Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Andrew S. Chi, John Kim, Suzanne S. Long, William B. Morrison, Adam C. Zoga
PurposeTo investigate non-contrast MRI findings of clinical adhesive capsulitis.Methods31 non-contrast, non-arthrographic, shoulder MRIs were evaluated for coracohumeral ligament thickness, rotator interval infiltration, and axillary recess thickening/edema.ResultsIn detection of adhesive capsulitis, sensitivity is 76.7% and specificity is 53.3% for coracohumeral ligament thickening, sensitivity is 66.7% and specificity is 55.2% for coracohumeral ligament thickening and rotator interval infiltration, and sensitivity is 23.3% and specificity is 86.7% for coracohumeral ligament thickening, rotator interval infiltration, and axillary recess thickening/edema.ConclusionsAdhesive capsulitis can be accurately diagnosed on non-contrast MRI shoulder examinations with appropriate clinical criteria without direct MR arthrography.
http://ift.tt/2nNu5Ta
Παρασκευή 7 Απριλίου 2017
Non-contrast MRI diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
Low dose computed tomography pulmonary angiography protocol for imaging pregnant patients: Can dose reduction be achieved without reducing image quality?
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Darragh Halpenny, Brian Park, Jeffrey Alpert, Larry Latson, Nancy Kim, James Babb, Maria Shiau, Jane Ko
ObjectiveTo assess the effect of low dose computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) on radiation dose in pregnant patients.Materials and methodsAn old CTPA protocol for pregnant patients was compared to a new protocol. Protocol changes included: decreased kVp; increased contrast injection rate; imaging after shallow inspiration. Patients undergoing CTPA before (phase 1 group) or after (phase 2 group) the protocol change, were assessed.ResultsEffective dose was lower in the phase 2 group (0.95 v 1.66 mSv; p<0.001). Quantitative noise was lower in the phase 1 group (p<0.001).ConclusionLow dose CTPA tailored for pregnancy reduces dose in pregnant patients.
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Multiple hyperthermia-mediated release of TRAIL/SPION nanocomplex from thermosensitive polymeric hydrogels for combination cancer therapy
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 132
Author(s): Zhi-Qiang Zhang, Soo-Chang Song
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) possesses strong anti-cancer potential because of its ability to specifically kill cancer cells. However, clinical use of TRAIL is impeded by its short in vivo half-life and native TRIAL-resistant cancer cell populations. To overcome these limitations, we designed a multiple magnetic hyperthermia (MHT)-mediated TRAIL release system for combination therapy using an injectable, biodegradable and thermosensitive polymeric hydrogel. In this system, positively charged TRAIL and hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are complexed with negatively charged poly(organophosphazene) polymers via ionic and hydrophobic interactions, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy images showed a nano-sized core-shell structure of the TRAIL/SPION polymeric nanocomplex in aqueous solution that transformed into a hydrogel at body temperature. Hyperthermia can enhance the release of TRAIL from hydrogels through temperature-sensitive hydrogel dissolution. TRAIL-resistant U-87 MG cells were killed by the combination of TRAIL and multiple hyperthermia via caspase-3 and -8 active apoptosis. The hyperthermia-enhanced cytotoxicity of TRAIL was dependent on the hyperthermia cycle number and corresponding TRAIL release. Significant in vivo tumor reduction was observed by combining 2 cycles of mild MHT and TRAIL release using a single injection of TRAIL/SPION nanocomplex hydrogels without damage to main organs. Furthermore, the therapeutic outcomes can be monitored by long-term magnetic resonance imaging.
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Molecular imaging based on metabolic glycoengineering and bioorthogonal click chemistry
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 132
Author(s): Hong Yeol Yoon, Heebeom Koo, Kwangmeyung Kim, Ick Chan Kwon
Metabolic glycoengineering is a powerful technique that can introduce various chemical groups to cellular glycan by treatment of unnatural monosaccharide. Particularly, this technique has enabled many challenging trials for molecular imaging in combination with click chemistry, which provides fast and specific chemical conjugation reaction of imaging probes to metabolically-modified live cells. This review introduces recent progress in molecular imaging based on the combination of these two cutting-edge techniques. First, these techniques showed promising results in specific tumor cell imaging for cancer diagnosis and therapy. The related researches showed the surface of tumor cells could be labeled with bioorthogonal chemical groups by metabolic glycoengineering, which can be further conjugated with fluorescence dyes or nanoparticles with imaging probes by click chemistry, in vitro and in vivo. This method can be applied to heterogeneous tumor cells regardless of genetic properties of different tumor cells. Furthermore, the amount of targeting moieties on tumor cells can be freely controlled externally by treatment of unnatural monosaccharide. Second, this sequential use of metabolic glycoengineering and click chemistry is also useful in cell tracking to monitor the localization of the inoculated therapeutic cells including chondrocytes and stem cells. This therapeutic cell-labeling technique provided excellent viability of chondrocytes and stem cells during the whole process in vitro and in vivo. It can provide long-term and safe therapeutic cell imaging compared to traditional methods. These overall studies demonstrate the great potential of metabolic glycoengineering and click chemistry in live cell imaging.
http://ift.tt/2o81Nom
Macrophage Immunometabolism: Where Are We (Going)?
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Jan Van den Bossche, Luke A. O'Neill, Deepthi Menon
A growing number of findings highlight the crucial role of metabolic reprogramming in macrophage activation. Metabolic pathways are closely interconnected and recent literature demonstrates the need for glucose metabolism in anti-inflammatory as well as inflammatory macrophages. Moreover, fatty acid oxidation (FAO) not only supports anti-inflammatory responses as described formerly but also drives inflammasome activation in inflammatory macrophages. Hence, defining glycolysis as proinflammatory and FAO as anti-inflammatory may be an oversimplification. Here we review how the rapid growth of the immunometabolism field has improved our understanding of macrophage activation and at the same time has led to an increase in the appearance of contradictory observations. To conclude we discuss current challenges in immunometabolism and present crucial areas for future research.
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Significance of interfacial interaction and agglomerates on electrical properties of polymer-carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 125
Author(s): Amir Hosein Ahmadian Hoseini, Mohammad Arjmand, Uttandaraman Sundararaj, Milana Trifkovic
The ability to control the dispersion state of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymer matrices is closely related to the electrical tunability of polymer-CNT nanocomposites. In this study, the effect of polymer-CNT interactions at the molecular level on the extent of CNT dispersion and consequent electrical properties of the developed nanocomposites are investigated. Two polymer models with dissimilar affinities towards CNTs are studied: polyamide-6 (PA6) having high, and polystyrene (PS) having low affinity towards CNTs. Experiments demonstrate that enhanced polymer-filler interactions in PA6-CNT system lead to improved CNT dispersion at the nanoscopic level. However, PS-CNT system, having higher number density of micro-agglomerates, has approximately ten times lower percolation threshold (0.3wt% versus 2.9wt%) and significantly enhanced electrical properties. High affinity of PA6 towards CNTs is proposed to adversely influence electrical properties via encapsulation of CNTs by PA6 through possible wrapping and interfacial crystallization of polymer chains. On the other hand, enhanced electrical properties in PS-CNT nanocomposites are attributed to higher number density of micro-agglomerates, contributing to secondary internal electric field.
Graphical abstract
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Novel Fe-TiO2 composite driven dual effect for reduction in treatment time of pentoxifylline: Slurry to immobilized approach
Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 125
Author(s): Palak Bansal, Anoop Verma
Attempts have been made to reduce the treatment time for degradation of pentoxifylline (PEN) using novel Fe-TiO2 composite by incorporating dual effect (photocatalysis and photo-Fenton). Waste foundry sand (FS) and fly ash (FA) was used as alternative iron source along with TiO2 either in suspended or supported form. Initially, dual effect was executed in slurry mode where 49% synergy was obtained for degrading PEN along with reduction in treatment time from 90 to 30min. In the subsequent experiments, FA/FS was entrapped in small pockets made of fine cotton cloth keeping TiO2 either in suspension or immobilized on clay beads. Significant improvements over the first order rate constant (k) were achieved for the dual process along with reduction in treatment time. Even two to threefold increase in 'k' was observed using novel Fe-TiO2 composite for the degradation of PEN confirming in-situ dual effect. The existence of TiO2 as well as iron on the composite surface even after 45 recycles was confirmed through SEM/EDS, XRD and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The mineralization of PEN was validated by reduction in COD and TOC along with the production of several anions. While intermediates formed during the degradation of PEN were identified through GC–MS analysis.
Graphical abstract
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Characterization of a protein-bound polysaccharide from Herba Epimedii and its metabolic mechanism in chronic fatigue syndrome
Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 203
Author(s): Aiping Chi, Zhimei Shen, Wenfei Zhu, Yuliang Sun, Yijiang Kang, Fei Guo
ObjectivesHerba Epimedii is one of the famous Traditional Chinese Medicines used to treat the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The polysaccharides are the main active components in H. epimedii. The aim of this study is to discover the therapeutic effect and metabolic mechanism of H. epimedii polysaccharides against CFS.MethodsThe polysaccharide conjugates named HEP2-a were isolated from the leaves of H. epimedii using a water extraction method, and the general physicochemical properties of HEP2-a were analysed. In addition, a CFS rat model was established, and then, urinary metabonomic studies were performed using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) in combination with multivariate statistical analysis.ResultsThe physicochemical properties revealed that HEP2-a had an average molecular weight of 13.6×104Da and consisted of mannose (4.41%), rhamnose (5.43%), glucose (31.26%), galactose (27.07%), arabinose (23.43%), and galacturonic acid (8.40%). The amino acids in HEP2-a include glutamate, cysteine, leucine, tyrosine, lysine, and histidine. Molecular morphology studies revealed many highly curled spherical particles with diameters of 5–10µm in solids and 100–200nm for particles in water. Five metabolites in the HEP2-a group were oppositely and significantly changed compared to the CFS model group.ConclusionTwo metabolic pathways were identified as significant metabolic pathways involved with HEP2-a. The therapeutic effects of HEP2-a on CFS were partially due to the restoration of these disturbed pathways.
Graphical abstract
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Complementary effect of hydroquinone and retinoic acid on corneocyte desquamation with their combination use
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): Kyung Ah Cheong, Tae Ryong Lee, Ai-Young Lee
BackgroundRetinoic acid (RA) enhances skin-lightening capabilities of hydroquinone (HQ), at least in part, by facilitating desquamation which leads to increase penetration of HQ. The desquamation also affects skin irritation levels. The mechanism of RA-induced desquamation, however, has not been completely explored and no such data has been available for HQ uses.ObjectiveTo examine the role of HQ, RA, and their combination in the desquamation.MethodsPrimary cultured normal human keratinocytes, which were treated with HQ and/or RA in presence or absence of serine-specific inhibitor Kazal type5 (SPINK5)/lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor (LEKTI) knockdown or recombinant human SPINK5/LEKTI, and biopsied skin samples applied with HQ or RA were examined. Expression levels of corneodesmosin (CDSN), desmocollin1 (DSC1), kallikrein5 (KLK5), KLK7, and SPINK5/LEKTI, and proteolysis activity against extracted human skin epidermal protein were determined using time-course real-time PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsHQ increased but RA decreased the synthesis of CDSN and DSC1. HQ reduced corneodesmosome degradation by the upregulation of SPINK5/LEKTI, whereas RA showed opposite results without upregulation of SPINK5/LEKTI. The combination of HQ and RA was close to the sum of the individual components.ConclusionsHQ reduced corneocyte desquamation. However, RA enhanced desquamation. The combination induced more desquamation than HQ but less than RA.
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The ovariectomized mouse simulates the pathophysiology of postmenopausal female pattern hair loss
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): Yujiro Endo, Masato Takahashi, Yuko Obayashi, Tetsushi Serizawa, Michiaki Murakosh, Manabu Ohyama
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Phenotypic detection and antibiogram of β-lactamase-producing proteus species in a tertiary care hospital, India
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):267-273
Background: Proteus species cause a variety of community- and hospital-acquired illnesses. Synthesis of β-lactamases is the predominant mechanism for resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. Among the β-lactamases, extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC β-lactamases are the most common. Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of ESBL and AmpC β-lactamases in Proteus species among various clinical isolates at a tertiary care hospital, India. Materials and Methods: This study was done to identify various species of Proteus from clinical samples (n = 3922). Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. ESBL production was detected by modified double-disc synergy test and indirect modified three-dimensional tests and AmpC β-lactamase production by AmpC disc test and modified Hodge test. Results: Proteus species were isolated in 5.4% (101/1876) specimens. Three Proteus species isolated were Proteus mirabilis 62.4% (63/101), Proteus vulgaris 29.7% (30/101), and Proteus penneri 7.9% (8/101). ESBL producers confirmed by both tests were of 88.1% (89/101). Only AmpC β-lactamase was produced by four isolates. Coproduction of ESBL and AmpC β-lactamase was observed in 58.4% (52/89) of isolates. Twelve isolates were non-β-lactamase producers. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was found in 95.1% (96/101) of isolates, 50.5% (51/101) were possibly extensively drug resistant and none were pan drug resistant. None of the isolates were resistant to piperacillin-tazobactam. P. penneri isolates exhibited high resistance to most of the antibiotics. Conclusions: A high prevalence of ESBL and AmpC β-lactamases was found that concurrently showed MDR. Phenotypic methods for the detection of β-lactamases are easy and simple and can be implemented in routine diagnostic laboratories along with susceptibility testing. These data will assist the clinicians in the management and control of infections.
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Wasting of extensor digitorum brevis as a decisive preoperative clinical indicator of lumbar canal stenosis: A single-center prospective cohort study
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):296-300
Background: The dilemma in managing patients with low back ache lies in differentiating radiculopathy from lumbar canal stenosis. This has a huge bearing in patients being planned for surgical intervention as underperforming leads to failed back syndrome whereas over-doing leads to instability. There still remains a loophole in clinically diagnosing lumbar canal stenosis. Aim: We opt to utilize a simple bedside clinical examination in routinely assessing patients presenting with low back ache in ruling out underlying canal stenosis. Subjects and Methods: We performed a prospective study on 120 consecutive patients presenting with low back ache in the spine clinic. Each of them was neurologically examined and thoroughly assessed for wasting of extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscles. These were then correlated with the radio-imaging and the intraoperative findings. Results: Lumbar canal stenosis was mostly observed in the age group of 50–60 years. Diagnosis for L3/4 canal stenosis was made in 44/120 (36.6%), L5-S1 in 52/120 (43.3%), and L3/L4/L5 level in 48/120 (40%) of patients. EDB wasting was seen unilaterally in 72/120 (60%) and bilaterally in 36/120 (30%) of the study group. Conclusion: This study appraises the clinical implication of observing for the wasting of EDB muscle so as to aid in the diagnosis of lumbar canal stenosis. This simple bedside clinical pearl can help us in predicting the need of further imaging studies and also in taking right therapeutic decision.
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Subtrochanteric and distal femur fractures in a patient with femoral shaft fracture malunion and knee disarticulation: A rare and challenging case report
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):328-331
This study aims to describe a rare and challenging case of a patient who presented ipsilateral subtrochanteric and distal femur fractures due to low-energy trauma. The peculiarity of this case is the presence of femoral shaft fracture malunion and knee disarticulation in the same limb resulting from an accident suffered 30 years ago. The patient underwent femoral diaphyseal osteotomy and fixation of the subtrochanteric and distal femur fractures with a long cephalomedullary nail and distal femur locking plate, respectively. Despite the magnitude of the surgical procedure, all fractures healed, preserving the femoral length with the absence of infection and clinical complications. There was an improvement of the preinjury function attributed to the osteotomy of the femoral diaphyseal, which alleviated the anterior thigh discomfort.
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Medial malleolar fractures: An anatomic survey determining the ideal screw length
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):308-310
Background: Medial malleolar fractures are frequent, and their treatment is familiar to the orthopedic surgeon. Lag screw fixation using partially threaded screws remains the standard treatment method for medial malleolar fractures. However, the literature lacks a defined method for selecting lag screw length, relying more so on the empiric choice of the surgeon. Aim: The aim of this study is to help define the ideal lag screw length for medial melleolar fracture fixation. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixteen anatomic specimens were included in the study. A transverse cut was performed in the distal third of the tibia, roughly 1 and a half times the distal tibial plafond width from the ankle joint. A coronal cut was then performed using the center of the medial malleolus. Three observers measured the distance between the medial malleolus tip and beginning of the medullary canal in all anatomic specimens. Differences in measurements were statistically compared, level of (P ≤ 0.05). Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Measurement average was 55 mm between the medial malleolus tip and the medullary canal, with a standard deviation of 10 mm. High concordance (ICC: 0.819) was achieved among all pairs of observers (P < 0.01). The systematic difference among measurements was absent, and random distribution around general measurements was observed. Conclusion: The authors recommend a screw length of no more than 45 mm to optimize the location of the screw threads in the best cancellous bone in an effort to obtain the most compression.
http://ift.tt/2o7Ahao
Evaluation of serum and urinary neopterin levels as a biomarker for occupational exposure to crystalline silica
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):274-279
Background: Crystalline silica is a commonly used mineral in various industries and construction activities, and it is so important introducing potential biomarkers to identify early indicators of biological effects in its high-risk occupational exposures. Aim: The present study was aimed to assess the blood and urinary neopterin as an early biomarker of exposure in the workers of an insulator manufacturing plant who are exposed to crystalline silica. Subjects and Methods: This analytical descriptive study was done among two groups of exposed workers (n = 55) and unexposed office workers (n = 38) of an insulator manufacturing plant. Statistical software R was used to determine sample size and select the participants by random sampling among nonsmoker workers. Sampling of airborne silica in breathing zone of participants was done based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health method 7601. The urinary and blood samples were collected and prepared for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the level of urinary and serum neopterin. All of the statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 22. Results: The airborne silica concentration was significantly different between two exposed and unexposed groups (P < 0.001, 0.27 [0.11] vs. 0.0028 [0.0006] mg/m3, respectively). The urinary neopterin in exposed group is significantly higher than the unexposed one (P < 0.001, 97.67 [30.24] vs. 55.52 [2.18] μmol/mol creatinine, respectively). Neopterin level of serum in exposed group is higher than the unexposed group, and there is a significant difference between them (P < 0.001, 6.90 [2.70] vs. 2.20 [1.20] nmol/l, respectively). The positive significant correlations were found between silica exposure concentration with urinary and serum neopterin (P < 0.001, r = 0.36 and 0.59, respectively). Conclusions: Considering the sensitively and easily measurement of neopterin in biological fluid and also the statistically significant positive relationships which were found between the airborne silica concentration and neopterin levels in the present study, the serum and urinary neopterin levels can be considered the potential biomarkers of silica exposure for doing further comprehensive studies in this area.
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Peripheral and central nervous system involvement in recently diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism: An electrophysiological study
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):261-266
Background: Hypothyroidism, one of the most common endocrine disorders, may induce neurological abnormalities at an early stage of the disease. Aim: The study was designed to assess the electrophysiological alterations of some selected variables of nerve conduction, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in hypothyroid patients. Subjects and Methods: Sixty patients of newly diagnosed hypothyroidism and an equal number of age-matched controls were selected for the study. Nerve conduction studies that included parameters as latencies, conduction velocities, and amplitude of motor nerves, i.e., median, ulnar, common peroneal, tibial nerve, and sensory nerves, i.e., median and sural nerves was performed in both hypothyroid patients and controls. Further, BAEPs and VEPs of all the patients were done. The data were compiled and statistically analyzed using Student's unpaired t-test to observe any electrophysiological alterations in hypothyroid patients as compared to healthy controls. Results: On comparative evaluation, statistically significant increase in latency of median, ulnar, tibial, and sural nerves; decrease in conduction velocities of all the tested nerves and decrease in amplitude of median, tibial, and sural nerves was observed in hypothyroid patients. Statistically significant increase in latencies, interpeak latencies, and decrease in amplitudes of BAEP waves and statistically significant increase in P100 latency of VEP was seen in hypothyroid patients. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that peripheral and central neuropathy develops in patients of hypothyroidism at an early stage of disease and the electrophysiological investigations of such patients can help in timely detection and treatment of neurological disorders that occur due to thyroid hormone deficiency.
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Adnexal tumors of skin: An experience at a tertiary care center at Delhi
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):280-285
Background: Adnexal skin tumors are a heterogeneous group of uncommon tumors usually misdiagnosed clinically due to a huge variety of types and their variants. Histopathology usually helps in establishing the diagnosis. Aims: The study was undertaken to analyze the morphological, clinical, and histological features of adnexal tumors (ATs) of the skin at our center over a period of 4 years. Subjects and Methods: retrospective study was conducted over a period of 4 years (April 2010–March 2014), comprising 25 ATs of skin diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. All the consecutively reported AT cases were reviewed and reclassified as AT arising from sebaceous glands, hair follicles, or sweat glands. The concordance of clinical and histopathological diagnosis was also assessed. Results: Most of the ATs were benign (24/25) with head and neck being the most common location (72%). Nearly 56% of the tumors exhibited sweat gland differentiation, 28% hair follicle differentiation, and sebaceous gland tumors accounted for 16%. The most common varieties of tumors encountered in the present study included hidradenoma papilliferum and pilomatricoma. The concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnosis was found to be 50% approximately. Conclusions: ATs of the skin are rare neoplasms with benign tumors being far more common. They are often misdiagnosed clinically, so histopathology remains the gold standard for establishing an accurate diagnosis of skin ATs.
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Emerging trends in the epidemiological pattern of head and neck cancers in Lagos, Nigeria
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):301-307
Background: Unfortunately, despite an increase in medical knowledge, survival rates of head and neck cancers (HNCs) have not been observed to improve greatly. This is true, especially in tumors located in obscure primary sites or late presentation. Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the epidemiologic pattern of HNCs and to evaluate its emerging trends and patterns in Lagos state. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from 2003 to 2013 that analyzed histologically diagnosed cases of HNC at the Pathology Departments of the two tertiary teaching hospitals in Lagos. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 20) statistical software. Results: One thousand and eighty-three cases of head and neck malignancies were recorded. A female: male ratio of 1.01:1 was reported with mean age of 39.6 (standard deviation 21.1) years. The oral cavity was the most affected anatomic site (21.2%, 230/1083) in the period under review. Malignant epithelial tumors accounted for 72% (779/1083) of cases seen. Carcinomas were the most common histological variant seen (67%, 726/1083) and squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 58% (421/726) of carcinomas recorded. Oral cavity malignancies (21.8%, 118/540) were the most common in males while thyroid malignancies (28.5%, 155/543) were the most seen in females. In children (≤15 years), the most common histologic findings were carcinomas (42.3%; 77/182) and retinoblastomas (23.6%; 43/182). Conclusion: Epithelial malignancies were the most common malignancy in the study, and the oral cavity appears to be the increasingly predominant site for HNCs. A changing pattern in gender predominance, age distribution, and frequency with histological variants and anatomical sites was also observed in this study.
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Awareness and attitudes toward organ donation in rural Puducherry, India
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):286-290
Background: For many of the end-stage organ diseases, organ transplantation is the most preferred treatment. The need for the organ transplantation is higher than the availability. For the transplantation program to be successful, awareness regarding organ donation is needed and people must have a positive attitude toward donating organs. Aim: This study aims to assess the awareness and attitudes regarding organ donation among the rural population and to evaluate the sociodemographic factors associated with their awareness. Subjects and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 people living in 4 villages of Puducherry. Face-to-face interviews were carried out using pretested questionnaire, which included the sociodemographic data. Data were entered into Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Of 360 participants, 88% (317/360) were aware of organ donation. Among these 317 participants, awareness was highest in the age group 18–30 years 98.8% (87/88), male 91% (147/161), higher secondary and above 100% (58/58), and Class 1 socioeconomic status 92% (13/14). Source of awareness about organ donation was primarily through media 83% (263/317). The majority of the participants 88% (281/317) felt that the purpose of organ donation was to save life. Most of the participants 91% (290/317) said that all healthy adults are eligible organ donors and 87% (275/317) of the participants said that monetary benefits could not be accepted for organ donation. Most of the participants 70% (223/317) were willing to donate their organs after death. Among the participants who refused to donate their organs, family refusal 57% (25/44) was the most common reason. Conclusion: This study shows that there is a high level of awareness about organ donation among rural people and most of the participants are willing to donate their organs.
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Clinicoradiologic profile of involvement and healing in tuberculosis of the spine
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):311-327
Background: There is no much information about how tuberculous lesions of the spine progress/heal; what clinical and radiological features suggest progression/healing; what is the optimal duration of antitubercular treatment; and what clinical, laboratory, and radiological investigations and their frequency should be done to monitor the disease course. Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate what specific clinicoradiologic features suggest involvement and healing in tuberculosis of the spine. Subjects and Methods: Fifty spinal tuberculosis patients (30 males and 20 females) diagnosed clinicoradiologically were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated clinically, radiographically, and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at regular intervals to monitor the disease course till 24 months of the initial presentation. Results: Wedge/collapse (23/50 cases), soft tissue mass (29/50 cases), disc narrowing (45/54 discs), and endplate erosions (89/107 endplates) were the plain radiological findings of tubercular spinal involvement. Earliest sign of healing on plain radiography was decrease in fuzziness of endplate, ultimately leading to either sclerosis of endplate or fusion of adjacent vertebrae. Initial MRI findings included bone marrow edema (50/50 cases), discitis (53/62 discs), endplate erosions (105/123 endplates), pre- and para-vertebral collections (45/50 cases), epidural involvement (26/50 cases), epidural spread (77/109 vertebrae), and subligamentous spread (42/50 cases). Earliest feature of healing on magnetic resonance (MR) examination was decrease in inflammatory soft-tissue masses and reduction in marrow edema. Conclusions: Salient features of spinal involvement in tuberculosis on plain radiograph were paradiscal involvement, endplate destruction, and soft tissue masses. Marrow edema, paravertebral collections, subligamentous spread, extradural component, endplate erosion, and discitis suggested tubercular involvement of the spine on MRI. A decrease in these was observed to have prognostic value both in monitoring disease course and response to chemotherapy. Based on the clinicoradiologic findings of the present study, we propose decision-making algorithm, follow-up algorithm, and MR examination protocol for spinal tuberculosis.
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Color stability of heat-cure acrylic resin subjected to simulated short-term immersion in fast-acting denture cleansers
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):291-295
Background: Regular usage of denture cleansers is recommended in complete denture wearers for effective plaque control, and these cleansers alter the physical properties of acrylic resin over a period of time. Thus, an in vitro study was carried out to assess the effect of denture cleansers on the color stability of heat-cure denture base resin. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of commercially available fast-acting denture cleansers on the color stability of heat-cure denture base resin at different time intervals. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six heat-cure acrylic resin (Ivoclar Triplex Hot-V) specimens are randomly allocated into four groups - Group A (distilled water as control); Group B (polident - 3 min); Group C (fixodent scope plus); and Group D (stain away plus) comprising of nine samples each. After recording the baseline values, the specimens were immersed in their respective cleansing solutions for a prescribed time interval. This procedure was repeated daily, and the color change (ΔE) was evaluated after 90 and 180 days interval using a colorimeter in a standard "Commission International de l'Eclairage" color system. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired t-test and Dunnett's T3 test. Results: All the groups exhibited a variable color change (ΔE) for an immersion period of 90 days. However, significant color differences (P = 0.001) were noticed among the test groups after 180 days. Conclusion: The color change of denture base resin was greater for Group D followed by Groups B, C, and A respectively after 180 days of immersion. The ΔE values of all test groups increased with time.
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Serum adiponectin levels are associated with microcirculatory function, but not with coronary artery disease in the young
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2016 6(5):332-333
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Differential roles of PKC isoforms (PKCs) in GnRH stimulation of MAPK phosphorylation in gonadotrope derived cells
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Shany Mugami, Masha Dobkin-Bekman, Liat Rahamim–Ben Navi, Zvi Naor
The role of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (PKCs) in GnRH-stimulated MAPK [ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38) phosphorylation was examined in gonadotrope derived cells. GnRH induced a protracted activation of ERK1/2 and a slower and more transient activation of JNK1/2 and p38MAPK. Gonadotropes express conventional PKCα and PKCβII, novel PKCδ, PKCε and PKCθ, and atypical PKC-ι/λ. The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-PKCs constructs revealed that GnRH induced rapid translocation of PKCα and PKCβII to the plasma membrane, followed by their redistribution to the cytosol. PKCδ and PKCε localized to the cytoplasm and Golgi, followed by the rapid redistribution by GnRH of PKCδ to the perinuclear zone and of PKCε to the plasma membrane. The use of dominant negatives for PKCs and peptide inhibitors for the receptors for activated C kinase (RACKs) has revealed differential role for PKCα, PKCβII, PKCδ and PKCε in ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation in a ligand-and cell context-dependent manner. The paradoxical findings that PKCs activated by GnRH and PMA play a differential role in MAPKs phosphorylation may be explained by persistent vs. transient redistribution of selected PKCs or redistribution of a given PKC to the perinuclear zone vs. the plasma membrane. Thus, we have identified the PKCs involved in GnRH stimulated MAPKs phosphorylation in gonadotrope derived cells. Once activated, the MAPKs will mediate the transcription of the gonadotropin subunits and GnRH receptor genes.
http://ift.tt/2nod5aU
kMucormicosys due to Saksenaea vasiformis in a dog
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports, Volume 16
Author(s): Francisco J. Reynaldi, Gabriela Giacoboni, Susana B. Córdoba, Julián Romero, Enso H. Reinoso, Ruben Abrantes
A 2-year-old female Border collie was examined for dermatitis with a partial alopecic zone around her left front member. Six months later the lesion became swollen, alopecic with ulcerated areas. Microscopy analysis of samples showed numerous non-septate, branching, thin-walled and irregular shaped hyphal elements. Fungal cultures and molecular studies identified Saksenaea vasiformis. Treatments with griseofulvin, itraconazole and surgical debridement were used, however, fourteen months later the dog was euthanatized because of the unfavorable clinical outcome.
http://ift.tt/2obqSAu
Coccidioidal meningitis complicated by central nervous system vasculitis in a patient with leukemia
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports, Volume 16
Author(s): Dany Tager, Anne Hatch, Jennifer Segar, Brentin Roller, Mayar Al Mohajer, Tirdad T. Zangeneh
Central Nervous System (CNS) vasculitis is the most common life-threatening complication of coccidioidal meningitis. It is manifested by cerebral ischemia, hemorrhage, and infarction. We report a case of CNS vasculitis in a patient receiving chemotherapy and review of the literature on coccidioidal meningitis. The patient was treated with combination antifungal therapy and a short course of high dose corticosteroids with a modest improvement in her neurological examination after initiation of steroids.
http://ift.tt/2oSerIh
First case of invasive Magnusiomyces capitatus infection in Slovakia
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports, Volume 16
Author(s): Dominika Tanuskova, Julia Horakova, Peter Svec, Ivana Bodova, Martina Lengerova, Matej Bezdicek, Miroslava Poczova, Jozef Koppl, Alexandra Kolenova
Magnusiomyces capitatus (previously known as Geotrichum capitatum or Blastoschizomyces capitatus or Trichosporon capitatum) is a rare cause of fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Most of these cases (87%) have been reported from the Mediterranean region, as it is extremely rare to recognize it in other regions. Here we report a first case of disseminated M. capitatus infection in Slovakia. The patient – 19 year old woman with myelodysplastic syndrome was diagnosed with M. capitatus fungemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The infection occurred despite antifungal prophylaxis with micafungin, which was in vitro sensitive to the yeast. The treatment according to minimal inhibitory concentrations (micafungin, voriconazol) and granulocyte transfusions were administered. M. capitatus was cleared out from the bloodstream. However, patient died of multiple organ failure. Autopsy showed multiple lesions in organs, but did not prove presence of yeast by histopathology. M. capitatus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction from all tested organs: heart, brain, lungs, spleen, liver and kidneys. We present the post mortem pictures showing the yeast lesions in affected organs. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2obmy46
Successful treatment of azole-resistant invasive aspergillosis in a bottlenose dolphin with high-dose posaconazole
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports, Volume 16
Author(s): Paulien E. Bunskoek, Seyedmojtaba Seyedmousavi, Steven J.M. Gans, Peter B.J. van Vierzen, Willem J.G. Melchers, Cornelis E. van Elk, Johan W. Mouton, Paul E. Verweij
Invasive aspergillosis due to azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is difficult to manage. We describe a case of azole-resistant invasive aspergillosis in a female bottlenose dolphin, who failed to respond to voriconazole and posaconazole therapy. As intravenous therapy was precluded, high dose posaconazole was initiated aimed at achieving trough levels exceeding 3mg/l. Posaconazole serum levels of 3–9.5mg/l were achieved without significant side-effects. Follow-up bronchoscopy and computed tomography showed complete resolution of the lesions.
http://ift.tt/2oS00Up
Melanized fungus as an Epidural abscess: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Publication date: Available online 6 April 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports
Author(s): Adesh shrivastava, Karuna Tadepalli, Garima Goel, Kajal Gupta, Pradeep Kumar Gupta
Curvularia a dematiaceous fungus is ubiquitously found in soil around the world. We report an epidural abscess due to Curvularia lunata in a 48 years male farmer who underwent decompressive laminectomy as primary modality of treatment followed by isolation, identification and confirmation of the isolate from tissue by ITS sequencing. Antifungal therapy with voriconazole and amphotericin B for 3 and 2 weeks respectively improved patient's condition and is presently on regular follow up with no sequelae since last 7 months.
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A case of breakthrough Candida parapsilosis fungemia during micafungin therapy for a Candida glabrata bloodstream infection
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports, Volume 16
Author(s): Yuta Norimatsu, Daiichi Morii, Asako Kogure, Taeko Hamanaka, Yoshihiro Kuwano, Takayuki Yokozawa, Toshimi Oda
We describe a case of breakthrough Candida parapsilosis fungemia in an 80-year-old woman with pyoderma gangrenosum and rheumatoid arthritis. C. parapsilosis was detected in blood culture while the patient was treated with micafungin for a Candida glabrata bloodstream infection. The breakthrough infection was successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B.
http://ift.tt/2oRZYMh
Complete coverage and covering completely: Breast feeding and complementary feeding: Knowledge, attitude, and practices of mothers
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Medical Journal Armed Forces India
Author(s): Sunil Jain, R.K. Thapar, R.K. Gupta
BackgroundKnowing current trends for timely comprehensive action for health promotion practices is an important prerequisite for medical practitioners and policy makers.MethodsA survey of mothers at a Tertiary Care Hospital in central India.ResultsOn the knowledge front >83.75% of the mothers studied showed good knowledge about breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Similar, but not as encouraging, were the results about attitude, with 76.25% of mothers having a positive attitude. The results of the practices part were varied. The WHO indicators assessed were 'early initiation of breastfeeding' (68.75%), 'exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months' (85%) (however exclusive breast feeding for first 6 months was carried out by only 36.25%), 'introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods' (48.75%), 'continued breastfeeding at 1 year' (63.75%) and 'continued breastfeeding at 2 years' (6.25%).ConclusionsThere is a discrepancy between knowledge and practices. The exclusive breast feeding rates are far from the ideal and there is a decline of continued breast feeding beyond 15 months. This calls for sustained efforts with the aim – 'cover all and cover completely'. The ideal WHO indicator for exclusive breast feeding should be 'exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months' which will provide information about the completeness of this ideal practice.
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Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation: Antenatal ultrasonography features
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Medical Journal Armed Forces India
Author(s): D.S. Grewal, Arun Kant Singh
http://ift.tt/2nUhAWP
A randomized control trial to assess efficacy of Mifepristone in medical management of uterine fibroid
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Medical Journal Armed Forces India
Author(s): D. Arora, Jaya Chawla, S.P.S. Kochar, J.C. Sharma
BackgroundFibroids are the most common benign tumours of uterus. Heavy menstrual bleeding is the commonest concern for which medical attention is sought. Hysterectomies for leiomyoma constitute a third of all hysterectomies. Thus, healthcare cost to society due to uterine leiomyomas is of considerable importance.MethodsA prospective study was conducted at tertiary care hospital of armed forces. 120 women in pre-menopausal age group with complaints of menorrhagia, Pictorial Bleeding Assessment Chart (PBAC) scoring ≥100 and at least one fibroid ≥2.5cm in size were recruited in the study. Patients in Group 1 were given Tab Tranexemic acid (500mg) and Tab Mefenemic acid (500mg) three times a day during menstrual bleeding for a period of 6 months. Patients in Group 2 were given Tab Mifepristone 50mg twice a week. They were followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months of starting the medicine. Results were statistically analysed using Microsoft Excel sheet and paired t-test.ResultsThe average age was 40 years in the Group 2 and 45 years in Group 1. A size reduction of 36.99% in intramural and 39.39% in submucosal fibroids after six months of treatment with Mifepristone resulted in marked clinical improvement. 10% patients had side effects. In 30% of patients symptoms reappeared during the follow up period.ConclusionMifepristone when given in bi-weekly doses was found to be safe, efficacious, and cost effective as compared to treatment with tranexemic acid and mefenemic acid for management of fibroid uterus.
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Changing paradigm in the scientific publication process: Are we encouraging Science or Pseudoscience? Urgent need for introspection and self regulation
Publication date: Available online 6 April 2017
Source:Medical Journal Armed Forces India
Author(s): Velu Nair
http://ift.tt/2nUzfOh
Cutaneous myiasis: Think beyond furunculosis
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Medical Journal Armed Forces India
Author(s): Vikas Pathania, A.W. Kashif, R.N. Aggarwal
BackgroundCutaneous myiasis is the infestation of the skin by larvae (maggots) of the order Diptera (two winged). Being an imported and sporadic illness, furuncular myiasis often poses a diagnostic challenge to the treating physician. This traditionally endemic entity is being more frequently reported worldwide as 'vacation' disease in travellers returning from these regions. However, there is a paucity of large scale study, especially on individuals occupationally stationed for longer periods of time in these endemic geographic locations.MethodsSixteen Indian male patients with cutaneous furuncular myiasis presenting to dermatology outpatient department at a tertiary care field hospital deployed in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Central Africa were studied for clinical presentation, sites involved, larvae/maggot extracted, period of resolution and complications if any.ResultsAverage age of patients was 29 years. The average duration of infestation was 4 days. All lesions were found to be confined to sites over body normally covered with clothing, commonest being anterior abdomen in 9 (56.25%) patients followed by chest in 6 (37.5%) patients. The lesion count was also highest on anterior abdomen with 39 lesions. The average time to resolution following extraction of larvae (Cordylobia anthropophaga) was 6 days.ConclusionThe purpose of this study was to familiarize oneself with an endemic infestation which often masquerades itself as pyoderma to the naïve physician, more so in an imported case or more importantly, an 'exported' health care professional.
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Anti-tumor efficacy of new 7α-substituted androstanes as aromatase inhibitors in hormone-sensitive and resistant breast cancer cells
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Cristina Amaral, Carla L. Varela, João Maurício, Ana Filipa Sobral, Saul C. Costa, Fernanda M.F. Roleira, Elisiário J. Tavares-da-Silva, Georgina Correia-da-Silva, Natércia Teixeira
The majority of breast cancer cases are estrogen receptor positive (ER+). Although, third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are used as first-line treatment in post-menopausal women, they cause endocrine resistance and bone loss, which limits their success. Therefore, there is a demand to discover new potent molecules, with less toxicity that can circumvent these drawbacks. Our group has previously demonstrated that new 7α-substituted steroidal molecules, 7α-(2ξ,3ξ-epoxypropyl)androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (3), 7α-allylandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (6), 7α-allylandrost-4-en-17-one (9), 7α-allyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-dien-17β-ol (10) and 7α-allylandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (12) are potent AIs in placental microsomes. In this work, it was investigated their anti-aromatase activity and in vitro effects in sensitive and resistant breast cancer cells. All the steroids efficiently inhibit aromatase in breast cancer cells, allowing to establish new structure-activity relationships for this class of compounds. Moreover, the new AIs can inhibit breast cancer cell growth, by causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The effects of AIs 3 and 12 on sensitive cells were dependent on aromatase inhibition and androgen receptor (AR), while for AI 9 and AI 10 were AR- and ER-dependent, respectively. In addition, it was shown that all the AIs can sensitize resistant cancer cells being their behavior similar to the sensitive cells. In summary, this study contributes to the understanding of the structural modifications in steroidal scaffold that are translated into better aromatase inhibition and anti-tumor properties, providing important information for the rational design/synthesis of more effective AIs. In addition, allowed the discovery of new potent 7α-substituted androstane molecules to inhibit tumor growth and prevent endocrine resistance.
http://ift.tt/2nnSm79
Pseudohypoaldosteronism types I and II: little more than a name in common
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
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Plutonium interaction studies with the Mont Terri Opalinus Clay isolate Sporomusa sp. MT-2.99: changes in the plutonium speciation by solvent extractions
Abstract
Since plutonium could be released from nuclear waste disposal sites, the exploration of the complex interaction processes between plutonium and bacteria is necessary for an improved understanding of the fate of plutonium in the vicinity of such a nuclear waste disposal site. In this basic study, the interaction of plutonium with cells of the bacterium, Sporomusa sp. MT-2.99, isolated from Mont Terri Opalinus Clay, was investigated anaerobically (in 0.1 M NaClO4) with or without adding Na-pyruvate as an electron donor. The cells displayed a strong pH-dependent affinity for Pu. In the absence of Na-pyruvate, a strong enrichment of stable Pu(V) in the supernatants was discovered, whereas Pu(IV) polymers dominated the Pu oxidation state distribution on the biomass at pH 6.1. A pH-dependent enrichment of the lower Pu oxidation states (e.g., Pu(III) at pH 6.1 which is considered to be more mobile than Pu(IV) formed at pH 4) was observed in the presence of up to 10 mM Na-pyruvate. In all cases, the presence of bacterial cells enhanced removal of Pu from solution and accelerated Pu interaction reactions, e.g., biosorption and bioreduction.
http://ift.tt/2nMK04v
Treatment of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) contaminated soil by solubilizer-enhanced electrokinetics coupled with ZVI-PRB
Abstract
Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) is a typical soil contaminant released from e-waste recycling sites (EWRSs). Electrokinetics (EK) has been considered as an excellent treatment technology with a promising potential to effectively remove organic pollutants in soil. In this study, the treatment of BDE209-polluted soil by EK was explored. All the EK experiments were conducted under a constant voltage gradient (2 V cm−1) for 14 days. Deionized water (DI water), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and humic acid (HA) were applied as the processing fluid. The experimental results showed that all the solubilizers could effectively promote the mobility and transport of BDE209 in the soil via the electro-osmotic flow (EOF) or electromigration. The removal efficiencies achieved in S1 section were 24, 22, and 26% using HPCD, SDS, and HA as the processing fluid. However, the removal of BDE209 for the entire soil cell was not achieved until zero valence iron (ZVI) was inserted at the center of soil column as a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) or (ZVI-PRB), which enhanced the degradation of BDE209. As ZVI-PRB was installed in EK5 and EK6 experiments, the corresponding average removal efficiencies increased to 16 and 13%, respectively. Additionally, the degradation products of BDE209 analyzed by GC-MS suggested that debromination of BDE209 was the main potential degradation mechanism in the EK treatment in the presence of ZVI-PRB.
http://ift.tt/2ohFuim
Seasonal variability in size-segregated airborne bacterial particles and their characterization at different source-sites
Abstract
Size-segregated aerosol samplings were carried out near the potential sources of airborne biological particles i.e. at a landfill site, an agricultural field and a road side restaurant-cluster site in winter, spring and summer seasons during 2013–2015 in New Delhi. The culturable airborne bacterial (CAB) concentrations showed significant seasonal variation from higher to moderate in spring and winter seasons and lowest during summer. Highest CAB concentrations were observed at the Okhla landfill site followed by restaurant-cluster area and agriculture site. The CAB particles showed bimodal size distribution, abundant in the size ranges of 1.1–2.1, 2.1–3.3 and 4.7–5.8 μm. However, substantial concentrations were also observed in the size bins of 0.43–0.65 and <0.43 μm, which are important for cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of aerosols in addition to their adverse health effects. In spring, bacterial particles were also maximized in size ranges between 5.8 and >9.0 μm. Fine mode proportions of CAB were found to be higher in winter than other two seasons. Bacterial identification was done by 16s rDNA sequencing, and most abundant identified strains were Bacillus cereus (16%), Bacillus licheniformis (11%), Bacillus thuringiensis (9%), Micrococcus sp. (7%) and Acinetobacter sp. (9%).
http://ift.tt/2nMt65Q
Pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in wastewater samples in north-eastern Tunisia
Abstract
Pharmaceutically active substances (PhACs) and drugs of abuse (DAs) are two classes of contaminants of emerging concern that have attracted great concern and interest by the scientific community during the last two decades. Numerous studies have revealed their presence in treated urban wastewaters. This is mainly due to the fact that some compounds are not efficiently removed during wastewater treatment processes, and are thus able to reach the aquatic environment through wastewater discharge and reuse practices. The application of an optimized multi-residue method for the simultaneous confirmation and quantification of licit and illicit drugs has been investigated in influent and effluent wastewater samples from seven wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in north-eastern Tunisia. Analysis was performed through ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Out of 12 pharmaceutical compounds analyzed, 11 of them were detected mainly in effluent wastewaters. In both matrices, antibiotics and β-blockers were the most detected groups. This suggests that these compounds show noticeable resistance against biological treatment in WWTPs. The estimated concentrations of antibiotics in effluents ranged from ca. 35 ng/L to 1.2 μg/L. However, all five studied illicit drugs were detected, mainly in influent wastewaters. Forensic investigation performed on people suspected to be drug abusers covering all Tunisian cities was conducted by monitoring an epidemiological study of human urine samples surveying rate of consumption for illicit drugs. Hence, these preliminary results confirmed the presence of illicit drugs in the influent wastewater samples. For example, quantification ranges for cocaine were found to be 25–450 ng/L in influent wastewater samples. Significant differences for cocaine consumption across the two sampling methods were observed. Consequently, we conclude that the analyses in wastewater are more reflective of the real levels of illicit drug consumption. Moreover, the cost for chromatographic analysis is lower than the screening test methods for human biological specimen, particularly staffing, which are likely to be much lower.
http://ift.tt/2ohNTSO
Strategic tillage in conservation agricultural systems of north-eastern Australia: why, where, when and how?
Abstract
Farmers often resort to an occasional tillage (strategic tillage (ST)) operation to combat constraints of no-tillage (NT) farming systems. There are conflicting reports regarding impacts of ST and a lack of knowledge around when, where and how ST is implemented to maximise its benefits without impacting negatively on soil and environment. We established 14 experiments during 2012–2015 on farms with long-term history of continuous NT to (i) quantify the associated risks and benefits to crop productivity, soil and environmental health and (ii) explore key factors that need to be considered in decisions to implement ST in an otherwise NT system. Results showed that introduction of ST reduced weed populations and improved crop productivity and profitability in the first year after tillage, with no impact in subsequent 4 years. Soil properties were not impacted in Vertosols; however, Sodosols and Dermosols suffered short-term negative soil health impacts (e.g. increased bulk density). A Sodosol and a Dermosol also posed higher risks of runoff and associated loss of nutrients and sediment during intense rainfall after ST. The ST reduced plant available water in the short term, which could result in unreliable sowing opportunities for the following crop especially in semi-arid climate that prevails in north-eastern Australia. The results show that generally, there were no significant differences in crop productivity and soil health between tillage implements and tillage frequencies between ST and NT. The study suggests that ST can be a viable strategy to manage constraints of NT systems, with few short-term soil and environmental costs and some benefits such as short-term farm productivity and profitability and reduced reliance on herbicides.
http://ift.tt/2nMJe7g
Blocked, Delayed, or Obstructed: What Causes Poor White Matter Development in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Infants?
Source:Progress in Neurobiology
Author(s): Mary Tolcos, Steven Petratos, Jonathan J. Hirst, Flora Wong, Sarah J. Spencer, Aminath Azhan, Ben Emery, David W. Walker
Poor white matter development in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) babies remains a major, untreated problem in neonatology. New therapies, guided by an understanding of the mechanisms that underlie normal and abnormal oligodendrocyte development and myelin formation, are required. Much of our knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie impaired myelination come from studies in adult demyelinating disease, preterm brain injury, or experimental models of hypoxia-ischemia. However relatively less is known for IUGR which is surprising because IUGR is a leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, second only to premature birth. IUGR is also a significant risk factor for the later development of cerebral palsy, and is a greater risk compared to some of the more traditionally researched antecedents − asphyxia and inflammation. Recent evidence suggests that the white matter injury and reduced myelination in the brains of some preterm babies is due to impaired maturation of oligodendrocytes thereby resulting in the reduced capacity to synthesize myelin. Therefore, it is not surprising that the hypomyelination observable in the central nervous system of IUGR infants has similarly lead to investigations identifying a delay or blockade in the progress of maturation of oligodendrocytes in these infants. This review will discuss current ideas thought to account for the poor myelination often present in the neonate's brain following IUGR, and discuss novel interventions that are promising as treatments that promote oligodendrocyte maturation, and thereby repair the myelination deficits that otherwise persist into infancy and childhood and lead to neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
http://ift.tt/2oL63NK
Electrically-responsive core-shell hybrid microfibers for controlled drug release and cell culture
Publication date: Available online 6 April 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Chuntao Chen, Xiao Chen, Heng Zhang, Qi Zhang, Li Wang, Chenxi Li, Beibei Dai, Jiazhi Yang, Jian Liu, Dongping Sun
It is an active research field to develop fiber-shaped smart materials for biomedical applications. Here we report the development of the multifunctional core-shell hybrid microfibers with excellent mechanical and electrical performance as a new smart biomaterial. The microfibers were synthesized using a combination of co-axial spinning with a microfluidic device and subsequent dip-coating, containing a hydrogel core of bacterial cellulose (BC) and a conductive polymer shell layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The hybrid microfibers were featured with a well-controlled microscopic morphology, exhibiting enhanced mechanic properties. A model drug, diclofenac sodium, can be loaded in the core layer of the microfibers in situ during the process of synthesis. Our experiments suggested that the releasing behaviors of the drug molecules from the microfibers were enhanced by external electrical stimulation. Interestingly, we demonstrated an excellent biocompatibility and electroactivity of the hybrid microfibers for PC12 cell culture, thus promising a flexible template for the reconstruction of electrically-responsive tissues mimicking muscle fibers or nerve networks.Statement of SignificanceFiber-shaped biomaterials are useful in creating various functional objects from one dimensional to three-dimensional. The fabrication of microfibers with integrated physicochemical properties and bio-performance has drawn an increasing attention on researchers from chemical to biomedical. This study combined biocompatible bacterial cellulose with electroconductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and further reduced them to a highly electroactive BC/PEDOT core-shell microfiber electrode for electrochemical actuator design. The result showed that the microfibers were well fabricated and the release of drugs from the microfibers was enhanced and could be controlled under electrical stimulation externally. Considering the excellent biocompatibility and electroactive toward PC12 cells, these microfibers may find use as templates for the reconstruction of fiber-shaped functional tissues that mimic muscle fibers, blood vessels or nerve networks in vivo.
Graphical abstract
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Viscoelastic properties of normal and cancerous human breast cells are affected differently by contact to adjacent cells
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Nicolas Schierbaum, Johannes Rheinlaender, Tilman E. Schäffer
Malignant transformation drastically alters the mechanical properties of the cell and its response to the surrounding cellular environment. We studied the influence of the physical contact between adjacent cells in an epithelial monolayer on the viscoelastic behavior of normal MCF10A, non-invasive cancerous MCF7, and invasive cancerous MDA-MB-231 human breast cells. Using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging technique termed force clamp force mapping (FCFM) to record images of the viscoelastic material properties of sparse and confluent cells, we found that normal MCF10A cells are stiffer and have a lower fluidity when at confluent than at sparse density. Contrarily, cancerous MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells do not stiffen and do not decrease their fluidity when progressing from sparse to confluent density. The behavior of normal MCF10A cells appears to be governed by the formation of stable cell-cell contacts, because their disruption with a calcium-chelator (EGTA) causes the stiffness and fluidity values to return to those at sparse density. In contrast, EGTA-treatment of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells does not change their viscoelastic properties. Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that the change of the viscoelastic behavior in MCF10A cells when going from sparse to confluent density is accompanied by a remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton into thick stress fiber bundles, while in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells the actin cytoskeleton is only composed of thin and short fibers, regardless of cell density. While the observed behavior of normal MCF10A cells might be crucial for providing mechanical stability and thus in turn integrity of the epithelial monolayer, the dysregulation of this behavior in cancerous MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells is possibly a central aspect of cancer progression in the epithelium.Statement of SignificanceWe measured the viscoelastic properties of normal and cancerous human breast epithelial cells in different states of confluency using atomic force microscopy. We found that confluent normal cells are stiffer and have lower fluidity than sparse normal cells, which appears to be governed by the formation of cell-cell contacts. Contrarily, confluent cancer cells do not stiffen and not have a decreased fluidity compared to sparse cancer cells and their viscoelastic properties are independent of cell-cell contact formation. While the observed behavior of normal cells appears to be crucial for providing the mechanical stability and therefore the integrity of the epithelial monolayer, the dysregulation of this behavior in cancer cells might be a central aspect of early stage cancer progression and metastasis in the epithelium.
Graphical abstract
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Editorial Board
Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia, Volume 52
http://ift.tt/2o75bjr
Special Issue “Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Mimics”
Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia, Volume 52
Author(s): Katja Schenke-Layland
http://ift.tt/2oL95S2
Cathepsin K-targeted sub-micron particles for regenerative repair of vascular elastic matrix
Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia, Volume 52
Author(s): Brenton Jennewine, Jonathan Fox, Anand Ramamurthi
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) involve slow dilation and weakening of the aortic wall due to breakdown of structural matrix components, such as elastic fibers by chronically overexpressed matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), primarily, MMPs-2 and -9. Auto-regenerative repair of disrupted elastic fibers by smooth muscle cells (SMCs) at the AAA site is intrinsically poor and together with chronic proteolysis prevents restoration of elastin homeostasis, necessary to enable AAA growth arrest or regression to a healthy state. Oral doxycycline (DOX) therapy can inhibit MMPs to slow AAA growth, but has systemwide side-effects and inhibits new elastin deposition within AAA tissue, diminishing prospects for restoring elastin homeostasis preventing the arrest/regression of AAA growth. We have thus developed cationic amphiphile (DMAB)-modified submicron particles (SMPs) that uniquely exhibit pro-elastogenic and anti-proteolytic properties, separate from similar effects of the encapsulated drug. These SMPs can enable sustained, low dose DOX delivery within AAA tissue to augment elastin regenerative repair. To provide greater specificity of SMP targeting, we have conjugated the DOX-SMP surface with an antibody against cathepsin K, a lysosomal protease that is highly overexpressed within AAA tissue. We have determined conditions for efficient cathepsin K Ab conjugation onto the SMPs, improved SMP binding to aneurysmal SMCs in culture and to injured vessel walls ex vivo, conjugation did not affect DOX release from the SMPs, and improved pro-elastogenic and anti-proteolytic effects due to the SMPs likely due to their increased proximity to cells via binding. Our study results suggest that cathepsin K Ab conjugation is a useful targeting modality for our pro-regenerative SMPs. Future studies will investigate SMP retention and biodistribution following targeting to induced AAAs in rat models through intravenous or catheter-based aortal infusion and thereafter their efficacy for regenerative elastic matrix repair in the AAA wall.Statement of SignificanceProactive screening of high risk elderly patients now enables early detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs). Current management of small, growing AAAs is limited to passive, imaging based growth monitoring. There are also no established drug-based therapeutic alternatives to surgery for AAAs, which is unsuitable for many elderly patients, and none which can achieve restore disrupted and lost elastic matrix in the AAA wall, which is essential to achieve growth arrest or regression. We seek to test the feasibility of a regenerative therapy based on localized, one time delivery of drug-releasing Sub-Micron-sized drug delivery polymer Particles (SMPs) that are also uniquely chemically functionalized on their surface to also provide them pro-elastin-regenerative & anti-matrix degradative properties, and also conjugated with antibodies targeting cathepsin K, an elastolytic enzyme that is highly overexpressed in AAA tissues; the latter serves as a modality to enable targeted binding of the SMPs to the AAA wall following intravenous infusion, or intraoartal, catheter-based delivery. Such SMPs can potentially stimulate structural repair in the AAA wall following one time infusion to delay or prevent AAA growth to rupture. The therapy can provide a non-surgical treatment option for high risk AAA patients.
Graphical abstract
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Hyaluronic acid facilitates chondrogenesis and matrix deposition of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells and human chondrocytes co-cultures
Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia, Volume 52
Author(s): Elisabeth Amann, Paul Wolff, Ernst Breel, Martijn van Griensven, Elizabeth R. Balmayor
Clinical success on cartilage regeneration could be achieved by using available biomaterials and cell-based approaches. In this study, we have developed a composite gel based on collagen/hyaluronic acid (Coll-HA) as ideal, physiologically representative 3D support for in vitro chondrogenesis of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) co-cultured with human articular chondrocytes (hAC). The incorporation of hyaluronic acid (HA) attempted to provide an additional stimulus to the hAMSCs for chondrogenesis and extracellular matrix deposition. Coll-HA gels were fabricated by directly mixing different amounts of HA (0–5%) into collagen solution before gelation. hACs and hAMSCs were co-cultured at different ratios from 100% to 0% in steps of 25%. Thus, five different co-culture groups were tested in the various Coll-HA 3D matrices. HA greatly impacted the cell viability and proliferation as well as the mechanical properties of the Coll-HA gel. The effective Young's modulus changed from 5.8 to 9.0kPa with increasing concentrations of HA in the gel. In addition, significantly higher amounts of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were detected that seemed to be dependent on HA content. The highest HA concentration used (5%) resulted in the lowest Collagen type X (Col10) expression for most of the cell culture groups. Unexpectedly, culturing in these gels was also associated with decreased SOX9 and Collagen type II (Col2) expression, while Collagen type III (Col3) and metalloproteinase 13 notably increased. By using 1% HA, a positive effect on SOX9 expression was observed in the co-culture groups. In addition, a significant increase in GAGs production was also detected. Regarding co-culturing, the group with 25% hAMSCs+75% hACs was the most chondrogenic one considering SOX9 and Col2 expression as well as GAGs production. This group showed negligible Col10 expression after 35days of culture independently of the gel used. It also featured the highest effective Young's modulus (9.9kPa) when cultivated in the 1% HA matrix. Concerning the level of dissolved oxygen in situ, the groups with a higher amount of hAMSCs showed lower oxygen levels (40–58% O2) compared to hACs (63–74% O2). This might be attributed to the higher cellular metabolism and proliferation rate of the hAMSCs. Interestingly, lower oxygen was detected in the HA-containing gels when compared to plain collagen. This may contribute to the better chondrogenesis observed in these groups. Altogether, our results indicated that HA may favor chondrogenesis, but its effect highly depends on the concentration used. Additionally, co-culture of hACs with hAMSCs also favors chondrogenesis and especially increases extracellular matrix production and decreases hypertrophy.Statement of SignificanceIn the clinical situation, large cartilage defects can be treated with MACT. However, this is a two-stage procedure, which increases the risk for the patient. Moreover, culturing chondrocytes leads to dedifferentiation. The matrix used for MACT is a collagen-based scaffold. In this study, it was demonstrated that hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the extracellular matrix, supplementation to a collagen hydrogel stimulates chondrogenic differentiation in a dose dependent manner. 1% HA showed the best overall results. Furthermore, exchanging 25% of human articular chondrocytes with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells didn't change the chondrogenic potential, but reduced going in unwanted pathways and improved biomechanical properties. This could translate to a one-step procedure and shows the potential of inducing differentiation by natural biomaterials.
Graphical abstract
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Magnetically-responsive, multifunctional drug delivery nanoparticles for elastic matrix regenerative repair
Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia, Volume 52
Author(s): Balakrishnan Sivaraman, Ganesh Swaminathan, Lee Moore, Jonathan Fox, Dhruv Seshadri, Shataakshi Dahal, Ivan Stoilov, Maciej Zborowski, Robert Mecham, Anand Ramamurthi
Arresting or regressing growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), localized expansions of the abdominal aorta are contingent on inhibiting chronically overexpressed matrix metalloproteases (MMPs)-2 and -9 that disrupt elastic matrix within the aortic wall, concurrent with providing a stimulus to augmenting inherently poor auto-regeneration of these matrix structures. In a recent study we demonstrated that localized, controlled and sustained delivery of doxycycline (DOX; a tetracycline-based antibiotic) from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs), enhances elastic matrix deposition and MMP-inhibition at a fraction of the therapeutically effective oral dose. The surface functionalization of these NPs with cationic amphiphiles, which enhances their arterial uptake, was also shown to have pro-matrix regenerative and anti-MMP effects independent of the DOX. Based on the hypothesis that the incorporation of superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPIONs) within these PLGA NPs would enhance their targetability to the AAA site under an applied external magnetic field, we sought to evaluate the functional effects of NPs co-encapsulating DOX and SPIONs (DOX-SPION NPs) on elastic matrix regeneration and MMP synthesis/activity in vitro within aneurysmal smooth muscle cell (EaRASMC) cultures. The DOX-SPION NPs were mobile under an applied external magnetic field, while enhancing elastic matrix deposition 1.5–2-fold and significantly inhibiting MMP-2 synthesis and MMP-2 and -9 activities, compared to NP-untreated control cultures. These results illustrate that the multifunctional benefits of NPs are maintained following SPION co-incorporation. Additionally, preliminary studies carried out demonstrated enhanced targetability of SPION-loaded NPs within proteolytically-disrupted porcine carotid arteries ex vivo, under the influence of an applied external magnetic field. Thus, this dual-agent loaded NP system proffers a potential non-surgical option for treating small growing AAAs, via controlled and sustained drug release from multifunctional, targetable nanocarriers.Statement of SignificanceProactive screening of high risk elderly patients now enables early detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). There are no established drug-based therapeutic alternatives to surgery for AAAs, which is unsuitable for many elderly patients, and none which can achieve restore disrupted and lost elastic matrix in the AAA wall, which is essential to achieve growth arrest or regression. We have developed a first generation design of polymer nanoparticles (NPs) for AAA tissue localized delivery of doxycycline, a modified tetracycline drug at low micromolar doses at which it provides both pro-elastogenic and anti-proteolytic benefits that can augment elastic matrix regenerative repair. The nanocarriers themselves are also uniquely chemically functionalized on their surface to also provide them pro-elastin-regenerative & anti-matrix degradative properties. To provide an active driving force for efficient uptake of intra-lumenally infused NPs to the AAA wall, in this work, we have rendered our polymer NPs mobile in an applied magnetic field via co-incorporation of super-paramagnetic iron oxide NPs. We demonstrate that such modifications significantly improve wall uptake of the NPs with no significant changes to their physical properties and regenerative benefits. Such NPs can potentially stimulate structural repair in the AAA wall following one time infusion to delay or prevent AAA growth to rupture. The therapy can provide a non-surgical treatment option for high risk AAA patients.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2o6VS35
Female Sprague-Dawley rats display greater appetitive and consummatory responses to alcohol
Source:Behavioural Brain Research SreeTestContent1, Volume 327
Author(s): Steven J. Nieto, Therese A. Kosten
The narrowing of the gender gap in alcohol drinking patterns is a concern because women are more susceptible to adverse health consequences of alcohol use. Animal models of alcohol-seeking and -consuming are useful to delineate sex differences to test for effective sex-specific pharmacological treatments. We investigated potential sex differences in appetitive and consummatory responses to alcohol. Appetitive behaviors included numbers of head entries into the dipper access area and active lever presses. Consummatory behaviors included number of reinforcers delivered and consumed. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on an overnight alcohol (10%) drinking schedule and trained to lever press for alcohol (10% solution). Separate groups of male and female animals had access to water overnight and were trained to lever press for sucrose (3% solution). Tests were conducted under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Alcohol-responding females demonstrated higher alcohol intake overnight and showed greater appetitive and consummatory responses compared to males. Similar sex differences were seen in the sucrose group. Effect sizes indicated greater sex differences in consummatory measures in the alcohol vs. sucrose groups. Conversely, greater sex differences in appetitive behaviors were observed in the sucrose vs. alcohol groups. Overall, the magnitude of the sex differences was stronger for appetitive behaviors compared to consummatory behaviors. Findings of quantitative sex differences in appetitive and consummatory behaviors for alcohol and for the natural reinforcer, sucrose, suggest this procedure is useful to assess efficacy of sex-specific treatments aimed at reducing appetitive and consummatory responses to alcohol.
http://ift.tt/2oKYZ3z
Pupillary response to cognitive workload during saccadic tasks in Parkinson’s disease
Source:Behavioural Brain Research SreeTestContent1, Volume 327
Author(s): M. Ranchet, J. Orlosky, J. Morgan, S. Qadir, A.E. Akinwuntan, H. Devos
The relationship between cognitive workload and cognitive impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently not well known. This study compared cognitive workload during saccadic tasks between patients with PD and controls. Sixteen controls, 11 patients with no obvious cognitive impairment (PD-NCI) (MOCA score≥26), and 10 PD patients with cognitive impairment (PD-CI) (MOCA score<26) performed prosaccade and antisaccade tasks. Cognitive workload, extracted via pupil recording, and other eye metrics were compared between the three groups. PD-NCI patients exhibited greater cognitive workload than controls in the prosaccade task. PD-CI patients also showed more cognitive workload in the prosaccade task than PD-NCI patients and controls. No other differences in eye metrics were found between the three groups. Cognitive workload could be used to differentiate between different cognitive states in PD. The causal relationship between increased cognitive workload and cognitive decline in PD-NCI should be the focus of future studies.
http://ift.tt/2o6Qo8v
Discrepancies in Stereotaxic Coordinate Publications and Improving Precision Using an Animal-Specific Atlas
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Nima Azimi, Golnaz Yadollahikhales, John Paul Argenti, Miles G. Cunningham
Rodent brain atlases have traditionally been used to identify brain structures in three-dimensional space for a variety of stereotaxic procedures. As neuroscience becomes increasingly sophisticated, higher levels of precision and consistency are needed. Observations of various atlases currently in use across labs reveal numerous coordinate discrepancies. Here we provide examples of inconsistencies by comparing the coordinates of the boundaries of various brain structures across six atlas publications. We conclude that the coordinates determined by any particular atlas should be considered as only a first approximation of the actual target coordinates for the experimental animal for a particular study. Furthermore, the coordinates determined by one research team cannot be assumed to be universally applicable and accurate in other experimental settings. To optimize precision, we describe a simple protocol for the construction of a customized atlas that is specific to the surgical approach and to the species, gender, and age of the animal used in any given study.
http://ift.tt/2oRNqED
Electroacupuncture improves neurobehavioral function and brain injury in rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Yan Zhu, Li Deng, Huajun Tang, Xiaoqing Gao, Youhua Wang, Kan Guo, Jiming Kong, Chaoxian Yang
Acupuncture has been widely used as a treatment for stroke in China for a long time. Recently, studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) can accelerate intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced angiogenesis in rats. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EA on neurobehavioral function and brain injury in ICH rats. ICH was induced by stereotactic injection of collagenase type I and heparin into the right caudate putamen. Adult ICH rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: model control group (MC), EA at non-acupoint points group (non-acupoint EA) and EA at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints group (EA). The neurobehavioral deficits of ICH rats were assessed by modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and gait analysis. The hemorrhage volume and glucose metabolism of hemorrhagic foci were detected by PET/CT. The expression levels of MBP, NSE and S100-B proteins in serum were tested by ELISA. The histopathological features were examined by haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Apoptosis-associated proteins in the perihematomal region were observed by immunohistochemistry. EA treatment significantly promoted the recovery of neurobehavioral function in ICH rats. Hemorrhage volume reduced in EA group at day 14 when compared with MC and non-acupoint EA groups. ELISA showed that the levels of MBP, NSE and S100-B in serum were all down-regulated by EA treatment. The brain tissue of ICH rat in the EA group was more intact and compact than that in the MC and non-acupoint groups. In the perihematomal regions, the expression of bcl-2 protein increased and expressions of caspase-3 and bax proteins decreased in the EA group vs MC and non-acupoint EA groups. Our data suggest that EA treatment can improve neurobehavioral function and brain injury, which were likely connected with the absorption of hematoma and regulation of apoptosis-related proteins.
http://ift.tt/2o6UwFm
The relationship of corticospinal excitability with pain, motor performance and disability in subjects with chronic wrist/hand pain
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): René Pelletier, Johanne Higgins, Daniel Bourbonnais
There is a growing body of evidence of changes in corticospinal excitability associated with musculoskeletal disorders, however there is a lack of knowledge of how these changes relate to measures of pain, motor performance and disability. An exploratory study was performed utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to investigate differences in corticospinal excitability in the Abductor Pollicis Brevis (APB) between 15 pain-free subjects and 15 subjects with chronic wrist/hand pain and to determine how corticospinal excitability was associated with measures of pain (visual analog scale, AUSCANTM), hand motor performance (isometric and key pinch strength, Purdue Pegboard Test), disability (AUSCANTM), and spinal motoneuronal excitability. Input–output curves demonstrated increased corticospinal excitability of the APB in the affected hand of subjects with chronic pain (p<0.01). Changes in corticospinal excitability were significantly correlated with pain intensity (r=0.77), disability (r=0.58), and negatively correlated with motoneuronal excitability (r= -0.57). Corticospinal excitability in subjects with heterogeneous injuries of the wrist/hand was associated with disability and pain.
http://ift.tt/2oNCzys
The effect of age and knee osteoarthritis on muscle activation patterns and knee joint biomechanics during dual belt treadmill gait
Publication date: Available online 7 April 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Derek Rutherford, Matt Baker, Ivan Wong, William Stanish
PurposeTo compare a group of individuals with moderate medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) to both an age-matched asymptomatic group of older adults and younger adults to determine whether differences in knee joint muscle activation patterns and joint biomechanics exist during gait between these three groups.Scope20 young adults, 20 older adults, and 40 individuals with moderate knee OA were recruited. Using standardized procedures, surface electromyograms were recorded from the vastus lateralis and medialis, rectus femoris and the medial and lateral hamstrings. All individuals walked on a dual belt instrumented treadmill while segment motions and ground reaction forces were recorded. Sagittal plane motion and net external sagittal and frontal plane moments were calculated. Discrete measures and principal component analyses extracted amplitude and temporal waveform features. Analysis of Variance models using Bonferroni corrections determined between and within group differences in these gait features (α=0.05).ConclusionsIndividuals with knee OA have distinct biomechanics and muscle activation patterns when compared to age-matched asymptomatic adults and younger adults whereas differences between the young and older adults were few and included only measures of muscle activation amplitude.
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The social image of food: Associations between popularity and eating behavior
Source:Appetite, Volume 114
Author(s): Laura M. König, Helge Giese, F. Marijn Stok, Britta Renner
One factor that determines what we eat and why we eat is our social environment. In the present research, two online studies examined the relationship between food intake and social images. Specifically, the present research assessed the relationship between the food intake university students ascribed to peers who varied in popularity and own self-reported food intake, and whether this relationship was moderated by identification with the peer group. Participants (N = 97 in Study 1; N = 402 in Study 2) were randomly presented with one of four (Study 1) or two of eight (Study 2) vignettes describing a popular or unpopular student (male or female) from their university without receiving any information about the peer's eating behavior. Subsequently, healthy and unhealthy eating ascribed to the peers and own self-reported eating behavior were assessed. Results indicated that popular peers were perceived to eat more healthily than unpopular peers. Moreover, eating behavior ascribed to popular peers were associated with own healthy and unhealthy eating. Importantly, the relationship between healthy eating behavior ascribed to popular peers and own healthy eating behavior was moderated by identification with the student group – the more participants identified with their peers, the more their own eating was aligned with the healthy eating ascribed to a popular peer. Hence, the popularity of others seems to shape perceptions of the food they eat and may facilitate healthy eating via social influence.
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Surgery alone is sufficient therapy for children and adolescents with low-risk synovial sarcoma: A joint analysis from the European paediatric soft tissue sarcoma Study Group and the Children's Oncology Group
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 78
Author(s): Andrea Ferrari, Yueh-Yun Chi, Gian Luca De Salvo, Daniel Orbach, Bernadette Brennan, R. Lor Randall, M. Beth McCarville, Jennifer O. Black, Rita Alaggio, Douglas S. Hawkins, Gianni Bisogno, Sheri L. Spunt
BackgroundMultimodal risk-adapted treatment is used in paediatric protocols for synovial sarcoma (SS). Retrospective analyses suggest that low-risk SS patients can be safely treated with surgery alone, but no prospective studies have confirmed the safety of this approach. This analysis pooled data from the two prospective clinical trials to assess outcomes in SS patients treated with a surgery-only approach and to identify predictors of treatment failure.MethodsPatients with localised SS enrolled on the European paediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG) NRSTS2005 and on the Children Oncology Group (COG) ARST0332 trials, treated with surgery alone were eligible for this analysis. Patients must have undergone initial complete resection with histologically free margins, with a grade 2 tumour of any size or a grade 3 tumour ≤5 cm.ResultsSixty patients under 21 years of age were eligible for the analysis; 36 enrolled in the COG (from 2007 to 2012) and 24 in the EpSSG study (from 2005 to 2012). The 3-year event-free survival was 90% (median follow-up 5.2 years, range 1.9–9.1). All eight events were local tumour recurrence, whereas no metastatic recurrences were seen. All patients with recurrence were effectively salvaged, resulting in 100% overall survival.ConclusionThis joint prospective analysis showed that patients with adequately resected ≤5 cm SS, regardless of grade, can be safely treated with a surgery-only approach. Avoiding the use of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy in this low-risk patient population may decrease both short- and long-term morbidity and mortality.
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Radiopharmaceuticals in the elderly cancer patient: Practical considerations, with a focus on prostate cancer therapy
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 77
Author(s): John O. Prior, Silke Gillessen, Manfred Wirth, William Dale, Matti Aapro, Wim J.G. Oyen
Molecular imaging using radiopharmaceuticals has a clear role in visualising the presence and extent of tumour at diagnosis and monitoring response to therapy. Such imaging provides prognostic and predictive information relevant to management, e.g. by quantifying active tumour mass using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). As these techniques require only pharmacologically inactive doses, age and potential frailty are generally not important. However, this may be different for therapy involving radionuclides because the radiation can impact normal bodily function (e.g. myelosuppression). Since the introduction of Iodine-131 as a targeted therapy in thyroid cancer, several radiopharmaceuticals have been widely used. These include antibodies and peptides targeting specific epitopes on cancer cells. Among therapeutic bone seeking agents, radium-223 (223Ra) stands out as it results in survival gains in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and symptomatic bone metastases. The therapeutic use of radiopharmaceuticals in elderly cancer patients specifically has received little attention. In elderly prostate cancer patients, there may be advantages in radionuclides' ease of use and relative lack of toxicity compared with cytotoxic and cytostatic drugs. When using radionuclide therapies, close coordination between oncology and nuclear medicine is needed to ensure safe and effective use. Bone marrow reserve has to be considered. As most radiopharmaceuticals are cleared renally, dose adjustment may be required in the elderly. However, compared with younger patients there is less, if any, concern about adverse long-term radiation effects such as radiation-induced second cancers. Issues regarding the safety of medical staff, care givers and the wider environment can be managed by current precautions.
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Establishment and validation of M1 stage subdivisions for de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma to better predict prognosis and guide treatment
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 77
Author(s): Xiong Zou, Rui You, Huai Liu, Yu-Xiang He, Guo-Feng Xie, Zhi-Hai Xie, Ji-Bin Li, Rou Jiang, Li-Zhi Liu, Li Li, Meng-Xia Zhang, You-Ping Liu, Yi-Jun Hua, Ling Guo, Chao-Nan Qian, Hai-Qiang Mai, Dong-Ping Chen, Ying Luo, Liang-Fang Shen, Ming-Huang Hong, Ming-Yuan Chen
BackgroundTo better manage patients with de novo metastatic NPC (mNPC) including easily identifying individuals' survival outcomes and accurately choosing the most suitable treatment.Materials and methodsThree independent cohorts of mNPC patients (a training set of n = 462, an internal prospective validation set of n = 272 and an external prospective validation set of n = 243) were studied. The radiological characteristics of distant metastases, including number of metastatic locations, number of metastatic lesions and size of metastatic lesions, were carefully defined based on imaging data. These three factors and other potential prognostic factors were comprehensively analysed and were further integrated into new subdivisions of stage M1 using a Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsWe successfully subdivided the M1 stage into three categories: M1a, oligo metastasis without liver involvement; M1b, multiple metastases without liver involvement; and M1c, liver involvement irrespective of metastatic lesions. The 3-year overall survival ranged from 54.5% to 72.8%, from 34.3% to 41.6% and from 22.6.0%–23.6% for M1a, M1b and M1c, respectively (P < 0.001). Systemic chemotherapy combined with radical loco-regional radiotherapy may benefit patients in M1a and M1b, not in M1c. Further aggressive treatment of metastatic lesions based on systemic chemotherapy and definitive loco-regional radiotherapy showed no survival benefit, even for patients in M1a (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe subdividing of M1 provided promising prognostic value and could aid clinicians in choosing the most suitable treatment for de novo mNPC patients.
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Energy Drink and Alcohol mixed Energy Drink use among high school adolescents: Association with risk taking behavior, social characteristics
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 72
Author(s): Marco Scalese, Francesca Denoth, Valeria Siciliano, Luca Bastiani, Rodolfo Cotichini, Arianna Cutilli, Sabrina Molinaro
PurposeThe aims of the study were to: a) examine the prevalence of energy drink (ED) and alcohol mixed with energy drink (AmED) consumption; b) investigate the relationships between ED and AmED with alcohol, binge drinking and drugs accounting for at risk behaviors among a representative sample of Italian adolescents.MethodsA representative sample of 30,588 Italian high school students, aged 15–19years, was studied. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent association of the potential predictors' characteristics with the ED and AmED drinking during the last year.ResultsRespectively 41.4% and 23.2% of respondents reported drinking EDs and AmEDs in the last year. Multivariate analysis revealed that consumption of EDs and AmEDs during the last year were significantly associated with daily smoking, binge drinking, use of cannabis and other psychotropic drugs. Among life habits and risky behaviors the following were positively associated: going out with friends for fun, participating in sports, experiencing physical fights/accidents or injury, engaging in sexual intercourse without protection and being involved in accidents while driving.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the popularity of ED and AmED consumption among the Italian school population aged 15–19years old: 4 out of 10 students consumed EDs in the last year and 2 out of 10 AmED. Multivariate analysis highlighted the association with illicit drug consumption and harming behaviors, confirming that consumption of EDs and AmEDs is a compelling issue especially during adolescence, as it can effect health as well as risk taking behaviors.
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The impact of military service and traumatic brain injury on the substance use norms of Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers and their spouses
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 72
Author(s): J.A. Devonish, D.L. Homish, B.M. Vest, R.C. Daws, R.A. Hoopsick, G.G. Homish
IntroductionTraumatic brain injury (TBI) and substance use are highly prevalent conditions among military populations. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests greater approval of substance use (i.e., norms) is related to increased substance use. The objective of this work is to understand the impact of TBI and military service on substance use norms of soldiers and their partners. Data are from the baseline assessment of Operation: SAFETY, an ongoing, longitudinal study of US Army Reserve/National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers and their partners.MethodsMultiple regression models examined associations between alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug use, and non-medical use of prescription drug (NMUPD) norms within and across partners based on current military status (CMS) and TBI.ResultsMale USAR/NG soldiers disapproved of NMUPD, illicit drug use and tobacco use. There was no relation between military status and alcohol use. Among females, there was no relation between CMS and norms. The NMUPD norms of wives were more likely to be approving if their husbands reported TBI symptoms and had separated from the military. Husbands of soldiers who separated from the military with TBI had greater approval of the use of tobacco, NMUPD, and illicit drugs.ConclusionOverall, there is evidence to suggest that, while generally disapproving of substance use, soldiers and partners become more accepting of use if they also experience TBI and separate from the military. Future research should examine the longitudinal influence of TBI on substance use norms and subsequent changes in substance use over time.
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Summary Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that classically present with fasting hypoglycaemia. This case report discusses an un...
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