Isolation and identification of antifungal peptides from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens W10

Abstract

Antifungal metabolites produced by Bacillus sp. W10, which was previously isolated from the tomato rhizosphere, were investigated. Strain W10 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by analysis of its 16S rDNA and gyrB gene partial sequences. PCR analysis showed the presence of fenB, sfp, and ituD genes, coding for fengycin, surfactin, and iturin, respectively. A novel small antifungal peptide, designated 5240, produced by this strain was isolated by ammonium sulfate precipitation and Superdex 200 gel filtration chromatography. The 5240 peptide was stable at 100 °C for 20 min and remained active throughout a wide pH range (4–10). The antagonistic activity was not affected by protease K and trypsin. The purified 5240 peptide exhibited a broad inhibitory spectrum against various plant pathogenic fungi and was identified as iturin A (C₁₄-C₁₆). Moreover, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry indicated the presence of fengycin A (C₁₄-C₁₅), fengycin B (C₁₆-C₁₇), and surfactin (C₁₃-C₁₆) isoforms in supernatants from strain W10. These results suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens W10 has significant potential as a biocontrol agent.

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Development of silica protective layer on pyrite surface: a column study

Abstract

An appealing technique to prevent and/or minimize pyrite oxidation and subsequent acid generation in mine waste sites is the formation of a protective coating on the surface of sulfide grains. To investigate the conditions for the formation of an efficient coating on pyritic tailings, column tests were performed. These tests involved the treatment with a coating solution, which was continuously recycled through the packed bed of tailings. The coating solution was consisted of SiO₄⁻⁴ oxyanions, an oxidant (H₂O₂), and adjusted to pH 6. The effect of the volume of coating solution per mass of material (L/S ratio), Si concentration and treatment duration on coating formation was studied. Based on the results, a protective coating can be developed on the pyrite particles following treatment with a solution of 0.1 mM Si concentration, which resulted in the reduction of sulfate release by 84% compared to non-treated pyrite samples.

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Effects of moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys edulis ) invasions on soil nitrogen cycles depend on invasion stage and warming

Abstract

Plant invasions may alter soil nutrient cycling due to differences in physiological traits between the invader and species they displace as well as differences in responses to anthropogenic factors such as nitrogen deposition and warming. Moso bamboo is expanding its range rapidly around the world, displacing diverse forests. In addition, near expansion fronts where invasions are patchy, moso bamboo and other species each contribute soil inputs. Nitrogen transformations and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are important processes associated with nutrient availability and climate change that may be impacted by bamboo invasions. We collected soils from uninvaded, mixed, and bamboo forests to understand bamboo invasion effects on carbon and N cycling. We incubated soils with warming and N addition and measured net nitrification and N mineralization rates and GHG (CO₂ and N₂O) emissions. Mixed forest soils had higher pH and total N and lower total organic carbon and C/N than either uninvaded or bamboo forest soils. Bamboo forest soils had higher total carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and ammonium N but lower total and nitrate N than uninvaded forest soils. Soil GHG emissions did not vary among forest types at lower temperatures but bamboo forest soils had higher CO₂ and lower N₂O emissions at higher temperatures. While net N transformation rates were lower in bamboo and uninvaded forest soils, they were highest in mixed forest soils, indicating non-additive effects of bamboo invasions. This suggests that plant invasion effects on N transformations and GHG emissions with global change in forests partially invaded by bamboo are difficult to predict from only comparing uninvaded and bamboo-dominated areas.

http://ift.tt/2fdpWtE

Flexible Planning in Ravens?

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Jonathan Redshaw, Alex H. Taylor, Thomas Suddendorf
Across two different contexts, Kabadayi and Osvath found that ravens preferentially selected items that could be used to obtain future rewards. Do these results demand a rethink of the evolution of flexible planning, or are there leaner alternative explanations for the performance of ravens?



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Smoking cessation and response to periodontal treatment

Abstract

Smoking has detrimental oral effects. The aim of this study was to review the literature related to the impact of smoking cessation on periodontal health, periodontal disease and periodontal treatment outcome as well as to review the smoking cessation strategies and the dentist's role in the smoking cessation effort. Smoking cessation seems to have a positive effect on the periodontium, to decrease the risk for incidence and progression of periodontitis and to lead to a non-significant trend for greater mean probing depth reductions after non-surgical treatment over a 12-month period. Smoking cessation effect on the periodontium should be further investigated. Dentists should inform their patients on the harmful effect of smoking and the beneficial effect of smoking cessation on oral health. They should advise, motivate and support their patients to quit smoking. Smoking-control strategies should be incorporated in the dental practice. The dentist's role in the smoking cessation effort is important. Guidelines on smoking-control strategies applied in the dental office are required.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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A clinical, randomized study on the influence of dental whitening on Streptococcus mutans population

Summary

Dental whitening with peroxides has been popularized through the at-home technique, which employs low concentrations of peroxide applied on individual trays. However, there are few clinical trials reporting the effects of its continuous use on oral microbiota. Thus, the purpose of the present clinical, randomized study was to evaluate the influence of at-home whitening treatment on Streptococcus mutans in saliva, buccal mucosa, and subgingival and supragingival plaque. Thirty volunteers were randomly divided into 2 study groups (n=15) according to the whitening therapy: G CP- whitening using 10% carbamide peroxide 4 hours daily for 21 days and G HP- whitening using 6% hydrogen peroxide 1.5 hours daily for 21 days. Samples from the predetermined locations were collected evaluation periods: T1- before, T2- immediately after and T3- 30 days after the beginning of the treatment. The microbiological evaluation was made using conventional and molecular methods. Student′s T test found a statistically significant decrease in S. mutans population in the subgingival and supragingival plaque for HP samples between T1 and T2 no difference was found between T1 and T3 regardless of the location and the whitening product used (α=0.05). Therefore, although HP reduced Streptococcus mutans during treatment, the levels returned to baseline when assessed 30 days after the treatment.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Removal of endrin and dieldrin isomeric pesticides through stereoselective adsorption behavior on the graphene oxide-magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel stereoselective removal behavior of isomeric endrin and dieldrin pesticides from sample solution is demonstrated using nanocomposite of graphene oxide (GO) and iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The removal efficiency of endrin and dieldrin was found higher when GO-MNPs was used as a separating probe than the individual use of GO and MNPs. The removal efficiency of both the pesticides was found to be more favorable when the dosage amount of GO-MNPs was 30 mg for 30-min contact time with pH 4.0 at room temperature. The good correlation of determination (R ²) with 0.975 and 0.973 values obtained for endrin and dieldrin, respectively demonstrated a well fitting of Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The higher removal percentage (86.0%) and higher slope value of Langmuir adsorption isotherm were estimated for endrin compared to dieldrin (74.0%). The reason for higher adsorption percentage of endrin is due to the endo-position of oxygen atom in molecule favors more interaction of molecules with GO-MNPs compared to the exo-position of oxygen present in dieldrin. In addition, the higher value of R ² for endrin and dieldrin demonstrated better suitability of pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, respectively. The advantages of the present method are use of simple UV-vis spectrophotometry for monitoring and low-cost use of GO-MNPs nanomaterial for the removal of pesticides from sample solution.

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Scholar : International Journal of Molecular Medicine - Volume:40 Number:4

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TABLE OF CONTENTS October-2017 Volume 40 Issue 4

Effect of diet and individual dietary guidance on gastrointestinal endocrine cells in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (Review) Tarek Mazzawi, Magdy El-Salhy View Abstract ❯

Histone lysine methylation and congenital heart disease: From bench to bedside (Review) Xin Yi, Xuejun Jiang, Xiaoyan Li, Ding-Sheng Jiang View Abstract ❯

Kidins220 and tumour development: Insights into a complexity of cross-talk among signalling pathways (Review) Shuo Cai, Jun Cai, Wen G. Jiang, Lin Ye View Abstract ❯

Anti-angiogenic properties of artemisinin derivatives (Review) Tianshu Wei, Ju Liu View Abstract ❯

Ubiquitin specific peptidase 4 stabilizes interferon regulatory factor protein and promotes its function to facilitate interleukin-4 expression in T helper type 2 cells Zhixiang Guo, Peng Xu, Shangqing Ge, Chengxin Zhang, Xiaoyan Zheng, Jinguo Xu, Zhuang Liu, Bin Li, Shenglin Ge View Abstract ❯

Advanced glycation end products decrease collagen I levels in fibroblasts from the vaginal wall of patients with POP via the RAGE, MAPK and NF-κB pathways Yi-Song Chen, Xiao-Juan Wang, Weiwei Feng, Ke-Qin Hua View Abstract ❯

Trichostatin A attenuates oxidative stress-mediated myocardial injury through the FoxO3a signaling pathway Yunhui Guo, Zhiping Li, Canxia Shi, Jia Li, Meng Yao, Xia Chen View Abstract ❯

The ROCK inhibitor, thiazovivin, inhibits human corneal endothelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition/epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition and increases ionic transporter expression Qianni Wu, Chen Ouyang, Lijie Xie, Yunzhi Ling, Ting Huang View Abstract ❯

Integrating microRNA and messenger RNA expression profiles in a rat model of deep vein thrombosis Qian-Qian Jin, Jun-Hong Sun, Qiu-Xiang Du, Xiao-Jun Lu, Xi-Yan Zhu, Hao-Liang Fan, Christian Hölscher, Ying-Yuan Wang View Abstract ❯

Particulate matter 2.5 regulates lipid synthesis and inflammatory cytokine production in human SZ95 sebocytes Qin Liu, Jianbo Wu, Jiquan Song, Pin Liang, Kaiping Zheng, Guifeng Xiao, Lanting Liu, Christos C. Zouboulis, Tiechi Lei View Abstract ❯

Functional roles of C/EBPα and SUMO‑modification in lung development Yuan-Dong Chen, Jiang-Yan Liu, Yan-Min Lu, Hai-Tao Zhu, Wei Tang, Qiu-Xia Wang, Hong-Yan Lu View Abstract ❯

miR-378 functions as an onco-miRNA by targeting the ST7L/Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cervical cancer Shengjie Li, Fengxia Yang, Meiyan Wang, Wenjun Cao, Zhen Yang View Abstract ❯

Heat shock protein 27 (HSPB1) suppresses the PDGF-BB-induced migration of osteoblasts Shingo Kainuma, Haruhiko Tokuda, Naohiro Yamamoto, Gen Kuroyanagi, Kazuhiko Fujita, Tetsu Kawabata, Go Sakai, Rie Matsushima-Nishiwaki, Osamu Kozawa, Takanobu Otsuka View Abstract ❯

Breast cancer-associated gene 3 interacts with Rac1 and augments NF-κB signaling in vitro, but has no effect on RANKL-induced bone resorption in vivo Chen Yao, Kuan-Ping Yu, William Philbrick, Ben-Hua Sun, Christine Simpson, Changqing Zhang, Karl Insogna View Abstract ❯

Mass spectrometric identification of dystrophin, the protein product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene, in distinct muscle surface membranes Sandra Murphy, Kay Ohlendieck View Abstract ❯

Grifola frondosa polysaccharides induce breast cancer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway Yizhi Zhang, Dejun Sun, Qingjin Meng, Wanxu Guo, Qiuhui Chen, Ying Zhang View Abstract ❯

Classification of cancer cell lines using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time‑of‑flight mass spectrometry and statistical analysis Vlad Serafim, Ajit Shah, Maria Puiu, Nicoleta Andreescu, Dorina Coricovac, Alexander Nosyrev, Demetrios A. Spandidos, Aristides M. Tsatsakis, Cristina Dehelean, Iulia Pinzaru View Abstract ❯

Identification of differentially expressed microRNAs in knee anterior cruciate ligament tissues surgically removed from patients with osteoarthritis Bin Li, Lunhao Bai, Peng Shen, Yue Sun, Zhizuo Chen, Yu Wen View Abstract ❯

Suppression of CUL4A attenuates TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells Yunshan Wang, Xiaoyan Liu, Hui Zheng, Qin Wang, Li An, Guangwei Wei View Abstract ❯

Nova1 mediates resistance of rat pheochromocytoma cells to hypoxia-induced apoptosis via the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway Hualing Li, Bei Lv, Ling Kong, Jing Xia, Ming Zhu, Lijuan Hu, Danyang Zhen, Yifan Wu, Xiaoqin Jia, Sujuan Zhu, Hengmi Cui View Abstract ❯

Ginsenoside Rg1 protects against neuronal degeneration induced by chronic dexamethasone treatment by inhibiting NLRP-1 inflammasomes in mice Yaodong Zhang, Wen Hu, Biqiong Zhang, Yanyan Yin, Junyan Zhang, Dake Huang, Rongrong Huang, Weiping Li, Weizu Li View Abstract ❯

Osthole induces apoptosis and suppresses proliferation via the PI3K/Akt pathway in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma Xingyang Zhu, Xiaoling Song, Kun Xie, Xue Zhang, Wei He, Fubao Liu View Abstract ❯

Identification of CALM as the potential serum biomarker for predicting the recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma using a mass spectrometry-based comparative proteomic approach Huiling Meng, Xiaodong Zhu, Ling Li, Zhongguo Liang, Xiaoyu Li, Xinbin Pan, Fanyan Zeng, Song Qu View Abstract ❯

Suppression of CIP4/Par6 attenuates TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NRK-52E cells Ying-Chun Zhu, Ya-Kun Wang, Shou-Jun Bai, Fang-Fang Zha, Gang Feng, Cong-Pu Gao, Juan Liu View Abstract ❯

Regulated differentiation of WERI-Rb-1 cells into retinal neuron-like cells Ying Liu, Huiling Hu, Meixin Liang, Yunfan Xiong, Kang Li, Mengfei Chen, Zhigang Fan, Xielan Kuang, Fei Deng, Xiaohong Liu, Chaochao Xu, Kaijing Li, Jian Ge View Abstract ❯

Advanced glycation end products induce the apoptosis of and inflammation in mouse podocytes through CXCL9-mediated JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation Jing Yu, Hao Wu, Zi-Yu Liu, Qi Zhu, Chang Shan, Ke-Qin Zhang View Abstract ❯

Panax ginseng extract antagonizes the effect of DKK‑1-induced catagen-like changes of hair follicles Yonghee Lee, Su Na Kim, Yong Deog Hong, Byung Cheol Park, Yongjoo Na View Abstract ❯

Endothelial cell-derived exosomes protect SH-SY5Y nerve cells against ischemia/reperfusion injury Bing Xiao, Yi Chai, Shigang Lv, Minhua Ye, Miaojing Wu, Liyuan Xie, Yanghua Fan, Xingen Zhu, Ziyun Gao View Abstract ❯

Fluid shear stress regulates vascular remodeling via VEGFR-3 activation, although independently of its ligand, VEGF-C, in the uterus during pregnancy Yang-Gyu Park, Jawun Choi, Hye-Kang Jung, In Kyu Song, Yongwhan Shin, Sang-Youel Park, Jae-Won Seol View Abstract ❯

EWS-FLI1 positively regulates autophagy by increasing ATG4B expression in Ewing sarcoma cells Qunshan Lu, Yuankai Zhang, Liang Ma, Deqiang Li, Ming Li, Jianmin Li, Peilai Liu View Abstract ❯

MicroRNA-124 inhibits the proliferation of C6 glioma cells by targeting Smad4 Zechuan Zhang, Qiaoyun Gong, Meiying Li, Jinying Xu, Yangyang Zheng, Pengfei Ge, Guangfan Chi View Abstract ❯

miR-30a inhibits the biological function of breast cancer cells by targeting Notch1 He-Da Zhang, Lin-Hong Jiang, Da-Wei Sun, Jian Li, Jin-Hai Tang View Abstract ❯

Triticum aestivum sprout-derived polysaccharide exerts hepatoprotective effects against ethanol-induced liver damage by enhancing the antioxidant system in mice Sarmila Nepali, Hyeon-Hui Ki, Ji-Hyun Lee, Ji-Yun Cha, Young-Mi Lee, Dae-Ki Kim View Abstract ❯

Insulin-like growth factor-1 promotes the proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells under high glucose conditions Lu Yan, Shangmin Sun, Liu Qu View Abstract ❯

Role of interferon regulatory factor-1 in lipopolysaccharide-induced mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress responses in macrophages Song-Yun Deng, Le-Meng Zhang, Yu-Hang Ai, Pin-Hua Pan, Shuang-Ping Zhao, Xiao-Li Su, Dong-Dong Wu, Hong-Yi Tan, Li-Na Zhang, Allan Tsung View Abstract ❯

Isoastragaloside I inhibits NF-κB activation and inflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide Hongshuai Liu, Fei Huang, Hui Wu, Beibei Zhang, Hailian Shi, Xiaojun Wu, Zhibi Hu View Abstract ❯

Melanogenesis in uveal melanoma cells: Effect of argan oil Nunzia Caporarello, Melania Olivieri, Martina Cristaldi, Dario Rusciano, Gabriella Lupo, Carmelina Daniela Anfuso View Abstract ❯

Antimicrobial activity and synergism of ursolic acid 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside with oxacillin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Tian Zhou, Zhi Li, Ok‑Hwa Kang, Su‑Hyun Mun, Yun‑Soo Seo, Ryong Kong, Dong-Won Shin, Xiang‑Qian Liu, Dong‑Yeul Kwon View Abstract ❯

Apocynin protects mesangial cells from lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation by exerting heme oxygenase 1-mediated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 suppression Nirmal Prasad Bhatt, Jin-Young Park, Hee Jae Lee, Sung-Soo Kim, Yong-Soo Kwon, Wanjoo Chun View Abstract ❯

5-7 October, 2017, Metropolitan Hotel, Athens, Greece 22nd World Congress on Advances in Oncology & 20th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine 3-4 October 2017, Pre-Congress Workshop: 'Next-Generation Sequencing – Library construction and quality control'

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Examining the Time Course of Genital and Subjective Sexual Responses in Women and Men with Concurrent Plethysmography and Thermography

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Jackie S. Huberman, Samantha J. Dawson, Meredith L. Chivers
Sexual response is a dynamic process, though there is limited knowledge of the time course and relationships among its psychological and physiological components. To address this gap, we concurrently assessed self-reported sexual arousal, genital temperature (with thermography), and genital vasocongestion (with vaginal photoplethysmography [VPP] or penile plethysmography [PPG]) during sexual and nonsexual films in 28 androphilic women (attracted to men) and 27 gynephilic men (attracted to women). Men and women had similarly strong agreement between subjective and genital responses (sexual concordance) with thermography, but this agreement was stronger in men than women with PPG/VPP. The time course of changes in self-reported arousal was most similar to changes in genital temperature (i.e., time to onset and peak response). Time-lagged correlations and multi-level modeling revealed changes in the strength of relationships between aspects of sexual response over time. Results highlight the dynamic nature of sexual response and drawbacks of relying on zero-order correlations to characterize sexual concordance.



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Phalangeal morphology of Shanghuang fossil primates

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 113
Author(s): Daniel L. Gebo, Marian Dagosto, Xijun Ni, K. Christopher Beard
Here, we describe hundreds of isolated phalanges attributed to middle Eocene fossil primates from the Shanghuang fissure-fillings from southern Jiangsu Province, China. Extending knowledge based on previous descriptions of postcranial material from Shanghuang, this sample of primate finger and toe bones includes proximal phalanges, middle phalanges, and over three hundred nail-bearing distal phalanges. Most of the isolated proximal and middle phalanges fall within the range of small-bodied individuals, suggesting an allocation to the smaller haplorhine primates identified at Shanghuang, including eosimiids. In contrast to the proximal and middle phalanges from Shanghuang, there are a variety of shapes, sizes, and possible taxonomic allocations for the distal phalanges. Two distal phalangeal morphologies are numerically predominant at Shanghuang. The sample of larger bodied specimens is best allocated to the medium-sized adapiform Adapoides while the smaller ones are allocated to eosimiids on the basis of the commonality of dental and tarsal remains of these taxa at Shanghuang. The digit morphology of Adapoides is similar morphologically to that of notharctines and cercamoniines, while eosimiid digit morphology is unlike living anthropoids. Other primate distal phalangeal morphologies at Shanghuang include grooming "claws" as well as specimens attributable to tarsiids, tarsiiforms, the genus Macrotarsius, and a variety of adapiforms. One group of distal phalanges at Shanghuang is morphologically indistinguishable from those of living anthropoids. All of the phalanges suggest long fingers and toes for the fossil primates of Shanghaung, and their digit morphology implies arboreality with well-developed digital flexion and strong, grasping hands and feet.



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Atypical PKC, PKCλ/ι, activates β-secretase and increases Aβ1−40/42 and phospho-tau in mouse brain and isolated neuronal cells, and may link hyperinsulinemia and other aPKC activators to development of pathological and memory abnormalities in Alzheimer’s Disease.

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging
Author(s): Mini P. Sajan, Barbara C. Hansen, Margaret G. Higgs, C. Ron Kahn, Ursula Braun, Michael Leitges, Collin R. Park, David M. Diamond, Robert V. Farese
IntroductionHyperinsulinemia activates brain Akt and PKC-λ/ι and increases Aβ1−40/42 and phospho-tau in insulin-resistant animals.MethodsHere, we examined underlying mechanisms in mice, neuronal cells and mouse hippocampal slices.ResultsLike Aβ1−40/42, β-secretase activity was increased in insulin-resistant mice and monkeys. In insulin-resistant mice, inhibition of hepatic PKC-λ/ι is sufficient to correct hepatic abnormalities and hyperinsulinemia simultaneously reversed increases in Akt, aPKC, β-secretase and Aβ1−40/42, and restored acute Akt activation ; However, two aPKC inhibitors additionally blocked insulin's ability to activate brain PKC-λ/ι and thereby increase β-secretase and Aβ1−40/42. Furthermore, direct blockade of brain aPKC simultaneously corrected an impairment in novel object recognition in high-fat-fed insulin-resistant mice. In neuronal cells and/or mouse hippocampal slices, PKC-ι/λ activation by insulin, metformin or expression of constitutive PKC-ι provoked increases in β-secretase, Aβ1−40/42 and phospho-thr-231-tau that were blocked by various PKC-λ/ι inhibitors, but not by an Akt, inhibitor.ConclusionsPKC-λ/ι provokes increases in brain β-secretase, Aβ1−40/42 and phospho-thr-231-tau. Excessive signaling via PKC-λ/ι may link hyperinsulinemia and other PKC-λ/ι activators to pathological and functional abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease.

Graphical abstract

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Subjective memory complaints are associated with brain activation supporting successful memory encoding

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 60
Author(s): Jessica M. Hayes, Lingfei Tang, Raymond P. Viviano, Sanneke van Rooden, Noa Ofen, Jessica S. Damoiseaux
Subjective memory complaints, the perceived decline in cognitive abilities in the absence of clinical deficits, may precede Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with subjective memory complaints show differential brain activation during memory encoding; however, whether such differences contribute to successful memory formation remains unclear. Here, we investigated how subsequent memory effects, activation which is greater for hits than misses during an encoding task, differed between healthy older adults aged 50 to 85 years with (n = 23) and without (n = 41) memory complaints. Older adults with memory complaints, compared to those without, showed lower subsequent memory effects in the occipital lobe, superior parietal lobe, and posterior cingulate cortex. In addition, older adults with more memory complaints showed a more negative subsequent memory effects in areas of the default mode network, including the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that for successful memory formation, older adults with subjective memory complaints rely on distinct neural mechanisms which may reflect an overall decreased task-directed attention.



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The flavonoid Baicalein attenuates cuprizone-induced demyelination via suppression of neuroinflammation

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Miho Hashimoto, Shinji Yamamoto, Kensuke Iwasa, Kota Yamashina, Masaki Ishikawa, Kei Maruyama, Francesca Bosetti, Keisuke Yoshikawa
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized by recurrent and progressive demyelination/remyelination cycles, neuroinflammation, oligodendrocyte loss, and axonal pathology. Baicalein isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. The cuprizone model is an established mouse model of MS and causes demyelination and motor dysfunction to induce neuroinflammation such as glial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. To determine whether Baicalein attenuates cuprizone-induced demyelination, we administrated Baicalein to cuprizone-exposured mice. We found that Baicalein treatment attenuated cuprizone-induced demyelination, glial activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions, and motor dysfunction. Our results suggest that Baicalein may be a useful therapeutic agent in demyelinating diseases to suppress neuroinflammation.



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The P2X7 receptor in dorsal root ganglia is involved in HIV gp120-associated neuropathic pain

Publication date: Available online 14 September 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Bing Wu, Lichao Peng, Jinyan Xie, Lifang Zou, Qicheng Zhu, Huaide Jiang, Zhihua Yi, Shouyu Wang, Yun Xue, Yun Gao, Guilin Li, Shuangmei Liu, Chunping Zhang, Guodong Li, Shangdong Liang, Huangui Xiong
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neuropathic pain is common, and studies have shown that HIV envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) can directly stimulate primary sensory afferent neurons causing hyperalgesia. The P2X7 receptor in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is involved in pain transmission and is closely related to the inflammatory and immune response. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of the P2X7 receptor in gp120-induced neuropathic pain using a rat model specific for this type of pain. The results showed that mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia and P2X7 expression levels were increased in rats treated with gp120. The P2X7 antagonist, brilliant blue G (BBG), decreased hyperalgesia and P2X7 expression levels in rats treated with gp120. BBG also decreased IL-1β and TNF-α receptor expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels and increased IL-10 expression in the gp120-treated rat DRG. In addition, P2X7 agonist (BzATP)-activated currents in DRG neurons cultured with gp120 were larger than those in control neurons, and the inhibitory effect of BBG on BzATP-induced currents in gp120-treated DRG neurons was larger than that in control neurons. Therefore, inhibition of the P2X7 receptor in rat DRG relieved gp120-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia.



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Recent advances of controlled drug delivery using microfluidic platforms

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
Author(s): Sharma T. Sanjay, Wan Zhou, Maowei Dou, Hamed Tavakoli, Lei Ma, Feng Xu, XiuJun Li
Conventional systematically-administered drugs distribute evenly throughout the body, get degraded and excreted rapidly while crossing many biological barriers, leaving minimum amounts of the drugs at pathological sites. Controlled drug delivery aims to deliver drugs to the target sites at desired rates and time, thus enhancing the drug efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability while maintaining minimal side effects. Due to a number of unique advantages of the recent microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip has provided unprecedented opportunities for controlled drug delivery. Drugs can be efficiently delivered to the target sites at desired rates in a well-controlled manner by microfluidic platforms via integration, implantation, localization, automation, and precise control of various microdevice parameters. These features accordingly make reproducible, on-demand, and tunable drug delivery become feasible. On-demand self-tuning dynamic drug delivery systems have shown great potential for personalized drug delivery. This review presents an overview of recent advances in controlled drug delivery using microfluidic platforms. The review first briefly introduces microfabrication techniques of microfluidic platforms, followed by detailed descriptions of numerous microfluidic drug delivery systems that have significantly advanced the field of controlled drug delivery. Those microfluidic systems can be separated into four major categories, namely drug carrier-free micro-reservoir-based drug delivery systems, highly integrated carrier-free microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, drug carrier-integrated microfluidic systems, and microneedles. Microneedles can be further categorized into five different types, i.e. solid, porous, hollow, coated, and biodegradable microneedles, for controlled transdermal drug delivery. At the end, we discuss current limitations and future prospects of microfluidic platforms for controlled drug delivery.

Graphical abstract

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Multicenter Research Studies in Radiology

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Brittany Z. Dashevsky, Zachary L. Bercu, Priya R. Bhosale, Kirsteen R. Burton, Arindam R. Chatterjee, L. Alexandre R. Frigini, Laura Heacock, Edward H. Herskovits, James T. Lee, Naveen Subhas, Ashish P. Wasnik, Soterios Gyftopoulos
Rationale and ObjectivesHere we review the current state of multicenter radiology research (MRR), and utilize a survey of experienced researchers to identify common advantages, barriers, and resources to guide future investigators.Materials and MethodsThe Association of University Radiologists established a Radiology Research Alliance task force, Multi-center Research Studies in Radiology, composed of 12 society members to review MRR. A REDCap survey was designed to gain more insight from experienced researchers. Recipients were authors identified from a PubMed database search, utilizing search terms "multicenter" or "multisite" and "radiology." The survey included investigator background information, reasons why, barriers to, and resources that investigators found helpful in conducting or participating in MRR.ResultsThe survey was completed by 23 of 80 recipients (29%), the majority (76%) of whom served as a primary investigator on at least one MRR project. Respondents reported meeting collaborators at national or international (74%) and society (39%) meetings. The most common perceived advantages of MRR were increased sample size (100%) and improved generalizability (91%). External funding was considered the most significant barrier to MRR, reported by 26% of respondents. Institutional funding, setting up a central picture archiving and communication system, and setting up a central database were considered a significant barrier by 30%, 22%, and 22% of respondents, respectively. Resources for overcoming barriers included motivated staff (74%), strong leadership (70%), regular conference calls (57%), and at least one face-to-face meeting (57%).ConclusionsBarriers to MRR include funding and establishing a central database and a picture archiving and communication system. Upon embarking on an MRR project, forming a motivated team who meets and speaks regularly is essential.



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Low-intensity Vibration Therapy for Bone Health in Renal Osteodystrophy

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Sachin Sharma, Garry E. Gold




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Differential Aging Signals in Abdominal CT Scans

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Nikita V. Orlov, Sokratis Makrogiannis, Luigi Ferrucci, Ilya G. Goldberg
Rationale and ObjectivesChanges in the composition of body tissues are major aging phenotypes, but they have been difficult to study in depth. Here we describe age-related change in abdominal tissues observable in computed tomography (CT) scans. We used pattern recognition and machine learning to detect and quantify these changes in a model-agnostic fashion.Materials and MethodsCT scans of abdominal L4 sections were obtained from Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) participants. Age-related change in the constituent tissues were determined by training machine classifiers to differentiate age groups within male and female strata ("Younger" at 50–70 years old vs "Older" at 80–99 years old). The accuracy achieved by the classifiers in differentiating the age cohorts was used as a surrogate measure of the aging signal in the different tissues.ResultsThe highest accuracy for discriminating age differences was 0.76 and 0.72 for males and females, respectively. The classification accuracy was 0.79 and 0.71 for adipose tissue, 0.70 and 0.68 for soft tissue, and 0.65 and 0.64 for bone.ConclusionsUsing image data from a large sample of well-characterized pool of participants dispersed over a wide age range, we explored age-related differences in gross morphology and texture of abdominal tissues. This technology is advantageous for tracking effects of biological aging and predicting adverse outcomes when compared to the traditional use of specific molecular biomarkers. Application of pattern recognition and machine learning as a tool for analyzing medical images may provide much needed insight into tissue changes occurring with aging and, further, connect these changes with their metabolic and functional consequences.



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Temporal changes in motor variability during prolonged lifting/lowering and the influence of work experience

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Alireza Sedighi, Maury A. Nussbaum
Ankle braces are a common treatment to reduce ankle sprain recurrence among individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Bracing provides supplemental external joint stiffness and/or improved proprioceptive acuity. The goals of this study were to assess the effects of two ankle braces on joint position sense (JPS) and ankle stiffness, and determine whether bracing effects are reduced with localized muscle fatigue. Measures of JPS and ankle stiffness were obtained from participants with CAI (n=12) for three conditions (no brace, a neoprene wrap brace, and a semi-rigid brace), before and after inducing localized muscle fatigue at the ankle. Pre-fatigue JPS measures did not differ between brace conditions, but pre-fatigue stiffness was ∼0.8 and 2.5 Nm/rad (∼5 and 14%) greater for the semi-rigid brace than the neoprene and no brace conditions, respectively. Fatigue increased absolute JPS errors by 0.3° (∼6-12%) across all conditions. Stiffness was unaffected by fatigue among females. Among males, fatigue increased stiffness by 0.75 Nm/rad (∼3.3%) with the semi-rigid brace and decreased stiffness by 0.32 Nm/rad (1.5%) with no brace. The semi-rigid brace may better protect males from sprains while either brace may be effective for females.



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Effects of tetramethylpyrazine phosphate on pancreatic islet microcirculation in SD rats

Abstract

Purposes

Abnormal islet microcirculation impetus the insulin production and accelerates progression of Type 1 and 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated whether tetramethylpyrazine phosphate (TMPP), a vasoactive substance, could regulate the islet microcirculation and insulin concentration and improve glycaemia in SD rats.

Methods

SD rats were randomly divided into two groups, the control and TMPP groups. Each group was further divided into three subgroups according to the intravenous injection of either saline, 15 or 30% glucose. The non-radioactive microsphere technique was adopted to measure the organ blood flow. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blocker l-NAME was used to address whether NO was involved in mediating the vasoactive effects of TMPP.

Results

In the TMPP group, TMPP increased the PBF (pancreatic blood flow), IBF (islet blood flow), and fIBF (fraction of islet blood flow out of pancreatic blood flow) by 57, 76 and 47%, respectively, after 30% glucose infusion, compared with the control, indicating that TMPP could regulate islet microcirculation. Furthermore, TMPP induced a 66% elevation of IBF and 37% of fIBF in the 30% glucose subgroups than the 15% ones. In 30% glucose-treated subgroups, TMPP improved the blood glucose concentration by 10%, compared with the control (19.3 ± 0.64 vs 17.32 ± 0.56 mmol/l, P < 0.05), without influencing the insulin secretion. Blocking NO formation prevented the enhanced PBF and IBF, evoking by TMPP with 30% glucose.

Conclusions

TMPP can regulate the pancreatic islet microcirculation and possess a hypoglycemia effect after glucose infusion through affecting the islet microcirculation.

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A retrospective review of initial bisphosphonate infusion in an inpatient vs. outpatient setting for bisphosphonate naïve patients

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


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Evaluation of neurodevelopment of children with congenital hypothyroidism by the Denver Developmental Screening Test

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


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Peucedanum japonicum extract attenuates allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting Th2 cell activation and production of pro-inflammatory mediators

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Jin Mi Chun, A-reum Lee, Hyo Seon Kim, A Yeong Lee, Gyo Jeong Gu, Byeong Cheol Moon, Bo-In Kwon
Ethnopharmacological relevance:The root of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb is traditionally used to treat coughs, colds, headache and inflammatory diseases in Korea and Japan. Its effects on allergic lung inflammation have not been investigated.Aim of the study:To investigate the anti-asthmatic effects of Peucedanum japonicum extract (PJE) using a murine model of asthma and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cell line.Materials and Methods:Mice underwent two rounds of sensitization with ovalbumin 1 week apart followed by four intranasal ovalbumin challenges on days 13–16. The control group received saline only. Two ovalbumin-sensitized groups were orally administered vehicle or PJE (200mg/kg) 5 days a week starting 1 week before the first ovalbumin sensitization. The third group was orally administered the asthma medication Montelukast (10mg/kg) on days 12–16. All animals were sacrificed on day 17. The lungs were assessed for histological features, inflammatory cell infiltration, Th2 cell activation and GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA-3) expression. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was assessed for type 2 cytokine levels. The effect of PJE on the in vitro Th2 polarization of naïve CD4⁺ splenocytes and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was evaluated.Results:PJE treatment inhibited OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, eosinophilia, Th2 activation, and GATA-3 expression in the lung, reduced the interleukin (IL)−5 and IL-13 levels in BALF, down-regulated Th2 activation in vitro, and inhibited the macrophage production of inducible nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6. Conclusions:PJE attenuated allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting Th2 cell activation and macrophage production of inflammatory mediators. Peucedanum japonicum may be candidate therapy for allergic lung inflammation.

Graphical abstract

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Metagenomic Shotgun Sequencing and Unbiased Metabolomic Profiling Identify Specific Human Gut Microbiota and Metabolites Associated with Immune Checkpoint Therapy Efficacy in Melanoma Patients

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Neoplasia, Volume 19, Issue 10
Author(s): Arthur E. Frankel, Laura A. Coughlin, Jiwoong Kim, Thomas W. Froehlich, Yang Xie, Eugene P. Frenkel, Andrew Y. Koh
This is the first prospective study of the effects of human gut microbiota and metabolites on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICT) response in metastatic melanoma patients. Whereas many melanoma patients exhibit profound response to ICT, there are fewer options for patients failing ICT—particularly with BRAF-wild-type disease. In preclinical studies, specific gut microbiota promotes regression of melanoma in mice. We therefore conducted a study of the effects of pretreatment gut microbiota and metabolites on ICT Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors response in 39 metastatic melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab plus nivolumab (IN), or pembrolizumab (P). IN yielded 67% responses and 8% stable disease; P achieved 23% responses and 23% stable disease. ICT responders for all types of therapies were enriched for Bacteroides caccae. Among IN responders, the gut microbiome was enriched for Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides thetaiotamicron, and Holdemania filiformis. Among P responders, the microbiome was enriched for Dorea formicogenerans. Unbiased shotgun metabolomics revealed high levels of anacardic acid in ICT responders. Based on these pilot studies, both additional confirmatory clinical studies and preclinical testing of these bacterial species and metabolites are warranted to confirm their ICT enhancing activity.



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Targeting immune modulatory pathways in cancer

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Philipp Beckhove




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Depressed serum IgM levels in SLE are restricted to defined subgroups

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Caroline Grönwall, Uta Hardt, Johanna T. Gustafsson, Kerstin Elvin, Kerstin Jensen-Urstad, Marika Kvarnström, Giorgia Grosso, Johan Rönnelid, Leonid Padykov, Iva Gunnarsson, Gregg J. Silverman, Elisabet Svenungsson
Natural IgM autoantibodies have been proposed to convey protection from autoimmune pathogenesis. Herein, we investigated the IgM responses in 396 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, divided into subgroups based on distinct autoantibody profiles. Depressed IgM levels were more common in SLE than in matched population controls. Strikingly, an autoreactivity profile defined by IgG anti-Ro/La was associated with reduced levels of specific natural IgM anti-phosphorylcholine (PC) antigens and anti-malondialdehyde (MDA) modified-protein, as well total IgM, while no differences were detected in SLE patients with an autoreactivity profile defined by anti-cardiolipin/β2glycoprotein-I. We also observed an association of reduced IgM levels with the HLA-DRB1*03 allelic variant among SLE patients and controls. Associations of low IgM anti-PC with cardiovascular disease were primarily found in patients without antiphospholipid antibodies. These studies further highlight the clinical relevance of depressed IgM, and suggest that low IgM levels in a SLE patient may reflect underlying immunological differences.



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Antennal and behavioral responses of Mythimna separata (Walker) to three plant volatiles

Abstract

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, is distributed widely in eastern Asia and Australia. The response of M.separata to 27 compounds identified from plant volatiles was determined from electroantennography (EAG) and wind tunnel results, which allowed an evaluation of the possible plant volatile compounds. The highest EAG values of males were elicited by trans-2,cis-6-nonadienal, and virgin females by benzyl alcohol. The amplitude in EAG dose-response was in the range of 0.24 to 2.87 mV. In the wind tunnel bioassays, significantly more females showed behavioral responses to wilting leaves and headspace collection of Pterocarya stenoptera rather than control. In addition, significantly more females flew upwind with beta-ocimene compared with the control. The number of females that landed at the source with cis-3-hexen-1-ol, phenylethyl alcohol, trans-2-nonenal, and 2-pentylfuran was significantly different from the number that moved towards control.

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Bringing together raptor collections in Europe for contaminant research and monitoring in relation to chemicals regulations

Abstract

Raptors are good sentinels of environmental contamination and there is good capability for raptor biomonitoring in Europe. Raptor biomonitoring can benefit from natural history museums (NHMs), environmental specimen banks (ESBs) and other collections (e.g. specialist raptor specimen collections). Europe's NHMs, ESBs and other collections hold large numbers of raptor specimens and samples, covering long periods of time. These collections are potentially a valuable resource for contaminant studies over time and space. There are strong needs to monitor contaminants in the environment to support EU and national chemical management. However, data on raptor specimens in NHMs, ESBs and other collections are dispersed, few are digitised, and they are thus not easy to access. Specimen coverage is patchy in terms of species, space and time. Contaminant research with raptors would be facilitated by creating a framework to link relevant collections, digitising all collections, developing a searchable meta-database covering all existing collections, making them more visible and accessible for contaminant research. This would also help identify gaps in coverage and stimulate specimen collection to fill gaps in support of prioritised contaminant monitoring. Collections can further support raptor biomonitoring by making samples available for analysis on request.

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A comparative study of inorganic elements in the blood of male and female Caspian pond turtles ( Mauremys caspica ) from the southern basin of the Caspian Sea

Abstract

Due to their bioaccumulation and biomagnification pathways, inorganic elements can accumulate in high-level aquatic organisms in the food web. Then, this species can be used to monitor the quality of the environment. Blood concentration of nine inorganic elements, including possible toxic metals (An, Cu, Mn, Se, As, Ni, Cd, Pb, and Hg), in 20 males and 20 females from eight different locations with high industry and agriculture activities in Iran were evaluated in this work. Additionally, size, sex, condition index, and locations were also included and analyzed. Among the essential elements, Zn and Se presented very high concentrations (56.14 ± 2.66 and 8.44 ± 0.77 μg/g ww, respectively) in all locations. Regarding possible toxic elements, Pb and Cd presented concerning concentrations as well (0.52 and 0.58 μg/g ww); this is especially true for Pb, an element found in very high concentrations in tissues of turtles from the same area in a previous study. The sex and the size of the individuals also had significant differences in concentration of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg.

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Severe Thyrotoxicosis Secondary to Povidone-Iodine from Peritoneal Dialysis.

Related Articles

Severe Thyrotoxicosis Secondary to Povidone-Iodine from Peritoneal Dialysis.

Case Rep Endocrinol. 2017;2017:2683120

Authors: Lithgow K, Symonds C

Abstract
A 73-year-old male on home peritoneal dialysis (PD) with recent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation presented with fatigue and dyspnea. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed with TSH < 0.01 mIU/L and FT4 > 100 pmol/L. He had no personal or family history of thyroid disease. There had been no exposures to CT contrast, amiodarone, or iodine. Technetium thyroid scan showed diffusely decreased uptake. He was discharged with a presumptive diagnosis of thyroiditis. Three weeks later, he had deteriorated clinically. Possible iodine sources were again reviewed, and it was determined that povidone-iodine solution was used with each PD cycle. Methimazole 25 mg daily was initiated; however, he had difficulty tolerating the medication and continued to clinically deteriorate. He was readmitted to hospital where methimazole was restarted at 20 mg bid with high dose prednisone 25 mg and daily plasma exchange (PLEX) therapy. Biochemical improvement was observed with FT4 dropping to 48.5 pmol/L by day 10, but FT4 rebounded to 67.8 pmol/L after PLEX was discontinued. PLEX was restarted and thyroidectomy was performed. Pathology revealed nodular hyperplasia with no evidence of thyroiditis. Preoperative plasma iodine levels were greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal range. We hypothesize that the patient had underlying autonomous thyroid hormone production exacerbated by exogenous iodine exposure from a previously unreported PD-related source.

PMID: 28912982 [PubMed]

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Health-related quality of life in melanoma patients: Impact of melanoma-related limb lymphoedema

Publication date: November 2017
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 85
Author(s): Caroline A. Gjorup, Mogens Groenvold, Helle W. Hendel, Karin Dahlstroem, Krzysztof T. Drzewiecki, Tobias W. Klausen, Lisbet R. Hölmich
AimTo explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in recurrence-free melanoma patients, with a focus on the association between melanoma-related limb lymphoedema and HRQoL.MethodsHRQoL was evaluated using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the breast cancer module (EORTC QLQ-BR23) subscales body image and future perspective, the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy-General subscale social/family well-being and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data were analysed using linear and ordinal logistic regression adjusting for age and gender.ResultsA total of 431 melanoma patients who had undergone wide local excision and axillary or inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and/or complete lymph node dissection (CLND) participated. No patients had had recurrence of the disease or had received adjuvant radiotherapy. The HRQoL scores improved with time after surgery. Melanoma-related limb lymphoedema was present in 109 patients (25%). Patients with lymphoedema had significantly worse HRQoL scores in the EORTC QLQ-C30 subscales global health status/quality of life, role and social functioning, fatigue, pain and financial difficulties, as well as in the QLQ-BR23 body image subscale. No associations were found between the limb affected (upper or lower limb), clinical stage of lymphoedema, duration of lymphoedema or type of surgery (SLNB or CLND) and HRQoL. We found an interaction with age and gender in the associations between lymphoedema and HRQoL: younger patients and women with lymphoedema had worse social functioning and women had significantly more impaired body image.ConclusionsThe negative impact of melanoma-related limb lymphoedema on HRQoL emphasises the importance of developing strategies for increasing awareness and improving prevention and treatment of lymphoedema.



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Isolated limb perfusion for locally advanced angiosarcoma in extremities: A multi-centre study

Publication date: November 2017
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 85
Author(s): E.A. Huis in 't Veld, D.J. Grünhagen, C. Verhoef, H.G. Smith, A.C.J. van Akkooi, R. Jones, F. van Coevorden, A.J. Hayes, W.J. van Houdt
BackgroundAngiosarcomas are rare and aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas. The only potential curative treatment is complete surgical excision. This study reports the outcome of isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with high-dose melphalan and tumour necrosis factor α for locally advanced angiosarcoma.Material and methodsAll patients who underwent an ILP for angiosarcomas between 1991 and 2016 in three tertiary referral centres were identified from prospectively maintained databases.ResultsA total of 39 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range 6.1–60.8). Of these patients, 23 (58.9%) patients had a complete response (CR) after ILP, 10 (25.6%) had a partial response, 4 (10.3%) had stable disease and 2 (5.1%) patients had progressive disease immediately after ILP. A total of 22 patients developed local progression (56.4%), whereas nine (23.1%) developed distant metastases. The patients with CR had a significantly prolonged median local progression-free survival (PFS) (15.4 versus 7.3 months, p = 0.015) when compared with non-CR patients, and a trend towards better median overall survival (81.2 versus 14.5 months, p = 0.054). Six patients underwent multiple ILPs, whereby the CR rate of the first, second and third ILPs were 60%, 80% and 67%, respectively. Thirteen (33.3%) patients needed further surgical intervention, consisting of resection in eight patients (20.5%) and amputation in five patients (12.8%).ConclusionILP is an effective treatment option for patients with locally advanced angiosarcoma in the extremities, resulting in a high number of CRs, a high limb salvage rate and prolonged local PFS.



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Scholar : Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques, Volume 42, Issue 3, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques, Volume 42, Issue 3, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles Regional monthly runoff forecast in southern Canada using ANN, K-means, and L-moments techniques Carlos Escalante-Sandoval & Leonardo Amores-Rovelo Pages: 205-222 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1290552 Institutional arrangements for assessing and managing cumulative effects on watersheds: Lessons from the Grand River watershed, Ontario, Canada Jania S. Chilima, Jill A.E. Blakely, Bram F. Noble & Robert J. Patrick Pages: 223-236 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1292151 Community-based operator training and appropriate certification regimes for Indigenous water and wastewater systems Kerry Black & Edward McBean Pages: 237-247 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1294997 Indigenous water, Indigenous voice – a national water strategy for Canada's Indigenous communities Kerry Black & Edward McBean Pages: 248-257 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1333044 Ice-jam flood delineation: Challenges and research needs N. Kovachis, B.C. Burrell, M. Huokuna, S. Beltaos, B. Turcotte & M. Jasek Pages: 258-268 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1294998 Assessing the suitability of hydrometric data for trend analysis: The 'FlowScreen' package for R Jennifer R. Dierauer, Paul H. Whitfield & Diana M. Allen Pages: 269-275 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1290553 Potential phosphorus mobilization from above-soil winter vegetation assessed from laboratory water extractions following freeze–thaw cycles Tatianna M. Lozier & Merrin L. Macrae Pages: 276-288 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1331140 Climate reconstructions based on postglacial macrofossil assemblages from four river systems in southwestern Alberta Matthew S. Bolton & Alwynne B. Beaudoin Pages: 289-305 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1325716 Browse papers on image & data fusion, GIS, LiDAR & more in the International Journal of Image and Data Fusion's exclusive Editor's Choice 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.

Scholar : Journal of Natural History, Volume 51, Issue 33-34, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Journal of Natural History, Volume 51, Issue 33-34, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles Nine new species of the subgenus Stegana (Oxyphortica) from the Oriental region, with morphological and molecular evidence based on Chinese species (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Nannan Wang, Yuan Zhang, Yu Cheng & Hongwei Chen Pages: 1943-1970 | DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2017.1360960 Two new species and additional distributional records of Acmopolynema Ogloblin (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) from India Sagadai Manickavasagam , Selvaraj Palanivel & Serguei V. Triapitsyn Pages: 1971-1987 | DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2017.1356391 ORIGINAL ARTICLE The genus Cremastobaeus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae: Cremastobaeini) from India Veenakumari Kamalanathan & Prashanth Mohanraj Pages: 1989-2056 | DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2017.1357859 Original Articles Revision of the digger wasps of the Ampulicidae and Heterogynaidae (Hymenoptera) of Saudi Arabia, with the description of a new species of the enigmatic genus Heterogyna Nagy Ahmed Mostafa Soliman, Neveen Samy Gadallah, Michael Ohl & Hathal Mohammed Al Dhafer Pages: 2057-2085 | DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2017.1355492 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.

Scholar : These new articles for The American Journal of Family Therapy are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for The American Journal of Family Therapy and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Exploring Patterns of Relationship Between Trauma Symptomization and Family Constellation: Implications for Working With Trauma Presentations in Systemic Practice Emma Gatfield & Raymond Ho Pages: 1-15 | DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2017.1348267 2018 Future Directions Forum JOIN US at the 2018 Future Directions Forum for Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology - June 15-16, 2018 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.