Can pulpal floor debonding be detected from occlusal surface displacement in composite restorations?

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): João Batista Novaes, Elissa Talma, Estevam Barbosa Las Casas, Wondwosen Aregawi, Lauren Wickham Kolstad, Sue Mantell, Yan Wang, Alex Fok
ObjectivesPolymerization shrinkage of resin composite restorations can cause debonding at the tooth–restoration interface. Theory based on the mechanics of materials predicts that debonding at the pulpal floor would half the shrinkage displacement at the occlusal surface. The aim of this study is to test this theory and to examine the possibility of detecting subsurface resin composite restoration debonding by measuring the superficial shrinkage displacements.MethodsA commercial dental resin composite with linear shrinkage strain of 0.8% was used to restore 2 groups of 5 model Class-II cavities (8-mm long, 4-mm wide and 4-mm deep) in aluminum blocks (8-mm thick, 10-mm wide and 14-mm tall). Group I had the restorations bonded to all cavity surfaces, while Group II had the restorations not bonded to the cavity floor to simulate debonding. One of the proximal surfaces of each specimen was sprayed with fine carbon powder to allow surface displacement measurement by Digital Image Correlation. Images of the speckled surface were taken before and after cure for displacement calculation. The experiment was simulated using finite element analysis (FEA) for comparison.ResultsGroup I showed a maximum occlusal displacement of 34.7±6.7μm and a center of contraction (COC) near the pulpal floor. Group II had a COC coinciding with the geometric center and showed a maximum occlusal displacement of 17.4±3.8μm. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p-value=0.0007). Similar results were obtained by FEA. The theoretical shrinkage displacement was 44.6 and 22.3μm for Group I and II, respectively. The lower experimental displacements were probably caused by slumping of the resin composite before cure and deformation of the adhesive layer.SignificanceThe results confirmed that the occlusal shrinkage displacement of a resin composite restoration was reduced significantly by pulpal floor debonding. Recent in vitro studies seem to indicate that this reduction in shrinkage displacement could be detected by using the most accurate intraoral scanners currently available. Thus, subject to clinical validation, the occlusal displacement of a resin composite restoration may be used to assess its interfacial integrity.



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Characterization, mechanistic analysis and improving the properties of denture adhesives

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Afsoon Fallahi, Nona Khadivi, Nima Roohpour, Andrew M. Middleton, Mehdi Kazemzadeh-Narbat, Nasim Annabi, Ali Khademhosseini, Ali Tamayol
ObjectiveDenture adhesives are widely used to avoid the detachment and sliding of dentures. However, the adhesion properties can be affected by variation in mouth conditions such as the level of salivation. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of environmental conditions on the adhesion properties of a commercially available denture adhesive named as Poligrip^® Free manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Ltd., UK and to identify the reasons for the observed variation in its adhesion strength.MethodsThe failure mechanisms of denture adhesive have been assessed through using different physical, mechanical and thermal characterization experiments. All methods were used in different pH, temperatures, and salivation conditions and at the end, a strategy was proposed to overcome the failure of the paste in hyposalivation as well.ResultsIn vitro models mimicking the denture gingival interface were designed to evaluate the adhesion properties of the investigated adhesive. Changes in the adhesion strength in response to three major factors related to the oral conditions including level of salivation, pH, and temperature were measured. The results of lap shear, tensile test, and internal interactions suggested a cohesion failure, where the lowest adhesion strength was due to hyposalivation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and rheological analysis confirmed the importance of hydrogen bonds and hydration in the adhesion strength of the paste.SignificanceThe investigated scenarios are widely observed in patient using denture adhesives and the clinical reports have indicated the inconsistency in adhesion strength of the commercial products. After identifying the potential reasons for such behavior, methods such as the addition of tripropylene glycol methyl ether (TPME) to enhance internal hydrogen bonds between the polymers are proposed to improve adhesion in the hyposalivation scenario.



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Practical and theoretical considerations on the fracture toughness testing of dental restorative materials

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Renan Belli, Michael Wendler, José I. Zorzin, Ulrich Lohbauer
BackgroundAn important tool in materials research, development and characterization regarding mechanical performance is the testing of fracture toughness. A high level of accuracy in executing this sort of test is necessary, with strict requirements given in extensive testing standard documents. Proficiency in quality specimen fabrication and test requires practice and a solid theoretical background, oftentimes overlooked in the dental community. Aims: In this review we go through some fundamentals of the fracture mechanics concepts that are relevant to the understanding of fracture toughness testing, and draw attention to critical aspects of practical nature that must be fulfilled for validity and accuracy in results. We describe our experience with some testing methodologies for CAD/CAM materials and discuss advantages and shortcomings of different tests in terms of errors in testing the applicability of the concept of fracture toughness as a single-value material-specific property.



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Bonding strategies for MIH-affected enamel and dentin

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Norbert Krämer, Ngoc-Han Nana Bui Khac, Susanne Lücker, Vitus Stachniss, Roland Frankenberger
ObjectivesAim of the present study was to evaluate resin composite adhesion to dental hard tissues affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH).Methods94 freshly extracted human molars and incisors (53 suffering MIH) were used. 68 teeth (35 with MIH) were used for μ-TBS tests in enamel and dentin, 26 (18 with MIH) for qualitative evaluation. Specimens were bonded with Clearfil SE Bond, Scotchbond Universal, and OptiBond FL. For MIH affected enamel, additional OptiBond FL groups with NaOCl and NaOCl+Icon were investigated. Beside fractographic analysis, also qualitative evaluations were performed using SEM at different magnifications as well as histological sectioning.ResultsHighest μ-TBS values were recorded with dentin specimens (ANOVA, mod. LSD, p<0.05). Results were independent of adhesive and dentin substrate (p>0.05). Pre-test failures did not occur in dentin specimens. Sound enamel specimens exhibited significantly higher μ-TBS values than MIH enamel (p<0.05). The two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond) and the two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (Scotchbond Universal) showed the lowest values in affected enamel specimens (p<0.05) with most pre-test failures (p<0.05). OptiBond FL on affected enamel showed better results than Clearfil SE Bond (p<0.05). An additional pre-treatment of affected enamel with NaOCl or NaOCl and Icon did not enhance enamel bonding (p>0.05), however, it caused less pre-test failures (p<0.05). Micromorphological analyses revealed that conventional phosphoric acid etching produces a much less pronounced etching pattern in affected enamel and a porous structure as weak link for the resin-enamel bond was identified.SignificanceBonding to porous hypomineralized MIH enamel is the limiting factor in adhesion to MIH teeth. MIH-affected dentin may be bonded conventionally.



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Photopolymerization of cell-laden gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels using a dental curing light for regenerative dentistry

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Nelson Monteiro, Greeshma Thrivikraman, Avathamsa Athirasala, Anthony Tahayeri, Cristiane M. França, Jack L. Ferracane, Luiz E. Bertassoni
Photopolymerized hydrogels, such as gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), have desirable biological and mechanical characteristics for a range of tissue engineering applications.ObjectiveThis study aimed to optimize a new method to photopolymerize GelMA using a dental curing light (DL).MethodsLithium acylphosphinate photo-initiator (LAP, 0.05, 0.067, 0.1% w/v) was evaluated for its ability to polymerize GelMA hydrogel precursors (10% w/v) encapsulated with odontoblast-like cells (OD21). Different irradiances (1650, 2300 and 3700mW/cm²) and photo-curing times (5–20s) were tested, and compared against the parameters typically used in UV light photopolymerization (45mW/cm², 0.1% w/v Irgacure 2959 as photoinitiator). Physical and mechanical properties of the photopolymerized GelMA hydrogels were determined. Cell viability was assessed using a live and dead assay kit.ResultsComparing DL and UV polymerization methods, the DL method photopolymerized GelMA precursor faster and presented larger pore size than the UV polymerization method. The live and dead assay showed more than 80% of cells were viable when hydrogels were photopolymerized with the different DL irradiances. However, the cell viability decreased when the exposure time was increased to 20s using the 1650mW/cm² intensity, and when the LAP concentration was increased from 0.05 to 0.1%. Both DL and UV photocrosslinked hydrogels supported a high percentage of cell viability and enabled fabrication of micropatterns using a photolithography microfabrication technique.SignificanceThe proposed method to photopolymerize GelMA cell-laden hydrogels using a dental curing light is effective and represents an important step towards the establishment of chair-side procedures in regenerative dentistry.



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Impact of statistical reconstruction and compressed sensing algorithms on projection data elimination during X-ray CT image reconstruction

Abstract

Objectives

To examine the effect of incomplete, or total elimination of, projection data on computed tomography (CT) images subjected to statistical reconstruction and/or compressed sensing algorithms.

Methods

Multidetector row CT images were used. The algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and the maximum likelihood-expectation maximization (ML-EM) method were compared with filtered back-projection (FBP). Effects on reconstructed images were studied when the projection data of 360° (360 projections) were decreased to 180 or 90 projections by reducing the collection angle or thinning the image data. The total variation (TV) regularization method using compressed sensing was applied to images processed by the ART. Image noise was subjectively evaluated using the root-mean-square error and signal-to-noise ratio.

Results

When projection data were reduced by one-half or three-quarters, ART and ML-EM produced better image quality than FBP. Both ART and ML-EM resulted in high quality at a spread of 90 projections over 180° rotation. Computational loading was high for statistical reconstruction, but not for ML-EM, compared with the ART. TV regularization made it possible to use only 36 projections while still achieving acceptable image quality.

Conclusions

Incomplete projection data—accomplished by reducing the angle to collect image data or thinning the projection data without reducing the angle of rotation over which it is collected—made it possible to reduce the radiation dose while retaining image quality with statistical reconstruction algorithms and/or compressed sensing. Despite heavier computational calculation loading, these methods should be considered for reducing radiation doses.

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MassARRAY-based simultaneous detection of hotspot somatic mutations and recurrent fusion genes in papillary thyroid carcinoma: the PTC-MA assay

Abstract

Purpose

We exploited the MassARRAY (MA) genotyping platform to develop the "PTC-MA assay", which allows the simultaneous detection of 13 hotspot mutations, in the BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, TERT, AKT1, PIK3CA, and EIF1AX genes, and six recurrent genetic rearrangements, involving the RET and TRK genes in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Methods

The assay was developed using DNA and cDNA from 12 frozen and 11 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded samples from 23 PTC cases, together with positive and negative controls.

Results

The PTC-MA assay displays high sensitivity towards point mutations and gene rearrangements, detecting their presence at frequencies as low as 5%. Moreover, this technique allows quantification of the mutated alleles identified at each tested locus.

Conclusions

The PTC-MA assay is a novel MA test, which is able to detect fusion genes generated by genomic rearrangements concomitantly with the analysis of hotspot point mutations, thus allowing the evaluation of key diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers of PTC in a single experiment without any informatics analysis. As the assay is sensitive, robust, easily achievable, and affordable, it is suitable for the diagnostic practice. Finally, the PTC-MA assay can be easily implemented and updated by adding novel genetic markers, according to clinical requirements.

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Hormones in milk

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 31, Issue 4
Author(s): Andreas Hoeflich, Wieland Kiess




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3-D motion capture for long-term tracking of spontaneous locomotor behaviors and circadian sleep/wake rhythms in mouse

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 295
Author(s): Melissa Sourioux, Emma Bestaven, Etienne Guillaud, Sandrine Bertrand, Magali Cabanas, Lea Milan, Willy Mayo, Maurice Garret, Jean-René Cazalets
BackgroundLocomotor activity provides an index of an animal's behavioral state. Here, we report a reliable and cost-effective method that allows long-term (days to months) simultaneous tracking of locomotion in mouse cohorts (here consisting of 24 animals).New methodThe technique is based on a motion capture system used mainly for human movement study. A reflective marker was placed on the head of each mouse using a surgical procedure and labeled animals were returned to their individual home cages. Camera-recorded data of marker displacement resulting from locomotor movements were then analyzed with custom built software. To avoid any data loss, data files were saved every hour and automatically concatenated. Long-term recordings (up to 3 months) with high spatial (<1mm) and temporal (up to 100Hz) resolution of animal movements were obtained.ResultsThe system was validated by analyzing the spontaneous activity of mice from post-natal day 30–90. Daily motor activity increased up to 70days in correspondence with maturational changes in locomotor performance. The recorded actigrams also permitted analysis of circadian and ultradian rhythms in cohort sleep/wake behavior.Comparison with existing method(s)In contrast to traditional session-based experimental approaches, our technique allows locomotor activity to be recorded with minimal experimenter manipulation, thereby minimizing animal stress.ConclusionsOur method enables the continuous long-term (up to several months) monitoring of tens of animals, generating manageable amounts of data at minimal costs without requiring individual dedicated devices. The actigraphic data collected allows circadian and ultradian analysis of sleep/wake behaviors to be performed.

Graphical abstract

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Orbital cellulitis secondary to dacryocystitis: Is it common?

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Egyptian Journal of Ear, Nose, Throat and Allied Sciences
Author(s): Salman bin Amiruddin, Balwant Singh Gendeh




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An epidemiological study of 270 cases of carcinomas of the head and neck region in a Nigerian tertiary health care facility

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Egyptian Journal of Ear, Nose, Throat and Allied Sciences
Author(s): B. Fomete, R. Agbara, E.T. Adebayo, O.D. Osunde, D.S. Adeola
IntroductionOral cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring malignant tumor and is the major cause of morbidity and mortality with high metastatic and invasive tendency. The incidence of oral cancer differs widely in various parts of the world with a range of 2–10 per 100,000 populations per year, approximately 300,000 new cases. Incidence and mortality as a result of oral cancer are higher in developing countries when compared to developed countries. This is the reason for the occurrence of the peak age in later decades of life.Patients and methodsAll consecutive cases of histologically diagnosed cases of orofacial carcinomas seen at the Maxillofacial Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria over a 10 year period were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsOver the study period, a total of 1116 cases of maxillofacial conditions were seen in the unit out of which 270 represented orofacial cancers, giving a prevalence of 24.19%. Of the 270 cases, male accounted for 159(58.9%) while females were 111(41.1%) giving a male to female ratio of 1.43:1. The age ranged from 5 to 90 years, mean (SD), 48.4(16.12) years and patients in the 4th to 6th decades (47.7%) were mostly affected. There was no gender difference in terms of distribution of the tumors according to age.ConclusionSquamous cell carcinoma of the orofacial region has continued to pose great challenges to care givers and practitioners involved in their management.



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Study of interactions between odorant molecules and the hOR1G1 olfactory receptor by molecular modeling

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Egyptian Journal of Ear, Nose, Throat and Allied Sciences
Author(s): Assia Belhassan, Hanane Zaki, Samir Chtita, Mohamed Benlyas, Tahar Lakhlifi, Mohammed Bouachrine
In order to initiate the process of determining how the molecular level receptor-odorant interactions are related to odor perception, we used the SWISS-MODEL modeling server to predict the three dimensional (3D) structure of the human olfactory receptor (hOR1G1). The model was refined using minimization and side-chain optimization using SCWRL. We then used the Autodockvina and Autodock tools to predict the binding site and binding energy for the library of 13 odorants characterized by different retention/release property values to hOR1G1 receptor, to investigate the relationship between this property and the ligand-hOR1G1 interactions. We find that when the retention property increases, hydrogen bond interactions between ligands and olfactory receptor (hOR1G1) become favorable.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Egyptian Journal of Ear, Nose, Throat and Allied Sciences, Volume 18, Issue 2





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The association between cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in adults with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Recent studies examining the association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes have shown inconsistent results. We compared the risk of CVD and diabetes between adult patients with and without AD by searching the Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Data extraction was done by two independent reviewers. We found a total of 2,855 citations, of which 53 were considered relevant based on title and abstract. Sixteen publications were included in the qualitative analysis, of which 13 were also included in a quantitative meta-analysis of crude data. No association was observed between AD and unspecified, but suspected type 2, diabetes (pooled odds ratio [OR] 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87-1.42), hypertension (pooled OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.98-1.37), stroke (pooled OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.95-1.39) or myocardial infarction (pooled OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.83-1.56), but a positive association was observed with angina pectoris (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.27-2.37). Meta-analysis on adjusted data gave similar results. While adults with AD in some populations have increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity and smoking, it is unlikely that AD represents an independent and clinically relevant risk factor for cardiometabolic disease.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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A question of class: treatment options for patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Gordon Cook, Sonja Zweegman, María-Victoria Mateos, Florence Suzan, Philippe Moreau
Multiple classes of agent with distinct mechanisms of action are now available for the treatment of patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), including immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, several different drugs may be available within each agent class, each with their own specific efficacy and safety profile. This expansion of the treatment landscape has dramatically improved outcomes for patients. However, as the treatment options for RRMM become more complex, choosing the class of agent or combination of agents to use in the relapsed setting becomes increasingly challenging. Furthermore, treatment options for specific patient populations such as the elderly, those with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities and those with refractory disease are yet to be defined in the current treatment landscape. When choosing an appropriate treatment approach, physicians must consider multiple criteria including both patient-related and disease-related factors. The aim should be to provide patient-specific treatment in order to gain a clinical benefit while minimizing toxicity. This review provides an overview of the mechanism of action and efficacy and safety profiles of each class of agent and of treatment regimens that combine different classes of agent, with a special focus on treating specific patient populations.



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A water-soluble near-infrared fluorescent probe for specific Pd2+ detection

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Jia Wen, Yinghua Lv, Pengyi Xia, Fengyu Liu, Yongqian Xu, Hongjuan Li, Su-Shing Chen, Shiguo Sun
Palladium (Pd) is widely used in chemistry, biology, environmental science etc., and Pd²⁺ is the most plenitudinous oxidation state of the Pd that can exist under physiological conditions or in living cells, which could have adverse effects on both our health and environment. Thus, it is of great significance to monitor the changes of Pd²⁺. Hence, a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe M-PD has been developed for selective detection of Pd²⁺ based on naphthofluorescein in this work. The result demonstrated that M-PD exhibited favorable properties for sensing Pd²⁺ such as excellent water solubility, high selectivity and sensitivity. And the limit of detection was estimated as 10.8 nM, much lower than the threshold in drugs (5-10 ppm) specified by European Directorate for the Quality Control of Medicines. More importantly, detection and recovery experiments of Pd²⁺ in aspirin aqoeous solution and soil are satisfactory. In addition, M-PD has also been successfully used for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of Pd²⁺ in living cells, indicating that the probe has better feasibility and application potential in the determination of Pd²⁺.

Graphical abstract

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1,5-Disubstituted 1,2,3-Triazole Linked Disaccharides: Metal-Free Syntheses and Screening of a New Class of Ribonuclease A Inhibitors

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Anirban Kayet, Dhrubajyoti Datta, Ashrukana Das, Swagata Dasgupta, Tanmaya Pathak
1,5-Regioisomeric triazole linked disccharides have been synthesized and screened for their inhibitory properties against ribonuclease A (RNase A). The angular constraint-driven 'crescent shaped' inhibitors accommodated themselves into the enzyme active site. An improved enzyme inhibition was observed with increased H-bonding ability of polar functional groups in the modified disaccharides. In this series, introduction of two carboxyl groups in the furanose rings elicited the best result with an inhibition constant of 50±3 µM. This is the first ever report on the use of disaccharides as RNase A inhibitors.

Graphical abstract

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Genotoxicity assessment of raw and treated water samples using Allium cepa assay: evidence from Perak River, Malaysia

Abstract

Allium cepa assay was carried out in this study to evaluate genotoxic effects of raw and treated water samples from Perak River in Perak state, Malaysia. Samples were collected from three surface water treatment plants along the river, namely WTPP, WTPS, and WTPK. Initially, triplicates of equal size Allium cepa (onions) bulbs, 25–30 mm in diameter and average weight of 20 g, were set up in distilled water for 24 h at 20 ± 2 °C and protected from direct sunlight, to let the roots to grow. After germination of roots (0.5–1.0 cm in length), bulbs were transferred to collected water samples each for a 96-h period of exposure. The root physical deformations were observed. Genotoxicity quantification was based on mitotic index and genotoxicity level. Statistical analysis using cross-correlation function for replicates from treated water showed that root length has inverse correlation with mitotic indices (r = − 0.969) and frequencies of cell aberrations (r = − 0.976) at lag 1. Mitotic indices and cell aberrations of replicates from raw water have shown positive correlation at lag 1 (r = 0.946). Genotoxicity levels obtained were 23.4 ± 1.98 (WTPP), 26.68 ± 0.34 (WTPS), and 30.4 ± 1.13 (WTPK) for treated water and 17.8 ± 0.18 (WTPP), 37.15 ± 0.17 (WTPS), and 47.2 ± 0.48 (WTPK) for raw water. The observed cell aberrations were adherence, chromosome delay, C-metaphase, chromosome loss, chromosome bridge, chromosome breaks, binucleated cell, mini cell, and lobulated nuclei. The morphogenetic deformations obtained were likely due to genotoxic substances presence in collected water samples. Thus, water treatment in Malaysia does not remove genotoxic compounds.

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Impact of oral cadmium intoxication on levels of different essential trace elements and oxidative stress measures in mice: a response to dose

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of oral intoxication of cadmium and the possible causes of oxidative stress and its preferential accumulation in different organs as well as sub-sequential effects in mice. Twenty-four Swiss albino male mice were divided into three groups viz., normal control group without cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), whereas a daily dose of 0.5 and 1.2 mg of CdCl₂ was orally administered for a period of a week to dose group 1 (DG-1) and dose group 2 (DG-2), respectively. A significant increase in the severity of cadmium toxicity was observed in animals as evidenced by aggravation in liver enzymes viz., serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase, whereas lower levels of antioxidative stress markers in liver and kidney tissues of treated mice were observed as compared to normal control group. A significant depletion of calcium levels in liver tissues of DG-1 (217.36 ± 1.73 μg/g of wet tissues) and DG-2 (186.41 ± 1.56 μg/g of wet tissues) groups, along with Cd accumulation, was observed. To summarize, the current study would increase our understanding with respect to dose-dependent absorption of Cd and its toxicity led to mortality as well as adverse health effects in the body of mice.

Graphical abstract

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Bioengineered silver nanoparticles as potent anti-corrosive inhibitor for mild steel in cooling towers

Abstract

Silver nanoparticle-aided enhancement in the anti-corrosion potential and stability of plant extract as ecologically benign alternative for microbially induced corrosion treatment is demonstrated. Bioengineered silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) surface functionalized with plant extract material (proteinacious) was generated in vitro in a test tube by treating ionic AgNO₃ with the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica that acted as dual reducing as well as stabilizing agent. Purity and crystallinity of the AgNPs, along with physical and surface characterizations, were evaluated by performing transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectra, single-area electron diffractions, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering measurements. Anti-corrosion studies against mild steel (MS1010) by corrosion-inducive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis EN2 isolated from cooling towers, were evaluated by performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), weight loss analysis, and surface analysis by infrared spectroscopy. Our studies revealed that AgNPs profoundly inhibited the biofilm on MS1010 surface and reduced the corrosion rates with the CR of 0.5 mm/y and an inhibition efficiency of 77% when compared to plant extract alone with a CR of 2.2 mm/y and an inhibition efficiency of 52%. Further surface analysis by infrared spectra revealed that AgNPs formed a protective layer of self-assembled film on the surface of MS1010. Additionally, EIS and surface analysis revealed that the AgNPs have inhibited the bacterial biofilm and reduced the pit on MS1010. This is the first report disclosing the application of bioengineered AgNP formulations as potent anti-corrosive inhibitor upon forming a protective layer over mild steel in cooling water towers.

Graphical Abstract

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Sugar-based collagen membrane cross-linking increases barrier capacity of membranes

Abstract

Objectives

This study examines the permeability and barrier capacity of a sugar cross-linked resorbable collagen membrane ex vivo and in vivo.

Materials and methods

In an ex vivo study, injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), a peripheral blood-derived human leukocyte-and-platelet-rich plasma was used to analyze membrane permeability. in vivo subcutaneous implantation in Wistar rats (n = 4 per time point and group) was used to investigate the barrier capacity of the membrane. The induced in vivo cellular reaction was evaluated at 3, 15, and 30 days and compared to sham OP (control) without biomaterial using histological, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric methods.

Results

Ex vivo, the membrane was impenetrable to leukocytes, platelets, and fibrin from peripheral human blood concentrate (PRF). In vivo, the membrane maintained its structure and remained impervious to cells, connective tissue, and vessels over 30 days. CD-68-positive cell (macrophage) numbers significantly decreased from 3 to 15 days, while from day 15 onwards, the number of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) increased significantly. Correspondingly, a rise in implantation bed vascularization from 15 to 30 days was observed. However, no signs of degradation or material breakdown were observed at any time point.

Conclusion

Ex vivo and in vivo results showed material impermeability to cellular infiltration of human and murine cells, which highlights the membrane capacity to serve as a barrier over 30 days. However, whether the induced MNGCs will lead to material degradation or encapsulation over the long term requires further investigation.

Clinical relevance

The data presented are of great clinical interest, as they contribute to the ongoing discussion concerning to what extent an implanted material should be integrated versus serving only as a barrier membrane.

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Focusing on claudin-5: a promising candidate in the regulation of BBB to treat ischemic stroke

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2017
Source:Progress in Neurobiology
Author(s): Jianjun Lv, Wei Hu, Zhi Yang, Tian Li, Shuai Jiang, Zhiqiang Ma, Fulin Chen, Yang Yang
Claudin-5 is a tight junction (TJ) protein in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that has recently attracted increased attention. Numerous studies have demonstrated that claudin-5 regulates the integrity and permeability of the BBB. Increased claudin-5 expression plays a neuroprotective role in neurological diseases, particularly in cerebral ischemic stroke. Moreover, claudin-5 might be a potential marker for early hemorrhagic transformation detection in ischemic stroke. In light of the distinctive effects of claudin-5 on the nervous system, we present the elaborate network of roles that claudin-5 plays in ischemic stroke. In this review, we first introduce basic knowledge regarding the BBB and the claudin family, the characterization and regulation of claudin-5, and association between claudin-5 and other TJ proteins. Subsequently, we describe BBB dysfunction and neuron-specific drivers of pathogenesis of ischemic stroke, including inflammatory disequilibrium and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we summarize promising ischemic stroke treatments that target the BBB via claudin-5, including modified rt-PA therapy, pharmacotherapy, hormone treatment, receptor-targeted therapy, gene therapy, and physical therapy. This review highlights recent advances and provides a comprehensive summary of claudin-5 in the regulation of the BBB and may be helpful for drug design and clinical therapy for treatment of ischemic stroke.



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Do cemeteries emit drugs? A case study from southern Germany

Abstract

The risk of earth burials for the environment and public health is a matter of controversial debate. The aim of the present study is to characterise the drainage of cemeteries with regard to the concentration of a number of pharmaceuticals and to the soil's hydrochemical properties, and to discuss these data in comparison with data obtained for surface waters located upstream of the cemeteries. Of the 12 drainage samples analysed using LC-ESI-MS/MS, seven contained carbamazepine (< 225 ng l⁻¹), five contained hydrochlorothiazide, one contained metoprolol (23 ng l⁻¹) and one contained traces of ibuprofen. The surface water samples contained a larger number of different drugs (8 of the 12 drugs under investigation) and higher concentrations (e.g. metropolol 2230 ng l⁻¹). The NO₃, NH₄, PO₄ and DOC concentrations and the electrical conductivity of the cemetery drainages were in several samples higher than those of the surface water samples. The NO₃ and NH₄ concentrations exceeded the legal contaminant limits of drinking water in only one case. The present study found that the release of drugs and nutrients from cemeteries, measured in surface water drug loads, presents a low environmental risk. However, the study is only a snapshot and long-term monitoring of cemetery drainages, including a broad range of pharmaceuticals and detailed hydrological investigations, will have to be carried out before more substantiated statements can be made.

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Minimally invasive dorsal sympathicotomies for the treatment of hyperhidrosis: palmar microcirculatory assessment as an intraoperative-aid

Abstract

Background

Endoscopic transthoracic sympathicotomy has proven to be an effective and durable surgical treatment for severe primary hyperhidrosis. Anyhow, in some cases, especially in overweight patients, a thick overlying subpleural fat may obscure the sympathetic chain, precluding access to the ganglia and partial or total completion of the procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the value of palmar laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) as an intraoperative-aid during minimally invasive dorsal sympathicotomies (T3) for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

Methods

The method was tested during 40 upper dorsal video-assisted minimally invasive sympathicotomies in 20 patients with bilateral palmar primary hyperhidrosis.

Results

The mean baseline LDF values were 36.05 pU (SD = 21.85 pU). The mean immediate postoperative LDF values were 75.94 pU (SD = 37.89 pU). A statistically significant difference was observed between preoperative and immediate (about 5 s after the sympathicotomies) postoperative values (p = 0.00000009).

Conclusions

According to our data, LDF allowed to obtain reliable and fast intraoperative evidence of a correct section of T3 ganglia. As such, we recommend LDF as a useful intraoperative tool when dealing with dorsal sympathicotomies for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, both for the unexperienced surgeon and when the sympathetic chain is not clearly visualized.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

http://ift.tt/2jhElUk

Laser surface modification of decellularized extracellular cartilage matrix for cartilage tissue engineering

Abstract

The implantation of autologous cartilage as the gold standard operative procedure for the reconstruction of cartilage defects in the head and neck region unfortunately implicates a variety of negative effects at the donor site. Tissue-engineered cartilage appears to be a promising alternative. However, due to the complex requirements, the optimal material is yet to be determined. As demonstrated previously, decellularized porcine cartilage (DECM) might be a good option to engineer vital cartilage. As the dense structure of DECM limits cellular infiltration, we investigated surface modifications of the scaffolds by carbon dioxide (CO₂) and Er:YAG laser application to facilitate the migration of chondrocytes inside the scaffold. After laser treatment, the scaffolds were seeded with human nasal septal chondrocytes and analyzed with respect to cell migration and formation of new extracellular matrix proteins. Histology, immunohistochemistry, SEM, and TEM examination revealed an increase of the scaffolds' surface area with proliferation of cell numbers on the scaffolds for both laser types. The lack of cytotoxic effects was demonstrated by standard cytotoxicity testing. However, a thermal denaturation area seemed to hinder the migration of the chondrocytes inside the scaffolds, even more so after CO₂ laser treatment. Therefore, the Er:YAG laser seemed to be better suitable. Further modifications of the laser adjustments or the use of alternative laser systems might be advantageous for surface enlargement and to facilitate migration of chondrocytes into the scaffold in one step.

http://ift.tt/2AZM7gh

Dynamics of HPV viral loads reflect the treatment effect of photodynamic therapy in genital warts

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 21
Author(s): Zhili Hu, Lishi Liu, Wenjing Zhang, Hui Liu, Junpeng Li, Lifen Jiang, Kang Zeng
BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has demonstrated good clinical cure rates and low recurrence rates in the treatment of genital warts. Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and viral load assays can reflect the status of persistent or latent infection and serve as a predictor of infection clearance.MethodsSpecimens from 41 patients with HPV infection were obtained, and the HPV genotypes and viral load were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Traditional treatment, such as radiofrequency, microwave, or surgical therapy, was used to remove the visible lesions, and then PDT treatment was performed every week. HPV DNA testing was performed at every patient visit and the frequency of PDT treatment was determined by changes in HPV viral loads.ResultsHPV viral loads decreased significantly after PDT treatment. There were significant differences in HPV viral loads between pretherapy and three or six rounds of PDT treatment. Significant differences were also observed between single and multiple type HPV infection after six rounds of PDT treatment. Patients with single type HPV infection had significantly higher rates of negative HPV DNA test results, as compared with patients with multiple infections after six rounds of PDT treatment; however, there was no difference in recurrence rates between the two groups.ConclusionsDynamic monitoring of HPV genotypes and viral loads can be used to guide PDT treatment and indicate PDT treatment efficacy in eliminating HPV.



http://ift.tt/2A8pean

Editorial Board

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 20





http://ift.tt/2AZp05m

Photochemical internalization (PCI) of bleomycin is equally effective in two dissimilar leiomyosarcoma xenografts in athymic mice

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 20
Author(s): Simen Sellevold, Qian Peng, Ane Sofie Viset Fremstedal, Kristian Berg
BackgroundPhotochemical internalization (PCI) is a novel technique for delivery of active macromolecules into cancerous cells, via light activation of a specific photosensitizer and a low dose systemic drug. Numerous pre-clinical studies and one clinical trial have confirmed the treatment potential in carcinomas. Soft tissue sarcomas are rare and generally resistant to radio- and chemotherapy. Due to treatment resistance and surgical morbidity in sarcoma care, we seek to increase knowledge on PCI effects in sarcomas by studying two different, but closely related leiomyosarcomas.MethodsMES-SA and SK-LMS-1 tumours were established in the leg muscles of athymic mice. Treatment effects after AlPcS2a-PCI of bleomycin, PCI with no drug (photodynamic therapy, PDT) and control groups were evaluated by: 1) assessment of tumour growth, 2) uptake of contrast agent during MRI and 3) histopathology.ResultsPCI of bleomycin induced a similar and significant increase in time to reach the end point in both tumour models, while neither responded to AlPcS2a-PDT. In the MES-SA tumours PCI reduced the growth rate, while in the SK-LMS-1 tumours the growth was blocked for 12days followed by exponential growth close to that of untreated tumours. SK-LMS-1 tumours were more homogenously and better vascularized than MES-SA. After PCI the vascular shutdown was more complete in the SK-LMS-1 tumours than in the MES-SA tumours.ConclusionsAlPcS2a-based PCI, but not PDT, induced significant tumour growth delay in the evaluated sarcomas. Cellular responsiveness to bleomycin and tumour vascularity are identified as predictive markers for PCI treatment effects.



http://ift.tt/2A90MWg

The effect of indocyanine green loaded on a novel nano-graphene oxide for high performance of photodynamic therapy against Enterococcus faecalis

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 20
Author(s): Tayebeh Akbari, Maryam Pourhajibagher, Farzaneh Hosseini, Nasim Chiniforush, Elham Gholibegloo, Mehdi Khoobi, Sima Shahabi, Abbas Bahador
BackgroundRecently developed photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained attention for achieving effective root canal disinfection. Using an optimized nontoxic photosensitizer (PS), such as indocyanine green (ICG), is an imperative part of this technique. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to improve ICG photodynamic properties through incorporation of ICG into nano-graphene oxide (NGO) in order to produce NGO-ICG as a new PS and also to assess the antimicrobial effects of NGO-ICG against Enterococcus faecalis after photodynamic therapy.Materials and methodsNGO-ICG was synthesized based on oxidation of graphite flakes and direct loading of ICG onto NGO. NGO-ICG formation was confirmed using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and UV–vis spectrometry. The antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potential of NGO-ICG-PDT against E. faecalis was assessed via colony forming unit and crystal violet assays, respectively.ResultsFT-IR, SEM and UV–vis spectrometry confirmed successful synthesis of NGO-ICG containing 200μg/mL of ICG. NGO-ICG-PDT at an energy density of 31.2J/cm² showed a significant reduction (2.81 log) in the count of E. faecalis (P<0.05). NGO-ICG-PDT significantly reduced the biofilm formation ability of E. faecalis up to 99.4% (P<0.05). The overall antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potential of NGO-ICG-PDT was higher than PDT based on ICG (1000μg/mL) (47% and 21%, respectively).ConclusionBecause NGO-ICG-PDT showed a significant reduction in the number and biofilm formation ability of E. faecalis at low ICG concentrations (200μg/mL), it could be a new approach to adjuvant treatment of endodontic infections.



http://ift.tt/2AZRnAF

Gene expression profiling of fimA gene encoding fimbriae among clinical isolates of Porphyromonas gingivalis in response to photo-activated disinfection therapy

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Volume 20
Author(s): Maryam Pourhajibagher, Abbas Bahador
BackgroundThe endodontic disinfection therapy majorly aims to eradicate microbial pathogens. Photo-activated disinfection (PAD), also known as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, is an alternative antimicrobial modality used to control the microorganisms causing endodontic infections. Notably, microorganisms may be exposed to sub-lethal doses of PAD (sPAD), influencing microbial virulence. The present study assessed the effects of sPAD on expression profiling of the gene associated with the biofilm formation being the most essential virulence factor in Porphyromonas gingivalis strain cells that survive the photodynamic reatment in vivo.Materialas and methodsSixteen clinical strains of PAD resistant P. gingivalis that were isolated in vivo, were further photosensitized in vitro with toluidine blue O (TBO), methylene blue (MB), and indocyanine green (ICG) as the photosensitizing agents, which were excited with specific wavelength of light based on the photosensitizer. After evaluating sPAD, its effects on the fimA gene expression were assessed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR).ResultsIn this study, maximum values of sPAD against P. gingivalis were 6.25μg/mL TBO at a fluency of 171.87J/cm², 15.6μg/mL ICG at fluency of 15.6J/cm², and 25μg/mL MB at fluency of 93.75J/cm². MB-, TBO-, and ICG-sPAD could cause about 4.6-, 14.4-, and 17.3-fold suppression of fimA expression, respectively. P. gingivalis strains expressed less virulence in cells surviving PAD.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the gene expression profiling was reduced in the bacterial cells, wherein greater reduction was observed for ICG-sPAD than TBO- and MB-sPAD.



http://ift.tt/2A9pMgj

BRAF -Oncogene-Induced Senescence and the Role of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Signaling in the Progression of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) explains the phenomenon of cellular senescence triggered by the action of oncogenes. It is a mechanism adopted by a cell to inhibit progression of benign tumors into malignancy, occurs in premalignant lesions, and is almost never present in malignant lesions. BRAF mutations occur in about 40–45% of all papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and of which 99.7% is the BRAFV600E mutation. A unique phenotype of the BRAFV600E mutation is the upregulation of the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) on thyrocyte membranes. Despite the overexpression of the receptor, BRAFV600E cells undergo cell cycle arrest leading to OIS via a negative feedback signaling mechanism. A simultaneous increase in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in response to hypothyroidism (common in autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis) would cause senescent tumor cells to overcome OIS and proceed towards malignancy, hence showing the importance of TSH/TSHR signaling in the development of PTCs. Increase in TSH/TSHR signaling triggers an increase in levels of downstream enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and dual-specific phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) which eventually results in the production of oncogenic proteins such as c-Myc. Therefore, the detection of these genetic alterations as effective biomarkers for premalignant lesions of PTC is important in clinical settings and techniques such as polymerase chain reaction-mediated restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and real-time PCR can be used to detect the BRAFV600E point mutation and overexpression of TSHR, MnSOD, and DUSP6, respectively.

http://ift.tt/2kpxUlE

Aprotinin and coronary artery bypass surgery

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2BM2JoQ

Procedural sedation and analgesia for adults in Europe: Safety first

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2kmh3jB

Predictive models for acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2BLj7WM

European Society of Anaesthesiology and European Board of Anaesthesiology guidelines for procedural sedation and analgesia in adults

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2BNNpbu

Safety and quality of procedural sedation and analgesia practice for adult patients throughout Europe: A step forward

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2koKBNC

Fibrinogen on Admission in Trauma score: Early prediction of low plasma fibrinogen concentrations in trauma patients

BACKGROUND Early recognition of low fibrinogen concentrations in trauma patients is crucial for timely haemostatic treatment and laboratory testing is too slow to inform decision-making. OBJECTIVE To develop a simple clinical tool to predict low fibrinogen concentrations in trauma patients on arrival. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Three designated level 1 trauma centres in the Paris Region, from January 2011 to December 2013. PATIENTS Patients admitted in accordance with national triage guidelines for major trauma and plasma fibrinogen concentration testing on admission. INTERVENTION Construction of a clinical score [Fibrinogen on Admission in Trauma (FibAT) score] in a derivation cohort to predict fibrinogen plasma concentration 1.5 g l−1 or less after multiple regressions. One point was given for each predictive factor. The score was the sum of all. Validation was performed in a separate validation cohort. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Predictive accuracy of FibAT score. RESULTS In total, 2936 patients were included, 2124 in the derivation cohort and 812 in the validation cohort. In the derivation cohort, a multivariate logistic model identified the following predictive factors for plasma fibrinogen concentrations 1.5 g l−1 or less: age less than 33 years, prehospital heart rate more than 100 beats per minute, prehospital SBP less than 100 mmHg, blood lactate concentration on admission more than 2.5 mmol l−1, free intraabdominal fluid on sonography, decrease in haemoglobin concentration from prehospital to admission of more than 2 g dl−1, capillary haemoglobin concentration on admission less than 12 g dl−1 and temperature on admission less than 36°C. The FibAT score had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 [95% confidence interval (0.86 to 0.91)] in the derivation cohort and of 0.82 (95% confidence interval (0.86 to 0.91)] in the validation cohort to predict a low plasma fibrinogen. CONCLUSION The FibAT score accurately predicts plasma fibrinogen levels 1.5 g l−1 or less on admission in trauma patients. This easy-to-use score could allow early, goal-directed therapy to trauma patients.

http://ift.tt/2ksZVJi

High versus low PEEP for abdominal surgery

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2BL6aw1

Blood glucose concentrations in prehospital trauma patients with traumatic shock: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND Deranged glucose metabolism after moderate to severe trauma with either high or low concentrations of blood glucose is associated with poorer outcome. Data on prehospital blood glucose concentrations and trauma are scarce. OBJECTIVES The primary aim was to describe the relationship between traumatic shock and prehospital blood glucose concentrations. The secondary aim was to determine the additional predictive value of prehospital blood glucose concentration for traumatic shock when compared with vital parameters alone. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of the predefined, observational database of a nationwide Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (34 bases). SETTING Emergency trauma patients treated by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service between 2005 and 2013 were investigated. PATIENTS All adult trauma patients (≥18 years) with recorded blood glucose concentrations were enrolled. OUTCOMES Primary outcome: upper and lower thresholds of blood glucose concentration more commonly associated with traumatic shock. Secondary outcome: additional predictive value of prehospital blood glucose concentrations when compared with vital parameters alone. RESULTS Of 51 936 trauma patients, 20 177 were included. In total, 220 (1.1%) patients died on scene. Hypoglycaemia (blood glucose concentration 2.8 mmol l−1 or less) was observed in 132 (0.7%) patients, hyperglycaemia (blood glucose concentration exceeding 15 mmol l−1) was observed in 265 patients (1.3%). Blood glucose concentrations more than 10 mmol l−1 (n = 1308 (6.5%)) and 2.8 mmol l−1 or less were more common in patients with traumatic shock (P 

http://ift.tt/2BNNg7W

Dobutamine and its haemodynamic effects in pleural effusion

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2ksZZc0

Median effective dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine sedation for transthoracic echocardiography examination in postcardiac surgery and normal children: An up-and-down sequential allocation trial

BACKGROUND Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been used for sedation in young infants and children undergoing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The median effective dose of intranasal DEX has not been described for postcardiac surgery children. Postcardiac surgery children could require more DEX to achieve satisfactory sedation for TTE examination than children suspected of congenital heart disease. OBJECTIVES To study whether postcardiac surgery children need a larger dose of DEX for TTE than normal children. DESIGN A double-blind sequential allocation trial with doses determined by the Dixon and Massey up-and-down method. SETTING A tertiary care teaching hospital from 25 October to 30 November 2016. PATIENTS Children under the age of 3 years requiring intranasal DEX for TTE. INTERVENTIONS Children were allocated to a postcardiac surgery group (n = 20) or a normal group (n = 19). The first patient in both groups received intranasal DEX (2 μg kg−1): using the up-and-down method of Dixon and Massey, the next dose was dependent on the previous patient's response. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Median effective dose was estimated from the up-and-down method of Dixon and Massey and probit regression. A second objective was to study haemodynamic stability and adverse events with these doses. RESULTS The median effective dose (95% confidence interval) of intranasal DEX was higher in postcardiac surgery children than in normal children, 3.3 (2.72 to 3.78) μg kg−1 versus 1.8 (1.71 to 2.04) (μg kg-1), respectively (P 

http://ift.tt/2zPpBT3

Reply to: alveolar recruitment manoeuvres after cardiac surgery

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2nvWCC9

Clinical signs and electroencephalographic patterns of emergence from sevoflurane anaesthesia in children: An observational study

BACKGROUND Few studies have systematically described relationships between clinical–behavioural signs, electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns and age during emergence from anaesthesia in young children. OBJECTIVE To identify the relationships between end-tidal sevoflurane (ETsevoflurane) concentration, age and frontal EEG spectral properties in predicting recovery of clinical–behavioural signs during emergence from sevoflurane in children 0 to 3 years of age, with and without exposure to nitrous oxide. The hypothesis was that clinical signs occur sequentially during emergence, and that for infants aged more than 3 months, changes in alpha EEG power are correlated with clinical–behavioural signs. DESIGN An observational study. SETTING A tertiary paediatric teaching hospital from December 2012 to August 2016. PATIENTS Ninety-five children aged 0 to 3 years who required surgery below the neck. OUTCOME MEASURES Time–course of, and ETsevoflurane concentrations at first gross body movement, first cough, first grimace, dysconjugate eye gaze, frontal (F7/F8) alpha EEG power (8 to 12 Hz), frontal beta EEG power (13 to 30 Hz), surgery-end. RESULTS Clinical signs of emergence followed an orderly sequence of events across all ages. Clinical signs occurred over a narrow ETsevoflurane, independent of age [movement: 0.4% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3 to 0.4), cough 0.3% (95% CI, 0.3 to 0.4), grimace 0.2% (95% CI, 0 to 0.3); P > 0.5 for age vs. ETsevoflurane]. Dysconjugate eye gaze was observed between ETsevoflurane 1 to 0%. In children more than 3 months old, frontal alpha EEG oscillations were present at ETsevoflurane 2.0% and disappeared at 0.5%. Movement occurred within 5 min of alpha oscillation disappearance in 99% of patients. Nitrous oxide had no effect on the time course or ETsevoflurane at which children showed body movement, grimace or cough. CONCLUSION Several clinical signs occur sequentially during emergence, and are independent of exposure to nitrous oxide. Eye position is poorly correlated with other clinical signs or ETsevoflurane. EEG spectral characteristics may aid prediction of clinical–behavioural signs in children more than 3 months.

http://ift.tt/2nxvtPe

Reply to: predictive models for acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2zPptD3

Estimating and reporting error rates, and detecting improvements

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2zPy9JJ

Reply to: high versus low positive end-expiratory pressure for abdominal surgery

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2nvWsL3

Reply to: estimating and reporting rates, and detecting improvements

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2zSBZlr

Reply to: aprotinin and coronary artery bypass surgery

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2nzPJ2O

Alveolar recruitment manoeuvres after cardiac surgery

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2zOZkEj

Reply to: dobutamine and its haemodynamic effects in pleural effusion

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2nwae06

Laser-captured microglia in the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's brain reveal unique regional expression profiles and suggest a potential role for hepatitis B in the Alzheimer's brain

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 63
Author(s): Diego Mastroeni, Jennifer Nolz, Shobana Sekar, Elaine Delvaux, Geidy Serrano, Lori Cuyugan, Winnie S. Liang, Thomas G. Beach, Joseph Rogers, Paul D. Coleman
Expression array data from dozens of laboratories, including our own, show significant changes in expression of many genes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared with normal controls. These data typically rely on brain homogenates, and information about transcripts specific to microglia and other central nervous system (CNS) cell types, which far outnumber microglia-specific transcripts, is lost. We therefore used single-cell laser capture methods to assess the full range of microglia-specific expression changes that occur in different brain regions (substantia nigra and hippocampus CA1) and disease states (AD, Parkinson's disease, and normal controls). Two novel pathways, neuronal repair and viral processing were identified. Based on KEGG analysis (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, a collection of biological pathways), one of the most significant viruses was hepatitis B virus (HBV) (false discovery rate < 0.00000001). Immunohistochemical analysis using HBV-core antibody in HBV-positive control, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and HBV-positive AD cases show increased HBV immunoreactivity as disease pathology increases. These results are the first, to our knowledge, to show regional differences in human microglia. In addition, these data reveal new functions for microglia and suggest a novel risk factor for AD.



http://ift.tt/2nuRPRb

Environmental enrichment improves hippocampal function in aged rats by enhancing learning and memory, LTP, and mGluR5-Homer1c activity

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 63
Author(s): Guiseppe P. Cortese, Andrew Olin, Kenneth O'Riordan, Rikki Hullinger, Corinna Burger
Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that environmental enrichment (EE) in young rats results in improved learning ability and enhanced metabotropic glutamate receptor–dependent long-term potentiation (mGluR-dependent LTP) resulting from sustained activation of p70S6 kinase. Here, we investigated whether 1-month EE is sufficient to improve hippocampus-dependent learning and memory and enhance hippocampal LTP in 23–24 month-old Fischer 344 male rats. Aged rats were housed in environmentally enriched, socially enriched, or standard housing conditions. We find that aged rats exposed to 1-month of EE demonstrate enhanced learning and memory relative to standard housed controls when tested in the Morris water maze and novel object recognition behavioral tasks. Furthermore, we find that environmentally enriched rats perform significantly better than socially enriched or standard housed rats in the radial-arm water maze and display enhanced mGluR5-dependent hippocampal LTP. Enhanced hippocampal function results from activity-dependent increases in the levels of mGluR5, Homer1c, and phospho-p70S6 kinase. These findings demonstrate that a short exposure of EE to aged rats can have significant effects on hippocampal function.



http://ift.tt/2zP38p3

Extraction and quantification system for environmental radioxenon sample analysis

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 182
Author(s): M. Sabzian, M.N. Nasrabadi, M. Haji-Hosseini
A xenon dynamic adsorption setup based on granular activated carbon packed column was developed. The adsorption behavior of xenon under different experimental conditions was studied and the results used to design an appropriate adsorber column for specific conditions. The resulting radioxenon gas extraction and quantification setup was evaluated based on an inter-comparison exercise and standard sample analysis results. The results showed that the quantification setup achieves experimental rules with uncertainty of ±3%.



http://ift.tt/2BHoia1

Co-delivery of human cancer-testis antigens with adjuvant in protein nanoparticles induces higher cell-mediated immune responses

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 156
Author(s): Medea Neek, Jo Anne Tucker, Tae Il Kim, Nicholas M. Molino, Edward L. Nelson, Szu-Wen Wang
Nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest as cancer vaccine delivery vehicles for inducing sufficient CD8⁺ T cell-mediated immune responses to overcome the low immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment. Our studies described here are the first to examine the effects of clinically-tested human cancer-testis (CT) peptide epitopes within a synthetic nanoparticle. Specifically, we focused on two significant clinical CT targets, the HLA-A2 restricted epitopes of NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3, using a viral-mimetic packaging strategy. Our data shows that simultaneous delivery of a NY-ESO-1 epitope (SLLMWITQV) and CpG using the E2 subunit assembly of pyruvate dehydrogenase (E2 nanoparticle), resulted in a 25-fold increase in specific IFN-γ secretion in HLA-A2 transgenic mice. This translated to a 15-fold increase in lytic activity toward target cancer cells expressing the antigen. Immunization with a MAGE-A3 epitope (FLWGPRALV) delivered with CpG in E2 nanoparticles yielded an increase in specific IFN-γ secretion and cell lysis by 6-fold and 9-fold, respectively. Furthermore, combined delivery of NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 antigens in E2 nanoparticles yielded an additive effect that increased lytic activity towards cells bearing NY-ESO-1⁺ and MAGE-A3⁺. Our investigations demonstrate that formulation of CT antigens within a nanoparticle can significantly enhance antigen-specific cell-mediated responses, and the combination of the two antigens in a vaccine can preserve the increased individual responses that are observed for each antigen alone.



http://ift.tt/2A6WbDX

Experimental dataset on acid treated eggshell for removing cyanide ions from synthetic and industrial wastewaters

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Ghorban Asgari, Alireza Dayari
The data current in this article are associated to the efficacy of acid treated eggshell as eggshell membrane (ESM) as an adsorbent for eliminating cyanide ion from synthetic and industrial wastewaters. This article describes the effects of selected factors such as pH (3–11), contact time (5–60min), cyanide ion concentrations (50–150mg/L), ESM dose (0.25–2g/L), and solution temperature (20–50) on the removal cyanide ion from aqueous solution. The maximum cyanide ion removal obtained at a solution pH of 9–11. The kinetic data agreed with the pseudo-second-order kinetic. The equilibrium adsorption data at different temperatures well set through Langmuir equation. FTIR and thermodynamic data describe main adsorption phenomenon in cyanide ion onto ESM could be the ion exchange and chemisorption.



http://ift.tt/2imA80R

The concentration data of heavy metals in Iranian grown and imported rice and human health hazard assessment

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Ali Jafari, Bahram Kamarehie, Mansour Ghaderpoori, Nahid Khoshnamvand, Mehdi Birjandi
The aim of this study was to review the prevalence of rice contamination to heavy metals in Iranian grown and imported rice brands by conducting a systematic review and assess the related human health risk. Multiple keywords such as "rice, heavy metals, and Iran" were used to search in related databases. The average concentration of Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni and Co for Iranian grown/imported rice were calculated as 0.16±0.08/0.13±0.05, 0.196±0.16/0.55±0.56, 0.046±0.002/0.057±0.0035,0.29±0.05/0.61±0.31, 26.13±10.3/3.46±2.49, 0.22±0.04/0.76±0.101, 16±7.3/2.08±0.34 and 0.29±0.047/0.29±0.07mgkg⁻¹, respectively. Except Co, there were significant differences between Iranian and imported rice brands. Estimated weekly intake for none of the metals exceeds the provisional tolerable weekly intake value. Accordingly, the rice types consumed in Iran have no health hazard for consumers.



http://ift.tt/2AVmIEc

High-frequency electrical stimulation (HFES) data lean and obese Zucker rat tibialis anterior muscle: Regulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B) associated proteins

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Gautam K. Ginjupalli, Kevin M. Rice, Anjaiah Katta, Nandini D.P.K. Manne, Ravikumar Arvapalli, Miaozong Wu, Shinichi Asano, Eric R. Blough
Anaerobic exercise has been advocated as a prescribed treatment for the management of diabetes: however, alterations in exercise-induced signaling remain largely unexplored in the diabetic muscle. Here, we compare the basal and the in situ contraction-induced phosphorylation of the AMPK, GSK3beta, and Shp2 in the lean and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rat tibialis anterior (TA) muscle following a single bout of contractile stimuli. This article represents data associated with prior publications from our lab (Katta et al., 2009; Katta et al., 2009; Tullgren et al., 1991) [1–3] and concurrent Data in Brief articles (Ginjupalli et al., 2017; Rice et al., 2017; Rice et al., 2017; Rice et al., 2017) [4–7].



http://ift.tt/2irkCkB

Lean and Obese Zucker Rat Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFES) Data: Regulation of p70S6kinase Associated Proteins

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Kevin M. Rice, Anjaiah Katta, Nandini D.P.K. Manne, Ravikumar Arvapalli, Gautam K. Ginjupalli, Miaozong Wu, Shinichi Asano, Eric R. Blough
Anaerobic exercise has been advocated as a prescribed treatment for the management of diabetes: however, alterations in exercise-induced signaling remain largely unexplored in the diabetic muscle. Here, we compare the basal and the in situ contraction-induced phosphorylation of the AKT, GSK3beta, mTor, p70s6K, Pten, and Shp2 in the lean and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rat Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) muscle following a single bout of contractile stimuli. This article represents data associated with prior publications from our lab (Katta et al., 2009a, 2009b; Tullgren et al., 1991) [1–3] and concurrent Data in Brief articles (Ginjupalli et al., 2017a, 2017b; Rice et al., 2017a, 2017b) [4–7].



http://ift.tt/2AVmD3m

Scholar : These new articles for International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Book Reviews Intermedial praxis and practice as research: 'Doing Thinking' in practice Liam Jarvis Pages: 1-2 | DOI: 10.1080/14794713.2018.1412214 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 Activities, Adaptation & Aging are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Activities, Adaptation & Aging and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Impact on Quality of Life Following the Implantable Miniature Telescope Procedure Tara L. Boehne & Vanessa D. Jewell Pages: 1-13 | DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2017.1398032 Perceptions of Changing Communities among Rural Elders: Impact on Well-Being Jane Strommen & Gregory F. Sanders Pages: 1-15 | DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2017.1398033 Developing Age-Friendly Social Participation Strategies: Service Providers' Perspectives about Organizational and Sector Readiness for Aging Baby Boomers Jennifer A. Hewson, Crystal Kwan, Marta Shaw & Daniel W. L. Lai Pages: 1-25 | DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2017.1398034 An Investigation of the Effectiveness of A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader Model (AMOB/VLL): Findings from a Community Senior Center Christiana Walters & Meredith Troutman-Jordan Pages: 1-12 | DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2017.1376174 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.

Scholar : These new articles for Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction are available online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles The one and the many: Joshua Ferris's Then We Came to the End Alison Russell Pages: 1-13 | DOI: 10.1080/00111619.2017.1378613 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.

Metallothionein in Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) larvae (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a potential biomarker for organic waste system

Abstract

Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), is an important economic fly as its larvae can be used for recycling organic waste, such as food waste and manure. H. illucens larvae (BSFL) could uptake Cd from substrates and accumulate it inside bodies, which need to be monitored during waste treatment. Metallothionein (MT) usually serve as biomarker because of its role in metal homeostasis, detoxification, and dose response of heavy metals. Therefore, a MT gene was cloned from H. illucens (HIMT) that encoded 40 amino acids with typical cysteine rich features, which had a high sequence identity with other insect MTs. The expression of HIMT and total MT protein was measured in BSFL fed by meals spiked with gradient dose of Cd (0, 5, 50, 500 mg/kg) for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Dose-associated response of HIMT and total MT were found and the possible correlative range of Cd was from 5 to 50 mg/kg. The expression of HIMT might be a potential biomarker for monitoring Cd contamination by H. illucens in terrestrial organic matters, which might further apply in waste transformation system.

http://ift.tt/2zO7InB

Commercial silicate phosphate sequestration and desorption leads to a gradual decline of aquatic systems

Abstract

Laboratory desorption behaviour, function and elemental composition of commercially marketed silicate minerals used to sequester phosphorus pollution as well as Zeolite, Smectite, and Kaolinite were determined to see whether their use by environmental scientists and water managers in eutrophic waterways has the potential to contribute to longer-term environmental impacts. As expected, lower phosphorus concentrations were observed, following treatment. However, data relating to desorption, environmental fate and bioavailability of phospho-silicate complexes (especially those containing rare earth elements) appear to be underrepresented in product testing and trial publications. Analysis of desorption of phosphate (P) was > 5 μg[P]/L for all three non-commercial samples and 0 > μg[P]/L > 5 for all commercial silicates for a range of concentrations from 0 to 300 μg[P]/L. Based on a review of bioaccumulation data specific to the endangered Cherax tenuimanus (Hairy Marron) and other endemic species, this is significant considering anything > 20 μg[La]/L is potentially lethal to the hairy marron, other crustaceans and even other phyla. Where prokaryotic and eukaryotic effects are underreported, this represents a significant challenge. Especially where product protocols recommend continual reapplication, this is significant because both the forward and reverse reactions are equally important. The users of silicate minerals in water columns should accept the dynamic nature of the process and pay equal attention to both adsorption and desorption because desorption behaviour is an inherent trait. Even if broader desorption experimentation is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, it is a critical consideration nonetheless.

http://ift.tt/2zO7AED

Non-specific effects and clusters of women with painful TMD responders and non-responders to LLLT: double-blind randomized clinical trial

Abstract

The aim was to analyze the non-specific effects (placebo, spontaneous remission, and regression to the mean) of the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in women with myofascial pain (painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD)), as well as to differentiate between responders and non-responder clusters to active and placebo LLLT according to the anxiety levels, salivary cortisol, use of oral contraceptives, and premenstrual period. Sixty-four women diagnosed with myofascial pain (Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD)) were included, divided into laser (n = 20), placebo group (n = 21), and 23 controls (without treatment (WT)). The LLLT applied was 780 nm, masseter and temporal = 5 J/cm² (20 mW–0.5 W/cm²), and TMJ area = 7.5 J/cm² (30 mW–0.8 W/cm²), eight sessions, twice a week. The pain intensity (visual analogue scale (VAS)), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), salivary cortisol, and menstrual cycle's data at the baseline, T1–T8, and 30 days after LLLT (follow-up) were evaluated. The laser group showed 80% of pain reduction, placebo 85%, and WT 43% in T8. Women with severe anxiety and at the premenstrual period did not reduce pain with any LLLT. Active and placebo LLLT had similar effectiveness during the treatment period; however, women with moderate anxiety, cortisol levels above 10 ng/ml, and without contraceptive use maintain analgesia longer with active LLLT than placebo (follow-up 30 days). Women with low levels of anxiety, salivary cortisol below 10 ng/ml, and with contraceptive use showed the higher pain reduction. The analgesia promoted by LLLT in women with myofascial pain is a result of non-specific effects during the treatment period, although active LLLT is more effective in maintaining the analgesia after treatment (30 days) for the cluster of women with moderate anxiety, salivary cortisol above 10 ng/ml, and without contraceptive use.

http://ift.tt/2zPbJYQ

Triiodothyronine differentially modulates the LH and FSH synthesis and secretion in male rats

Abstract

Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis produce adverse effects in male reproduction by unknown mechanisms. We investigated whether triiodothyronine (T3) modulates luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis/secretion, by inducing different thyroid states. In hypothyroidism, the content of Lhb and Fshb mRNAs was increased, while their association to ribosomes and the protein content were reduced and the serum LH and FSH concentrations were augmented and decreased, respectively. Thyrotoxicosis reduced Lhb mRNA and LH serum concentration, and increased Lhb mRNA translational rate. The Fshb mRNA content and its association to ribosomes were also increased, whereas FSH serum concentrations were comparable to euthyroid levels. Acute T3 treatment decreased the total content of Lhb and Fshb mRNAs, and increased their association to ribosomes, as well as the LHB and FSHB contents in secretory granules. This study shows that T3 acts on gonadotrophs, resulting in direct effects on LH and FSH synthesis/secretion of male rats, suggesting that some reproductive disorders observed in men may be associated with thyroid hormone imbalances.

http://ift.tt/2BL37Uq

Response to “Phase IV head-to-head randomised controlled trial comparing ingenol mebutate 0.015% gel with diclofenac sodium 3% gel for the treatment of actinic keratosis on the face or scalp” – reply from authors

Abstract

We thank Drs Malvehy and Puig for their comments on the article; our responses follow. Drs Malvehy and Puig correctly note that the primary endpoint is complete clearance at the end of the first treatment course. Here, the rates are 34.5% for IngMeb and 23.5% for DS. It is not clear why Malvehy and Puig believe that a comparison at the same time point would be better.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2jR1PPM

Insight into litter decomposition driven by nutrient demands of symbiosis system through the hypha bridge of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in litter decomposition. This study investigated how soil nutrient level affected the process. Results showed that AMF colonization had no significant effect on litter decomposition under normal soil nutrient conditions. However, litter decomposition was accelerated significantly under lower nutrient conditions. Soil microbial biomass in decomposition system was significantly increased. Especially, in moderate lower nutrient treatment (condition of half-normal soil nutrient), litters exhibited the highest decomposition rate, AMF hypha revealed the greatest density, and enzymes (especially nitrate reductase) showed the highest activities as well. Meanwhile, the immobilization of nitrogen (N) in the decomposing litter remarkably decreased. Our results suggested that the roles AMF played in ecosystem were largely affected by soil nutrient levels. At normal soil nutrient level, AMF exhibited limited effects in promoting decomposition. When soil nutrient level decreased, the promoting effect of AMF on litter decomposition began to appear, especially on N mobilization. However, under extremely low nutrient conditions, AMF showed less influence on decomposition and may even compete with decomposer microorganisms for nutrients.

http://ift.tt/2zOe0Uq

Contiguous verrucous proliferations in syringocystadenoma papilliferum: a retrospective analysis with additional evaluation via mutation-specific BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) is a benign adnexal neoplasm with apocrine differentiation.^1,2 which may be derived from pluripotent cells.³ The lesion may develop within a pre-existing nevus sebaceus, but the majority of cases arise sporadically.³ Congenital lesions in a Blaschkoid distribution have also been reported, and these cases are thought to represent genetic mosaicism.^4,5,6 The tumor has a varied clinical appearance, but typically presents as a raised warty, hairless plaque or nodule.³

http://ift.tt/2BAMbiO

Triiodothyronine differentially modulates the LH and FSH synthesis and secretion in male rats

Abstract

Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis produce adverse effects in male reproduction by unknown mechanisms. We investigated whether triiodothyronine (T3) modulates luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis/secretion, by inducing different thyroid states. In hypothyroidism, the content of Lhb and Fshb mRNAs was increased, while their association to ribosomes and the protein content were reduced and the serum LH and FSH concentrations were augmented and decreased, respectively. Thyrotoxicosis reduced Lhb mRNA and LH serum concentration, and increased Lhb mRNA translational rate. The Fshb mRNA content and its association to ribosomes were also increased, whereas FSH serum concentrations were comparable to euthyroid levels. Acute T3 treatment decreased the total content of Lhb and Fshb mRNAs, and increased their association to ribosomes, as well as the LHB and FSHB contents in secretory granules. This study shows that T3 acts on gonadotrophs, resulting in direct effects on LH and FSH synthesis/secretion of male rats, suggesting that some reproductive disorders observed in men may be associated with thyroid hormone imbalances.

http://ift.tt/2BL37Uq

Hidradenitis and smoking – reply from authors

Abstract

We thank Saleem et al., for providing commentary on a relevant aspect of statistical analysis and interpretation as it relates to our study, the primary objective for which was to assess the directionality and strength of relationship between tobacco smoking (TS) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).¹ To our knowledge, no previous population-based study has evaluated the effect of TS on actual incidence of disease. While we were able to establish that smokers had twice the adjusted likelihood of incident disease compared to non-smokers, we agree that relative measures of risk may overestimate the effect of an exposure, particularly when the outcome of interest is rare.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2BA6CML

PBPK/PD assessment for Parkinson’s disease risk posed by airborne pesticide paraquat exposure

Abstract

Exposure to several specific pesticides has led to an increase of Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. However, it is difficult to quantify the PD population risk related to certain pesticides in regions where environmental exposure data are scarce. Furthermore, the time trend of the prevalence and incidence of PD embedded in the background relationship between PD risk and pesticide exposures has not been well characterized. It has been convincingly identified that a key pesticide associated significantly with an increased risk trend of PD is paraquat (PQ). Here, we present a novel, probabilistic population-based exposure-response approach to quantify the contribution from PQ exposure to prevalence risk of PD. We found that the largest PQ exposure contributions occurred in its positive trend during 2004–2011, with the PQ contributing nearly 21 and 24%, respectively, to the PD prevalence rates among the age groups of 70–79 and ≥ 80 years in Taiwan. We also employed the present population risk model to predict the PQ-induced PD prevalence based on the projected rates of increase in PQ exposure associated with age-specific population. The predicted outcome can be used as an early warning signal for public health authorities. We suggest that a mechanistic understanding of the contribution of a specific pesticide exposure to PD risk trends is crucial to enhance our insights into the perspective on the impacts of environmental exposure on the neurodegenerative diseases.

http://ift.tt/2in1Pqo

Hydrochlorothiazide use and risk of non-melanoma skin cancer: A nationwide case-control study from Denmark

Publication date: Available online 4 December 2017
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Sidsel Arnspang, David Gaist, Sigrun Alba Johannesdottir Schmidt, Lisbet Rosenkrantz Hölmich, Søren Friis, Anton Pottegård
BackgroundHydrochlorothiazide, one of the most frequently used diuretic and antihypertensive drugs in the United States and Western Europe, is photosensitizing and has previously been linked to lip cancer.ObjectiveTo examine the association between hydrochlorothiazide use and the risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodsFrom the Danish Cancer Registry, we identified patients (cases) with NMSC during 2004-2012. Controls were matched 1:20 by age and sex. Cumulative hydrochlorothiazide use (1995-2012) was assessed from the Danish Prescription Registry. Using conditional logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) for BCC and SCC associated with hydrochlorothiazide use.ResultsHigh use of hydrochlorothiazide (≥50,000 mg) was associated with ORs of 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-1.35) for BCC and 3.98 (95% CI 3.68-4.31) for SCC. We found clear dose-response relationships between hydrochlorothiazide use and both BCC and SCC; the highest cumulative dose category (≥200,000 mg HCTZ) had ORs of 1.54 (95% CI 1.38-1.71) and 7.38 (95% CI 6.32-8.60) for BCC and SCC, respectively. Use of other diuretics and antihypertensives was not associated with NMSC.LimitationsNo data on sun exposure was available.ConclusionsHydrochlorothiazide use is associated with a substantially increased risk of NMSC, especially SCC.



http://ift.tt/2ntbiSA

The need for longer time horizons for cost-utility evaluation in bullous pemphigoid

Abstract

We read with interest the article from Mason et al offering a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing doxycycline and prednisolone as initial treatment for bullous pemphigoid (BP). ¹ As a prospective cost-utility analysis auxiliary to a multi-centre randomised controlled trial² with robust statistical modelling, the study is methodologically sound. The time horizon of the study was twelve months and the primary outcomes sought were short-term effectiveness and long-term safety.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2jgTzsV

Response to “Phase IV head-to-head randomised controlled trial comparing ingenol mebutate 0.015% gel with diclofenac sodium 3% gel for the treatment of actinic keratosis on the face or scalp”

Abstract

We read with attention the recent paper by Stockfleth et al¹ on the efficacy and safety of Ingenol Mebutate 0.015% gel (IngMb) vs. diclofenac sodium 3% gel (DS) for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). Regarding this interesting study, we would like to address some comments to the authors.In this study, the primary endpoint was complete clearance of AKs (AKCLEAR100) at end of first treatment course (Week8, IngMeb; Week17, DS).

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2BzWnYW