Structural and optical properties of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nano ferrites: Effect of sintering temperature

Publication date: 1 June 2017
Source:Materials Chemistry and Physics, Volume 193
Author(s): Prashant Thakur, Rohit Sharma, Vineet Sharma, Pankaj Sharma
Mn-Zn ferrites have shown various remarkable applications e.g. in magnetic amplifiers, power transformers and electromagnetic interference etc. due to their high initial permeability. Mn–Zn ferrite powder (Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) has been prepared by the co-precipitation method and subsequently sintered at three different temperatures i.e. 973 K, 1173 K, 1373 K. Optical properties have been correlated with the structural properties. For structural properties X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have been employed. It has been observed that there is an increase in crystallite size with sintering from 973 K to 1373 K and FTIR confirms the formation of bond between metal ion and oxygen ion at the octahedral site and tetrahedral site. A red shift has been confirmed from UV–visible absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra have been reported with an increase in sintering temperature.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2mhq38x

Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy Associated With Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis.

A 17-year-old girl presented with unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis as well as bilateral funduscopic findings and outer retinal dysfunction suggestive of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR). Fundus autofluorescence abnormalities, visual field loss, and electroretinographic changes were supportive of bilateral AZOOR. MRI was consistent with the diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), which is defined as a central nervous system demyelinating event that may herald the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). While AZOOR previously has been linked to MS and demyelinating white matter lesions in the brain, our case seems unique due to concurrent development of AZOOR and retrobulbar optic neuritis as a CIS. (C) 2017 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

http://ift.tt/2m1EwVR

Reducing aggression with martial arts: A meta-analysis of child and youth studies

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Anna Harwood, Michal Lavidor, Yuri Rassovsky
Martial arts are becoming a mainstream sport for energetic youth and their popularity extends globally. Following a comprehensive search of martial arts research, a critical review of the field and the psychological implications was conducted. The resulting meta-analysis examined the effect of martial arts on problematic externalizing behavior (aggression, anger, and violence). The final meta-analysis included twelve studies, with 507 participants (ages 6 to 18), where study type was a moderator. For nine intervention and longitudinal studies, there was a homogenous effect size of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.11, 1.03) indicating a medium effect, where martial arts improved aggression amongst the practicing youth. The other three one-time comparisons studies did not yield a homogenous effect size. Based on these analyses, it appears that martial arts has a potential to reduce externalizing behaviors in youth, although further research is needed to determine the mechanisms of change and specify the most relevant population groups for targeted interventions.



http://ift.tt/2m2qSzU

The Effects of Different Exercise Training Modalities on Plasma Proenkephalin Peptide F in Women

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Peptides
Author(s): William H. DuPont, William J. Kraemer, Bradley C. Nindl, Elaine C. Lee, Maren S. Fragala, Disa L. Hatfield, Lydia K. Caldwell, Emily M. Post, Matthew K. Beeler, Jeff S. Volek, Carl M. Maresh
Due to the important interactions of proenkephalin fragments (e.g., proenkephalin [107–140] Peptide F) to enhance activation of immune cells and potentially combat pain associated with exercise-induced muscle tissue damage, we examined the differential plasma responses of Peptide F to different exercise training programs. Participants were tested pre-training (T1), and after 8 weeks (T2) of training. Fifty-nine healthy women were matched and then randomly assigned to one of four groups: heavy resistance strength training (STR, n=18), high intensity endurance training (END, n=14), combined strength and endurance training (CMB, n=17), or control (CON, n=10). Blood was collected using a cannula inserted into a superficial vein in the antecubital fossa with samples collected at rest and immediately after an acute bout of 6 X 10 RM in a squat resistance exercise before training and after training. Prior to any training, no significant differences were observed for any of the groups before or after acute exercise. With training, significant (P≤0.95) elevations were observed with acute exercise in each of the exercise training groups and this effect was significantly greater in the CMB group. These data indicate that in untrained women exercise training will not change resting of plasma Peptide F concentrations but will result in significant increases in the immediate post-exercise responses. Such findings appear to indicate adrenal medullary adaptations opioid production significantly altered with exercise training.



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Management of elderly patients with early-stage medically inoperable endometrial cancer: Systematic review and National Cancer Database analysis

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): Sunil W. Dutta, Daniel M. Trifiletti, Surbhi Grover, Pamela Boimel, Timothy N. Showalter
PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of radiation therapy among elderly patients who are deemed medically inoperable.Methods and MaterialsWe searched PubMed to identify studies from the past 25 years that reported outcomes of medically inoperable endometrial cancer patients treated with radiation alone. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried to identify patients 65 years and older with Stage I–II medically inoperable endometrial cancer. Univariable and multivariable models were performed to investigate the impact of prognostic factors on overall survival.ResultsThirteen papers met inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Overall survival for Stage I tumors at 5 years was 30–95%. Reported pelvic control for the 888 total patients with Stage I tumors was 80–100% and 61–89% for Stage II. Late complications for all patients treated ranged from 0% to 21% across patients. The NCDB analysis demonstrated that any radiotherapy was associated with improved survival over no local therapy. Combination therapy (external beam radiation therapy + brachytherapy) was associated with the most favorable survival with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.442 (p < 0.001 over no radiotherapy), although benefits were also seen with external beam radiation therapy alone (HR 0.694, p < 0.001) and with brachytherapy alone (HR 0.499, p < 0.001) compared to no radiotherapy.ConclusionsThe available evidence suggests high rates of local control after radiation therapy for elderly women with Stage I–II medically inoperable endometrial cancer. Our analysis of the NCDB suggests that radiation therapy improves survival, and combination therapy provides the most favorable outcomes. Given a relatively favorable toxicity profile, definitive radiation therapy should be considered a preferred approach for patients with medically inoperable endometrial cancer.



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Brachytherapy as part of the conservative treatment for primary and recurrent vulvar carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): P. Castelnau-Marchand, A. Escande, R. Mazeron, E. Bentivegna, A. Cavalcanti, S. Gouy, C. Baratiny, P. Maroun, P. Morice, C. Haie-Meder, C. Chargari
PurposeThere are only scarce data on the place of brachytherapy (BT) for treatment of vulvar carcinoma. Our institutional experience of interstitial BT for vulvar carcinoma patients is reported.Methods and MaterialsClinical records of patients receiving low-dose-rate or pulsed-dose-rate BT as part of the primary treatment for primary/recurrent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma or as part of postoperative treatment between 2000 and 2015 were included. Patients, tumors, and treatment characteristics as well as clinical outcome were examined.ResultsA total of 26 patients treated with BT were identified. BT was delivered as part of primary intent treatment for locally advanced/recurrent cancer in 11 patients and as part of postoperative treatment in 15 patients. Median age at time of BT was 63 years (range, 41–88 years). Pulsed-dose-rate and low-dose-rate were used in 15 patients and 11 patients, respectively. BT was performed as a boost to the tumor bed following external beam radiotherapy (n = 13) or as the sole irradiation modality (n = 13). Total median dose at the level of primary tumor was 60 GyEQD2 (range, 55–60 GyEQD2). With mean followup of 41 months (range, 5 months–11.3 years), 11 patients experienced tumor relapse, and in two of them, site of relapse was only local. Three-year estimated disease-free survival and overall survival rates were 57% (95% confidence interval: 45–69%) and 81% (95% confidence interval: 72–90%), respectively. All toxicities were Grade 2 or less.ConclusionsInterstitial BT used as part of the primary or postoperative treatment of vulvar carcinoma is feasible with a satisfactory toxicity profile. Prognosis remains, however, dismal, with a high frequency of failures in patients with locally advanced tumors.



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Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption was less under Isoflurane than Pentobarbital Anesthesia

http://otorhinolarygology.blogspot.com/2017/03/blood-brain-barrier-disruption-was-less.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Comparison of heater probe coagulation and argon plasma coagulation in the management of Mallory–Weiss tears and high-risk ulcer bleeding

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Arab Journal of Gastroenterology
Author(s): Mete Akin, Erhan Alkan, Yasar Tuna, Tolga Yalcinkaya, Bulent Yildirim
Background and study aimsUpper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common medical emergency. Endoscopic treatments often lead to better therapeutic outcomes than conventional conservative treatments. This study aimed to investigate and compare the use of heater probe coagulation (HPC) and argon plasma coagulation (APC) together with epinephrine injection for the treatment of Mallory–Weiss tears and high-risk ulcer bleeding.Patients and methodsA total of 97 patients (54 in the HPC group and 43 in the APC group) who were diagnosed with upper GI bleeding secondary to a Mallory–Weiss tear or high-risk gastric or duodenal ulcers were included in the study. Lesions were classified according to the Forrest classification. The HPC and APC groups were compared in terms of initial haemostasis, re-bleeding in the early period, need for surgery, average need for transfusion, and duration of hospital stay.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the HPC and APC groups in terms of ensuring initial haemostasis (98% vs. 97.5%, p>0.05), re-bleeding rates (17% vs. 19%, p>0.05), need for surgery (2% vs. 9%, p>0.05), average need for transfusion (3.7±2.11 vs. 3.4±2.95 units, p>0.05), and average duration of hospital stay (4.6±2.24vs. 5.3±3.23days, p>0.05).ConclusionThere was no difference between HPC and APC when used together with epinephrine injection for the treatment of Mallory–Weiss tear and high-risk ulcer bleeding.



http://ift.tt/2mh8up6

Non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C: Shear wave elastography and colour Doppler velocity profile technique versus liver biopsy

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Arab Journal of Gastroenterology
Author(s): Ehab F. Moustafa, Nahed Makhlouf, Sahar M. Hassany, Ahmed Helmy, Ahmed Nasr, Moustafa Othman, Hany Seif, Manal Darwish, Howayda Hassan, Mohamed Hessen
Background and study aimsDetermination of the presence and degree of liver fibrosis is essential for the prognosis and treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Non-invasive methods of assessing fibrosis have been developed to reduce the need for biopsy. We determined the efficacy of shear wave elastography (SWE) and colour Doppler velocity as non-invasive methods for the assessment of liver fibrosis compared to liver biopsy among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.Patients and methodsIn total, 117 patients with chronic HCV infection and 50 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects were included. For each patient and control, abdominal ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasonography of the right portal vein (PV), and SWE were performed, whereas liver biopsy was performed for patients.ResultsThe mean value of the right PV maximum velocity was lower in patients with different stages of fibrosis than in controls (p<0.001). The mean value of liver stiffness determined by SWE was significantly higher in patients with different stages of fibrosis than in controls. Cutoff values for liver stiffness determined by SWE for assessing fibrosis stages were F2⩾4.815, F3⩾6.335, and F4=7.540 with a sensitivity of 84.6%, 96.2%, and 100.0%; specificity of 88.5%, 93.8%, and 100.0%; positive predictive value (PPV) of 93.6%, 98.0%, and 100.0%; negative predictive value (NPV) of 74.2%, 88.2%, and 100.0%; and overall accuracy of 85.9%, 95.6%, and 100.0% [area under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.89, 0.96, and 1.0], respectively. Cutoff values for the right PV maximum velocity for assessing fibrosis stages were F2<23.4, F3<21, and F4<20 with a sensitivity of 65.0%, 57.4%, and 57.1%; specificity of 59.8%, 76.4%, and 75.5%; PPV of 33.8%, 58.3%, and 32.0%; NPV of 84.4%, 75.7%, and 89.7%; and overall accuracy of 61.1%, 69.5%, and 72.5% (AUC: 0.614, 0.696, and 0.625), respectively.ConclusionSWE is effective for the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with HCV infection. SWE provides a more accurate correlation with liver fibrosis stage than colour Doppler velocity profile for the assessment of liver fibrosis, especially in advanced stages (F3 and F4).



http://ift.tt/2mSaoJX

Radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal cancer using Rapidarc: dosimetric study

http://otorhinolarygology.blogspot.com/2017/03/radiotherapy-of-nasopharyngeal-cancer.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Histopathological Assessment of OASIS Ultra on critical sized wound healing: a pilot study

Abstract

Background

Dermatopathologists assess wounds secondary to trauma, infection, or oncologic resection that can be challenging to reconstruct. OASIS® Ultra, an extracellular matrix, has been described for use in chronic and burn wounds. The aim of this pilot study is to assess wound healing in post-traumatic and infective wounds treated with OASIS using histological markers of repair.

Methods

Adults with traumatic, infective or iatrogenic wound defects with size precluding primary closure were eligible. Half the wound was randomly assigned to receive OASIS plus standard therapy; the other half received standard of care (SOC) therapy. During dressing changes, standardized-scale photographs were taken and biopsies obtained. Histologic sections were reviewed for degree of acute inflammation and extent of tissue repair. Neutrophils, edema, hemorrhage, necrosis, fibroblasts, collagen density, and neovascularization were semiquantitatively assessed.

Results

Forty-four skin biopsies from seven patients with ten acute wounds met eligibility criteria. Histologically, OASIS samples demonstrated improved acute inflammation scores compared to SOC. No patients experienced OASIS related complications. OASIS-treated wound halves trended toward more wound contraction and improved tissue repair.

Conclusions

Our scoring system aids histopathological wound assessment. Treatment of critical-sized, post-traumatic, acute wounds with OASIS resulted in decreased inflammation, and potentially more advanced wound healing, compared to SOC.

http://ift.tt/KkipBP registration number: NCT01848821

http://ift.tt/2mRTdIC

Automated segmentation of MR imaging to determine normative central nervous system cerebrospinal fluid volumes in healthy volunteers

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): J. Levi Chazen, Jonathan P. Dyke, Robert W. Holt, Laura Horky, Rachel A. Pauplis, Jacob Y. Hesterman, P. David Mozley, Ajay Verma
An accurate non-invasive method to determine total body cerebrospinal fluid volume has a number of potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Herein we describe a technique for automated segmentation of total body MRI data to determine cranial and spinal CSF volume in 15 healthy adults. These in vivo estimates of CSF volume exceed the standard reported volume of 150mL in human adults and provide normative data for diagnosis of disease states such as hydrocephalus and therapy including pharmacologic dosimetry. No correlation was observed between patient height or weight and total body CSF volume.



http://ift.tt/2lkHxBG

Citrus flavanones mildly interfere with pituitary-thyroid axis in old-aged male rats

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Marko Miler, Ivana Jarić, Jasmina Živanović, Vladimir Ajdžanović, Nasta Tanić, Verica Milošević, Branka Šošić-Jurjević
Citrus flavanones naringenin (NAR) and hesperetin (HES) are potent antioxidants that may contribute to maintenance of health at old age by improving cardiovascular and metabolic status. However, they may also affect thyroid hormone economy. Keeping in mind impaired thyroid function at older age, in this study we tested wheather NAR or HES administration potentiate this decline. NAR or HES were administrated orally (15mg/kg) to male 24-month-old Wistar rats during 4 weeks. Control groups received vehicle, sunflower oil. Qualitative and quantitative immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent expression of specific proteins and stereological analyses of thyroid tissue were performed. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and total thyroxine (T4) concentrations were measured in serum. Thyroid parenchyma of both flavanone-treated groups was characterized by lower (p<0.05) absolute and relative volume of luminal colloid, accompanied by elevated (p<0.05) relative volume of stroma in comparison with the controls. No hypertrophy or absolute thyroid volume change was detected. Intensity of immunopositive signal for thyroglobulin (Tg) and T4 bound to Tg (T4-Tg) increased (p<0.05) in the colloid of thyroid follicles after both flavanone treatments. Serum TSH increased (p<0.05) after NAR, while T4 remained unchanged after both treatments. In conclusion, NAR elevated serum TSH in old-aged males, thus being more potent than HES in altering pituitary-thyroid axis. However, changes in thyroid structure, namely moderate colloid depletion and higher Tg and T4-Tg protein expressions after both treatments, indicate preserved capacity of the gland to compensate flavanone interfering, and maintain T4 production in old-aged males.



http://ift.tt/2myWsIS

Immunohistochemical response in rats of beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) with or without BMP-2 in the production of collagen matrix critical defects

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Eloá Rodrigues Luvizuto, Júlio César Silva de Oliveira, Pedro Henrique Silva Gomes-Ferreira, Cassiano Costa Silva Pereira, Leonardo Perez Faverani, Cristina Antoniali, Roberta Okamoto
This study aimed to assess the biological response of BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein-2) in supplementation with β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) as a carrier in the bone healing of surgical defects in rats' calvaria. A critical-size defect (5mm in diameter) was filled with β-TCP alone or added with that plus 5mg of BMP-2 at 5, 15, and 30 postoperative days. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical (osteocalcin, collagen type I, and metalloproteinase-9) analysis was performed to assess the features of bone healing. Histological behavior and collagen type I labeling showed increased formation of the collagen matrix, leading to a higher percentage of newly formed bone and biomaterial for tissue and more total mineralization of pure TCP when compared to the other groups. The supplementation with BMP-2 promoted faster TCP remodeling; however, there was no statistically significant difference for the bone formed in both groups (P>0.05). Collagen-matrix formation and new bone formation reached maximum levels when the defects were filled with pure TCP, even exceeding the levels from BMP-2 supplementation.



http://ift.tt/2m26v63

Prevalence of acne vulgaris and its impact of the quality of life among secondary school-aged adolescents in Sohag Province, Upper Egypt

Summary

Background

Acne vulgaris is the most common dermatological condition encountered in adolescents.

Aim

It was to determine the prevalence of acne vulgaris and its impact of the quality of life among adolescents attending secondary schools in Sohag Province, Upper Egypt.

Patients and methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in randomly selected governmental and technical secondary schools in Sohag Province, Upper Egypt. Approval was taken from the scientific research committee of Sohag Faculty of Medicine and also from Ministry of Education. Every student with acne was subjected to full medical history and local examination of head and neck to assess the severity of acne vulgaris. Assessment of the impact of acne vulgaris on their quality of life was carried out using self-reported validated specific questionnaire, the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI).

Results

This study included 994 teenage secondary school students. The overall prevalence of acne vulgaris was 333 (33.5%). The mean age of the students with acne was 16.84±0.87. Acne vulgaris was more common among females than among males (200, 60% vs 133, 40%). The most common form of acne vulgaris was mild 178, 53%, followed by moderate form 135, 41%, and severe form 20, 6%. CADI score was significantly related to the disease grade and it was maximum among those with severe grade, followed by moderate and lastly mild disease grade.

Conclusion

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease and has a valuable impact on quality of life among adolescents attending secondary schools in Sohag Province, Upper Egypt.

http://ift.tt/2lAeaGM

The Evolving Role of the Program Coordinator: Five Essential Skills for the Coordinator Toolbox

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Joseph Stuckelman, Sylvia E. Zavatchen, Sally A. Jones
As ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) requirements have expanded and become increasingly more complex, so has the role of the program coordinator. Over the last decade, the knowledge and skills required to capably administer residency and fellowship training programs have increased in both volume and complexity. Today's coordinators are responsible for more than clerical tasks. They also function as managers and have greater roles in the development and implementation of program initiatives, policies, and outcomes. As a result, coordinators' roles and responsibilities have evolved to include management skills. To keep pace with the rapid and continuing change, it is imperative that coordinators continue to develop these skill sets to add value to their programs, institutions, and careers.



http://ift.tt/2mRT7k1

Estimation of Observer Performance for Reduced Radiation Dose Levels in CT

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Joel G. Fletcher, Lifeng Yu, Jeff L. Fidler, David L. Levin, David R. DeLone, David M. Hough, Naoki Takahashi, Sudhakar K. Venkatesh, Anne-Marie G. Sykes, Darin White, Rebecca M. Lindell, Amy L. Kotsenas, Norbert G. Campeau, Vance T. Lehman, Adam C. Bartley, Shuai Leng, David R. Holmes, Alicia Y. Toledano, Rickey E. Carter, Cynthia H. McCollough
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aims to estimate observer performance for a range of dose levels for common computed tomography (CT) examinations (detection of liver metastases or pulmonary nodules, and cause of neurologic deficit) to prioritize noninferior dose levels for further analysis.Materials and MethodsUsing CT data from 131 examinations (abdominal CT, 44; chest CT, 44; head CT, 43), CT images corresponding to 4%–100% of the routine clinical dose were reconstructed with filtered back projection or iterative reconstruction. Radiologists evaluated CT images, marking specified targets, providing confidence scores, and grading image quality. Noninferiority was assessed using reference standards, reader agreement rules, and jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic figures of merit. Reader agreement required that a majority of readers at lower dose identify target lesions seen by the majority of readers at routine dose.ResultsReader agreement identified dose levels lower than 50% and 4% to have inadequate performance for detection of hepatic metastases and pulmonary nodules, respectively, but could not exclude any low dose levels for head CT. Estimated differences in jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic figures of merit between routine and lower dose configurations found that only the lowest dose configurations tested (ie, 30%, 4%, and 10% of routine dose levels for abdominal, chest, and head CT examinations, respectively) did not meet criteria for noninferiority. At lower doses, subjective image quality declined before observer performance. Iterative reconstruction was only beneficial when filtered back projection did not result in noninferior performance.ConclusionOpportunity exists for substantial radiation dose reduction using existing CT technology for common diagnostic tasks.



http://ift.tt/2mRRF1a

A Clinically Meaningful Interpretation of the Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) Scintigraphic Data

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Paul Cronin, Ben A. Dwamena
Rationale and ObjectivesPulmonary embolism (PE) is a common condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic test characteristics reported in terms of sensitivity and specificity are difficult to translate at the clinical level. More relevant measures are likelihood ratios (LRs), which can convert a pretest into a posttest probability. The aim of our study was to calculate the LRs and posttest probabilities for multiple-level test result for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scintigraphy and for perfusion scintigraphy combined with chest radiography using modified Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) II and the Prospective Investigative Study of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PISAPED) criteria for each clinical probability level for the most commonly used clinical prediction rules (CPR) using the PIOPED data.Materials and MethodsPE pretest probability was estimated for the most commonly used CPRs (Wells, Geneva, Miniati, and Charlotte) at each clinical probability level (two-, three-, and four-level). Multiple-level LRs (high, indeterminate, low, very low probability, and normal) and the positive, indeterminate, and negative results for V/Q scintigraphy, and the positive, indeterminate, and negative results for perfusion scintigraphy were generated and used to calculate posttest probabilities based on the sensitivity and specificity data from PIOPED for each clinical probability level (low, intermediate, and high) for each CPR. Nomograms were also created.ResultsThe LRs for a positive V/Q and perfusion scintigraphy test using modified PIOPED II and PISAPED criteria were 20.6, 11, and 23.7, and for a negative test result were 0.15, 0.16, and 0.2, respectively. In the three-level Wells score, the posttest probability for an initial low clinical probability PE for a positive, indeterminate, and negative test result, respectively, for V/Q scintigraphy is 56, 5, and 0.9; for perfusion scintigraphy with modified PIOPED 40, 7, and 0.9, and with PISAPED 59, not available (N/A), and 1.2; for an initial moderate clinical probability PE for V/Q scintigraphy 86, .22, and 4; for perfusion scintigraphy with modified PIOPED 77, 26, and 5, and with PISAPED 88, N/A, and 6; for an initial high clinical probability of PE for V/Q scintigraphy 95, 48, and 13; and for perfusion scintigraphy with modified PIOPED 92, 53, and 13, and with PISAPED 96, N/A, and 16.ConclusionsWith LRs >10, a positive test result for V/Q and perfusion scintigraphy can confirm the presence of PE. Only a normal test result has low enough LR to exclude PE.



http://ift.tt/2mkmQWa

Self-Study

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Jessica B. Robbins, David Sarkany
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) self-study is a new process for ACGME accredited radiology programs. This article serves to provide the reader with the evolution of ACGME accreditation leading to the conception of the self-study process, detail the self-study method, and offer practical advice to programs embarking upon their inaugural self-study.



http://ift.tt/2mkDDs8

A Simplified Approach to Encephalitis and Its Mimics

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Colin D. McKnight, Aine M. Kelly, Myria Petrou, Anna E. Nidecker, Matthew T. Lorincz, Duaa K. Altaee, Stephen S. Gebarski, Bradley Foerster
Rationale and ObjectivesInfectious encephalitis is a relatively common cause of morbidity and mortality. Treatment of infectious encephalitis with antiviral medication can be highly effective when administered promptly. Clinical mimics of encephalitis arise from a broad range of pathologic processes, including toxic, metabolic, neoplastic, autoimmune, and cardiovascular etiologies. These mimics need to be rapidly differentiated from infectious encephalitis to appropriately manage the correct etiology; however, the many overlapping signs of these various entities present a challenge to accurate diagnosis. A systematic approach that considers both the clinical manifestations and the imaging findings of infectious encephalitis and its mimics can contribute to more accurate and timely diagnosis.Materials and MethodsFollowing an institutional review board approval, a health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA)-compliant search of our institutional imaging database (teaching files) was conducted to generate a list of adult and pediatric patients who presented between January 1, 1995 and October 10, 2013 for imaging to evaluate possible cases of encephalitis. Pertinent medical records, including clinical notes as well as surgical and pathology reports, were reviewed and correlated with imaging findings. Clinical and imaging findings were combined to generate useful flowcharts designed to assist in distinguishing infectious encephalitis from its mimics. Key imaging features were reviewed and were placed in the context of the provided flowcharts.ResultsFour flowcharts were presented based on the primary anatomic site of imaging abnormality: group 1: temporal lobe; group 2: cerebral cortex; group 3: deep gray matter; and group 4: white matter. An approach that combines features on clinical presentation was then detailed. Imaging examples were used to demonstrate similarities and key differences.ConclusionsEarly recognition of infectious encephalitis is critical, but can be quite complex due to diverse pathologies and overlapping features. Synthesis of both the clinical and imaging features of infectious encephalitis and its mimics is critical to a timely and accurate diagnosis. The use of the flowcharts presented in this article can further enable both clinicians and radiologists to more confidently differentiate encephalitis from its mimics and improve patient care.



http://ift.tt/2mkma33

Bacterial Contamination of CT Equipment

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): John Childress, Debborah Burch, Cheryl Kucharski, Carol Young, Ella A. Kazerooni, Matthew S. Davenport
Rationale and ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the use of an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) monitoring system to minimize surface contamination on inpatient computed tomography (CT) scanners.MethodsThe bore, table, and wrap of two quaternary care inpatient CT scanners (load/scanner: ~ 30–40 CT examinations/day) were assayed with bacterial cultures and an ATP detection system during six prospective iterative plan–do–check–act improvement cycles from January 6, 2016 to October 12, 2016. Per-cycle sampling was for eight consecutive weekdays. ATP detection was expressed as relative light units (RLUs) through a luciferase reaction, with >350 RLU considered contaminated per manufacturer recommendations. Culture swabs were placed into 6.5% NaCl broth, a Staphylococcus enrichment broth, and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 48 hours. Positive broths were plated to chromogenic Staphylococcus media. Culture rates (Fisher exact test) and RLU values (Mann-Whitney U test) were compared.ResultsIn Cycle 1, both culture results and median RLU values indicated the wrap was the most contaminated item (positive culture rate: 63% [10/16], median RLU interquartile range: 173 [IQR: 56–640]); however, RLU values were not predictive of per-sample culture results (P = .36). Following iterative improvements, RLU values at Cycle 6 were significantly lower than at peak (P = .02–.04) and within manufacturer's recommendations: all samples: 45 (IQR: 16–87), bore: 26 (IQR: 0–51), table: 68 (IQR: 21–89), wrap: 47 (IQR: 38–121).ConclusionThe Velcro wrap is the most contaminated item on a CT scanner, and special processes may be needed to ensure adequate cleansing. ATP detection is a crude surrogate for bacterial culture results but benefits from speed, reduced cost, and greater statistical power.



http://ift.tt/2mMmaqd

Hands-on Physics Education of Residents in Diagnostic Radiology

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Jie Zhang, Peter A. Hardy, David J. DiSantis, M. Elizabeth Oates
Rationale and ObjectivesThe American Board of Radiology Core Examination integrates assessment of physics knowledge into its overall testing of clinical radiology, with an emphasis on understanding image quality and artifacts, radiation dose, and patient safety for each modality or subspecialty organ system. Accordingly, achieving a holistic approach to physics education of radiology residents is a huge challenge. The traditional teaching of radiological physics—simply through didactic lectures—was not designed for such a holistic approach. Admittedly, time constraints and clinical demands can make incorporation of physics teaching into clinical practice problematic. We created and implemented a week-long, intensive physics rotation for fledgling radiology residents and evaluated its effectiveness.Materials and MethodsThe dedicated physics rotation is held for 1 week during the first month of radiology residency. It comprises three components: introductory lectures, hands-on practical clinical physics operations, and observation of clinical image production. A brief introduction of the physics pertinent to each modality is given at the beginning of each session. Hands-on experimental demonstrations are emphasized, receiving the greatest allotment of time. The residents perform experiments such as measuring radiation dose, studying the relationship between patient dose and clinical practice (eg, fluoroscopy technique), investigating the influence of acquisition parameters (kV, mAs) on radiographs, and evaluating image quality using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and gamma camera/single-photon emission computed tomography/positron emission tomography phantoms. Quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of the rotation is based on an examination that tests the residents' grasp of basic medical physics concepts along with written course evaluations provided by each resident.ResultsThe pre- and post-rotation tests show that after the physics rotation, the average correct score of 25 questions improved from 13.6 ± 2.4 to 19 ± 1.2. The survey shows that the physics rotation during the first week of residency is favored by all residents and that 1 week's duration is appropriate. All residents are of the opinion that the intensive workshop would benefit them in upcoming clinical rotations. Residents acknowledge becoming more comfortable regarding the use of radiation and providing counsel regarding radiation during pregnancy.ConclusionsAn immersive, short-duration, clinically oriented physics rotation is well received by new or less experienced radiology trainees, correlates basic physics concepts with their relevance to clinical imaging, and more closely parallels expectations of the American Board of Radiology Core Examination.



http://ift.tt/2mMk9KC

Maintenance of membrane organization in the aging mouse brain as determining factor for preventing receptor dysfunction and for improving response to anti-Alzheimer treatments

Publication date: Available online 3 March 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging
Author(s): Julie Colin, Mélanie H. Thomas, Lynn Gregory-Pauron, Anthony Pincon, Marie-Claire Lanhers, Catherine Corbier, Thomas Claudepierre, Frances T. Yen, Thierry Oster, Catherine Malaplate-Armand
Although a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the "aging" parameter is not systematically considered in preclinical validation of anti-AD drugs. To explore how aging affects neuronal reactivity to anti-AD agents, the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF)-associated pathway was chosen as a model. Comparison of the neuroprotective properties of CNTF in 6- and 18-month-old mice revealed CNTF resistance in the older animals associated with the exclusion of the CNTF-receptor subunits from rafts and their subsequent dispersion to non- raft cortical membrane domains. This age-dependent membrane remodelling prevented both the formation of active CNTF-receptor complexes and the activation of pro-survival STAT-3 and ERK1/2 pathways, demonstrating that age-altered membranes impaired the reactivity of potential therapeutic targets. CNTF-receptor distribution and CNTF signaling responses were improved in older mice receiving dietary docosahexaenoic acid, with CNTF-receptor functionality being similar to those of younger mice, pointing towards dietary intervention as a promising adjuvant strategy to maintain functional neuronal membranes, thus allowing associated receptors to respond appropriately to anti-AD agents.



http://ift.tt/2mz1fds

Unsaturated Fatty Acids Maintain Cancer Cell Stemness

Publication date: 2 March 2017
Source:Cell Stem Cell, Volume 20, Issue 3
Author(s): Abir Mukherjee, Hilary A. Kenny, Ernst Lengyel
Investigation of the metabolic regulation of cancer stem cells is an emerging field that offers promising approaches for identifying and targeting recalcitrant stem cell populations. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Li et al. (2017) indicate that increased lipid desaturation is essential to stem-like characteristics in ovarian cancer cells.

Teaser

Investigation of the metabolic regulation of cancer stem cells is an emerging field that offers promising approaches for identifying and targeting recalcitrant stem cell populations. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Li et al. (2017) indicate that increased lipid desaturation is essential to stem-like characteristics in ovarian cancer cells.


http://ift.tt/2mRICNI

Unveiling the Role of Senescence-Induced Cellular Plasticity

Publication date: 2 March 2017
Source:Cell Stem Cell, Volume 20, Issue 3
Author(s): Jumpei Taguchi, Yasuhiro Yamada
Mice expressing Yamanaka factors develop teratomas containing iPSCs, suggesting that somatic cells are reprogrammable in vivo. Recent studies in Cell, Science, and this issue of Cell Stem Cell (Ocampo et al., 2016; Mosteiro et al., 2016; Chiche et al., 2017, respectively) report crosstalk between reprogramming and senescence, providing insights on cellular plasticity in multicellular organisms.

Teaser

Mice expressing Yamanaka factors develop teratomas containing iPSCs, suggesting that somatic cells are reprogrammable in vivo. Recent studies in Cell, Science, and this issue of Cell Stem Cell (Ocampo et al., 2016; Mosteiro et al., 2016; Chiche et al., 2016, respectively) report crosstalk between reprogramming and senescence, providing insights on cellular plasticity in multicellular organisms.


http://ift.tt/2m0OkiW

A Back Door to Cortical Development

Publication date: 2 March 2017
Source:Cell Stem Cell, Volume 20, Issue 3
Author(s): Gerd Kempermann
The mammalian cortex develops in an "inside-out" manner, as neural stem and progenitor cells lining the ventricles build the brain from within. Bifari et al. (2017), in this issue of Cell Stem Cell, find a small set of cortical neurons that appear to originate from radial glia-like progenitors in the meninges, suggesting an outside-in contribution to corticogenesis.

Teaser

The mammalian cortex develops in an "inside-out" manner, as neural stem and progenitor cells lining the ventricles build the brain from within. Bifari et al. (2017), in this issue of Cell Stem Cell, find a small set of cortical neurons that appear to originate from radial glia-like progenitors in the meninges, suggesting an outside-in contribution to corticogenesis.


http://ift.tt/2mRHz0u

Pericytes or Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Is That the Question?

Publication date: 2 March 2017
Source:Cell Stem Cell, Volume 20, Issue 3
Author(s): Elena Cano, Véronique Gebala, Holger Gerhardt
For almost a decade, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were believed to reside as perivascular cells in vivo. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Guimarães-Camboa et al. (2017) challenge this idea and use lineage tracing to demonstrate that perivascular cells do not behave as tissue-specific progenitors in various organs, despite showing MSC potential in vitro.

Teaser

For almost a decade, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were believed to reside as perivascular cells in vivo. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Guimarães-Camboa et al. (2017) challenge this idea and use lineage tracing to demonstrate that perivascular cells do not behave as tissue-specific progenitors in various organs, despite showing MSC potential in vitro.


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Bridging the Gaps: iPSC-Based Models from CHIP to MDS to AML

Publication date: 2 March 2017
Source:Cell Stem Cell, Volume 20, Issue 3
Author(s): Kathrin M. Bernt
Myeloid malignancies exist on a spectrum from asymptomatic clonal hematopoiesis to overt leukemia and exhibit substantial clonal heterogeneity. Both aspects are challenging to capture in experimental models. In two landmark studies in this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Kotini et al. (2017) and Chao et al. (2017) establish iPSC-based experimental platforms that recapitulate disease stages and clonal architecture.

Teaser

Myeloid malignancies exist on a spectrum from asymptomatic clonal hematopoiesis to overt leukemia and exhibit substantial clonal heterogeneity. Both aspects are challenging to capture in experimental models. In two landmark studies in this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Kotini et al. (2017) and Chao et al. (2017) establish iPSC-based experimental platforms that recapitulate disease stages and clonal architecture.


http://ift.tt/2mRJnqd

Bringing a Leukemic Stem Cell Gene Signature into Clinics: Are We There Yet?

Publication date: 2 March 2017
Source:Cell Stem Cell, Volume 20, Issue 3
Author(s): Guillaume Richard-Carpentier, Guy Sauvageau
Prognostic markers that capture leukemia stem cell (LSC) activity can be useful for the risk stratification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. In a recent issue of Nature, Ng et al. (2016) develop a prognostic score based on a 17-gene expression signature of LSCs to predict outcome in AML patients.

Teaser

Prognostic markers that capture leukemia stem cell (LSC) activity can be useful for the risk stratification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. In a recent issue of Nature, Ng et al. (2016) develop a prognostic score based on a 17-gene expression signature of LSCs to predict outcome in AML patients.


http://ift.tt/2m12T5R

DNA Damage-Induced HSPC Malfunction Depends on ROS Accumulation Downstream of IFN-1 Signaling and Bid Mobilization

Publication date: 2 March 2017
Source:Cell Stem Cell, Volume 20, Issue 3
Author(s): Alpaslan Tasdogan, Suresh Kumar, Gabriele Allies, Julia Bausinger, Franziska Beckel, Helmut Hofemeister, Medhanie Mulaw, Vikas Madan, Karin Scharffetter-Kochanek, Michaela Feuring-Buske, Konstanze Doehner, Günter Speit, A. Francis Stewart, Hans Joerg Fehling




http://ift.tt/2m0Ok2q

Novel processing of Ag-WC electrical contact materials using spark plasma sintering

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 121
Author(s): Nachiketa Ray, Bernd Kempf, Gunther Wiehl, Timo Mützel, Frank Heringhaus, Ludo Froyen, Kim Vanmeensel, Jef Vleugels
Ag-WC (60-40wt%) contact materials based on three WC particle size powders were doped with 0.1wt% Ni and processed by an appropriate powder pre-treatment followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The contacts produced were already bonded to a copper profile during SPS in order to eliminate additional processing steps. The SPS composites had a more homogeneous microstructure and were tougher and softer than the materials produced by conventional press-sinter-infiltration. The infiltrated contacts had a lower arc-erosion whereas the contacts produced by both processes had a similar contact resistance. The microstructure after switching confirmed that the SPS materials had a porous contact surface layer and were crack-free in contrast to their press-sinter-infiltrated equivalents.

Graphical abstract

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Study of TLP bonding of Ti-6Al-4V alloy produced by vacuum plasma spray forming and forging

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 121
Author(s): Akbar Davoodi Jamaloei, Hamid Reza Salimijazi, Hossein Edris, Javad Mostaghimi
Due to the nature of the near-net-shape formed of Ti-6Al-4V alloy produced by vacuum plasma spray forming (VPSF), post-deposition heat treatment is necessary to achieve to the superior mechanical and physical properties. In this study, transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding of VPSF and forging Ti-6Al-4V alloy were investigated. Simultaneous joining process under equi-axed α phase heat treatment cycle was performed to achieve to a suitable microstructure and mechanical properties of both bonding area and parent metal. Different thicknesses of 2, 5, 10, and 25μm copper interlayer were used and the effect of the interlayer thickness was evaluated. Results showed that the joint region was wider in the TLP bonded VPSF alloy compared to the forged alloy under the same bonding conditions because of the higher diffusion rates in the VPSF alloy. The highest bonding shear strength was achieved for 2μm interlayer thickness. It was 452 and 492MPa for the TLP bonded VPSF and forged alloy, respectively. Increasing the interlayer thickness resulted in decreasing the bonding strength and increasing the hardness of the joint area due to the existence of Ti2Cu intermetallic compounds. The fracture analysis showed the brittle behavior due to the existence of the intermetallic compounds.

Graphical abstract

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Experimental and numerical study of optimum thickness of porous silica transition layer in aeronautic laminated glass

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 121
Author(s): Zhijun Feng, Xufeng Wang, Juntong Huang, Xibao Li, Jinshan Lu
The application of a porous silica (PS) transition layer in an inorganic-organic aeronautic laminated glass can effectively solve the material failure caused by the performance difference of the inorganic-organic materials. The effect of porous silica transition layer thickness on the mechanical and optical properties of laminated glass was investigated. The microstructure of the porous silica transition layer was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The film thickness was verified using a step profiler. The failure strength of laminated glass with the porous silica transition layer was tested by a universal testing machine. Finite element modeling of laminated glass with the porous silica transition layer was performed by ANSYS software. Tensile stress between the porous silica and the polyurethane was simulated for different porous silica film thicknesses. Experimental and theoretical results indicated that with the increasing the thickness of the transition film, the failure stress of the laminated glass increased. Improvements in the mechanical properties of the laminated glass are saturation at a PS thickness of approximately 3.8μm.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2lkFw8D

Integrating genomic data from high-throughput studies with computational modeling reveals differences in the molecular basis of hyposalivation between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objectives

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are accompanied by a high prevalence of hyposalivation (decreased salivary secretion), resulting in oral tissue damage. However, the molecular basis for the hyposalivation is yet unknown. Identifying genes and proteins that account for diabetes-related hyposalivation will help understanding the basis for this condition and identifying disease biomarkers in saliva.

Materials and methods

We integrated genomic data from 110 high-throughput studies with computational modeling, to explore the relationship between diabetes and salivary glands on a genomic scale.

Results

A significant overlap exists between genes that are altered in both types of diabetes and genes that are expressed in salivary glands; 87 type 1 diabetes and 34 type 2 diabetes associated genes are also common to salivary glands. However, the overlap between these genes is not significant.

Conclusions

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes associated genes are involved in the salivary secretion process, but mostly at different parts of it. This suggests that type 1 and type 2 diabetes impair salivary secretion by affecting different processes in the salivary tissue.

Clinical relevance

The genomic characteristics of Type 1 and type 2 diabetes may explain differences in salivary gland tissues morphology and saliva composition in people with diabetes, and suggest candidate proteins for diabetes salivary biomarkers.

http://ift.tt/2mMh9h4

Is there enough evidence to use botulinum toxin injections for bruxism management? A systematic literature review

Abstract

Objective

The objective of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature assessing the effects of botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) injections in the management of bruxism.

Materials and methods

Search for articles involved the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, Scielo and Lilacs databases. Specific terms were used and the search carried out from 1980 to March 2016 by three independent researchers. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs), prospective and before–after studies that applied BoNT-A at the masseter and/or temporalis muscles were included.

Results

Three RCTs and two uncontrolled before–after studies out of 904 identified citations were included in this review. All five articles dealt with sleep bruxism and featured a small sample size. None of them was about awake bruxism. Two randomized clinical trials were double-blinded, with a control group using saline solution. Two studies used polysomnography/electromyography for sleep bruxism diagnosis, whilst others were based on history taking and clinical examination. All studies using subjective evaluations for pain and jaw stiffness showed positive results for the BoNT-A treatment. In contrast, the two studies using objective evaluations did not demonstrate any reduction in bruxism episodes, but a decrease in the intensity of muscles contractions.

Conclusion

Despite the paucity of works on the topic, BoNT-A seems to be a possible management option for sleep bruxism, minimizing symptoms and reducing the intensity of muscle contractions, although further studies are necessary especially as far as the treatment indications for bruxism itself is concerned.

Clinical relevance

BoNT-A has been increasingly diffused in dentistry over recent years, being also used for pain management in patients with bruxism. Nonetheless, there is no consensus about its effects in this disorder.

http://ift.tt/2m0VCTN

A novel catalytic way of comprising a β-nucleating agent in isotactic polypropylene: Catalyst design strategy and polymerization-assisted dispersion

Publication date: 24 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 113
Author(s): Na Wang, Hui Niu, Yang Li
This article demonstrates a catalytic as well as efficient method to comprise a β-nucleating agent N,N'-dicyclohexyl-terephthalamide (DCTPA) into isotactic polypropylene (iPP) for the synthesis of β-crystalline-specified iPP (β-iPP). A novel DCTPA-based Ziegler-Natta catalyst was designed via a first modification step of DCTPA with TiCl4 and a subsequent supporting step of MgCl2-TiCl4-donor components on DCTPA, by which the final catalyst composition and morphology were facilely controlled, and the propylene polymerization was endowed with high activity as well as high stereospecificity. The chemical structure of the DCTPA supported Ti-Mg catalyst was investigated using FTIR, XPS and XRD, and the morphology of the catalyst particle and its polymers was monitored by SEM. Moreover, uniform dispersion of DCTPA fragments in iPP resin was realized through the in-reactor polymerization, benefiting from the catalyst-polymer morphological replication effect, followed by inducing the homogeneous β-modification of iPP with high efficiency after a melting-crystallization treatment of the polymers. This novel difunctional catalyst proved to be effective for both propylene isotactic polymerization and polymer β-modification.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m1RNfi

Acid-degradable poly(ortho ester urethanes) copolymers for potential drug carriers: Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Shengxiang Fu, Guanqing Yang, Jun Wang, Xin Wang, Xu Cheng, Rupei Tang
Herein, acid-degradable poly(ortho ester urethanes) (POEUs) were synthesized via polycondensation between an acid-labile ortho ester diamine and active esters of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) diols with different molecular weights. The POEUs nanoparticles were easily fabricated using an oil-in-water emulsion technique, whose ortho ester bonds in main-chains could be degraded at different rate in acidic pHs. DOX was loaded into the nanoparticles with high drug loading efficiency. In vitro release studies demonstrate that DOX is released in a pH-dependent manner. In vitro cellular uptake confirms that DOX-loaded POEUs nanoparticles can be more readily internalized by two-dimensional (2D) cells and three-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS), resulting in efficient antitumor efficiency of cancer cells. In vivo biodistribution and antitumor effect were evaluated by H22 tumor-bearing mice. The results demonstrate that DOX-loaded POEUs nanoparticles show a prolonged blood circulation time and improved accumulation in solid tumor, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m1RMYM

Polypyrrole nanotubes: The tuning of morphology and conductivity

Publication date: 24 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 113
Author(s): Irina Sapurina, Yu Li, Elizaveta Alekseeva, Patrycja Bober, Miroslava Trchová, Zuzana Morávková, Jaroslav Stejskal
Polypyrrole nanotubes rank among important functional materials with high application potential. They are prepared by the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole usually in the presence of methyl orange and represent conducting polymers with the highest bulk conductivity, 40–50 S cm⁻¹. The role of methyl orange in promoting the nanotubular morphology of polypyrrole is discussed on the basis of FTIR and Raman spectra. The model based on the organization of acid form of methyl orange molecules to an in-situ-generated solid template is proposed. Various factors controlling the morphology and conductivity of polypyrrole have been identified. Higher acidity of reaction medium or the addition of ethylene glycol increased the diameter of nanotubes or even converted nanotubes to globules, and the conductivity was reduced. Nanotubes have not been obtained at temperature elevated to 60 °C but one-dimensional polypyrrole morphology was surprisingly produced even when the oxidation of pyrrole took place in frozen reaction medium, in ice, at −24 °C. The counter-ions in iron(III) salt used for the oxidation and the presence of water-soluble polymers had virtually no influence on morphology and conductivity. On the other hand, a series of organic dyes used as replacement of methyl orange had substantial effect on both the nanotubular morphology and conductivity. The role of template formation is discussed by comparing methyl orange and ethyl orange dyes. While the former dye precipitates under acidic conditions and supports the growth of nanotubes, the latter does not and globules are obtained instead.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m1OKnq

Direct arylation polycondensation of β-unprotected chalcogen heteroles under phosphine-free conditions

Publication date: 24 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 113
Author(s): Shotaro Hayashi, Yoshihisa Kojima, Toshio Koizumi
We have demonstrated a direct arylation polycondensation of β-unprotected chalcogen heteroles (furan, thiophene and selenophene) under phosphine-free conditions. The polycondensation of furan and thiophene using a solid-supported palladium catalyst, Pd/C, gave alternating copolymers (Mn = 8000–10000), but the polycondensation of these monomers using common palladium catalysts such as Pd(OAc)2 gave insoluble polymeric products resulting from β-defects and network formation. Selenophene was a less reactive monomer for direct arylation using these catalysts, Pd/C and Pd(OAc)2, yielding low molecular weight copolymer (Mn < 2500). On the other hand, PdCl2 was the most effective catalyst for the polycondensation of selenophene. The high molecular weight polymer (Mn = 11800) could be obtained. The ¹H NMR and UV-vis absorption spectra of the polymers obtained from furan, thiophene and selenophene were similar to those of the polymers synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling polycondensation.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m1W6qS

Chemical sensing, thermal stability, electrochemistry and electrical conductivity of silver nanoparticles decorated and polypyrrole enwrapped boron nitride nanocomposite

Publication date: 24 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 113
Author(s): Adil Sultan, Faiz Mohammad
In the present work, a nanocomposite of boron nitride (BN) and silver nanoparticles (Ag) enwrapped by polypyrrole (PPy) has been synthesized for first time via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole using ferric chloride. The structures of synthesized FeCl3 doped PPy, BN/Ag and PPy/Ag@BN nanocomposites were confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmittance electron microscopy technique. Our investigations showed that the electrical response of PPy/Ag@BN nanocomposite which contains a conductor (Ag), an insulator (BN) and a semiconductor (PPy), was greater than that of polypyrrole. The electrochemical supercapacitive performance shows that FeCl3 doped PPy has higher capacitance than PPy/Ag@BN which might be due to higher conductivity of PPy as PPy/Ag@BN shows poor conductivity due to the insulating nature of BN. The newly synthesized nanocomposite showed rapid CO2 sensing and significantly improved DC electrical conductivity.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m1F7oP

Target Expression, Generation, Preclinical Activity, and Pharmacokinetics of the BCMA-T Cell Bispecific Antibody EM801 for Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Cancer Cell
Author(s): Anja Seckinger, Jose Antonio Delgado, Samuel Moser, Laura Moreno, Brigitte Neuber, Anna Grab, Susanne Lipp, Juana Merino, Felipe Prosper, Martina Emde, Camille Delon, Melanie Latzko, Reto Gianotti, Remo Lüoend, Ramona Murr, Ralf J. Hosse, Lydia Jasmin Harnisch, Marina Bacac, Tanja Fauti, Christian Klein, Aintzane Zabaleta, Jens Hillengass, Elisabetta Ada Cavalcanti-Adam, Anthony D. Ho, Michael Hundemer, Jesus F. San Miguel, Klaus Strein, Pablo Umaña, Dirk Hose, Bruno Paiva, Minh Diem Vu
We identified B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as a potential therapeutic target in 778 newly diagnosed and relapsed myeloma patients. We constructed an IgG-based BCMA-T cell bispecific antibody (EM801) and showed that it increased CD3⁺ T cell/myeloma cell crosslinking, followed by CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell activation, and secretion of interferon-γ, granzyme B, and perforin. This effect is CD4 and CD8 T cell mediated. EM801 induced, at nanomolar concentrations, myeloma cell death by autologous T cells in 34 of 43 bone marrow aspirates, including those from high-risk patients and patients after multiple lines of treatment, tumor regression in six of nine mice in a myeloma xenograft model, and depletion of BCMA⁺ cells in cynomolgus monkeys. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics indicate weekly intravenous/subcutaneous administration.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Seckinger et al. show that B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is universally and specifically expressed in normal and malignant plasma cells. They construct a BCMA-CD3 bispecific antibody that efficiently induces myeloma cell death by autologous T cells and depletes BCMA⁺ cells in cynomolgus monkeys.


http://ift.tt/2lFL1en

Membrane-Proximal Epitope Facilitates Efficient T Cell Synapse Formation by Anti-FcRH5/CD3 and Is a Requirement for Myeloma Cell Killing

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Cancer Cell
Author(s): Ji Li, Nicola J. Stagg, Jennifer Johnston, Michael J. Harris, Sam A. Menzies, Danielle DiCara, Vanessa Clark, Maria Hristopoulos, Ryan Cook, Dionysos Slaga, Rin Nakamura, Luke McCarty, Siddharth Sukumaran, Elizabeth Luis, Zhengmao Ye, Thomas D. Wu, Teiko Sumiyoshi, Dimitry Danilenko, Genee Y. Lee, Klara Totpal, Diego Ellerman, Isidro Hötzel, John R. James, Teemu T. Junttila
The anti-FcRH5/CD3 T cell-dependent bispecific antibody (TDB) targets the B cell lineage marker FcRH5 expressed in multiple myeloma (MM) tumor cells. We demonstrate that TDBs trigger T cell receptor activation by inducing target clustering and exclusion of CD45 phosphatase from the synapse. The dimensions of the target molecule play a key role in the efficiency of the synapse formation. The anti-FcRH5/CD3 TDB kills human plasma cells and patient-derived myeloma cells at picomolar concentrations and results in complete depletion of B cells and bone marrow plasma cells in cynomolgus monkeys. These data demonstrate the potential for the anti-FcRH5/CD3 TDB, alone or in combination with inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, in the treatment of MM and other B cell malignancies.

Teaser

Li et al. report that the size and epitope location of the target play a key role in the efficiency of T cell activation induced by T cell-dependent bispecific antibodies (TDBs). They develop a TDB targeting FcRH5 expressed in all multiple myeloma tumor cells and show its potential in treating this disease.


http://ift.tt/2lFGgS1

Ultrasonography and cytology as predictors of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP): Importance of the differential diagnosis with the invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer

The noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (EFVPTC) has an excellent prognosis even if treated only by lobectomy.^1-3 Recently, it was proposed that this tumor should no longer be considered "cancer" and be given the denomination "noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features" (NIFTP).² There is great interest in knowing the preoperative characteristics of NIFTP since, in view of a high probability of this diagnosis (higher than that of malignancy), less extensive surgery would be more indicated.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2mRINIX

GEIS Guidelines for Gastrointestinal Sarcomas (GIST)

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Andrés Poveda, Xavier García del Muro, Jose Antonio López-Guerrero, Ricardo Cubedo, Virginia Martínez, Ignacio Romero, César Serrano, Claudia Valverde, Javier Martín-Broto
Gastrointestinal stromal sarcomas (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours originating in the digestive tract. They have a characteristic morphology, are generally positive for CD117 (c-kit) and are primarily caused by activating mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes(1). On rare occasions, they occur in extravisceral locations such as the omentum, mesentery, pelvis and retroperitoneum.GISTs have become a model of multidisciplinary work in oncology: the participation of several specialties (oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, molecular biologists, radiologists...) has forested advances in the understanding of this tumour and the consolidation of a targeted therapy, imatinib, as the first effective molecular treatment in solid tumours. Following its introduction, median survival of patients with advanced or metastatic GIST increased from 18 to more than 60 months. Sunitinib and Regorafenib are two targeted agents with worldwide approval for second- and third-line treatment, respectively, in metastatic GIST.



http://ift.tt/2mM2dzC

Influence of inter-train interval on the plastic effects of rTMS

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): Robin F.H. Cash, Aisha Dar, Jeanette Hui, Leo De Ruiter, Julianne Baarbé, Peter Fettes, Sarah Peters, Paul B. Fitzgerald, Jonathan Downar, Robert Chen
BackgroundHigh frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) elicits plastic effects in excitatory and inhibitory circuits. Inter-train intervals (ITI) were initially incorporated into rTMS paradigms to avoid overheating and for safety considerations. Recent studies have shown that inclusion of ITI, as opposed to continuous stimulation, is essential for eliciting excitatory effects, but the optimal ITI remains unknown. Moreover, if ITI duration has no effect, it may be possible to substantially reduce treatment time for rTMS.HypothesisITI duration modulates the excitatory and disinhibitory effects of rTMS.MethodsrTMS (20Hz, 2 second trains, 1200 pulses, 100% RMT) was applied in 14 healthy individuals with ITI of 4s (duration: ∼3 min), 8s (∼5 min), 16s (∼9 min) or 32s (16.5 min) in sessions separated by ≥5 days. Effects on cortical excitability and GABAA receptor mediated short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) were measured for 75 minutes following rTMS.ResultsThe time-course of increased cortical excitability following rTMS was independent of ITI duration. There was a striking influence of ITI on SICI, whereby disinhibition increased with shorter ITI duration. Changes in cortical excitability and SICI were independent of each other.ConclusionThese findings provide the first evidence to suggest that ITI may be substantially shortened without loss of rTMS effects, and warrant further investigation where rTMS is applied therapeutically. Furthermore, shorter ITIs result in greater disinhibitory effects which may be desirable in some clinical disorders and accelerated treatment paradigms. The tuning of the plasticity of cortical excitatory and inhibitory circuits to rTMS parameters in human cortex are independent.



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A Comprehensive Review of Immunotherapies in Prostate Cancer

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Manuel Caitano Maia, Aaron R. Hansen
Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant neoplasm in men worldwide and the fifth cause of cancer-related death. Although multiple new agents have been approved for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer over the last decade, it is still an incurable disease. New strategies to improve cancer control are needed and agents targeting the immune system have shown encouraging results in many tumor types. Despite being attractive for immunotherapies due to the expression of various tumor associated antigens, the microenvironment in prostate cancer is relatively immunosuppressive and may be responsible for the failures of various agents targeting the immune system in this disease. To date, Sipuleucel-T is the only immunotherapy that has shown significant clinical efficacy in this setting, although the high cost and potential trial flaws have precluded its widespread incorporation into clinical practice. Issues with patient selection and trial design may have contributed to the multiple failures of immunotherapy in prostate cancer and provides an opportunity to tailor future studies to evaluate these agents more accurately. We have reviewed all the completed immune therapy trials in prostate cancer and highlight important considerations for the next generation of clinical trials.



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Framework for radiation pneumonitis risk stratification based on anatomic and perfused lung dosimetry

Abstract

Purpose

To design and apply a framework for predicting symptomatic radiation pneumonitis in patients undergoing thoracic radiation, using both pretreatment anatomic and perfused lung dose–volume parameters.

Materials and methods

Radiation treatment planning CT scans were coregistered with pretreatment [^99mTc]MAA perfusion SPECT/CT scans of 20 patients who underwent definitive thoracic radiation. Clinical radiation pneumonitis was defined as grade ≥ 2 (CTCAE v4 grading system). Anatomic lung dose–volume parameters were collected from the treatment planning scans. Perfusion dose–volume parameters were calculated from pretreatment SPECT/CT scans. Equivalent doses in 2 Gy per fraction were calculated in the lung to account for differences in treatment regimens and spatial variations in lung dose (EQD2_lung).

Results

Anatomic lung dosimetric parameters (MLD) and functional lung dosimetric parameters (pMLD_70%) were identified as candidate predictors of grade ≥ 2 radiation pneumonitis (AUC > 0.93, p < 0.01). Pairing of an anatomic and functional dosimetric parameter (e. g., MLD and pMLD_70%) may further improve prediction accuracy. Not all individuals with high anatomic lung dose (MLD > 13.6 GyEQD2_lung, 19.3 Gy for patients receiving 60 Gy in 30 fractions) developed radiation pneumonitis, but all individuals who also had high mean dose to perfused lung (pMLD_70% > 13.3 GyEQD2) developed radiation pneumonitis.

Conclusions

The preliminary application of this framework revealed differences between anatomic and perfused lung dosimetry in this limited patient cohort. The addition of perfused lung parameters may help risk stratify patients for radiation pneumonitis, especially in treatment plans with high anatomic mean lung dose. Further investigations are warranted.

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A powerful tool for assessing distribution and fate of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in soils: integration of laser ablation spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) on thin sections with soil micromorphology and geochemistry

Abstract

The dynamic behavior and inherent spatial heterogeneity, at different hierarchic levels, of the soil system often make the spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) quite complex and difficult to assess correctly. This work demonstrates that the application of laser ablation spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to soil thin sections constitutes an ancillary powerful tool to well-established analytical methods for tracing the behavior and fate of potential soil contaminants at the microsite level. It allowed to discriminate the contribution of PTMs in distinct soil sub-components, such as parent rock fragments, neoformed, clay-enriched or humified matrix, and specific pedogenetic features of illuvial origin (unstained or iron-stained clay coatings) even at very low contents. PTMs were analyzed in three soil profiles located in the Muravera area (Sardinia, Italy), where several, now abandoned mines were exploited. Recurrent trends of increase of many PTMs from rock to pedogenic matrix and to illuvial clay coatings, traced by LA-ICP-MS compositional data, revealed a pedogenetic control on metal fractionation and distribution, based on adsorption properties of clay minerals, iron oxyhydroxides or organic matter, and downprofile illuviation processes. The main PTMs patterns coupled with SEM-EDS analyses suggest that heavy metal-bearing mineral grains were sourced from the mine plants, in addition to the natural sedimentary input. The interplay between soil-forming processes and geomorphic dynamics significantly contributed to the PTMs spatial distribution detected in the different pedogenetic horizons and soil features.

http://ift.tt/2myGKNI

The ecological risk, source identification, and pollution assessment of heavy metals in road dust: a case study in Rafsanjan, SE Iran

Abstract

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in road dust is a potential environmental and human health threat. The sources, concentrations, spatial distribution, and ecological risk of As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn in road dust in Rafsanjan City, Iran, were investigated. Pollution was assessed using the enrichment factor (EF). The potentially harmful effects of HMs were evaluated by calculating the potential ecological risk factor of individual metals (E _r ) and of multiple metals (RI) using the Hakanson method. Correlation and principal component analyses (PCA) were applied to identify HM pollution sources. The concentrations of HMs in road dust were higher (ca. 5–10 folds) than their natural background values. The EF and E _r increased according to the following order Cu > Pb > As > Zn > Cd > Cr > Ni and Cu > Cd > Pb > As > Ni > Zn > Cr, respectively. Thus, Cu is regarded as the pollutant of highest concern. Based on potential ecological risk index (RI) spatial distribution, all parts of Rafsanjan are characterized by significantly high potential ecological risk. HM concentration heat maps, PCA, and correlation analysis suggest that Cu, Pb, As, Cd, and Zn may have originated from the same source and follow the same spatial distribution pattern. These metals originated mainly from anthropogenic sources like copper mining and smelting plants, industrial and chemical activities, inordinate application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farmlands, and heavy traffic. Ni and Cr are likely to origniate from the industrial activities and traffic load in Rafsanjan City.

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Screening of protozoan and microsporidian parasites in feces of great cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo )

Abstract

The global population of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo L.) is on the rise. These birds, characterized by rapid metabolism, can deposit large quantities of feces, and because they breed on the land but forage on water, both terrestrial and aquatic environments can be simultaneously affected by their activities. The contribution of great cormorants in the dispersal of bacterial and viral pathogens has been immensely studied; whereas, the occurrence of eukaryotic parasites such as protozoans and microsporidians in these birds is little known. The present study investigated the presence of dispersive stages of potentially zoonotic protozoans belonging to the genera Blastocystis, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and Microsporidia spores in feces collected from birds inhabiting the breeding colony established at one lake island in Poland, Europe. The feces were examined by coprological techniques (staining with iron hematoxylin, Ziehl-Neelsen, and modified Weber's chromotrope 2R–based trichrome), and with immunofluorescence antibody MERIFLUOR Cryptosporidium/Giardia assay. As found, the Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified rarely in 8% of samples (2/25; 3–5 × 10³/g) and no cysts of Giardia and Blastocystis were detected. Microsporidian spores were detected in 4% of samples (1/25) but at very high frequency (4.3 × 10⁴/g). No dispersive stages of parasites were identified in water samples collected from the littoral area near the colony. Despite the profuse defecation of cormorants, their role in the dispersion of the investigated parasites may not be as high as hypothesized.

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Numéro 2/2017. Questions

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Revue des Maladies Respiratoires





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Oral Antibacterial Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: An Evidence-Based Review

Abstract

Background

To some degree, acne vulgaris affects nearly every individual worldwide. Oral antibiotic therapy is routinely prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne; however, long-term use of oral antibiotics for acne may have unintended consequences.

Objective

The aim of this study was to provide a systematic evaluation of the scientific evidence on the efficacy and appropriate use of oral antibiotics in the treatment of acne.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE was conducted to identify randomized controlled clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating the efficacy of oral antibiotics for acne. Overall, 41 articles that examined oral antibiotics compared with placebo, another oral therapy, topical therapy, alternate dose, or duration were included in this study.

Results

Tetracyclines, macrolides, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole are effective and safe in the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Superior efficacy of one type or class of antibiotic could not be determined, therefore the choice of antibiotic is generally based on the side-effect profile. Although different dosing regimens have been studied, there is a lack of standardized comparator trials to determine optimal dosing and duration of each oral antibiotic used in acne. The combination of oral antibiotics with a topical therapy is superior to oral antibiotics alone.

Conclusion

This article provides a systematic evaluation of the scientific evidence of the efficacy of oral antibiotics for acne. Due to heterogeneity in the design of the trials, there is insufficient evidence to support one type, dose, or duration of oral antibiotic over another in terms of efficacy; however, due to increasing resistance to antibiotics, dermatologists should heed consensus guidelines for their appropriate use.

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Stiffness and Proprioceptive Contributions of Ankle Braces and the Influence of Localized Muscle Fatigue

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Courtney A. Webster, Maury A. Nussbaum, Michael L. Madigan
Ankle braces are a common treatment to reduce ankle sprain recurrence among individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Bracing provides supplemental external joint stiffness and/or improved proprioceptive acuity. The goals of this study were to assess the effects of two ankle braces on joint position sense (JPS) and ankle stiffness, and determine whether bracing effects are reduced with localized muscle fatigue. Measures of JPS and ankle stiffness were obtained from participants with CAI (n=12) for three conditions (no brace, a neoprene wrap brace, and a semi-rigid brace), before and after inducing localized muscle fatigue at the ankle. Pre-fatigue JPS measures did not differ between brace conditions, but pre-fatigue stiffness was ∼0.8 and 2.5 Nm/rad (∼5 and 14%) greater for the semi-rigid brace than the neoprene and no brace conditions, respectively. Fatigue increased absolute JPS errors by 0.3° (∼6-12%) across all conditions. Stiffness was unaffected by fatigue among females. Among males, fatigue increased stiffness by 0.75 Nm/rad (∼3.3%) with the semi-rigid brace and decreased stiffness by 0.32 Nm/rad (1.5%) with no brace. The semi-rigid brace may better protect males from sprains while either brace may be effective for females.



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PSGL-1: A New Player in the Immune Checkpoint Landscape

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Roberto Tinoco, Dennis C. Otero, Amy A. Takahashi, Linda M. Bradley
P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) has long been studied as an adhesion molecule involved in immune cell trafficking and is recognized as a regulator of many facets of immune responses by myeloid cells. PSGL-1 also regulates T cell migration during homeostasis and inflammatory settings. However, recent findings indicate that PSGL-1 can also negatively regulate T cell function. Because T cell differentiation is finely tuned by multiple positive and negative regulatory signals that appropriately scale the magnitude of the immune response, PSGL-1 has emerged as an important checkpoint during this process. We summarize what is known regarding PSGL-1 structure and function and highlight how it may act as an immune checkpoint inhibitor in T cells.



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Breast Density Legislation and Clinical Evidence

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2017
Source:Radiologic Clinics of North America
Author(s): Regina J. Hooley

Teaser

Breast density inform legislation is widely accepted in the United States and has fueled research regarding the clinical significance of dense breast tissue present on mammography and the value of supplemental screening. This article reviews the origins and current status of breast density inform laws and strategies for optimal breast density determination. Clinical evidence that dense breast tissue is associated with increased breast cancer risk is presented, together with a review of relative risk compared with other risk factors. Finally, there is in-depth analysis regarding the rationale, benefits, and risks of supplemental screening modalities, including ultrasound, tomosynthesis, and MRI.


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A likely cranial osteodystrophy (Paget’s disease of bone) in a Precolumbian, Mesoamerican stone sculpture

Abstract

This short note illustrates facial and head features found in a stone sculpture of the ancient, Precolumbian period in a temple of the Mayan city of Copan (Honduras). The authors believe that this observation may support paleoanthropological evidence of Paget's disease of bone, an osteodystrophy described in the Mesoamerican Indian populations before the first millennium A.D.

http://ift.tt/2ljmZtx

One-hour post-load plasma glucose levels associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and secretion and early makers of cardiometabolic risk

Abstract

Purpose

Obese adults with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) but with 1-hour post-load plasma glucose (1hPG) ≥ 155 mg/dl are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiometabolic complications. Little information is available for the pediatric population, where recently, a lower cutoff, 132.5 mg/dl, has been suggested as being more sensitive to identify subjects at risk of T2D. Our aim was to assess whether obese Caucasian youth with 1hPG ≥ 132.5 mg/dl have worse insulin sensitivity and secretion and a worse cardiometabolic profile compared to obese youth with 1hPG < 132.5 mg/dl.

Methods

Medical records of 244 (43% male; age: 11.1 ± 2.7years) overweight/obese children and adolescents, who had undergone an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), were retrieved. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected from the hard copy archive. Indexes of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity (WBISI), and insulin secretion (Insulinogenic Index, Disposition Index) were calculated.

Results

Of the 244 records analyzed, 215 fulfilled criteria for NGT and had complete biochemical data. Among NGT patients, 42 (19.5%) showed 1hPG ≥ 132.5 mg/dL (high-NGT), while the remaining had 1hPG < 132.5 mg/dL (low-NGT). The high-NGT group showed a higher male prevalence (59.5 vs 37%), lower Disposition Index (0.54 [0.39–0.71] vs 0.79 [0.47–1.43]), and WBISI (0.24 [0.18–0.35] vs 0.33 [0.23–0.50]) than the low-NGT group. High-NGT subjects also showed a trend towards lower HDL-cholesterol and higher triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol ratio (2.13 [1.49–3.41] vs 1.66 [1.24–2.49]).

Conclusions

In overweight/obese NGT Caucasian youth a 1hPG ≥ 132.5 mg/dL was able to identify those with impaired insulin sensitivity and secretion and a trend towards a worse cardio-metabolic profile, a group likely at risk for future T2D.

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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor–Interacting Protein (AIP) N-Terminus Gene Mutations Identified in Pituitary Adenoma Patients Alter Protein Stability and Function

Abstract

Mutations spanning the entire aryl hydrocarbon receptor–interacting protein (AIP) gene have been found in isolated familial cases of pituitary adenomas (PA). Missense mutations located in the N-terminus of the gene have been identified in several patients. However, the functional significance of these mutations remains a matter of controversy. In most studies, the N-terminus of AIP has been shown to regulate protein stability and subcellular localization of the AIP-AHR-HSP90 complex but not to be involved in protein–protein interactions. Other studies found that the N-terminal domain interacts directly with other proteins. The aim of this study was to analyze whether specific N-terminus AIP mutations identified in PA patients would be functionally different from wild-type (WT) AIP. In vitro analyses were used to assess the role of known N-terminus variants, a locally identified mutant, R9Q, and three other commonly genotyped N-terminus mutations R16H, V49M and K103R are found in PA patients. Given the functional effect of WT AIP on cAMP signalling alterations caused by N-terminus mutants on this pathway were also analyzed in GH3 cells. Results indicate that N-terminus mutations lead to de-regulation of the effect of WT AIP on cAMP signalling and increased cAMP thresholds in GH3 cells resulting in increased growth hormone (GH) secretion. Cycloheximide chase analysis identified a variation in protein degradation patterns between WT and N-terminus variants. Therefore, both functional and structural studies reveal that N-terminus mutations in the AIP gene alter protein behaviour significantly and hence can truly be pathogenic in nature.

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Low-Income Urban Mothers’ Experiences with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Sarah Robbins, Anna K. Ettinger, Carolyn Keefe, Anne Riley, Pamela J. Surkan
BackgroundFood insecurity remains a public health concern in the United States, particularly among low-income urban ethnically diverse families, even with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Limited phenomenologic data exist to capture how programmatic changes to SNAP address the needs of users and why a gap in SNAP use may exist.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to examine the experiences of low-income, Baltimore, MD, mothers in applying for and maintaining access to SNAP. Secondary aims included understanding participants' perspectives on the influence of changes in SNAP over a 3-year period and how SNAP fits into the overall system of social services for families.DesignIn this qualitative, phenomenologic study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 mothers and three focus groups with 20 mothers, for a total sample of 33 mothers receiving SNAP benefits. Ten mothers participated in the first round of data collection (January to May 2010), and 23 in the second round (February to May 2013).Participants/settingParticipants were 33 mothers receiving SNAP benefits in Baltimore City, MD.Main outcome measuresBaltimore SNAP users' experiences with applying for and maintaining access to SNAP, as well as with program changes to the SNAP program.Data analysisData were analyzed using an iterative emergent design and phenomenologic approach. A constructivist perspective was implemented throughout the coding process.ResultsSNAP functioned as a valuable support system within the broader social safety net for mothers living in poverty, yet participants expressed frustration about the processes of applying for and maintaining benefits due to communication problems and poor integration of services. In applying for and accessing SNAP, positive interactions with caseworkers and previous knowledge of the SNAP program were important for maintaining benefits. Interviews and focus group discussions revealed the need for additional outreach and education about the implemented program changes to build trust and improve access to SNAP among participants.ConclusionsImproving communication and supporting participants' ability to maintain relationships with the same caseworkers, as well as developing better integration with other aid programs, could improve the SNAP program.



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Beverage Consumption Patterns at Age 13 to 17 Years Are Associated with Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index at Age 17 Years

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Teresa A. Marshall, John M. Van Buren, John J. Warren, Joseph E. Cavanaugh, Steven M. Levy
BackgroundSugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have been associated with obesity in children and adults; however, associations between beverage patterns and obesity are not understood.ObjectiveOur aim was to describe beverage patterns during adolescence and associations between adolescent beverage patterns and anthropometric measures at age 17 years.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional analyses of longitudinally collected data.Participants/settingData from participants in the longitudinal Iowa Fluoride Study having at least one beverage questionnaire completed between ages 13.0 and 14.0 years, having a second questionnaire completed between 16.0 and 17.0 years, and attending clinic examination for weight and height measurements at age 17 years (n=369) were included.ExposureBeverages were collapsed into four categories (ie, 100% juice, milk, water and other sugar-free beverages, and SSBs) for the purpose of clustering. Five beverage clusters were identified from standardized age 13 to 17 years mean daily beverage intakes and named by the authors for the dominant beverage: juice, milk, water/sugar-free beverages, neutral, and SSB.OutcomesWeight, height, and body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m²) at age 17 years were analyzed.Statistical analysesWe used Ward's method for clustering of beverage variables, one-way analysis of variance and χ² tests for bivariable associations, and γ-regression for associations of weight or BMI (outcomes) with beverage clusters and demographic variables. Linear regression was used for associations of height (outcome) with beverage clusters and demographic variables.ResultsParticipants with family incomes <$60,000 trended shorter (1.5±0.8 cm; P=0.070) and were heavier (2.0±0.7 BMI units; P=0.002) than participants with family incomes ≥$60,000/year. Adjusted mean weight, height, and BMI estimates differed by beverage cluster membership. For example, on average, male and female members of the neutral cluster were 4.5 cm (P=0.010) and 4.2 cm (P=0.034) shorter, respectively, than members of the milk cluster. For members of the juice cluster, mean BMI was lower than for members of the milk cluster (by 2.4 units), water/sugar-free beverage cluster (3.5 units), neutral cluster (2.2 units), and SSB cluster (3.2 units) (all P<0.05).ConclusionsBeverage patterns at ages 13 to 17 years were associated with anthropometric measures and BMI at age 17 years in this sample. Beverage patterns might be characteristic of overall food choices and dietary behaviors that influence growth.



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A Comprehensive Review of Immunotherapies in Prostate Cancer

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Manuel Caitano Maia, Aaron R. Hansen
Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant neoplasm in men worldwide and the fifth cause of cancer-related death. Although multiple new agents have been approved for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer over the last decade, it is still an incurable disease. New strategies to improve cancer control are needed and agents targeting the immune system have shown encouraging results in many tumor types. Despite being attractive for immunotherapies due to the expression of various tumor associated antigens, the microenvironment in prostate cancer is relatively immunosuppressive and may be responsible for the failures of various agents targeting the immune system in this disease. To date, Sipuleucel-T is the only immunotherapy that has shown significant clinical efficacy in this setting, although the high cost and potential trial flaws have precluded its widespread incorporation into clinical practice. Issues with patient selection and trial design may have contributed to the multiple failures of immunotherapy in prostate cancer and provides an opportunity to tailor future studies to evaluate these agents more accurately. We have reviewed all the completed immune therapy trials in prostate cancer and highlight important considerations for the next generation of clinical trials.



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Engineered microenvironments for synergistic VEGF – Integrin signalling during vascularization

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 126
Author(s): Vladimíra Moulisová, Cristina Gonzalez-García, Marco Cantini, Aleixandre Rodrigo-Navarro, Jessica Weaver, Mercedes Costell, Roser Sabater i Serra, Matthew J. Dalby, Andrés J. García, Manuel Salmerón-Sánchez
We have engineered polymer-based microenvironments that promote vasculogenesis both in vitro and in vivo through synergistic integrin-growth factor receptor signalling. Poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) triggers spontaneous organization of fibronectin (FN) into nanonetworks which provide availability of critical binding domains. Importantly, the growth factor binding (FNIII12-14) and integrin binding (FNIII9-10) regions are simultaneously available on FN fibrils assembled on PEA. This material platform promotes synergistic integrin/VEGF signalling which is highly effective for vascularization events in vitro with low concentrations of VEGF. VEGF specifically binds to FN fibrils on PEA compared to control polymers (poly(methyl acrylate), PMA) where FN remains in a globular conformation and integrin/GF binding domains are not simultaneously available. The vasculogenic response of human endothelial cells seeded on these synergistic interfaces (VEGF bound to FN assembled on PEA) was significantly improved compared to soluble administration of VEGF at higher doses. Early onset of VEGF signalling (PLCγ1 phosphorylation) and both integrin and VEGF signalling (ERK1/2 phosphorylation) were increased only when VEGF was bound to FN nanonetworks on PEA, while soluble VEGF did not influence early signalling. Experiments with mutant FN molecules with impaired integrin binding site (FN-RGE) confirmed the role of the integrin binding site of FN on the vasculogenic response via combined integrin/VEGF signalling. In vivo experiments using 3D scaffolds coated with FN and VEGF implanted in the murine fat pad demonstrated pro-vascularization signalling by enhanced formation of new tissue inside scaffold pores. PEA-driven organization of FN promotes efficient presentation of VEGF to promote vascularization in regenerative medicine applications.

Graphical abstract

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The pineapple technique for excision of large plexiform neurofibromas

Abstract

Plexiform neurofibromas (PNF) occur in up to 30% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). To date, management of this tumors remains medically challenging. Surgical approach represents the only viable treatment option of progressive growing plexiform neurofibromas but surgical complications may be relatively common. Intraoperative tumor bleeding was found to occur as one of the most frequent complications. We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient presented with a large back-pack shaped plexiform neurofibroma. The tumor was successfully excised using the pineapple technique, with minimal intraoperative blood loss. To our opinion, this is the first reported case of excision of a plexiform neurofibroma combined with multi-layered hemostatic suture technique. This novel application proves the efficacy and the potential of the technique, extending its feasibility to the excision of any type of vascular tumor or extensive cancerous masses.

Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study

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Asymptomatic Compression of the Left Pulmonary Artery in a Patient with Giant Aortic Arch Aneurysm

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): B. Fiorucci, T. Kölbel




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A Simple Fever

Publication date: Available online 2 March 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): L. Salomon du Mont, S. Rinckenbach




http://ift.tt/2lyfJoB

Agricultural effluent treatment in biobed systems using novel substrates from southeastern Mexico: the relationship with physicochemical parameters of biomixtures

Abstract

Misuse of pesticides in farming activities leads to contamination of drinking water sources and is responsible for animal and human health problems. The biobeds are practicable option to minimize contamination by pesticides during preparation, use and washing of equipment for pesticide treatments. This research aimed at testing substrate mixtures to optimize biobed efficiency to remove pesticides under the climate of the Yucatan (México). Agricultural soil and 11 mixtures adding vegetable compost, sisal pulp, corn stover and seaweed were tested under controlled conditions. Each biomixture was exposed to a mixture of five pesticides (2,4-diclorophenoxyacetic acid "2,4-D" [1.08 mg cm⁻³], atrazine [2.50 mg cm⁻³], carbofuran [0.23 mg cm⁻³], diazinon [0.34 mg cm⁻³], and glyphosate [0.36 mg cm⁻³]) in a period of 41 days. Monitoring of the dissipation of pesticide residues showed that pesticides were quickly dissipated in soil at microcosm level experiment, while at two critical times of 20 and 41 days, all mixtures of substrates (biomixtures) were efficient in dissipation of high concentrations of pesticide in a short time (>99%). Time, biomixture and type of pesticide were shown to be the main parameters influencing pesticide dissipation (P < 0.05). Several other physicochemical parameters of the biomixtures, such as organic matter (OM), lignin, water holding capacity (WHC), and pH, were also significant on pesticide dissipation (P < 0.05), being pH the most significant.

http://ift.tt/2meMNpS