Coastal erosion—a “new” land-based source of labile mercury to the marine environment

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) can be introduced into the marine environment in many different ways. In the case of the Baltic Sea, rivers and atmospheric deposition are the predominant ones. However, in the face of ongoing climate change, a new potential source, coastal erosion, is starting to become more important and is currently considered to be the third largest source of Hg in the Gdansk Basin region. It is especially significant along sections of coastline where, due to the higher frequency of extreme natural phenomena such as storms, heavy rains, and floods, increased erosion processes have already been noted. Cliffs, which account for about 20% of the Polish coastline, are particularly vulnerable. The aim of the study was to estimate the annual load of labile Hg entering the Gdansk Basin as a result of coastal erosion. Samples of down-core sediments (0–65 cm) were collected in the years 2016–2017 from selected cliffs situated in the Gulf of Gdansk area. The thermodesorption method was used to distinguish between labile and stable fractions of Hg. Considering the mean total Hg concentrations in the collected sediments (9.7 ng g⁻¹) and the mean share of labile (64%), bioavailable mercury, it was estimated that the load of labile Hg originating from coastal erosion entering the Gdansk Basin is 10.0 kg per year. The load can increase by up to 50% in the case of episodic abrasion events during heavy storms and rains.

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Lower Circulating Androgens Are Associated with Overall Cancer Risk and Prostate Cancer Risk in Men Aged 25–84 Years from the Busselton Health Study

Abstract

Androgens, notably testosterone (T), have been implicated in development of several common cancers and prostate cancer; however, precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study assessed prospective associations of serum T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2) with overall cancer (excluding skin cancer), prostate, colorectal and lung cancer risk in 1574 community-dwelling men aged 25–84 years. Sex hormones were assayed using mass spectrometry and men were followed for 20 years with outcomes ascertained using data linkage. Over 20 years, there were 289, 116, 48 and 22 men who developed any cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer, respectively. Androgens in the lowest quartile were associated with an increased overall cancer risk (HR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.05–1.76, p = 0.020 for T; and HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.00–1.69, p = 0.049 for DHT comparing the lowest vs other quartiles). T in the lowest quartile was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (HR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.02–2.29, p = 0.038 comparing the lowest vs other quartiles). The association between androgens and overall cancer risk remained similar after excluding prostate cancer outcomes; however, results were not significant. There were no associations of T, DHT or E2 with colorectal or lung cancer risk; however, LH in the highest quartile was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (HR = 4.55, 95% CI 1.70–12.19, p = 0.003 for the highest vs other quartiles). Whether T is a biomarker of poor health in men with any cancer or prostate cancer requires further confirmation as does the nature and mechanism of the association of a high LH with future lung cancer.

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Efficacy and Safety of Topical Cantharidin Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum and Warts: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Objective

Topical cantharidin is routinely used for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum and warts. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy and safety of topical cantharidin treatment for molluscum contagiosum and warts.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of studies assessing topical cantharidin treatment of molluscum contagiosum or warts. We searched the databases of Cochrane, EMBASE, GREAT, LILACS, MEDLINE, and Scopus. Two authors performed the study selection and data extraction.

Results

Twenty studies (1958–2018) met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Twelve studies assessed warts, and eight studies assessed molluscum contagiosum. Overall, 1752 patients were included (range 0.3–62 years; specified in 15 studies). Clearance rates with topical cantharidin for molluscum contagiosum were variable (range 15.4–100%). Significant clearance of warts with maintenance of clearance was demonstrated with topical cantharidin alone. Topical cantharidin in combination with podophyllotoxin and salicylic acid demonstrated efficacy for plantar warts (pediatric and adult; clearance rate range 81–100%; four studies had 100% clearance), with the majority clearing after a single treatment. Satisfaction with cantharidin therapy was high, especially in molluscum contagiosum. Pain (7–85.7%), blistering (10–100%), and hyper-/hypopigmentation (1.8–53.3%) were the most commonly occurring adverse effects with cantharidin treatment.

Conclusion

Topical cantharidin demonstrated clearance of warts, particularly in combination with podophyllotixin and salicylic acid, and modest benefit for pediatric molluscum contagiosum with good tolerability and safety.

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Subcutaneous Mastectomy Improves Satisfaction with the Body and Psychosocial Function in Trans Men; Findings of a Cross-Sectional Study Using the BODY-Q Chest Module

Background: The effectiveness of gender confirming surgery is best evaluated on the basis of patient-reported outcomes such as appearance satisfaction and health-related quality of life. This is the first explorative study using the BODY-Q chest module, administered in trans men before and after mastectomy. Methods: Between October 2016 and May 2017, trans men were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Data collection included standardized anamnesis and examination, screening questions on depression/anxiety, and seven BODY-Q scales, including new scales measuring satisfaction of the chest and nipples. Mean scores for pre- and post-operative participants were compared, and explorative regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with BODY-Q scores. Results: In total, 101 persons participated (89%; 50 pre-operative, 51 post-operative). Post-operative participants reported significantly higher (better) scores on the chest (M=67), nipple (M=58), body (M=58; t-tests, all p<.001 and psychological t-test p=".05)" scales compared with pre-operative patients. post-operative chest nipple mean scores did not differ significantly from a gynecomastia comparison whilst were less favorable on the psychosocial domains. pre-operatively associated objective breast size. lower planned revision surgery depressive symptoms as indicated by screening question. conclusions: present findings indicate that satisfaction differences in trans men undergoing mastectomy can be detected using body-q module. future prospective studies are needed to measure clinical change how this relates changes other aspects of health-related quality life. is an open-access article distributed under terms creative commons attribution-non commercial-no derivatives license where it permissible download share work provided properly cited. cannot changed any way or used commercially without permission journal. financial disclosure: anne klassen co-developer may receive revenues. remaining authors have no disclosures. acknowledgements: would like thank study participants developers well m marlon buncamper for their assistance data collection floyd timmermans editing final manuscript. corresponding author: tim c. van de grift vu university medical center p.o. box mb amsterdam netherlands society plastic surgeons>

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Hybrid Pre-pectoral Breast Reconstruction – A Surgical Approach that Combines the Benefits of Autologous and Implant-based Reconstruction

Background: The advantages of hybrid breast reconstruction, i.e. the combination of free tissue transfer with simultaneous implant placement, are well-known. In an attempt to further minimize morbidity and simplify the procedure, the authors have modified their approach in that a pre-pectoral approach is now routinely chosen. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent immediate microsurgical breast reconstruction with simultaneous pre-pectoral implant placement was performed. Clinical outcomes and postoperative complications were examined. Results: A total of 23 patients with a mean age of 46.6 years (range, 26 - 72 years) and mean BMI of 25.8 kg/m2 (range, 21.4 to 32.1) underwent reconstruction with 46 free flaps with simultaneous pre-pectoral silicone gel implant placement. The most common implant volume was 210 cc (range, 150 - 255 cc). Postoperative complications included hematoma (N=1 [4.3%]), mastectomy skin necrosis (N=5 [21.7%]), fat necrosis (N=3 [13%]), and delayed wound healing at the flap donor-site (N=4 [17.4%]). No case of implant malposition, implant infection, flap loss, or "red breast" syndrome was encountered during a mean follow-up of 8.4 months (range, 2 - 17 months). Conclusion: Pre-pectoral hybrid breast reconstruction is a safe procedure that combines the benefits of autologous and implant-based reconstruction. While the transfer of well-vascularized soft tissue allows reconstruction of natural breast ptosis, the addition of an implant provides the desired projection, however, without being associated with complications such as rippling or animation deformity. Financial Disclosure: Dr. Momeni is a consultant for Allergan, AxoGen, Inc., and Stryker Corporation. Dr. Kanchwala is a consultant for AxoGen, Inc. No compensation or support was received for this study. Acknowledgement: The authors would like to thank Dr. Sarah Sorice Virk for preparing the medical illustrations. Corresponding author: Arash Momeni, MD, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, 770 Welch Road, Suite 400, Palo Alto, CA 94304, Phone: 650-723-6189, Email: amomeni@stanford.edu ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Perioperative Ketorolac Use and Postoperative Hematoma Formation in Reduction: A Single Surgeon Experience of 500 Consecutive Cases

Background: In light of the escalating opioid crisis, surgeons are increasingly focused on minimizing opioid use. Ketorolac has well-documented opioid-sparing effects in the postoperative period; however, its use is limited due to concerns of postoperative bleeding and hematoma formation. This study explores the relationship between hematoma formation and administration of perioperative ketorolac in adolescent females and young adult women undergoing reduction mammaplasty. It also aims to determine the effect of perioperative ketorolac administration on the requirement for opioid analgesia. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 500 consecutive female patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty for bilateral macromastia from 2007-2017. We collected data pertaining to perioperative analgesia use and postoperative hematoma formation. Results: Five-hundred patients were included in analyses. The average age was 18.1 ± 2.2 years. Three hundred and eighty-nine (77.8%) patients received intravenous ketorolac during the perioperative period. Seven (1.4%) patients developed a postoperative hematoma. Hematoma was not associated with intraoperative ketorolac use, postoperative ketorolac use, or any perioperative ketorolac use (p>0.43, all). Intraoperative ketorolac use was associated with lower total intraoperative dosing of fentanyl and morphine and lower total postoperative dosing of oxycodone and morphine (p

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Breast Implant Mycobacterial Infections – An Epidemiological Review and Outcome Analysis

Background: Epidemiological evidence of periprosthetic mycobacterial infections (PMIs) is limited. The recent boom in cosmetic surgery tourism has been associated with a rise of surgical site infections (SSIs) in returning patients. This review aims to explore available data, examine trends of documented PMIs and analyze outcomes of management techniques. Methods: A search in Biosis, Embase, LILACS, Medline, and Web of Science databases from inception until December 2017 for "Breast Implants" and "Mycobacterial Infections" and equivalents was performed. Data were pooled after two screening rounds following full-text retrieval and cross-referencing. Results: Forty-one reports describing 171 female patients who had breast prosthesis-related mycobacterial infections were identified. Bibliometric case-based analysis revealed a rise of PMIs in developing countries since the start of the millennia. The mean age was 37.9 years and the majority of cases followed bilateral breast augmentation. Most patients presented with breast pain or tenderness, after an average incubation period of nine months. M. fortuitum was isolated from 90 (52.6%) of cases. Immediate explantation, with or without delayed re-implantation was most commonly employed surgical strategy, complemented by combination antimicrobial therapy for an average of 4.6 months. The mean follow-up time was 39.7 months, during which recurrences were observed in 21/171 patients (12.3%). Conclusion: The emergence of PMIs in relation to cosmetic medical tourism alerts clinicians to the importance of educating the public about the associated risks. In addition, this study identifies risk factors associated with recurrence of PMIs. Conflicts of Interest: None of the authors has a financial interest in this manuscript. Source of Funding: No funds were received in support of this study. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Omar Fouda Neel, MBBS, MMgt, FRCSC, FAAP, FACS, Division of Plastic Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada Phone Number: 5142249054 , Fax Number: 5142249054 , Email: foudaneel@gmail.com ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Tracing the sources of suspended sediment and particle-bound trace metal elements in an urban catchment coupling elemental and isotopic geochemistry, and fallout radionuclides

Abstract

The excessive supply of contaminants from urban areas to rivers during the last centuries has led to deleterious impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The sources, the behavior, and the dynamics of these contaminants must be better understood in order to reduce this excessive anthropogenic pollution. Accordingly, the current research investigated the particle-bound trace element (TE) contamination of the 900-km² Orge River (Seine basin, France) and the potential sources of these particles (agricultural or forest soils, channel banks, road deposited sediments), through the analysis of multiple fallout radionuclides, elemental geochemistry, and lead isotopic composition on suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected during a hydrological year at four stations following an increasing urbanization gradient (300 to 5000 inhab.km⁻²). Fallout radionuclide measurements showed an increasing contribution of recently eroded particles from urban areas to the SPM in downstream direction. However, this contribution varied depending on hydrological conditions. A greater contribution of particles originating from urban areas was observed during low stage periods. On the contrary, the contribution of agricultural soils and channel banks that are less enriched in contaminants and fallout radionuclides was higher during seasonal floods, which explained the dilution of radionuclide contents in sediment transiting the river during those events. Trace element contamination of SPM in Cu, Zn, Pb, and Sb increased from moderate to significant levels with urban pressure in downstream direction (with corresponding enrichment factors raising from 2 to 6). In addition, Pb isotopic ratios indicated that the main source of Pb corresponded to the "urban" signature found in road deposited sediments. The low variations in lead isotope ratios found in the SPM for contrasting hydrological conditions demonstrated the occurrence of a single source of Pb contamination. These results demonstrate the need to better manage urban runoff during both flood and low precipitation events to prevent the supply of diffuse particle-bound contamination to rivers draining urban areas.

https://ift.tt/2OjW5vm

Development of hybrid processes for the removal of volatile organic compounds, plasticizer, and pharmaceutically active compound using sewage sludge, waste scrap tires, and wood chips as sorbents and microbial immobilization matrices

Abstract

This study evaluated the reutilization of waste materials (scrap tires, sewage sludge, and wood chips) to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) benzene/toluene/ethylbenzene/xylenes/trichloroethylene/cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (BTEX/TCE/cis-DCE), plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and pharmaceutically active compound carbamazepine from artificially contaminated water. Different hybrid removal processes were developed: (1) 300 mg/L BTEX + 20 mg/L TCE + 10 mg/L cis-DCE + tires + Pseudomonas sp.; (2) 250 mg/L toluene + sewage sludge biochar + Pseudomonas sp.; (3) 100 mg/L DEHP + tires + Acinetobacter sp.; and (4) 20 mg/L carbamazepine + wood chips + Phanerochaete chrysosporium. For the hybrid process (1), the removal of xylenes, TCE, and cis-DCE was enhanced, resulted from the contribution of both physical adsorption and biological immobilization removal. The hybrid process (2) was also superior for the removal of DEHP and required a shorter time (2 days) for the bioremoval. For the process (3), the biochar promoted the microbial immobilization on its surface and substantially enhanced/speed up the bioremoval of toluene. The fungal immobilization on wood chips in the hybrid process (4) also improved the carbamazepine removal considerably (removal efficiencies of 61.3 ± 0.6%) compared to the suspended system without wood chips (removal efficiencies of 34.4 ± 1.8%). These hybrid processes would not only be promising for the bioremediation of environmentally concerned contaminants but also reutilize waste materials as sorbents without any further treatment.

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Kinetics, isotherm, and optimization of the hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solution by a magnetic nanobiosorbent

Abstract

Sorption is the most effective approach to the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) and wastewaters, but the removal of the adsorbents from water has always been a challenging problem which may be resolved by using magnetic separation. In this work, a magnetic bioadsorbent was prepared using low cost and high-performance sources and applied in Cr(VI) removal from a synthetic solution. Initially, magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized from iron boring scraps by chemical co-precipitation method. Results of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) analyses showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were around 40 nm in size and had a significant magnetization. Then, the magnetite nanoparticles were attached to the dead and alkaline activated biomass of Aspergillus niger. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to determine the optimal condition of Cr(VI) adsorption on the produced magnetic nanobiocomposite. The maximum chromium removal (~ 92%) was achieved at pH 5.8, Cr concentration 23.4 mg/l, adsorbent dose 3.72 g/l, agitation rate 300 rpm, and duration 11 min. Kinetic studies showed that regardless of temperature, the process was controlled by mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion with an equilibrium constant of 0.74 mg/g min^1/2 at 40 °C. Also, the adsorption isotherms followed the Temkin model, which indicated the physical adsorption of Cr(VI) on the produced sorbent. Therefore, the magnetic nanobiocomposite has a perfect ability to be used as the chromium adsorbent and can be collected by a low external magnetic field.

Graphical abstract

Synthesis of the magnetic nanobiosorbent and its application in the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewaters.

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Air pollution, biological marker and lung function in children

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Response of soil phosphatase activities to contamination with two types of tar oil

Abstract

Tar oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbon compounds obtained from high-temperature distillation of coal tar. It has been used for over 100 years from now to protect wood and has been applied to wood products, primary utility poles, and railroad ties by pressure methods. Composition of the tar oil depends on the source and typically consists of 85% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 10% phenolic compounds, and 5% heterocyclic compounds. In this research, we performed the laboratory experiment to compare two types of tar oil: C and GX-Plus, and their effects on P-cycling enzymes (phosphatases) in sandy loam and loamy sand. Tar oil was applied to soil samples at the following doses: 2, 10, and 50 g kg⁻¹. Soil without tar oil was used as a control sample. The experiment showed that the contamination of soil with tar oil affects the enzyme activities measured and with this most probably the P-cycle in soil. Phosphomonoesterases were the most sensitive to the contamination of soil with both type of tar oil: typeC and type GX-Plus. Greater changes in the enzymatic activity were observed in the loamy sand. Moreover, the type C tar oil demonstrated higher toxicity for phosphatases than type GX-Plus.

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Effects of biological clogging on 1,1,1-TCA and its intermediates distribution and fate in heterogeneous saturated bio-augmented permeable reactive barriers

Abstract

Biological clogging in porous media was an important concern in the design of bio-augmented permeable reactive barriers (Bio-PRBs) that were used to remediate groundwater with dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). Here, we used laboratory sandbox experiments to develop and calibrate reactive transport models (C1 and C2) simulating 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) change in heterogeneous saturated porous media. The routine (1,1,1-TCA chain kinetic reactions) and subroutine (the relationship between hydraulic conductivity (K) and time (t)) were included in the model computer code. The simulation results suggested that the model C1 had the applicability for simulating contaminant transport and fate in bio-augmented flow field. By using the model C1 which was suitable for constant K condition, the performance of different types of Bio-PRBs was evaluated, and the regularity of contaminants chain kinetic reactions in different heterogeneous saturated porous media was obtained. The results demonstrated that Bio-PRBs in immobilized microorganism (IM) protocol were more superior to Bio-PRBs in free microorganism (FM) protocol. In addition, by using the model C2 (updated model C1) which was suitable for decreasing K condition, the different and optimized regularity of contaminants transport and transformation was obtained. The results showed that microbial growth which further decreased K was beneficial to preventing the transport of contaminants and accelerating the transformation of contaminants. However, the negative effects of biological clogging on hydraulic conductivity and relative hydraulic conductivity ratio in FM Bio-PRBs were significantly stronger than that in IM Bio-PRBs. Deploying IM Bio-PRBs for groundwater remediation would be much more efficient and meet the design criteria. The research work had guiding significance to engineering and provided consultation for designing and optimizing Bio-PRBs system. To make the design and optimization of Bio-PRBs system convenient, it was very essential to choose the suitable mathematical model (C1 or C2).

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Spine MR images in patients with pedicle screw fixation: Comparison of conventional and SEMAC-VAT sequences at 1.5 T

Publication date: Available online 9 August 2018

Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Author(s): Chankue Park, Eugene Lee, Yujin Yeo, Yusuhn Kang, Joon Woo Lee, Joong Mo Ahn, Heung Sik Kang

Abstract

Background and purpose

Slice-encoding metal artifact corrections (SEMAC)-view-angle tilting (VAT) sequences have recently been used in clinical protocols to reduce metal artifacts in MR scans of patients with spinal instrumentation. The objective of this study was to compare the SEMAC-VAT sequence with the conventional MR sequence with a low bandwidth turbo-spin echo (TSE) in terms of image quality, visibility of periprosthetic structures, and diagnostic confidence for detection of postoperative complications in patients who underwent pedicle screw fixation at 1.5 T.

Methods

Seventy patients who underwent pedicle screw fixation between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum were included in the study. The MR scans were retrospectively evaluated by two radiologists for signal-to-noise ratio of anatomical structures and size of artifacts, visibility of periprosthetic anatomical structures, and diagnostic confidence for detection of postoperative complications on conventional TSE and on SEMAC-VAT images. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for comparisons, and kappa values were used for inter-observer agreement.

Results

SEMAC-VAT images demonstrated significantly fewer metal artifacts, providing improved delineation of most periprosthetic anatomical structures and higher diagnostic confidence for detection of postoperative complications compared with conventional TSE images (p < 0.001). For the spinal canal, however, the visibility of anatomical structures and diagnostic confidence for detection of postoperative complications were better for conventional TSE than for SEMAC-VAT imaging (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, although SEMAC-VAT can significantly reduce metal artifact and provide improved delineation of periprosthetic anatomical structures compared to conventional TSE images, TSE is better for spinal canal evaluation. Therefore, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of SEMAC-VAT and to use it properly.

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Maintenance Treatment and Survival in Patients With Myeloma

This systematic review and network meta-analysis analyzes and compares different maintenance regimens for treating patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and associated progression-free and overall survival.

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High-Dose Therapy Followed by Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma—Reply

In Reply We would like to thank Claggett and coauthors for their discussion of the limitations of conventional meta-analysis approaches, and for pointing to interesting new work on potential alternatives. As they note, we had to make some choices and assumptions to conduct our analyses—these were made after careful consideration of information available in the studies that we relied on, as well as by considering common practices in the field of meta-analysis. However, we do not believe that the methodology proposed by the authors is fully relevant to our work. First, we disagree about the lack of interpretability of hazard ratios. Researchers are comfortable seeing and interpreting them, and they have a good feeling for appreciating small and large effects in this scale. The remaining criticism and alternative approach are more applicable to the estimation of absolute effects, such as the prevalence of a certain feature in the population. Our article focuses on relative effects, which are not applicable to individuals, but only parameters. The units of our analysis are studies, and the relevant "superpopulation" is that of all potential studies addressing the effectiveness of high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in meta-analysis that could be conducted.

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MUC16 Mutations and Prognosis in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is a global health problem; although incidence rates are declining, it remains the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Patients with advanced disease have limited treatment options, and most will live for less than 2 years. Therefore, exploration of gastric cancer disease biology is warranted to identify new targets for treatment. Recent comprehensive molecular analyses have identified distinct subgroups of gastric cancer that may have therapeutic relevance. With the exception of microsatellite-unstable tumors, however, the potential for genomically guided therapy has not been realized.

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Optimizing Cancer Treatment Using Game Theory

This review approaches cancer treatment as a game theoretic contest between the physician's therapy and the cancer cells' resistance strategies and suggests how treatment strategies can be improved by exploiting the critical asymmetries between the opposing sides in this contest.

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Assessment of the Accuracy of Disease Coding Among Patients Diagnosed With Sarcoma

This case study compares diagnosis codes with pathology reports for patients diagnosed with sarcoma to assess the accuracy of disease coding at a health care center.

https://ift.tt/2nm4pQ2

MUC16 Mutation and Tumor Mutation Load and Outcomes in Patients With Gastric Cancer

This analysis of genomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and an Asian cohort investigates associations between MUC16 mutation, tumor mutation load, and survival in patients with gastric cancer.

https://ift.tt/2vVE5jo

High-Dose Therapy Followed by Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma

To the Editor Dhakal et al used conventional meta-analysis techniques to address an important question regarding the efficacy of high-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (HDT/ASCT) vs standard care in patients with multiple myeloma. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS), with overall survival (OS) as a secondary end point. Four comparative randomized clinical trials were included in this meta-analysis. For each study, the hazard ratio (HR) was used to quantify the treatment effect for both PFS and OS. Because significant heterogeneity in HR was observed across studies for both PFS and OS, a random-effects model was used to obtain a pooled HR for the overall treatment effect from HDT/ASCT. Specifically, those underlying HRs from 4 study populations were likely different and we assume that these 4 separate HRs were a random sample from a hypothetical superpopulation characterized by log-normal distribution. This resulted in the combined HR of 0.55 for PFS (95% CI, 0.41-0.74; P < .001) and of 0.76 for OS (95% CI, 0.42-1.36; P = .20) in favor of HDT/ASCT.

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A Poorly Differentiated Lung Malignancy in a Young Adult

A man in his early 20s presented with a history of smoking, shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and a dense consolidation in the right lung. What is your diagnosis?

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Effect of Anlotinib on Overall Survival of Patients With Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

This randomized clinical trial examines the efficacy of anlotinib compared with placebo as a third-line or further therapy on overall survival of adult patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer.

https://ift.tt/2ns1qoZ

Relationships between female infertility and female genital infections and pelvic inflammatory disease: a population-based nested controlled study

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to examine the associations of female genital infections and certain comorbidities with infertility. METHODS: The Taiwan National Health Research Database was searched for women with a new diagnosis of infertility between 2000 and 2013. Women without a diagnosis of infertility served as a control group and were matched with the infertility cases by age (±3 years) and index year. They were divided into two groups: ≤40 years old and >40 years old. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression models were employed to identify the risk factors associated with infertility. RESULTS: A total of 18,276 women with a new diagnosis of infertility and 73,104 matched controls (mean cohort age, 31±6.2 years) were included. According to the adjusted multivariate analysis, pelvic inflammatory disease involving the ovary, fallopian tube, pelvic cellular tissue, peritoneum (odds ratio (OR)=4.823), and uterus (OR=3.050) and cervical, vaginal, and vulvar inflammation (OR=7.788) were associated with an increased risk of infertility in women aged ≤40 years. In women aged >40 years, pelvic inflammatory disease of the ovary, fallopian tube, pelvic cellular tissue, and peritoneum (OR=6.028) and cervical, vaginal, and vulvar inflammation (OR=6.648) were associated with infertility. Obesity, lipid metabolism disorders, dysthyroidism, abortion (spontaneous or induced), bacterial vaginosis, endometritis, and tubo-ovarian abscess were associated with an increased risk of infertility according to the univariate analysis but not the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Female genital tract infections, but not the comorbidities studied here, are associated with an increased risk of infertility.

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Immunological-based approaches for cancer therapy

The immunologic landscape of tumors has been continuously unveiled, providing a new look at the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system. Emerging tumor cells are constantly eliminated by the immune system, but some cells establish a long-term equilibrium phase leading to tumor immunoediting and, eventually, evasion. During this process, tumor cells tend to acquire more mutations. Bearing a high mutation burden leads to a greater number of neoantigens with the potential to initiate an immune response. Although many tumors evoke an immune response, tumor clearance by the immune system does not occur due to a suppressive tumor microenvironment. The mechanisms by which tumors achieve the ability to evade immunologic control vary. Understanding these differences is crucial for the improvement and application of new immune-based therapies. Much effort has been placed in developing in silico algorithms to predict tumor immunogenicity and to characterize the microenvironment via high-throughput sequencing and gene expression techniques. Each sequencing source, transcriptomics, and genomics yields a distinct level of data, helping to elucidate the tumor-based immune responses and guiding the fine-tuning of current and upcoming immune-based therapies. In this review, we explore some of the immunological concepts behind the new immunotherapies and the bioinformatic tools to study the immunological aspects of tumors, focusing on neoantigen determination and microenvironment deconvolution. We further discuss the immune-based therapies already in clinical use, those underway for future clinical application, the next steps in immunotherapy, and how the characterization of the tumor immune contexture can impact therapies aiming to promote or unleash immune-based tumor elimination.

https://ift.tt/2MkxY2F

Homologous recombination deficiency in ovarian cancer: a review of its epidemiology and management

Ovarian cancer patients with homologous recombination deficiencies exhibit specific clinical behaviors, and improved responses to treatments, such as platinum-based chemotherapy and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, have been observed. Germline mutations in the BRCA 1/2 genes are the most well-known mechanisms of homologous recombination deficiency. However, other mechanisms, such as germline and somatic mutations in other homologous recombination genes and epigenetic modifications, have also been implicated in homologous recombination deficiency. The epidemiology and implications of these other mechanisms need to be better understood to improve the treatment strategies for these patients. Furthermore, an evaluation of various diagnostic tests to investigate homologous recombination deficiency is essential. Comprehension of the role of homologous recombination deficiency in ovarian cancer also allows the development of therapeutic combinations that can improve the efficacy of treatment. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology and management of homologous recombination deficiency in ovarian cancer patients.

https://ift.tt/2MxRpBV

Improving adenoviral vectors and strategies for prostate cancer gene therapy

Gene therapy has been evaluated for the treatment of prostate cancer and includes the application of adenoviral vectors encoding a suicide gene or oncolytic adenoviruses that may be armed with a functional transgene. In parallel, versions of adenoviral vector expressing the p53 gene (Ad-p53) have been tested as treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Although Ad-p53 gene therapy has yielded some interesting results when applied to prostate cancer, it has not been widely explored, perhaps due to current limitations of the approach. To achieve better functionality, improvements in the gene transfer system and the therapeutic regimen may be required. We have developed adenoviral vectors whose transgene expression is controlled by a p53-responsive promoter, which creates a positive feedback mechanism when used to drive the expression of p53. Together with improvements that permit efficient transduction, this new approach was more effective than the use of traditional versions of Ad-p53 in killing prostate cancer cell lines and inhibiting tumor progression. Even so, gene therapy is not expected to replace traditional chemotherapy but should complement the standard of care. In fact, chemotherapy has been shown to assist in viral transduction and transgene expression. The cooperation between gene therapy and chemotherapy is expected to effectively kill tumor cells while permitting the use of reduced chemotherapy drug concentrations and, thus, lowering side effects. Therefore, the combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy may prove essential for the success of both approaches.

https://ift.tt/2MkxR7f

Marine drugs for cancer: surfacing biotechnological innovations from the oceans

This review will discuss the contributions of marine natural molecules, a source only recently found to have pharmaceutical prospects, to the development of anticancer drugs. Of the seven clinically utilized compounds with a marine origin, four are used for the treatment of cancer. The development of these drugs has afforded valuable knowledge and crucial insights to meet the most common challenges in this endeavor, such as toxicity and supply. In this context, the development of these compounds will be discussed herein to illustrate, with successful examples provided by cytarabine, trabectedin, eribulin and brentuximab vedotin, the steps involved in this process as well as the scientific advances and technological innovation potential associated with developing a new drug from marine resources.

https://ift.tt/2KEJP6A

Epidemiology and biology of cutaneous human papillomavirus

Cutaneous human papillomaviruses (HPVs) include β- and γ-HPVs, in addition to a small fraction of α-HPVs. β-HPVs were first isolated from patients with the rare genetic disorder Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, and they are associated with the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer at sun-exposed skin sites in these individuals. Organ transplant recipients also have greater susceptibility to β-HPV infection of the skin and an increased risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer. In both immunosuppressed and immunocompromised individuals, cutaneous HPVs are ubiquitously disseminated throughout healthy skin and may be an intrinsic part of the commensal flora. Functional analysis of E6 and E7 proteins of specific cutaneous HPVs has provided a mechanistic comprehension of how these viruses may induce carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, additional research is crucial to better understand the pathological implications of the broad distribution of these HPVs.

https://ift.tt/2McztQc

Carcinoid syndrome: update on the pathophysiology and treatment

Approximately 30-40% of patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors present with carcinoid syndrome, which is a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with the secretion of several humoral factors. Carcinoid syndrome significantly and negatively affects patients' quality of life; increases costs compared with the costs of nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumors; and results in changes in patients' lifestyle, such as diet, work, physical activity and social life. For several decades, patients with neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoid syndrome have been treated with somatostatin analogues as the first-line treatment. While these agents provide significant relief from carcinoid syndrome symptoms, there is inevitable clinical progression, and new therapeutic interventions are needed. More than 40 substances have been identified as being potentially related to carcinoid syndrome; however, their individual contributions in triggering different carcinoid symptoms or complications, such as carcinoid heart disease, remain unclear. These substances include serotonin (5-HT), which appears to be the primary marker associated with the syndrome, as well as histamine, kallikrein, prostaglandins, and tachykinins. Given the complexity involving the origin, diagnosis and management of patients with carcinoid syndrome, we have undertaken a comprehensive review to update information about the pathophysiology, diagnostic tools and treatment sequence of this syndrome, which currently comprises a multidisciplinary approach.

https://ift.tt/2MBMC20

Eicosanoids and cancer

Eicosanoids are 20-carbon bioactive lipids derived from the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can modulate various biological processes including cell proliferation, adhesion and migration, angiogenesis, vascular permeability and inflammatory responses. In recent years, studies have shown the importance of eicosanoids in the control of physiological and pathological processes associated with several diseases, including cancer. The polyunsaturated fatty acid predominantly metabolized to generate 2-series eicosanoids is arachidonic acid, which is the major n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in animal fat and in the occidental diet. The three main pathways responsible for metabolizing arachidonic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids to generate eicosanoids are the cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and P450 epoxygenase pathways. Inflammation plays a decisive role in various stages of tumor development including initiation, promotion, invasion and metastasis. This review will focus on studies that have investigated the role of prostanoids and lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids in the development and progression of different tumors, highlighting the findings that may provide insights into how these eicosanoids can influence cell proliferation, cell migration and the inflammatory process. A better understanding of the complex role played by eicosanoids in both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment may provide new markers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes and identify new therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.

https://ift.tt/2MeTHJ2

Prognostic significance of CEACAM5 mRNA-positive circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract

Purpose

Τo evaluate the clinical relevance of CEACAM5mRNA-positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods

Peripheral blood was obtained from 436 patients with mCRC before the initiation of systemic therapy. A second sample was obtained on treatment assessment from 296 (67.9%) patients. The detection of CEACAM5mRNA-positive CTCs was performed using a real-time PCR assay.

Results

The patients' median age was 67 years and PS (EGOG 0–1) 92%; KRAS exon 2 and BRAF^V600E mutated primary tumors were identified in 31.9% and 6.4% of the tested patients, respectively, whereas metastasectomy was performed in 17.7% of the patients. Circulating CEACAM5mRNA-positive CTCs were detected in 125 (28.7%) and 85 (28.7%) patients at baseline and on treatment assessment, respectively. The detection of CEACAM5mRNA-positive cells was revealed, in multivariate analysis, as an independent prognostic factor associated with decreased PFS (HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.5; p = 0.026) and OS (HR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3–3.2; p < 0.001). The detection of CEACAM5mRNA-positive CTCs in patients with KRAS and BRAF^V600E mutations was correlated with shorter PFS (p = 0.041 and p = 0.022, respectively). Moreover, OS was significantly shorter in patients with CEACAM5+/KRAS mutations compared to those with CEACAM5+/KRAS wt tumors (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Detection of peripheral blood CEACAM5mRNA-positive CTCs is an adverse prognostic factor correlated with poor clinical outcome in patients with mCRC, especially in patients with KRAS and BRAF mutated tumors.

https://ift.tt/2AXamfX

Comparing Paclitaxel/Cisplatin and Cisplatin/5-fluorouracil in Neo-CRT for ESCC

Conditions:   Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Chemoradiation
Intervention:   Drug: neoadjuvant chemoradiation
Sponsor:   National Taiwan University Hospital
Recruiting

https://ift.tt/2MgfdNw

Cisplatin or ImmunoTHerapy in Association With Definitive Radiotherapy in HPV-related oropharyngEal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a Randomized Phase II Trial.

Condition:   Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Interventions:   Drug: Chemoradiotherapy arm;   Drug: Immunotherapy + Radiotherapy arm
Sponsors:   Institut Claudius Regaud;   AstraZeneca
Not yet recruiting

https://ift.tt/2OpN3gE

Study of ADCT-301 in Patients With Selected Advanced Solid Tumors

Conditions:   Advanced Solid Tumors With Literature Evidence of CD25(+) Treg Content;   Head and Neck Cancer;   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer;   Gastric Cancer;   Esophageal Cancer;   Pancreas Cancer;   Bladder Cancer;   Renal Cell Carcinoma;   Melanoma;   Triple-negative Breast Cancer;   Ovarian Cancer
Intervention:   Drug: ADCT-301
Sponsor:   ADC Therapeutics S.A.
Not yet recruiting

https://ift.tt/2vyL5Ds

Unilateral Neck Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer

Condition:   Head and Neck Neoplasms
Interventions:   Radiation: Radiotherapy to ipsilateral neck lymphatics and tumor bed (radiotherapy to one side of the neck);   Radiation: Radiotherapy to the bilateral neck lymphatics and tumor bed (radiotherapy to both sides of the neck)
Sponsors:   AHS Cancer Control Alberta;   Cross Cancer Institute
Not yet recruiting

https://ift.tt/2MwAgse

Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance in a pediatric population

Helicobacter, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2Mur1sA

Does the risk of arterial hypertension increase in the course of triptorelin treatment?

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


https://ift.tt/2KKGm6I

“Crucifixion” (1512) in the Benedictine Monastery of Brugora

https://ift.tt/2OmUvsI

Utility of Horizontal Sections of Scalp Biopsies in Differentiating between Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA) are common causes of alopecia which can sometimes be difficult to differentiate clinically. Horizontal sections of scalp biopsies are used to study non-cicatricial alopecias due to the ability to perform both quantitative and morphometric analysis of hair follicles on them. Methods: It was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted to assess the utility of horizontal sections to differentiate between the alopecias. Fifty-two cases were included: 20 cases of male AGA, 11 of female AGA and 21 cases of AA. After clinical examination and dermoscopy, a skin biopsy was taken and subjected to transverse sectioning. Histopathological assessment was done by two dermatopathologists blinded to clinical details. Results: Among the quantitative parameters, terminal:vellus hair ratio (3.08 in AGA and 1.83 in AA, p = 0.0091) and anagen:non-anagen hair ratio (9.25 in AGA and 3.56 in AA, p = 0.0021) were significantly lower in AA. In qualitative parameters, peribulbar inflammation was seen in 63% of AA cases (p = 0.0001). Pigment casts were seen in twice the number of AA (57%) than AGA (26%) cases. Broad avascular stelae and focal trichomalacia were seen in 9.5% of AA cases. Conclusion: Besides peribulbar inflammation, we found a lower anagen:non-anagen hair ratio and presence of pigment casts in transverse sections of scalp biopsies favouring AA over AGA.
Dermatology

https://ift.tt/2M6QMTE

Selenium and drinking water quality indicators in Mongolia

Abstract

Mongolia is characterized by restricted sources of drinking water and intensive water pollution due to high rates of urbanization, mining industry development, enormous amount of livestock, and ever-growing attempts in domestic production of cereals and vegetables. Among others, Se is the least studied element in Mongolian water resources. Based on fluorimetric method of analysis, the first results on Se levels in drinking water of five aimags, Ulaanbaatar, and Erdenet were obtained. Uneven distribution of Se in Mongolia was manifested, the highest Se concentrations being typical for the southern resources (up to 18,600 μg/L) and the lowest, for the Northern ones (up to 0.022 μg/L). ICP-MS data of Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Si, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn contents indicate poly-microelementosis existence in the South of Mongolia (Dorno-Gobi aimag) where ground water is characterized by elevated levels of As and extremely high levels of Se, Li, Na, F, Cl, B, and nitrates ions, exceeding maximum permissible levels by 1.86; 4.3; 3.1; 3.1; 2.7; 3.4; and 1.8 times respectively. Toxic concentrations of Se in groundwater of Dorno-Gobi aimag contradict with the published low human serum Se and low content of the element in horseflesh that suggests the possible effect of the above pollutants on Se bioavailability. Revealed phenomenon and mosaic distribution of heavy metals in areas with high and low Se content in water resources indicate the need of direct search for Se and other pollutant transfer in food chain in various ecological loading conditions, creation of a map of Se distribution in water resources of other Mongolian regions, and large-scale evaluation of the human poly-elemental status.

https://ift.tt/2OS2Q8O

Behavior and histopathology as biomarkers for evaluation of the effects of paracetamol and propranolol in the neotropical fish species Phalloceros harpagos

Abstract

Pharmaceutical drugs in the aquatic environment can induce adverse effects on nontarget organisms. This study aimed to assess the short-term effects of sublethal concentrations of both paracetamol and propranolol on the fish Phalloceros harpagos, specifically light/dark preference, swimming patterns, skin pigmentation, histopathology, and liver glycogen levels. Fish were acutely exposed to sublethal concentrations of both paracetamol (0.008, 0.08, 0.8, 8, 80 mg L⁻¹) and propranolol (0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mg L⁻¹) under controlled conditions. For scototaxis, a significant preference for the dark compartment was observed for the group exposed to the highest concentration of paracetamol (80 mg L⁻¹). Propranolol exposure significantly altered the swimming pattern, especially in fish exposed to the 0.001 mg L⁻¹ concentration. Pigmentation was reduced in propranolol-exposed fish (0.1, 1 mg L⁻¹). The lowest concentration of propranolol (0.0001 mg L⁻¹) induced a decrease of histochemical reaction for hepatic glycogen. These data demonstrate that pharmaceuticals can induce sublethal effects in nontarget organisms, even at low concentrations, compromising specific functions of the individual with ecological relevance, such as energy balance and behavior.

https://ift.tt/2MsCLM2

Different acquisition arcs for better imaging left ventricular wall in myocardial perfusion single photon emission tomography.

Different acquisition arcs for better imaging left ventricular wall in myocardial perfusion single photon emission tomography.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 May-Aug;21(2):134-139

Authors: Huang K, Feng Y, Liu D, Li W, Liang W, Li L

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Conventional Single-photon emission tomography (SPET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is performed in the supine position range RAO 45o-LPO 45o, but the effect of other acquisition arcs on imaging quality have not been well described. In this study, we compared the radioactivity over left ventricle walls as measured by different acquisition arcs to identify the best specific applications.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 125 low-risk coronary heart disease patients underwent technetium-99m methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) stress MPI, of which 52 received 360o acquisition with reconstruction using different 180o projections and the remaining 73 received conventional 180o (LPO 45o-RAO 45o) and left-side 180o (POST 180o-ANT 0o) acquisition consecutively. We statistically compared the radioactivity and defect score of each left ventricular wall from different acquisition arcs.
RESULTS: Myocardial slices reconstructed from POST 180o-ANT 0o yielded highest radioactivity uptake for lateral, inferior and septal walls, LPO 45 -RAO 45 for the anterior wall and LPO 35o-RAO 55o for the apical region. Compared to conventional 180o acquisition, the segments with decreased defect scores were observed in 27.67% using left-side 180o acquisition. The proportion was significantly higher for males (P=0.035) and patients with high body mass index (BMI) (P=0.036). Segments with decreased defect scores were mainly in the inferior, septal and lateral walls and more in males than in females in the inferior wall (P=0.004).
CONCLUSION: The different arc of data acquisition could significantly affect the appearance of each wall of the left ventricle, POST 180o-ANT 0o acquisition arc represented a significantly enhanced imaging quality of inferior walls as compared to the conventional acquisition arc LPO 45 -RAO 45 in 180 protocol, especially in males.

PMID: 30089315 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2OliXeg

Whole body bone SPET/CT can successfully replace the conventional bone scan in breast cancer patients. A prospective study of 257 patients.

Whole body bone SPET/CT can successfully replace the conventional bone scan in breast cancer patients. A prospective study of 257 patients.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 May-Aug;21(2):125-133

Authors: Mavriopoulou E, Zampakis P, Smpiliri E, Spyridonidis T, Rapti E, Haberkorn U, Makatsoris T, Apostolopoulos DJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPET/CT) is usually recommended after ambiguous whole body bone scan (WBS) findings. We investigated the value of routine 2-field ("near" whole-body) SPET/CT application in breast cancer (BC) patients.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study planar WBS and 2-field SPET/CT was performed in 257 consecutive BC patients referred for a bone scan. Whole body scan and SPET/CT were interpreted separately. Additional imaging studies and clinical follow-up for 30±24 months elucidated uncertain findings.
RESULTS: Bone metastases were confirmed in 65 patients (25.3%). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value per-patient was 63.1%, 81.3%, 76.7%, 53.2% and 86.7% for WBS and 96.9%, 87.5%, 89.9%, 72.4% and 98,8% for SPET/CT; differences were statistically significant except for specificity. Respective values of sensitivity per-lesion were 47.6% and 98.9% (P<0.001). Eleven percent of true positive findings were noticed only in the low-dose CT images, while 7% only in SPET. Single photon emission tomography/CT exhibited higher specificity than WBS in the spine (94.8% vs. 88.7%, P=0.04). Whole body scan interpretation changed after SPET/CT in 74 (28.8%) patients. Thirty-two patients with positive/suspicious WBS turned to be metastases-free after the interpretation of SPET/CT while 42 with unremarkable WBS turned to be positive/suspicious. Of these cases, metastases were confirmed in one with negative and 23 with positive/suspicious SPET/CT. The SPET/CT results prompted treatment plan changes in 23 cases (8.9%).
CONCLUSION: Whole-body bone SPET/CT scan outperformed WBS in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value and impacted on patient management. Therefore, its use is recommended as a routine procedure in BC patients, even after a negative WBS.

PMID: 30089314 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2MeboII

Technetium-99m-pertechnetate whole-body SPET/CT scan in thyroidectomized differentiated thyroid cancer patients is a useful imaging modality in detecting remnant thyroid tissue, nodal and distant metastases before 131I therapy. A study of 416 patients.

Technetium-99m-pertechnetate whole-body SPET/CT scan in thyroidectomized differentiated thyroid cancer patients is a useful imaging modality in detecting remnant thyroid tissue, nodal and distant metastases before 131I therapy. A study of 416 patients.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 May-Aug;21(2):121-124

Authors: Lou K, Gu Y, Hu Y, Wang S, Shi H

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to evaluate the role of technetium-99m pertechnetate whole body scan (99mTc WBS) with single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPET/CT) in detecting remnant thyroid tissue, nodal and distant metastases, in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients before radioiodine (131I) therapy.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 416 pathologically confirmed DTC patients with total/near-total thyroidectomy. All patients had undergone 99mTc WBS, followed by 131I therapy and post therapy scans, under thyroid hormone withdrawal protocol. Eighteen patients had an additional 99mTc SPET/CT of certain lesions. Foci of uptake on the 99mTc WBS and when indicated additional foci on the SPET/CT scan were assessed and compared with findings from post-therapy 131I scans study which served as gold standard.
RESULTS: The 99mTc WBS showed a sensitivity and positive predictive value of 79% and 100%, respectively, for remnant thyroid tissue detection, while 60% and 98%, respectively for metastatic lymph nodes evaluation. High specificity (99%) and negative predictive value (93%) but low sensitivity (37%) was found in detecting distant metastases. By adding 99mTc WBS to 99mTc SPET/CT findings, 2/18 patients were confirmed as false-positive.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that 99mTc WBS is a useful imaging modality in detecting remnant thyroid tissue, nodal and distant metastases before 131I therapy. The additional SPET/CT scan when needed in 18 cases supported the 99mTc WBS diagnosis.

PMID: 30089313 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2nmAo2v

Scholar : Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Volume 36, Issue 3, 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Volume 36, Issue 3, 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Editorial EDITORIAL Thomas F. McGovern & Susan Bergeson Pages: 291-292 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1504483 Original Articles A gendered account of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA's) "Singleness of Purpose" Jolene Sanders Pages: 293-313 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1465806 More than taking a chair: The perceived group social dynamics of alcoholics anonymous related to changes in spiritual practices Alexis Kuerbis & J. Scott Tonigan Pages: 314-329 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2017.1420437 Postassault substance use and coping: a qualitative study of sexual assault survivors and informal support providers Sarah E. Ullman, Katherine Lorenz, Anne Kirkner & Erin O'Callaghan Pages: 330-353 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1465807 Social Support and Gender as Correlates of Relapse Risk in Collegiate Recovery Programs Jesse A. Smith, Stephanie Franklin, Christopher Asikis, Stephanie Knudsen, Ashley Woodruff & Thomas Kimball Pages: 354-365 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1437372 Reports Inpatient detoxification: examining factors leading to early discharge Lee Mark Hogan, Qamar Jabeen, Julian Race & Hannah Rettie Pages: 366-372 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1424591 Original Articles Improving Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Systems: Integrating Focus on Motivation and Actuarial Matching | Anette Søgaard Nielsen & Bent Nielsen Pages: 373-386 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1424592 Psychotic Experiences, Childhood Trauma, and Alcohol-Related Self-Efficacy in a Nonpsychiatric Sample of Individuals in Alcohol Dependence Treatment: A Pilot Study Jonas Stålheim, Kristina Berglund, Ulf Berggren, Jan Balldin & Claudia Fahlke Pages: 387-398 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1424590 Psychosocial Profiles among Persons with Substance Use Disorder Undergoing Islamic-Based Inabah Program in Kelantan, Malaysia Pei Lin Lua, Nor Afiqah Ahmad Nasrulddin, Abdul Manam Mohamad, Mokhairi Makhtar, Julaily Aida Jusoh, Ramle Abdullah & Azmi Hassan Pages: 399-418 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1424594 Cognitive-behavioral counseling and self-perception of male clients receiving methadone maintenance treatment Naseibeh Elahei Roudposhti, Amir Jalali, Behnam Khaledi Paveh & Nader Salari Pages: 419-427 | DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2018.1471330 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.

Answers to the comments on “Air pollution, biological marker and lung function in children”

https://ift.tt/2M3DbfM

Scholar : ΣΤΟΜΑΤΙΤΙΣ - νέα αποτελέσματ

Peptidomimetic macrocycles

HM Nash, DA Annis - US Patent App. 10/022,422, 2018

Novel peptidomimetic macrocycles and methods of using such
macrocycles for the treatment of viral diseases are described.

[HTML] Girl With Soreness at Corners of the Mouth

J Center, P Congress

… Synonyms for angular cheilitis include perlèche (derived from the French
pourlécher, "to lick [one's lips]"), commissural cheilitis, and angular stomatitis.
2 … The differential diagnoses include herpes labialis, herpetic …

[HTML] Web monitoring of emerging animal infectious diseases integrated in the French Animal Health Epidemic Intelligence System

E Arsevska, S Valentin, J Rabatel, JG de Hervé… - PloS one, 2018

Since 2013, the French Animal Health Epidemic Intelligence System (in French:
Veille Sanitaire Internationale, VSI) has been monitoring signals of the
emergence of new and exotic animal infectious diseases worldwide. Once …

The Earth, Life and Genomic Uracil

HE Krokan, B Kavli, G Slupphaug, F Drabløs

… view it is problematic that the mutation rates may rapidly lead to drug-
resistance.43,44 Furthermore, the combined prop- erties of high titers and
high mutation rates may result in genetic diversity of progeny even in single …

Indazole and azaindazole compounds as irak-4 inhibitors

VR GUMMADI, S Samajdar, S Mukherjee - US Patent App. 15/744,448, 2018

US20180201609A1 - Indazole and azaindazole compounds as irak-4 inhibitors - Google
Patents. Indazole and azaindazole compounds as irak-4 inhibitors. Download PDF Info.
Publication number US20180201609A1. US20180201609A1 …

Suprametallogels and uses thereof

JA Johnson, N Holten-Andersen, SC Grindy… - US Patent App. 10/023,536, 2018

US10023536B2 - Suprametallogels and uses thereof - Google Patents. Suprametallogels
and uses thereof. Download PDF Info. Publication number US10023536B2.
US10023536B2 US15270959 US201615270959A US10023536B2 …

Modified RSV F proteins and methods of their use

P Pushko, Y Wu, MJ MASSARE, Y Liu, G Smith, B Zhou - US Patent App. 10/022,437, 2018

US10022437B2 - Modified RSV F proteins and methods of their use - Google Patents.
Modified RSV F proteins and methods of their use. Download PDF Info. Publication
number US10022437B2. US10022437B2 US14839247 …

[PDF] 1st Published May 2014 Latest update: July 2018

JL Potter

Page 1. A UK based resource to support the monitoring and safe use of anti-tuberculosis
drugs and second line treatment of multidrug- resistant tuberculosis 1st Published May
2014 Latest update: July 2018 Authors: Potter JL1, Capstick T2 …

 

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Ακύρωση ειδοποίησης

Αυτή η ειδοποίηση αποστέλλεται από τον Μελετητή Google. Ο Μελετητής Google είναι μια υπηρεσία που παρέχεται από την Google.

Scholar : CPAP - νέα αποτελέσματα

System and method for securing a breathing gas delivery hose

RD Reinberg, BM Patterson - US Patent App. 15/895,680, 2018

A system and method for supporting a patient gas delivery tube includes an
elongated support member having first and second distal end and a living hinge
biasing arcuate movement between the distal ends. A generally planar, rigid base …

Sleep, Pregnancy, and Nutrition

LK Wagner, FM Ralls - Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy, 2018

… impact neonatal neurologic status [15]. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
uses pressurized air to stent open the airway and is the gold-standard treatment
for moderate to severe OSA. It has been successfully used …

Magnetic resonance imaging of obstructive sleep apnea in children

RJ Fleck, SR Shott, M Mahmoud, SL Ishman, RS Amin… - Pediatric Radiology, 2018

… Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line therapy for persistent
obstructive sleep apnea despite previous adenotonsillectomy, but it is often poorly
tolerated by children. When CPAP is not tolerated or preferred …

Humidifying respiratory gases

N Korneff, CM Varga - US Patent App. 15/870,695, 2018

… and devices described herein may be used in various modes of respiratory
care, including, but not limited to, non-invasive single limb ventilation,
dual-limb invasive ventilation, dual-limb non-invasive ventilation, continuous …

[HTML] Síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo en el adulto: Diagnóstico y tratamiento.

C Arámburu - Compartir, 2018

… o masas pulmonares. Configuración de PEEP o CPAP, Configuración mínima de
la PEEP o CPAP 5 cmH20; PaO2:FiO2 evaluada en ventilación mecánica invasiva
(CPAP usado para Dx. de SDRA leve). Gravedad del SDRA …

System for increasing a patient's compliance with a therapy relating to an upper airway disorder

M Klee, JR Haartsen, MS Aloia, RA Sofranko, D Smith - US Patent App. 15/574,598, 2018

… It has been found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy commonly used
for the treatment of OSA and COPD may reduce glucose levels and may also improve
morning glycaemic control in type 2 diabetics who suffer from OSA …

Patient interface device fabric support sleeve

LP Chodkowski - US Patent App. 15/105,590, 2018

… Because patient interface devices are typically worn for an extended period
of time, a variety of concerns must be taken into consideration. For example,
in providing CPAP to treat OSA, the patient normally wears the patient interface …

Device and system for heating respiratory conduit

FH Dixon, MD Hallet, R Foote - US Patent App. 15/742,782, 2018

… Publication, Publication Date, Title. US6213119B1 (en), 2001-04-10, Inspiratory
duration in CPAP or assisted respiration treatment. US6272933B1 (en),
2001-08-14, Respiratory humidification system. US6990980B2 (en) …

[PDF] Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Adults: from Clinical Suspicion to Diagnostic Approach

JA Talayero Petra - Atención Familiar, 2018

… del sueño asociados).26 Tratamiento El tratamiento de primera elección en adultos
es la ventilación mecánica no invasiva mediante continuous positive airway pressure
(cpap por sus siglas en inglés). Es un dispositivo que …

[PDF] Successful Treatment of Extremely Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea with a Dental Appliance

MD Lilach Kemer, MD Roee Sheinfeld…

Page 1. ORIGINAL ARTICLES 2 IMAJ • VOL 20 • JuLy 2018 Background: A dental
appliance for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recommended for patients who cannot
adjust to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatments …

 

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Ακύρωση ειδοποίησης

Αυτή η ειδοποίηση αποστέλλεται από τον Μελετητή Google. Ο Μελετητής Google είναι μια υπηρεσία που παρέχεται από την Google.