Gd-DTPA-induced dynamic metabonomic changes in rat biofluids

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volume 44
Author(s): Chuanling Wan, Youyang Zhan, Rong Xue, Yijie Wu, Xiaojing Li, Fengkui Pei
ObjectivesThe purposes of this study were (1) to detect the dynamic metabonomic changes induced by gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) and (2) to investigate the potential metabolic disturbances associated with the pathogenesis of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) at the early stage.MethodsA nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach was used to investigate the urinary and serum metabolic changes induced by a single tail vein injection of Gd-DTPA (dosed at 2 and 5mmol/kg body weight) in rats. Urine and serum samples were collected on days 1, 2 and 7 after dosing.ResultsMetabolic responses of rats to Gd-DTPA administration were systematic involving changes in lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, TCA cycle, amino acid metabolism and gut microbiota functions. Urinary and serum metabonomic recovery could be observed in both the 2 and 5mmol/kg body weight group, but the metabolic effects of high-dosed (5mmol/kg body weight) Gd-DTPA lasted longer. It is worth noting that hyperlipidemia was observed after Gd-DTPA injection, and nicotinate might play a role in the subsequent self-recovery of lipid metabolism. The disturbance of tyrosine, glutamate and gut microbiota metabolism might associate with the progression of NSF.ConclusionThese findings offered essential information about the metabolic changes induced by Gd-DTPA, and could be potentially important for investigating the pathogenesis of NSF at the early stage. Moreover, the recovery of rats administrated with Gd-DTPA may have implications in the treatment of early stage NSF.



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PCB dechlorination hotspots and reductive dehalogenase genes in sediments from a contaminated wastewater lagoon

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that are distributed worldwide. Although industrial PCB production has stopped, legacy contamination can be traced to several different commercial mixtures (e.g., Aroclors in the USA). Despite their persistence, PCBs are subject to naturally occurring biodegradation processes, although the microbes and enzymes involved are poorly understood. The biodegradation potential of PCB-contaminated sediments in a wastewater lagoon located in Virginia (USA) was studied. Total PCB concentrations in sediments ranged from 6.34 to 12,700 mg/kg. PCB congener profiles in sediment sample were similar to Aroclor 1248; however, PCB congener profiles at several locations showed evidence of dechlorination. The sediment microbial community structure varied among samples but was dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. The relative abundance of putative dechlorinating Chloroflexi (including Dehalococcoides sp.) was 0.01–0.19% among the sediment samples, with Dehalococcoides sp. representing 0.6–14.8% of this group. Other possible PCB dechlorinators present included the Clostridia and the Geobacteraceae. A PCR survey for potential PCB reductive dehalogenase genes (RDases) yielded 11 sequences related to RDase genes in PCB-respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain CG5 and PCB-dechlorinating D. mccartyi strain CBDB1. This is the first study to retrieve potential PCB RDase genes from unenriched PCB-contaminated sediments.

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Environmental hazard assessment by the Ecoscore system to discriminate PAH-polluted soils

Abstract

A bioassay battery-integrated index was applied to different soils sampled from a former coke factory, with the aim to evaluate the discriminating capacity of the Ecoscore system (ES) to assess the environmental hazard of PAH-polluted soils. Two soils from a former coke factory, polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were evaluated for their ecotoxicity to terrestrial and aquatic organisms and their genotoxicity. These soils have been already presented in a previous paper but data have been reanalyzed for the present article in an endeavor to standardize the ES. One soil was sampled in the untreated site and the second underwent a windrow treatment. While these soils had a similar total concentrations of US-EPA 16PAHs (around 3000 mg kg⁻¹), different ecoscores were obtained when subjected to a set of solid- and liquid-phase bioassays measuring acute, chronic, and genotoxic effects. The total PAH content of the soil is not a pertinent parameter to assess soil pollution hazards contrary to the ES. ES is a robust method to classify soils according to their toxicity level. Four levels of toxicity have been defined: no (ecoscore = 0), weak (0 < ecoscore ≤33), moderate (33 < ecoscore ≤67), and strong toxicity (67 < ecoscore ≤ 100). The combination of chemical and toxicological data highlights the relationship between three-ring PAHs and acute ecotoxicity. Conversely, chronic effects of water extracts on algal growth could be explained by high molecular weight PAHs, such as five- and six-ring PAHs.

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Distribution of serum levels of persistent organic pollutants, heterocyclic aromatic amine theoretical intake and nutritional cofactors in a semi-rural island population

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure is strongly associated with negative health effects in humans. Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are formed during high temperature cooking of foods (i.e. meat and fish). Human exposure to HAA is through food consumption and from similar food groups to POPs. A study of serum samples for POPs in a non-occupational exposed population (n = 149, age range 18–80 years, recruited in 2012) and comparison with estimated HAA daily intake calculations based on food diaries were undertaken. Three different age groups (group 1, 18–29 years; group 2, 30–44 years; and group 3, 45–80 years) were used to explore possible relationships between POP levels present in blood, HAA intake and nutritional cofactors. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between groups (1 and 3) for POP levels were found for p,p′-DDE, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 153, PCB 138 and the sum of PCBs. A similar trend was found between groups 2 and 3 for PCB 153 and sum of PCBs. Significant differences were found between groups 1 and 3 and groups 2 and 3 for HAA intake., i.e. HAA intake was lowest in those of middle age, which may well reflect a different pathway of human exposure between HAA and POPs through the diet preferences.

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Commentary on Some Recent Theses Relevant to Combating Aging: August 2017

Rejuvenation Research , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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A Limited Submuscular Direct-to-Implant Technique Utilizing AlloMax

Background: This study evaluates a novel limited submuscular direct-to-implant technique utilizing AlloMax where only the upper few centimeters of the implant is covered by the pectoralis, whereas the majority of the implant including the middle and lower poles are covered by acellular dermal matrix. Methods: The pectoralis muscle is released off its inferior and inferior-medial origins and allowed to retract superiorly. Two sheets of AlloMax (6 × 16 cm) are sutured together and secured to the inframammary fold, serratus fascia, and the superiorly retracted pectoralis. Thirty-seven breasts in 19 consecutive patients with follow-up at 6 months were reviewed. Results: Nineteen consecutive patients with 37 reconstructed breasts were studied. Average age was 50 years, average BMI was 24.3. Ptosis ranged from grade 0–III, and average cup size was B (range, A–DDD). Early minor complications included 1 seroma, 3 minor postoperative hematomas managed conservatively, and 3 minor wound healing problems. Three breasts experienced mastectomy skin flap necrosis and were managed with local excision. There were no cases of postoperative infection, red breast, grade III/IV capsular contractures, or implant loss. A single patient complained of animation postoperatively. One patient desired fat grafting for rippling. Conclusions: The limited submuscular direct-to-implant technique utilizing AlloMax appears to be safe with a low complication rate at 6 months. This technique minimizes the action of the pectoralis on the implant, reducing animation deformities but still providing muscle coverage of the upper limit of the implant. Visible rippling is reduced, and a vascularized bed remains for fat grafting of the upper pole if required.

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The Supra-Inframammary Fold Approach to Breast Augmentation: Avoiding a Double Bubble

Background: The inframammary incision for breast augmentation is commonly made at or below the existing inframammary fold (IMF) in an effort to keep the scar in the crease. In recent studies, surgeons inferiorly relocate the IMF, center the implant at nipple level, and attempt to secure the new IMF with sutures. The fascial attachments (also called ligaments) holding the IMF are released, risking a bottoming-out deformity or a double bubble. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 160 consecutive women undergoing primary subpectoral breast augmentation. An incision was made 0.5–1.0 cm above the IMF. Dissection proceeded directly to the pectoralis margin, preserving IMF fascial attachments. The pectoralis origin was released from the lower sternum. Surveys were administered to obtain patient-reported outcome data. Ninety-eight patients (61%) participated. Results: Implants often appear high on the chest at early follow-up appointments but gradually settle. One patient (0.6%) developed a double bubble. No reoperations were needed for implant malposition. One patient had a mild animation deformity. There were no cases of symmastia. The mean result rating was 9.1/10. Four percent of surveyed patients found their implants too high; 8% found them too low. Ninety-two patients (94%) reported that their scars were well-hidden. Ninety-six women (98%) said that they would redo the surgery. Conclusions: A supra-IMF approach anticipates the normal descent of implants after augmentation. Scars remain hidden both in standing and supine positions. This method reduces the short-term risk of reoperation for implant malposition or a double bubble.

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Patient- and Physician-Reported Satisfaction With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment in US Clinical Practice

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Clinical Therapeutics
Author(s): Katie Pascoe, Steve Lobosco, David Bell, Ben Hoskin, David J. Chang, Bonnie Pobiner, Sulabha Ramachandran
PurposeThis two-part study comprised two descriptive, cross-sectional surveys to evaluate treatment satisfaction among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their physicians from US clinical practices. The Lupus Plus Project (LPP; part one) involved belimumab-containing regimens; the Disease Specific Program (DSP; part two) included all treatments and was designed to build on the body of evidence from part one.MethodsThe LPP recruited patients receiving belimumab, and comprised 2 paper questionnaires: a patient self-completion questionnaire (PSC) and a patient record form (PRF) completed by the physician. The DSP enrolled patients with SLE receiving any treatment and comprised four parts: a PSC, a PRF completed by the physician after patient consultation, face-to-face physician interviews, and a workload form completed by the physicians to indicate their total SLE patient workload. The key objective of this study was to assess physician and patient satisfaction with current treatment.FindingsFrom the PSCs, data regarding patient-reported satisfaction with current treatment were available for 263 patients who were receiving belimumab combination therapy (LPP) and 250 patients who were receiving non-belimumab treatment (DSP). The majority of patients (belimumab, 86.3% [227/263]; non-belimumab, 78.4% [196/250]) responded positively (at least "somewhat satisfied") when asked about current treatment satisfaction, as did physicians (belimumab, 82.9% [311/375]; non-belimumab, 74.3% [326/439]). In multivariate analysis, factors most strongly associated with patient-reported satisfaction for patients receiving belimumab were patient-reported improvements in leisure activities since taking belimumab (odds ratio [OR] = 4.66), physician-reported improvements in fatigue (OR = 3.72), patient-reported improvements in general symptoms (OR = 3.02), and pain/achiness (OR = 2.71). Physician satisfaction was associated with clinical outcome such as improvements in pain/achiness (OR = 6.16), fatigue (OR = 3.76), and patient-reported satisfaction with treatment frequency (OR = 3.91). In patients receiving other SLE treatments, dosing frequency of current treatment (OR = 3.64) and a reduction in fatigue severity (OR = 3.61) were most strongly associated with patient-reported satisfaction; physician satisfaction was most strongly associated with a reduction in fatigue (OR = 6.22) and current remission status (OR = 6.05).ImplicationsWhen considering SLE treatment satisfaction patients tend to consider impact on daily functioning, whereas physicians take into account a wider range of clinical outcomes; however, both strongly consider improvements in fatigue. These surveys provide insights into treatment satisfaction among prescribers and patients with SLE. GSK-ClinicalStudyRegister.com identifiers: GSK study 202146 [HO 15-15509] and 205086 [HO 15-16709].



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Letter regarding “Effect of laser on pain relief and wound healing of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a systematic review”

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Hyaluronan-mediated mononuclear leukocyte binding to gingival fibroblasts

Abstract

Objectives

Binding of mononuclear leukocytes to hyaluronan cable structures is a well-known pathomechanism in several chronic inflammatory diseases, but has not yet described for chronic oral inflammations. The aim of this study was to evaluate if and how binding of mononuclear leukocytes to pathologic hyaluronan cable structures can be induced in human gingival fibroblasts.

Material and methods

Experiments were performed with human gingival fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from three healthy blood donors. Gingival fibroblasts were stimulated with (1) tunicamycin, (2) polyinosinic/polycytidylic acid (Poly:IC), and (3) lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to simulate (1) ER stress and (2) viral and (3) bacterial infections, respectively. Fibroblasts were then co-incubated with PBMCs, and the number of bound and fluorescently labeled PBMCs was assessed using a fluorescence reader and microscopy. For data analysis, a linear mixed model was used.

Results

Hyaluronan-mediated binding of PBMCs to gingival fibroblasts was increased by tunicamycin and Poly(I:C) but not by LPS. Hyaluronidase treatment and co-incubation with hyaluronan transport inhibitors reduced this binding.

Conclusions

Results suggest that hyaluronan-mediated binding of blood cells might play a role in oral inflammations. A potential superior role of viruses needs to be confirmed in further clinical studies.

Clinical relevance

The linkage between pathological hyaluronan matrices and oral infections opens up potential applications of hyaluronan transport inhibitors in the treatment of chronic oral inflammations.

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Beck’s cognitive theory and the response style theory of depression in adolescents with and without mild to borderline intellectual disability

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 69
Author(s): Martine M. Weeland, Karin S. Nijhof, R. Otten, Ignace P.R. Vermaes, Jan K. Buitelaar
AimThis study tests the validity of Beck's cognitive theory and Nolen-Hoeksema's response style theory of depression in adolescents with and without MBID.MethodsThe relationship between negative cognitive errors (Beck), response styles (Nolen-Hoeksema) and depressive symptoms was examined in 135 adolescents using linear regression.ResultsThe cognitive error 'underestimation of the ability to cope' was more prevalent among adolescents with MBID than among adolescents with average intelligence. This was the only negative cognitive error that predicted depressive symptoms. There were no differences between groups in the prevalence of the three response styles. In line with the theory, ruminating was positively and problem-solving was negatively related to depressive symptoms. Distractive response styles were not related to depressive symptoms. The relationship between response styles, cognitive errors and depressive symptoms were similar for both groups.ConclusionThe main premises of both theories of depression are equally applicable to adolescents with and without MBID. The cognitive error 'Underestimation of the ability to cope' poses a specific risk factor for developing a depression for adolescents with MBID and requires special attention in treatment and prevention of depression.What this paper adds?Despite the high prevalence of depression among adolescents with MBID, little is known about the etiology and cognitive processes that play a role in the development of depression in this group. The current paper fills this gap in research by examining the core tenets of two important theories on the etiology of depression (Beck's cognitive theory and Nolen-Hoeksema's response style theory) in a clinical sample of adolescents with and without MBID. This paper demonstrated that the theories are equally applicable to adolescents with MBID, as to adolescents with average intellectual ability. However, the cognitive bias 'underestimation of the ability to cope' was the only cognitive error related to depressive symptoms, and was much more prevalent among adolescents with MBID than among adolescents with average intellectual ability. This suggests that underestimating one's coping skills may be a unique risk factor for depression among adolescents with MBID. This knowledge is important in understanding the causes and perpetuating mechanisms of depression in adolescents with MBID, and for the development of prevention- and treatment programs for adolescents with MBID.



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Plasticizers and bisphenol A, in packaged foods sold in the Tunisian markets: study of their acute in vivo toxicity and their environmental fate

Abstract

Today, processed and packaged foods are considered as among the major sources of human exposure to plasticizers and bisphenol which migrate from plastic packing. In the present study, a wide range of food products sold on the Tunisian market such as grain and grain products, milk and dairy products, fats and oil, drink, fish, and sweets have been analyzed firstly in order to identify the presence of phthalates and bisphenol. Then, the identified chemical molecules were studied for their environmental fate and tested in vivo for its toxicity in mice models. The food products analyzed using GC-MS/MS indicated the presence of the benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINC) and which using UPLC-MS/MS demonstrated the presence of bisphenol A of all food products. However, compared to other phthalates, BBP was found at high concentrations in the puff pastry (123 mg/kg), milk (2.59 mg/kg), butter (1.5 mg/kg), yogurt (2.23 mg/kg), oil (6.94 mg/kg), water (0.57 mg/kg), candy 1 (2.35 mg/kg), candy 2 (0.81 mg/kg), orange juice (1.25 mg/kg), peach juice (1.26 mg/kg), fruit juices (0.4 mg/kg), and chocolate (0.884 mg/kg). The obtained data in vivo clearly showed that the acute administration of BBP caused hepatic and renal damage as demonstrated by an increase in biochemical parameters as well as the activities of plasma marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, urea, creatinine, and uric acid when compared to the control group. By the same occurrence, the histopathological study revealed that BBP strongly modified the structure of hepatic and renal tissues. In addition, the plasticizers and BBP will therefore discharge via wastewater treatment plants in aquatic system and could reach marine organisms such as fish. We have followed the fate of BBP in bream Sparus aurata. In fact, chemical analysis showed the contamination of wild S. aurata by BBP from Sousse Coast (1.5 mg/kg) and wild S. aurata from Monastir Coast (0.33 mg/kg).

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Simultaneous addition of zero-valent iron and activated carbon on enhanced mesophilic anaerobic digestion of waste-activated sludge

Abstract

The performance of biogas generation and sludge degradation was studied under different zero-valent iron/activated carbon (ZVI/AC) ratios in detail in mesophilic anaerobic digestion of sludge. A good enhancement of methane production was obtained at the 10:1 ZVI/AC ratio, and the cumulative methane production was 132.1 mL/g VS, 37.6% higher than the blank. The methane content at the 10:1 ZVI/AC ratio reached 68.8%, which was higher than the blank (55.2%) and the sludge-added AC alone (59.6%). For sludge degradation, the removal efficiencies of total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD), proteins, and polysaccharides were all the highest at the 10:1 ZVI/AC ratio. The concentration of available phosphorus (AP) decreased after anaerobic digestion process. On the other hand, the concentrations of available nitrogen (AN) and available potassium (AK) increased after the anaerobic digestion process and showed a gradually decreasing trend with increasing ZVI/AC ratio. The concentrations of AN and AK were 2303.1–4200.3 and 274.7–388.3 mg/kg, showing a potential for land utilization.

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Degradation of 5,5-diphenylhydantoin by chlorination and UV/chlorination: kinetics, transformation by-products, and toxicity assessment

Abstract

This study investigated the reaction kinetics and mechanism of the degradation of 5,5-diphenylhydantoin (DPH) during conventional chlorination and UV/chlorination. DPH is one of the antiepileptic drugs, which has frequently been detected in the aquatic environment. For chlorination, the second-order rate constant for the reaction between DPH and free active chlorine (FAC) was determined at pH 5 to 8. At pH 6 to 8, the efficiency of chlorination in the removal of DPH was found to be dominated by the reaction involving hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The result also showed that anionic species of DPH was more reactive toward FAC as compared with neutral DPH. For UV/chlorination, the effect of FAC dosage and pH on the degradation of DPH was evaluated. UV/chlorination is a more effective method for removing DPH as compared with conventional chlorination and UV irradiation. The DPH degradation rate was found to increase with increasing FAC concentration. On the other hand, the degradation of DPH was found to be more favorable under the acidic condition. Based on the identified transformation by-products, DPH was found to be degraded through the reaction at imidazolidine-2,4-dione moiety of DPH for both chlorination and UV/chlorination. Toxicity study on the chlorination and UV/chlorination-treated DPH solutions suggested that UV/chlorination is a more efficient method for reducing the toxicity of DPH.

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How do red and infrared low-level lasers affect folliculogenesis cycle in rat’s ovary tissue in comparison with clomiphene under in vivo condition

Abstract

Folliculogenesis is a cycle that produces the majority of oocyte. Any disruption to this cycle leads to ovulation diseases, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Treatments include drugs and surgery; lasers have also been used complementarily. Meanwhile, still there is no definite treatment for PCOS. This study investigated the photo-bio stimulation effect of near-infrared and red low-level laser on producing follicles and compared the result with result of using common drug, clomiphene. Therefore, the aim of this study was to propose the use of lasers autonomously treatment. So, there was one question: how do lasers affect folliculogenesis cycle in rat's ovary tissue? In this study, 28 rats were assigned to four groups as follows: control (CT), clomiphene drug (D), red laser (RL), and near-infrared laser (NIRL). Afterwards, 14 rats of RL and NIRL groups received laser on the first 2 days of estrous cycle, each 6 days, for 48 days. During treatment period, each rat received energy density of 5 J/cm². Seven rats in D group received clomiphene. After the experiment, lasers' effects at two wavelengths of 630 and 810 nm groups have been investigated and compared with clomiphene and CT groups. Producing different follicles to complement folliculogenesis cycle increased in NIRL and RL groups, but this increase was significant only in the NIRL group. This indicates that NIRL increases ovarian activity to produce oocyte that certainly can be used in future studies for finding a cure to ovarian negligence to produce more oocyte and treat diseases caused by it like PCOS.

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Optimaler Resektionsrand für die brusterhaltende Operation und Ganzbrustbestrahlung beim duktalen Carcinoma in situ

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Crowdsourcing Samples in Cognitive Science

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Neil Stewart, Jesse Chandler, Gabriele Paolacci
Crowdsourcing data collection from research participants recruited from online labor markets is now common in cognitive science. We review who is in the crowd and who can be reached by the average laboratory. We discuss reproducibility and review some recent methodological innovations for online experiments. We consider the design of research studies and arising ethical issues. We review how to code experiments for the web, what is known about video and audio presentation, and the measurement of reaction times. We close with comments about the high levels of experience of many participants and an emerging tragedy of the commons.



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New hybrid nanocomposite of copper terephthalate MOF-graphene oxide: synthesis, characterization and application as adsorbents for toxic metal ion removal from Sungun acid mine drainage

Abstract

The application of a hybrid Cu(tpa).GO (Cu(tpa) copper terephthalate metal organic framework, GO graphene oxide) composite as a new adsorbent for the removal of toxic metal ions was reported. New hybrid nanocomposite with excellent dispersibility and stability was successfully fabricated by the simple and effective ultrasonication method. The synthesized composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques. The characterization results concluded that the binding mechanism of the Cu(tpa) and GO was related to both π−π packing and hydrogen bonding. For scrutinizing the sorption activity, the prepared adsorbents were assessed for the removal of Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Fe³⁺ metal ions from aqueous synthetic solution and also acid mine drainage (AMD) wastewater. The sorption experiments demonstrated that the removal efficiency was significantly improved by modified hybrid Cu(tpa).GO composite, owing to the significant number of active binding sites and unique structure formed based on π-conjugated networks. Also, it was shown that the adsorption reaction was mainly attributed to the chemical interactions between metal ions and the surface functional groups. Moreover, kinetic and adsorption studies clarified that the adsorption process onto the Cu(tpa).GO follows a pseudo-second-order kinetics and fits the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. Holistically, the results of this research represent that applying Cu(tpa).GO can be remarked as an effective adsorbent with high possibility at conventional water treatment.

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Variation in soil aggregate–size distribution affects the dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in long-term field-contaminated soils

Abstract

Soil organic matter (SOM) is the main adsorbent for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the principal aggregating agent for soil aggregation that can affect PAH bioavailability and bioaccessibility in soils. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between PAH dissipation and variation in soil aggregate–size distribution in two field-contaminated soils with different soil organic C (SOC) content (Anthrosols, 1.41% SOC; Phaeozems, 8.51% SOC) in phytoremediation with alfalfa. The results showed that there were significant reductions of 10.2 and 15.4% of the total PAHs in unplanted and planted treatments, respectively, for Anthrosols. However, there was no significant reduction of total PAHs in either unplanted or planted treatment for Phaeozems. For Anthrosols, mass percentages of coarse sand and fine sand were significantly reduced while coarse silt and fine silt were significantly increased for the planted soil compared to the initial soil (p < 0.05). For Phaeozems, there was no significant variation in aggregate–size distribution among different treatments except that coarse silt in planted and unplanted soil was slightly reduced. The main reason for the dissipation of PAHs in Anthrosols could be that macroaggregates were broken into microaggregates, which made some trapped PAHs become bioaccessible to soil microorganisms.

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Functionalized hydrothermal carbon derived from waste pomelo peel as solid-phase extractant for the removal of uranyl from aqueous solution

Abstract

To develop a high-performance solid-phase extractant for the separation of uranyl f, pomelo peel, a kind of waste biomass, has been employed as carbon source to prepare carbonaceous matrix through low-temperature hydrothermal carbonization (200 °C, 24 h). After being oxidized by Hummers method, the prepared hydrothermal carbon matrix was functionalized with carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups (1.75 mmol g⁻¹). The relevant characterizations and batch studies had demonstrated that the obtained carbon material possessed excellent affinity toward uranyl (436.4 mg g⁻¹) and the sorption process was a spontaneous, endothermic and rapid chemisorption. The selective sorption of U(VI) from the simulated nuclear effluent demonstrated that the sorbent displayed a desirable selectivity (56.14% at pH = 4.5) for the U(VI) ions over the other 11 competitive cations from the simulated industrial nuclear effluent. The proposed synthetic strategy in the present work had turned out to be effective and practical, which provides a novel approach to prepare functional materials for the recovery and separation of uranyl or other heavy metals from aqueous environment.

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The influence of particle size and feedstock of biochar on the accumulation of Cd, Zn, Pb, and As by Brassica chinensis L.

Abstract

Biochar produced from rice straw (RC) and maize stalk (MC) was amended to the heavy metal-contaminated soil to investigate the effects of different biochar feedstock and particle size (fine, moderate, coarse) on the accumulation of Cd, Zn, Pb, and As in Brassica chinensis L. (Chinese cabbage). The concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Pb in shoot were decreased by up to 57, 75, and 63%, respectively, after biochar addition (4%). Only MC decreased As concentration in B. chinensis L. shoots by up to 61%. Biochar treatments significantly decreased NH₄NO₃-extractable concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Pb in soil by 47–62, 33–66, and 38–71%, respectively, yet increased that of As by up to 147%. Amendment of RC was more effective on immobilizing Cd, Zn, and Pb, but mobilizing soil As, than MC. A decrease in biochar particle size greatly contributed to the immobilization of Cd, Zn, and Pb in soil and thereby the reduction of their accumulations in B. chinensis L. shoots, especially RC. Increases in soil pH and extractable P induced by biochar addition contributed to the sequestration of Cd, Zn, and Pb and the mobilization of As. Shoot biomass, root biomass, and root system of B. chinensis L. were enhanced with biochar amendments, especially RC. This study indicates that biochar addition could potentially decrease Cd, Zn, Pb, and As accumulations in B. chinensis L., and simultaneously increase its yield. A decrease in biochar particle size is favorable to improve the immobilization of heavy metals (except As). The reduction in Cd, Zn, Pb, and As levels in B. chinensis L. shoots by biochar amendment could be mainly attributed to a function of heavy metal mobility in soil, plant translocation factor, and root uptake.

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Effects of PBM in different energy densities and irradiance on maintaining cell viability and proliferation of pulp fibroblasts from human primary teeth

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) in different energy densities and irradiances on maintaining cell viability, and proliferation of pulp fibroblasts from human primary teeth (HPF) were cultured in DMEM and used between the fourth and eighth passages. Then, HPF were irradiated with the following different energy densities: 1.25 J/cm² (a), 2.50 J/cm² (b), 3.75 J/cm² (c), 5.00 J/cm² (d), and 6.25 J/cm² (e); but varying either the time of irradiation (groups 1a–1e) or the output power (groups 2a–2e). Positive (groups 1f and 2f) and negative controls (groups 1g and 2g), respectively, comprised non-irradiated cells grown in regular nutritional conditions (10% fetal bovine serum [FBS]) and under nutritional deficit (1% FBS). Cell viability and proliferation were respectively assessed through MTT and crystal violet (CV) assays at 24, 48, and 72 h after irradiation. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (P < 0.05). The negative controls showed significantly lower viability in relation to most of the corresponding subgroups, both for MTT and CV assays. For both assays, the intragroup comparison showed that the periods of 24 h exhibited lower viability than the periods of 48 and 72 h for most of the subgroups, except the negative controls with lower viability. The different irradiation protocols (equal energy densities applied with different irradiances) showed no statistically significant differences on cell viability and proliferation at the evaluated periods. The proposed PBM in different energy densities and irradiance did not affect the viability and proliferation of pulp fibroblasts from human primary teeth.

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Télédermatologie unissant deux hôpitaux : deux ans d’expérience

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): C. Bertin, A. Diakite, B. Carton, C. Wozniak, S. Nathanson, S. Monnier, C. Sin, M.-A. Dommergues, J. Parigot, F. Moreau, M.-L. Sigal, P. Foucaud, A. Greder, E. Mahé
IntroductionLa télédermatologie est en plein essor. La pénurie de dermatologues rend difficile l'accès de certaines structures hospitalières à des avis dermatologiques. Nous présentons notre expérience unissant un centre expert, le service de dermatologie du centre hospitalier Victor-Dupouy d'Argenteuil, à toutes les structures médicales rattachées au centre hospitalier André-Mignot (CHV) de Versailles : 2 unités sanitaires de centres pénitentiaires (UCSA), les services traditionnels et les urgences.Matériel et méthodesLa télédermatologie, sous la forme de télé-expertises, a été déployée aux UCSA du CHV en novembre 2013. Cette expertise s'est ensuite étendue en juin 2014 au service de médecine interne et du CHV, et en décembre 2014 à l'ensemble des services du CHV y compris les urgences. Les règles de télédermatologie et éthiques ont été respectées. Si tous dossiers pouvaient être déposés par les UCSA, seuls les dossiers urgents ou difficiles pouvaient être déposés par les autres services du CHV.RésultatsEn 26 mois, 347 requêtes ont été déposées, 231 par les centres pénitentiaires et 116 par le CHV. Aucun refus de patient d'utiliser la télé-expertise n'a été exprimé. La qualité des informations et photographies était considérée comme bonne ou excellente dans plus de 95 % des cas. La réponse était donnée dans les 3heures dans plus de 50 % des cas et dans tous les cas dans les 24heures (jours ouvrables). L'analyse des pathologies diagnostiquées illustre la grande diversité des pathologies rencontrées en dermatologie, avec des spécificités propres aux différentes structures.ConclusionL'exemple détaillé ici illustre la possibilité de développer une telle plate-forme inter-hospitalière. Elle ne répond pas encore aux demandes adressées aux dermatologues par des patients ou par d'autres dermatologues. Son acceptabilité a été considérée comme excellente par les patients (aucun refus), par les demandeurs et par le centre expert.BackgroundTeledermatology is currently booming. Due to the shortage of dermatologists in hospitals access to dermatological consultations is very limited in some hospitals. We present our experience of collaboration between an expert center, the dermatology department of the Victor-Dupouy Hospital Centre in Argenteuil, and all medical structures under the André-Mignot Hospital in Versailles (CHV), including 2 prison medical centers (UCSA), traditional departments and emergency department.Patients and methodsTeledermatology, developed in the form of tele-expertise, began at the UCSA in November 2013. This expertise was then extended in June 2014 to the Internal Medicine department of CHV, and in December 2014 to all departments, including the emergency department. The rules and ethics of teledermatology were strictly adhered to. While UCSA could file all expertise dossiers, only urgent or difficult cases could be filed by other CHV departments.ResultsIn 26 months, 347 expertise requests were filed: 231 by prisons and 116 by the other departments of the CHV. No patients refused teledermatology. The quality of information and photographs was considered good or excellent in over 95% of cases. A response was given within 3hours in more than 50% of cases and in all cases within 24hours (on working days). Analysis of diseases diagnosed illustrates the wide variety of conditions encountered in dermatology, with different structures having their own specific features.ConclusionOur example illustrates the possibility of developing such an inter-hospital platform. However, it does not yet cater for requests made by patients to dermatologists, by dermatologists to dermatologists, or by dermatologists to the hospital teledermatology department. Acceptability was considered excellent by patients (with no refusals), physicians at the CHV, and the expert center.



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Nanoparticle-releasing nanofiber composites for enhanced in vivo vaginal retention

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 144
Author(s): Emily A. Krogstad, Renuka Ramanathan, Christina Nhan, John C. Kraft, Anna K. Blakney, Shijie Cao, Rodney J.Y. Ho, Kim A. Woodrow
Current approaches for topical vaginal administration of nanoparticles result in poor retention and extensive leakage. To overcome these challenges, we developed a nanoparticle-releasing nanofiber delivery platform and evaluated its ability to improve nanoparticle retention in a murine model. We individually tailored two components of this drug delivery system for optimal interaction with mucus, designing (1) mucoadhesive fibers for better retention in the vaginal tract, and (2) PEGylated nanoparticles that diffuse quickly through mucus. We hypothesized that this novel dual-functioning (mucoadhesive/mucus–penetrating) composite material would provide enhanced retention of nanoparticles in the vaginal mucosa. Equivalent doses of fluorescent nanoparticles were vaginally administered to mice in either water (aqueous suspension) or fiber composites, and fluorescent content was quantified in cervicovaginal mucus and vaginal tissue at time points from 24 h to 7d. We also fabricated composite fibers containing etravirine-loaded nanoparticles and evaluated the pharmacokinetics over 7d. We found that our composite materials provided approximately 30-fold greater retention of nanoparticles in the reproductive tract at 24 h compared to aqueous suspensions. Compared to nanoparticles in aqueous suspension, the nanoparticles in fiber composites exhibited sustained and higher etravirine concentrations after 24 h and up to 7d, demonstrating the capabilities of this new delivery platform to sustain nanoparticle release out to 3d and drug retention out to one week after a single administration. This is the first report of nanoparticle-releasing fibers for vaginal drug delivery, as well as the first study of a single delivery system that combines two components uniquely engineered for complementary interactions with mucus.

Graphical abstract

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Viscosupplementation for hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy for pain, disability and adverse events

Publication date: Available online 11 August 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Victor Figueiredo Leite, João Eduardo Daud Amadera, Anna Maria Buehler
ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of viscosupplementation (HA) in hip osteoarthritis (OA) pain, disability and adverse events.Data SourcesPubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov database and specific journals up to March 2017.Study SelectionRandomized controlled trials comparing HA with any other intra-articular injection.Data ExtractionPerformed according to Cochrane/GRADE criteria. Two authors extracted data, assessed risk of bias and quality of evidence. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Protocol registered on PROSPERO under CRD42015017312Data SynthesisEight RCTs were retrieved (n=807): four comparing HA to placebo (PBO); three with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), three with methylprednisolone (MPA), and one mepivacaine (MPV). Some RCTs had three arms. There is VERY LOW evidence that HA is not superior to PBO in pain at 3 months (SMD=-0.06 [95% CI -0.38; 0.25], p=0.69), and HIGH evidence that is not superior in adverse events (RR=1.21 [95%CI 0.79; 1.86], p=0.38).There is LOW evidence that HA is not superior to PRP for pain at 1 month. There is VERY LOW evidence that HA is not superior to PRP for pain at 6 and 12 months (mean difference in VAS in cm= -0.05 [95%CI -0.81, 0.71]; 1.0 [95%CI -1.5, 3.50]; 0.81 [95%CI -1.11, 2.73], respectively).There is HIGH evidence that HA is no different from MPA for pain at 1 month (SMD=0.02 [95% CI -0.18; 0.22], p=0.85). There is LOW evidence HA is no different from MPA for OMERACT-OARSI responders index at 1 month (RR=0.44 [95%CI 0.10; 1.95], p=0.28; There is HIGH evidence HA is no different from MPA for adverse events (RR=1.21 [95%CI 0.79; 1.87], p=0.38).ConclusionsWe do not recommend viscosupplementation for hip OA. Compared to placebo, data shows scarce evidence of its efficacy up to 3 months, and suggests no difference at 6 months. However, future RCTs could present HA as an alternative to MPA for short-term symptom relief.



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Simulated implant dentistry app

British Dental Journal 223, 229 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.675

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'Minimum intervention' – MI inspiring future oral healthcare?

British Dental Journal 223, 133 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.644

Author: Avijit Banerjee

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Orthodontics: A number of points

British Dental Journal 223, 137 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.645

Author: N. Stanford

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Everything you need in vibrant colours

British Dental Journal 223, 232 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.682

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Primary dental care: Heresy, dam it!

British Dental Journal 223, 137 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.646

Author: R. Shamash

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Minimum intervention children's dentistry – the starting point for a lifetime of oral health

British Dental Journal 223, 205 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.671

Authors: N. P. Innes & D. J. Manton

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Dental history: Wartime dentists

British Dental Journal 223, 138 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.647

Author: P. Sherwin

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Catch a glimpse of the future

British Dental Journal 223, 231 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.678

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Occupational health: Accessing services

British Dental Journal 223, 138 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.648

Authors: R. McMullan, B. Hendron & M. Donaldson

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Preserving the life of your unit

British Dental Journal 223, 234 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.686

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Risk management: An upstream approach

British Dental Journal 223, 138 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.649

Author: R. Rattan

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Increased levels of dissolved titanium are associated with peri-implantitis – a cross-sectional study

British Dental Journal 223, 203 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.669

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Alternative sugars: Xylitol

British Dental Journal 223, 141 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.650

Elaine Gardner, British Dietetic Association (BDA) Spokesperson, presents part 1 in our brand new series of columns on sugar and sugar alternatives.

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A guide to building 'MI' oral healthcare practice

British Dental Journal 223, 223 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.673

Authors: B. Dawett, B. Atkins & A. Banerjee

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Call for change to child-focused terminology

British Dental Journal 223, 141 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.651

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CEREC: An open, complete CAD/CAM system with smart software

British Dental Journal 223, 230 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.689

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Prolonged breastfeeding can cause caries

British Dental Journal 223, 142 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.652

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A toothbrush which looks as smart as it performs

British Dental Journal 223, 232 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.680

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BDJ Team now accepts manuscript submissions

British Dental Journal 223, 142 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.653

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Safe cabinetry

British Dental Journal 223, 233 (2017). doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.684

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Epithelioid Malignant Mesothelioma Metastatic to the Skin: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer arising from a monolayer of mesothelial cells that form the lining of the internal body cavities and organs, with the vast majority of cases arising from the pleura (65-80%), less commonly from the peritoneum (10-30%), and rarely from the pericardium and tunica vaginalis testis (1-2%).

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Immunohistochemistry reveals an increased proportion of MYC-positive cells in subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma compared with lupus panniculitis

Background

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a malignant primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that shares significant clinical, histopathologic, and immunophenotypic overlap with lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP).

Methods

We performed immunohistochemistry for the MYC oncoprotein on 23 cases of SPTCL (one CD8 negative) and 12 cases of LEP to evaluate if there are quantitative or qualitative differences in protein expression of this marker in these entities.

Results

In SPTCL cases, the percentage of all cells that were c-Myc positive ranged from 0.8% to 16%, with a mean of 5.0% and a median of 4.4%. In contrast, in the LEP cases, the percentage of c-Myc positive cells in the cases ranged from 0.34% to 3.7%, averaged 1.4%, and the median was 0.8%. The difference between the means of these two diagnostic categories was statistically significant. Fluorescence in situ hybridization performed on 4 cases of SPTCL with a relatively high level of MYC immunohistochemical staining, however, failed to demonstrate evidence of MYC rearrangement or amplification.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrates that MYC expression levels differ between these two histologic mimics and suggests that this important oncoprotein may play a role in the pathogenesis of SPTCL.

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Metabolic Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease: Bioenergetics, Redox Homeostasis and Central Carbon Metabolism

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin, Volume 133
Author(s): Annadurai Anandhan, Maria S. Jacome, Shulei Lei, Pablo Hernandez-Franco, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis I. Panayiotidis, Robert Powers, Rodrigo Franco
The loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the accumulation of protein inclusions (Lewy bodies) are the pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is triggered by genetic alterations, environmental/occupational exposures and aging. However, the exact molecular mechanisms linking these PD risk factors to neuronal dysfunction are still unclear. Alterations in redox homeostasis and bioenergetics (energy failure) are thought to be central components of neurodegeneration that contribute to the impairment of important homeostatic processes in dopaminergic cells such as protein quality control mechanisms, neurotransmitter release/metabolism, axonal transport of vesicles and cell survival. Importantly, both bioenergetics and redox homeostasis are coupled to neuro-glial central carbon metabolism. We and others have recently established a link between the alterations in central carbon metabolism induced by PD risk factors, redox homeostasis and bioenergetics and their contribution to the survival/death of dopaminergic cells. In this review, we focus on the link between metabolic dysfunction, energy failure and redox imbalance in PD, making an emphasis in the contribution of central carbon (glucose) metabolism. The evidence summarized here strongly supports the consideration of PD as a disorder of cell metabolism.



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IFC (Ed. Board)

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin, Volume 133





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PERK as a hub of multiple pathogenic pathways leading to memory deficits and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Masuo Ohno
Cell signaling in response to an array of diverse stress stimuli converges on the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α). In the brain, eIF2α is a hub for controlling learning and memory function and for maintaining neuronal integrity in health and disease. Among four eIF2α kinases, PERK is emerging as a key regulator for memory impairments and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Genetic and pharmacological manipulations of PERK-eIF2α signaling have revealed that the overactivation of this pathway is not a mere consequence of the neurodegenerative process but play critical roles in AD pathogenesis and the occurrence of memory deficits. This review provides an overview of recent progress in animal model studies, which demonstrate that dysregulated PERK accounts for memory deficits and neurodegeneration not only as a detrimental mediator downstream of β-amyloidosis and tauopathy but also as an important regulator upstream of both pathogenic mechanisms in AD. A therapeutic perspective is also discussed, in which interventions targeting the PERK-eIF2α pathway are expected to provide multiple beneficial outcomes in AD, including enhanced mnemonic function, neuroprotection and disease modification.



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Vertical distribution of soil extractable organic C and N contents and total C and N stocks in 78-year-old tree plantations in subtropical Australia

Abstract

Few studies have focused on the effects of long-term forest plantations on the soil profile of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks. In this study, we selected 78-year-old tree plantations that included three coniferous tree species (i.e., slash pine, hoop pine and kauri pine) and a Eucalyptus species in subtropical Australia. We measured soil extractable organic C (EOC) and N (EON) contents and total C and N stocks under different tree species on the forest floor and along a soil profile to 100 cm depth. The results showed that Eucalyptus had significantly higher soil EOC contents (3.3 Mg ha⁻¹) than the other tree species (EOC of 1.9–2.3 Mg ha⁻¹) and had significantly higher EON (156 kg ha⁻¹) contents than slash pine (107 kg ha⁻¹). Eucalyptus had significantly higher soil C (58.9 Mg ha⁻¹) and N (2.03 Mg ha⁻¹) stocks than the other tree species (22.3–27.6 Mg C ha⁻¹ and 0.71–1.23 Mg N ha⁻¹) at 0–100 cm depth. There were no differences in soil C stocks at the 0–100 cm depth among the coniferous tree species. Forest floor C stocks had stronger effects on mineral soil total N stocks than fine root biomass, whereas fine root biomass exerted stronger effects on soil total C stocks at the 0–100 cm depth than forest floor C and N stocks. Our results addressed large differences in soil C and N stocks under different tree species, which can provide useful information for local forest management practices in this region.

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A fluorogenic native chemical ligation for assessing the role of distance in peptide-templated peptide ligation

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Henrik Petszulat, Oliver Seitz
Protein-templated reactions have been used for fragment-based drug discovery as well as for covalent labeling, detection and manipulation of proteins. In spite of the growing interest in protein-templated reactions, little is known about the design criteria. Herein we present a systematic study on the effects of proximity in peptide-templated reactions. To facilitate reaction monitoring at low concentrations we developed a fluorogenic native chemical ligation that is based on the integration of a fluorescence quencher in the thiol leaving group. The reaction system provided up to 39-fold increases of emission from a fluorescein unit. By using templates based on coiled coils as models we investigated the effect of misalignments. The distance-reactivity pattern for remotely aligned peptides was remarkably different to reaction scenarios that involved seamlessly annealed peptides with overhanging functional groups.

Graphical abstract

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Synthesis, pH dependent, plasma and enzymatic stability of bergenin prodrugs for potential use against rheumatoid arthritis

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Rohit Singh, Vikas Kumar, Sonali S. Bharate, Ram A. Vishwakarma
Bergenin is a unique C-glycoside natural product possessing anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. It is hydrophilic molecule and stable under acidic conditions however is unstable at neutral-basic pH conditions. The rate of degradation is directly proportional to the increase in pH which might be one of the reasons for its low oral bioavailability. Thus, herein our objective was to improve its stability using prodrug strategy. Various ester and ether prodrugs were synthesized and studied for lipophilicity, chemical stability and enzymatic hydrolysis in plasma/ esterase. The stability of synthesized prodrugs was evaluated in buffers at different pH, in biorelevant media such as SGF, SIF, rat plasma and in esterase enzyme. All prodrugs displayed significantly improved lipophilicity compared with bergenin, which was in accordance with the criteria of drug-like compounds. Acetyl ester 4a2 appeared to be the most promising prodrug as it remained stable at gastric/intestinal pH and was completely transformed to the parent compound bergenin in plasma as desired for an ideal prodrug. The data presented herein, will help in designing stable prodrugs of unstable molecules with desired physicochemical properties in structurally similar chemotypes.

Graphical abstract

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Human Genome Editing: Science, Ethics, and Governance.

Genome editing is a powerful new tool for making precise alterations to an organism's genetic material. Recent scientific advances have made genome editing more efficient, precise, and flexible than ever before. These advances have spurred an explosion of interest from around the globe in the possible ways in which genome editing can improve human health. The speed at which these technologies are being developed and applied has led many policymakers and stakeholders to express concern about whether appropriate systems are in place to govern these technologies and how and when the public should be engaged in these decisions.

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Effects of antenatal diet and physical activity on maternal and fetal outcomes: individual patient data meta-analysis and health economic evaluation.

Diet and activity interventions in pregnancy reduce gestational weight gain, with no significant benefit for a composite of maternal and fetal outcomes, irrespective of maternal characteristics, and are not cost-effective

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Developing a Methodological Research Program for Longitudinal Studies: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief.

One of the strategic objectives of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) is to "support the development of population-based data sets, especially from longitudinal studies, suitable for analysis of biological, behavioral, and social factors affecting health, well-being, and functional status through the life course." To contribute to that objective and to inform the development of a methodological research program for longitudinal studies, the Committee on National Statistics held a public workshop in June 2017. The discussion focused on challenges that are specific to the types of longitudinal studies supported by NIA and aimed to identify areas of methodological research that could be pursued in order to benefit from emerging methods, new techniques, or other opportunities to enhance the data and increase data collection efficiency. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

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Vitamin D and symptoms of depression in overweight or obese adults: a cross-sectional study and randomized placebo-controlled trial

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Aya Mousa, Negar Naderpoor, Maximilian P.J. de Courten, Barbora de Courten
Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to increased risk of depression. However, previous studies are limited by variability in participant characteristics including vitamin D deficiency status and presence of existing diseases, use of low doses of vitamin D supplementation for short durations, and use of co-interventions or psychotropic drugs. We examined whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were associated with symptoms of depression, as well as whether vitamin D supplementation reduced symptoms of depression in overweight or obese and vitamin D-deficient, but otherwise healthy adults.Cross-sectional analyses were performed on baseline data from 63 (39M/24F) overweight or obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥25kg/m²) and vitamin D-deficient (25(OH)D ≤50 nmol/l) adults (mean age=31.3±8.5), without clinical depression. Participants were randomized to either a bolus oral dose of 100,000 IU followed by 4,000 IU daily of cholecalciferol, or matching placebo for 16 weeks. Interventional analyses were performed on data from 48 participants (30M/18F) who completed the trial. We measured serum 25(OH)D concentrations; anthropometry: BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), % body fat (dual X-ray absorptiometry); and depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and after intervention. Data on dietary vitamin D intake (3-day food record), physical activity (international physical activity questionnaire), and sun exposure habits were collected using questionnaires.At baseline, mean 25(OH)D concentration was 32.9±11.3 nmol/l and total BDI score was 6.6±6.3 (range=0–33). There were no associations between 25(OH)D concentrations and total BDI scores or BDI subscales (all p>0.1). After the 16-week intervention, 25(OH)D concentrations increased in the vitamin D group compared to placebo (56.0±20.8 versus 2.7±13.9 nmol/L, respectively; p <0.0001). Change in total BDI scores did not differ between vitamin D and placebo groups (−2.0±4.5 versus −1.5±2.9, respectively; p=0.7). There were no differences in BDI subscales between groups (both p>0.1). Results remained non-significant after adjusting for multiple covariates including sun exposure, physical activity, and dietary vitamin D intake (all p>0.1).Our findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency may not be related to increased risk of depression in individuals without clinically significant depression and that the use of vitamin D supplementation may not be warranted for reducing depressive symptoms in this population. Further large-scale studies are needed to establish whether vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial for improving depressive symptoms in other population groups, including in those with existing depressive or psychiatric disorders.



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Meetings Calendar 2017

Rejuvenation Research , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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Determinants of Patient Delay in Doctor Consultation in Oeso-gastric Cancers

Conditions:   Oesophageal Carcinoma;   Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Intervention:   Other: Questionnaire
Sponsors:   University Hospital, Lille;   University of Lille Nord de France
Recruiting - verified August 2017

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Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Thyroid Cancer

Condition:   Thyroid Cancer
Interventions:   Drug: Nivolumab;   Drug: Ipilimumab
Sponsors:   Dana-Farber Cancer Institute;   Bristol-Myers Squibb
Not yet recruiting - verified August 2017

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TCR-engineered T Cells in NSCLC and HNSCC Patients (ACTengine)

Conditions:   Solid Tumor;   Cancer;   Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Squamous Cell Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Interventions:   Biological: IMA201 T-Cells;   Diagnostic Test: IMA201_Detect;   Diagnostic Test: ACT-HLA;   Drug: Fludarabine;   Drug: Cyclophosphamide;   Biological: Recombinant human interleukin-2
Sponsors:   Immatics US, Inc.;   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Not yet recruiting - verified August 2017

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Radiolabelled CCK-2/Gastrin Receptor Analogue for Personalized Theranostic Strategy in Advanced MTC

Condition:   Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Interventions:   Drug: 111In-CP04;   Drug: 111In-CP04 with co-administration of gelofusine/gelaspan
Sponsors:   Paola Anna Erba;   Jagiellonian University Medical College;   University Hospital Freiburg;   Medical University Innsbruck;   University Medical Centre Ljubljana;   NATIONAL CENTRE FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH, Poland;   Erasmus Medical Center;   INRASTES, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
Recruiting - verified August 2017

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Phase 2 Study of Imprime PGG & Pembrolizumab in Subjects With Adv SCCHN Who Failed Pembro Monotherapy or Experiencing SD

Condition:   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Interventions:   Biological: Imprime PGG;   Drug: Pembrolizumab
Sponsors:   Biothera;   Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Not yet recruiting - verified August 2017

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A Study of DBPR112 in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer and EGFR Mutated Lung Cancer

Conditions:   Head and Neck Cancer;   NSCLC
Intervention:   Drug: DBPR112
Sponsor:   National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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The effects of 17β-estradiol on blood brain barrier integrity in the absence of the estrogen receptor alpha; an in-vitro model

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Serap Erdem Kuruca, Sabriye Karadenizli, Kadriye Akgun-Dar, Aysegul Kapucu, Zulal Kaptan, Gulay Uzum
The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which saves the brain from toxic substances, is formed by endothelial cells. It is mainly composed of tight junction (TJ) proteins existing between endothelial cells. Estrogen is an important regulatory hormone of BBB permeability. It protects the BBB before menopause, but may increase BBB permeability with aging. In addition, nitric oxide modulates BBB permeability. Alcohol impairs the integrity of the BBB with oxidants and inflammatory mediators such as iNOS. We investigated the effects of estrogen on BBB integrity in an in vitro BBB model created with ERα-free HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial-like cells) to mimics the menopausal period.In vitro BBB model is created with HUVEC/C6 (rat glioma cells) co-culture. The effect of 17β-estradiol on ethanol-induced BBB disruption and change/or increase of iNOS activity, which modulate BBB integrity, were evaluated. Inducibility and functionality of BBB were investigated using transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the expression of proteins TJ proteins (occludin and claudin-1) and iNOS activity by immunostaining.Our results revealed that 17β-estradiol treatment before and after ethanol decrease expression of occludin and claudin-1 and value of TEER which are BBB disrupt indicators. In addition, ethanol and 17β-estradiol separately and pre- and post-ethanol 17β-estradiol treatment increased iNOS expression. Thus our study suggests caution in the use of 17β-estradiol after menopause because 17β-estradiol at this time may both increase the inflammatory process as well as damage the BBB. We think that beneficial effects of 17β-estradiol may be through ERα but it needs further studies.



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Shotgun metagenomic data on the human stool samples to characterize shifts of the gut microbial profile after the Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 14
Author(s): Eugenia A. Boulygina, Maria I. Markelova, Dilyara R. Khusnutdinova, Maria N. Siniagina, Sergey Yu. Malanin, Rustam A. Abdulkhakov, Sayar R. Abdulkhakov, Vladislav M. Chernov, Tatiana V. Grigoryeva
The shotgun sequencing data presented in this report are related to the research article named "Gut microbiome shotgun sequencing in assessment of microbial community changes associated with H. pylori eradication therapy" (Khusnutdinova et al., 2016) [1]. Typically, the H. pylori eradication protocol includes a prolonged two-week use of the broad-spectrum antibiotics. The presented data on the whole-genome sequencing of the total DNA from stool samples of patients before the start of the eradication, immediately after eradication and several weeks after the end of treatment could help to profile the gut microbiota both taxonomically and functionally. The presented data together with those described in Glushchenko et al. (2017) [2] allow researchers to characterize the metagenomic profiles in which the use of antibiotics could result in dramatic changes in the intestinal microbiota composition. We perform 15 gut metagenomes from 5 patients with H. pylori infection, obtained through the shotgun sequencing on the SOLiD 5500W platform. Raw reads are deposited in the ENA under project ID PRJEB21338.



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Phase 1 study of darolutamide (ODM-201): a new-generation androgen receptor antagonist, in Japanese patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract

Purpose

This trial assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of darolutamide (ODM-201), a new-generation nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist, in Japanese patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Methods

In this open-label, nonrandomized, two-cohort, dose-escalating phase 1 study, Japanese patients with mCRPC were enrolled after a screening period. In the single-dose period (≈1 week), darolutamide was administered at 300 mg (Cohort 1) or 600 mg (Cohort 2) on day-5 (fasting state) and day-2 (fed condition). In the subsequent multiple-dose period (fed condition), patients received darolutamide 300 mg twice daily (Cohort 1) or 600 mg twice daily (Cohort 2) for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints: evaluate safety and pharmacokinetics of darolutamide.

Results

Of 12 patients enrolled, 9 received darolutamide (Cohort 1, n = 3; Cohort 2, n = 6). All 9 patients experienced ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE; majority Grade 1/2). Incidence of drug-related TEAEs (DR-TEAEs) was 44% (all grades; n = 4); most common DR-TEAE was decreased appetite (22%), and 1 serious DR-TEAE (Grade 3 nausea) was observed. No Grade ≥4 DR-TEAEs or new safety signals were observed. C _max and AUC (0–t _last) were dose-dependent; pharmacokinetics of each dose appeared to be linear over time. Prostate-specific antigen response was observed in 11% (1/9) of patients. Compared with fasting status, geometric mean C _max increased 2.5-fold after 300 mg and 2.8-fold after 600 mg; geometric mean AUC (0–t _last) increased 2.5-fold after both doses under fed conditions.

Conclusions

Darolutamide was well tolerated at the examined doses in Japanese patients with mCRPC, without differences in safety and pharmacokinetics relative to Western patients.

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Dysregulation of glucose metabolism since young adulthood increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with bipolar disorder

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Pao-Huan Chen, Yen-Kuang Lin, Chi-Kang Chang, Shuo-Ju Chiang, Shang-Ying Tsai
Aging patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, few studies have directly examined the association between metabolic risks and CVDs in patients with BD across the lifespan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine lifetime metabolic risk factors for CVDs in patients with BD. We recruited BD-I patients who were more than 50 years old and had had at least one psychiatric hospitalization. Patients who had a cardiologist-confirmed CVD diagnosis (ICD-9 code 401–414) were assigned to the case group. Fifty-five cases were matched with 55 control patient without CVDs based on age and sex. Clinical data were obtained by retrospectively reviewing 30 years of hospital records. Compared to control subjects, a significantly higher proportion of cases had impaired fasting glucose between ages 31 and 40 (44.0% versus 17.4%, p = 0.046), diabetes mellitus between ages 41 and 50 (25.6% versus 8.6%, p = 0.054), and diabetes mellitus after age 51 (36.3% versus 12.7%, p = 0.005). No significant difference was found in overweight, obesity, or dyslipidemia. After adjusting for years of education, first episode as mania, and second generation antipsychotic use, lifetime diabetes mellitus remained a risk factor for CVDs (OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 1.89–10.66, p = 0.001). The findings suggest that glucose dysregulation across the adult age span is probably the major metabolic risk contributing to CVDs in patients with BD. Clinicians therefore have to notice the serum fasting glucose levels of BD patients since young adulthood.



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Microstructure and mechanical properties of cast in-situ TiAl matrix composites reinforced with (Ti,Nb)2AlC particles

Publication date: 5 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 133
Author(s): J. Lapin, A. Klimová, Z. Gabalcová, T. Pelachová, O. Bajana, M. Štamborská
The in-situ TiAl matrix composites with nominal compositions of Ti-44.5Al-8Nb-0.8Mo-0.1B-xC (at.%), where x is ranging from 1.4 to 4.8at.%, were prepared by casting. The microstructure of the as-cast composites consists of primary (Ti,Nb)2AlC particles distributed in the matrix composed of lamellar γ(TiAl)+α2(Ti3Al) and γ phase regions with a small amount of β/B2 phase. The chemical composition of some coarse carbides is not homogeneous and central regions enriched by C are identified to be (Ti,Nb)C phase. The mean aspect ratio of the primary carbide particles decreases and their volume fraction and shape factor increase with increasing content of C. A linear relationship is identified between the volume fraction of the carbide particles and average content of C in the composites. The heat treatments lead to the formation of fine secondary carbide particles within the matrix. The mean grain size of the as-cast composites increases during the heat treatments. The Vickers hardness, compression yield strength, Charpy impact value and dynamic fracture toughness of the heat-treated composites decrease with the increasing volume fraction of carbide particles. The brittle fracture behaviour of the in-situ composites includes crack deflection, delamination on the matrix-carbide interfaces and pull-out of the carbide particles from the γ matrix.

Graphical abstract

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Thyroxin releasing chitosan/collagen based smart hydrogels to stimulate neovascularization

Publication date: 5 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 133
Author(s): Abdur Raheem Aleem, Lubna Shahzadi, Farah Alvi, Ather Farooq Khan, Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, Ihtesham ur Rehman, Muhammad Yar
The development of new biomaterials with tailored properties is highly desired in tissue engineering field. The neovascularization is essential part of tissue regeneration which provides food and nutrients to cells. There is a real need for proangiogenic biomaterials to assist wound healing. The ideal dressing should be inexpensive and achieve rapid healing with minimal inconvenience to the patient. In this paper, new porous thyroxin containing pro-angiogenic hydrogels were generated via freeze gelation protocol. The chemical structural analysis of the synthesized hydrogels was investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphology and pore dimensions were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In swelling studies, 10μg thyroxine loaded hydrogel (TLH-10) showed greater degree of swelling as compared to 1 μg loaded thyroxine material (TLH-1) and control. The degradation studies were tested in three different media, i.e. phosphate buffer saline (PBS), lysozyme and hydrogen peroxide and relatively higher degradation was seen in hydrogen peroxide. The synthesized materials were implanted on the chick chorioallantoic membrane to investigate their angiogenic potential. The TLH-1 hydrogel stimulated angiogenesis greater than the TLH-10; in this case blood vessels were attached and very much grown into the scaffold.

Graphical abstract

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A phase 1 randomized open-label clinical study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a novel recombinant hepatitis E vaccine

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Yu-Feng Cao, Hong Tao, Yue-Mei Hu, Cheng-Bo Shi, Xing Wu, Qi Liang, Chun-Ping Chi, Li Li, Zheng-Lun Liang, Ji-Hong Meng, Feng-Cai Zhu, Zhao-Hui Liu, Xin-Ping Wang
BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability for variable dosages of a novel hepatitis E vaccine p179.MethodsThe randomized open-label parallel control phase 1 clinical trial enrolled 120 eligible participants aged 16–65years in Jiangsu Province, China. The experimental groups were randomized to receive different dosages of 20μg, 30μg, and 40μg Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) p179 vaccines, with the 30μgHEV vaccine p239 Hecolin as control, and vaccinated at 0, 1 and 6month intervals. Participants were observed for solicited local and systemic adverse reactions (ARs) occurring within 7days after each vaccination, and any serious adverse events (SAEs) occurring within 6months post-vaccination. Blood samples were collected from participants 3days before and after each injection, to determine the blood routine and serum biochemical indexes.ResultsThe solicited local ARs incidence in experimental groups were significantly lower than that of the control group (P=0.027). The difference between solicited total and systemic ARs incidence of experimental groups and the control group were not significant (P>0.05). Similar patterns were observed when the analyses were performed on the group having ARs of varying grades and symptoms. All changes in blood biochemical indexes and routine blood tests before and after different vaccinations were mild (grade 1) or moderate (grade 2), and the difference in experimental groups and the control group were not statistically significant. No vaccine related SAEs occurred in any of the subjects during the study.ConclusionThree different dosages of HEV p179 vaccine were deemed safe and well tolerated. No vaccine-associated SAEs were identified, and the 30μg dosage formulation was selected for further investigation for efficacy.Clinical trials registration number: 2012L01657.



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Building capacity for active surveillance of vaccine adverse events in the Americas: A hospital-based multi-country network

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Pamela Bravo-Alcántara, Silvia Pérez-Vilar, Helvert Felipe Molina-León, Miriam Sturkenboom, Steven Black, Patrick L.F. Zuber, Christine Maure, Jose Luis Castro
New vaccines designed to prevent diseases endemic in low and middle-income countries are being introduced without prior utilization in countries with robust vaccine pharmacovigilance systems. Our aim was to build capacity for active surveillance of vaccine adverse events in the Americas. We describe the implementation of a proof-of-concept study for the feasibility of an international collaborative hospital-based active surveillance system for vaccine safety. The study was developed and implemented in 15 sentinel sites located in seven countries of the region of the Americas, under the umbrella of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Vaccine Safety Initiative. The study evaluated the associations between measles-mumps-rubella vaccines and two well-recognized adverse events: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and aseptic meningitis. The regional network contributed 63 confirmed ITP and 16 confirmed aseptic meningitis eligible cases to the global study, representing, respectively, 33% and 19% of the total cases. To ensure long-term sustainability and usefulness to investigate adverse events following new vaccine introductions in low and middle-income countries, the network needs to be strengthened with additional sites and integrated into national health systems.



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Oral cholera vaccine coverage in hard-to-reach fishermen communities after two mass Campaigns, Malawi, 2016

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Delphine Sauvageot, Christel Saussier, Abebe Gobeze, Sikhona Chipeta, Innocent Mhango, Gift Kawalazira, Martin A. Mengel, Dominique Legros, Philippe Cavailler, Maurice M'bang'ombe
ContextFrom December 2015 to August 2016, a large epidemic of cholera affected the fishermen of Lake Chilwa in Malawi. A first reactive Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) campaign was organized, in February, in a 2km radius of the lake followed by a preemptive one, conducted in November, in a 25km radius. We present the vaccine coverage reached in hard-to-reach population using simplified delivery strategies.MethodWe conducted two-stage random-sampling cross-sectional surveys among individuals living in a 2km and 25km radius of Lake Chilwa (islands and floating homes included). Individuals aged 12months and older from Machinga and Zomba districts were sampled: 43 clusters of 14 households were surveyed. Simplified strategies were used for those living in islands and floating homes: self- delivery and community-supervised delivery of the second dose. Vaccine coverage (VC) for at-least-two-doses was estimated taking into account sampling weights and design effects.ResultsA total of 1176 households were surveyed (2.7% of non-response). Among the 2833 individuals living in the 2km radius of Lake and the 2915 in the 25km radius: 457 (16.1%) and 239 (8.2%) lived in floating homes or on islands at some point in the year, respectively. For the overall population, VC was 75.6% and 54.2%, respectively. In the 2km radius, VC was 92.2% for those living on the lake at some point of the year: 271 (64.8%) used the simplified strategies. The main reasons for non-vaccination were absence during the campaign and vaccine shortage. Few adverse events occurring in the 24h following vaccination was reported.ConclusionsWe reached a high two-dose coverage of the most at-risk population using simplified delivery strategies. Because of the high fishermen mobility, regular catch-up campaigns or another strategy specifically targeting fishermen need to be assessed for more efficient vaccines use.



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A review of the key factors to improve adult immunization coverage rates: What can the clinician do?

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Litjen (L.J.) Tan
Adult immunization coverage rates remain low in the United States and internationally, despite obvious benefits to vaccinating and maintaining a well-vaccinated adult population. Broad policy changes are required to identify and address gaps in financing, in immunization infrastructure, and patient and provider awareness and knowledge to improve the protection of our adult and aging population from vaccine-preventable diseases. There is good evidence that efforts are now underway both within the United States and across the world to advance these policy changes. There are successful interventions that have been demonstrated to improve rates in the pediatric population that must be translated into the adult patient population to meet the critical gaps that remain at the interface of the delivery of vaccinations to adults. Improvements in overall policy will only increase adult immunization coverage rates if interventions are adapted and implemented for adult patients. Often, these same interventions will be applicable to adolescent patients as well. These interventions have been reviewed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and recommended interventions fall into three categories: (1) Enhancing Patient Access to Vaccination; (2) Improving community/patient demand; and (3) Provider- and healthcare system-directed interventions. Specific interventions that have been demonstrated successful for the adult population include interventions such as reducing patient out-of-pocket costs for vaccinations, patient or family incentive rewards, and implementation of quality measures and quality improvement interventions. Addressing the poor performance in adult immunizations requires approaches predicated on not repeating previous efforts and will require innovative thinking to integrate multiple interventions that have been successful separately, into a holistic approach to support and automate immunization assessment, recommendation, and administration. This can then lead to increased valuation of adult and adolescent immunizations within the priorities of a healthcare system, and improvements in clinic efficiency within a practice.



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Sebocytes contribute to skin inflammation by promoting the differentiation of Th17 cells

Abstract

Background

The main function of sebocytes is considered to be the lipid production for moisturizing the skin. However, it became recently apparent that sebocytes release chemokines and cytokines and respond to pro-inflammatory stimuli as well as presence of bacteria.

Objectives

To analyze the functional communication between human sebocytes and T cells.

Methods

Immunofluorescence stainings for CD4 and IL-17 were performed on acne sections and healthy skin. Migration assays and T cell stimulation cultures were performed with supernatants derived from unstimulated or pre-stimulated SZ95 sebocytes. DCs were generated in presence of SZ95 supernatant and subsequently used in mixed leukocyte reactions.

Results

We could show that CD4+IL-17+ T cells accumulate around the pilosebaceous unit and are in close contact with sebocytes in acne lesions. By using SZ95 sebocyte supernatant, we demonstrate a chemotactic effect of sebocytes on neutrophils, monocytes and T cells in a CXCL-8 dependent manner. Furthermore, sebocyte supernatant induces the differentiation of CD4⁺CD45RA⁺ naïve T cells into Th17 cells via the secretion of IL-6, TGF-β and, most importantly, IL-1β. No direct effects of sebocytes on the function of CD4⁺CD45RO⁺ memory T cells were detected. Moreover, sebocytes functionally interact with Propionibacterium acnes in the maturation of dendritic cells leading to antigen presenting cells that preferentially prime Th17 cells.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that human sebocytes actively participate in inflammatory processes in the skin by recruiting and communicating with immune cells. This interaction leads to the generation of Th17 cells that might contribute not only to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, but to several inflammatory skin diseases.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Enhanced fluorescence detection of proteins using ZnO nanowires integrated inside microfluidic chips

Publication date: 15 January 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 99
Author(s): Lingxia Guo, Yuchen Shi, Xiangfei Liu, Zhitao Han, Zhenjie Zhao, Yong Chen, Wenhui Xie, Xin Li
Nanostructure-enhanced detection is promising for a number of applications such as early cancer diagnosis, environmental monitoring and mine safety, among which nanostructures integrated microfluidic chips offers unique advantage of ultra-low quantitative analyses. Here, dense ZnO nanowires of varied diameter and length were obtained by changing the content of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and growth time via simple hydrothermal growth in microfluidic channels for protein detection. We showed that this approach was superiorly efficient compared to the conventional hydrothermal method due to the flow-induced replenishment of nutrient and the effect of shear stress. When immobilizing FITC conjugated anti-bovine immunoglobulin G (IgG) on ZnO nanowires, the fluorescence emission was significantly amplified compared to glass substrate and ZnO seed layer. Under the different growth conditions, the most remarkable fluorescence enhancement was observed on the ZnO nanowire substrate grown for 3h with 5mM PEI in solution. It is ascribed not only to the increase of the binding surface area of proteins but also the intrinsic fluorescence enhancement of ZnO nanowires as waveguides. We further used the optimized ZnO nanowires to demonstrate multiple detection of cancer biomarkers, achieving a superior limit of detection (LOD) as low as 1pg/mL in human α-fetoprotein (AFP) assay and 100 fg/mL in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay with large dynamic range of 6–7 orders, which suggests that ZnO nanowire integrated microfluidic chips are promising for high-throughput fluorescence-based diagnostic assays.



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Scholar : These new articles for Annals of the American Association of Geographers are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Annals of the American Association of Geographers and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Articles Assembling Enclosure: Reading Marine Spatial Planning for Alternatives Luke Fairbanks , Lisa M. Campbell , Noëlle Boucquey & Kevin St. Martin Pages: 1-18 | DOI: 10.1080/24694452.2017.1345611 Interested in the political-economic topics surrounding China? You wouldn't want to miss this exclusive collection. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Genomic and clinical evidence uncovers the enterohepatic species Helicobacter valdiviensis as a potential human intestinal pathogen

Abstract

Background

Helicobacter valdiviensis is a recently described enterohepatic species isolated from wild bird's fecal samples. Currently, its pathogenic potential and clinical significance are unknown mainly due to the lack of whole-genome sequences to compare with other helicobacters and the absence of specific screenings to determine its prevalence in humans.

Materials and Methods

The species type strain (WBE14^T) was whole-genome-sequenced, and comparative analyses were carried out including the genomes from other Helicobacter species to determine the exact phylogenetic position of H. valdiviensis and to study the presence and evolution of virulence determinants. In parallel, stools from diarrheic patients and healthy individuals were screened by PCR to assess the clinical incidence of H. valdiviensis.

Results

Helicobacter valdiviensis belongs to a monophyletic clade conformed by H. canadensis, H. pullorum, H. winghamensis, H. rodentium, and H. apodemus. Its predicted genome size is 2 176 246 bp., with 30% of G+C content and 2064 annotated protein-coding genes. The patterns of virulence factors in H. valdiviensis were similar to other enterohepatic species, but evidence of horizontal gene transfer from Campylobacter species was detected for key genes like those coding for the CDT subunits. Positive PCR results confirmed the presence of H. valdiviensis in 2 of 254 (0.78%) stools of patients with acute diarrhea while not a single sample was positive in healthy individuals.

Conclusions

Horizontal gene transfer has contributed to shape the gene repertory of H. valdiviensis, which codes for virulence factors conserved in other pathogens that are well-known human pathogens. Additionally, the detection of H. valdiviensisDNA in diarrheic patients supports its role as a potential emergent intestinal pathogen. Further, sampling efforts are needed to uncover the clinical relevance of this species, which should be accomplished by the isolation of H. valdiviensis from ill humans and the obtention of whole genomes from clinical isolates.

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Upfront immunohistochemistry improves specificity of Helicobacter pylori diagnosis. A French pathology laboratory point of view

Abstract

Background

There is no consensus about the histopathologic methods to detect Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies to date. We aimed to question about the value of upfront anti-H. pylori immunohistochemistry in this field.

Material and Methods

We led a retrospective study about the rate of H. pylori-positive gastric biopsies before and after the implementation of upfront immunohistochemistry, the inter-rater and intermethods agreements in H. pylori identification about Hematoxylin-Eosin Saffron (HES), Giemsa, and immunohistochemistry stains and the histopathologic features associated with low amounts of H. pylori.

Results

First, the rate of H. pylori-positive gastric biopsies significantly diminished after the implementation of upfront immunohistochemistry (from 21.15% to 12.56%, P<.0001), suggesting potential overdiagnosis of H. pylori infection before the use of immunohistochemistry. Secondly, immunohistochemistry was the most reproducible and performing stain (kappa values >0.80), but HES and Giemsa stains also presented good-to-very good agreements. Finally, less than 1% of gastric biopsies with inconspicuous H. pylori infection showed no mucosal injury pointing out that any HES-detected mucosal injury could help to preselect the gastric biopsies requiring ancillary stains for the detection of H. pylori.

Conclusions

Albeit being considered as a gold standard in the detection of H. pylori, the interest of using immunohistochemistry as an upfront stain on gastric biopsies is still debated. In our opinion, its use in second line in case of ambiguous HE/HES-Giemsa result is more appropriate. Further effort is needed to optimize the inexpensive but feasible HE/HES-based detection of H. pylori.

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Sex disparities in cancer incidence in Jiashan County, China, 1995–2014

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 50, Part A
Author(s): Xiyi Jiang, Shaofang Cai, Yunqing Hu, Ding Ye, Qilong Li, Kun Chen, Mingjuan Jin
PurposeTo describe the sex-specific incidence rates and the male-to-female incidence-rate ratios (IRRs) of different cancer types, and to explore the corresponding sex disparities in an area of Eastern China.MethodsWe used data from the Cancer Registry in Jiashan County, and calculated the sex-specific age-standardized (2010 China standard population) incidence rates and the male-to-female IRRs for different cancer types during the period 1995–2014.ResultsThe age-standardized incidence rates of all cancers for the whole period 1995–2014 were 151.48 per 100,000 person-years for males and 83.75 per 100,000 person-years for females, and the corresponding male-to-female IRR was 1.81 (95% confidence interval: 1.77–1.85). Specifically, males presented higher incidences in most types of cancer with the exceptions of cancers of connective and other soft tissues, gallbladder (including extrahepatic bile ducts), and thyroid gland. In addition, the age-specific incidences of the ten most common cancers in males were higher than those in females in most age groups.ConclusionsOur results reveal a male predominance in incidence for a majority of cancers in Jiashan County, Eastern China. Possible explanations for these sex disparities in cancer incidence may include lifestyle factors, particularly smoking.



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Corrigendum

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Scholar : These new articles for The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles A novel non-opioid protocol for medically supervised opioid withdrawal and transition to antagonist treatment Gregory Rudolf MD, Jim Walsh MD, Abigail Plawman MD, Paul Gianutsos MD, MPH, William Alto MD, Lloyd Mancl PhD & Vania Rudolf MD, MPH Pages: 1-8 | DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2017.1334209 FREE ACCESS: Health Care for Women International: Research on Women's Health in Africa: Issues, Challenges & Opportunities To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.