationic amphiphilic copolymer/siRhoA polyplexes enhances axonal regeneration in rat spinal cord injury model
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 121
Author(s): So-Jung Gwak, Christian Macks, Da Un Jeong, Mark Kindy, Michael Lynn, Ken Webb, Jeoung Soo Lee
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent loss of motor and sensory function due to developmentally-related and injured-induced changes in the extrinsic microenvironment and intrinsic neuronal biochemistry that limit plasticity and axonal regeneration. Our long term goal is to develop cationic, amphiphilic copolymers (poly (lactide-co-glycolide)-g-polyethylenimine, PgP) for combinatorial delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs) and drugs targeting these different barriers. In this study, we evaluated the ability of PgP to deliver siRNA targeting RhoA, a critical signaling pathway activated by multiple extracellular inhibitors of axonal regeneration. After generation of rat compression SCI model, PgP/siRhoA polyplexes were locally injected into the lesion site. Relative to untreated injury only, PgP/siRhoA polyplexes significantly reduced RhoA mRNA and protein expression for up to 4 weeks post-injury. Histological analysis at 4 weeks post-injury showed that RhoA knockdown was accompanied by reduced apoptosis, cavity size, and astrogliosis and increased axonal regeneration within the lesion site. These studies demonstrate that PgP is an efficient non-viral delivery carrier for therapeutic siRhoA to the injured spinal cord and may be a promising platform for the development of combinatorial TNA/drug therapy.
http://ift.tt/2ijJSGV
Genetically tailored magnetosomes used as MRI probe for molecular imaging of brain tumor
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 121
Author(s): M. Boucher, F. Geffroy, S. Prévéral, L. Bellanger, E. Selingue, G. Adryanczyk-Perrier, M. Péan, C.T. Lefèvre, D. Pignol, N. Ginet, S. Mériaux
We investigate here the potential of single step production of genetically engineered magnetosomes, bacterial biogenic iron-oxide nanoparticles embedded in a lipid vesicle, as a new tailorable magnetic resonance molecular imaging probe. We demonstrate in vitro the specific binding and the significant internalization into U87 cells of magnetosomes decorated with RGD peptide. After injection at the tail vein of glioblastoma-bearing mice, we evidence in the first 2 h the rapid accumulation of both unlabeled and functionalized magnetosomes inside the tumor by Enhanced Permeability and Retention effects. 24 h after the injection, a specific enhancement of the tumor contrast is observed on MR images only for RGD-labeled magnetosomes. Post mortem acquisition of histological data confirms MRI results with more magnetosomes found into the tumor treated with functionalized magnetosomes. This work establishes the first proof-of-concept of a successful bio-integrated production of molecular imaging probe for MRI.
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Multidisciplinary management: Inflammatory bowel disease
British Dental Journal 222, 4 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.9
Authors: T. Thomas & J. S. Chandan
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The interdisciplinary management of hypodontia patients in the UK: a national service evaluation
British Dental Journal 222, 31 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.33
Authors: T. P. McSwiney, J. M. Collins, G.S. Bassi & S. Khan
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OMFS: Fortitude and dedication
British Dental Journal 222, 5 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.10
Authors: C. Wilson & L. Fryer
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Hand Matters: Left-Hand Gestures Enhance Metaphor Explanation.
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Biologically active recombinant carp LH as a spawning-inducing agent for carp
Currently, spawning is induced in carp species by carp pituitary extract (CPE) and a combination of synthetic agonist of GnRH combined with a dopamine antagonist. The main goal of this study was the production of recombinant gonadotropins (GtHs) on a large scale to serve as an alternative to currently used agents. We produced carp (c) recombinant (r) Lh as a single chain in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Lha subunit was joined with Lhb subunit with a flexible linker of three glycine–serine repeats and six Histidines to form a mature protein, the β-subunit formed the N-terminal part and the α-subunit formed the C-terminal part. The ability of the rcLh to elicit biological response was tested by in vivo stimulation of estradiol (E2) and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and by its in vivo potency to induce ovulation and spawning induction. rcLh tested in this work significantly enhanced both E2 and DHP secretion in a dose-dependent manner similar to the results obtained with CPE. E2 levels showed a moderate rise following the priming injection and a subsequent decrease during the rest of the trial. DHP levels were only increased after the resolving injection, approximately 5 h before spawning. At the highest dose of rcLh (350 µg/kg BW), the recombinant protein was more efficient than CPE in terms of both spawning success and fertilization rate. It is shown here that rcLh can elicit the secretion of DHP in vivo and actually trigger spawning. These novel findings introduce the potential of utilizing recombinant gonadotropins in aquaculture.
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Photos That Increase Feelings of Learning Promote Positive Evaluations.
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The role of nutrient sensing in the metabolic changes after gastric bypass surgery
Taste receptors coupled to the gustatory G-protein, gustducin, on enteroendocrine cells sense nutrients to regulate gut hormone release. During Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, the altered nutrient flow to more distal regions can affect gustducin-mediated gut hormone release and hence energy and glucose homeostasis. We studied the role of gustducin-mediated signaling in the metabolic improvements and intestinal adaptations along the gut after RYGB surgery in wild-type (WT) and α-gustducin–/– (α-gust–/–) mice. RYGB surgery decreased body weight in WT and α-gust–/– mice, whereas food intake was only decreased in WT mice. Pair-feeding to the RYGB group improved glucose homeostasis to a similar extent in WT mice. GLP1 levels were increased in both genotypes, PYY levels in α-gust–/– mice and octanoyl ghrelin levels were not affected after RYGB surgery. In WT mice, nutrients act via α-gustducin to increase L-cell differentiation (foregut) and L-cell number (foregut and hindgut) in a region-dependent manner. In α-gust–/– mice, the effect on gut hormone levels is probably tuned via increased peptide sensor and glucose transporter expression in the Roux limb and increased caecal butyrate and propionate levels in the hindgut that activate free fatty acid receptors. Finally, signaling via α-gustducin plays a role in the increased ion transport of the foregut but not in the improvement in colonic barrier function. In conclusion, RYGB surgery decreased body weight in both WT and α-gust–/– mice. Elevated plasma GLP1 and PYY levels might mediate this effect, although α-gustducin differentially affects several regulatory systems in the foregut and hindgut, tuning gut hormone release.
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Recognition Memory for Hue: Prototypical Bias and the Role of Labeling.
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Selyes general adaptation syndrome: stress-induced gastro-duodenal ulceration and inflammatory bowel disease
Hans Selye in a note to Nature in 1936 initiated the field of stress research by showing that rats exposed to nocuous stimuli responded by way of a 'general adaptation syndrome' (GAS). One of the main features of the GAS was the 'formation of acute erosions in the digestive tract, particularly in the stomach, small intestine and appendix'. This provided experimental evidence for the view based on clinical data that gastro-duodenal (peptic) ulcers could be caused by stress. This hypothesis was challenged by Marshall and Warren's Nobel Prize (2005)-winning discovery of a causal association between Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcers. However, clinical and experimental studies suggest that stress can cause peptic ulceration in the absence of H. pylori. Predictably, the etiological pendulum of gastric and duodenal ulceration has swung from 'all stress' to 'all bacteria' followed by a sober realization that both factors play a role, separately as well as together. This raises the question as to whether stress and H. pylori interact, and if so, how? Stress has also been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and related disorders; however, there is no proof yet that stress is the primary etiological trigger for IBD. Central dopamine mechanisms seem to be involved in the stress induction of peptic ulceration, whereas activation of the sympathetic nervous system and central and peripheral corticotrophin-releasing factor appears to mediate stress-induced IBD.
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A Goal Bias in Action: The Boundaries Adults Perceive in Events Align With Sites of Actor Intent.
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Growth hormone: a newly identified developmental organizer
The sexually dimorphic expression of cytochromes P450 (CYP) drug-metabolizing enzymes has been reported in all species examined. These sex differences are only expressed during adulthood and are solely regulated by sex differences in circulating growth hormone (GH) profiles. Once established, however, the different male- and female-dependent CYP isoform profiles are permanent and immutable, suggesting that adult CYP expression requires imprinting. As the hormone that regulates an adult function is likely the same hormone that imprints the function, we selectively blocked GH secretion in some newborn male rats, whereas others received concurrent physiologic replacement of rat GH. The results demonstrate that adult male GH activation of the signal transduction pathway regulating expression of the principal CYP2C11 isoform is obligatorily dependent on perinatal GH imprinting, without which CYP2C11 and drug metabolism would be permanently and profoundly suppressed. As there are other adult metabolic functions also regulated by GH, pediatric drug therapy known to disrupt GH secretion could unintentionally impair adult health.
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Effects of Learned Episodic Event Structure on Prospective Duration Judgments.
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Regulation of bone growth via ligand-specific activation of estrogen receptor alpha
Estrogens are well known for their capacity to promote bone maturation and at high doses to induce growth plate closure and thereby stop further growth. High-dose estrogen treatment has therefore been used to limit growth in extremely tall girls. However, recent data suggest that this treatment may have severe side effects, including increased risk of cancer and reduced fertility. We hypothesized that estrogenic effects in bone are mediated via ERα signaling. Twelve-week-old ovariectomized female C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously injected for 4 weeks with E2 or selective ERα (PPT) or ERβ (DPN) agonists. After killing, tibia and femur lengths were measured, and growth plate morphology was analyzed. E2- and PPT-treated mice had shorter tibiae and femur bones when compared to vehicle-treated controls, whereas animals treated with DPN had similar bone lengths compared to controls. Growth plate height and hypertrophic zone height were reduced in animals treated with E2 or PPT but not in those treated with DPN, supporting that the effect was mediated via ERα. Moreover, PCNA staining revealed suppressed proliferation of chondrocytes in the tibia growth plate in PPT- or E2-treated mice compared to controls. Our data show that estrogenic effects on bone growth and growth plate maturation are mainly mediated via ERα. Our findings may have direct implications for the development of new and more selective treatment modalities of extreme tall stature using selective estrogen receptor modulators that may have low side effects than high-dose E2 treatment.
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The Role of Episodic Context in Retrieval Practice Effects.
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Fiber-spun polypropylene/polyethylene terephthalate microfibrillar composites with enhanced tensile and rheological properties and foaming ability
Publication date: 10 February 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 110
Author(s): Ali Rizvi, Zamil K.M. Andalib, Chul B. Park
Modification of the mechanical and rheological properties of polypropylene (PP) is accomplished through the in-situ generation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibrils via fiber spinning of PP/PET (95/5 wt%). This modification increases the tensile strength of PP fibers by up to 46% and elongation at break by up to seven-folds. The change in the tensile properties is governed by the draw ratio. Uniaxial extensional viscosity measurements show a strain-hardening behavior in the fiber-spun PP/PET, not observed in the neat PP or in the melt-blended PP/PET. The oscillatory shear behavior in the linear viscoelastic region is studied to understand the percolation properties of PET fibrils in PP. When the PET domains are fibrillated, the storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli increase and their slopes decrease at low frequencies compared to neat PP or melt-blended PP/PET, indicating that the fibril network responds elastically over long timescales. The wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) data shows the presence of γ-polymorph crystals of PP in both PP and the fiber-spun PP/PET. Foam extrusion is used as a model polymer process to study the effect of the PET fibrils on the processability of PP. Results reveal that the presence of PET fibrils in PP yields foams that exhibit up to two orders of magnitude higher cell densities and up to a five-fold increase in the expansion ratio relative to the neat PP. Enhancing the foaming ability of polymer blends by fibrillating the dispersed phase using fiber spinning is technologically promising.
Graphical abstract
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Unsaturated polyester resin toughening with very low loadings of GO derivatives
Publication date: 10 February 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 110
Author(s): Siyao He, Nicholas D. Petkovich, Kunwei Liu, Yuqiang Qian, Christopher W. Macosko, Andreas Stein
Graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives with vinyl and alkyl functional groups (mGO) were synthesized and dispersed into unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) to prepare nanocomposites. Successful chemical modification of the GO sheets was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. In contrast to unmodified GO, mGO was easily dispersed in UPR, even without sonication, making the process scalable. The few-micrometer GO sheets and aggregates in the resin composite were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and visible light microscopy. Compact tension testing of the resin composites with mGO showed that, with a remarkably low loading of only 0.04 wt% mGO, a 55% improvement in fracture energy (GIC) was obtained with little change in flexural strength or modulus. This high effectiveness renders mGO economically viable. Analysis of fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy suggests that mGO particles interact with the propagating crack, the main toughening effect being crack pinning.
Graphical abstract
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Health-compromising practices of undergraduate college students: Examining racial/ethnic and gender differences in characteristics of prescription stimulant misuse
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 68
Author(s): Sheena Cruz, Stephanie Sumstine, Jocelyne Mendez, Niloofar Bavarian
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Real-time cardiac magnetic resonance cine imaging with sparse sampling and iterative reconstruction for left-ventricular measures: Comparison with gold-standard segmented steady-state free precession
Source:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volume 38
Author(s): Gabriel C. Camargo, Fernanda Erthal, Leticia Sabioni, Filipe Penna, Ralph Strecker, Michaela Schmidt, Michael O. Zenge, Ronaldo de S.L. Lima, Ilan Gottlieb
BackgroundSegmented cine imaging with a steady-state free-precession sequence (Cine-SSFP) is currently the gold standard technique for measuring ventricular volumes and mass, but due to multi breath-hold (BH) requirements, it is prone to misalignment of consecutive slices, time consuming and dependent on respiratory capacity. Real-time cine avoids those limitations, but poor spatial and temporal resolution of conventional sequences has prevented its routine application. We sought to examine the accuracy and feasibility of a newly developed real-time sequence with aggressive under-sampling of k-space using sparse sampling and iterative reconstruction (Cine-RT).MethodsStacks of short-axis cines were acquired covering both ventricles in a 1.5T system using gold standard Cine-SSFP and Cine-RT. Acquisition parameters for Cine-SSFP were: acquisition matrix of 224×196, temporal resolution of 39ms, retrospective gating, with an average of 8 heartbeats per slice and 1–2 slices/BH. For Cine-RT: acquisition matrix of 224×196, sparse sampling net acceleration factor of 11.3, temporal resolution of 41ms, prospective gating, real-time acquisition of 1 heart-beat/slice and all slices in one BH. LV contours were drawn at end diastole and systole to derive LV volumes and mass.ResultsForty-one consecutive patients (15 male; 41±17years) in sinus rhythm were successfully included. All images from Cine-SSFP and Cine-RT were considered to have excellent quality. Cine-RT-derived LV volumes and mass were slightly underestimated but strongly correlated with gold standard Cine-SSFP. Inter- and intra-observer analysis presented similar results between both sequences.ConclusionsCine-RT featuring sparse sampling and iterative reconstruction can achieve spatial and temporal resolution equivalent to Cine-SSFP, providing excellent image quality, with similar precision measurements and highly correlated and only slightly underestimated volume and mass values.
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Anti-psoriatic potential of Solanum xanthocarpum stem in Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice model
Publication date: 23 February 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 198
Author(s): Komal M. Parmar, Prakash R. Itankar, Apurva Joshi, Satyendra K. Prasad
Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe plant Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (Solanaceae) is one of the members of the dashamula (ten roots) in Ayurvedic system of medicine. The stem and fruits are used as an antipyretic, antiasthmatic and is prescribed in skin infections and for relief in burning sensation in the feet accompanied by vesicular eruptions.ObjectiveTo scientifically validate the anti-psoriatic potential of Solanum xanthocarpum stem in Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice model.Materials and methodsEthanolic stems extract of Solanum xanthocarpum (ESX) was first subjected to phytochemical screening and quantification of identified phytoconstituents, which was further standardized with the help of HPTLC using chlorogenic acid as a marker. The extract was then subjected to acute oral toxicity and skin irritability study for determining the safety profile of the extract. Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model was then performed to check the efficacy of extract against psoriasis, where treatment was carried out for 15 days both topically (Gel at 2.5%, 5% and 10%) as well as orally (at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg p.o.) and their Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was calculated. The study also included determination of levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 in the animal tissues, which further included biochemical evaluations such as total collagen, hexosamine, hyaluronic acid DNA, protein antioxidant profiles such as lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase and catalase along with histopathological studies of the tissues.ResultESX showed the presence of mainly phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and carbohydrates, while chlorogenic acid was reported to be 3.49% w/w. The Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model, depicted a potent anti-psoriatic activity of the extract both topical (10%) and oral (200 and 400mg/kg p.o., as evident through PASI grading The effect was found to be more prominent in case of topically treated as compared to orally treated mice. The results also showed a significant inhibition in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 in treated animal tissues and also showed significant restoration of the altered biochemical parameters along with reduced hyperkeratinisation as observed through histopathology.ConclusionThe study scientifically justified the anti-psoriatic activity of the ESX, which may be attributed to inhibition in the expression of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17. Further, the observed antioxidant, antimicrobial and cellular proliferative activities may act as a contributing factor in treatment of psoriasis, which may be attributed to the presence of chlorogenic acid along with other phytochemicals in combination.
Graphical abstract
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A 3-year review of the pattern of contraceptive use among women attending the family planning clinic of a University Teaching Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):69-73
Background: Contraceptives are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. In Nigeria, the contraceptive prevalence was reported at 15% in 2013. Aims: This study aimed to determine the pattern of contraceptive use and sociodemographic characteristics of the users of family planning services in a teaching hospital in Lagos. Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective study of women who sought contraceptive services at the family planning clinic over a 3-year period. Relevant information was extracted from the case records of these women. Data were analyzed using Epi Info statistical package for Windows. Results: A total of 594 women opted to use a form of contraception in the study, within an age range of 15–52 years and with mean age of 34.3 ± 4.2 years. Fifty-four percent (54%) of the women users belonged to the Yoruba tribe and 89.4% were of the Christian faith. Married women accounted for 97.6% of the users, with the majority (68.9%) having parity of 2–4. Majority (77.6%) of the women had at least a tertiary level of education, with 46.1% of them involved in a form of skilled occupation. Nurses were the commonest source of referrals (42.9%). A larger proportion of the women (46.3%) preferred Jadelle implant while the least used method is Norplant (0.5%). Conclusion: Equipping medical personnel with the information and skills needed to meet the increasing demand for family planning services is necessary to avert the needless increase in the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion, and their sequelae.
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Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fracture following tetanus in a healthy adult
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):100-102
A 45-year-old trader presented to us with 4 weeks history of difficulty in opening his mouth, inability to walk and tonic–clonic seizures with bilateral femoral neck fractures. Three weeks before the onset of problems, the patient had been knocked down by a tricycle and had sustained an open wound over the right medial malleolus; the wound was sutured at a general hospital and the patient discharged home. One week later, the wound started discharging a foul-smelling pus and was dressed at a primary health centre; however, by the second week, the patient started having difficulty in opening his mouth. By the third week, he was bed ridden, developed tonic–clonic seizures and felt a crunching sound associated with severe pain in both hips. He was taken to a traditional bone setter who gave him some herbs, but his symptoms got worse. He was then brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria where a diagnosis of tetanus was made. Further evaluation revealed Gardener-type IV bilateral femoral neck fractures. He was managed for the tetanus, underwent bilateral bipolar hemiarthroplasty and was discharged home. He spent 10 weeks in the hospital.
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Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis immunoglobulin G antibody in infertile women in Calabar
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):74-79
Background: Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is recognized as the single most common cause of tubal peritoneal damage leading to infertility. Knowledge of the prevalence of Chlamydia antibodies among infertile women will help determine the level of Chlamydial infection and hence its contribution to infertility. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody in infertile patients and the sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors associated with infection in Calabar. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective comparative study conducted among 145 women presenting for infertility in UCTH Calabar. Another 145 women with normal pregnancies attending the antenatal clinic were used as controls. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of C. trachomatis IgG antibody was 38.6% in the infertile group and 22.8% in the pregnant controls. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Infertile women aged 30–34 years had the highest positivity rate (36.0%) for C. trachomatis antibody. Thirty-eight (42.7%) of the infertile subjects who tested positive had a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) while 47 (23.4%) who tested negative had a history of PID. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Chlamydia infection was not found to be associated with any particular type of infertility (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of C. trachomatis was higher in infertile women when compared to pregnant controls. This finding lends credence to the call for enzyme immunosorbent assay for Chlamydial IgG antibodies to be incorporated into infertility investigation in this environment.
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Health-related quality of life in sickle cell disease subjects in Benin City, Nigeria
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):80-85
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Hemoglobinopathies are the most prevalent genetic disease globally, and SCD is estimated to affect 2–3% of Nigerians. The disease may adversely impact on the quality of life of sickle cell patients. This study aims to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of SCD subjects compared to normal controls living in Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: The HRQoL of SCD subjects was evaluated using the Medical Outcome Study 36-item survey tool. The outcome was compared with those of a normal non-SCD population. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 (Chicago, SPSS Inc.). P value was set at 0.05.Results: Sixty-one SCD subjects and 61 normal respondents (controls) participated in the study. The mean ages of the SCD group and controls were 26.7 ± 9.0 years and 23.70 ± 3.1 years, respectively. Fifty-nine (96.7%) of the SCD respondents were hemoglobin (Hb) SS and 2 (3.3%) were Hb SC. The physical function, limitations due to physical health, general health, and pain scores were significantly lower in the SCD population compared to the controls (P = 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, and 0.002, respectively. The social function and limitation due to the emotional problem do not differ significantly between both groups while the vitality (energy/fatigue) score and emotional well-being were higher in the SCD group, but they were not statistically significant (P = 0.066 and 0.127, respectively). Male gender, employment, clinic attendance, and family support impacted positively on the HRQoL of SCD subjects. Conclusion: The physical and general health functions of SCD subjects are significantly impaired by the disease. There is a need for clinicians in our region to review current management trends to include world best practices such as the universal use of hydroxyurea and stem cell transplantation to change the prevailing trend.
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Marfan syndrome: A case report
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):107-109
Marfan syndrome (MS) is a disorder of the connective tissues characterized by various phenotypical and genetic manifestations. We present this case to show its rarity and to highlight the need of early diagnosis to avert the numerous complications that follow it. A 7-year-old male, who presented with an abnormal body physique that was noticed at age 2 months, poor vision that was noticed 5 years ago, recurrent chest pain that started 3 years ago, and recurrent easy tiredness that started 3 years ago. He developed poor vision 2 years later. Examination revealed an acutely ill-looking child with dyspnea, grade 4 apical positive surgical margins (PSM), grade 2 diastolic murmur (at the aortic area), multiple skeletal abnormalities with lens subluxation and iridodonesis. Diagnosis of MS was made and he was comanaged with ophthalmologists and orthopedic surgeons.
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Vaginal delivery after three previous caesarean sections: A report of two cases
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):97-99
Vaginal birth after one caesarean section (CS) is considered safe in selected women. However, women with more than one CS in low-income settings are at higher risk of complications with vaginal birth. Thus, abdominal delivery is recommended for women with more than one CS in low-income countries unlike in high-income countries. This study was designed to raise awareness on the remote possibility of safe vaginal delivery after three CS in low-income countries. The records of two women who had vaginal deliveries after three previous CS were retrieved and reviewed. Both women presented in advanced labour and had unplanned but successful vaginal deliveries. There was no uterine rupture. The risks and consequences of uterine rupture may outweigh the benefits of unplanned vaginal birth after more than one CS. These unusual cases suggest the remote possibility of success and the need for further studies on defining safety guidelines for low-resource settings.
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Seminal fluid features of male partners of infertility patients in southeast Nigeria
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):86-91
Background: Semen analysis has remained an objective, inexpensive and readily available means of assessing male factor infertility. There is a paucity of studies on male factor infertility in Nigeria using the current World Health Organization 2010 human values for semen characteristics. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the socio-demographic and semen characteristics of the male partners of infertile couples in Abakaliki. Materials and Methods: The case files of infertility cases managed at Federal Teaching Hospital from January 2011 to December 2015 were retrieved. Results: Out of 730 semen analysis results analysed, 297 (40.7%) have abnormal parameters ranging from abnormal motility (36.7%), to the combination of low sperm count, abnormal motility and morphology (0.68%). While older age and urban dwelling had significant effect on abnormal sperm motility, rural dwelling and low/or no educational status had a significant effect on low seminal fluid volume and sperm count (P-value ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: There is still a high rate of male factor infertility in this environment.
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Guillain–Barre syndrome in pregnancy: A case report
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):110-112
Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) complicating pregnancy is a rare event, with documented incidence of 1–3 per 100,000 people annually. Maternal and perinatal mortality rate of >10% is associated with GBS. We present a 28-year-old gravida four para three housewife who developed progressive ascending paralysis during the second trimester of pregnancy. A detailed history and physical examination led to the clinical diagnosis of GBS; she had a preceding gastrointestinal infective episode. She did not consent to lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, but all investigation results were normal. She was managed supportively as an in-patient with physiotherapy in conjunction with the physiotherapists. Her symptoms improved and she was discharged after 12 days. The rest of the pregnancy progressed uneventfully, and she had a spontaneous vertex delivery of a live female baby that weighed 2.55 kg with good Apgar scores, after 8 h of uncomplicated labour at term. She did not have any postpartum complications, and the neonate was healthy and normal.
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An 80-year-old man with acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis: A rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):103-106
Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis (APMF) is a rare, fatal hematological neoplasm that is characterized by acute onset of cytopenias and fibrosis in the bone marrow in the absence of splenomegaly or fibrosis-related morphological changes in the red blood cells. We report the case of an 80-year-old male who presented with progressive pallor and weakness of 1-month duration. Peripheral smear revealed severe anemia, leukopenia with occasional circulating blasts and a normal platelet count. The marrow was heavily fibrotic, and no aspirate material could be obtained; the biopsy showed extensive infiltration with small to medium size megakaryocytes, dysplastic changes in the erythroid compartment, and focal clusters of blasts. A diagnosis of APMF was made and the patient was started on low dose lenalidomide and supportive transfusions. However, the patient died due to intracranial bleeding. Cases of APMF have a dismal outcome and should be managed aggressively.
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Giant pleomorphic adenoma of major salivary glands: A review of ten cases
African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2016 15(2):92-96
Background: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the major salivary glands has been documented to occur in various sizes ranging from 1 cm to 10 cm in their widest diameter; however, they can assume a grotesque proportion as a consequence of uninhibited growth in cases with delayed presentation. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of all patients with PA of the major salivary glands with sizes >10 cm in its widest dimension and seen over a 10-year period was undertaken by retrieving sociodemographic and clinical data from patients' case files from the Oral and Maxillofacial Unit of a Nigerian Teaching Hospital. Results: Case files of ten patients (4 males and 6 females) were reviewed over the study period. The ages ranged from 14 to 61 years, mean 33.8 ± 17.97 years. Equal distribution of five cases of PA was noted in the parotid and submandibular glands, respectively. The onset of symptoms ranged from 3 to 20 years and the largest tumor was 27 cm in its largest diameter. Only one case of malignant PA was recorded. Conclusion: Prevalence of giant PA from the study was found to be 13.5%, with a greater occurrence in the female (60%) patients compared to the male (40%) patients and with an equal distribution in both parotid and submandibular glands. PA of major salivary glands can assume a grotesque proportion when timely surgical intervention is not sought. Complete surgical excision in benign lesions can guarantee a cure and restore self-esteem.
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Real-time PCR assays for the detection and quantification of carbapenemase genes ( bla KPC , bla NDM , and bla OXA-48 ) in environmental samples
Abstract
In this study, we have developed real-time PCR assays using SYBR Green chemistry to detect all known alleles of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48-like carbapenemase genes in water, sediment, and biofilm samples collected from hospital and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and rivers receiving chronic WWTP discharges. The amplification of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48 DNA was linear over 7 log dilutions (R 2 between 0.995 and 0.997) and showing efficiencies ranging from 92.6% to 100.3%. The analytical sensitivity indicated that the reaction for bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48-like genes was able to detect 35, 16, and 19 copy numbers per assay, respectively. The three carbapenemase genes were detected in hospital effluents, whereas only the bla KPC and bla NDM genes were detected in biofilm and sediment samples collected from wastewater-impacted rivers. The detection of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48-like genes in different matrices suggests that carbapenem-resistant bacteria occur in both planktonic and benthic habitats thus expanding the range of resistance reservoirs for last-resort antibiotics. We believe that these real-time PCR assays would be a powerful tool for the rapid detection and quantification of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48-like genes in complex environmental samples.
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Analysing the correlations of long-term seasonal water quality parameters, suspended solids and total dissolved solids in a shallow reservoir with meteorological factors
Abstract
To explore the correlations among water quality parameters, suspended solids (SS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) with meteorological factors in a shallow reservoir in China, the long-term variations of water quality were considered. A non-parametric regression method, generalized additive models (GAM), was used to analyse the correlations among eleven physicochemical and biological parameters as well as three meteorological factors (wind speed, rainfall and solar radiation) which we collected from 2000 to 2011. The results indicate that the three meteorological factors may have positive effects on SS. Moreover, statistically significant correlations between many water quality parameters and SS or TDS were exhibited seasonally. The correlations between electrical conductivity (EC) and SS were opposite to correlations between EC and TDS. This finding reveals that TDS have a positive impact on EC, while EC negatively affects SS. The results indicated that many parameters, such as total nitrogen, total phosphorus, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), were related to SS due to the adsorption of SS. Moreover, both positive and negative correlations between COD and TDS were observed in this freshwater reservoir. The positive correlation between chlorophyll a and SS suggested that the change of SS concentration in autumn was caused by the growth of algae. Meanwhile, significant correlations between SS and meteorological factors were also observed, indicating that meteorological factors had effects on SS dynamics. This study provides useful information regarding the correlations among water quality parameters, SS and TDS with meteorological factors in a freshwater reservoir.
http://ift.tt/2jtaS8n
Amelioration of an acidic ultisol by straw-derived biochars combined with dicyandiamide under application of urea
Abstract
The rapid increase in agricultural pollution demands judicious use of inputs and outputs for sustainable crop production. Crop straws were pyrolyzed under oxygen-limited conditions at 400 °C for 2 h to prepare peanut straw biochar (PB), canola straw biochar (CB), and wheat straw biochar (WB). Then, 300-g soils were incubated each with urea nitrogen (UN) and UN + biochars with or without dicyandiamide (DCD) for 60 days. During the incubations, soil acidification induced by urea was somewhat inhibited by biochars, but nitrification of hydrolyzed NH4+ produced much more acidity than the neutralization potential of the biochars. In single UN (200 mg/kg) treatment, soil pH decreased drastically and the final pH after incubation was lower than the control. Antagonistic to UN, all three biochars neutralized the soil acidity, which was consistent to their inherent alkalinity. DCD inhibited nitrification which was obvious throughout the incubations, as 30 mg/kg DCD + 200 mg/kg UN combined with 1 % PB, CB, and WB retained 0.94, 0.79, and 1.19 units higher pH, respectively, and significantly reduced exchangeable acidity over the treatments without DCD (P < 0.05). The treatments of UN + biochars with and without DCD had highly significant effects on soil pH, exchangeable Al3+, NH4+-N, (NO3−+NO2−)-N, and available P (P < 0.05). Amplified NH4+-N retentions at higher rates of PB referred increased negatively charged sites for nutrient adsorptions. Applied UN transformations varied among different treatments, and the maximum amounts of total mineral N recovered were 218.3, 218.5, and 223.8 mg/kg in the presence of DCD by PB, CB, and WB, compared to 198.2, 201.6, and 205.2 mg/kg, respectively, in no DCD treatments. Urea induced severe soil acidification and even lowered the ameliorative effects of applied biochars. Thus, ammonium-based fertilizers must include nitrification inhibitor (DCD) and, if used in combination with biochars will offer a suitable choice to reduce the acidity, improve base saturation and fertility of soil for sustainable agriculture.
http://ift.tt/2jt8cYF
Bacterial community structure and prevalence of Pusillimonas -like bacteria in aged landfill leachate
Abstract
Although several works have been performed from an engineering point of view, a limited number of studies have focused on microbial communities involved in the humification of aged landfill leachates. In this work, cultivation techniques, next-generation sequencing, and phospholipid fatty acid analysis were adopted to decrypt the diversity and the ecophysiological properties of the dominant microbiota in aged landfill leachate. Based on Illumina sequencing, Betaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria dominated the aged landfill leachate. The main taxa identified at genus level were Pusillimonas-like bacteria and Leucobacter (41.46% of total reads), with all of them being also isolated through cultivation. The presence of Pusillimonas-like bacteria was also verified by the detection of cyclo17:0 and iso-19:0 fatty acids in aged landfill leachate microbiota. Despite that almost all bacterial isolates exhibited extracellular lipolytic ability, no particular specificity was observed in the type of substrate utilized. The prevalence of effective degraders, such as Pusillimonas-like bacteria, makes the aged landfill leachate an ideal source for isolation of novel microorganisms with potential in situ bioremediation uses.
http://ift.tt/2jt5Zwk
Optimizing vermifilter depth by process performance collaborated with the evolutions of microbial characteristics during sewage sludge treatment
Abstract
The present study focuses on optimizing filter depth on sludge reduction in a four-stage vermifiltration during the course of treating excess sludge continuously. The results indicated that when the filter depth exceeded 75 cm, though the fourth stage can further advance the sludge reduction, its contribution for the total sludge reduction was lower than 10%, while the aerobic bacteria, especially the dominant bacteria (Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes), kept a high similarity as the filter depth varied. Furthermore, earthworm activities attributed to aerobic bacteria being preferentially selected in the system, positively supporting the organic decomposition. As far as economic cost and process performance are concerned, a 75-cm vermifilter was recommended to efficiently and economically achieve the required standard for sewage sludge reduction and stabilization.
http://ift.tt/2jtfCLo
Source analysis of organic matter in swine wastewater after anaerobic digestion with EEM-PARAFAC
Abstract
Swine wastewater is one of the most serious pollution sources, and it has attracted a great public concern in China. Anaerobic digestion technology is extensively used in swine wastewater treatment. However, the anaerobic digestion effluents are difficult to meet the discharge standard. The results from batch experiments showed that plenty of refractory organic matter remained in the effluents after mesophilic anaerobic digestion for 30 days. The effluent total COD (tCOD) and soluble COD (sCOD) were 483 and 324 mg/L, respectively, with the sCOD/tCOD ratio of 0.671. Fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) coupled with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) revealed that the dissolved organic matter in the effluents was tryptophan-like substance, humic acid substance, and fulvic acid substance. Based on the appearance time during anaerobic digestion, tryptophan-like substance and humic acid substance were inferred to originate from the raw swine wastewater, and the fulvic acid substance was inferred to be formed in the anaerobic digestion. This work has revealed the source of residual organic matter in anaerobic digestion of swine wastewater and has provided some valuable information for the post-treatment.
http://ift.tt/2jt8EWG
Hazardous metal pollution in a protected coastal area from Northern Patagonia (Argentina)
Abstract
The San Antonio Bay is a protected natural coastal area of Argentina that has been exposed to mining wastes over the last three decades. Iron and trace metals of potential concern to biota and human health (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn) were investigated in the sediments from the bay and in the soils of the Pile (mining wastes). Concentrations of Cd (45 mg kg−1), Pb (42,853 mg kg−1), Cu (24,505 mg kg−1), and Zn (28,686 mg kg−1) in the soils Pile exceeded guidelines for agricultural, residential, and industrial land uses. Risk assessment due to exposure to contaminated soils (Pile) was performed. Hazard quotients were superior to non-risk (HQ >1) for all trace metals, while accumulative hazard quotient index indicated a high risk for children (HI = 93) and moderate for adults (HI = 9). In the bay, sediments closest to the Pile (mudflat and salt marsh) exceeded sediment quality guidelines for protection of biota. Results of different acid extraction methods suggest that most of the pseudototal content was potentially mobile. Principal component analysis indicated that the sites near the Pile (Encerrado channel) were more polluted than the distal ones. Tissues of Spartina spp. located within Encerrado channel showed the highest metal levels among all studied sites. These results show that the problem still persists and the mining wastes are the sources of the pollution. Furthermore, the Encerrado channel is a highly impacted area, as it is shown by their metal enriched sediments.
http://ift.tt/2jhzqnm
Trophic transfer and effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in Gammarus fossarum from contaminated periphytic biofilm
Abstract
This work addressed the trophic transfer and effects of functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from periphytic biofilms to the crustacean Gammarus fossarum. Biofilms were exposed for 48 h to 10 nm positively charged functionalized AuNPs at two concentrations, 4.6 and 46 mg/L, and crustaceans G. fossarum grazed on these for 7 days, with daily biofilm renewal. Gold bioaccumulation in biofilm and crustacean were measured to estimate the trophic transfer ratio of these AuNP, and, for the first time, a transcriptomic approach and transmission electron microscopy observations in the crustacean were made. These two approaches showed cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and, in particular, an impact of these AuNPs on mitochondrial respiration. Modulation of digestive enzyme activity was also observed, suggesting modifications of digestive functions. The damage due to these nanoparticles could then have vital consequences for the organisms during chronic exposure.
http://ift.tt/2jhEdVY
Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity reduction of the polluted urban river after ecological restoration: a field-scale study of Jialu River in northern China
Abstract
To further treat the reclaimed municipal wastewater and rehabilitate the aquatic ecosystem of polluted urban rivers, an 18.5-km field-scale ecological restoration project was constructed along Jialu River, a polluted urban river which receives only reclaimed municipal wastewater from Zhengzhou City without natural upland water dilution. This study investigated the potential efficiency of water quality improvement, as well as genotoxicity and cytotoxicity reduction along the ecological restoration project of this polluted urban river. Results showed that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) of the reclaimed municipal effluent were reduced by more than 45 and 70%, respectively, meeting the Chinese surface water environmental quality standard level IV, while the total phosphorus and metal concentrations had no significant reduction along the restoration project, and Pb concentrations in all river water samples exceeded permissible limit in drinking water set by WHO (2006) and China (GB5749-2006). The in vitro SOS/umu assay showed 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide equivalent (4-NQO-EQ) values of reclaimed municipal wastewater of 0.69 ± 0.05 μg/L in April and 0.68 ± 0.06 μg/L in December, respectively, indicating the presence of genotoxic compounds. The results of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and hepatic cell apoptosis in zebrafish after a chorionic long-term (21 days) in vivo exposure also demonstrated that the reclaimed municipal wastewater caused significant DNA oxidative damage and cytotoxicity. After the ecological purification of 18.5-km field-scale restoration project, the genotoxicity assessed by in vitro assay was negligible, while the DNA oxidative damage and cytotoxicity in exposed fish were still significantly elevated. The mechanisms of DNA oxidative damage and cytotoxicity caused by the reclaimed municipal wastewater need further study.
http://ift.tt/2jhxuuS
8 Time Dependent Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Caffeine on Vigilance Performance during Extended Wakefulness
Source:Brain Stimulation, Volume 10, Issue 1
Author(s): R. Andy McKinley, Lindsey K. McIntire, Ryan Schilling, Chuck Goodyear, Justin Nelson
http://ift.tt/2ipxghq
Table of Contents
Source:Brain Stimulation, Volume 10, Issue 1
http://ift.tt/2ipySHM
Revaluation of stockpile amount of PFOS-containing aqueous film-forming foam in Japan: gaps and pitfalls in the stockpile survey
Abstract
Stockpiles of perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) have the potential to be emitted by leaching, spills, and during use in fire response and other processes. Several studies have discussed the high levels of stockpiled PFOS-containing AFFF and the risk they pose to the environment; however, there are large gaps in the amounts in Japan compared with other countries. For example, 300 tons are stockpiled in Canada, 2200–2600 tons in Switzerland, 1400 tons in Norway, and 19,000 tons in Japan from their reports for publication. The gap is considered to be a result of lack of surveys of several important sources. In this study, we revaluated the stockpile of AFFF in Japan to verify the reported value and identify the source of this gap based on information available in peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports, and business reports. The major reason for the gap between Japan and other countries was considered to be the survey of stockpiles in car-parking facilities, which accounted for 46.7% of the total amounts in Japan, but were not considered in other countries. These stockpiles indicate a high potential for accidental leaching or spilling of the AFFF by careless storage. Therefore, it is recommended that continual surveys of the AFFF stockpile in car-parking facilities be conducted in the rest of the world.
http://ift.tt/2jtfziA
4 Understanding the Practices of the Do-It-Yourself Brain Stimulation Community: Implications for Regulatory Proposals and Ethical Discussions
Source:Brain Stimulation, Volume 10, Issue 1
Author(s): Anna Wexler
http://ift.tt/2itZOJY
Masthead
Source:Brain Stimulation, Volume 10, Issue 1
http://ift.tt/2ipFBBB
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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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