Κυριακή 3 Σεπτεμβρίου 2017
The acute toxicity of bisphenol A and lignin-derived bisphenol in algae, daphnids, and Japanese medaka
Abstract
Risk assessing newly synthesized chemicals prior to their applications is extremely important, if we want to ensure substitution of risky chemicals with more benign ones. During the past two decades, many analogs of bisphenol A (BPA) have been manufactured, while their toxicity remains less studied. The aim of this study was to compare the acute toxicity of a synthesized lignin-derived BPA (LD-BP) with that of BPA in representative aquatic organisms including two algal species (Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus obliquus), a cladoceran species (Daphnia magna), and the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). The results revealed that the two algal species showed different responses to the two chemicals. For C. pyrenoidosa, both BPA and LD-BP stimulated growth within 48 h of exposure, except for the 50 mg L−1 of LD-BP treatment. After 96 and 144 h of exposures, BPA stimulated the growth of C. pyrenoidosa at low-exposure concentrations but inhibited its growth at high concentrations, while LD-BP caused a concentration-dependent response in C. pyrenoidosa. S. obliquus exhibited a monotonic concentration-response curve for both BPA and LD-BP exposures. For both D. magna and O. latipes, concentration-responses were monotonic with 96 h–LC50 of BPA and LD-BP of 11.7 and 5.0 mg L−1 and 9.4 and 4.1 mg L−1, respectively. Our results demonstrate that LD-BP is more toxic than BPA in the representative aquatic organisms, and it can pose higher ecological risk to the aquatic ecosystem than BPA.
http://ift.tt/2xIpCHH
Acculturative stress as a moderator of the effect of drinking motives on alcohol use and problems among young adults
Publication date: December 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 75
Author(s): Bridgid Mariko Conn, Kida Ejesi, Dawn W. Foster
BackgroundResearch has demonstrated a strong relationship between drinking motives and alcohol use among young adult populations. Further, there is substantial evidence of the association between psychosocial stressors and greater alcohol consumption. In the present study, we examined whether acculturative stress would moderate the relationship between major drinking motives and alcohol use behaviors and alcohol-related problems, and whether this relationship differs by racial/ethnic group.MethodSix hundred diverse undergraduate students (mean age=21.50, SD=2.46; 82.8% female; 40.2% White/Caucasian) completed a series of measures, including demographic information, alcohol use/alcohol problems, and acculturative stress.ResultsFindings showed varying patterns in the moderating effect of acculturative stress on the relationship between drinking motives and alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems, particularly for self-identified Hispanic, Black, and Asian students. Stronger drinking motives were associated with greater alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems, and this relationship was stronger among Asian and Hispanic students who reported higher levels of acculturative stress. For Black students, greater acculturative stress was observed to weaken the relationship between coping, enhancement, and conformity motives and alcohol drinking frequency.ConclusionsResults are discussed in terms of incorporating acculturative stress in the development of tailored alcohol use interventions for vulnerable young adults, such as certain ethnic minority and immigrant groups. Clinical implications include screening for acculturative stress in primary care and counseling centers and early intervention programs to identify young adults who may be at-risk for or currently experiencing alcohol problems.
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Editorial Board
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 75
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Motivations for reducing alcohol consumption: An international survey exploring experiences that may lead to a change in drinking habits
Publication date: December 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 75
Author(s): Emma L. Davies, Dominic Conroy, Adam R. Winstock, Jason Ferris
AimsBrief interventions delivered by doctors and other healthcare practitioners might be meaningfully enhanced by understanding what individual experiences might lead patients to cut down. The aim of the current paper was to explore the experiences that might lead people to reduce their alcohol consumption and to compare these findings between respondents from 21 different countries.MethodsGlobal Drug Survey is an online cross sectional, opportunistic anonymous survey. This paper includes 72,209 respondents from 21 counties with over 250 respondents (60.8% male).ResultsAlmost a third (32.9%) of participants reported that they would like to drink less alcohol over the next 12months, and a third thought their GP would tell them to cut down if they were honest about their drinking. The primary experiences that were rated as most likely to lead to a change in behaviour were related to physical health, sexual assault and having to seek emergency medical treatment. Respondents from Germany were more likely to select embarrassment as a motivation to reduce drinking than those from other counties. Females were more likely to report indicate motivations related to sexual regret, sexual assault or seeking treatment. Older participants and those in the low risk audit category were more likely to report embarrassment or forgetfulness as potential motivation for change.ConclusionUnderstanding the different motivations that may lead individuals to change their drinking behaviours can be used to inform targeted brief interventions and targeted public health guidance.
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Themes arising in clinical consultation for therapists implementing family-based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a qualitative study
Abstract
Background
Our study aims to explore and describe themes arising in sessions of clinical consultation with therapists implementing Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). There is currently no literature describing the content of clinical consultation for FBT. Thus, this knowledge will add to the evidence-base on what therapists need from consultants in ongoing clinical consultation.
Methods
Eight therapists at four sites participated in this study, which spanned a two-year period. Following a two-day training workshop, each therapist treated at least one adolescent patient presenting with a restrictive eating disorder with FBT, focusing on adherence to the treatment manual. Clinical consultation sessions occurred monthly and were led by an external FBT expert. Thirty-five (average per site = 9) audio recorded group clinical consultation sessions were transcribed verbatim and coded for themes. Twenty percent of the transcripts were double-coded to ensure consistency. Fundamental qualitative description guided the sampling and data collection.
Results
Thematic content analysis revealed ten common themes relating to the provision of clinical consultation to therapists implementing FBT in clinical practice: encouraging parental meal time supervision,discussing the role of mothers, how to align parents, ensuring parental buy-in, when to transition to Phase 2, weighing the patient and the patients' knowledge of their weight, the role of siblings in FBT sessions, how best to manage patient co-morbidities, the role of the father in FBT and how best to manage the family meal.
Conclusions
In conclusion, clinical consultation themes aligned with many of the central tenets of FBT, including how to help parents align their supportive approach during the refeeding process, and how to help parents assume control of eating disordered behaviours. This knowledge helps to guide consultants to anticipate common issues brought forward by therapists attempting to implement FBT.
http://ift.tt/2wwU5dm
A novel technique for correcting the over-corrected gynaecomastia using stacked acellular dermal matrix
Abstract
The 'saucer-shaped deformity' is the undesirable outcome following over-resection of gynaecomastia. Correction can be challenging, lipomodelling may be unfavourable or unpredictable, and autologous grafts often require additional unwanted scars. We present a case of unilateral gynaecomastia over-resection where disks of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) were interwoven in the subdermal, intrapectoral, and interpectoral planes to correct the areolar cavity. A routine review at 17 months showed maintained projection of the areola, and the patient was delighted with the natural contour.
Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.
http://ift.tt/2iTPA7Y
Inside front cover
Publication date: October 2017
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 51
http://ift.tt/2iUxBOH
Trans-caryophyllene inhibits amyloid β (Aβ) oligomer-induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglial cells
Publication date: October 2017
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 51
Author(s): Yawei Hu, Ziling Zeng, Baojie Wang, Shougang Guo
Amyloid β (Aβ) is the major component of senile plaques (SP) in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, and serves as an inflammatory stimulus for microglia. Trans-caryophyllene (TC), a major component in the essential oils derived from various species of medicinal plants, has displayed its neuro-protective effects in previous studies. However, whether TC has a protective role in AD remains unknown. In this study, the effects of TC on Aβ1–42-induced neuro-inflammation were investigated. We found that TC reduced the release of LDH in BV-2 microglial cells treated with Aβ1–42. In addition, pretreatment of BV2 microglia with TC at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50μM prior to Aβ stimulation led to significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Notably, our results indicate that TC remarkably attenuated Aβ1–42-activated overexpression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). We further demonstrated that TC markedly reversed Aβ1–42-induced phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, nuclear translocation of p65, and NF-κB transcriptional activity. These findings suggest that TC may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of AD.
http://ift.tt/2wwy3qU
Photodynamic diagnosis of visceral pleural invasion of lung cancer with a combination of 5-aminolevulinic acid and autofluorescence observation systems
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 20
Author(s): Masahiro Kitada, Yoshinobu Ohsaki, Syunnsuke Yasuda, Masahiro Abe, Nana Takahashi, Satoshi Okazaki, Kei Ishibashi, Satoshi Hayashi
BackgroundVisceral pleural invasion (PL) is a prognostic factor in lung cancer. In the lung, lymph flows along the pleura, in addition to the flow toward the pulmonary hilum just as the pulmonary arteries and veins run toward it. Even with the same tumor diameter, a PL1 or higher level of pleural invasion is indicative of a more advanced disease stage. Final diagnosis based on the PL level is made by pathological examination of excised specimens. However, if an intraoperative diagnosis can be established, proper selection of the surgical procedure can be made, and unnecessary surgeries for disseminated lesions can be avoided. We investigated optical diagnostic techniques for identifying the presence or absence of visceral pleural invasion in lung cancer by capitalizing on the phenomenon of 5-amino-levulinic acid (5-ALA) being metabolized to a photosensitizing substance or protoporphyrin IX within malignant tumors, generating red luminescence in response to excitation light.MethodThis study included 38 patients with primary lung cancer who underwent surgery. They received 5-ALA (20mg/kg) orally 4h before surgery and then we assessed the presence or absence of pleural invasion using an autofluorescence observation system. At visceral pleural invasion sites, we were able to confirm tumor sites visualized in red with a clear border in contrast to the green autofluorescence generated in normal tissues.ResultRed luminescence could be confirmed in 100% of PL1-PL3 patients (14/14) and 41.6% of PL0 patients (10/24) with primary lung cancer. PL0 patients in whom visualization was possible were preoperatively diagnosed as having PL1 and many of them showed vascular channel invasion. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of this diagnostic technique were 100%, 58.0%, 63.1%, and 100%, respectively. Red fluorescence emission was observed significantly more often in pleural invasion cases.ConclusionAccurate intraoperative diagnosis for visceral pleural invasion in lung cancer may contribute to determining the indications for limited operations such as segmental resection. In addition, accurate local diagnosis has the possibility of being applicable to photodynamic therapy.
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Atraumatic restorative treatment associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy applied to a patient of an intensive care unit
Publication date: December 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 20
Author(s): Alinne Patierry Oliveira Pacífico Feitosa, Eliane Ferreira Sampaio, Eliziário Vitoriano de Araújo Neto
http://ift.tt/2wzbX5P
Primary Cutaneous NK/T-cell Lymphoma of Nasal Type: An Age-related Lymphoproliferative Disease?
Publication date: Available online 2 September 2017
Source:Human Pathology
Author(s): Chun-Chieh Wu, Emiko Takahashi, Naoko Asano, Tomoko Miyata-Takata, Katsuyoshi Takata, Katsuya Furukawa, Ahmed Ali Elsayed, Lei-Ming Hu, Akira Satou, Kei Kohno, Hiroshi Kosugi, Kenichi Ohashi, Tomohiro Kinoshita, Shigeo Nakamura, Seiichi Kato
Among extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma of nasal type (NKTL), the extranasal variant (ENKTL) is known to have a worse prognosis with advanced clinical stage than the nasal variant of NKTL. However, detailed clinicopathological features of the localized extranasal disease have not been well documented in English literature. Here, we described the clinicopathological profiles of 14 patients with stage I ENKTL, including 7 in the skin, 5 in the gastrointestinal tract, and 2 in the central nervous system, highlighting the distinctiveness of the first. The 7 primary cutaneous (PCNKTL) cases were characterized by an older onset age (median, 76 vs. 53years, P=.012) and a more favorable clinical course (P=.041), compared to 17 patients with stages II-IV ENKTL that showed cutaneous involvement. The skin lesions in the PCNKTL group were distributed in the face or neck (n=4) and limbs (n=3), but not the trunk, which was most frequently affected (60%, P=.017) in the latter group. Furthermore, the stage I cutaneous disease showed a female predominance (M:F, 2:5 vs. 7:0, P=.021) and a significantly more favorable survival compared to the non-cutaneous stage I ENKTL (P=.037). These results suggested that PCNKTL constituted a distinct subgroup in the nasal type lymphoma spectrum.
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Toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids provide a warning sign to overuse of the ethnomedicine Arnebia benthamii
Publication date: 10 January 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 210
Author(s): Latif Ahmad, Yi He, Jia-Chen Hao, Andrew Semotiuk, Quan-Ru Liu, Paras Mazari
Ethnopharmacological relevanceFrom early times man has used medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments and basic health care needs. The use of herbal medicines has increased day by day and with this, so do reports of adverse events, poisoning, and suspected toxicity. Similarly, the indigenous communities of Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir commonly use Arnebia benthamii (Wall. ex G.Don) I.M.Johnst. for medicinal purposes to treat various human aliments. Besides their medicinal uses, it also contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).Aim of the studyThis explorative study underscores two major aspects about this herbal medicine. Firstly we aimed to document the traditional therapeutic uses of Arnebia benthamii in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. Secondly, to determine the presence or absence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids and if they are within the suggested limit for the use of herbs in excess.Materials and methodsInterviews, group discussions, and inquiries were carried out from July to September 2016 with local indigenous and elder people. In the laboratory, the plant was investigated for pyrrolizidine alkaloids by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).ResultsA total of 30 respondents were interviewed. They explained the preferred preparation, parts used, and treatment indications. Treatment of fever along with kidney and liver problems are the three principle uses. Among the different parts of Arnebia benthamii, 43% respondents preferred aerial parts for the herbal formulation, followed by whole plants, and leaves. Decoction was the major mode of preparation and all herbal preparations were administrated orally. This study reports, for the first time according to our literature review, a study of Arnebia benthamii with regard to PA determination. By using column Zorbax SB-Aq and acetonitrile-water gradient as the mobile phase, HPLC results showed that the aerial parts of the plant were PA positive, and (1) Europine, Heliotrine (2), Lycopsamine (3), and Echimidine (4) were identified.ConclusionsThis study has revealed two new findings of significance to herbal medicine producers, practitioners, and consumers of Arnebia benthamii First, local knowledge regarding the medicinal uses of Arnebia benthamii were documented in five sites of Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. The use of this plant by a large part of the population in the study area shows the importance for their therapeutic benefits. Unfortunately, the second finding of this study shows that Arnebia benthamii contains hepatotoxic PAs. Hence, we advised to the government regulatory authorities and non-governmental organizations that use of this plant as herbal medicine should be excluded before more accurate quality control tests.
Graphical abstract
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Thalidomide alleviates postoperative pain and spatial memory deficit in aged rats
Publication date: November 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 95
Author(s): Peng Guo, Si-Ping Hu
Pain is a major risk factor of post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in aged population. We investigated the effects of thalidomide, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug, on POCD in aged rats, and also explored the underlying mechanisms. Laparotomy was performed under anesthesia in aged rats (24–25 months) to establish POCD models. Thalidomide (5–50mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered immediately after laparotomy. Within 12h after the operation, pain symptoms were assessed by rat grimace scale (RGS). Within postoperative day (POD) 3–14, spatial memory was evaluated using performance errors in a radial arm maze. Protein levels of inflammatory cytokines and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors were measured on POD 14. POCD rats treated with thalidomide showed decreased RGS and performance errors, compared with saline-treated POCD rats. Single administration of thalidomide significantly reduced production of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β) in serum but not in the brain, and attenuated upregulation of NMDA receptor (NR) 2A/B subunits in the hippocampus at POD 14. MK-801 abolished thalidomide-induced attenuation of spatial memory deficits. Our results support that thalidomide could disrupt the development of post-operative memory deficit in aged rats through its long-term regulation of NMDA receptors (NRs) in the hippocampus. Therefore, thalidomide might provide a new means to prevent the development of POCD.
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3-O-Glucosylation of quercetin enhances inhibitory effects on the adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis
Publication date: November 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 95
Author(s): Chang Won Lee, Jeong Yeon Seo, Jisun Lee, Ji Won Choi, Sarang Cho, Jae Youn Bae, Jae Kyung Sohng, Sung Oog Kim, Jihoon Kim, Yong Il Park
Glycosylation of natural flavonoids with various sugar moieties can affect their physicochemical and pharmacological properties. In this study, the plant flavonoids quercetin aglycon (Quer) and quercetin 3-O-glucoside (Q3G) were evaluated and compared for their potential anti-obesity effects. The Q3G dose-dependently reduced the TG contents and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells, by 52% and 60% at 20μM, respectively, compared to differentiated control (100%), which were 1.6-fold and 2.4-fold higher reduction than Quer. The Q3G (20μM) also more significantly reduced the expression of adipogenic markers such as C/EBP-β, C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, and aP2 than Quer, indicating that the Q3G suppresses both adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis more effectively than Quer in vitro. Comparing to those in the high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice control group for 10 weeks, both the body and liver weights and the size of adipocytes in epididymal adipose tissues were significantly reduced in HFD mice fed with Q3G for another 6 weeks (30mg/kg body weight by oral administration), accompanied by the reductions of TG, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol in serum. The Q3G also reduced the levels of the lipid metabolism-associated proteins, PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c, and FAS in the liver tissues. These results clearly demonstrated that Q3G exhibits a stronger anti-obesity effect than Quer and its anti-obesity effect is mediated via inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis, decreasing serum lipid levels by altering hepatic lipid metabolism, and reducing body weight gain. The results of this study suggest that the Q3G, but not Quer, can be a potent functional ingredient of beneficial health foods or a therapeutic agent to prevent or treat obesity.
Graphical abstract
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A pitfall in magnetic stimulation for measuring central motor conduction time
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): Hideyuki Matsumoto, Yoshikazu Ugawa
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Prefrontal cortical responses in children with prenatal alcohol-related neurodevelopmental impairment: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): Julie A. Kable, Claire D. Coles
ObjectiveDisruption in the neural activation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in modulating arousal was explored in children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), who have known neurobehavioral impairment.MethodsDuring a task that elicits frustration, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure PFC activation, specifically levels of oxygenated (HBO) and deoxygenated (HBR) hemoglobin, in children with PAE (n=18) relative to typically developing Controls (n=12) and a Clinical Contrast group with other neurodevelopmental or behavioral problems (n=14).ResultsChildren with PAE had less activation during conditions with positive emotional arousal, as indicated by lower levels of HBO in the medial areas of the PFC and higher levels of HBR in all areas of the PFC sampled relative to both other groups. Children in the Control group demonstrated greater differentiation of PFC activity than did children with PAE. Children in the Clinical Contrast group demonstrated the greatest differences in PFC activity between valences of task conditions.ConclusionsSpecific patterns of PFC activation differentiated children with PAE from typically developing children and children with other clinical problems.SignificanceFNIRS assessments of PFC activity provide new insights regarding the mechanisms of commonly seen neurobehavioral dysfunction in children with PAE.
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The Medial Plantar Sensory Response: A Sensitive Marker of Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): Rechdi Ahdab, Samar Ayache, Mohammad Hassan A. Noureldine, Tarik Nordine, Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
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Long-term effects of tDCS on fatigue, mood and cognition in multiple sclerosis
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): Moussa A. Chalah, Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur, Samar S. Ayache
http://ift.tt/2wz9QyW
Electrophysiological correlates of performance monitoring in binge drinking: Impaired error-related but preserved feedback processing
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): Séverine Lannoy, Fabien D'Hondt, Valérie Dormal, Joël Billieux, Pierre Maurage
ObjectivePerformance monitoring, which allows efficient behavioral regulation using either internal (error processing) or external (feedback processing) cues, has not yet been explored in binge drinking despite its adaptive importance in everyday life, particularly in the regulation of alcohol consumption. Capitalizing on a theoretical model of risky behaviors, the present study aimed at determining the behavioral and electrophysiological correlates of the cognitive (inhibition) and motivational (reward sensitivity) systems during performance monitoring.MethodsEvent-related potentials were recorded from 20 binge drinkers and 20 non-binge drinkers during two experimental tasks, a speeded Go/No-Go Task [investigating internal error processing by Error-Related Negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe)] and a Balloon Analogue Risk Task [investigating external feedback processing by Feedback-Related Negativity (FRN) and P3].ResultsWhile no group differences were observed at the behavioral level, electrophysiological results showed that binge drinkers, despite having intact feedback-related components, presented modified error-monitoring components (i.e. larger ERN amplitude, delayed Pe latency).ConclusionsInternal performance monitoring is impaired in binge drinkers, showing an abnormal automatic processing of response errors (ERN) and a decreased processing of their motivational significance (Pe).SignificanceThese results suggest that the electrophysiological correlates of inhibitory control allow identifying the specific binge drinking consumption pattern.
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Removal of nontoxic foreign material to the surface by cultured human epidermal keratinocytes in an epidermal-equivalent model
Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): Junichi Kumamoto, Shinobu Nakanishi, Yuki Umino, Mitsuhiro Denda
http://ift.tt/2evgdL7
FGF2-mediated attenuation of myofibroblast activation is modulated by distinct MAPK signaling pathways in human dermal fibroblasts
Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): David M. Dolivo, Sara A. Larson, Tanja Dominko
BackgroundPrevious human and animal studies have demonstrated the ability of exogenously administered basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) to act as an antifibrotic agent in the skin. Though the activity of FGF2 as an anti-scarring agent is well-established for fibrotic skin wounds, the mechanisms by which FGF2 exerts these actions are not entirely understood. Canonical FGF2 signaling proceeds in part via FGFR/MAPK pathways in human dermal fibroblasts, and FGF2 has been described to prevent or reverse the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, which is driven by TGFβ signaling and understood to be an important step in the formation of a fibrotic scar in vivo. Thus, we set out to investigate the antagonistic effects of FGF2 on TGFβ signaling as well as the broader effects of MAPK inhibition on the TGFβ-mediated induction of myofibroblast gene expression.ObjectiveTo better understand the effects of FGF2 signaling pathways on myofibroblastic gene expression and cell phenotypes.MethodsHuman dermal fibroblasts were cultured in vitro in the presence of FGF2, TGFβ, and/or MAPK inhibitors, and the effects of these agents were investigated by molecular biology techniques including qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and flow cytometry.ResultsFGF2 inhibited TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation, resulting in more rapidly proliferating, spindle-shaped cells, compared to the more slowly proliferating, flatter TGFβ-treated cells. Treatment with FGF2 also attenuated TGFβ-mediated increase in expression of myofibroblast markers smooth muscle α-actin, calponin, transgelin, connective tissue growth factor, ED-A fibronectin, and collagen I. FGF2-mediated antagonism of the TGFβ-mediated fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition was reversed by small molecule inhibition of ERK or JNK, and it was potentiated by inhibition of p38. MAPK inhibition was demonstrated to have qualitatively similar effects even in the absence of exogenous FGF2, and small molecule inhibition of p38 MAPK was sufficient to attenuate TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation.ConclusionsInhibition of select MAPK signaling pathways can reverse or potentiate anti-fibrotic FGF2 effects on human dermal fibroblasts, as well as exert their effects independently of exogenous FGF2 supplementation.
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Differential expression of CCR4 in primary cutaneous gamma/delta (γ⁄δ) T cell lymphomas and mycosis fungoides: significance for diagnosis and therapy
Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): George Jour, Phyu P. Aung, E. Dean Merrill, Jonathan L. Curry, Michael T. Tetzlaff, Priyadharsini Nagarajan, Doina Ivan, Victor G. Prieto, Madeleine Duvic, Roberto N. Miranda, Carlos A. Torres-Cabala
Primary cutaneous γ⁄δ T cell lymphomas (PCγδTCL) are rare and usually aggressive T cell lymphomas. Expression of markers potentially useful for therapy, such as CCR4 and other molecules implicated in Th-like immune response may help to better understand these tumors and has not been reported to date.Ten PCγδTCL (5 showing epidermotropism) and 10 MF skin biopsies from 19 patients were studied. Immunohistochemical expression of CCR4, CXCR3, GATA-3, and IL-17 was examined and scored using quantitative and semi quantitative methods <ABS-P>CCR4 was expressed in 10/10 (100%) of MF and in 1/9 (11%) PCγδTCL cases (p=0.001). No significant difference in CXCR3 and GATA-3 expression was found between MF and PCγδTCL, although PCγδTCL did not display a Th2-like phenotype, contrary to MF. IL-17 showed very low (<20%) staining in most of the cases, with detection of rare strongly positive cells in 3 cases of PCγδTCL.Lack of CCR4 expression in PCγδTCL, including epidermotropic variants, suggests that these patients are less favorable candidates for therapy with mogamulizumab. Differential expression of CCR4 and absence of Th2-like immune profile may support the contention that epidermotropic PCγδTCL and MF are indeed biologically distinct. Expression of CCR4 may potentially be used in the differential diagnosis between epidermotropic PCγδTCL and MF.
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Increased levels of mitochondrial DNA copy number in patients with vitiligo
Summary
Background
Oxidative stress is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo. Evidence suggests that the human mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is vulnerable to damage mediated by oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare peripheral blood mtDNAcn and oxidative DNA damage byproducts (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine; 8-OHdG) in patients with vitiligo and healthy controls (HCs).
Methods
The relative mtDNAcn and the oxidative damage (formation of 8-OHdG in mtDNA) of each sample were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Blood samples were obtained from 56 patients with vitiligo and 46 HCs.
Results
The mean mtDNAcn and the degree of mtDNA damage were higher in patients with vitiligo than in HCs.
Conclusion
These data suggest that increase in mtDNAcn and oxidative DNA damage may be involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
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Effects of pH, initial Pb 2+ concentration, and polyculture on lead remediation by three duckweed species
Abstract
Various geographical duckweed isolates have been developed for phytoremediation of lead. The Pb2+ removal efficiency of Lemna aequinoctialis, Landoltia punctata, and Spirodela polyrhiza was investigated in monoculture and polyculture at different levels of pH and initial Pb2+ concentrations. L. aequinoctialis was not sensitive to the tested pH but significantly affected by initial Pb2+ concentration, whereas synergistic effect of pH and initial Pb2+ concentration on removal efficiency of L. punctata and S. polyrhiza was found. Although the majority of polycultures showed median removal efficiency as compared to respective monocultures, some of the polycultures achieved higher Pb2+ removal efficiencies and can promote population to remove Pb2+. Besides, the three duckweed strains could be potential candidates for Pb2+ remediation as compared to previous reports. Conclusively, this study provides useful references for future large-scale duckweed phytoremediation.
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Corrigendum to “Advanced breast cancer rates in the epoch of service screening: The 400,000 women cohort study from Italy” [Eur J Cancer 75 (April 2017) 109–116]
Source:European Journal of Cancer
Author(s): Donella Puliti, Lauro Bucchi, Silvia Mancini, Eugenio Paci, Susanna Baracco, Cinzia Campari, Debora Canuti, Claudia Cirilli, Natalina Collina, Giovanni Maria Conti, Enza Di Felice, Fabio Falcini, Maria Michiara, Rossella Negri, Alessandra Ravaioli, Priscilla Sassoli de' Bianchi, Monica Serafini, Manuel Zorzi, Adele Caldarella, Luigi Cataliotti, Marco Zappa
http://ift.tt/2eRn5Du
Letter to the editor regarding the paper by Loquai C et al. ‘Use of complementary and alternative medicine: a multicenter cross-sectional study in 1089 melanoma patients’
Source:European Journal of Cancer
Author(s): Elizabeth Fabre, Audrey Thomas-Schoemann, Benoit Blanchet
http://ift.tt/2gCGQSH
Effect of culturing temperatures on cadmium phytotoxicity alleviation by biochar
Abstract
Biochar produced from rice straw at 400 °C (RS400) was prepared to determine its alleviating effect on Cd phytotoxicity to wheat seedlings under different cultivation temperatures and pH. A hydroponic system (pH 4.3) and a loam soil slurry system were designed to respectively simulate acidic and neutral soil condition, and cultivation at increasing temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) were performed to evaluate the greenhouse effect. The root and shoot elongation and the Cd concentration in root and solution were measured; furthermore, batch experiments for Cd adsorption were undertaken. An increasing inhibition of the root by Cd addition was observed at increasing temperatures. The inhibition rate was 50.50 and 20.80% in hydroponic system and slurry system at 25 °C, respectively; however, the corresponding inhibition rates of root were significantly decreased to 25.5 and 3.5% with addition of RS400. This is mainly attributed to the reduction of Cd migration into the roots by RS400, which decreased Cd bioavailability. The mechanism behind the reduced Cd bioavailability is attributed to the Cd adsorption and the strong buffering capacity of acidity by RS400. Therefore, biochar could be a potential amendment for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil even at increasing culturing temperatures.
http://ift.tt/2eR7Wlj
Bacillus safensis with plant-derived smoke stimulates rice growth under saline conditions
Abstract
Salinity is a worldwide environmental problem of agricultural lands. Smoke and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) are individually used to improve plant growth, but the combined effects of these have not been studied yet under saline conditions. The combined effect of plant growth-promoting bacteria Bacillus safensis and plant-derived smoke Cymbopogon jwarancusa was studied under different salinity level as 50, 100, and 150 mM on rice (cv. Basmati-385). Smoke dilutions of C. jwarancusa (C-500 and C-1000) and bacterial culture of B. safensis were used to soak seeds for 10 h. It was observed that the salt concentration decreases the germination percentage, vegetative growth, ion contents (K+ and Ca2+), and photosynthetic pigments (Chl "a," Chl "b," and carotene) while an increase occurred in Na+, total soluble protein (TSP), proline, total soluble sugar, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) contents. The combined effect of B. safensis and smoke primed seeds increased the germination percentage, seedling growth, ion contents (K+, Ca2+), and photosynthetic pigments (Chl "a," Chl "b," carotene) and reduced the Na+ ion content, total soluble protein, proline content, total soluble sugar, CAT, and POD activity by lowering the drastic effect of salt stress. It was concluded that combined effect of smoke and PGPR is more effective than individual effect.
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Comprehensive treatment for patients with chronic pain in a 12-step based substance use disorder program
Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Peter Przekop, Allison Przekop, Mark G. Haviland, Keiji Oda
Patients with chronic pain (CP) and substance use disorder (SUD) are complex, not yet adequately described, and in need of comprehensive treatments that address both diseases concurrently. Our objectives were to (a) describe a cohort of CP patients who failed traditional treatment (mainly opioids) – then developed opioid use disorder (OUD) and other SUDs and (b) evaluate a comprehensive inpatient treatment program for these patients. Patients were enrolled in an inpatient CP program. Treatment consisted of medical detoxification, group process/education, external and internal qigong, osteopathic manual medicine, and qigong-based mindfulness. Patients also received 20 h per week of 12-step recovery-based SUD treatment. Patients were evaluated at the beginning of treatment (first assessment, day 1–5 range) and at days 30 and 45. Assessments were: Beck Depression Inventory-II, Brief Pain Inventory, West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (patient section), and McGill Pain Questionnaire. The Global Impression of Change Scale was administered at day 45. A mixed model analysis was used to evaluate treatment progress. Demographic data revealed an older cohort with OUD, other SUDs, and multiple pain diagnoses who failed traditional treatment. Questionnaire evaluations were consistent and similar across all of the above measures: patients' scores showed marked, statistically significant improvements in depression, pain, and quality of life ratings. The most substantial improvements occurred between the first and second assessments. The findings are sufficiently encouraging to warrant further evaluation of the protocol and to plan comparative studies.
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