Predictors of Shunt Dysfunction and Overall Survival in Patients with Variceal Bleeding Treated with Transjugular Portosystemic Shunt Creation Using the Fluency Stent Graft

Publication date: Available online 17 January 2018
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Yue-Meng Wan, Yu-Hua Li, Ying Xu, Hua-Mei Wu, Ying-Chun Li, Xi-Nan Wu, Jin-Hui Yang
Rationale and ObjectivesTransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established method for portal hypertension. This study was to investigate the long-term safety, technical success, and patency of TIPS, and to determine the risk factors and clinical impacts of shunt dysfunction.Materials and MethodsA total of 154 consecutive patients undergoing embolotherapy of gastric coronary vein and/or short gastric vein and TIPS creation were prospectively studied. Follow-up data included technical success, patency and revision of TIPS, and overall survival of patients.ResultsDuring the study, the primary and secondary technical success rates were 98.7% and 100%, respectively. Sixty-three patients developed shunt dysfunction, 30 with shunt stenosis and 33 with shunt occlusion. The cumulative 60-month primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were 19.6%, 43.0%, and 93.4%, respectively. The cumulative 60-month overall survival rates were similar between the TIPS dysfunction group and the TIPS non-dysfunction group (68.6% vs. 58.6%, P = .096). Baseline portal vein thrombosis (P < .001), use of bare stents (P = .018), and portal pressure gradient (PPG) (P = .020) were independent predictors for shunt dysfunction, hepatocellular carcinoma (P < .001), and ascites (P = .003) for overall survival. The accuracy of PPG for shunt dysfunction was statistically significant (P < .001), and a cutoff value of 8.5 had 77.8% sensitivity and 64.8% specificity.ConclusionsThe long-term safety, technical success, and patency of TIPS were good; baseline portal vein thrombosis, use of bare stents, and PPG were significantly associated with shunt dysfunction; shunt dysfunction has little impact on patients' long-term survival because of high secondary patency rates.



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Can You Do Health Disparities Research with Publicly Available Datasets?

Publication date: Available online 17 January 2018
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Danny R. Hughes
Rationale and ObjectivesGiven the growing importance of identifying and reducing health disparities, it is important for radiologist researchers to engage in this space to promote evidence-based imaging disparities policy. However, researchers are often hindered by access to appropriate data to perform quality research.Materials and MethodsThis paper reviews existing publicly available data sets that may be useful for performing imaging disparities research.ResultsMultiple data sources are publicly available and have been used by previous researchers to examine imaging disparities.ConclusionsThis paper provides an overview of publicly available data sources that radiologists can use for imaging disparities research. Appropriate use of these data sources will require researchers to carefully consider the overall research question and level of analysis.



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Effect of Matrix Size on the Image Quality of Ultra-high-resolution CT of the Lung

Publication date: Available online 17 January 2018
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Akinori Hata, Masahiro Yanagawa, Osamu Honda, Noriko Kikuchi, Tomo Miyata, Shinsuke Tsukagoshi, Ayumi Uranishi, Noriyuki Tomiyama
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effect of matrix size on the spatial resolution and image quality of ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT).Materials and MethodsSlit phantoms and 11 cadaveric lungs were scanned on U-HRCT. Slit phantom scans were reconstructed using a 20-mm field of view (FOV) with 1024 matrix size and a 320-mm FOV with 512, 1024, and 2048 matrix sizes. Cadaveric lung scans were reconstructed using 512, 1024, and 2048 matrix sizes. Three observers subjectively scored the images on a three-point scale (1 = worst, 3 = best), in terms of overall image quality, noise, streak artifact, vessel, bronchi, and image findings. The median score of the three observers was evaluated by Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction. Noise was measured quantitatively and evaluated with the Tukey test. A P value of <.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe maximum spatial resolution was 0.14 mm; among the 320-mm FOV images, the 2048 matrix had the highest resolution and was significantly better than the 1024 matrix in terms of overall quality, solid nodule, ground-glass opacity, emphysema, intralobular reticulation, honeycombing, and clarity of vessels (P < .05). Both the 2048 and 1024 matrices performed significantly better than the 512 matrix (P < .001), except for noise and streak artifact. The visual and quantitative noise decreased significantly in the order of 512, 1024, and 2048 (P < .001).ConclusionIn U-HRCT scans, a large matrix size maintained the spatial resolution and improved the image quality and assessment of lung diseases, despite an increase in image noise, when compared to a 512 matrix size.



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Cardiovascular Diseases and Periodontal Disease

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases are both inflammatory conditions. Recent epidemiological studies have associated the effects of periodontitis on cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. This review aims to summarize the relationship between those two conditions.

Recent Findings

Although there is no evidence of a causal relationship, an association between the two conditions is apparent. The potential factors include bacterial pathway, inflammation, and genetics. Periodontal bacteria affect endothelial cells through interactions that aggravate the atherogenic process. Ulcerated periodontium produces cytokines which increase the production of acute-phase proteins that have been associated with cardiovascular events. Genetic studies have demonstrated the presence of risk alleles in the genes ANRIL and CAMTA1/VAMP3 that are shared between these two diseases.

Summary

This review discusses the current understanding of CVD pathogenesis, underlying mechanisms of periodontitis in CVD, and effects of periodontal therapy on CVD, and provides guidelines for treating patients with CVD risks in respect to periodontal disease.

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Evaluation of trabecular pattern of mandible using fractal dimension, bone area fraction, and gray scale value: comparison of cone-beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography

Abstract

Objective

This study was performed to compare the fractal dimension (FD), bone area fraction (BAF), and gray scale value (GSV) on digital panoramic radiography (DPR) and cross-sectional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using image analysis and to determine whether a relationship exists among parameters associated with bone quality.

Methods

Thirty edentulous human hemimandibles were scanned by DPR and CBCT. Ninety regions of interest (ROIs) were evaluated on DPR and CBCT images to calculate the FD and BAF. The GSV of the ROI on CBCT was also calculated.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed in the FD values of the ROIs between DPR and CBCT (p = 0.002) and in the BAF values of ROIs between DPR and CBCT (p = 0.017). The Spearman's correlation test revealed a statistically significant high correlation between the FD and BAF values of the ROIs on DPR and between the FD and BAF values of the ROIs on CBCT (p < 0.01). No significant correlations were observed between the GSVs of ROIs on CBCT and the FD values of ROIs on DPR, the BAF values of ROIs on DPR, the FD values of ROIs on CBCT, and the BAF values of ROIs on CBCT (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The GSV did not support the FD and BAF. Additionally, DPR and CBCT did not have similar image quality for assessing the FD, BAF, and GSV. In evaluating the trabecular structure, the use of panoramic radiographs should be continued because the image resolution of CBCT is lower and its generalized dose is higher than that of panoramic radiography. These results may serve as a reference for clinical practitioners using dental CBCT to analyze the trabecular structures of alveolar bones.

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Core Differences in Synaptic Signaling Between Primary Visual and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex

Abstract

Neurons in primary visual cortex (V1) are more resilient than those in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) in aging, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The current study compared glutamate and neuromodulatory actions in macaque V1 to those in dlPFC, and found striking regional differences. V1 neuronal firing to visual stimuli depended on AMPA receptors, with subtle NMDA receptor contributions, while dlPFC depends primarily on NMDA receptors. Neuromodulatory actions also differed between regions. In V1, cAMP signaling increased neuronal firing, and the phosphodiesterase PDE4A was positioned to regulate cAMP effects on glutamate release from axons. HCN channels in V1 were classically located on distal dendrites, and enhanced cell firing. These data contrast with dlPFC, where PDE4A and HCN channels are concentrated in thin spines, and cAMP-HCN signaling gates inputs and weakens firing. These regional differences may explain why V1 neurons are more resilient than dlPFC neurons to the challenges of age and disease.

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Lack of Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) Affects Cell Fate Refinement During Embryonic Cortical Development

Abstract

During differentiation, neurons progressively restrict their fate repressing the expression of specific genes. Here we describe the involvement in such developmental steps of the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), an epigenetic factor that participates to chromatin folding and transcriptional regulation. We previously reported that, due to transcriptional impairments, the maturation of Mecp2 null neurons is delayed. To evaluate whether this could stem from altered progenitors proliferation and differentiation, we investigated whether lack of Mecp2 affects these features both in vitro and in vivo. We show that in Mecp2 null embryonic cortexes the expression of genes defining the identity of proliferating neuroprogenitors is enriched and that their permanence in the G1 phase is prolonged. Moreover, the number of cells transitioning from a stage of maturation to a more mature one is increased in Mecp2 null embryonic cortices, in line with the central role of G1 for cell identity refinement. We thus suggest that, possibly due to the lack of proper transcriptional control normally exerted by Mecp2, fate refinement is impaired in developing null cells. We propose that the maturation delay affecting the developing Mecp2 null cortex originates, at least in part, from deranged mechanisms of cell fate refinement.

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The Roles of Left Versus Right Anterior Temporal Lobes in Semantic Memory: A Neuropsychological Comparison of Postsurgical Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Abstract

The presence and degree of specialization between the anterior temporal lobes (ATLs) is a key issue in debates about the neural architecture of semantic memory. Here, we comprehensively assessed multiple aspects of semantic cognition in a large group of postsurgical temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with left versus right anterior temporal lobectomy (n = 40). Both subgroups showed deficits in expressive and receptive verbal semantic tasks, word and object recognition, naming and recognition of famous faces and perception of faces and emotions. Graded differences in performance between the left and right groups were secondary to the overall mild semantic impairment; primarily, left resected TLE patients showed weaker performance on tasks that required naming or accessing semantic information from a written word. Right resected TLE patients were relatively more impaired at recognizing famous faces as familiar, although this effect was observed less consistently. These findings unify previous partial, inconsistent results and also align directly with fMRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation results in neurologically intact participants. Taken together, these data support a model in which the 2 ATLs act as a coupled bilateral system for the representation of semantic knowledge, and in which graded hemispheric specializations emerge as a consequence of differential connectivity to lateralized speech production and face perception regions.

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Fungal kerion of the vulva

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Association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and psoriasis, and correlation with disease severity: a meta-analysis

Summary

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory skin disorder. 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis through reduction in antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities.

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between circulating 25(OH)D levels and psoriasis, and to determine the correlation between serum/plasma 25(OH)D levels and psoriasis severity.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis to compare serum/plasma 25(OH)D levels between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls (HCs), and to determine the correlation coefficients between circulating 25(OH)D levels and psoriasis severity as assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

Results

Ten articles with a total of 571 patients with psoriasis and 496 HCs were included. The 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in the psoriasis group than in the HC group. Subgroup analysis by sample size revealed a significantly lower level of 25(OH)D in the psoriasis group for large (N > 80) but not for small (N < 80) sample sizes. Stratification by adjustment for age and/or sex or sample type revealed a significantly lower 25(OH)D level in the psoriasis group after adjustment for serum but not after nonadjustment for plasma. Meta-analysis of the correlation coefficients revealed a small but statistically significant positive correlation between circulating 25(OH)D levels and PASI.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis demonstrated that circulating 25(OH)D levels are lower in patients with psoriasis, and that a small but statistically significant negative correlation exists between 25(OH)D levels and psoriasis severity.

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Periodontology for Geriatric Patients

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Elderly population represents the fastest growing population segment and target group of many expert organizations developing strategies for successful aging. The substantial increase in man's lifespan together with implementation of preventive dental programs resulted in decreased tooth loss and increased prevalence of periodontal disease. Hence, the present review focused on positioning periodontal health within aging process, characteristic of the senescent periodontium, periodontitis-aging interplay, clinical characteristics, and implications for periodontal care in geriatric patients.

Recent Findings

The senescent periodontium undergoes degenerative changes that are unrelated to progressive destruction in lack of inflammation. The pathological interplay periodontitis-systemic aging is evidenced. Geriatric patients demonstrate comparable treatment outcomes to those of patients ≤ 60 years regarding non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment and implant therapy as well.

Summary

Adequate oral hygiene and appropriate control of risk factors represent the key pre-conditions for successful periodontal and systemic aging.

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Synthetic extracellular matrix mimic hydrogel improves efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy

Publication date: Available online 16 January 2018
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Maria Chiara Ciuffreda, Giuseppe Malpasso, Cindy Chokoza, Deon Bezuidenhout, Kyle P. Goetsch, Manuela Mura, Federica Pisano, Neil H. Davies, Massimiliano Gnecchi
BackgroundMesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) repair infarcted hearts mainly through paracrine mechanisms. Low cell engraftment limits the release of soluble paracrine factors (SF) over time and, consequently, MSC efficacy. We tested whether a synthetic extracellular matrix mimic, a hydrogel containing heparin (H-HG), could ameliorate MSC engraftment and binding/release of SF, thus improving MSC therapy efficacy.Methods and ResultsIn vitro, rat bone-marrow MSC (rBM-MSC) were seeded and grown into H-HG. Under normoxia, the hydrogel did not affect cell survival (rBM-MSC survival >90% at each time point tested); vice versa, under hypoxia the biomaterial resulted to be protective for the cells (p<0.001 vs rBM-MSC alone).cells were protected from hypoxia. H-HG or control PEG hydrogels (HG) were incubated with VEGF or bFGF for binding/release quantification. Data showed significantly higher amount of VEGF and bFGF bound by H-HG compared with HG (p<0.05) and a constant release over time.In vivomyocardial infarction (MI) was induced in female Sprague Dawley rats by permanent coronary ligation. One week later, saline, rBM-MSC, H-HG or rBM-MSC/H-HG were injected in the infarct zone. The co-injection of rBM-MSC/H-HG into infarcted hearts significantly increased cardiac function. Importantly, we observed a significant gain in MSC engraftment, reduction of ventricular remodeling and stimulation of neo-vasculogenesis. We also documented higher amounts of several pro-angiogenic factors in hearts treated with rBM-MSC/H-HG.ConclusionsOur data show that H-HG increases MSC engraftment, efficiently fine tunes the paracrine MSC actions and improves cardiac function in infarcted rat hearts. Given its efficacy and safety, documented by the absence of immunoreaction, our strategy appears readily translatable to pre-clinical and clinical settings.Statement of significanceTransplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) is a promising treatment for ischemic heart disease, but low cell engraftment limits the release of soluble paracrine factors (SF) and, consequently, MSC efficacy. Thus, in this study we developed an enzymatically degradable polyethylene glycol hydrogel containing heparin (H-HG) able to increase MSC retention and to bind and release paracrine soluble factors secreted by the cells. The result was a significant amelioration in cardiac function, neo-vasculogenesis, endogenous cardiac regeneration and a reduction in ventricular remodeling and scarring. The beneficial effects observed in our study are comparable to those obtained using a much greater number of cells, strengthening the efficacy of the biomaterial used in increasing the therapeutic effects of MSC.

Graphical abstract

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Picky eating, pressuring feeding, and growth in toddlers

Publication date: 1 April 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 123
Author(s): Julie C. Lumeng, Alison L. Miller, Danielle Appugliese, Katherine Rosenblum, Niko Kaciroti
Several common theoretical frameworks have posited causal pathways between picky eating, pressuring feeding, and growth in early childhood. The evidence to support these pathways is limited. This observational cohort study sought to examine the cross-lagged associations between mother-reported pressuring feeding, mother-reported child picky eating, and measured weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) across child ages 21, 27, and 33 months (n = 244). Cross-lagged analysis was used to evaluate longitudinal associations between these three constructs. The sample was 50.5% white, 52.3% male and 37.8% of mothers had a high school education or less. Mean WLZ was 0.52, 0.41, and 0.38 at each age, respectively. Pressuring feeding, picky eating, and WLZ each tracked strongly from 21 to 33 months. There were concurrent associations between pressuring feeding and picky eating. However, there were no prospective associations between pressuring feeding and future WLZ; WLZ and future pressuring feeding; pressuring feeding and future picky eating; picky eating and future pressuring feeding; or picky eating and future WLZ. Our results do not support causal relationships between picky eating, pressuring feeding, and growth in toddlerhood. Future work that examines alternative mechanisms shaping growth in early childhood is needed.



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Effects of urease and nitrification inhibitors on the soil mineral nitrogen dynamics and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions on calcareous soil

Abstract

Urease inhibitors and nitrification inhibitors can reduce nitrogen (N) loss in agriculture soil. However, the effect of inhibitors on soil N₂O emissions under the drip irrigation system remains unclear. A pot and a field experiment with two inhibitors were conducted to explore how inhibitors regulate soil nitrogen transformation and N₂O emissions. In the pot experiment, three treatments included control, urea, and urea + N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT, urease inhibitor). In the field experiment, three treatments included control, urea, and urea + NBPT + 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)pyridine (nitrapyrin, nitrification inhibitor). The urease inhibition rate in the treatment of urea + NBPT was 27.5% at the 14th day of incubation (pot experiment), and NH₄⁺-N was significantly decreased by 37–64% compared with urea alone treatment. In the field experiment, the nitrification inhibition rate in the treatment of urea + NBPT + nitrapyrin was 47.7 and 63.9% on the 3rd day after fertilization at the wheat heading and filling stages, respectively. Compared to urea treatment, NO₃⁻-N concentration in the double-inhibitor-added treatment was significantly decreased by 32 and 20% on the 5th day after fertilization at the heading and filling stages, respectively; N₂O fluxes were also decreased by 30.9 and 33.3% at the two stages of wheat, respectively. In total, adding an inhibitor reduced N loss by 7.39 and 7.44% at the 14th and 35th day in the pot experiment and by 10.53 and 6.65% at the two growing stages of wheat in the field experiment, respectively. Path and correlation analysis showed that N₂O emissions were significantly correlated with soil NO₃⁻ in both pot and field experiments.

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Analysis of accumulation formation of sediment contamination in reservoirs after decades of running: a case study of nitrogen accumulation in Biliuhe Reservoir

Abstract

Sediment contamination is an important influencing factor for reservoir water quality. Investigations have shown that reservoirs are facing the risk of sediment contamination after running for several decades in China. This paper proposes that the accumulation of sediment contaminant is resulted from the difference between the input and output of contaminant. Further, an accumulation model of reservoir sediment nitrogen is established based on this theory. The calculation result of Biliuhe Reservoir shows that inflow rate of total nitrogen into the reservoir is 4521.47 t/a, the outflow rate is 1033.97 t/a, nitrogen removal by denitrification is 1465.81 t/a, and the accumulation rate is 1841.68 t/a. The accumulation rate of total nitrogen is 77.84 t/a in water, 924.42 t/a in suspended solids, and 839.42 t/a in sediment. The accumulation of nitrogen resulted in the total nitrogen concentration in water increasing from 1.71 mg/L in 1995 to 3.78 mg/L in 2013, and that in sediment increasing from 779.10 mg/kg in 1993 to 2725.00 mg/kg in 2013. It is concluded that sediment contamination has the characteristics of significant accumulation trend, complex forms, and high security risks, which has been a hidden security risk for reservoirs after decades of running. Heterogeneity of the reservoir and complicated influencing factors of sediment contaminant accumulation should be concerned next.

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Effect of brewery wastewater obtained from different phases of treatment plant on seed germination of chickpea ( Cicer arietinum) , maize ( Zea mays ), and pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan )

Abstract

Brewing industry releases large quantities of wastewater after product generation. Brewery wastewater contains organic compounds which are biodegradable in nature. These biodegradable wastes can be recycled and reused and hence considered as suitable products for agriculture. But before using wastewater for agriculture, it is better to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of wastewater on crops. Hence, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of brewery effluent on seed germination and growth parameters of selected crop species like chickpea (Cicer arietinum), maize (Zea mays), and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). Study comprised seven types of water treatments—tap water as control, diluted UASBR effluent (50% effluent + 50% distilled water): UASBR50, undiluted UASBR effluent: UASBR100, diluted TC effluent (50% effluent + 50% distilled water): ETP50,TC effluent without dilution: ETP100, 10% diluted reverse osmosis (RO10) reject (10% RO reject + 90% distilled water), and 25% diluted reverse osmosis(RO25) reject (25% RO reject + 75% distilled water) with three replications in completely randomized design. Germination test was performed in petri plates for 5 days. Parameters like germination percentage, germination rate index, seedling length, phytotoxicity index, seed vigor index, and biomass were calculated. All parameters decreased with increase in respective effluent concentration. Among all treatments, RO25 showed highest inhibitory effect on all three crops. Even though undiluted effluent of UASBR and ETP effluent showed positive effect on germination, seedling growth of three crops was promoted to the maximum by UASBR50 and ETP50. Hence, from the study, it was concluded that dilution of brewery effluent can be recommended before using it for irrigational purpose.

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Role of positron emission tomography-computed tomography in a case of suspected paraneoplastic inflammatory polymyositis with urinary bladder tumor

Pratyusha Bikkina, Swapna Kotha, Zakir Ali

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):62-64

Idiopathic inflammatory myositis is characterized by rapidly progressive, symmetric weakness of the muscles that produce severe disability. In the majority of these patients, myositis appears to be a paraneoplastic feature associated with cancer. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography has been increasingly used in the detection and evaluation of occult malignancy responsible for the paraneoplastic syndromes.

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Absence of iodine/iodide in cough/expectorant medications: A true disclaimer or not?

Ramya Sugumar, Subramanian Kannan, Adlyne Reena Asirvatham, Shriraam Mahadevan

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):84-85



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Reduction of radiation exposure to patients and professionals by reducing the administered activity of 18f-fluorodeoxyglucose in a positron-emission tomography/computed tomography study

Sneha Mithun, Ashish Kumar Jha, Ameya D Puranik, Priya Monteiro, Sneha Shah, Archi Agarwal, Nilendu C Purandare, Venkatesh Rangarajan

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):6-9

Aim: With increased clinical indications for positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and repeated PET/CT scans, there is a need to reduce the radiation burden to the patient, professionals as well as public. This requires a redefining of the workflow and the 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) administered activity. The objective of our study is to observe the impact of strike out reduction of administered activity on the radiation exposure to personnel and public, as well as the absorbed dose to the patient with no compromise on image quality by increasing the image acquisition time. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients evaluated in this study (11 males, 8 females) were put into two groups, namely, A and B. Patients in Group A (n = 10) were administered with 18F-FDG equivalent to the recommended dose (7–8 MBq/kg body weight) whereas patients in Group B (n = 9) were administered with 18F-FDG equivalent to half the recommended dose (3–4MBq/kg body weight). The exposure rates from the patients at the body surface and 100 cm distance were measured immediately and 1 h postinjection. Results: The average surface dose rate and 100 cm dose rate of the adult patients immediately postinjection for patients of Group A were 0.94 ± 0.19 mSv/h and 0.057 ± 0.007 mSv/h, and for Group B were 0.34 ± 0.24 mSv/h and 0.031 ± 0.01 mSv/h. Conclusion: This study suggests that reduction in injected 18F-FDG activity reduces the radiation exposure rate from the patient, absorbed dose to the patient with reportable image quality.

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Incidental global hypometabolism in the brain of patient with AIDS-related dementia seen on 18f-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography

Priyanka Verma, Ramesh V Asopa

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):73-75

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related dementia is the most severe form of neurocognitive disorder in patients with AIDS. It is relatively uncommon in postantiretroviral therapy (HAART) era and is associated with a high cerebrospinal fluid CSF/plasma viral load. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) has proven useful in malignancies, infections, and central nervous system lesions in HIV-infected patients and has been used to explore regional cerebral glucose metabolism patterns in HIV-positive patients with and without cognitive impairment. We present the case of a 36-year-old male with AIDS presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin, where global brain hypometabolism was noted incidentally on FDG PET/CT referred for identification of the infective focus/tumor causing the fever.

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Impact of the amount of liquid intake on the dose rate of patients treated with radioiodine

Mahdi Haghighatafshar, Aida Banani, Banafsheh Zeinali-Rafsanjani, Zahra Etemadi, Tahereh Ghaedian

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):10-13

Purpose: Despite therapeutic effects of radioiodine in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, there are some disadvantages due to harmful radiation to other tissues. According to the current guidelines, patients are recommended to drink lots of water and frequent voiding to reduce the amount of 131I in the body. This study was designed to assess the impact of the amount of liquid intake on reduction of the measured dose rate of radioiodine-treated patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer without metastasis who had undergone total thyroidectomy and had been treated with radioiodine were selected. The patients were divided into two groups according to the amount of their fluid intake which was measured during the first 48 h after 131I administration. In all patients, the dose rate was measured immediately and 48 h after iodine administration. Results: Each group included 21 patients. Dose rate ratio (the ratio of the second dose rate to the first dose rate) and dose rate difference ratio (the ratio of the difference between the two measured dose rates to the first dose rate) were calculated for each patient. Despite the significant difference in the amount of the liquid drunk, no statistically significant difference was seen between the different groups in parameters of dose-rate ratio and dose-rate difference ratio. Conclusion: Higher fluid intake (>60 ml/h in our study) alone would not effectively reduce the patient's radiation dose rate at least not more than a well-hydrated state. It seems that other interfering factors in the thyroidectomized patients may also have some impacts on this physiologic process.

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Reply by Author

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):91-91



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Comparison of left ventricular phase parameters analysis between two software programs in patients with normal gated single-photon emission computed tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging

Dharmender Malik, Ashwani Sood, Madan Parmar, Bhagwant Rai Mittal

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):14-19

Background: Phase analysis can be easily performed by different software to assess the left ventricular dyssynchrony from gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with high precision. However, the normal values of histogram bandwidth (HBW) and phase standard deviation (PSD) and their comparison using different programs have not been fully elucidated and actively being evaluated at present. The aim of this study was to determine the phase analysis parameters values and to compare the phase indices of two commonly used programs in a group of patients with normal gated SPECT-MPI. Methods: Phase parameters were retrospectively evaluated in 138 consecutive nondiabetic patients having a normal gated SPECT-MPI using the quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) and Emory Cardiac Toolbox (ECTb) software. HBW, PSD, and phase entropy were calculated separately using both programs. Results: The fair correlation between software programs was observed. HBW and PSD in QGS and ECTb were 26.20 ± 9.7 and 25.46 ± 8.0 (r-value. 56, SEE 6.65) and 6.64 ± 2.5 and 7.65 ± 2.5 (r = 0.54, SEE 2.14), respectively. The value of phase entropy in QGS program was 45.08 ± 6.3. A fair correlation between phase entropy and PSD in QGS was observed (r = 0.44, 95% confidence interval-0.29–0.56). Conclusion: Phase analysis parameters derived from gated SPECT-MPI in patients with normal myocardial perfusion are program dependent and may differ. The results cannot be interchangeably used in the same patients.

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Incidental detection of perinephric urinary leak on bone scintigraphy in a patient with urinary bladder carcinoma

Shelvin Kumar Vadi, Vaishnavi Dasagrandhi, Anish Bhattacharya, Shrawan Kumar Singh, Bhagwant Rai Mittal

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):68-70

A 71-year-old male patient with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder was referred for 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy to assess for skeletal metastasis. While the bone scan showed no abnormal skeletal uptake, tracer activity was detected in the extrarenal region of the left renal fossa on the planar image; single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (CT) demonstrated tracer pooling in the perirenal collection. In addition, the CT detected nontracer-avid parenchymal lung nodules and hypodense liver lesions consistent with metastatic disease. The perinephric urinary leak was drained by percutaneous drainage, confirmed by diuretic renography the following day.

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Vitamins E and C prevent DNA double-strand breaks in peripheral lymphocytes exposed to radiations from iodine-131

Mehdi Safaei, Seyed Masoud Jafarpour, Mehran Mohseni, Morteza Salimian, Hossein Akbari, Fateme Karami, Akbar Aliasgharzadeh, Bagher Farhood

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):20-24

Purpose: Iodine-131 is used as a radiopharmaceutical to treat thyroid cancer. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamins E and C on the level of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) caused by Radioiodine-131 (I-131) in human lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: Whole blood samples from human volunteers were incubated with a certain concentration of vitamins. After 1-h incubation, the samples were incubated with 20 μCi I-131/2 mL (blood + NaCl) for 1 h. To evaluate the effects of antioxidants, lymphocytes were separated, and the mean DSBs/cell was measured for each sample through γ-H2AX assay. Results: After 1-h incubation with 20 μCi I-131/2 mL (blood + NaCl), iodine-131 increased the level of DSBs by 102.9%, compared with the background group. Vitamins E and C reduced the level of DSBs by 21.5% and 36.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Using vitamins E and C as antioxidants can reduce the toxicity of I-131. Furthermore, vitamin C provided the more protection for DNA, compared with vitamin E.

http://ift.tt/2DivZrQ

Incidental detection of bilateral large urinary bladder diverticulae on tc99m ethylene dicysteine renography with single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography

Ashwin Singh Parihar, Shelvin Kumar Vadi, Prema Menon, Bhagwant Rai Mittal, Anish Bhattacharya

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):79-81

The complementary anatomical and functional information provided by hybrid imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography-CT (SPECT-CT) is a very useful imaging tool in selected cases where anatomical information is lacking as in the scenario of dynamic renal scintigraphy. The authors present a case of a 5-year-old male child with symptoms suggestive of cutis laxa with urinary tract infection. The child underwent dynamic renal scintigraphy with Tc99m ethylene dicysteine for cortical function and drainage assessment. Hybrid SPECT/CT proved valuable in the child in identification of the bilateral gross urinary bladder diverticulae.

http://ift.tt/2B6WXg5

Scintigraphic evaluation of esophageal motility and gastroesophageal reflux in patients presenting with upper respiratory tract symptoms

Jaykanth Amalachandran, Shelley Simon, Indirani Elangoven, Avani Jain, Thangalakshmi Sivathapandi

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):25-31

Purpose of Study: The purpose is to evaluate the findings and utility of esophageal transit scintigraphy (ETS) and gastroesophageal reflux scintigraphy (GES) in patients presenting with upper respiratory tract (URT) symptoms suspected to be due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients aged between 19 and 60 years underwent nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (NPL), ETS, and GES. Correlation between GER, esophageal motility, and NPL was evaluated. Inclusion criteria include patients with recurrent URT symptoms such as chronic dry cough/hoarseness of voice and itching/foreign body sensation in throat. Those with typical gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of GER, URT symptoms relieved by antibiotics, surgical intervention in abdomen, cardiac/hepatobiliary diseases, etc. were excluded from the study. Results: Significant correlation was found between GER and NPL in 28/30 patients. More the grade of reflux, more severe was the NPL findings. Two patients with Grade II reflux had normal NPL suggesting structural inflammatory changes due to acidic pH of refluxate which have not yet manifested or symptoms could be due to nonacid refluxate. Incidence of esophageal motility disorder was statistically significant in patients with GER disease (GERD). Patients who had symptoms, but no demonstrable GER showed delayed ET in supine position suggesting the presence of esophageal motility disorder even before GERD. Conclusion: GES demonstrated GER in patients presenting with URT symptoms without typical GI symptoms. ETS showed coexistence of esophageal motility disorder in most patients presenting with URT symptoms even without an associated reflux disease. We hypothesize that primary abnormal esophageal motility leads to delayed esophageal clearance and consequently to URT symptoms. Addition of ETS to GES is easily feasible with no significant additional cost, time, or radiation burden.

http://ift.tt/2DgWtd1

Cerebral hemisphere hypoperfusion with ipsilateral internal jugular vein and upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in lung carcinoma on 18f-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Tarun Kumar Jain, Rajender Kumar Basher, Ashwani Sood, Abhiram Gopalajois Ashwathanarayana, Ashwin Singh Parihar, Bhagwant Rai Mittal

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):88-89



http://ift.tt/2B8M7WF

Role of myocardial perfusion study in differentiating ischemic versus nonischemic cardiomyopathy using quantitative parameters

Preeti Singh, Bhairavi Bhatt, Shwetal U Pawar, Ashish Kamra, Suruchi Shetye, Mangala Ghorpade

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):32-38

Purpose: Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ICM (NICM) causes of dilated cardiomyopathy with similar clinical presentation have different management and prognosis. This study employed myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) to differentiate between the two using quantitative parameters in Indian population. Methods and Materials: Fifty patients prospectively underwent MPI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism studies. P values (0.05 as significant) were calculated for the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), end diastolic volume (EDV) at rest and stress, end systolic volume (ESV) at rest and stress, summed rest score (SRS), summed difference score (SDS), and eccentricity. On 6-month follow-up, rate of hospital admission, change in management and death was correlated for ICM and NICM. Coronary angiography (CAG) being gold standard, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and level of agreement were calculated for MPI. Results: MPI and CAG had a moderate level of agreement (κ = 0.463) for differentiating ICM and NICM. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy were 79.31%, 66.67%, 76.67%, 70.0%, and 74% for ICM and 66.67%, 79.31%, 70%, 76.67%, and 74% for NICM, respectively. Significant differences were seen in EDV stress (P = 0.045), EDV rest (P = 0.031), ESV rest (P = 0.034), SRS (P = 0.004), Left ventricular EF rest (P = 0.049) and SDS in ICM and NICM, respectively. Conclusion: EDV at rest and stress, ESV at rest, SRS, SDS, and EF at rest obtained using MPI provides precise quantitative information to differentiate ICM and NICM. It is wide and easy availability, noninvasiveness, objectivity, and near absence of complications favors it as a preferable diagnostic tool with its given sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the purpose.

http://ift.tt/2DivUUZ

Radiation dose to the occupational worker during the synthesis of 188Re-labeled radiopharmaceuticals in the nuclear medicine department

Parul Thakral, Jyotsna , Pankaj Tandon, Sugandha Dureja, Vineet Pant, Ishita Sen

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):1-5

Aim: The aim of this study is to estimate whole-body radiation dose to the radiopharmacist involved in labeling of three different 188Re-labeled compounds, namely, 188Re-Lipiodol, 188Re-tin colloid, and 188Re-hydroxyl-ethylidene-diphosphonate (HEDP) and to compare the occupational burden with the dose limits recommended by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, India. Materials and Methods: The Department of Nuclear Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute currently synthesizes three different Rhenium-188 labeled compounds, namely, 188Re-Lipiodol, 188Re-HEDP, and 188Re-tin colloid. To estimate the radiation exposure to the radiopharmacist involved in the synthesis, a survey meter was used to measure radiation level before the start of labeling procedure in the radiopharmacy by keeping it at the location where the radiopharmacist normally stands during preparation. Data were collected for 6 syntheses of each 188Re-Lipiodol, 4 for 188Re-HEDP, and 3 for 188Re-tin colloid followed by the quality control. The pocket dosimeter was used by the radiopharmacistat chest level, performing the labeling of 188Re-labeled compounds. All radiopharmaceuticals were synthesized by a single radiopharmacist. Results: 1850 MBq (50 mCi) 188W-188Re generator was eluted before the preparation of each radiopharmaceutical. The amount of 188ReO4- used for labeling with lipiodol/4-hexadecyl-1,2,9,9-tetramethyl-4,7-diaza-1,10-decanethiol, HEDP, and Tin colloid was in the range of 3182–4440 MBq (86–120 mCi), 2812–3774 MBq (76–102 mCi), and 962–1295 MBq (26–35 mCi), respectively. Meantime required to complete the synthesis was 95, 40, and 131.5 min, respectively. Mean whole-body effective dose received was 0.052, 0.009, and 0.004 mSv, respectively, as measured by using the pocket dosimeter. Conclusion: From this small study, we observed that the whole-body radiation dose to the radiopharmacist in radiolabeling and quality control of 188Re-labeled radiopharmaceuticals is within prescribed limits at the current synthesis frequency.

http://ift.tt/2B71pve

Comparison of the F+20 and F-15 diuresis technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentacetate renography protocols for diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adult patients with hydronephrosis

Majhi Tapas Kumar, Singh Hanuwant

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):39-42

Introduction: Hydronephrosis (HDN) in adults is a common presentation and may be due to congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Diuresis renography is the method of choice for differentiating a dilated unobstructed urinary system from a true obstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the F+20 protocol with F-15 protocol and see whether this new protocol can reduce inconclusive results. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective, comparative study included 51 adult patients of primary HDN. Each patient underwent both F+20 and F-15 diuretic Technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentacetate (Tc-DTPA) renography protocol studies. The results of diuretic Tc-DTPA renography studied in terms of obstructive, nonobstructive, or equivocal. Results: A total 60 renal units (RU) with HDN were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 25.25 years. 36 RU presented with specific symptoms and 24 RU with vague symptoms or diagnosed incidentally. The equivocal results were significantly lower in F-15 protocol than F+20 protocol. The equivocal results in F+20 protocol were significantly higher with incidentally diagnosed HDN and patients presented with vague symptoms. Most of the equivocal results of F+20 protocol were converted into either obstructive or nonobstructive by the F-15 protocol. Conclusion: The F-15 diuretic renogram protocol was associated with significantly less equivocal results than F+20 protocol. Moreover, F-15 protocol allowed clarification in cases of equivocal results of F+20 protocol. Therefore, we suggest the F-15 diuresis protocol as a single test for confirmation or exclusion of obstruction especially in the adult patient of HDN presented with vague symptoms or diagnosed incidentally.

http://ift.tt/2B7da4O

Locked-in Syndrome and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography: Observations from a Case of Basilar Artery Thrombosis

Angelina Cistaro, Giuliano Lo Bianco, Piercarlo Fania, Simone Margotti, Simone Vigneri, Cristina Geraci, Natale Quartuccio

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):65-67

We report the case of a 59-year-old male patient suffering from locked-in syndrome (LIS) following basilar artery thrombosis despite an attempt of thrombolysis. Neurological examination showed quadriplegia and aphonia and a state of coma requiring mechanical ventilation was diagnosed. The use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) allowed to detect a normal 18F-FDG uptake in the main cerebral cortical areas and a significant reduction of 18F-FDG uptake in both cerebellar hemispheres, compatible with a functional deafferentation, helping confirming the clinical suspicion of LIS. The diagnosis of LIS, according to literature, is based on the clinical assessment and the utilization of scores as the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised. The standard neuroimaging techniques, although recognize the site of injury, are not able to differentiate the different conditions affecting a state of altered consciousness. Performing 18F-FDG-PET in patients with LIS might help addressing the correct diagnosis and prompting subsequent appropriate treatment, and therefore, ultimately improving the patient outcome. Therefore, 18F-FDG-PET should be taken into account in the early clinical assessment of doubtful cases.

http://ift.tt/2Dlg104

Dacroscintigraphy by pediatric dropper technique: A user-friendly instillation procedure of radiotracer

Anurag Jain, Deepak Aheer, Amit Arora, Arun Ravi John, KP Solanki, Braj Kishore, MG Vishnoi, Abhishek Mahto, Surya Prakash, AG Pandit

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):43-47

Context: Instillation or application of the radiotracer over the tear film is one of the important parts of dacroscintigraphy. Our study explains the value of an improvised dropper technique so that desired amount of radioactivity in desired volume can be instilled over the tear film. Aim: The aim of the study is to introduce a simple and convenient instillation method based on dropper technique for performing dacroscintigraphy. This improvised dropper technique can be used so that desired amount of radioactivity in desired volume can be instilled over the tear film. The objectives of this experiment are to measure the volume and activity of each drop from the dropper. Settings and Design: Experiment of volume and activity measurement standardization was carried out in two parts. In the first part, we calculated the volume of each drop indirectly to standardize the volume of drop. In the second part, we standardized the activity in each drop by measuring it in a dose calibrator. Subjects and Methods: In this study, we used a common pediatric dropper of approximately 1 ml capacity, radioactivity (99mTcO4 pertechnetate), sample vial (container), vial holder, a pair of nonsterile gloves, dose calibrator, etc., Experiments of volume and radioactivity standardization were carried out in two parts. The first part of experiment calculated volume of each drop indirectly, and in the second, we standardized the activity in each drop by measuring it in dose calibrator. Statistical analysis used: Analysis of variance test was used to calculate the correlation of readings by same individual as well as among the three individuals Results: After analysis of result obtained, it was understood that there was no significant difference found in volume and activity of each drop in the readings recorded by same individual as well as among the three individuals. The calculated activity and observed activity were 86.64 and 79.16 μCi, respectively. The difference was only 8.63% lying within acceptable limits.

http://ift.tt/2B7zEm4

Testicular metastasis from recurrent gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings

Ishan Garg, Maria Jose Baladron Zanetti, Ayse Tuba Kendi

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):71-72

Testicular metastasis from gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is a very rare condition. A 57-year-old male with a history of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery for HER-2-positive GEJ adenocarcinoma underwent a follow-up 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). It revealed multiple metastases including bilateral testicular and L4 laminar metastasis. The patient received multiple chemotherapies, but follow-up PET/CT showed interval progression of disease. Here, we present a case highlighting one of the unusual sites of metastasis from GEJ cancer, role of PET/CT as a surveillance tool in such patients, and the importance of radiologists to be aware of such uncommon sites of metastasis to avoid interpretative errors.

http://ift.tt/2DjhrrZ

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography in evaluation of large vessel vasculitis

Amrutha Lakshmi Rayudu, Tekchand Kalawat, VS Krishna Mohan, A Mohan, Amancharla Yadagiri Lakshmi, Ranadheer Gupta Mantri

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):48-51

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) is a rapidly evolving hybrid imaging technique in evaluation of infection and inflammation. Usually, functional changes often precede anatomical changes. 18F-FDG PET-CT, a noninvasive diagnostic test and it is useful for the early detection of inflammation. Most of the large vessel vasculitis patients present with nonspecific signs and symptoms, which are difficult to diagnose clinically. Here, we discuss three cases of large vessel vasculitis with different clinical presentations, identified by 18F-FDG PET-CT scan.

http://ift.tt/2B827sa

Significance of 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography in characterization of POEMS osteosclerotic lesions better than 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography

Fahad Abdul Rehman Marafi, Rashid Rasheed, Sharjeel Usmani, Fareeda Alkandari, Anam Iqbal

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(1):76-78

Crow-Fukase syndrome (POEMS syndrome) is a rare systemic paraneoplastic syndrome. Bone lesions are manifested by sclerotic osteoblastic lesions often associated with bone pain. Characterization of osseous lesions is always crucial for clinical correlation and better patient management. We present a case where 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) was unable to characterize a clinically symptomatic patient, and 18F-fluoride PET/CT showed excellent characterization of osteosclerotic lesions. The results were in correlation with already published data and showed that 18F-fluoride PET/CT has better uptake in osteoblastic lesions in POEMS syndrome when compared to18F-FDG PET/CT and have superior imaging quality in assessing the bone lesions.

http://ift.tt/2DhBNSn

Investigating the composition characteristics of dissolved and particulate/colloidal organic matter in effluent-dominated stream using fluorescence spectroscopy combined with multivariable analysis

Abstract

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) were used to investigate the compositional characteristics of dissolved and particulate/colloidal organic matter and its correlations with nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals in an effluent-dominated stream, Northern China. The results showed that dissolved organic matter (DOM) was comprised of fulvic-like, humic-like, and protein-like components in the water samples, and fulvic-like substances were the main fraction of DOM among them. Particulate/colloidal organic matter (PcOM) consisted of fulvic-like and protein-like matter. Fulvic-like substances existed in the larger molecular form in PcOM, and they comprised a large amount of nitrogen and polar functional groups. On the other hand, protein-like components in PcOM were low in benzene ring and bound to heavy metals. It could be concluded that nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals in effluent had an effect on the compositional characteristics of natural DOM and PcOM, which may deepen our understanding about the environmental behaviors of organic matter in effluent.

http://ift.tt/2DFv1mt

Epidermal melanocytes of segmental vitiligo show altered expression of E-cadherin, but not P-cadherin

Abstract

Vitiligo is the most common pigmentation disorder, with a worldwide prevalence of 1%. The loss of melanocytes from the skin is the main clinical feature of patients with vitiligo, resulting in depigmentation macules. Vitiligo has been classified into two major forms: non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) and segmental vitiligo (SV). NSV lesions are generally bilateral or symmetrically scattered over the entire body. Onset may occur at any age, but most patients develop vitiligo before 40 years of age, and the depigmentation evolves over time.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2rilu2e

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for the Diagnosis of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare proliferative disease occurring in young children. The most affected organs are the bones and the skin (1). The diagnosis of LCH relies on histopathology. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non-invasive imaging technique used to diagnose skin cancer (2). We report that in three children RCM examination of cutaneous lesions of LCH showed specific signs correlated to histopathology.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2mLouzm

Metabolic syndrome and its components among Korean submariners: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of inter-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although submariners tend to be exposed to unhealthy environmental factors, such as a confined work environment, physical inactivity, and circadian disruption, little is known regarding whether the risks of MetS and its components are associated with submarine service. The present study aimed to evaluate the risks of MetS and its components among submariners.

Methods

A total of 5090 subjects (513 submariners and 4577 non-submariners) were included in the present study. We calculated the age-standardized and age-specific prevalences of MetS. The associations between submarine service and the risks of MetS and its components were evaluated using logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, service rank, and lifestyle factors.

Results

The age-standardized prevalences of MetS were 17.6 and 15.1% among submariners and non-submariners, respectively. Compared to non-submariners, submariners had higher risks of MetS (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 1.68), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.36, 2.20), and impaired fasting glucose (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.21, 1.76). When we stratified the subjects according to physical activity, an increased risk of elevated blood pressure associated with submarine service was evident only in the subgroup with moderate or vigorous physical activity (P for interaction = 0.006).

Conclusion

Submariners had higher risks of MetS and some MetS components, compared to non-submariners. These findings suggest that special efforts are needed to prevent and manage MetS among individuals who are expected to be exposed to submarine environment.

http://ift.tt/2Db6Uuy

Anti-cancer Effects of HNHA and Lenvatinib by the Suppression of EMT-Mediated Drug Resistance in Cancer Stem Cells

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Neoplasia, Volume 20, Issue 2
Author(s): Yong Sang Lee, Seok-Mo Kim, Bup-Woo Kim, Ho Jin Chang, Soo Young Kim, Cheong Soo Park, Ki Cheong Park, Hang-Seok Chang
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) constitutes less than 2% of total thyroid cancers but accounts for 20–40% of thyroid cancer-related deaths. Cancer stem cell drug resistance represents a primary factor hindering treatment. This study aimed to develop targeted agents against thyroid malignancy, focusing on individual and synergistic effects of HNHA (histone deacetylase), lenvatinib (FGFR), and sorafenib (tyrosine kinase) inhibitors. Patients with biochemically and histologically proven papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and ATC were included. Cell samples were obtained from patients at the Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. PTC and ATC cells were treated with lenvatinib or sorafenib, alone or in combination with HNHA. Tumor-bearing mice (10/group) were administered 10 mg/kg lenvatinib (p.o.) or 40 mg/kg sorafenib (p.o.), alone or in combination with 25 mg/kg HNHA (i.p.) once every three days. Gene expression in patient-derived PTC and ATC cells was compared using a microarray approach. Cellular apoptosis and proliferation were examined by immunohistochemistry and MTT assays. Tumor volume and cell properties were examined in the mouse xenograft model. HNHA-lenvatinib combined treatment induced markers of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and suppressed anti-apoptosis markers, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the FGFR signaling pathway. Combined treatment induced significant tumor shrinkage in the xenograft model. HNHA-lenvatinib combination treatment thus blocked the FGFR signaling pathway, which is important for EMT. Treatment with HNHA-lenvatinib combination was more effective than either agent alone or sorafenib-HNHA combination. These findings have implications for ATC treatment by preventing drug resistance in cancer stem cells.



http://ift.tt/2FLLcPB

IDH1R132H Promotes Malignant Transformation of Benign Prostatic Epithelium by Dysregulating MicroRNAs: Involvement of IGF1R-AKT/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Neoplasia, Volume 20, Issue 2
Author(s): Lili Zhang, Mei Qi, Tingting Feng, Jing Hu, Lin Wang, Xinjun Li, Wei Gao, Hui Liu, Meng Jiao, Zhen Wu, Xinnuo Bai, Yifan Bie, Long Liu, Bo Han
Risk stratification using molecular features could potentially help distinguish indolent from aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) acquire an abnormal enzymatic activity, resulting in the production of 2-hydroxyglutarate and alterations in cellular metabolism, histone modification, and DNA methylation. Mutant IDH1 has been identified in various human malignancies, and IDH1R132H constituted the vast majority of mutational events of IDH1. Most recent studies suggested that IDH1 mutations define a methylator subtype in PCa. However, the function of IDH1R132H in PCa development and progression is largely unknown. In this study, we showed that the prevalence of IDH1R132H in Chinese PCa patients is 0.6% (2/336). Of note, IDH1R132H-mutant PCa patients lacked other canonical genomic lesions (e.g., ERG rearrangement, PTEN deletion) that are common in most other PCa patients. The in vitro experiment suggested that IDH1R132H can promote proliferation of benign prostate epithelial cell RWPE-1 when under the situation of low cytokine. It could also promote migration capacity of RWPE-1 cells. Mechanistically, IDH1R132H was an important regulator of insulin-like growth factor 1receptor (IGF1R) by downregulating a set of microRNAs (miR-141-3p, miR-7-5p, miR-223-3p). These microRNAs were repressed by the alteration of epigenetic modification to decrease the enrichment of active marker H3K4me3 or to increase repressive marker H3K27me3 at their promoters. Collectively, we proposed a novel model for an IDH1R132H-microRNAs-IGF1R regulatory axis, which might provide insight into the function of IDH1R132H in PCa development.



http://ift.tt/2EN3COA

A Longitudinal Analysis of IDO and PDL1 Expression during Immune- or Targeted Therapy in Advanced Melanoma

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Neoplasia, Volume 20, Issue 2
Author(s): Lukas Krähenbühl, Simone M Goldinger, Joanna Mangana, Katrin Kerl, Ines Chevolet, Liève Brochez, Christine Horak, Mitch Levesque, Reinhard Dummer, Phil F Cheng
A deepened understanding of the cellular and molecular processes in the tumor microenvironment is necessary for the development of precision immunotherapy (IT). We simultaneously investigated CD3, PDL1, and IDO by immunohistochemistry in paired biopsies from various organs of 43 metastatic melanoma patients treated with IT and targeted therapy (TT). Intraindividual biopsies taken after a period of weeks to months demonstrate discordant results in 30% of the cases. Overlap of IDO and PDL1 increased after therapy. IT only marginally impacted PDL1 expression over time in contrast to TT. Standardized repeated assessments of multiple immune markers in repeated biopsies will generate detailed insights in melanoma's immune evolution and adaption during therapies and might be used to support treatment decisions.



http://ift.tt/2FKAYPA

Scholar : These new articles for Creative Industries Journal are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Creative Industries Journal and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Creative industries and economic growth: stability of creative products exports earnings Raul Gouvea & Gautam Vora Pages: 1-32 | DOI: 10.1080/17510694.2017.1416529 Browse this free access collection on: Communication, Media and Culture in Asia. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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.

Metabolic syndrome and its components among Korean submariners: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of inter-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although submariners tend to be exposed to unhealthy environmental factors, such as a confined work environment, physical inactivity, and circadian disruption, little is known regarding whether the risks of MetS and its components are associated with submarine service. The present study aimed to evaluate the risks of MetS and its components among submariners.

Methods

A total of 5090 subjects (513 submariners and 4577 non-submariners) were included in the present study. We calculated the age-standardized and age-specific prevalences of MetS. The associations between submarine service and the risks of MetS and its components were evaluated using logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, service rank, and lifestyle factors.

Results

The age-standardized prevalences of MetS were 17.6 and 15.1% among submariners and non-submariners, respectively. Compared to non-submariners, submariners had higher risks of MetS (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 1.68), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.36, 2.20), and impaired fasting glucose (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.21, 1.76). When we stratified the subjects according to physical activity, an increased risk of elevated blood pressure associated with submarine service was evident only in the subgroup with moderate or vigorous physical activity (P for interaction = 0.006).

Conclusion

Submariners had higher risks of MetS and some MetS components, compared to non-submariners. These findings suggest that special efforts are needed to prevent and manage MetS among individuals who are expected to be exposed to submarine environment.

http://ift.tt/2Db6Uuy

Fasting Blood Glucose Level in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: a New Prognostic Factor?

Abstract

Hyperglycemia may lead to proliferation, invasion, apoptosis inhibition, migration, and eventually metastasis of cancer cells by several mechanisms. In this study, the effect of hyperglycemia on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and locoregional recurrence (LRR) was investigated in NSCLC. One stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC patient treated with chemoradiotherapy between 2010 and 2015 was enrolled. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were recorded in pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment periods. Median age was 54 years (51–62). Fifty-two patients had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); 19 had adenocarcinoma. Median follow-up was 19 (11–30), median survival was 19 (13–24), and DFS was 9 (7–11) months. Diabetic patients had shorter survival than non-diabetics 12 (95%CI, 10–14) vs. 25 months (95%CI,18–32), p = 0.005. Number of patients with LRR was also higher in diabetics compared to non-diabetics (8/12 vs. 11/37, p = 0.039). OS was shorter in patients with hyperglycemic-FBG and diabetic-FBG levels in pre-treatment period (log-rank p = 0.03 and 0.023, respectively). Diabetic-FBG level in pre-treatment period was found to be the only independent risk factor for survival. In subgroup analysis, these differences were apparent in SCC (log-rank p = 0.009 for hyperglicemic, log-rank p = 0.017 for diabetic-FBG). LRR was 68% in patients with diabetic-FBG, 36.5% in patients with non-diabetic-FBG in post-treatment period (p = 0.015). Patients with LRR had significantly higher median FBG value in post-treatment period compared to non-relapsing patients, 138 mg/dL (119–228) and 111 mg/dL (99–164), respectively (p = 0.022). The patients with hyperglycemic and diabetic-FBG levels in pre-treatment period had shorter survival compared to normoglycemic ones. The patients with diabetic-FBG level in post-treatment period had higher LRR, and relapsing patients had higher FBG levels in post-treatment period.

http://ift.tt/2B7a40z

Harnessing a Different Dependency: How to Identify and Target Androgen Receptor-Positive Versus Quadruple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract

The androgen receptor (AR) is a promising therapeutic target for a subset of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) in which AR is expressed. However, the mechanistic action of AR and the degree to which primary and metastatic tumors depend on AR, both before and after conventional treatment, remain to be defined. We discuss preclinical and clinical data for AR+ TNBC, the difficulties in monitoring AR protein levels, new methods for determining AR status, the influence of AR on "stemness" in the context of TNBC, the role of combined inhibition of sex steroid production and AR, and the role of AR in regulation of the immune system. Although the exact role of AR in subsets of TNBC is still being characterized, new therapies that target AR and the production of androgens may provide additional options for patients with TNBC for whom chemotherapy is currently the sole treatment option.

http://ift.tt/2DfNBV7

Delayed Initial Radioiodine Therapy Related to Incomplete Response in Low- to Intermediate-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

Objective

Whether the initiating time of radioiodine (RAI) therapy will affect the clinical outcome in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of RAI therapy initiating time on response to initial therapy in low- to intermediate-risk DTC

Methods

A total of 235 consecutive patients with low- to intermediate-risk DTC were retrospectively reviewed. According to the time interval between thyroidectomy and RAI therapy, patients were divided into Group 1 (interval < 3 months, n=187) and Group 2 (interval ≥ 3 months, n=48). Response to RAI therapy was evaluated as excellent, indeterminate, biochemical incomplete, or structural incomplete response (ER, IDR, BIR, or SIR) with a median follow-up of 780 days. The univariate and multivariate analyses were further conducted to identify factors associated with incomplete response (IR, including BIR and SIR)

Results

Response to initial therapy was significantly different between 2 groups (P<0.05), after excluding the impact of other risk factors (age, gender, histological type, status of T and N, RAI dose, thyrotropin, stimulated thyroglobulin and follow-up time). A significantly higher IR rate (18.8% vs 4.3%, P=0.001) and a lower ER proportion (62.5% vs 78.1%, P=0.027) were observed in Group2. By univariate analysis, both T and N status, stimulated thyroglobulin and time interval were significant risk factors for IR (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the time interval was an independent risk factors for IR (P=0.008)

Conclusions

Delayed initial RAI therapy (≥3 months after thyroidectomy) related to incomplete response in low- to intermediate-risk DTC.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2EMnWQ6

Draft genome sequence of Xylaria sp., the causal agent of taproot decline of soybean in the southern United States

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Sandeep Sharma, Alex Z. Zaccaron, John B. Ridenour, Tom W. Allen, Kassie Conner, Vinson P. Doyle, Trey Price, Edward Sikora, Raghuwinder Singh, Terry Spurlock, Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Tessie Wilkerson, Burton H. Bluhm
The draft genome of Xylaria sp. isolate MSU_SB201401, causal agent of taproot decline of soybean in the southern U.S., is presented here. The genome assembly was 56.7Mb in size with an L50 of 246. A total of 10,880 putative protein-encoding genes were predicted, including 647 genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes and 1053 genes encoding secreted proteins. This is the first draft genome of a plant-pathogenic Xylaria sp. associated with soybean. The draft genome of Xylaria sp. isolate MSU_SB201401 will provide an important resource for future experiments to determine the molecular basis of pathogenesis.



http://ift.tt/2Dlv4WF

Spatially and temporally continuous estimates of annual total nitrogen deposition over North America, 1860–2013

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Robbie A. Hember
This report describes the North American Climate Integration and Diagnostics – Nitrogen Deposition Version 1 (NACID-NDEP1) database. The database contains estimates of annual total nitrogen (N) deposition for the purpose of supporting terrestrial ecosystem modelling in North America. It was constructed at 1-km resolution with coverage of Alaska, Canada, and the conterminous U.S., with continuous annual coverage from 1860 to 2013. Estimates were produced by acquiring and compiling best-available data sources: Wet N deposition was estimated from interpolation of monthly ammonium and nitrate concentration measurements and from grids of monthly precipitation. Dry N deposition was estimated from satellite measurements of ammonium and nitrogen oxides. Total N deposition for the pre-industrial era was derived from previous modelling studies. As these source datasets covered different time periods, several assumptions were required to produce a continuous record.



http://ift.tt/2mBawPJ

Data set on the bioprecipitation of sulfate and trivalent arsenic by acidophilic non-traditional sulfur reducing bacteria

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Letícia Paiva de Matos, Patrícia Freitas Costa, Mariana Moreira, Paula Cristine Silva Gomes, Silvana de Queiroz Silva, Leandro Vinícius Alves Gurgel, Mônica Cristina Teixeira
Data presented here are related to the original paper "Simultaneous removal of sulfate and arsenic using immobilized non-traditional sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) mixed culture and alternative low-cost carbon sources" published by same authors (Matos et al., 2018) [1]. The data set here presented aims to facilitate this paper comprehension by giving readers some additional information. Data set includes a brief description of experimental conditions and the results obtained during both batch and semi-continuous reactors experiments. Data confirmed arsenic and sulfate were simultaneously removed under acidic pH by using a biological treatment based on the activity of a non-traditional sulfur reducing bacteria consortium. This microbial consortium was able to utilize glycerol, powdered chicken feathers as carbon donors, and proved to be resistant to arsenite up to 8.0mgL⁻¹. Data related to sulfate and arsenic removal efficiencies, residual arsenite and sulfate contents, pH and Eh measurements obtained under different experimental conditions were depicted in graphical format.Refers to http://ift.tt/2mCi2tH



http://ift.tt/2DlLvSV

MCIndoor20000: A fully-labeled image dataset to advance indoor objects detection

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Fereshteh S. Bashiri, Eric LaRose, Peggy Peissig, Ahmad P. Tafti
A fully-labeled image dataset provides a unique resource for reproducible research inquiries and data analyses in several computational fields, such as computer vision, machine learning and deep learning machine intelligence. With the present contribution, a large-scale fully-labeled image dataset is provided, and made publicly and freely available to the research community. The current dataset entitled MCIndoor20000 includes more than 20,000 digital images from three different indoor object categories, including doors, stairs, and hospital signs. To make a comprehensive dataset addressing current challenges that exist in indoor objects modeling, we cover a multiple set of variations in images, such as rotation, intra-class variation plus various noise models. The current dataset is freely and publicly available at http://ift.tt/2mBap6L.



http://ift.tt/2Dn28gQ

Dataset demonstrating effects of momentum transfer on sizing of current collector for lithium-ion batteries during laser cutting

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Dongkyoung Lee, Jyotirmoy Mazumder
Material properties of copper and aluminum required for the numerical simulation are presented. Electrodes used for the (paper) are depicted. This study describes the procedures of how penetration depth, width, and absorptivity are obtained from the simulation. In addition, a file format extracted from the simulation to visualize 3D distribution of temperature, velocity, and melt pool geometry is presented.



http://ift.tt/2DlPxKY

Fibroblast and keratinocyte gene expression following exposure to the extracts of holy basil plant (Ocimum tenuiflorum), malabar nut plant (Justicia adhatoda), and mblic myrobalan plant (Phyllanthus emblica)

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Takao Someya, Katsura Sano, Kotaro Hara, Yoshimasa Sagane, Toshihiro Watanabe, R.G.S. Wijesekara
This data article provides gene expression profiles, determined by using real-time PCR, of fibroblasts and keratinocytes treated with 0.01% and 0.001% extracts of holy basil plant (Ocimum tenuiflorum), sri lankan local name "maduruthala", 0.1% and 0.01% extracts of malabar nut plant (Justicia adhatoda), sri lankan local name "adayhoda" and 0.003% and 0.001% extracts of emblic myrobalan plant (Phyllanthus emblica), sri lankan local name "nelli", harvested in Sri Lanka. For fibroblasts, the dataset includes expression profiles for genes encoding hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1), hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL1), hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2), versican, aggrecan, CD44, collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1), collagen, type III, alpha 1 (COL3A1), collagen, type VII, alpha 1 (COL7A1), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), acid ceramidase, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF7), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), cyclooxygenase-2 (cox2), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and aquaporin 3 (AQP3). For keratinocytes, the expression profiles are for genes encoding HAS1, HAS2, HYAL1, HYAL2, versican, CD44, IL-1α, cox2, TGF-β, AQP3, Laminin5, collagen, type XVII, alpha 1 (COL17A1), integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6), ceramide synthase 3 (CERS3), elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 1 (ELOVL1), elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 4 (ELOVL4), filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase 1 (TGM1), and keratin 1 (KRT1). The expression profiles are provided as bar graphs.



http://ift.tt/2mDUGUq

High-resolution dataset for building energy management systems applications

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Wessam El-Baz, Johannes Honold, Lukas Hardi, Peter Tzscheutschler
Modelling and optimization of energy management systems (EMS) require different data types for operation and validation. In this article, a multi-purpose dataset is provided for EMS applications. It includes PV measurement data for the PV generation and prediction algorithms associated with EMS systems. Weather data has also been measured at the same location for the optimization of PV prediction algorithms and other applications such as building model simulations. Moreover, the dataset contains detailed measurements of a seminar room where not only temperatures have been measured, but also user feedback for comfort assessment. All documented measurements have been gathered at the same location in Munich, Germany.



http://ift.tt/2DluVCB

Learning analytics for smart campus: Data on academic performances of engineering undergraduates in Nigerian private university

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Segun I. Popoola, Aderemi A. Atayero, Joke A. Badejo, Temitope M. John, Jonathan A. Odukoya, David O. Omole
Empirical measurement, monitoring, analysis, and reporting of learning outcomes in higher institutions of developing countries may lead to sustainable education in the region. In this data article, data about the academic performances of undergraduates that studied engineering programs at Covenant University, Nigeria are presented and analyzed. A total population sample of 1841 undergraduates that studied Chemical Engineering (CHE), Civil Engineering (CVE), Computer Engineering (CEN), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Information and Communication Engineering (ICE), Mechanical Engineering (MEE), and Petroleum Engineering (PET) within the year range of 2002–2014 are randomly selected. For the five-year study period of engineering program, Grade Point Average (GPA) and its cumulative value of each of the sample were obtained from the Department of Student Records and Academic Affairs. In order to encourage evidence-based research in learning analytics, detailed datasets are made publicly available in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file attached to this article. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions of the academic performance data are presented in tables and graphs for easy data interpretations. In addition, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison post-hoc tests are performed to determine whether the variations in the academic performances are significant across the seven engineering programs. The data provided in this article will assist the global educational research community and regional policy makers to understand and optimize the learning environment towards the realization of smart campuses and sustainable education.



http://ift.tt/2mE8EFB

Effectiveness and ecotoxicity of zero-valent iron nanoparticles during rhizoremediation of soil contaminated with Zn, Cu, Cd and diesel

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Rafael G. Lacalle, María T. Gómez-Sagasti, Unai Artetxe, Carlos Garbisu, José M. Becerril
The remediation of soils simultaneously contaminated with organic and inorganic compounds is still a challenging task. The application of metallic nanoparticles, such as zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI), for soil remediation is highly promising, but their effectiveness and potential ecotoxicity must be further investigated. In addition, the performance of nZVI when combined with other remediation strategies is a topic of great interest. Here, we present data on soil chemical (pseudo-total and CaCl2-extractable metal concentrations; petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations) and biological properties (microbial properties and phytotoxicity) after the application of nZVI to soil simultaneously contaminated with Zn, Cu, Cd and diesel, in the absence and presence of other remediation treatments such as the application of an organic amendment and the growth of Brassica napus plants. Soils were artificially contaminated with the abovementioned contaminants. Then, after an aging period of one month, nZVI were applied to the soil and, subsequently, B. napus seeds were sown. Plants were left to grow for one month. Soil samples were collected immediately after artificially contaminating the soil (T1), at sowing (T2) and at harvesting (T3). Overall, the application of nZVI had no effect on contaminant removal, nor on soil microbial parameters. In contrast, it did cause an indirect toxic effect on plant root elongation due to the interaction of nZVI with soil organic matter. These data are useful for researchers and companies interested in the effectiveness and ecotoxicity of zero-valent iron nanoparticles during the remediation of soil contaminated with metals and hydrocarbons, especially when combined with Gentle Remediation Options.



http://ift.tt/2Do6kxe

Data on corrosive water in the sources and distribution network of drinking water in north of Iran

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Javad Alimoradi, Dariush Naghipour, Hossein Kamani, Ghorban Asgari, Mohammad Naimi-Joubani, Seyed Davoud Ashrafi
This study aimed to determine the parameters of scaling and corrosion potential of drinking water in sources and distribution networks of water supply in two cities of north of Iran. The results of Amlash water sampels analysis in winter revealed that the average values of Langelier, Ryznar, Aggressive, Pockorius, and Larson- skold indices was −1.31, 9.73, 11.5, 9.74 and 0.24, respectively, but, in summer they were −1.51, 10.71, 11.36, 10.72 and 0.25, respectively. For Rudsar, the results of water sampels analysis in winter illustrated that the average values of Langelier, Ryznar, Aggressive, Pockorius, and Larson was −1.12, 9.69, 11.33, 9.19 and 0.16, respectively, while, in summer they were −1.05, 10.04, 11.92, 10.18 and 0.19, respectively. The beneficial of this data is showing the clear image of drinking water quality and can be useful for preventing the economical and safety problems relating to corrosion and scaling of drinking water.



http://ift.tt/2mC8mzk

The wildland-urban interface raster dataset of Catalonia

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Fermín J. Alcasena, Cody R. Evers, Cristina Vega-Garcia
We provide the wildland urban interface (WUI) map of the autonomous community of Catalonia (Northeastern Spain). The map encompasses an area of some 3.21 million ha and is presented as a 150-m resolution raster dataset. Individual housing location, structure density and vegetation cover data were used to spatially assess in detail the interface, intermix and dispersed rural WUI communities with a geographical information system. Most WUI areas concentrate in the coastal belt where suburban sprawl has occurred nearby or within unmanaged forests. This geospatial information data provides an approximation of residential housing potential for loss given a wildfire, and represents a valuable contribution to assist landscape and urban planning in the region.



http://ift.tt/2DjmyHP

Data collected in an integrated ecological survey of rotifer communities and corresponding environmental variables in the highly polluted Haihe River Basin, China

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Wei Xiong, Jie Li, Yuzhan Yang, Weimin Wang, Baoqing Shan, Aibin Zhan
Here we presented two datasets (biological and environmental datasets) collected in a comprehensive large geographical scale (approximately 1.1×10⁵ km²) survey of rivers/streams in the Haihe River Basin (HRB), which has become the most polluted river basin in past two decades in China. The survey selected a total of 94 representative sampling sites in the plain region of HRB, where environmental pollution is more severe than the mountain region. The biological dataset contains the information on the identified rotifer species and their abundance, while the environmental dataset provides the measured environmental variables at each sampling site. Based on this ecological survey, we identified a total of 91 rotifer species and their abundance, as well as abundance of two crucial taxonomic groups on rotifers' food webs (i.e., protozoans and crustaceans), and also presented seven environmental variables, particularly those associated with nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.



http://ift.tt/2mDlfsI

Data on assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation in rural area Sarpol-e Zahab city, Kermanshah province, Iran

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Hamed Soleimani, Abbas Abbasnia, Mahmood Yousefi, Ali Akbar Mohammadi, Fazlollah Changani Khorasgani
In present study 30 groundwater samples were collected from Sarpol-e Zahab area, Kermanshah province of Iran in order to assess the quality of groundwater in subjected area and determining its suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes. Also the variations in the quality levels of groundwater were compared over the years of 2015 and 2016. Statistical analyses including Spearman correlation coefficients and factor analysis display good correlation between physicochemical parameters (EC, TDS and TH) and Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻ and SO42− ionic constituents. Also in order to assess water quality for irrigation we used the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classification which is based on SAR for irrigation suitability assessment. In addition, the residual sodium carbonate (RSC), %Na, PI, KR, SSP, MH, EC characteristics were calculated for all samples and used for assessment of irrigation suitability. Based on these indicators, for every two years, the quality of water for agriculture is in good and excellent category. The Piper classification for hydro geochemical facies indicates that the water in the study area is of Ca-HCO3⁻ type. However, the study of water hardness shows that more than 80% of samples are in hard and very hard water class. Therefore, there is a need for decisions to refine and soften the water.



http://ift.tt/2Do6jcE

Data on genome sequencing, analysis and annotation of a pathogenic Bacillus cereus 062011msu

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Rashmi Rathy, Sayan Paul, Vasanthakumar Ponesakki, Paulkumar Kanniah, Suriya Prabha Muthu, Arun Arumugaperumal, Emmanuel Joshua Jebasingh Sathiya Balasingh Thangapandi, Subburathinam Balakrishnan, Rajendhran Jeyaprakash, Sudhakar Sivasubramaniam
Bacillus species 062011 msu is a harmful pathogenic strain responsible for causing abscessation in sheep and goat population studied by Mariappan et al. (2012) [1]. The organism specifically targets the female sheep and goat population and results in the reduction of milk and meat production. In the present study, we have performed the whole genome sequencing of the pathogenic isolate using the Ion Torrent sequencing platform and generated 458,944 raw reads with an average length of 198.2bp. The genome sequence was assembled, annotated and analysed for the genetic islands, metabolic pathways, orthologous groups, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes associated with the pathogen. Simultaneously the 16S rRNA sequencing study and genome sequence comparison data confirmed that the strain belongs to the species Bacillus cereus and exhibits 99% sequence homo;logy with the genomes of B. cereus ATCC 10987 and B. cereus FRI-35. Hence, we have renamed the organism as Bacillus cereus 062011msu. The Whole Genome Shotgun (WGS) project has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession NTMF00000000 (http://ift.tt/2DozBYF).



http://ift.tt/2mDHNcR

Draft genome sequence of Brevibacterium epidermidis EZ-K02 isolated from nitrocellulose-contaminated wastewater environments

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Elvira E. Ziganshina, Waleed S. Mohammed, Swapnil P. Doijad, Elena I. Shagimardanova, Natalia E. Gogoleva, Ayrat M. Ziganshin
Brevibacterium spp. are aerobic, nonbranched, asporogenous, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria which may exhibit a rod-coccus cycle when cells get older and can be found in various environments. ​Several Brevibacterium species have industrial importance and are capable of biotransformation of various contaminants. Here we describe the draft genome sequence of Brevibacterium epidermidis EZ-K02 isolated from nitrocellulose-contaminated wastewater environments. The genome comprises 3,885,924bp, with a G + C content of 64.2%. This whole genome shotgun project has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession PDHL00000000.



http://ift.tt/2mE8CNZ

New record of nuclear DNA amounts of some Zingiberaceae species from North east India

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Supriyo Basak, Latha Rangan
Members of the family Zingiberaceae are important medicinal plants and have great economic significance. Some taxonomic issues are still pending within the family and the genome size estimates of many species are still very scarce. Therefore, studies concerning genome size can provide complementary data that may be useful to characterize the family on whole. Genome size estimate have been used to characterize four Northeast Indian taxa of the family Zingiberaceae occurring in the wild in addition to that of a sacred cultivated species. In this data article we have provided genome size estimates of four species based on flow cytometry for the first time. This data will be valuable for genomic and molecular authentication of these species for all future studies.



http://ift.tt/2DjResy

Molecular and morphological data to facilitate future research on freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae: Anodontinae)

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 17
Author(s): Chase H. Smith, Nathan A. Johnson, John M. Pfeiffer, Michael M. Gangloff
This data article presents the multi-locus DNA alignments, morphometric data, and details on specimens examined to resolve the evolutionary history of Anodontoides and Strophitus, primarily generic placement and species boundaries. We sequenced 3 loci to create our molecular matrix: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, NADH dehydrogenase subunit I, and the nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer I. Aligned sequences were used in phylogenetic analyses and to identify diagnostic nucleotides for Strophitus pascagoulaensis, Strophitus radiatus, Strophitus sp. cf. pascagoulaensis, and Strophitus williamsi. Linear morphometrics (i.e. maximum height, length, and width) were also implemented to further evaluate species boundaries within Strophitus. For further details and experimental findings, please refer to the article published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution (Smith et al., 2018) [1].



http://ift.tt/2mCsMYI

Successful Treatment of Autoimmune Urticaria with Low-Dose Prednisolone Therapy Administered for a Few Months: A Case Series of 42 Patients

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as symptoms of urticaria persisting for 6 weeks or more without obvious cause. Autologous serum skin test (ASST) positivity in patients with CSU is considered to be associated with autoimmune urticaria (AIU). Methods: In this retrospective study we retrieved the medical records of 1,073 urticaria patients seen at the Department of Dermatology and Allergology of Szeged University between January 2005 and February 2014. Forty-two patients (36 female and 6 male) met the study criteria by having CSU and giving positive results in the ASST. Our aim was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of low-dose oral prednisolone therapy administered to patients with antihistamine-refractory ASST-positive CSU for a few months. Patients were given an initial dose (40 mg/day) of prednisolone until the complete resolution of the symptoms, usually 7-10 days, and then the dose was gradually decreased, as in other autoimmune diseases. Results: Prednisolone therapy lasted for an average of 3.6 months and a complete long-lasting response was achieved in 35 of 42 AIU patients (83.3%). The follow-up period was at least 36 months (3 years) for each AIU patient; the longest follow-up time was 139 months (11.5 years). None of the patients reported any considerable side effects. Conclusion: Based on our results, we suggest that the use of this treatment could be an alternative for the treatment of AIU. Our present results also highlight the need for other therapies in a small percentage of AIU patients. Our results suggest that AIU represents a transient autoimmunity that can be successfully treated with low-dose steroid therapy administered for a few months.
Dermatology

http://ift.tt/2D9UhAb

Prognostic implications of the co-detection of the urokinase plasminogen activator system and osteopontin in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy and correlation with gross tumor volume

Abstract

Background

The urokinase plasminogen activator system (uPA, uPAR, PAI‑1) is upregulated in cancer and high plasma levels are associated with poor prognosis. Their interaction with hypoxia-related osteopontin (OPN) which is also overexpressed in malignant tumors suggests potential clinical relevance. However, the prognostic role of the uPA system in the radiotherapy (RT) of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in combination with OPN, has not been investigated so far.

Methods

uPA, uPAR, PAI‑1 and OPN plasma levels of 81 patients with locally advanced or metastasized NSCLC were prospectively analyzed by ELISA before RT and were correlated to clinical patient/tumor data and prognosis after RT.

Results

uPAR plasma levels were higher in M1; uPA and PAI‑1 levels were higher in M0 NSCLC patients. uPAR correlated with uPA (p < 0.001) which also correlated with PAI‑1 (p < 0.001). The prognostic impact of OPN plasma levels in the RT of NSCLC was previously reported by our group. PAI‑I plasma levels significantly impacted overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Low PAI‑1 levels were associated with a significantly reduced OS and PFS with a nearly 2‑fold increased risk of death (p = 0.029) and tumor progression (p = 0.029). In multivariate analysis, PAI‑1 levels remained an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS with a 3‑fold increased risk of death (p = 0.001). If PAI‑1 plasma levels were combined with OPN or tumor volume, we found an additive prognostic impact on OS and PFS with a 2.5- to 3‑fold increased risk of death (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PAI-1 but not uPA and uPAR might add prognostic information in patients with advanced NSCLC undergoing RT. High pretreatment PAI-1 plasma levels were found predominantly in M0-stage patients and indicate a favorable prognosis as opposed to OPN where high plasma levels are associated with poor survival and metastasis. In combination, PAI-1 and OPN levels successfully predicted outcome and additively correlated with prognosis. These findings support the notion of an antidromic prognostic impact of OPN and PAI-1 plasma levels in the RT of advanced NSCLC.

http://ift.tt/2ENgQe9