Framingham risk assessment in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a known association with obesity [1]. Evidence of an association between metabolic syndrome and HS has been reported [2]. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) [3] is a gender-specific algorithm used to estimate an individual's 10-year cardiovascular risk. Despite limitations of its use, it remains one of the most widely used risk assessment tools. Patients scoring less than 10% are considered to be at low risk, those between 10% and 20% are at moderate risk and those scoring 20% or more are considered to be at high risk.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Experimental data of lithium-ion battery and ultracapacitor under DST and UDDS profiles at room temperature

Publication date: Available online 6 February 2017
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Yujie Wang, Chang Liu, Rui Pan, Zonghai Chen
This article provides the dataset of both the LiFePO4 type lithium-ion battery (LIB) behavior and the Maxwell ultracapacitor behavior. The dynamic stress test (DST) condition and the urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS) condition were carried out to analyze the battery/ultracapacitor features. The datasets were achieved at room temperature, in August, 2016. The shared data contributes to clarify the behavior of the LIBs and ultracapacitors and can be used to predict the state-of-charge (SOC) of the LIBs and ultracapacitors, which is also shown in the article of "Modeling and state-of-charge prediction of lithium-ion battery and ultracapacitor hybrids with a co-estimator" (United States Advanced Battery Consortium, 1996) [1].



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Complex traits: Selecting against schooling

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Limb development: a paradigm of gene regulation

Here, the authors review the complex gene regulatory mechanisms that underlie limb development and that determine forelimb versus hindlimb identity. They explain how the modification of these regulatory elements leads to morphological evolution, acquired regeneration capacity or limb malformations in diverse species, including humans.

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Cutaneous papillary adenocarcinoma in situ

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Reply to “Reappraisal of histopathology of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa”

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Immunomodulation, alemtuzumab associated dermatitis and the histology of drug-induced exanthems

http://ift.tt/2l9ygw6

The cosmetic and dermatological potential of keratin hydrolysate

Summary

Background

Although keratin hydrolysates have become established as standard components in hair and nail cosmetics, studies on the moisturizing effects of keratin hydrolysates do not appear among contemporary literature.

Objectives

To test if adding keratin hydrolysate into an ointment base increases hydration of the skin and improves skin barrier function, or diminishes trans-epidermal water loss.

Methods

Formulations were prepared containing 2%, 4%, and 6% keratin hydrolysates (based on weight of the ointment base). The moisturizing properties of keratin hydrolysates were tested by measuring skin hydration, trans-epidermal water loss and skin pH; measurements were carried out at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 48 h. Testing was conducted on 10 women.

Results

As regards hydration, adding 2% keratin hydrolysate to the ointment base is optimal, as an increase of 14%-23% occurs in hydration of the stratum corneum. For trans-epidermal water loss, adding 4% KH to the ointment base is preferential, as this triggers a 26%-46% decrease in trans-epidermal water loss.

Conclusions

Keratin hydrolysate acts as a humectant (it binds water from lower layers of the epidermis to the stratum corneum) as well as an occlusive (it reduces trans-epidermal water loss). The highly favorable properties of keratin hydrolysates are attributed to the wide distribution of keratin hydrolysates molecular weights; low-molecular weight fractions easily penetrate the SC, while high-molecular weight fractions form a protective film on the epidermis. Adding keratin hydrolysates to the ointment base did not cause phase separation even after 6 mo storage.

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Comparison of hair removal efficacy and side effect of neodymium:Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser and intense pulsed light systems (18-month follow-up)

Summary

Background

Photothermal destruction of hair shaft melanin with intense pulsed light (IPL) and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has become an effective treatment of hair removal.

Aims

Our aim was to compare efficacy, satisfactory levels, safety, and side effects of Nd:YAG and IPL in hair reduction.

Methods

This was a prospective randomized intrapatient, right-left, assessor-blinded comparison of Nd:YAG vs IPL. There were 38 volunteers recruited. Seven sessions were performed. Hair count, efficacy, and side effects were compared before and after each treatment and 6 months after the last treatment. In respect of 12 volunteers, we have examined the reduction in hair after 18 months.

Results

Initially, there was no significant difference between the numbers of hair follicles. There was significant hair reduction after each treatment on the Nd:YAG-treated side. The hair reduction became significant after the third treatment with IPL. Comparison of the efficacy of the two devices on each visits showed no significant difference. There was statistically lower pain score on the IPL-treated side and statistically higher erythema, burning sensation, and edema on the Nd:YAG-treated side. Statistically lower side effect score was observed on the IPL-treated side. Eight months after the last treatment, there was significant hair reduction both on the Nd:YAG and on the IPL-treated side, and there was no difference between the efficacy. The patient satisfaction scores were higher with the IPL.

Conclusion

Unwanted hair can be reduced by both systems safely and effectively; however, IPL has less side effects and higher satisfaction scores.

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Administration of anabolic steroid during adolescence induces long-term cardiac hypertrophy and increases susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion injury in adult Wistar rats

Publication date: Available online 6 February 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Fernando de Azevedo Cruz Seara, Raiana Andrade Quintanilha Barbosa, Dahienne Ferreira de Oliveira, Diorney Luiz Souza Gran da Silva, Adriana Bastos Carvalho, Andrea Claudia Freitas Ferreira, José Hamilton Matheus Nascimento, Emerson Lopes Olivares
Chronic administration of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in adult rats results in cardiac hypertrophy and increased susceptibility to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Molecular analyses demonstrated that hyperactivation of type 1 angiotensin II (AT1) receptor mediates cardiac hypertrophy induced by AAS and also induces down-regulation of myocardial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP), resulting in loss of exercise-induced cardioprotection. Exposure to AAS during adolescence promoted long-term cardiovascular dysfunctions, such as dysautonomia. We tested the hypothesis that chronic AAS exposure in the pre/pubertal phase increases the susceptibility to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in adult rats. Male Wistar rats (26day old) were treated with vehicle (Control, n=12) or testosterone propionate (TP) (AAS, 5mgkg⁻¹ n=12) 5 times/week during 5 weeks. At the end of AAS exposure, rats underwent 23days of washout period and were submitted to euthanasia. Langendorff-perfused hearts were submitted to IR injury and evaluated for mechanical dysfunctions and infarct size. Molecular analysis was performed by mRNA levels of α-myosin heavy chain (MHC), βMHC and brain-derived natriuretic peptide (BNP), ryanodine receptor (RyR2) and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of AT1 receptor and KATP channel subunits (Kir6.1 and SURa) was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. NADPH oxidase (Nox)-related reactive oxygen species generation was assessed by spectrofluorimetry. The expression of antioxidant enzymes was measured by qRT-PCR in order to address a potential role of redox unbalance. AAS exposure promoted long-term cardiac hypertrophy characterized by increased expression of βMHC and βMHC/αMHC ratio. Baseline derivative of pressure (dP/dt) was impaired by AAS exposure. Postischemic recovery of mechanical properties was impaired (decreased left ventricle [LV] developed pressure and maximal dP/dt; increased LV end-diastolic pressure and minimal dP/dt) and infarct size was larger in the AAS group. Catalase mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the AAS group. In conclusion, chronic administration of AAS during adolescence promoted long-term pathological cardiac hypertrophy and persistent increase in the susceptibility to myocardial IR injury possible due to disturbances on catalase expression.



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The breathtaking truth about breath alcohol readings of zero

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Joris C Verster, Marlou Mackus, Aurora JAE van de Loo, Johan Garssen, Andrew Scholey
IntroductionIt has been postulated that the hangover state starts when breath alcohol concentration is zero.MethodsData from 2 studies that assessed ethanol in breath, blood and urine were compared.ResultsThe data revealed that ethanol may still be present in the blood and urine during the hangover state, despite breath analyser readings of zero.DiscussionAs ethanol is still present in the body despite zero breath alcohol readings, the current consensus to postpone cognitive testing in hangover studies until breath alcohol concentration is zero should be reconsidered.



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Intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy: An American Brachytherapy Society consensus report

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): S. Lloyd, K.M. Alektiar, S. Nag, Y.J. Huang, C.L. Deufel, F. Mourtada, D.K. Gaffney
PurposeThis report presents recommendations from the American Brachytherapy Society for the use of intraoperative high-dose-rate (IOHDR) brachytherapy.Methods and MaterialsMembers of the American Brachytherapy Society with expertise in IOHDR formulated this document based on their clinical experience and a review of the literature. This report covers the use of IOHDR in colorectal cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, gynecologic cancers, head and neck cancers, and pediatric cancers. This report does not cover intraoperative brachytherapy for breast cancer. Details about treatment planning and delivery are emphasized so this document can serve as a guide to practices implementing this technique.ResultsIOHDR brachytherapy is generally most beneficial for patients with either close or positive margins and/or recurrent disease in a previous resection bed or previously irradiated area. IOHDR brachytherapy requires a well-coordinated multidisciplinary team. IOHDR brachytherapy is recommended in the treatment of both recurrent and primary locally advanced disease for colorectal and gynecologic malignancies, soft tissue sarcoma, and selected head and neck and pediatric malignancies. Other techniques such as perioperative fractionated brachytherapy are also acceptable in many cases with some advantages and disadvantages compared to IOHDR.ConclusionsIOHDR brachytherapy is a specialized technique in radiation therapy with unique properties and advantages in cancer control. Special considerations for treatment planning and delivery are outlined herein.



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Bioengineered three-dimensional diseased intervertebral disc model revealed inflammatory crosstalk

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 123
Author(s): Akshay Srivastava, Isma Liza Mohd Isa, Peadar Rooney, Abhay Pandit
Without an appropriate disease model, the understanding of the pathophysiology of intervertebral disc degeneration and inflammation is limited. The lack of understanding limits the potential discovery of therapeutic targets as viable treatment options. Here, we report a versatile method to develop a three-dimensional intervertebral disc (IVD) model to study the response of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells to inflammatory (IL-1β-induced) stimulation. The cell shape regulated IVD model was engineered by modulating the crosslinking of a self-assembled collagen hydrogel. The developed model has provided us with an understanding of the molecular changes that occur at genetic level which modulate the production of extracellular matrix components and key inflammatory pathways in the inflamed IVD. We have identified the role of the suppressor of cytokine proteins (SOCS) family in combating detrimental effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines in degenerated human NP tissue as predicted by the developed diseased model. The model could also provide an understanding of the expression of glycans implicated in the diseased IVD.



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Erratum to: Association between heavy metal and metalloid levels in topsoil and cancer mortality in Spain

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American Thyroid Association Awards Research Grant

Supported by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. Research Grant to Trevor Angell, MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has awarded 85 thyroid research grants totaling over $2.2 million since the inception of the Research Fund. In addition, the ATA rigorously manages the selection of research projects and distribution of over $1.8 million generously donated to the ATA specifically for research grants from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. (ThyCa) and Bite Me Cancer.  For information on other research grants underway and funded by the ATA, see http://ift.tt/2l3TSGC.

The ATA has awarded a 2016 ThyCa Research Grant to Trevor Angell, MD, Instructor in the Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, for his project entitled "Assessment of Circulation Immune Suppressor Cells for Predicating Treatment Response in Follicular Cell Derived Thyroid Carcinoma." The goal of this prospective study is to determine whether changes in the levels of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the peripheral blood of patients with thyroid cancer before and after therapy can serve as a predictive biomarker for response to treatment.

MDSCs are a type of immune cell that prevents the body's anti-tumor immune cells from doing their job and destroying cancer. Dr. Angell has proposed that MDSCs, which are rare in healthy individuals but tend to accumulate when cancer is present, can be used for personalized risk assessment and to monitor an individual's response to treatment in patients with papillary or anaplastic thyroid cancer. The ability to use changes in MDSC levels as a biomarker for disease progression and therapeutic drug response would give clinicians valuable information to guide treatment decisions.

Dr. Angell says, "After initial diagnosis and treatment for thyroid cancer, many patients worry about the possibility of residual cancer, cancer recurrence, or progression of their disease. Thanks to scientific investigators and organizations such as the American Thyroid Association, there have been tremendous advances in predicting the course of thyroid cancer, but there continue to be many cases with uncertainty. Novel method to provide individualized risk assessment would help clinicians and patients better understand and treat thyroid cancer. We are excited to investigate MDSC measurement as a promising biomarker for cancer behavior, and gratefully acknowledge both the ATA and ThyCa for providing essential research grants and being passionate advocates for scientific exploration, innovation, and improved patient care."

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. has provided funding in support of 60 special research grants totaling $1,680,000 focused on thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer since 2003. ThyCa supported three research grants in 2016 and three renewing grants; and plans are underway for similar support in 2017. ThyCa is a member of the ATA Alliance for Patient Education. Find out more at www.thyca.org.

Bite Me Cancer (BMC) is our newest grant funder supporting five thyroid cancer grants since 2014 for a total of $143,750. BMC will be supporting a new thyroid cancer grant in 2016 and one renewing grant. BMC is a member of the ATA Alliance for Patient Education. Find out more at www.bitemecancer.org.

 

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The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the leading worldwide organization dedicated to the advancement, understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. ATA is an international individual membership organization for over 1,700 clinicians and researchers from 43 countries around the world, representing a broad diversity of medical disciplines. It also serves the public, patients and their family through education and awareness efforts

Celebrating its 94th anniversary, ATA delivers its mission through several key endeavors: the publication of highly regarded monthly journals, THYROID, Clinical Thyroidology, VideoEndocrinology and Clinical Thyroidology for the Public; annual scientific meetings; biennial clinical and research symposia; research grant programs for young investigators, support of online professional, public and patient educational programs; and the development of guidelines for clinical management of thyroid disease.

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the leading worldwide organization dedicated to the advancement, understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. ATA is an international individual membership organization for over 1,700 clinicians and researchers from 43 countries around the world, representing a broad diversity of medical disciplines. It also serves the public, patients and their family through education and awareness efforts

Celebrating its 94^th anniversary, ATA delivers its mission through several key endeavors: the publication of highly regarded monthly journals, THYROID, Clinical Thyroidology, VideoEndocrinology and Clinical Thyroidology for the Public; annual scientific meetings; biennial clinical and research symposia; research grant programs for young investigators, support of online professional, public and patient educational programs; and the development of guidelines for clinical management of thyroid disease.

More information about ATA is found at www.thyroid.org.

 

The post American Thyroid Association Awards Research Grant appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

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Response bias-related impairment of early subjective face discrimination in social anxiety disorders: an event-related potential study

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Yanyan Qi, Ruolei Gu, Jianqin Cao, Xuejing Bi, Haiyan Wu, Xun Liu
Considerable research has shown that social anxiety disorder (SAD) is accompanied by various negative cognitive biases, such as social feedback expectancy bias, memory bias, and interpretation bias. However, whether the memory bias in individuals with SAD is actually a manifestation of response bias, and whether such response bias is associated with deficits in face discrimination, remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated response bias (i.e., a tendency to recognize more negative evaluations) to faces with positive (social acceptance) or negative (social rejection) social evaluations in individuals with SAD and healthy controls (HCs) using event-related potentials (ERPs). Behavioral results revealed significant group differences in response bias in the forced-choice recall task, but no difference in overall memory accuracy. ERP results demonstrated that HCs showed a larger N170 to faces that had rejected them as compared to those that had accepted them, but this effect was not evident in the SAD group. Further analysis showed that response bias was correlated with the ΔN170 (rejected − accepted) amplitude. We concluded that the response bias in individuals with SAD is resulted from impairments in early discrimination of social faces, as reflected by the absent early N170 differentiation effect, which was associated with their combined negative biases.



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Genotoxicity of lipid oxidation compounds

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Peter M. Eckl, Nikolaus Bresgen
Lipid peroxidation, the oxidative degradation of membrane lipids by reactive oxygen species generates a large variety of breakdown products such as alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, furans and others. Due to their reactivity aldehydes (alkanals, 2-alkenals, 2,4-alkadienals, 4-hydroxyalkenals) received a lot of attention, in particular because they can diffuse from the site of formation and interact with proteins and nucleic acids thus acting as second toxic messengers. The major aldehydic peroxidation product of membrane lipids is 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). Since HNE and other 4-hydroxyalkenals are strong alkylating agents they have therefore been considered to be the biologically most important peroxidation products.Although initially research focused on the toxicological potential of these compounds it is now well known that they play also a crucial role in cell signaling under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.Thus, it is obvious that the biological effects will be determined by the intracellular concentrations which can trigger adaptation, DNA damage and cell death. This review will not cover all these aspects but will concentrate on the genotoxic properties of selected lipid oxidation products important in the context of pathophysiological developments together with a chapter on epigenetic modifications.

Graphical abstract

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Rett Syndrome- Current Status And Future Directions

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Ahmed Naguy, Bedour Yahya




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Clinico-pathological Conference: A hypotonic newborn with cleft palate, micrognathia and bilateral club feet

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Megan A. Waldrop, Daniel R. Boue, Emily Sites, Kevin M. Flanigan, Richard Shell




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Management strategies for CLN2 disease

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Ruth E. Williams, Heather R. Adams, Martin Blohm, Jessica L. Cohen-Pfeffer, Emily de los Reyes, Jonas Denecke, Kristen Drago, Charlie Fairhurst, Margie Frazier, Norberto Guelbert, Szilárd Kiss, Annamaria Kofler, John A. Lawson, Lenora Lehwald, Mary-Anne Leung, Svetlana Mikhailova, Jonathan W. Mink, Miriam Nickel, Renée Shediac, Katherine Sims, Nicola Specchio, Meral Topcu, Ina von Löbbecke, Andrea West, Boris Zernikow, Angela Schulz
CLN2 disease (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2) is a rare, autosomal recessive, pediatric-onset, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by TPP1 enzyme deficiency, and is characterized by language delay, seizures, rapid cognitive and motor decline, blindness and early death. No management guidelines exist and there is a paucity of published disease-specific evidence to inform clinical practice, which currently draws upon experience from the field of childhood neurodisability. Twenty-four disease experts were surveyed on CLN2 disease management and a subset met to discuss current practice. Management goals and strategies are consistent among experts globally, and are guided by the principles of pediatric palliative care. Goals and interventions evolve as the disease progresses, with a shift in focus from maintenance of function early in the disease to maintenance of quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is critical for optimal patient care. This work represents an initial step towards development of consensus-based management guidelines for CLN2 disease.



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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Appearing as a New-onset Psychosis: Disease Course in Children and Adolescents within the California Encephalitis Project

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Mary Gable, Carol Glaser
BackgroundGiven that psychiatric symptoms are common, not only during the course of the illness, but on presentation, in children and adolescents who suffer from anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, it is important that practitioners in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry possess an adequate understanding of the clinical features and potential treatment of this disease. The clinical characteristics of 24 cases that presented to the California Encephalitis Project (CEP) are described herein.MethodsPatients were referred by physicians, and standardized forms were used to gather demographic, clinical, and laboratory data.ResultsTwenty-four patients between the ages of 2 and 18 were identified. Psychosis was a primary presenting symptom in two-thirds of patients, and just over 20% of these were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility. Ultimately, all patients developed psychiatric symptoms during the course of the illness. There was a characteristic progression of symptoms that was consistent with that noted in other studies, with prominent psychiatric symptoms initially which then progressed to seizures and autonomic instability in most patients. All of those examined developed movement abnormalities which included primarily orofacial dyskinesias and choreiform movements.ConclusionsAnti-NMDAR encephalitis, unlike other paraneoplastic or autoimmune encephalitides, affects those 18 and under an estimated 40% of the time based on prior studies. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of this condition is essential to making a diagnosis and initiating timely treatment. Those practicing child psychiatry have an important role in this context.



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The use of natalizumab in active relapsing pediatric Multiple Sclerosis patients: A prospective study

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): R. Alroughani, S.F. Ahmed, R. Behbehani, J. Al-Hashel
BackgroundPediatric MS has been increasingly recognized. In the absence of approved disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for pediatric cohorts, clinicians resort data extrapolated from clinical trials conducted in adult MS patients.ObjectivesTo study the effectiveness and safety of natalizumab in pediatric MS patients.MethodsPediatric (aged < 18 years) MS patients who had been treated with natalizumab were followed prospectively as part of the national MS registry. Data of relapsing patients who had at least 1-year follow-up data were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was the annual relapse rate (ARR) post natalizumab treatment. Secondary outcomes measures included the mean change in disease progression measured by Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) and the proportion of patients with radiological activity (gadolinium-enhancing or new T2 lesions) at the last follow-up visit.ResultsThirty-two pediatric MS patients had been treated with natalizumab for at least 12 months; of whom 72% were females. Mean age at onset and disease duration were 14.9 ±2.6 and 5.1 ±3.1 years respectively. Most patients (n=21, 66%) had breakthrough disease on first line DMTs. Mean number of natalizumab infusions was 34.5 ±18. The ARR was significantly reduced (1.66±0.5 vs. 0.06±0.25; p < 0.001) while the mean EDSS score improved (3.3± 1.3 vs. 2.2 ±1.0; p < 0.001) at the last follow-up visits. The proportion of patients with MRI activity was significantly reduced (93.8% vs. 12.5%; p <0.001). No major adverse events were observed.ConclusionIn our cohort of patients with pediatric MS who had aggressive or breakthrough disease, treatment with natalizumab was effective in reducing clinical and radiological disease activity. Natalizumab has a similar clinical efficacy and safety profile as in adult MS.



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Optimizing the Diagnosis and Management of Dravet Syndrome: Recommendations from A North American Consensus Panel

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Elaine C. Wirrell, Linda Laux, Elizabeth Donner, Nathalie Jette, Kelly Knupp, Mary Anne Meskis, Ian Miller, Joseph Sullivan, Michelle Welborn, Anne T. Berg
ObjectivesTo establish standards for early, cost-effective and accurate diagnosis, optimal therapies for seizures, and recommendations for evaluation and management of comorbidities for children and adults with Dravet syndrome, using a modified Delphi process.MethodsAn Expert Panel was convened comprised of epileptologists with nationally recognized expertise in Dravet syndrome and parents of children with Dravet syndrome, whose experience and understanding was enhanced by their active roles in Dravet syndrome associations. Panelists were asked to base their responses to questions both on their clinical expertise as well as results of a literature review which was forwarded to each panelist. Three rounds of on-line questionnaires were conducted to identify areas of consensus and strength of that consensus, as well as areas of contention.ResultsThe Panel consisted of 13 physicians and 5 family members. Strong consensus was reached regarding typical clinical presentation of Dravet syndrome, range of EEG and MRI findings, need for genetic testing, critical information which should be conveyed to families at diagnosis, priorities for seizure control and typical degree of control, seizure triggers and recommendations for avoidance, first and second-line therapies for seizures, requirement and indications for rescue therapy, specific recommendations for co-morbidity screening and need for family support. Consensus was not as strong regarding later therapies, including vagus nerve stimulation and callosotomy, and for specific therapies of associated co-morbidities. Beyond initial treatment with benzodiazepines and use of valproate, there was no consensus on the optimal in-hospital management of convulsive status epilepticus.ConclusionsWe were able to identify areas where there was strong consensus that we hope will (a) inform health care providers on optimal diagnosis and management of patients with Dravet syndrome, (b) support reimbursement from insurance companies for genetic testing and Dravet-specific therapies, and (c) improve quality of life for patients with Dravet syndrome and their families by avoidance of unnecessary testing and provision of an early accurate diagnosis allowing optimal selection of therapeutic strategies.



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Preliminary Study of Neurodevelopmental Outcomes and Parenting Stress in Pediatric Mitochondrial Disease

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Soyong Eom, Young-Mock Lee
PurposeLittle is known regarding the neuropsychological profiles of pediatric patients with mitochondrial diseases or their parents, which are crucial for improving quality of life (QOL) for both patients and parents. The present study aimed to delineate neurodevelopment and psychological comorbidity in children with mitochondrial diseases in the preliminary investigation of adequate intervention methods, better prognoses, and improved QOL for both patients and parents.MethodsSeventy children diagnosed with mitochondrial diseases were neuropsychologically evaluated. Neurocognitive (development, intelligence) and psychological (behavior, daily living function, maternal depression, parenting stress) functions were analyzed. Clinical variables including first symptom, epileptic classification, organ involvement, lactic acidosis, brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, muscle pathology, biochemical enzyme assay results, and syndromic diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases were also reviewed.ResultsPre-diagnostic assessments indicated that cognitive and psychomotor development were significantly delayed. Group mean full scale IQ (intelligence quotient) scores indicated mild levels of intellectual disability, borderline levels of verbal IQ impairment, and mild levels of intellectual disability on performance IQ. Many children exhibited clinically significant levels of behavior problems, while mothers of children with mitochondrial diseases exhibited significant increases in parenting stress relative to mothers of healthy children. Furthermore, 65% of mothers exhibited significant levels of depression. Early onset of first symptom, diffuse brain atrophy, and drug-resistant epilepsy negatively influenced neurodevelopmental and adaptive functions.ConclusionBetter understanding of functional levels and profiles of neurodevelopment and psychological comorbidity in children with mitochondrial diseases in the pre-diagnostic period is essential for adequate support and QOL of children with mitochondrial diseases and their parents.



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Compound Heterozygous Variants in ROBO1 Cause a Neurodevelopmental Disorder with Absence of Transverse Pontine Fibers and Thinning of the Anterior Commissure and Corpus Callosum

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Sonia F. Calloni, Julie S. Cohen, Avner Meoded, Jane Juusola, Fabio M. Triulzi, Thierry A.G.M. Huisman, Andrea Poretti, Ali Fatemi
BACKGROUNDAxonal guidance disorders are a group of diseases characterized by white matter tracts with an anomalous course, failure to cross the midline, or presence of heterotopic white matter tracts. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a suitable non-invasive, in-vivo neuroimaging tool to study axonal guidance disorders. We report here on a novel disorder in a 9-year-old boy with compound heterozygous variants in the ROBO1 gene.PATIENT DESCRIPTIONThe child was referred to our hospital at the age of 13 months because of developmental delay. At the age of 9 years, he had severe intellectual disability and hyperactivity. He was nonverbal and wheelchair dependent because of spastic diplegia and ataxia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging with DTI revealed marked pontine hypoplasia and thinning of the anterior commissure and corpus callosum. DTI showed absence of the transverse pontine fibers and a thinning of both the anterior commissure and the corpus callosum. In addition, at the level of the pons the corticospinal tracts and medial lemnisci were not clearly separated from each other. Whole exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous variants in the ROBO1 gene.CONCLUSIONIn our patient, the neuroimaging phenotype (absence of the transverse pontine fibers and thinning of the anterior commissure and corpus callosum as shown by DTI) is suggestive of an axonal guidance disorder and supports a pathogenic role of the compound heterozygous variants in the ROBO1 gene.



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False Localization with Subdural Electroencephalography due to Gyrus Overlap

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Alvin Y. Chan, Paul E. Youssef, Sean M. Lew




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Understanding Death in Children with Epilepsy

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Elizabeth J. Donner, Peter Camfield, Linda Brooks, Jeffrey Buchhalter, Carol Camfield, Tobias Loddenkemper, Elaine Wirrell
Death in children with epilepsy is profoundly disturbing, with lasting effects on the family, community and health care providers. The overall risk of death for children with epilepsy is about 10 times the general population. However, the risk of premature death for children without associated neurological comorbidities is similar to the general population and most deaths are related to the cause of the epilepsy or associated neurologic disability, not seizures. The most common cause of seizure-related death in children with epilepsy is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is relatively uncommon in childhood but the risk increases if epilepsy persists into adulthood. While the direct cause of SUDEP remains unknown, most often death follows a generalized convulsive seizure and the risk of SUDEP is strongly related to drug-resistant epilepsy and frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The most effective SUDEP prevention strategy is to reduce the frequency of seizures, although a number of seizure detection devices are in development and in the future may prove to be useful for seizure detection for those at particularly high risk. There are distinct benefits for health care professionals to discuss mortality with the family soon after the diagnosis of epilepsy. An individual approach is appropriate. When a child with epilepsy dies, particularly if the death was unexpected, family grief may be profound. Physicians and other health care professionals have a critical role in the support of families that lose a child to epilepsy. This review will provide health care providers with information needed to discuss the risk of death in children with epilepsy and support families following a loss.



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A rare fungal infection: Phaehyphomycosis due to Veronaea botryosa and review of literature

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports
Author(s): Anne Welfringer, Valérie Vuong, Nicolas Argy, Christian Chochillon, Lydia Deschamps, Guillaume Rollin, Stanislas Harent, Véronique Joly, William Vindrios, Vincent Descamps
We report a rare case of phaehyphomycosis in a 71-year-old heart transplant recipient Togo native patient. Four months after the transplant, he presented painless nodules on the right heel with superficial ulceration. The polyphasic identification uncovered a rare cause of phaehyphomycose: V. botryosa. The treatment combined surgical excision of the lesions and anti-fungal therapy with posaconazole. We discussed eleven reported cases in literature since 1990. We report a rare case of phaehyphomycosis in a 71-year-old heart transplant recipient Togo native patient. Four months after the transplant, he presented painless nodules on the right heel with superficial ulceration. The polyphasic identification uncovered a rare cause of phaehyphomycose: V. botryosa. The treatment combined surgical excision of the lesions and anti-fungal therapy with posaconazole. We discussed eleven reported cases in literature since 1990.



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Bradyrhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi modulate manganese, iron, phosphorus, and polyphenols in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) under excess zinc

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Environmental and Experimental Botany, Volume 137
Author(s): Young Bassey Ibiang, Hiroko Mitsumoto, Kazunori Sakamoto
The effect of Bradyrhizobia (R) and Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) on manganese, iron, phosphorus, and polyphenols was investigated in soybean cultivated in Zn treated soils. In a completely randomized 3×4 factorial, the experimental treatments – Zn addition (0, 200, and 400mg Zn kg⁻¹ of soil), and Inoculation (uninoculated control, R, AM, and R+AM dual inoculation) were set up in the greenhouse. Zinc treatment increased Zn in roots and shoots, Fe in roots, frequency of root mycorrhization, P in root, and Mn translocation; but decreased Fe translocation, Mn in root, and total polyphenols. Symbionts effected micronutrient balancing in the plants. Mycorrhizal inoculants increased Zn in shoots, and modulated Mn and Fe in shoots and roots; within the whole-plant crosstalk in Zn, Mn, and Fe status. In dual inoculation, synergy for much enhanced Mn translocation was indicated in 400mg Zn kg⁻¹ treatment. Modulations of Zn-Mn-Fe nutrition in dual inoculation was supported with a reduction in cumulative number of fallen leaves, and increases in leaf greenness, shoot P, and root polyphenols, to give higher shoot biomass. Our results suggest the possibility of optimizing the crop production and bio-inoculation outcomes by targeting Mn and Fe status (in roots, shoots, translocation, and ratios with Zn) during cultivation under excess Zn.



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An Electrophysiological Investigation of Emotional Abnormalities in Groups at Risk for Schizophrenia-Spectrum Personality Disorders

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Elizabeth A. Martin, Nicole R. Karcher, Bruce D. Bartholow, Greg J. Siegle, John G. Kerns
Both extreme levels of social anhedonia (SocAnh) and perceptual aberration/magical ideation (PerMag) are associated with risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and with emotional abnormalities. Yet, the nature of any psychophysiological-measured affective abnormality, including the role of automatic/controlled processes, is unclear. We examined the late positive potential (LPP) during passive viewing (to assess automatic processing) and during cognitive reappraisal (to assess controlled processing) in three groups: SocAnh, PerMag, and controls. The SocAnh group exhibited an increased LPP when viewing negative images. Further, SocAnh exhibited greater reductions in the LPP for negative images when told to use strategies to alter negative emotion. Similar to SocAnh, PerMag exhibited an increased LPP when viewing negative images. However, PerMag also exhibited an increased LPP when viewing positive images as well as an atypical decreased LPP when increasing positive emotion. Overall, these results suggest that at-risk groups are associated with shared and unique automatic and controlled abnormalities.



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Effectiveness and safety of two 18-gauge needle types on native and allograft renal biopsies

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Annals of Diagnostic Pathology
Author(s): Clarissa A. Cassol, Juarez R. Braga, Samer Dabbo, K. Khalili, C. Avila-Casado
Percutaneous biopsy is a key diagnostic tool for both native and allograft kidney diseases. Adequacy criteria vary, but at a minimum, a biopsy should allow the pathologist to reach a diagnosis and provide prognostic information such as the degree of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and percentage of glomerulosclerosis. Whereas most studies use glomerular counts as a surrogate for biopsy adequacy, the amount and preservation of tubulointerstitium is equally important, considering IF/TA is a major prognostic parameter for most medical renal diseases. Many studies have compared the diagnostic adequacy of different gauge needles; however few have investigated performance differences between same gauge needles. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 235 renal biopsies performed at a single center in Canada over 2years to compare the utilization, safety, diagnostic and prognostic performance of two 18-gauge needles in native and allograft kidney biopsies. We found no significant difference in needle utilization between native and allograft kidneys, or between trainees and staff radiologists. The total tissue yielded area, glomerular counts, percentage of inadequate biopsies and number of passes were similar; however the number of cases in which IF/TA evaluation was deemed not possible was higher for biopsies using disposable instrument needles (4.3% vs. 0%; p=0.01). These also showed greater number of tissue fragments (median 4 for reusable vs 3 for disposable; p=0.04). We postulate that the increased tissue fragmentation might have impaired the pathologists ability to accurately assess interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in biopsies obtained with the disposable instrument needles.



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Effect of weld repair on microstructure and mechanical properties of laser additive manufactured Ti-55511 alloy

Publication date: 5 April 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 119
Author(s): Bei He, Xiang-Jun Tian, Xu Cheng, Jia Li, Hua-Ming Wang
Gas tungsten arc welding was used to repair the laser additive manufactured Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Cr-1Fe (Ti-55511) alloy with a subsequent triplex annealing treatment. The tensile properties of heat treated specimens containing of different proportions of weld zone were designed to evaluate the influence of weld zone on tensile properties of the alloy. Microstructures, microhardness and tensile tests were performed to study the mechanical properties and fracture behaviors of the specimens. Results show that dissolved oxygen in the weld zone has a strong influence on increasing the number of α phase nucleation sites that can lead to different αp morphologies in the base metal and weld zone. These different αp can lead to distinct microstructures after triplex annealing treatment but with similar α volume fractions. Besides, plasticity deterioration of the repaired tensile specimens is mainly attributed to the formation of columnar grain boundary α phases in the weld zone which are considered to be the earliest nucleation sites of microcracks and confirmed by in situ tensile test. With the increase of WZ proportions in the cross section of tensile specimens, the plasticity of the alloy gradually decreases.

Graphical abstract

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Grain boundary driven Plateau–Rayleigh instability in multilayer nanocrystalline thin film: A phase-field study

Publication date: 5 April 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 119
Author(s): Tamoghna Chakrabarti, Nisha Verma, Sukriti Manna
Thermal stability of nanocrystalline multilayer thin film is of paramount importance as the applications often involve high temperature. Here we report on the layer instability phenomenon in binary polycrystalline thin film initiating from the grain boundary migrations at higher temperatures using phase-field simulations. Effect of layer thickness, bilayer spacing and the absence of grain boundary are also investigated along with the grain boundary mobility of individual phases on the layer stability. Layer instability in the polycrystalline film is shown to arise from the grain boundary grooving which originates spontaneously from the presence of grain boundaries. Our results show that the growth of the perturbation generated from the differential curvature follows Plateau–Rayleigh instability criterion. Increase in layer thickness, lower bilayer thickness as well as lower grain boundary mobility improve layer stability. Phase-field simulations show similar microstructural evolution as has been observed in our zirconium (Zr)/zirconium nitride (ZrN) system experimentally. Detail analysis performed in this work to understand the mechanisms of layer instability leads us to predict measures which will improve the thermal stability of multilayer nanocrystalline thin film.

Graphical abstract

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Editorial Board

Publication date: 15 March 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 118





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Muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonists in the VTA and RMTg have opposite effects on morphine-induced locomotion in mice

Publication date: 14 April 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 323
Author(s): Stephan Steidl, Ekamjeet S. Dhillon, Natasha Sharma, Jessica Ludwig
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) each contribute to opiate reward and each receive inputs from the laterodorsal tegmental and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei, the two principle brainstem cholinergic cell groups. We compared the contributions of VTA or RMTg muscarinic cholinergic receptors to locomotion induced by morphine infusions into the same sites. VTA co-infusion of atropine completely blocked VTA morphine-induced locomotion providing additional support for the important role of VTA muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the stimulant effects of opiates. By contrast, RMTg co-infusion of atropine increased RMTg morphine-induced locomotion. Furthermore, RMTg co-infusion of the M3-selective antagonist 4-DAMP, but not the M4-selective antagonist Tropicamide, strongly increased RMTg morphine-induced locomotion. RMTg infusions of 4-DAMP, but not of Tropicamide, by themselves strongly increased drug-free locomotion. Muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the RMTg thus also contribute to the stimulant effects of morphine, but in a way opposite to those in VTA. We suggest that the net effect of endogenous cholinergic input to the RMTg on drug-free and on RMTg morphine-induced locomotion is inhibitory.



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Full title with Editorial board members

Publication date: 30 March 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 322, Part A





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Perihepatic, Pulmonary, and Renal Abscesses Due to Spilled Gallstones

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Jacob Lentz, Maria A. Tobar, Caleb P. Canders
BackgroundSpilled gallstones are common during laparoscopic cholecystectomy; however, they rarely lead to postoperative complications. Perihepatic abscesses develop in < 0.1% of patients with spilled gallstones and are typically contained within the peritoneal cavity.Case ReportWe present a 57-year-old man with history of cholecystectomy 2 years prior who presented with cough and flank pain and was discovered to have a perihepatic abscess invading his lung and kidney secondary to a spilled gallstone.Why Should Emergency Physicians Be Aware of This?Although most perihepatic abscesses can be treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics, abscesses secondary to spilled gallstones usually require open or laparoscopic surgery to drain the abscess and retrieve the gallstone. Prompt identification of spilled gallstones in patients with intra-abdominal and intrathoracic abscesses can thereby guide disposition and decrease morbidity and mortality.



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Emergency Medicine Myths: Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Brit Long, Alex Koyfman
BackgroundSudden cardiac arrest accounts for approximately 15% of deaths in developed nations, with poor survival rate. The American Heart Association states that epinephrine is reasonable for patients with cardiac arrest, though the literature behind its use is not strong.ObjectiveTo review the evidence behind epinephrine for cardiac arrest.DiscussionSudden cardiac arrest causes over 450,000 deaths annually in the United States. The American Heart Association recommends epinephrine may be reasonable in patients with cardiac arrest, as part of Advanced Cardiac Life Support. This recommendation is partly based on studies conducted on dogs in the 1960s. High-dose epinephrine is harmful and is not recommended. Epinephrine may improve return of spontaneous circulation, but does not improve survival to discharge or neurologic outcome. Literature suggests that three phases of resuscitation are present: electrical, circulatory, and metabolic. Epinephrine may improve outcomes in the circulatory phase prior to 10 min post arrest, though further study is needed. Basic Life Support measures including adequate chest compressions and early defibrillation provide the greatest benefit.ConclusionsEpinephrine may improve return of spontaneous circulation, but it does not improve survival to discharge or neurologic outcome. Timing of epinephrine may affect patient outcome, but Basic Life Support measures are the most important aspect of resuscitation and patient survival.



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Ileal Neobladder: An Important Cause of Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Jesse W. St. Clair, Matthew L. Wong
BackgroundThe differential diagnosis for a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis is probably less well known than the differential diagnosis for an anion gap metabolic acidosis. One etiology of a non-anion gap acidosis is the consequence of ileal neobladder urinary diversion for the treatment of bladder cancer.Case ReportWe present a case of a patient with an ileal neobladder with a severe non-anion gap metabolic acidosis caused by a urinary tract infection and ureteroenterostomy.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Part of the ileal neobladder surgery includes ureteroenterostomy and predisposes patients to several clinically significant metabolic derangements, including a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. These patients have an increased chronic acid load, bicarbonate deficit, and hypokalemia, which should be appreciated when resuscitating these patients.



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Acute Hypotonia in an Infant

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Jimme Sierakowski, Jason Arthur, Todd Wylie
BackgroundAcute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is increasing in incidence in the United States and presenting to emergency departments (EDs) across the country. This clinical entity presents as acute paralysis, with magnetic resonance imaging changes in the gray matter only in children younger than 21 years of age. The etiology is unknown, although preceding viral illnesses are common. There are no consensus guidelines regarding treatment.Case ReportA 4-month-old girl presented with decreased bilateral arm movement. The history consisted of a recent upper respiratory illness and abrupt decline in movement. She was found to have truncal and peripheral hypotonia, while maintaining her airway. Magnetic resonance imaging found gray matter hyperintensity at C2–C6, with no white matter changes. The patient was positive for enterovirus. Intravenous steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin were given, with slight improvement prior to discharge to an inpatient rehabilitation center.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?AFM was largely nonexistent in the United States after implementation of the polio vaccine, but the incidence has recently increased. Pediatric patients are now presenting to EDs with acute hypotonia, and emergency physicians must recognize how to differentiate this emerging diagnosis from other causes of acute flaccid paralysis. The clinical course of AFM does not seem to change acutely, in stark contrast to disease entities like botulism, which can change in hours. Patients with AFM do not need aggressive ED diagnostic evaluation, but rather transfer to a pediatric hospital for further care. Therefore, discerning the etiology of pediatric hypotonia with history and physical examination alone is important.



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Metachronous anaplastic sarcoma of the kidney and thyroid follicular carcinoma as manifestations of DICER1 abnormalities

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Human Pathology, Volume 61
Author(s): Misa Yoshida, Satoshi Hamanoue, Masafumi Seki, Mio Tanaka, Kenichi Yoshida, Hiroaki Goto, Seishi Ogawa, Junko Takita, Yukichi Tanaka
Anaplastic sarcoma of the kidney (ASK) is a tumor found in the pediatric age group and shows many histopathological similarities to pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB). We present a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with ASK and, 3 years later, with thyroid follicular carcinoma (TFC) with DICER1 abnormalities. Germline insertion/deletion (p. G1809_S1814delinsA) and independent somatic mutations (p. E1705K in ASK, p. E1813D in TFC) were identified. All of these abnormalities are in the catalytic domain of RNase IIIb. Single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping microarray revealed independent copy number alterations (trisomy 8, monosomy 10, loss of 17p, and partial gain of 17q in ASK; trisomy 5 and partial loss of Xq in TFC). The copy number alteration pattern of ASK was similar to the pattern previously reported in PPB. The present case implies that ASK is a renal counterpart of PPB and that ASK with DICER1 abnormalities should be suspected in a broader age group than PPB.



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Testosterone promotes tube formation of endothelial cells isolated from veins via activation of Smad1 protein

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Pei Liu, Xiaosa Li, Fuhu Song, Ping Li, Jinzhi Wei, Qing Yan, Xingyan Xu, Jun Yang, Chuanxiang Li, Xiaodong Fu
Testosterone (T) deficiency is positively correlated with the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of T on vascular endothelial cells remain obscure. Tube formation capacity is critical for vascular regeneration/repair and Smad1 plays an important role in these events. In this study, we investigated the effects of T on Smad1 activation and tube formation of cultured human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our results showed that T rapidly increased endothelial Smad1 phosphorylation. This effect was mimicked by cell-impermeable T-BSA conjugates and was not altered by transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D or translational inhibitor cycloheximide. T-induced Smad1 phosphorylation was blocked by ERK1/2 and c-Src inhibitors or their specific siRNAs, while it was reinforced by ERK1/2 or c-Src overexpression. Indeed, T rapidly activated ERK1/2 and c-Src signalings and c-Src was confirmed as the upstream of ERK1/2. Moreover, caveolae disruptor methyl-β-cyclodextrin (β-MCD) blocked Smad1 activation induced by T. The association of caveolin-1 with androgen receptor (AR) or c-Src was detected by immunoprecipitation and it was significantly increased by rapid T stimulation. Furthermore, fractional analysis showed that AR and c-Src were expressed in caveolae-enriched membrane fractions. T promoted tube formation of HUVECs, which was blocked by c-Src and ERK1/2 inhibitors or by the knockdown of Smad1. In conclusion, T increased tube formation of endothelial cells isolated from veins by stimulating Smad1 phosphorylation in a nongenomic manner, which was mediated by signals from AR/c-Src located in caveolae to ERK1/2 cascade. These findings may shed new light on the relevance of T to its vascular functions.



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Hyaluronate and its derivatives for customized biomedical applications

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 123
Author(s): Hyemin Kim, Hyeonseon Jeong, Seulgi Han, Songeun Beack, Byung Woo Hwang, Myeonghwan Shin, Seung Soo Oh, Sei Kwang Hahn
Since hyaluronate (HA) was firstly isolated from the vitreous of bovine eyes in 1934, HA has been widely investigated for various biomedical applications. As a naturally-occurring polysaccharide, HA has been used for joint lubrication and ocular treatment in its intact form due to the excellent biocompatibility, viscoelasticity, biodegradability, and hygroscopic properties. HA can be easily functionalized via the chemical modification of its carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. Recently, a variety of biological functions of HA have been explored and a number of customized applications have been investigated taking advantages of the interaction between HA and biological tissues. HA has been used for drug delivery to enhance the blood circulation time of drugs with target-specificity to HA receptors in the body. HA has been also used to prepare tissue engineering hydrogel scaffolds for the spatiotemporal control of encapsulated cells. In this review, we describe the key biological functions of HA in the body in terms of its structure, physical properties, biodistribution and interaction with HA receptors. After that, we describe unique advantages that allow HA to be applied in various biomedical fields. Finally, we report the conventional and newly emerging applications of HA and its derivatives under commercial development stages.



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Variations in structure of the outflow tract of the human embryonic heart: A new hypothesis for generating bicuspid aortic semilunar valves

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Nadine C. Milos, Derek B. Nordstrom, Ivano Ongaro, Ava K. Chow
Outflow tract development of the heart is complex. The presence, differential growth and interactions of the various tissues through space and time contribute to the final development of the tract. This paper presents a novel interpretation of observations of outflow tract development, in particular of the aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves in embryos from the Shaner Collection at the University of Alberta. Three-dimensional reconstructions assist in the visualization of the spatial relationships of the developing valve tissues. In some embryos the aortic intercalated valve swelling is displaced proximally, giving rise to a bicuspid aortic semilunar valve more distally. In addition, the developing valve tissue first appears external to the myocardial cuff. The pulmonary semilunar valve regions appear to be more normal. This paper thus proposes a novel mechanism for generating a bicuspid aortic valve and also supports the idea that there is some independence of the aortic and pulmonary regions from each other during development.



http://ift.tt/2jOVsiX

Prospective motion correction for 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling using an external optical tracking system

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volume 39
Author(s): Murat Aksoy, Julian Maclaren, Roland Bammer
Head motion is an unsolved problem in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the brain. Real-time tracking using a camera has recently been proposed as a way to prevent head motion artifacts. As compared to navigator-based approaches that use MRI data to detect and correct motion, optical motion correction works independently of the MRI scanner, thus providing low-latency real-time motion updates without requiring any modifications to the pulse sequence. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to demonstrate that prospective optical motion correction using an optical camera mitigates artifacts from head motion in three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (3D PCASL) acquisitions and 2) to assess the effect of latency differences between real-time optical motion tracking and navigator-style approaches (such as PROMO). An optical motion correction system comprising a single camera and a marker attached to the patient's forehead was used to track motion at a rate of 60fps. In the presence of motion, continuous tracking data from the optical system was used to update the scan plane in real-time during the 3D-PCASL acquisition. Navigator-style correction was simulated by using the tracking data from the optical system and performing updates only once per repetition time. Three normal volunteers and a patient were instructed to perform continuous and discrete head motion throughout the scan. Optical motion correction yielded superior image quality compared to uncorrected images or images using navigator-style correction. The standard deviations of pixel-wise CBF differences between reference and non-corrected, navigator-style-corrected and optical-corrected data were 14.28, 14.35 and 11.09mL/100g/min for continuous motion, and 12.42, 12.04 and 9.60mL/100g/min for discrete motion. Data obtained from the patient revealed that motion can obscure pathology and that application of optical prospective correction can successfully reveal the underlying pathology in the presence of head motion.



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Face recognition impairment in small for gestational age and preterm children

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 62
Author(s): T. Perez-Roche, I. Altemir, G. Giménez, E. Prieto, I. González, J. López Pisón, V. Pueyo
BackgroundInfants born prematurely or with low birth weight are at increased risk of visual perceptual impairment. Face recognition is a high-order visual ability important for social development, which has been rarely assessed in premature or low birth weight children.AimsTo evaluate the influence of prematurity and low birth weight on face recognition skills.MethodsSeventy-seven children were evaluated as part of a prospective cohort study. They were divided into premature and term birth cohorts. Children with a birth weight below the 10th centile were considered small for gestational age. All children underwent a full ophthalmologic assessment and evaluation of face recognition skills using the Facial Memory subtest from the Test of Memory and Learning.ResultsPremature infants scored worse on immediate face recognition compared to term infants. However, after adjusting for birth weight, prematurity was not associated with worse outcomes. Independent of gestational age, outcomes of low birth weight children were worse than those of appropriate birth weight children, for immediate face recognition (odds ratio [OR], 5.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–21.74) and for face memory (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.14–16.95).ConclusionsBeing born small for gestational age is associated with suboptimal face recognition skills, even in children without major neurodevelopmental problems.



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Electrospun nanofiber sheets incorporating methylcobalamin promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery in a rat sciatic nerve crush injury model

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Koji Suzuki, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Mitsuhiro Ebara, Koichiro Uto, Hozo Matsuoka, Shunsuke Nishimoto, Kiyoshi Okada, Tsuyoshi Murase, Hideki Yoshikawa
Peripheral nerve injury is one of common traumas. Although injured peripheral nerves have the capacity to regenerate, axon regeneration proceeds slowly and functional outcomes are often poor. Pharmacological enhancement of regeneration can play an important role in increasing functional recovery. In this study, we developed a novel electrospun nanofiber sheet incorporating methylcobalamin (MeCbl), one of the active forms of vitamin B12 homologues, to deliver it enough locally to the peripheral nerve injury site. We evaluated whether local administration of MeCbl at the nerve injury site was effective in promoting nerve regeneration. Electrospun nanofiber sheets gradually released MeCbl for at least 8 weeks when tested in vitro. There was no adverse effect of nanofiber sheets on function in vivo of the peripheral nervous system. Local implantation of nanofiber sheets incorporating MeCbl contributed to the recovery of the motor and sensory function, the recovery of nerve conduction velocity, and the promotion of myelination after sciatic nerve injury, without affecting plasma concentration of MeCbl.Statement of significanceMethylcobalamin (MeCbl) is a vitamin B12 analog and we previously reported its effectiveness in axonal outgrowth of neurons and differentiation of Schwann cells both in vitro and in vivo. Here we estimated the effect of local administered MeCbl with an electrospun nanofiber sheet on peripheral nerve injury. Local administration of MeCbl promoted functional recovery in a rat sciatic nerve crush injury model. These sheets are useful for nerve injury in continuity differently from artificial nerve conduits, which are useful only for nerve defects. We believe that the findings of this study are relevant to the scope of your journal and will be of interest to its readership.

Graphical abstract

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The influence of cell and nanoparticle properties on heating and cell death in a radiofrequency field

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Yuri Mackeyev, Colette Mark, Natasha Kumar, Rita E. Serda
The use of non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) energy to induce mild thermal and non-thermal effects in cancer tissue is under study as an adjuvant to chemo, radio or immuno therapy. This study examines cell specific sensitivities to RF exposure and the potential of nanoparticles to elevate heating rates or enhance biological effects. Increases in the heating rate of water in an RF field operating at 13.56 MHz (0.004-0.028 °C/s) were positively correlated with concentration of hybrid nanoparticles (1-10 mg/ml) consisting of water soluble malonodiserinolamide [60]fullerene (C60-ser) conjugated to the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SiO2-C60). The heating rate of highly conductive cell culture media (0.024 °C/s) was similar to that of the highest concentration of nanoparticles in water, with no significant increase due to addition of nanoparticles at relevant doses (< 100 μg/ml). With respect to cell viability, anionic (SiO2 and SiO2-C60) or neutral (C60) nanoparticles did not influence RF-induced cell death, however, cationic nanoparticles (4-100 μg/ml) caused dose-dependent increases in RF-induced cell death (24-42% compared to RF only). The effect of cell type, size and immortalization on sensitivity of cells to RF fields was examined in endothelial (HUVEC and HMVEC), fibroblast (primary dermal and L939) and cancer cells (HeLa and 4T1). While the state of cellular immortalization itself did not consistently influence the rate of RF-induced cell death compared to normal cell counter parts, cell size (ranging from 7 to 30 μm) negatively correlated with cell sensitivity to RF (21-97% cell death following 6 min irradiation). In summary, while nanoparticles do not alter the heating rate of biologically-relevant solutions, they can increase RF-induced cell death based on intrinsic cytotoxicity; and cells with smaller radii, and thereby greater surface membrane, are more susceptible to cell damage in an RF field than larger cells.Significance statementThe ability of nanoparticles to either direct heating or increase susceptibility of cancer cells to radiofrequency (RF) energy remains controversial, as is the impact of cell attributes on susceptibility of cells to RF-induced cell death. This manuscript examines the impact of nanoparticle charge, size, and cellular localization on RF-induced cell death and the influence of nanoparticles on the heating rates of water and biologically-relevant media. Susceptibility of immortalized or primary cells to RF energy and the impact of cell size are also examined. The ability to selectively modulate RF heating rates in specific biological locations or in specific cell populations would enhance the therapeutic potential of RF therapy.

Graphical abstract

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A comparative study of simulated body fluids in the presence of proteins

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Weitian Zhao, Jacques Lemaître, Paul Bowen
Simulated body fluid (SBF) is widely used as part of an in vitro method to evaluate implant materials such as their apatite forming ability (AFA), a typical indication of potential bone-bonding ability in vivo. We report the use of carbonate-buffered SBFs as potential solutions for implant evaluation and the effect of proteins, represented by bovine serum albumin (BSA) in SBFs on the nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite (HA). These solutions are buffered by the thermodynamic equilibrium with 5% CO2 in an incubator, and result in a deposition of carbonated HA. Using several titanium-based surfaces, these solutions were studied in comparison with the widely-used SBF (ISO 23317). The presence of BSA strongly inhibited the formation of HA in traditional SBF, while HA can still be observed in carbonate-buffered SBFs. A kinetic study reveals that the inhibitory effect is concentration dependent with 0.1 g/L and 1 g/L of BSA having little effect on HA growth but a complete inhibition of HA formation at 5 g/L of BSA, as tested using NaOH treated titanium with a known positive AFA. The decrease in solution pH and free calcium concentrations in SBFs due to the addition of BSA is not significant, suggesting other causes for the strong inhibitory effect.Statement of significanceThe successful use of simulated body fluids (SBFs) to evaluate potential bioactive implants relies on the better understanding of the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite in solution. Although a standardized recipe for SBF was developed over a decade ago, a few key issues remain to be understood, i.e. the behavior of carbonate-buffered SBFs having similar buffering mechanism as human blood, and the effect of proteins on hydroxyapatite formation on bioactive materials. This paper addresses these two issues and would help the reader better understand the subtleties in this domain and better interpret the results generated using SBFs.

Graphical abstract

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Corrigendum to “Heparinized collagen sutures for sustained delivery of PDGF-BB: Delivery profile, effects on tendon-derived cells In-Vitro” [Acta Biomater. 41 (2016) 100–109]

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Mousa Younesi, Baris Ozgur Donmez, Anowarul Islam, Ozan Akkus




http://ift.tt/2lbrqmf

Non-invasive tracking of injected bone marrow mononuclear cells to injury and implanted biomaterials

Publication date: Available online 3 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Richard P. Tan, Bob S.L. Lee, Alex H.P. Chan, Sui Ching G. Yuen, Juichien Hung, Steven G. Wise, Martin K.C. Ng
Biomaterial scaffolds enhancing the engraftment of transplanted bone-marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) have enormous potential for tissue regeneration applications. However, development of appropriate materials is challenging given the precise microenvironments required to support BM-MNC engraftment and function. In this study, we have developed a non-invasive, real-time tracking model of injected BM-MNC engraftment to wounds and implanted biomaterial scaffolds. BM-MNCs, encoded with firefly luciferase and enhanced GFP reporter genes, were tail vein injected into subcutaneously wounded mice. Luciferase-dependent cell bioluminescence curves revealed our injected BM-MNCs homed to and engrafted within subcutaneous wound sites over the course of 21 days. Further immunohistochemical characterization showed that these engrafted cells drove functional changes by increasing the number of immune cells present at early time points and remodelling cell phenotypes at later time points. Using this model, we subcutaneously implanted electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL/Collagen scaffolds, to determine differences in exogenous BM-MNC response to these materials. Following BM-MNC injection, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a high exogenous BM-MNC density around the periphery of PCL scaffolds consistent with a classical foreign body response. In contrast, transplanted BM-MNCs engrafted throughout PCL/Collagen scaffolds indicating an improved biological response. Importantly, these differences were closely correlated with the real-time bioluminescence curves, with PCL/Collagen scaffolds exhibiting a ∼ 2-fold increase in maximum bioluminescence compared with PCL scaffolds. Collectively, these results demonstrate a new longitudinal cell tracking model that can non-invasively determine transplanted BM-MNC homing and engraftment to biomaterials, providing a valuable tool to inform the design scaffolds that help augment current BM-MNC tissue engineering strategies.Statement of SignificanceTracking the dynamic behaviour of transplanted bone-marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) is a long-standing research goal. Conventional methods involving contrast and tracer agents interfere with cellular function while also yielding false signals. The use of bioluminescence addresses these shortcomings while allowing for real-time non-invasive tracking in vivo. Given the failures of transplanted BM-MNCs to engraft into injured tissue, biomaterial scaffolds capable of attracting and enhancing BM-MNC engraftment at sites of injury are highly sought in numerous tissue engineering applications. To this end, the results from this study demonstrate a new longitudinal tracking model that can non-invasively determine exogenous BM-MNC homing and engraftment to biomaterials, providing a valuable tool to inform the design of scaffolds with implications for countless tissue engineering applications.

Graphical abstract

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Tubular collagen scaffolds with radial elasticity for hollow organ regeneration

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Luuk R. Versteegden, Kenny A. van Kampen, Heinz P. Janke, Dorien M. Tiemessen, Theo G. Hafmans, Edwin A. Roozen, Roger M. Lomme, Harry van Goor, Egbert Oosterwijk, Wout F. Feitz, Toin H. van Kuppevelt, Willeke F. Daamen
Tubular collagen scaffolds have been used for the repair of damaged hollow organs in regenerative medicine, but they generally lack the ability to reversibly expand in radial direction, a physiological characteristic seen in many native tubular organs. In this study, tubular collagen scaffolds were prepared that display a shape recovery effect and therefore exhibit radial elasticity. Scaffolds were constructed by compression of fibrillar collagen around a star-shaped mandrel, mimicking folds in a lumen, a typical characteristic of empty tubular hollow organs, such as ureter or urethra. Shape recovery effect was introduced by in situ fixation using a star-shaped mandrel, 3D-printed clamps and cytocompatible carbodiimide crosslinking. Prepared scaffolds expanded upon increase of luminal pressure and closed to the star-shaped conformation after removal of pressure. In this study, we applied this method to construct a scaffold mimicking the dynamics of human urethra. Radial expansion and closure of the scaffold could be iteratively performed for at least 1000 cycles, burst pressure being 132 ± 22 mmHg. Scaffolds were seeded with human epithelial cells and cultured in a bioreactor under dynamic conditions mimicking urination (pulse flow of 21 s every 2 h). Cells adhered and formed a closed luminal layer that resisted flow conditions.In conclusion, a new type of a tubular collagen scaffold has been constructed with radial elastic-like characteristics based on the shape of the scaffold, and enabling the scaffold to reversibly expand upon increase in luminal pressure. These scaffolds may be useful for regenerative medicine of tubular organs.Statement of significanceIn this paper, a new type I collagen-based tubular scaffold is presented that possesses intrinsic radial elasticity. This characteristic is key to the functioning of a number of tubular organs including blood vessels and organs of the gastrointestinal and urogenital tract. The scaffold was given a star-shaped lumen by physical compression and chemical crosslinking, mimicking the folding pattern observed in many tubular organs. In rest, the lumen is closed but opens upon increase of luminal pressure, e.g. when fluids pass. Human epithelial cells seeded on the luminal side adhered well and were compatible with voiding dynamics in a bioreactor.Collagen scaffolds with radial elasticity may be useful in the regeneration of dynamic tubular organs.

Graphical abstract

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A Poly(L-glutamic acid)-Combretastatin A4 Conjugate for Solid Tumor Therapy: Markedly Improved Therapeutic Efficiency through Its Low Tissue Penetration in Solid Tumor

Publication date: Available online 3 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Tianzhou Liu, Dawei Zhang, Wantong Song, Zhaohui Tang, Jiaming Zhu, Zhiming Ma, Xudong Wang, Xuesi Chen, Ti Tong
Combretastatin A4 (CA4) is a leading agent in vascular disrupting strategies for tumor therapy. Although many small-molecule prodrugs of CA4 have been developed to improve its solubility, the overall therapeutic efficiency is moderate. A key reason for this is the reversible effect that CA4 has on tubulin as well as its rapid clearance from plasma and tissues. In this study, we proposed a poly(L-glutamic acid)-CA4 conjugate (PLG-CA4) nanomedicine to fulfill the requirements for fully liberating the potential of CA4 on tumor therapy. Enhanced accumulation and retention of CA4 in tumor tissue, especially, high distribution and gradual release around tumor blood vessels resulted in prolonged vascular disruption and markedly enhanced therapeutic efficiency. We examined and compared the therapeutic effect of PLG-CA4 and commercial combretastatin-A4 phosphate (CA4P) in a murine colon C26 tumor. PLG-CA4 showed significantly prolonged retention in plasma and tumor tissue. Most importantly, the PLG-CA4 was mainly distributed around the tumor vessels because of its low tissue penetration in solid tumor. Pathology tests showed that PLG-CA4 treatment resulted in persistent vascular disruption and tumor damage 72 h after a single injection, this in contrast to CA4P treatment, which showed quick relapse at an equal dose. Tumor suppression tests showed that PLG-CA4 treatment resulted in a tumor suppression rate of 74%, which indicates a significant advantage when compared to tumor suppression rate of the CA4P group, which was 24%. This is the first time that an advantage of the polymeric CA4 nanomedicine with low tissue penetration for solid tumor therapy has been shown. Thus, the results presented in this study provide a new idea for enhancing the tumor therapeutic effect of vascular disrupting agents.Statement of SignificanceNanomedicine usually has low tissue penetration in solid tumors, which limits the efficacy of nanomedicine in most cases. But herein, we demonstrate a nanosized vasular disruptive agent (VDA) PLG-CA4 has supper advantages over small molecular combretastatin-A4 phosphate (CA4P) because the PLG-CA4 was mainly distributed around the tumor vessels due to its low tissue penetration in solid tumor.

Graphical abstract

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Correction

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology





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Janus kinase inhibitors in dermatology: A systematic review

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Rony Shreberk-Hassidim, Yuval Ramot, Abraham Zlotogorski
BackgroundJanus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are emerging as a promising new treatment modality for many inflammatory conditions.ObjectiveOur aim was to systematically review the available data on the use of JAK inhibitors in cutaneous diseases.MethodsThis is a systematic review of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov.ResultsOne hundred thirty-four articles matched our search terms, of which 78 were original articles and 12 reports on adverse events. Eighteen clinical trials were found. JAK inhibitors have been extensively studied for psoriasis, showing beneficial results that were comparable to the effects achieved by etanercept. Favorable results were also observed for alopecia areata. Promising preliminary results were reported for vitiligo, dermatitis, graft versus host disease, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, and lupus erythematosus. The most common adverse events reported were infections, mostly nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections.LimitationsIt was not possible to perform a meta-analysis of the results.ConclusionsThis systematic review shows that while JAK inhibitors hold promise for many skin disorders, there are still gaps regarding the correct dosing and safety profile of these medications for dermatologic indications. Additional trials are necessary to address these gaps.



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Corrigendum to “The optimization of fluorescence imaging of brain tumor tissue differentiated from brain edema-in vivo kinetic study of 5-aminolevulinic acid and talaporfin sodium” [Photodiagn. Photodyn. Ther. 6 (2009), 19–27]

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Takao Tsurubuchi, Alexander Zaboronok, Tetsuya Yamamoto, Kei Nakai, Fumiyo Yoshida, Makoto Shirakawa, Masahide Matsuda, Akira Matsumura




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Sub-attomolar electrochemical measurement of DNA hybridization based on the detection of high coverage biobarcode latex labels at PNA-modified screen printed electrodes

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 167
Author(s): Tarina Widaningrum, Endrika Widyastuti, Feby Wijaya Pratiwi, Ai Imas Faidoh Fatimah, Patsamon Rijiravanich, Mithran Somasundrum, Werasak Surareungchai
We have constructed biobarcode labels based on 468nm diameter latex spheres. Modification with polyallylamine and then glutaraldehyde was used to attach a high DNA loading, consisting of aminated probe DNA (approx. 1.01×10² molecules per sphere) and biobarcode DNA (approx. 1.66×10⁴ molecules per sphere). Detection of the biobarcodes was performed by application of a Ag enhancer solution, causing association of the Ag⁺ ions with the phosphate groups of the DNA. The deposited Ag was detected by differential pulse voltammetry. A 30 mer sequence from the BL21 strain of E. coli was detected with an LOD of 2.6fM (calibration range 10 aM to 0.1pM, r²=0.91, n=45). The LOD was lowered to 0.56aM (calibration range 100zM to 0.1nM, r²=0.991, n=50) by utilizing a sandwich assay with PNA-modified screen printed electrodes, which lowered the Ag background current. The sandwich assay platform was used to calibrate E. coli strain BL2(DE3) with an LOD of 17.0 CFU mL⁻¹ (calibration range 10 to 10⁶ CFU mL⁻¹, r²=0.99, n=33) with good discrimination against Salmonella.

Graphical abstract

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Associations between Partnering and Parenting Transitions and Dietary Habits in Young Adults

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Kylie J. Smith, Sarah A. McNaughton, Seana L. Gall, Petr Otahal, Terence Dwyer, Alison J. Venn
BackgroundPartnering and parenting are important life-stage transitions that often occur during young adulthood. Little is known about how these transitions affect two dietary behaviors linked to increased cardiometabolic disease risk: skipping breakfast and takeaway-food consumption.ObjectiveOur aim was to examine whether partnering and parenting transitions during a 5-year period were associated with change in diet quality, skipping breakfast, and takeaway-food consumption.DesignWe conducted a cohort study. Questionnaires were completed at baseline (2004 to 2006) and follow-up (2009 to 2011). Marital status and number of children were self-reported.Participants/settingAustralian participants (n=1,402 [39% men]) aged 26 to 36 years were included.Main outcomes measuresDiet quality was assessed using a Dietary Guideline Index. Breakfast skipping (not eating before 9 am the previous day) and frequent takeaway-food consumption (≥2 times/week) were reported.Statistical analysisLinear regression (mean differences in Dietary Guideline Index) and log binomial regression (relative risks for skipping breakfast and frequent takeaway-food consumption) were adjusted for age, education, follow-up duration, day of the week (skipping breakfast only), the other transition, and baseline behavior.ResultsDuring the 5-year follow-up, 101 men and 93 women became married/living as married, and 149 men and 155 women had their first child. Diet quality improved among all groups and was similar at follow-up between those who experienced the transitions and those who did not. Compared to having no children, having a first child was associated with a lower risk of skipping breakfast for men (relative risk 0.65; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.01) and women (relative risk 0.47; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.72). Men who became partnered also had a lower risk of skipping breakfast than those who remained single (relative risk 0.64; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.98). The transitions were not significantly associated with takeaway-food consumption.ConclusionsLife-stage transitions were not associated with better diet quality. Participants who became partnered or parents were more likely to eat breakfast at follow-up than those who remained single or had no children.



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A Comparison of Concentrations of Sodium and Related Nutrients (Potassium, Total Dietary Fiber, Total and Saturated Fat, and Total Sugar) in Private-Label and National Brands of Popular, Sodium-Contributing, Commercially Packaged Foods in the United States

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Jaspreet K.C. Ahuja, Pamela R. Pehrsson, Mary Cogswell
BackgroundPrivate-label brands account for about one in four foods sold in US supermarkets. They provide value to consumers due to their low cost. We know of no US studies comparing the nutrition content of private-label products with corresponding national brand products.ObjectiveThe objective was to compare concentrations of sodium and related nutrients (potassium, total dietary fiber, total and saturated fat, and total sugar) in popular sodium-contributing, commercially packaged foods by brand type (national or private-label brand).DesignDuring 2010 to 2014, the Nutrient Data Laboratory of the US Department of Agriculture obtained 1,706 samples of private-label and national brand products from up to 12 locations nationwide and chemically analyzed 937 composites for sodium and related nutrients. The samples came from 61 sodium-contributing, commercially packaged food products for which both private-label and national brands were among the top 75% to 80% of brands for US unit sales. In this post hoc comparative analysis, the authors assigned a variable brand type (national or private label) to each composite and determined mean nutrient contents by brand type overall and by food product and type.Statistical analyses performedThe authors tested for significant differences (P<0.05) by brand type using independent sample t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests when appropriate.ResultsOverall for all foods sampled, differences between brand types were not statistically significant for any of the nutrients studied. However, differences in both directions exist for a few individual food products and food categories.ConclusionsConcentrations of sodium and related nutrients (potassium, total dietary fiber, total and saturated fat, and total sugar) do not differ systematically between private-label and national brands, suggesting that brand type is not a consideration for nutritional quality of foods in the United States. The study data provide public health officials with baseline nutrient content by brand type to help focus US sodium-reduction efforts.



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