Background: Aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab) are associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and typically this disorder has a poor visual prognosis as a result of optic neuritis (ON). Our aim was to report the clinical features at onset and final visual outcomes at 6 months of patients with ON who were positive for AQP4-Ab vs. those who were negative for AQP4-Ab. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. AQP4-Ab were tested by indirect immunofluorescence in 57 patients with a first episode of ON. All patients initially were referred for consideration of multiple sclerosis ON (MSON), NMOSD, or any other inflammatory central nervous system disorder during follow-up (41.31 ± 24.32 months). Our patients were diagnosed as having NMOSD, MSON, chronic relapsing inflammatory ON, and single isolated ON. Risk factors associated with visual outcomes of ON patients were assessed through an ordinal regression model. Results: Positive AQP4-Ab were associated with male sex (P = 0.02), earlier age of onset (P = 0.01), and myelitis relapses (P = 0.04). Seronegative group had fewer recurrences of ON than the seropositive group (35% vs 58%, P = 0.14). Patients that were positive for AQP4-Ab did not have worse visual acuity at baseline and after 6 months. However, poor visual acuity during first attack was associated with a worse visual acuity at 6 months (odds ratio = 2.28, 95% CI [1.58–3.28], P = 0.03). Conclusions: At 6 months, positive AQP4-Ab vs negative AQP4-Ab patients no evidence of poorer visual acuity. Lower visual acuity at baseline was associated with poor visual recovery at 6 months. Address correspondence to Edgar Carnero Contentti, Department of Neurology, Hospital Carlos G. Durand, Av Diaz Velez 5044, C1405DCS, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Email: junior.carnero@hotmail.com, ecarnerocontentti@hospitalaleman.com The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
https://ift.tt/2uwHCnS
Παρασκευή 13 Ιουλίου 2018
Diesel oil removal by Serratia sp. W4-01 immobilized in chitosan-activated carbon beads
Abstract
Serratia sp. W4-01 was immobilized in chitosan-activated carbon beads and used for diesel oil removal. The type and concentration of chitosan, activated carbon content, and bead diameter were investigated as factors affecting diesel oil removal. The results showed that 2% (w/v) squid pen chitosan beads modified with 1% activated carbon (w/v) and with a 3-mm diameter had a good spherical shape and strength as well as diesel oil removal capability. The immobilized W4-01 cells removed more than 40% of diesel oil after 7 days when the initial diesel oil concentration was 100 to 400 mg L−1, whereas 29–36% of diesel oil was removed after 14 days when the initial concentration was 800 to 1000 mg L−1. Additionally, the immobilized cells maintained the ability to remove diesel oil over a pH range of 5–11. The addition of a biosurfactant increased the diesel oil removal from 62 to 75%. The reusability tests revealed that the ability of immobilized cells to remove diesel oil was enhanced after reuse, and 50–90% of diesel oil was removed during 2 to 12 reuse cycles. The stability and survival of W4-01 cells was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results of this study showed the potential use of W4-01 cells immobilized in chitosan-activated carbon beads for future applications in remediating diesel contamination.
https://ift.tt/2L5CPEb
Effects of phosphorus on absorption and transport of selenium in rice seedlings
Abstract
The effects of different concentrations of phosphorus (P) on absorption and transfer of selenium (Se) in rice seedlings were studied by hydroponics experiment. The interaction between iron plaque and phosphorus on absorption and transport of selenium were studied by adding a large amount of iron-induced iron plaque, to provide a theoretical basis for rational application of phosphate fertilizer in the selenium bio-strengthening process of rice. The results showed that phosphorus deficiency may result in the formation of reddish brown iron oxide coating on the root surface of rice. The formation of root iron plaque of rice is related to concentration of phosphorus, and low concentration of phosphorus (0–1.5 mmol L−1) can increase the amount of root iron plaque. Compared P deficiency culture and 2 mmol L−1 P culture, Se content in the shoots and roots decreased by 76 and 47%, respectively. Addition of Fe2+ significantly reduced biomass of shoot and had no significant effect on the roots; when the P concentration increased from 0.1 to 0.3 mmol L−1, transfer coefficient of Se decreased. Therefore, both root iron plaques induced by phosphorus deficiency and iron addition have a strong adsorption effect on selenium, which reduces the transport of selenium from the rice roots to the shoots. In the lower range of phosphorus concentration, low phosphorus can promote selenium content of rice shoot, while higher on the contrary. In the practice of rice production, proper management of phosphorus nutrient is of great significance to control selenium content in rice grain.
https://ift.tt/2LhhuEC
Oral findings in children and adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome
Abstract
Objective
To assess the significance of changes in the saliva in the etiology of gingivitis and tooth wear in children and adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
Materials and methods
The study included 80 (2.8–18 years old; 39 girls and 41 boys): 40 in PWS group (mean age 8.0 ± 4.24 years) and 40 in control group (mean age 7.9 ± 4.12 years). General condition, oral para-functional habits, tooth wear (modified TWI), oral hygiene and gingival status (Plaque Index (PLI) and Gingival Index (GI)), localization of gingivitis, and salivary characteristics were assessed. The chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation, and odds ratio based on logistic regression in a statistical analysis were applied.
Results
Chances of gingivitis were increased by low PLI (odds ratio (OR) = 32.53), low resting salivary flow (OR = 3.96), increased viscosity of saliva (OR = 3.54), and mouth breathing (OR = 8.17). For gingivitis in anterior regions, low PLI (OR = 107.67), low resting (OR = 5.73) and stimulated (OR = 1.86) salivary flow, increased viscosity of saliva (OR = 5.87), mouth breathing (OR = 10.00), and low stimulated salivary flow (OR = 3.18) were observed. Tooth wear rates were increased by teeth grinding (OR = 16.20), mouth breathing (OR = 4.33), increased viscosity of saliva (OR = 11.67) and low resting (OR = 6.07), and stimulated (OR = 4.22) salivary flow.
Conclusions
In PWS, reduced salivary secretion, increased viscosity, of saliva and mouth breathing increase the risk of plaque-induced gingivitis and tooth wear.
Clinical relevance
The prevention and treatment of tooth wear and gingivitis in PWS patients is necessary not only to treat bruxism and mouth breathing but also to limit the influence of negative changes of saliva.
https://ift.tt/2LhpHJ1
Photodynamic and photobiological effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy in dermatological disease: an update
Abstract
Benefit deriving from the use of light is known since ancient time, but, only in the last decades of twentieth century, we witnessed the rapid expansion of knowledge and techniques. Light-emitted diode (LED)-based devices represent the emerging and safest tool for the treatment of many conditions such as skin inflammatory conditions, aging, and disorders linked to hair growth. The present work reviews the current knowledge about LED-based therapeutic approaches in different skin and hair disorders. LED therapy represents the emerging and safest tool for the treatment of many conditions such as skin inflammatory conditions, aging, and disorders linked to hair growth. The use of LED in the treatment of such conditions has now entered common practice among dermatologists. Additional controlled studies are still needed to corroborate the efficacy of such kind of treatment.
https://ift.tt/2Jmywzs
Snacking is Common in People with Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 with Insulin Therapy and Is Not Associated With Metabolic Control or Quality of Life
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/a-0631-8813
Objective The aim of this observational study was to analyse snacking pattern and satisfaction with snacking, and to associate snacking patterns with metabolic control and quality of life in people with diabetes type 1 and 2 on insulin therapy. Methods In 2017, 390 people with diabetes were interviewed in a university outpatient department: 132 diabetes type 1 (56.1y, diabetes duration 24.2y, HbA1c 7.0%), 89 diabetes type 2/biphasic insulin (72.8y, diabetes duration 22.0y, HbA1c 7.1%) and 169 diabetes type 2/prandial insulin (66.7y, diabetes duration 20.5y, HbA1c 7.0%). Standardised questionnaires were used to assess eating patterns, satisfaction with snacking, treatment satisfaction and quality of life. Results The far majority snacked regardless of diabetes type and type of insulin therapy (70.5% type 1, 80.9% type 2/biphasic insulin, 74.6% type 2/prandial insulin) and liked to do so or did not mind (type 1 diabetes 79.5%, type 2 diabetes/biphasic insulin 84.8%, type 2 diabetes/prandial insulin 83.5%). Snacking because of recommendations of healthcare professionals was rare (10.8% type 1 diabetes, 8.2% type 2 diabetes/biphasic insulin, 9.4% type 2 diabetes/prandial insulin). Snacking and not snacking participants did not differ in respect to HbA1c, quality of life or treatment satisfaction. Conclusions Snacking seems to be a common habit in individuals with diabetes and most of them like to snack. Snacking is not associated with better or worse metabolic control or quality of life. The decision to snack or not to snack can be left to the individual and integrated into the therapy without danger for the glycaemic control.
[...]
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
https://ift.tt/2ulVyBT
Unraveling molecular targets of bisphenol A and S in the thyroid gland
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disruptor with several effects on reproduction, development, and cancer incidence, and it is highly used in the plastic industry. Bisphenol S (BPS) was proposed as an alternative to BPA since it has a similar structure and can be used to manufacture the same products. Some reports show that BPA interferes with thyroid function, but little is known about the involvement of BPS in thyroid function or how these molecules could possibly modulate at the same time the principal genes involved in thyroid physiology. Thus, the aims of this work were to evaluate in silico the possible interactions of BPA and BPS with the thyroid transcription factors Pax 8 and TTF1 and to study the actions in vivo of these compounds in zebrafish thyroid gene expression. Adult zebrafish treated with BPA or BPS showed that sodium iodide symporter, thyroglobulin, and thyroperoxidase genes were negatively or positively regulated, depending on the dose of the exposure. Human Pax 8 alignment with zebrafish Pax 8 and Rattus norvegicus TTF1 alignment with zebrafish TTF1 displayed highly conserved regions in the DNA binding sites. Molecular docking revealed the in silico interactions between the protein targets Pax 8 and TTF1 with BPA and BPS. Importance of some amino acids residues is highlighted and ratified by literature. There were no differences between the mean energy values for BPA docking in Pax 8 or TTF1. However, BPS energy values were lower in TTF1 docking compared to Pax 8 values. The number of amino acids on the protein interface was important for Pax 8 but not for TTF1. The main BPA interactions with proteins occurred through Van der Waals forces and pi-alkyl and alkyl interactions, while BPS interactions mainly occurred through carbon hydrogen bonds and conventional hydrogen bonds in addition to Van der Waals forces and pi-alkyl interactions. These data point to a possible interaction of BPA and BPS with Pax 8 and TTF1.
https://ift.tt/2uy9FmR
Factors influencing the effective dose associated with CBCT: a systematic review
Abstract
Introduction
Due to potential impact of the effects of ionizing radiation used in medical and dental examinations on public health in recent years, many studies are being conducted to quantify the radiation dose values, evaluate scanners, and indicate factors that could influence or reduce radiation doses.
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate, by a systematic review, the factors that influence the effective radiation dose associated with cone beam computed tomography and respective effects, and compared the effective dose of different cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners with similar exposure parameters.
Materials and methods
A search was conducted on five databases from 2007 to 2015.
Results
The search identified 741 abstracts, among which 44 eligible articles were retrieved in full text. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Additional copper filter was evaluated in one study, patient size in 2 studies, region of interest in 1 study, use of a thyroid shield in 2 studies, scan angle in 3 studies, exposure time in 10 studies, FOV diameter in 17 studies, FOV height in 17 studies, kV in 16 studies, mA in 18 studies, mAs in 13 studies, voxel in 8 studies, and resolution in 3 studies. When similar exposure parameters were evaluated, it was observed that CBCT scanner with lower effective dose was Kodak® 9000C 3D (mean 21.2 μSv) in selected studies.
Conclusions
Thirteen factors were related to changes in the effective dose emitted by different scanners. More studies are needed to identify the image quality requirements in addition to measure the radiation.
Clinical relevance
Studies that give more information for professionals who request and interpret the exams and for technicians who perform 3D images about effective radiation dose associated with CBCT are necessary.
https://ift.tt/2JlTa2w
Scholar : These new articles for Archives and Manuscripts are available online
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Distribution of metabolic/obese phenotypes and association with diabetes: 5 years’ cohort based on 22,276 elderly
Abstract
Aims
To describe the distribution and changes of different metabolic/obese phenotypes among more than 22,000 male elderly in China, and also explore the association with diabetes incidence.
Methods
A cohort study based on 22,276 male elderly was conducted in Beijing, from 2009 to 2013. Multiple Cox model was used to calculate the relative risk.
Results
There were only 53.8% of total participants who kept the same phenotype for the 5 years. On the whole, participants with metabolically unhealthy phenotypes had higher relative risks (RRs) than those with metabolically healthy phenotypes. RRs for diabetes showed an increasing trend along with metabolic abnormalities (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found across different obese status with the same number of metabolic abnormalities. Changes of metabolic/obese status also showed the same trend. Those who had kept metabolic unhealthy had the highest RRs for diabetes incidence, which was higher than those who kept obesity.
Conclusions
Both metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy normal weight phenotypes had an increased risk for diabetes incidence, and metabolic abnormalities might have more influence on diabetes than obesity itself. Changes of metabolic/obese status also had an important impact on diabetes incidence.
https://ift.tt/2menLWA
Scholar : Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant Science, Volume 68, Issue 8, November 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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Raltitrexed Concurrent With Radiotherapy for Elderly Chinese Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus
Condition: Esophagus Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Intervention: Drug: raltitrexed
Sponsor: Huai'an First People's Hospital
Not yet recruiting
https://ift.tt/2zxvuZe
Intervention: Drug: raltitrexed
Sponsor: Huai'an First People's Hospital
Not yet recruiting
https://ift.tt/2zxvuZe
Distribution of metabolic/obese phenotypes and association with diabetes: 5 years’ cohort based on 22,276 elderly
Abstract
Aims
To describe the distribution and changes of different metabolic/obese phenotypes among more than 22,000 male elderly in China, and also explore the association with diabetes incidence.
Methods
A cohort study based on 22,276 male elderly was conducted in Beijing, from 2009 to 2013. Multiple Cox model was used to calculate the relative risk.
Results
There were only 53.8% of total participants who kept the same phenotype for the 5 years. On the whole, participants with metabolically unhealthy phenotypes had higher relative risks (RRs) than those with metabolically healthy phenotypes. RRs for diabetes showed an increasing trend along with metabolic abnormalities (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found across different obese status with the same number of metabolic abnormalities. Changes of metabolic/obese status also showed the same trend. Those who had kept metabolic unhealthy had the highest RRs for diabetes incidence, which was higher than those who kept obesity.
Conclusions
Both metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy normal weight phenotypes had an increased risk for diabetes incidence, and metabolic abnormalities might have more influence on diabetes than obesity itself. Changes of metabolic/obese status also had an important impact on diabetes incidence.
https://ift.tt/2menLWA
Industrial water use, income, trade, and employment: environmental Kuznets curve evidence from 17 Taiwanese manufacturing industries
Abstract
This paper investigated the relationships between industrial water use, income, trade, and employment for 17 Taiwanese industries from 1998 to 2015. We explored cross-sectional dependent unit root, panel cointegration, and causality tests to estimate their long-term relationships and causal nexus. There existed long-term equilibrium relationships among the variables. The long-term elasticity estimates of industrial water use with respect to income, squared income, trade, and employment are 4.27, − 0.15, 0.22, and 0.92, respectively. The results do not confirm an inverted U-shaped environmental Kuznets curve. A unidirectional causal relationship is found between water use and income, and a bidirectional causal relationship is identified between water use and employment. Exports cause industrial water use. As expected, both employment and exports lead to income. Hence, policy makers should promote investment into water efficiency and water recycling. Various governments reward firms for water efficiency and lower consumption without negative long-term effects on economic growth.
https://ift.tt/2Lisodm
Skin toxicity with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody in cancer patients: a meta-analysis of 65 randomized controlled trials
Abstract
We performed a meta-analysis to fully investigate the skin toxicities of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (EGFR-MoAbs) in cancer patients. The relevant studies of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in cancer patients treated with EGFR-MoAbs were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched for articles published till November 2017. The relevant RCTs in cancer patients treated with EGFR-MoAbs were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. 65 RCTs and 25994 patients were included. The current meta-analysis suggests that the use of EGFR-MoAbs significantly increases the risk of developing all-grade and high-grade skin toxicity, such as rash, hand–foot syndrome, dry skin and oral mucositis. Rash was the most common skin toxicity. Patients receiving nimotuzumab were associated with the least risk of skin toxicity. The risk of high-grade skin toxicity tended to be higher in the study in which the EGFR-MoAbs treatment duration was longer. The available data suggested that the use of EGFR-MoAbs significantly increases the risk of developing skin toxicity. Physicians should be aware of skin toxicity and should monitor cancer patients when receiving EGFR-MoAbs.
https://ift.tt/2NLSVkN
An Atypical HNF4A Mutation Which Does Not Conform to the Classic Presentation of HNF4A-MODY.
| Related Articles |
An Atypical HNF4A Mutation Which Does Not Conform to the Classic Presentation of HNF4A-MODY.
Case Rep Endocrinol. 2018;2018:1560472
Authors: Spiro AJ, Vu KN, Warnock AL
Abstract
Objective: To present the case of an atypical Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha (HNF4A) mutation that is not consistent with the classically published presentation of HNF4A-Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY).
Methods: Clinical presentation and literature review.
Results: A 43-year-old nonobese man was referred to the endocrinology clinic for evaluation of elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) measurements. Laboratory review revealed prediabetes and hypertriglyceridemia for the previous decade. Testing of autoantibodies for type 1 diabetes was negative. Genetic testing showed an autosomal dominant, heterozygous missense mutation (c.991C>T; p.Arg331Cys) in the HNF4A gene, which is correlated with HNF4A-MODY. Phenotypically, patients with an HNF4A-MODY tend to have early-onset diabetes, microvascular complications, low triglyceride levels, increased birth weight, fetal macrosomia, and less commonly neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. The patient did not demonstrate any of these features but instead presented with late-onset diabetes, an elevated triglyceride level, and a normal birth weight.
Conclusion: Our patient likely represents an atypical variant of HNF4A-MODY with a milder clinical presentation. Patients with atypical, less-severe presentations of HNF4A-MODY may be largely undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, but identification is important due to implications for treatment, pregnancy, and screening of family members.
PMID: 29998026 [PubMed]
https://ift.tt/2utW1B2
Obesogenic Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Identifying Knowledge Gaps
Publication date: Available online 13 July 2018
Source: Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Author(s): Almudena Veiga-Lopez, Yong Pu, Jeremy Gingrich, Vasantha Padmanabhan
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that are part of everyday consumer products and industrial manufacturing processes. EDCs can interfere with the endocrine system, including the adipose tissue. Accumulating evidence from epidemiological, animal, and in vitro studies demonstrates that EDCs can alter body weight, adipose tissue expansion, circulating lipid profile, and adipogenesis, with some resulting in transgenerational effects. These outcomes appear to be mediated through multiple mechanisms, from nuclear receptor binding to epigenetic modifications. A better understanding of the signaling pathways via which these EDCs contribute to an obesogenic phenotype, the interaction amongst complex mixtures of obesogenic EDCs, and the risks they pose relative to the obesity epidemic are still needed for risk assessment and development of prevention strategies.
https://ift.tt/2L5M8nz
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Summary Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that classically present with fasting hypoglycaemia. This case report discusses an un...
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