No abstract available
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Τετάρτη 22 Μαρτίου 2017
Functionality of Patients 75 Years and Older Undergoing Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Multicenter Study.
BACKGROUND: Mohs surgery is indisputably a highly effective treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers. In the current health care environment, physicians are challenged to provide high quality, efficacious care in a manner that is mindful of the patient's general health and well-being. We have used a functional assessment to evaluate older patients who present for Mohs surgery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to categorize the functional status, using the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) Scale, of patients 75 years and older undergoing Mohs surgery of a nonmelanoma skin cancer and to identify distinguishing characteristics of lower functioning patients. METHODS: Patients 75 years and older undergoing Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer at 8 separate geographically diverse sites were included. Patient and tumor characteristics were recorded. Physicians scored subjects on the KPS scale and administered a questionnaire to categorize the symptoms and impact of their skin cancer. RESULTS: A total of 291 subjects completed the study. The average KPS score was 90.1. 93.1% of our subjects had a KPS score of >=70. Subjects with a KPS score
http://ift.tt/2npYyua
http://ift.tt/2npYyua
Novel Approach to Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Females With Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy).
BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation, also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has been studied and used for (among other diseases) the promotion of hair regrowth. OBJECTIVE/MATERIALS AND METHODS/RESULTS: A clinical study was developed to define the physiologic effects that occur when the human hair follicle and surrounding tissue structures are exposed to laser light using a novel device that is fitted with an array of laser diode sources operating at 650 nm and placed inside a sports cap to promote discretion while in use. The study demonstrates that low-level laser treatment of the scalp every other day for 17 weeks using the HANDI-DOME LASER device is a safe and effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia in healthy females between the ages of 18 to 60 with Fitzpatrick skin Types I to IV and Ludwig-Savin Baldness Scale I-2 to II-2 baldness patterns. Subjects receiving LLLT at 650 nm achieved a 51% increase in hair counts as compared with sham-treated control patients in this multicenter randomized controlled trial. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the emerging technology of low-level laser therapy may play a potentially significant role in health care providers' armamentarium for the disease androgenic alopecia. (C) 2017 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2npQr0J
http://ift.tt/2npQr0J
The Sterility of Partially Used Hyaluronic Acid Fillers After Long Storage.
BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) gel fillers represent most soft tissue augmentation procedures currently used, because they have lower rates of complications compared with other materials. Many patients do not consume an entire syringe of filler but may require a retouch or intermittent augmentation after some time. The remaining material is commonly stored in a specific environment for reuse by the same patient. OBJECTIVE: There are an insufficient number of recommendations concerning the safety of storing and reusing dermal fillers in the literature because of the paucity of studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential infectious contamination associated with the storage of HA fillers after patient treatment. METHODS: Hyaluronic acid from previously used syringes was stored at room temperature under sterile conditions for varying durations beginning from 2009. Later, the material was submitted for panculture, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi. RESULTS: No fungal or mycobacterial agents were cultured from any of the samples. There were a few positive bacterial cultures, but they were predominantly contaminated with normal skin surface flora. CONCLUSION: Although it is commonly practiced, the storage of HA fillers after initial patient injection carries a real but small risk of contamination. (C) 2017 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2mT4bNL
http://ift.tt/2mT4bNL
Long-Term Outcomes of Melanoma In Situ Treated With Topical 5% Imiquimod Cream: A Retrospective Review.
BACKGROUND: Melanoma in situ (MIS) is a noninvasive form of melanoma for which nonsurgical therapeutic options continue to be explored. The off-label use of topical 5% imiquimod cream in the management of MIS has shown potential but reported recurrence rates vary considerably between 0% and 40%. Furthermore, the long-term efficacy of imiquimod is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the recurrence rate of MIS among patients treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center with at least 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 12 patients with MIS who have been treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream for 6 to 12 weeks. Patients who underwent surgical treatment for MIS were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: Of 12 patients with histologically confirmed MIS treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream, there were 2 recurrences (17%) during a median follow-up time of 5.5 years. CONCLUSION: Although surgery is still considered the gold standard for the treatment of MIS, imiquimod may represent a potentially effective noninvasive treatment option for patient who are not surgical candidates. (C) 2017 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2npSoKv
http://ift.tt/2npSoKv
The Clinical and Histological Effect of a Low-Fluence Q-Switched 1,064-nm Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser for the Treatment of Melasma and Solar Lentigo in Asians: Prospective, Randomized, and Split-Face Comparative Study.
BACKGROUND: The low-fluence Q-switched 1,064-nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (QSNYL) is popular for melasma treatment among Asians. OBJECTIVE: This study was to evaluate the clinical and histological effects of the low-fluence QSNYL for treatment of melasma and solar lentigo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized split-face clinical study, 22 patients with melasma or solar lentigo received low-fluence QSNYL weekly for 10 sessions on one cheek. The treatment efficacy was determined by Mexameter skin colorimetry, physician and patient assessment, and by evaluating histological changes. RESULTS: The treated sides had statistically significant reductions in the melanin and erythema indices (EI); 50.0% of melasma and 62.5% of solar lentigo patients had >50% clearance after the final treatment. The increased EI, vascularity, and mast cell activity in patients with melasma and large-sized solar lentigo showed no improvement. The recurrence rates were 16.7% and 12.7% for melasma and solar lentigo, respectively. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in 1 patient, but no serious side effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Low-fluence QSNYL is effective in treating melasma and small type solar lentigo in Asians. The authors' study also demonstrated that lesion thickness, vascularity, and mast cell activity can be used to predict the efficacy of the treatment of these lesions. (C) 2017 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2mSTCu0
http://ift.tt/2mSTCu0
Clinical implications of acute pelvicaliceal hematoma formation during percutaneous catheter nephrostomy insertion
Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 43
Author(s): Jessica K. Stewart, Tony P. Smith, Charles Y. Kim
PurposeTo determine the clinical implications of acute pelvicaliceal hematoma formation during percutaneous catheter nephrostomy (PCN) insertion.MethodsCollecting system hematoma burden was retrospectively assessed for 694 PCN insertions in 502 patients.ResultsPelvicaliceal hematoma formation occurred in 146 kidneys (21%) in 136 patients. Clinically significant blood loss occurred in 3 patients with hematomas within one week compared to 4 patients without hematomas (p=0.39). Twenty-four patients with hematomas underwent catheter exchange within one week, compared to 55 patients without hematomas (p=0.49).ConclusionPelvicaliceal hematoma formation after PCN insertion is not uncommon and is associated with very rare clinical sequelae.
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Improvement of mechanical and electrical properties of rotary swaged Al-Cu clad composites
Publication date: 5 June 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 123
Author(s): Radim Kocich, Lenka Kunčická, Adéla Macháčková, Michal Šofer
In order to investigate modifications in electric resistivity, mechanical properties and structures of Al/Cu clad composite induced by various thermomechanical-treatments, work-pieces were swaged under two temperatures (25°C and 250°C) to three final diameters (10, 7.5 and 5mm) and subsequently subjected to two different heat treatments. The influence of the two swaging temperatures on formability of the clad composites was evaluated via tensile and bending tests with integrated detection of acoustic emission. The highest tensile strength (~500MPa) was recorded after semi-final swaging for both the composites. The strain imposed during the gradual swaging process significantly influenced hardness of both the metals within the composites, the development of which was non-linear. Structure analysis proved restoration processes in Cu to occur during swaging to 5mm at 25°C, however, at 250°C restoration occurred already during the last but one pass to 7.5mm. Heat treatment introduced further structure changes; the annealing temperature of 350°C also resulted in the development of an intermetallic layer on the Al/Cu interfaces, which also contributed to decreases in mechanical properties. Results of electric resistivity measurements showed all the composites to have higher conductivity than Al work-pieces swaged via the identical procedures.
Graphical abstract
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Magnetic anisotropy phase-graded A1/L10-FePt films on amorphous glass substrates
Publication date: 5 June 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 123
Author(s): G. Barucca, Th. Speliotis, G. Giannopoulos, D. Niarchos, B. Rutkowski, A. Czyrska-Filemonowicz, E. Agostinelli, S. Laureti, A.M. Testa, G. Varvaro
Magnetic anisotropy phase-graded A1/L10-FePt films deposited on amorphous glass substrates were investigated combining ultra-high resolution electron microscopy and angular-dependent magnetic measurements. A highly textured (001) L10 FePt film was first deposited at the relative low temperature of 625K using an MgO/Cr underlayer stack, hence a second layer was grown while continuously decreasing the deposition temperature down to a final value ranging from 515K to 365K depending on the layer thickness (tg). This procedure leaded to the formation of a phase-graded system consisting of hard and soft magnetic phases separated by a rough nanometer-size interphase boundary, where the magnetic anisotropy gradually changes due to the variation of the relative amount of hard and soft phases across the whole film thickness. Electron microscopy analysis allowed the structure of the samples to be investigated at an atomic level. The A1 and L10-FePt phases were localized inside the film and the orientation relationships between their lattices were determined. The samples show a preferential perpendicular anisotropy up to tg=15nm and a significant reduction of the coercive field with the increase of the graded layer thickness (~30% for tg=5nm), suggesting their potential application as magnetic recording media.
Graphical abstract
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Measurements of the mechanical response of unidirectional 3D-printed PLA
Publication date: 5 June 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 123
Author(s): Y. Song, Y. Li, W. Song, K. Yee, K.-Y. Lee, V.L. Tagarielli
Fully dense PLA blocks were manufactured by 3D-printing, depositing a polymer filament in a single direction via the fusion deposition method (FDM). Specimens were cut from printed blocks using conventional machining and were used to perform tension, compression and fracture experiments along different material directions. The elasto-plastic material response was found to be orthotropic and characterised by a strong tension-compression asymmetry; the material was tougher when loaded in the extrusion direction than in the transverse direction. The response of the unidirectional, 3D-printed material was compared to that of homogeneous injection-moulded PLA, showing that manufacturing by 3D-printing improves toughness; the effects of an annealing thermal cycle on the molecular structure and the mechanical response of the material were assessed.
Graphical abstract
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Linarin could protect myocardial tissue from the injury of Ischemia-reperfusion through activating Nrf-2
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 90
Author(s): Qian Yu, Xin Li, Xia Cao
ObjectivesAs we all know, oxidative stress was one of the most important causes of ischemia-reperfusion injury. And it was reported that Nrf-2 as an important regulator for oxidative stress could be activated by Linarin. Thus it would be interesting to find whether Linarin could inhibit ischemia-reperfusion injury through activating Nrf-2.MethodsIn this study, cell activity was detected by MTT assay and caspase-3 activity detection kit. And the expressions or activities of some signal proteins were evaluated by western-blot or activity detection kits. At last, the effect and mechanism of Linarin on heart tissues were verified in the ischemia-reperfusion model of isolated hearts.ResultsThe proliferation activity of cell was inhibited while the apoptosis rate was increased after hypoxia-reoxygenation. However, Linarin could inhibit these two variations. It was found that these effects of Linarin were related with the activation of Nrf-2 through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the anti-oxidative enzymes, regulated by Nrf-2, were enhanced to against the oxidative stress caused by hypoxia-reoxygenation. And with the inhibition of oxidative stress, some proliferation and apoptosis related proteins such as NF-kB and Cytochrome C were adjusted to support the viability of cells. At last, these results were verified in the ischemia reperfusion experiment of isolated hearts.ConclusionsFrom this study, we assured that LIN could protect myocardial tissue from ischemia-reperfusion through activating Nrf-2.
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Current FDA-approved treatments for non-small cell lung cancer and potential biomarkers for its detection
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 90
Author(s): Karla A. Ruiz-Ceja, Yolanda I. Chirino
BackgroundLung cancer is the leading worldwide cancer with almost 1.5 million deaths every year. Some drugs for lung cancer treatment have been available on the market for decades, but novel drugs have emerged promising better outcomes, especially for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), which represents 75% of lung cancer cases. However, how much do drugs have evolved for NSCLC treatment? Are they sharing the same mechanism of action?AimIn this review we analyzed how the approved drugs by Federal Drug Agency for NSCLC have advanced in the last four decades identifying shared mechanism of action of medicines against NSCLC treatment and some of the potential biomarkers for early detection.ResultsCisplatin and its derivatives are still the most used therapy in combination with some other more specific drugs. However, increasing the survival rates seems to be a great challenge and research is moving into early detection through biomarkers but also trying to identify molecules such as those derived from the immune system, cell-free DNA, non-coding RNAs, but also polymorphisms to detect early tumor formation.ConclusionsCisplatin and derivatives have been one of the most successful therapies in spite of their side effects and low specificity. Some of the drugs developed after cisplatin discovery, have been targeted the epidermal growth factor receptor, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, programmed cell death 1 ligand and vascular endothelial growth factor. Since none of the pharmacological treatments in combination with radiation/surgery have extended dramatically the survival rate, research is now focused in early cancer detection in combination with precision medicine, which attempts to treat patients individually according to their stage and tumor characteristics.
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Artemisia sieberi Besser essential oil and treatment of fungal infections
Publication date: May 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 89
Author(s): Mohaddese Mahboubi
A. sieberi essential oil has been used for treatment of hardly curable infectious ulcers in Middle East Medicine and has been famous due to its wormicide effects. In this review, we evaluated the potency of A. sieberi essential oil in treatment of fungal infections. We searched in PubMed Central, Science direct, Wiley, Springer, SID, and accessible books, reports, thesis. There is a lot of mixed information on chemical compositions of A. sieberi essential oil, but most articles reported α, β-thujones as the main components of essential oils. In vitro studies confirmed the antifungal activity of A. sieberi essential oil against saprophytes fungi, dermatophytes, Malassezia sp. and Candida sp. and these results were confirmed in six clinical studies. The clinical studies confirmed the superiority of A. sieberi essential oil (5%) lotion in improvement of clinical signs of fungal superficial diseases, and mycological laboratory examinations of dermatophytosis and pityriasis versicolor diseases than clotrimazole (1%) topical treatment. The recurrence rate of superficial fungal infections with dermatophytosis and pityriasis versicolor was statistically lower in A. sieberi essential oil (5%) lotion than clotrimazole. There are no adverse effects due to the application of A. sieberi essential oil in clinical studies. Despite, the efficacy of A. sieberi essential oil against Candida sp., there is no clinical study about their related infections. Investigation about the effects of A. sieberi essential oil on fungal virulence factors in order to identifying the exact mechanism of antifungal activity and clinical trials on Candida related diseases are recommended.
Graphical abstract
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Knockdown of SKA1 gene inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis in human adenoid cystic carcinoma
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 90
Author(s): Li-juan Zhao, Hong-li Yang, Ke-yi Li, Yue-hua Gao, Kai Dong, Zhong-hao Liu, Le-xin Wang, Bin Zhang
The spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunit 1(SKA1) is a newly discovered gene, which has been associated with mitosis and tumorigenesis. However, its role insalivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is still unknown, and the invasive and metastatic mechanism in SACC is still unclear. To explore the molecular mechanism of SKA1 in the process of malignant proliferation and metastasis in adenoid cystic cancer (ACC) cells, we employed lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA to knockdown SKA1 in SACC-83 cells. The results demonstrated that the lentivirus-mediated shRNA-targeting SKA1 lead to a significant down-regulation of SKA1 expression. Knockdown of SKA1 inhibited cell proliferation, cell invasion, migration and the cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, knockdown of SKA1 reduced the Ndc80, CDK4, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E1, Cyclin B1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) protein expression, but increased the p27 protein expression. These findings indicated that SKA1 might be a promising target for cancer gene therapy in human ACC.
http://ift.tt/2n9J1wq
Therapeutic effect of quercetin in collagen-induced arthritis
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 90
Author(s): Nagaraja Haleagrahara, Socorro Miranda-Hernandez, Md Abdul Alim, Linda Hayes, Guy Bird, Natkunam Ketheesan
Quercetin, a bioactive flavonoid with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and protective properties, is a potential agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is the most commonly used animal model for studying the pathogenesis of RA. This study analysed the therapeutic role of quercetin in collagen-induced arthritis in C57BL/6 mice. The animals were allocated into five groups that were subjected to the following treatments: negative (untreated) control, positive control (arthritis-induced), arthritis+methotrexate, arthritis+quercetin, and arthritis+methotrexate+quercetin. Assessments of weight, oedema, joint damage, and cytokine production were used to determine the therapeutic effect of quercetin. This study demonstrated for the first time the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of quercetin in vivo in CIA. The results also showed that the concurrent administration of quercetin and methotrexate did not offer greater protection than the administration of a single agent. The use of quercetin as a monotherapeutic agent resulted in the lowest degree of joint inflammation and the highest protection. The reduced severity of the disease in animals treated with quercetin was associated with decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17, and MCP-1. In conclusion, this study determined that quercetin, which was non-toxic, produced better results than methotrexate for the protection of joints from arthritic inflammation in mice. Quercetin may be an alternative treatment for RA because it modulates the main pathogenic pathways of RA.
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The effects of propofol on the growth behavior of hepatoma xenografts in Balb/c mice
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 90
Author(s): Yi Liu, Na Zhang, Quanjun Cao, Xuejie Cui, Qiaoling Zhou, Chengxiang Yang
ObjectiveStudies on the effects of propofol on the growth of hepatoma xenografts in Balb/c mice.MethodsIn an effort to establish a hepatoma-xenograft model of BALB/C mice, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells SMMC-7721 were inoculated subcutaneously into BALB/C mice. Forty mice were randomly divided into five different groups (n=8): control group (C group), Intralipid group (Y group), low dose (50mg/kg) propofol group (P1 group), medium dose (100mg/kg) propofol group (P2 group) and high dose (150mg/kg) propofol group (P3 group). The tumor volume was measured before treatment and every 3days after treatment (T0d-T18d, T0 represents time point before treatment, T3d-T18d represent time points every 3days after treatment for a total of 18 days). All mice were sacrificed 19days after drug withdrawal. The tumor masses were extracted, weighed, and the tumor inhibition rate of propofol was calculated. The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the xenografted tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining.ResultsNo statistical significance in the tumor volume at T0d (before treatment), T3d (3days after treatment), and T6d (6days after treatment) among the five groups (P>0.05) could be determined. Compared to group C, the tumor volumes in the P1, P2, and P3 groups were found to be significantly decreased in size upon increasing the propofol dosages (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance at time points T9d-T18d in group Y compared to group C (P>0.05). The tumor weights in the P1, P2, and P3 groups were found to be significantly lower as the propofol dosages increased (P<0.05), with no statistical significance determined in group Y (P>0.05). MMP-2 and VEGF protein levels were found to be significantly lower in the P1, P2, and P3 groups as the propofol dosages increased (P<0.05), with no statistical significance in group Y (P>0.05).ConclusionWithin a certain range, propofol was found to inhibit tumor growth and expression of MMP-2 and VEGF proteins in hepatoma xenografts in BALB/C mice in a dose-dependent manner.
http://ift.tt/2n9GjHa
Possible protective effect of royal jelly against cyclophosphamide induced prostatic damage in male albino rats; a biochemical, histological and immuno-histo-chemical study
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 90
Author(s): Sara Mohammed Naguib Abdel-Hafez, Rehab Ahmed Rifaai, Walaa Yehia Abdelzaher
Almost all the chemotherapy treat many cancer types effectively, but it leads to severe side effects. Chemotherapy like cyclophosphamide (CP) not works only on the active cells, such as cancer cells, but also acts on the healthy cells. Royal jelly (RJ) was reported to have a lot of therapeutic effects besides being an anti-oxidant and anti-cancer agent. The purpose of this study was to assess the possible protective role of RJ in ameliorating the toxic effects of CP overdose in the rat prostatic tissue. The rats were separated into 4 groups; control group, RJ group, CP group and RJ with CP group. Prostatic specimens were processed for biochemical, histological and immune-histo-chemical studies. The mean area fractions of eNOS and Bax expression were measured in all groups, and statistical analysis was carried out. The results showed that in CP treated group, there were marked biological changes in the form of significant increase in prostatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and C – reactive protein (CRP). Additionally there was a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in prostatic tissue if compared with the control group. Furthermore, the histological changes showed marked acinar and stromal prostatic degeneration. Most prostatic acini showed less PAS reaction and more (eNOS and Bax) expression if compared with the control group. Concomitant administration of RJ with CP revealed a noticeable amelioration of these biochemical and histological changes. In conclusion, RJ provided biochemical and histo-pathological improvement in CP induced prostatic tissue toxicity. These findings revealed that this improvement was associated with a decrease in the tissue oxidative damage and apoptosis.
http://ift.tt/2npEc4a
Discovery of new dual PPARγ-GPR40 agonists with robust antidiabetic activity: Design, synthesis and in combo drug evaluation
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 90
Author(s): Sergio Hidalgo-Figueroa, Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez, Samuel Estrada-Soto, Diana Giles-Rivas, Francisco J. Alarcón-Aguilar, Ismael León-Rivera, Abraham Giacoman-Martínez, Elizabeth Miranda Pérez, Julio C. Almanza-Pérez
The design of compounds 1 and 2 was based on the similar scaffold of pharmacophoric groups for PPARγ and GPR40 agonists. In order to find new compounds with improved biological activity, the current manuscript describes a new dual PPARγ-GPR40 agonist. We synthesized two compounds, which were prepared following a multistep synthetic route, and the relative mRNA expression levels of PPARγ, GLUT4, and GPR40 were quantified in cell culture, as well as insulin secretion and [Ca2+] intracellular levels. Compound 1 showed a 7-times increase in the mRNA expression of PPARγ, which in turn enhanced the expression levels of GLUT4 respect to control and pioglitazone. It also showed an increase of 2-fold in the [Ca2+]i level allowing an increment on insulin release, being as active as the positive control (glibenclamide), causing also an increase of 2-fold in mRNA expression of GPR40. Furthermore, the compound 2 showed lower activity than the compound 1. The ester of 1 showed antidiabetic activity at a 50mg/kg single dose in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic mice model. In addition, we achieved a molecular docking study of compound 1 on PPARγ and GPR40 receptors, showing a great affinity for both targets. We observed important polar interactions between the carboxylic group and main residues into the binding pocket. Therefore, the compound 1 has a potential for the development of antidiabetic agents with newfangled dual action.
Graphical abstract
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GC/MS analysis and potential cytotoxic activity of Calyptranthes grandifolia (O. Berg), Calyptranthes tricona (D. Legrand) and Myrciaria plinioides (D. Legrand) essential oil in RAW264.7 and CHO-K1 cells
Publication date: May 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 89
Author(s): D. Faleiro, S.M. Immich, F. Majolo, L. Mayer, E.M. Ethur, M.I. Goettert
The search for new bioactive substances derived from natural products is daily growing. Among biologically active products used in therapeutic approaches, essential oils are described with wide range of therapeutic and pharmacological potential. Plants from Myrtaceae family have the presence of essential oils in its composition. Calyptranthes grandifolia, Calyptranthes tricona and Myrciaria plinioides species belong to this family and are used by the local population. However, there are no reports in the literature describing relevant characteristics about the potential and possible activities of these species. The aim of this study was to identify the main compounds, evaluate the antioxidant potential and investigate, in RAW264.7 and CHO-K1 cells, the cytotoxic activity of the essential oils from the leaves of C. grandifolia, C. tricona and M. plinioides plants, in order to ensure their use. The compounds were identified by GC–MS, antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH method and cytotoxicity was assessed by the Alamar Blue method, at 48 and 72h. The main compounds found in the essential oils were sesquiterpenes. None of the essential oils have antioxidant potential. In cytotoxicity assays, the essential oils from the plants in analysis showed moderate activity in the proposed conditions. The alterations observed between the data provided by the essential oils in question, between different cell lines, may be associated with their composition, suggesting action of minor compounds. These results may suggest that the essential oils from C. grandifolia, C. tricona and M. plinioides have considerable potential to be explored. Future studies will be conducted to obtain more information about the action pathway and potential of the identified compounds.
http://ift.tt/2n9Gja8
Effects of an 8-month exercise intervention on physical capacity, NT-proBNP, physical activity levels and quality of life data in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension by NYHA class
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 12
Author(s): Alejandro Santos-Lozano, Paz Sanz-Ayan, Laura González-Saiz, Carlos A. Quezada-Loaiza, Carmen Fiuza-Luces, Angela Flox-Camacho, Diego Munguía-Izquierdo, Alfredo Santalla, María Morán, Pilar Escribano-Subías, Alejandro Lucia
This article provides descriptive detailed (pre and post) values of physical capacity variables, NT-proBNP, physical activity levels and quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) (both, intervention and control group) by New York Heart Association (NYHA) class before and after an 8-month exercise intervention. The data are supplemental to our original Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) entitled "Benefits of skeletal-muscle exercise training in pulmonary arterial hypertension: The WHOLEi+12 trial" (L. González-Saiz, C. Fiuza-Luces, F. Sanchis-Gomar, A. Santos-Lozano, C.A. Quezada-Loaiza, A. Flox-Camacho, D. Munguía-Izquierdo, I. Ara, A. Santalla, M. Morán, P. Sanz-Ayan, P. Escribano-Subías, A. Lucia A, 2017) [1].
http://ift.tt/2nfl08F
Datasets for transcriptomics, q-proteomics and phenotype microarrays of polyphosphate metabolism mutants from Escherichia coli
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 12
Author(s): Macarena Varas, Camilo Valdivieso, Cecilia Mauriaca, Javiera Ortíz-Severín, Alberto Paradela, Ignacio Poblete-Castro, Ricardo Cabrera, Francisco P. Chávez
Here, we provide the dataset associated with our research article on the polyphosphate metabolism entitled, "Multi-level evaluation of Escherichia coli polyphosphate related mutants using global transcriptomic, proteomic and phenomic analyses". By integrating different omics levels (transcriptome, proteome and phenome), we were able to study Escherichia coli polyphosphate mutant strains (Δppk1, Δppx, and Δppk1-ppx). We have compiled here all datasets from DNA microarrys, q-proteomic (Isotope-Coded Protein Labeling, ICPL) and phenomic (Phenotype microarray) raw data we have obtained in all polyP metabolism mutants.
http://ift.tt/2n9BTQw
Live cell biosensing platforms using graphene-based hybrid nanomaterials
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 94
Author(s): Tae-Hyung Kim, Donghyun Lee, Jeong-Woo Choi
A novel strategy to precisely detect or monitor various biomaterials in living cells poses paramount importance in understanding cellular processes. Graphene, a newly emerged two-dimensional carbon material, has been widely utilized for biosensors owing to its multifarious characteristics including mechanical, electrical, and optical properties (e.g. stability, conductivity, fluorescence quenching and photoluminescence). In addition, graphene derivatives and their innate characteristics, such as biocompatibility low cytotoxicity and water solubility have facilitated the use of graphene-based materials for live cell biosensing, wherein graphene is utilized as a core material by itself or in combination with other functional nanomaterials to load target-specific probes, fluorescent dyes, and other signaling molecules. Such graphene-based hybrid nanomaterials have been employed to detect various cellular entities in living cells, including ions, biomolecules, genetic molecules, proteins, enzymes, and even whole cells. The following review will discuss a number of previous studies in which graphene-based hybrid constructs were used for live cell biosensing, and their potential applications in cancer research and stem cell therapy.
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Deep Cuts to Cancer Research
Budget Plan Risks Hard-Fought Research Gains
President Trump's budget proposal for FY 2018 calls for a drastic 20% cut to the National Institutes of Health. The NIH funds the vast majority of cancer research in our nation. Cuts of this size will wipe out the increases set in motion through the recently passed 21st Century Cures Act – and push back Esophageal Cancer research by many years. You can make your voice heard by clicking on the link below.
ECAN is a founding member of the Deadliest Cancers Coalition and has signed on to a letter to Congress requesting that Congress reject the nearly $6 billion in cuts to the NIH budget and instead,
continue the vigilance on providing stable funding increases for the NIH and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) so that we can continue the basic and translational research that is critical to making advances on the nation's deadliest cancers. Specifically, we call on the 115th Congress to support the nation's deadliest cancers by:
- Putting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on a path of sustained growth by passing a final FY2017 appropriations bill that includes the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $34.1 billion for the NIH.
- Continuing to support critical research on the nation's deadliest cancers by passing an FY 2018 appropriations bill that increases the NIH budget by at least $2 billion and provides $300 million in additional funding for the Cancer Moonshot as designated in the 21st Century Cures Act. It is critical that the funding for the Cancer Moonshot supplement, not supplant, appropriated funding for the NIH and/or the NCI.
- Joining the Congressional Caucus on the Deadliest Cancers and by ensuring that there are no lapses in health coverage for this critical population. (Deadliest Cancers are defined as cancers with less than a 50% survival rate.)
Cutting research funding would hamper the important progress that we're making now. Because Esophageal Cancer is one of our nation's deadliest cancers, we cannot afford to wait. Lives hang in the balance. Historically, patients diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer have had very few treatment options, but we now have reason to believe the future can hold more promise.
Hope is on the horizon because of breakthroughs researchers are achieving now and expect to reach in years to come largely thanks to the important stand that Congress took in passing the 21st Century Cures Act, including the Cancer Moonshot.
Cancer research has always had bipartisan support in the United States.
Click here to Tell members of Congress they must stand up for Cancer Patients.
Your voice makes a difference. Please make sure Congress hears it now!
The post Deep Cuts to Cancer Research appeared first on Esophageal Cancer Action Network.
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April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month is a time to increase public understanding about Esophageal Cancer and the risk factors that can lead to this devastating disease. Esophageal Cancer has a dismal survival rate of less than 20 percent, largely because it is usually detected at late stages when treatment is rarely effective. New therapies currently under study are showing promise in treating this deadly disease and so we hope that brighter days are on the horizon for patients at risk for this disease. But, in addition to supporting the development of effective treatments and a cure, ECAN is dedicated to raising awareness about the risk factors that can lead to Esophageal Cancer so that patients can detect this disease at early, treatable stages – or even before it becomes cancer – so that more lives can be saved.
Two Types of Esophageal Cancer
Many people are aware that smoking and drinking can lead to cancer and both have been linked to one type of Esophageal Cancer called Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC). Thankfully, that type of Esophageal Cancer is on the decline in the U.S. and most western nations. But the other type of Esophageal Cancer known as Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC) has been increasing in the western world at explosive rates. It's estimated that the cases of this type of Esophageal Cancer has increased more than 600 percent in the past four decades. Esophageal Adenocarcinoma is currently the fastest increasing cancer among American men. And it is caused by Reflux Disease, sometimes called Acid Reflux or GERD.
Awareness can Save Lives
Here's the reason why awareness of this disease is so important: if Esophageal Cancer is caught at early stages, or in the case of EAC, before it even becomes cancer, patients' chances to survive increase dramatically. A condition called Barrett's Esophagus is the precursor to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. It's estimated that more than 3 million Americans currently have Barrett's Esophagus – but only a small fraction of those patients are aware of those changes in their esophagus. That means millions of Americans have no idea that they have a condition that could mean they are as much as 40 times more likely to develop a deadly cancer. The reason it's important to discover Barrett's Esophagus before it becomes cancer is that when it's in that precursor stage, this condition is highly treatable and most patients who undergo treatment for this condition never go on to develop Esophageal Cancer.
The History of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month
ECAN worked to establish Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month starting because no such observance existed before then. It began with a proclamation in Maryland in 2009. Since then, ECAN has worked with supporters to gain recognition of EC Awareness Month in states throughout the U.S. – and even in other countries, too. With ECAN's support over the past 6 years, more than 150 gubernatorial declarations of EC Awareness Month have been achieved throughout the country and in some other nations, as well. April is now observed as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month by companies, organizations and governments across the nation – and the world.
In 2011, ECAN also began providing our Reach Out kits with posters, brochures and wristbands to the public at no charge, creating a veritable army of awareness raisers working to save lives. ECAN has sent thousands of kits across the U.S. and to other nations. The feedback we receive tells us that it's worth it – lives are saved when our supporters Reach Out to raise awareness about Esophageal Cancer and its link to Reflux Disease.
You can order your Free Reach Out kit here.
Events that Make a Difference
ECAN has sponsored and supported multiple fundraising and awareness raising events around the country including walks, runs, bike rides, golf tournaments, dinners, library outreach, speaking events, art shows and more. ECAN volunteers have hosted more than 75 events to raise awareness across the U.S. and in other countries since 2010.
In 2012, ECAN hosted the first gala in the U.S. ever to focus on Esophageal Cancer advocacy. Our event was called the Cancer Dancer and featured many talented dance troupes. But it was the moving speech our audience heard that made the evening spectacular. Our keynote speaker shared a compelling story about her own battle with Esophageal Cancer. ECAN was grateful to former Under Secretary of State and Congresswoman Ellen O'Kane Tauscher for her powerful words that evening and we remain grateful that she continues to be a trusted advisor to ECAN.
Major Leagues & Major Cities
In April 2014, ECAN presented the first Esophageal Cancer Awareness event in professional sports at the Staples Center when the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers took on the Dallas Mavericks. Later that month, ECAN sponsored the first Esophageal Cancer Awareness race ever held in New York City; more than 1,000 attended the two-day festival that included a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.
Seriously Funny
In 2015, ECAN launched its No Laughing Matter campaign – a public awareness effort that uses humor to help folks understand that reflux disease is a serious condition. The highlight of the campaign was An Evening with Jeff Foxworthy in Arlington, Virginia that brought a new audience to our message and entertained our supporters with a hilariously entertaining evening. Leading up to the event, ECAN hosted competitions in comedy clubs throughout the US providing up-and-coming comedians the chance to compete to be the opening act for Jeff Foxworthy and providing ECAN the opportunity to share a life-saving message to several major media markets and during entertaining nights out.
Reaching for the Stars
ECAN took awareness to new heights in 2015 with its Stories to Save Lives event in Los Angeles. More than 40 brave participants rappelled down 24 stories of the Hilton Universal City Hotel on behalf of someone who has faced Esophageal Cancer. As the participants descended the building, the stories of the individuals they represented rang out for all to hear. Two rappellers were EC survivors and a third was a patient battling Esophageal Cancer. This fun and moving day delivered a strong message about the importance of early detection and taking reflux disease seriously.
Fun and Games – and Awareness
In 2016, ECAN hosted its version of Hollywood Game Night with our Charm City Celebrity Game Night honoring a beloved and respected Baltimore television anchorman lost to Esophageal Cancer in 1987. More than 20 on-air celebrities from eight television and radio stations competed to win the Jerry Turner Trophy, named for the Walter Cronkite of Baltimore who was taken too soon.
The post April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on Esophageal Cancer Action Network.
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Anatomical Variation of Zygomatic Nerve Branches around Zygomaticus Major Muscle in Facelift
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2m02U6M
Central nervous system gliomas
Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Michele Reni, Elena Mazza, Silvia Zanon, Gemma Gatta, Charles J. Vecht
Evidence-based practical guidelines on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment on the most frequent adult brain tumours are delineated. In Europe, 27,000 new cases of malignant glial tumours and 1,000 new cases of malignant ependymal tumours are diagnosed every year. The most common glial tumours are glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic glioma, comprising more than 50% and 10%, respectively, of the total gliomas.Prognosis of gliomas is generally poor. Environmental and genetic factors have been correlated with an increased risk of developing brain tumours.Surgical resection represents the first treatment option for all histotypes.Role and timing of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well as treatment for recurrent/progressive disease should be based on age, performance status, histopathological diagnosis, molecular markers, and previous therapy. Impaired neurocognitive and neuropsychological function is common in long-term survivors, regardless of the histology and grade of the tumour and should be taken into account in treatment planning.
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To screen or not to screen for obstructive sleep apnea, that is the question
Screening tests are widely used, either in low disease prevalence populations, e.g. breast cancer screening, or more focused screening in patients declaring symptoms suggestive of a disease, such as CT coronary angiography for patients with chest pain. Three papers in this journal look at screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using questionnaires in varied populations with very different prevalences of OSA. However, there is surprisingly little evidence that such activities are valuable, or that they should divert resources away from patients with symptomatic OSA.
http://ift.tt/2nEzEr9
Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes in Digital Replantation versus Revision Amputation
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1601052
Background Earlier, digit viability judged the success of digital replantation. Now, utility health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures can better assess the impact of digital replantation. Methods Overall, 264 digital injury patients were sent a regimen of utility measures: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions, visual analog scale (VAS), time trade-off (TTO), and standard gamble (SG). Overall, 51 patients responded completely to all of these—36 replantation patients and 15 revision amputation patients. The utility results of these patients were stratified between replantation versus revision amputation; dominant hand replantation versus nondominant hand replantation; and dominant hand revision amputation versus nondominant hand revision amputation. Results The mean VAS score of replant (0.84) and revision amputation (0.75) groups was significantly different (p = 0.05). The mean DASH score of dominant hand replantations (29.72) and nondominant hand replantations (17.97) was significantly different (p = 0.027). The dominant hand revision amputation had higher anxiety levels in comparison to nondominant hand revision amputation (p = 0.027). Patients with two or more digits replanted showed a significant decrease in VAS, TTO, and SG scores in comparison to patients who only had one digit replanted (p = 0.009, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Conclusions This study suggests that HRQOL can offer better indices for outcomes of digital replantation. This shows some specific replantation cohorts have a significantly better quality of life when compared with their specific correlating revision amputation cohort. These findings can be employed to further refine indications and contraindications to replantation and help predict the quality of life outcomes.
[...]
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
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Simplifying mental math: Changing how added sugars are displayed on the nutrition facts label can improve consumer understanding
Source:Appetite, Volume 114
Author(s): Neha Khandpur, Dan J. Graham, Christina A. Roberto
BackgroundProposed variations to Nutrition Facts Labels (NFL) have included the display of added sugars (AS) content, but its impact on consumer understanding is poorly understood.ObjectiveTo examine the degree to which different formats for displaying AS influence consumer understanding, perceptions, and purchase intentions.DesignRandomized-controlled online experiment.ParticipantsA sample of 2509 U.S adults.InterventionParticipants were randomized to 1 of 8 conditions and viewed 10 food or beverage images with either: (1) no label (control); (2) the current NFL (without AS); (3) the proposed NFL without AS; or the proposed NFL with AS in (4) grams, (5) grams and teaspoons, (6) grams and percent Daily Value (%DV), (7) grams with high/medium/low text, or (8) grams with high/medium/low text and %DV.Main outcome measures & statistical analysisANCOVAs compared scores on quizzes that assessed the accuracy of judgments about AS, overall nutrition understanding and purchase intentions.ResultsPresenting AS in grams plus high/medium/low text with and without %DV led to the highest AS understanding scores (85% and 83% correct, respectively) compared to 70% correct when AS was not on the label or was displayed in grams only (74% correct). Displaying AS in teaspoons did not significantly improve understanding beyond grams alone. Consumers were best able to determine which of two products was healthier when AS was presented as %DV (68% correct) versus displayed in grams alone (60% correct), but %DV did not differ from high/medium/low text or teaspoons. None of the labels influenced purchase intentions relative to no label.ConclusionDisplaying AS on the NFL in grams with high/medium/low text, %DV, or the combination of the two, improved consumer understanding more than presenting it in grams or teaspoons.
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Eating behaviour is associated with eating frequency and food consumption in 6–8 year-old children: The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study
Source:Appetite, Volume 114
Author(s): H. Jalkanen, V. Lindi, U. Schwab, S. Kiiskinen, T. Venäläinen, L. Karhunen, T.A. Lakka, A.M. Eloranta
The association between eating behaviour and dietary factors has been studied narrowly in children. Therefore, we investigated whether eating frequency and food consumption are influenced by eating behaviour in a population sample of 406 children aged 6–8 years. We assessed features of eating behaviour by the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and dietary factors by a 4-day food record. The results showed that enjoyment of food was directly associated with a number of main meals (p = 0.041) and consumption of vegetables (p = 0.041), cheese (p = 0.005), and meat (p = 0.002). Food responsiveness was directly associated with consumption of fruit and berries (p = 0.013) and meat (p = 0.016). Desire to drink was directly associated with consumption of fat-containing milk (p = 0.002) and inversely associated with consumption of skimmed milk (p = 0.001). Food fussiness was inversely associated with a number of main meals (p = 0.013) and consumption of vegetables (p < 0.001), cheese (p = 0.001), and meat (p = 0.027). Satiety responsiveness was inversely associated with consumption of vegetables (p = 0.031), cheese (p = 0.010), and meat (p < 0.001) and directly associated with consumption of candies and chocolate (p = 0.026). Slowness in eating was inversely associated with consumption of meat (p = 0.018). Where sex differences existed the associations tended to be observed mostly in girls but not in boys. Our study shows that enjoyment of food and food responsiveness are directly associated with consumption of protein-rich foods and vegetables, fruit and berries, whereas food fussiness and satiety responsiveness are inversely associated with consumption of these foods. Assessment of eating behaviour can help in identifying children with various dietary needs.
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Structure-based feeding strategies: A key component of child nutrition
Source:Appetite, Volume 114
Author(s): Maija B. Taylor, Elizabeth Emley, Mercedes Pratt, Dara R. Musher-Eizenman
ObjectiveThis study examined the relationship between structure, autonomy promotion, and control feeding strategies and parent-reported child diet.ParticipantsParticipants (N = 497) were parents of children ages 2.5 to 7.5 recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk. This sample was a Caucasian (79%), educated sample (61% college graduates) with most reports from mothers (76%).Methods and measuresOnline survey including measures of parent feeding strategies and child dietary intake.ResultsUse of structure-based feeding strategies explained 21% of the variance in child consumption of added sugar, 12% of the variance in child intake of added sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages, and 16% of the variance in child consumption of fruits and vegetables. Higher unhealthy food availability and permissive feeding uniquely predicted higher child added sugar intake and child consumption of added sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages. Greater healthy food availability uniquely predicted higher child fruit and vegetable intake.Conclusionsand Future Directions: In Caucasian educated families, structure-based feeding strategies appear to be a relatively stronger correlate of parent-reported child intake of added sugar and fruits and vegetables as compared to autonomy promotion and control feeding strategies. Longitudinal research may be needed in order to reveal the relationships between autonomy promotion and control feeding strategies with child diet. If future studies have similar findings to this study's results, researchers may want to focus more heavily on investigating the impact of teaching parents stimulus-control techniques and feeding-related assertiveness skills on child dietary intake.
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Full title with Editorial board members
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
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How people with multiple sclerosis cope with a sustained finger motor task: A behavioural and fMRI study
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Laura Bonzano, Matteo Pardini, Luca Roccatagliata, Giovanni L. Mancardi, Marco Bove
Motor and non-motor basal ganglia (BG) circuits can help healthy subjects cope with task-induced central fatigue and re-establish motor performance after deterioration.This work aimed to assess whether patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were able to recover motor performance after deterioration due to a demanding task and whether BG activity played a role in performance recovery in this population.Fourteen patients with MS performed a finger-tapping sequence with their right hand during three fMRI sessions: at baseline, after a demanding finger motor task (5-min sequence repetition) and after a short rest period.We observed deterioration of spatial and temporal accuracy with task repetition, as expected; after rest, temporal but not spatial accuracy recovered. Further, higher subjective fatigue was associated with increased motor performance deterioration and reduced temporal accuracy recovery.The amplitude of the BOLD signal change in the left caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, thalamus and amygdala was high at baseline and significantly reduced after the demanding task. Following rest, activity achieved values similar to the baseline in all these regions except for the amygdala.These findings suggest that patients were in a fatigue-like state since task beginning, as they showed enhanced BOLD signal change in the subcortical structures known to be recruited in healthy subjects only when coping with fatigue to recover motor performance. Abnormalities in motor and non-motor BG functions can contribute to fatigue in MS.
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Peri-adolescent asthma symptoms cause adult anxiety-related behavior and neurobiological processes in mice
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 326
Author(s): Jasmine I. Caulfield, Michael J. Caruso, Kerry C. Michael, Rebecca A. Bourne, Nicole R. Chirichella, Laura C. Klein, Timothy Craig, Robert H. Bonneau, Avery August, Sonia A. Cavigelli
Human and animal studies have shown that physical challenges and stressors during adolescence can have significant influences on behavioral and neurobiological development associated with internalizing disorders such as anxiety and depression. Given the prevalence of asthma during adolescence and increased rates of internalizing disorders in humans with asthma, we used a mouse model to test if and which symptoms of adolescent allergic asthma (airway inflammation or labored breathing) cause adult anxiety- and depression-related behavior and brain function. To mimic symptoms of allergic asthma in young BALB/cJ mice (postnatal days [P] 7–57; N=98), we induced lung inflammation with repeated intranasal administration of house dust mite extract (most common aeroallergen for humans) and bronchoconstriction with aerosolized methacholine (non-selective muscarinic receptor agonist). Three experimental groups, in addition to a control group, included: (1) "Airway inflammation only", allergen exposure 3 times/week, (2) "Labored breathing only", methacholine exposure once/week, and (3) "Airway inflammation+Labored breathing", allergen and methacholine exposure. Compared to controls, mice that experienced methacholine-induced labored breathing during adolescence displayed a ∼20% decrease in time on open arms of the elevated plus maze in early adulthood (P60), a ∼30% decrease in brainstem serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA expression and a ∼50% increase in hippocampal serotonin receptor 1a (5Htr1a) and corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (Crhr1) expression in adulthood (P75). This is the first evidence that experimentally-induced clinical symptoms of adolescent asthma alter adult anxiety-related behavior and brain function several weeks after completion of asthma manipulations.
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Left–right functional asymmetry of ventral hippocampus depends on aversiveness of situations
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Yukitoshi Sakaguchi, Yoshio Sakurai
Many studies suggest that animals exhibit lateralized behaviors during aversive situations, and almost all animals exhibit right hemisphere-dominant behaviors associated with fear or anxiety. However, which brain structure in each hemisphere underlies such lateralized function is unclear. In this study, we focused on the hippocampus and investigated the effects of bilateral and unilateral lesions of the ventral hippocampus (VH) on anxiety-like behavior using the successive alleys test. We also examined the expression of c-fos in the VH, which was induced by an aversive situation.Results revealed that consistent right VH dominance trended with the anxiety level. Weaker anxiety induced both right and left VH functions, whereas stronger anxiety induced right VH function. From these results, we conclude that animals are able to adaptively regulate their behaviors to avoid aversive stimuli by changing the functional dominance of their left and right VH.
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Compulsive methamphetamine taking under punishment is associated with greater cue-induced drug seeking in rats
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 326
Author(s): Oscar V. Torres, Subramanian Jayanthi, Bruce Ladenheim, Michael T. McCoy, Irina N. Krasnova, Jean Lud Cadet
Methamphetamine (METH) addicts lose control over drug consumption despite suffering multiple adverse medicolegal consequences. To mimic the negative events associated with drug addiction in humans, we recently introduced a rat model of self-administration (SA) with response-contingent punishment on METH intake. These procedures allowed us to distinguish between two addiction-like phenotypes in rats, those that sustained METH taking despite negative consequences (shock-resistant, SR) and rats that significantly reduced their METH intake (shock-sensitive, SS). Here, we further developed our adverse consequence model and examined incubation of METH craving by measuring cue-induced drug seeking in SR and SS rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were trained to self-administer METH (0.1mg/kg/injection) or saline intravenously (i.v.) during twenty-two 9-h sessions that consisted of 3 separate 3-h sessions separated by 30min. Subsequently, rats were subjected to incremental footshocks during thirteen additional 9-h METH SA sessions performed in a fashion identical to the training phase. Cue-induced drug craving was then assessed at 2 and 21days after the footshock phase. All rats escalated their intake of METH, with both phenotypes showing similar drug taking patterns during SA training. In addition, rats that continued their METH intake despite negative consequences showed even greater cue-induced drug craving following withdrawal than the rats that reduced METH intake following negative consequences. Taken together, our adverse consequence-based model highlights the possibility of identifying rats by addiction-like phenotypes and subsequent vulnerability to relapse-like behaviors. The use of similar SA models should help in the development of better therapeutic approaches to treat different stages of METH addiction.
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Association between obesity-related biomarkers and cognitive and motor development in infants
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Ana Cristina R. Camargos, Vanessa A. Mendonça, Katherine S.C. Oliveira, Camila Alves de Andrade, Hércules Ribeiro Leite, Sueli Ferreira da Fonseca, Erica Leandro Marciano Vieira, Antônio Lúcio Teixeira Júnior, Ana Cristina Rodrigues Lacerda
BackgroundThis study aimed to verify the association between obesity-related biomarkers and cognitive and motor development in infants between 6 and 24 months of age.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 infants and plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2), chemokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serum cortisol and redox status were measured. The Bayley-III test was utilized to evaluate cognitive and motor development, and multiple linear stepwise regression models were performed to verify the association between selected biomarkers and cognitive and motor development.ResultsA significant association was found among plasma leptin and sTNFR1 levels with cognitive composite scores, and these two independents variables together explained 37% of the variability of cognitive composite scores (p=0.001). Only plasma sTNFR1 levels were associated and explained 24% of the variability of motor composite scores (p=0.003).ConclusionsPlasma levels of sTNFR1 were associated with the increase in cognitive and motor development scores in infants between 6 and 24 months of age through a mechanism not directly related to excess body weight. Moreover, increase in plasma levels of leptin reduced the cognitive development in this age range.
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Cannabis and alcohol use, and the developing brain
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): A.D. Meruelo, N. Castro, C.I. Cota, S.F. Tapert
Sex hormones and white (and grey) matter in the limbic system, cortex and other brain regions undergo changes during adolescence. Some of these changes include ongoing white matter myelination and sexually dimorphic features in grey and white matter. Adolescence is also a period of vulnerability when many are first exposed to alcohol and cannabis, which appear to influence the developing brain. Neuropsychological studies have provided considerable understanding of the effects of alcohol and cannabis on the brain. Advances in neuroimaging have allowed examination of neuroanatomic changes, metabolic and neurotransmitter activity, and neuronal activation during adolescent brain development and substance use. In this review, we examine major differences in brain development between users and non-users, and recent findings on the influence of cannabis and alcohol on the adolescent brain. We also discuss associations that appear to resolve following short-term abstinence, and attentional deficits that appear to persist. These findings can be useful in guiding earlier educational interventions for adolescents, and clarifying the neural sequelae of early alcohol and cannabis use to the general public.
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Autophagy and Akt/CREB signalling play an important role in the neuroprotective effect of nimodipine in a rat model of vascular dementia
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Ming Hu, Zhijuan Liu, Peiyuan Lv, Hebo Wang, Yifei Zhu, Qianqian Qi, Jing Xu
The Akt/CREB signalling pathway is involved in neuronal survival and protection. Autophagy is also likely to be involved in survival mechanisms. Nimodipine is an L-type calcium channel antagonist that reduces excessive calcium influx during pathological conditions (contributing to its neuroprotective properties). However, the potential role of nimodipine in autophagic and Akt/CREB signalling is not well understood. In addition, little is known about the relationship between autophagic and Akt/CREB signalling. Here, we designed a way to evaluate these issues. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery (2VO) and randomly divided into three groups: the Vehicle (2VO), Nimodipine10 (2VO+nimodipine 10mg/kg), and Nimodipine20 (2VO+nimodipine 20mg/kg) groups. A fourth group of animals served as Sham controls. Each group was investigated at 4 and 8 weeks post-operatively and assessed using the Morris water maze. Nimodipine significantly alleviated spatial learning and memory impairments and inhibited the loss of neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. These drug effects were more pronounced at 8 weeks than at 4 weeks. The activities of LC3 II p-Akt and p-CREB were examined using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Suppressing autophagy induced pyramidal cell death without affecting increased pro-survival signalling induced by nimodipine. Nimodipine protected the brain from chronic cerebral hypoperfusion by activating the Akt/CREB signalling pathway. Autophagy has a neuroprotective effect on rats after 2VO. Autophagy is likely part of an integrated survival signalling network involving the Akt/CREB pathway.
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GLP-1 analogue CJC-1131 prevents amyloid β protein-induced impirments of spatial memory and synaptic plasticity in rats
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 326
Author(s): Sheng-Xiao Zhang, Hong-Yan Cai, Xiao-Wen Ma, Li Yuan, Jun Zhang, Zhao-Jun Wang, Yu-Feng Li, Jin-Shun Qi
Although amyloid β protein (Aβ) has been recognized as one of the main pathological characteristics in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the effective strategies against Aβ neurotoxicity are still deficient up to now. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a natural gut hormone, was found to be effective in modulating insulin signaling and neural protection, but short half-life limited its clinical application in AD treatment. CJC-1131, a newly designed GLP-1 analogue with very longer half-life, has shown good effectiveness in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is unclear whether CJC-1131 could alleviate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in cognitive behavior and electrophysiological property. The present study investigated the effects of CJC-1131 on the Aβ-induced impairments in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity of rats by using Morris water maze test and in vivo field potential recording. The results showed that Aβ1-42-induced increase in the escape latency of rats in hidden platform test and decrease in swimming time percent in target quadrant were effectively reversed by CJC-1131 pretreatment. Further, CJC-1131 prevented against Aβ1-42-induced suppression of hippocampal long term potentiation (LTP). In addition, Aβ1-42 injection resulted in a significant decrease of p-PKA in the hippocampus, which was effectively prevented by CJC-1131 treatment. These results indicated that CJC-1131 protected the cognitive function and synaptic plasticity of rats against Aβ-induced impairments, suggesting that GLP-1 analogue CJC-1131 might be potentially beneficial to the prevention and treatment of AD, especially those with T2DM or blood glucose abnormality.
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Specific patterns of whole-brain structural covariance of the anterior and posterior hippocampus in young APOE ε4 carriers
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 326
Author(s): Eva Stening, Jonas Persson, Elias Eriksson, Lars-Olof Wahlund, Henrik Zetterberg, Hedvig Söderlund
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 has been associated with smaller hippocampal volumes in healthy aging, while findings in young adults are inconclusive. Previous studies have mostly used univariate methods, and without considering potential anterior/posterior differences. Here, we used a multivariate method, partial least squares, and assessed whole-brain structural covariance of the anterior (aHC) and posterior (pHC) hippocampus in young adults (n=97) as a function of APOE ε4 status and sex. Two significant patterns emerged: (1) specific structural covariance of the aHC with frontal regions, temporal and occipital areas in APOE ε4 women, whereas the volume of both the aHC and pHC in all other groups co-varied with frontal, parietal and cerebellar areas; and (2) opposite structural covariance of the pHC in ε4 carriers compared to the aHC in non-carriers, with the pHC of ε4 carriers covarying with parietal and frontal areas, and the aHC of ε4 non-carriers covarying with motor areas and the middle frontal gyrus. APOE ε4 has in young adults been associated with better episodic and spatial memory, functions involving the aHC and pHC, respectively. We found no associations between structural covariance and performance, suggesting that other factors underlie the performance differences seen between carriers and non-carriers. Our findings indicate that APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers differ in hippocampal organization and that there are differences as a function of sex and hippocampal segment. They stress the need to consider the hippocampus as a heterogeneous structure, and highlight the benefits of multivariate methods in assessing group differences in the brain.
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Memory for objects and startle responsivity in the immediate aftermath of exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 326
Author(s): Nadja Herten, Dennis Pomrehn, Oliver T. Wolf
Previously, we observed enhanced long-term memory for objects used (central objects) by committee members in the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) on the next day. In addition, startle responsivity was increased. However, response specificity to an odour involved in the stressful episode was lacking and recognition memory for the odour was poor. In the current experiments, immediate effects of the stressor on memory and startle responsivity were investigated. We hypothesised memory for central objects of the stressful episode and startle response specificity to an odour ambient during the TSST to be enhanced shortly after it, in contrast to the control condition (friendly TSST). Further, memory for this odour was also assumed to be increased in the stress group. We tested 70 male (35) and female participants using the TSST involving objects and an ambient odour. After stress induction, a startle paradigm including olfactory and visual stimuli was conducted. Indeed, memory for central objects was significantly enhanced in immediate aftermath of the stressor. Startle responsivity increased at a trend level, particularly with regard to the odour involved in the stressful episode. Moreover, the stress group descriptively tended towards a better recognition of the odour involved. The study shows that stress enhances memory for central aspects of a stressful situation before consolidation processes come into play. In addition, results preliminarily suggest that the impact of stress on startle responsivity increases in strength but decreases in specificity during the first 24h after stress exposure.
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Otolith dysfunction alters exploratory movement in mice
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Philip A. Blankenship, Lucia A. Cherep, Tia N. Donaldson, Sarah N. Brockman, Alexandria D. Trainer, Ryan M. Yoder, Douglas G. Wallace
The organization of rodent exploratory behavior appears to depend on self-movement cue processing. As of yet, however, no studies have directly examined the vestibular system's contribution to the organization of exploratory movement. The current study sequentially segmented open field behavior into progressions and stops in order to characterize differences in movement organization between control and otoconia-deficient tilted mice under conditions with and without access to visual cues. Under completely dark conditions, tilted mice exhibited similar distance traveled and stop times overall, but had significantly more circuitous progressions, larger changes in heading between progressions, and less stable clustering of home bases, relative to control mice. In light conditions, control and tilted mice were similar on all measures except for the change in heading between progressions. This pattern of results is consistent with otoconia-deficient tilted mice using visual cues to compensate for impaired self-movement cue processing. This work provides the first empirical evidence that signals from the otolithic organs mediate the organization of exploratory behavior, based on a novel assessment of spatial orientation.
http://ift.tt/2nKkotd
The effects of nicotine in the neonatal quinpirole rodent model of psychosis: Neural plasticity mechanisms and nicotinic receptor changes
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Daniel J. Peterson, W. Drew Gill, John M. Dose, Donald B. Hoover, James R. Pauly, Elizabeth D. Cummins, Katherine C. Burgess, Russell W. Brown
Neonatal quinpirole (NQ) treatment to rats increases dopamine D2 receptor sensitivity persistent throughout the animal's lifetime. In Experiment 1, we analyzed the role of α7 and α4β2 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) in nicotine behavioral sensitization and on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) response to nicotine in NQ- and neonatally saline (NS)-treated rats. In Experiment 2, we analyzed changes in α7 and α4β2 nAChR density in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and dorsal striatum in NQ and NS animals sensitized to nicotine. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were neonatally treated with quinpirole (1mg/kg) or saline from postnatal days (P)1-21. Animals were given ip injections of either saline or nicotine (0.5mg/kg free base) every second day from P33 to P49 and tested on behavioral sensitization. Before each injection, animals were ip administered the α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA; 2 or 4mg/kg) or the α4β2 nAChR antagonist dihydro beta erythroidine (DhβE; 1 or 3mg/kg).Results revealed NQ enhanced nicotine sensitization that was blocked by DhβE. MLA blocked the enhanced nicotine sensitization in NQ animals, but did not block nicotine sensitization. NQ enhanced the NAcc BDNF response to nicotine which was blocked by both antagonists. In Experiment 2, NQ enhanced nicotine sensitization and enhanced α4β2, but not α7, nAChR upregulation in the NAcc. These results suggest a relationship between accumbal BDNF and α4β2 nAChRs and their role in the behavioral response to nicotine in the NQ model which has relevance to schizophrenia, a behavioral disorder with high rates of tobacco smoking.
http://ift.tt/2nT11uS
Short- and long-term behavioral analysis of social interaction, ultrasonic vocalizations and social motivation in a chronic phencyclidine model
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Suzanne M. Peters, Joe A. Tuffnell, Ilona J. Pinter, Johanneke E. van der Harst, Berry M. Spruijt
Phencyclidine (PCP) has been suggested to induce symptoms of schizophrenia. However, animal models using PCP administration have produced ambiguous results thus far. It seems that acute effects are similar to symptoms of schizophrenia, however, it is not clear if PCP can induce permanent behavioral changes that reflect schizophrenic-like symptoms. Therefore, we assessed the ability of chronic PCP administration (3mg/kg, 14 days) to induce short or long lasting behavioral changes in rats. Social behavior, including ultrasonic vocalizations and motivation for social contact were investigated at different time points, up to 29–36 days, after cessation of PCP treatment. During a social separation test, performed at 5 and 36 days, PCP treated rats spent less time near the divider that separates them from their familiar cage mate compared with saline (SAL) treated rats. Further, at short term, PCP was able to induce a decrease in social behavior. In contrast, at long-term, PCP treated animals spent more time in contact when exposed to an unfamiliar partner as compared to SAL treated rats. But, this difference was not observed when exposed to a familiar partner. We did not find any difference in ultrasonic vocalizations at all time points. The results of our study indicate that PCP is unable to induce overt long term deficits in social interaction behavior. Rather, it seems that PCP diminishes motivation for social contact. The long-term consequences of chronic PCP administration on social behavior in rodent models remain complex, and future studies addressing this are still needed.
http://ift.tt/2nKwMJO
Behavioral phenotypes associated with MPTP induction of partial lesions in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Kimberley A. Phillips, Corinna N. Ross, Jennifer Spross, Catherine J. Cheng, Alyssa Izquierdo, K.C. Biju, Cang Chen, Senlin Li, Suzette D. Tardif
Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with the core motor features of resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. Non-motor symptoms also occur, and include cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, anosmia (loss of smell), and REM sleep disturbances. As the development of medications and other therapies for treatment of non-motor symptoms is ongoing, it is essential to have animal models that aid in understanding the neural changes underlying non-motor PD symptoms and serve as a testing ground for potential therapeutics. We investigated several non-motor symptoms in 10 adult male marmosets using the MPTP model, with both the full (n=5) and partial (n=5) MPTP dosing regimens. Baseline data in numerous domains were collected prior to dosing; assessments in these same domains occurred post-dosing for 12 weeks. Marmosets given the partial MPTP dose (designed to mimic the early stages of the disease) differed significantly from marmosets given the full MPTP dose in several ways, including behavior, olfactory discrimination, cognitive performance, and social responses. Importantly, while spontaneous recovery of PD motor symptoms has been previously reported in studies of MPTP monkeys and cats, we did not observe recovery of any non-motor symptoms. This suggests that the neurochemical mechanisms behind the non-motor symptoms of PD, which appear years before the onset of symptoms, are independent of the striatal dopaminergic transmission. We demonstrate the value of assessing a broad range of behavioral change to detect non-motor impairment, anosmia, and differences in socially appropriate responses, in the marmoset MPTP model of early PD.
http://ift.tt/2nT2RvU
Atypical antipsychotic clozapine reversed deficit on prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex produced by microinjection of DOI into the inferior colliculus in rats
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 325, Part A
Author(s): Rodolpho Pereira de Oliveira, Karen Yuriko Nagaishi, Regina Cláudia Barbosa Silva
Dysfunctions of the serotonergic system have been suggested to be important in the neurobiology of schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia exhibit deficits in an operational measure of sensorimotor gating: prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle. PPI is the normal reduction in the startle response caused by a low intensity non-startling stimulus (prepulse) which is presented shortly before the startle stimulus (pulse). The hallucinogen 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI), a 5-hydroxytryptamine(HT)2 receptor agonist disrupted PPI in rats. The inferior colliculus (IC) is a critical nucleus of the auditory pathway mediating acoustic PPI. The activation of the IC by the acoustic prepulse reduces startle magnitude. The present study investigated the role of serotonergic transmission in the IC on the expression of acoustic PPI. For that we investigated whether 5-HT2A receptor activation or blockade would affect this response. Unilateral microinjection of DOI (10μg/0.3μl) into the IC disrupted PPI, while microinjection of the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ritanserin (4μg/0.3μl), into this structure did not alter PPI. We also examined the ability of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine (5.0mg/kg; I.P.) to reverse the disruption of PPI produced by unilateral microinjections of DOI into the IC of rats. Pretreatment with clozapine blocked DOI-induced disruption of PPI. Altogether, these results suggest that serotonin-mediated mechanisms of the IC are involved in the expression of PPI in rodents and that this response is sensitive to atypical antipsychotic clozapine.
http://ift.tt/2nKx0AJ
Inhibition of Wnt signalling dose-dependently impairs the acquisition and expression of amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 326
Author(s): Farhana Islam, Kathleen Xu, Richard J. Beninger
The mechanisms by which dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is involved in incentive learning produced by rewarding stimuli remain unclear. Recently, Wnt signalling has been implicated in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. Functional interactions between Wnt and dopamine (DA) signalling has been demonstrated using in vitro and tissue physiology approaches, however there remains a lack of in vivo research into the involvement of Wnt in DA-mediated learning in behaving animals. The present study assessed the role of Wnt signalling in DA-mediated incentive learning using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. We hypothesized that inhibition of Wnt with intra-NAc microinjections of Wnt palmitoylation inhibitor IWP-2 will dose-dependently block the acquisition and expression of amphetamine (AMPH)-induced CPP in rats. Intra-NAc IWP-2 (0.001, 0.05, 1.0 but not 0.0001μg/0.5μl/side) prior to conditioning with AMPH (20.0μg/0.5μl/side) blocked acquisition of CPP. Intra-NAc IWP-2 (0.05, 0.5, 1.0 but not 0.001μg/0.5μl/side) during test following conditioning with AMPH blocked expression but at a higher dose than was need to block acquisition. Sensitization of locomotor activity to AMPH was observed during conditioning and this effect was blocked in groups given IWP-2 prior to AMPH. However, intra-NAc IWP-2 during conditioning did not block the locomotor stimulant effects of AMPH. These results implicate Wnt in DA-mediated incentive learning and suggest that Wnt signalling may be more important for the acquisition of CPP then for its expression. However, mechanisms by which Wnt and DA signalling pathways interact to influence DA-mediated reward-related learning remain to be elucidated.
http://ift.tt/2nKBveE
Importance of D1 and D2 receptor stimulation for the induction and expression of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in preweanling rats
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 326
Author(s): Sanders A. McDougall, Krista N. Rudberg, Ana Veliz, Janhavi M. Dhargalkar, Aleesha S. Garcia, Loveth C. Romero, Ashley E. Gonzalez, Alena Mohd-Yusof, Cynthia A. Crawford
The behavioral manifestations of psychostimulant-induced sensitization vary markedly between young and adult rats, suggesting that the neural mechanisms mediating this phenomenon differ across ontogeny. In this project we examined the importance of D1 and D2 receptors for the induction and expression of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization during the preweanling period. In the behavioral experiments, rats were injected with reversible D1 and/or D2 antagonists (SCH23390 and/or raclopride) or an irreversible receptor antagonist (EEDQ) either before cocaine administration on the pretreatment day (induction) or before cocaine challenge on the test day (expression). In the EEDQ experiments, receptor specificity was assessed by using selective dopamine antagonists to protect D1 and/or D2 receptors from inactivation. Receptor binding assays showed that EEDQ caused substantial reductions in dorsal striatal D1 and D2 binding sites, while SCH23390 and raclopride fully protected D1 and D2 receptors from EEDQ-induced alkylation. Behavioral results showed that neither D1 nor D2 receptor stimulation was necessary for the induction of cocaine sensitization in preweanling rats. EEDQ disrupted the sensitization process, suggesting that another receptor type sensitive to EEDQ alkylation was necessary for the induction process. Expression of the sensitized response was prevented by an acute injection of a D1 receptor antagonist. The pattern of DA antagonist-induced effects described for preweanling rats is, with few exceptions, similar to what is observed when the same drugs are administered to adult rats. Thus, it appears that maturational changes in D1 and D2 receptor systems are not responsible for ontogenetic differences in the behavioral manifestation of cocaine sensitization.
http://ift.tt/2nTlcJk
Provider variability in the initial diagnosis and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
http://ift.tt/2noBWdt
Plasma but not serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration is decreased by oral glucose tolerance test-induced hyperglycemia in children
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
http://ift.tt/2o64s0I
Imaging methods for bone mass evaluation during childhood and adolescence: an update
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
http://ift.tt/2noELuX
Evaluation of vitamin D prophylaxis in 3–36-month-old infants and children
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
http://ift.tt/2o6iLlT
Cushing’s syndrome in infancy due to ectopic ACTH secretion by a sacro-coccygeal teratoma
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
http://ift.tt/2noBCLZ
Clinical presentation and treatment response to diazoxide in two siblings with congenital hyperinsulinism as a result of a novel compound heterozygous ABCC8 missense mutation
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
http://ift.tt/2o65ytt
IDD Newsletter February 2017
IDD NEWSLETTER – February 2017
VOLUME 45 NUMBER 1 FEBRUARY 2017
IODINE GLOBAL NETWORK (formerly ICCIDD Global Network) is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to sustained optimal iodine
nutrition and the elimination of iodine deficiency throughout the world.
The post IDD Newsletter February 2017 appeared first on American Thyroid Association.
http://ift.tt/2mRJXna
The pursuit of homeostasis: Closing the gap between science and practice in the treatment of aggression and violence
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Kellie Rhodes, Aisland Rhodes
Youth who demonstrate aggression, violence, and behaviors associated with a diagnosis of conduct disorder have comprised a large population of secure youth corrections for decades. Ameliorative treatment strategies have thus far fallen short. Contemporary neuroscience reveals youths' emotions and behaviors may be limbic adaptations to homeostatic demands. We review interdisciplinary research suggesting a resource-rich environment and strategically shared body-states might be therapeutically implemented to effect adjustments in youth's emotions and behaviors. Thus, a limbically informed treatment modality, invites innovative treatment technology to address youth aggression, violence and behaviors associated with conduct disorder.
http://ift.tt/2mRL0DE
Cannabis use patterns and motives: A comparison of younger, middle-aged, and older medical cannabis dispensary patients
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 72
Author(s): Nancy A. Haug, Claudia B. Padula, James E. Sottile, Ryan Vandrey, Adrienne J. Heinz, Marcel O. Bonn-Miller
IntroductionMedical cannabis is increasingly being used for a variety of health conditions as more states implement legislation permitting medical use of cannabis. Little is known about medical cannabis use patterns and motives among adults across the lifespan.MethodsThe present study examined data collected at a medical cannabis dispensary in San Francisco, California. Participants included 217 medical cannabis patients who were grouped into age-defined cohorts (younger: 18–30, middle-aged: 31–50, and older: 51–72). The age groups were compared on several measures of cannabis use, motives and medical conditions using one-way ANOVAs, chi-square tests and linear regression analyses.ResultsAll three age groups had similar frequency of cannabis use over the past month; however, the quantity of cannabis used and rates of problematic cannabis use were higher among younger users relative to middle-aged and older adults. The association between age and problematic cannabis use was moderated by age of regular use initiation such that earlier age of regular cannabis use onset was associated with more problematic use in the younger users, but not among older users. Middle-aged adults were more likely to report using medical cannabis for insomnia, while older adults were more likely to use medical cannabis for chronic medical problems such as cancer, glaucoma and HIV/AIDS. Younger participants reported cannabis use when bored at a greater rate than middle-aged and older adults.ConclusionsFindings suggest that there is an age-related risk for problematic cannabis use among medical cannabis users, such that younger users should be monitored for cannabis use patterns that may lead to deleterious consequences.
http://ift.tt/2mRHgCq
Perceived health and alcohol use in individuals with HIV and Hepatitis C who use drugs
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 72
Author(s): Jennifer C. Elliott, Deborah S. Hasin, Don C. Des Jarlais
BackgroundIndividuals who use illicit drugs are at heightened risk for HIV and/or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Despite the medical consequences of drinking for drug-using individuals with these infections, many do drink. In other studies, how individuals perceive their health relates to their engagement in risk behaviors such as drinking. However, among drug-using individuals with HIV and HCV, whether perceived health relates to drinking is unknown.ObjectiveWe examine the association between perceived health and drinking among drug-using individuals with HIV and/or HCV.MethodsIn a large, cross-sectional study, we utilized samples of individuals with HIV (n=476), HCV (n=1145), and HIV/HCV co-infection (n=180), recruited from drug treatment centers from 2005 to 2013. In each sample, we investigated the relationship between perceived health and drinking, using ordinal logistic regressions. We present uncontrolled models as well as models controlled for demographic characteristics.ResultsAmong samples of drug using individuals with HIV and with HCV, poorer perceived health was associated with risky drinking only when demographic characteristics were taken into account (Adjusted Odds Ratios: 1.32 [1.05, 1.67] and 1.16 [1.00, 1.34], respectively). In the smaller HIV/HCV co-infected sample, the association of similar magnitude was not significant (AOR=1.32 [0.90, 1.93]).ConclusionsDrug using patients with HIV or HCV with poor perceived health are more likely to drink heavily, which can further damage health. However, when demographics are not accounted for, these effects can be masked. Patients' reports of poor health should remind providers to assess for health risk behaviors, particularly heavy drinking.
http://ift.tt/2nDHgdH
Masking properties of ceramics for veneer restorations
Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
Author(s): Andreas L. Skyllouriotis, Hideo L. Yamamoto, Dan Nathanson
Statement of problemThe translucency and opacity of ceramics play a significant role in emulating the natural color of teeth, but studies of the masking properties and limitations of dental ceramics when used as monolayer restorations are lacking.PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the translucency of 6 materials used for veneer restorations by assessing their translucency parameters (TPs), contrast ratios (CRs), and potential to mask dark tooth colors.Material and methodsTen square- or disk-shaped specimens (0.5-mm thickness, shade A2) were fabricated from Vitablocks Mark II (VMII; Vita Zahnfabrik), IPS e.max CAD LT (EMXC LT; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), IPS e.max CAD HT (EMXC HT; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), IPS Empress CAD LT (EMP LT; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), IPS e.max Press LT (EMXP LT; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), and CZR (CZR; Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc). Their luminance (Y) values over black and over white tiles were measured, followed by their color (CIELab) over black tiles and white tiles and shaded A2 (control group), A3.5, A4, and B4 acrylic resin blocks. All measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer in 2 different areas on each specimen. Then CRs, TPs, and color differences (over shaded backgrounds) were determined. Data were subjected to 1-way and 2-way ANOVA (α=.05) for analysis.ResultsMean CR values of EMXP LT were significantly higher than those of the other tested materials, whereas VMII and EMXC HT had the lowest values (P<.001). Mean TP values over black and over white backgrounds of VMII and EMXC HT were significantly higher than those of the other tested materials, while EMXP LT and EMXC LT revealed the lowest values (P<.001). Background shade A4 displayed the highest mean effect (expressed in ΔE* values) on the color of the ceramic materials, whereas shade B4 demonstrated the lowest mean background effect (P<.001).ConclusionsSignificant differences in translucency among the tested ceramics were revealed (P<.001). The EMXC LT and EMXP LT groups were the least translucent under the conditions of this study (P<.001). All tested ceramics exhibited poor masking properties against the A4 background. The color differences of most tested ceramics were more acceptable when tested against the B4 background (ΔE*≤3.3).
http://ift.tt/2o5NeAn
Glottis Closure Influences Tracheal Size Changes in Inspiratory and Expiratory CT in Patients with COPD
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Nicholas Landini, Stefano Diciotti, Monica Lanzetta, Francesca Bigazzi, Gianna Camiciottoli, Mario Mascalchi
Rationale and ObjectivesThe opened or closed status of the glottis might influence tracheal size changes in inspiratory and expiratory computed tomography (CT) scans. We investigated if the glottis status makes the tracheal collapse differently correlate with lung volume difference between inspiratory and expiratory CT scans.Materials and MethodsForty patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease whose glottis was included in the acquired scanned volume for lung CT were divided into two groups: 16 patients with the glottis closed in both inspiratory and expiratory CT, and 24 patients with the glottis open in at least one CT acquisition. Lung inspiratory (Vinsp) and expiratory (Vexp) volumes were automatically computed and lung ΔV was calculated using the following formula: (Vinsp − Vexp)/Vinsp × 100. Two radiologists manually measured the anteroposterior diameter and cross-sectional area of the trachea 1 cm above the aortic arch and 1 cm above the carina. Tracheal collapse was then calculated and correlated with lung ΔV.ResultsIn the 40 patients, the correlations between tracheal Δanteroposterior diameter and Δcross-sectional area at each level and lung ΔV ranged between 0.68 and 0.74 (ρ) at Spearman rank correlation test. However, in the closed glottis group, the correlations were higher for all measures at the two levels (ρ range: 0.84–0.90), whereas in the open glottis group, correlations were low and not statistically significant (ρ range: 0.29–0.34) at the upper level, and moderate at the lower level (ρ range: 0.51–0.55).ConclusionsA closed or open glottis influences the tracheal size change in inspiratory and expiratory CT scans. With closed glottis, the tracheal collapse shows a stronger correlation with the lung volume difference between inspiratory and expiratory CT scans.
http://ift.tt/2mVOVAa
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