Helicobacter, EarlyView.
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Πέμπτη 6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2018
The effect of antioxidants on Helicobacter pylori eradication: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Oral Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition as a Means for Ocular Salvage in Locally Advanced Intraorbital Basal Cell Carcinoma
BACKGROUND Basal cell cancer is the most common cutaneous malignancy. It rarely presents with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Rare presentations such as intraorbital invasion remain a difficult clinical problem with significant potential morbidity. There is no review of sonic hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HPIs) for intraorbital basal cell cancer, and evidence regarding optimal management is limited. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the evidence for the management of intraorbital basal cell cancer with HPIs. METHODS A search to identify evidence for treatment intraorbital basal cell cancers with HPIs to date was performed in PubMed database and OVID using the phrases "basal cell cancer/carcinoma/BCC," "intraorbital," "orbital," "ocular," "periocular," "vismodegib," "GDC-0449," "sonidegib," and "LDE224," in various combinations with Boolean operators "AND" and "OR." RESULTS Rigorous clinical trials have previously reported the use of vismodegib and sonidegib in locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, specific descriptions of treatment of intraorbital tumors are rarely presented in detail adequate for analysis. Twenty-two cases of intraorbital BCC treated with vismodegib have been described in the literature, and no cases using sonidegib were identified. These vary in quality, but highlight important questions regarding optimal treatment duration, follow-up, and adjunctive therapies. Reports describing locally advanced BCC in various facial and periocular locations, but without specific mention of intraorbital invasion, were excluded. CONCLUSION Vismodegib is an attractive eye and vision-sparing option in patients with locally advanced intraorbital basal cell cancer whose other options often include exenteration, radiation, or other radical surgery. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Jason Mathis, Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, 30 North 1800 East 4A330, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, or e-mail: jason.mathis@hsc.utah.edu The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
https://ift.tt/2wRGLiz
https://ift.tt/2wRGLiz
Repair of Apical Triangle Defects Using Melolabial Rotation Flaps
BACKGROUND The apical triangle of the upper cutaneous lip, also known as the alar-facial sulcus, is an anatomical structure bound medially by the nasal ala, laterally by the medial cheek, and inferiorly by the remainder of the upper cutaneous lip. During reconstruction, retaining the central concavity and the convex lateral and medial outlines of this location is required to maintain midfacial symmetry. OBJECTIVE This is a retrospective study of our use of the melolabial rotation flap for reconstruction of surgical defects of the apical triangle. METHODS AND MATERIALS Eighty-six surgical defects involving the apical triangle that were repaired with melolabial rotation flaps were included. All tumors were treated with Mohs micrographic surgery before reconstruction. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details of each case were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 86 defects included in the study, 68 (79%) were evaluated postoperatively. The apical triangle was preserved in all cases. Clinical asymmetry was noted in 3 patients (3.4%). No major complications were noted, and no patient required surgical revision. CONCLUSION Melolabial rotation flaps may be considered for single-stage reconstruction of surgical defects involving the apical triangle. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Arash Kimyai-Asadi, MD, 7515 Main Street, Suite 240, Houston, TX 77030, or e-mail: akimyai@yahoo.com The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
https://ift.tt/2O19E32
https://ift.tt/2O19E32
Correction to: Facile synthesis of carbon-coated layered double hydroxide and its comparative characterisation with Zn–Al LDH: application on crystal violet and malachite green dye adsorption—isotherm, kinetics and Box-Behnken design
The original publication of this paper contains an error. The correct Figure 8 is shown in this paper.
https://ift.tt/2NrdhCo
Synthesis of mesoporous core-shell TiO 2 microstructures with coexposed {001}/{101} facets: enhanced intrinsic photocatalytic performance
Abstract
TiO2 microstructures were synthesized via a facile one-step route for enhanced intrinsic photocatalytic performance. The prepared TiO2 microstructures are featured by both mesoporous core-shell structures and coexposed {001}/{101} facets. Their intrinsic photocatalytic performance were remarkably enhanced due to their high specific surface area, coexposed {001}/{101} facets, and promoted separation of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, the origin and detailed mechanism for diethylenetriamine (DETA) that served as a high efficient stabilizer of TiO2 {001} facet have been theoretically investigated. Finally, a new DETA-modified Ostwald ripening mechanism was originally proposed when studying the growth mechanism of the mesoporous core-shell TiO2 spherical microstructures with coexposed {001}/{101} facets.
https://ift.tt/2NT9Y3T
Minimal Increase in Survival Throughout the Years in Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma with Synchronous Metastases: Results of a Population‐Based Study
AbstractBackground.Treatment options for patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) have increased in the last decade. We aimed to examine whether this is associated with improved overall survival (OS) in patients with STS with synchronous metastases.Patients and Methods.Patients diagnosed with STS and synchronous metastases from 1989 to 2014 were queried from The Netherlands Cancer Registry. Trends in OS were assessed by the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test in time intervals of 5 years, for the whole study population and in subgroups for liposarcomas, leiomyosarcoma, and other STS subtypes. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify characteristics prognostic for OS.Results.Median OS of the 1,393 identified patients did not improve significantly over the years from 5.8 months in 1989–1994 to 8.1 months in 2010–2014, but there was an evident trend. Median OS was prolonged in the subgroups of liposarcomas (3.6 to 9.3 months), leiomyosarcomas (11.3 to 14.6 months), and other STS subtypes (5.7 to 6.3 months), although there were no significant improvements in OS over the years. Primary tumor site in one of the extremities and surgery in an academic center had a favorable effect on OS, whereas significant negative predictors were no treatment, elderly age, STS subtype other than liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma, high or unknown grade, and nodal involvement.Conclusion.Although overall survival of patients with STS with synchronous metastases in this nationwide and "real‐life" population has improved over the years, the improvement was not statistically significant, despite new treatment options.Implications for Practice.Treatment of patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) has changed in the past years, with new drugs such as trabectedin (2007) and pazopanib (2012) becoming available. By using data from the nationwide Netherlands Cancer Registry, the impact of these changes in treatment policies on survival is analyzed in a "real‐life" population of patients with STS with synchronous metastases, rather than in a strictly selected trial population. Unfortunately, overall survival improved only minimally and not significantly for these patients diagnosed from 1989 to 2014. Hopefully, the advent of novel treatment options, such as eribulin and olaratumab, will further improve the outcome of this patient group.
https://ift.tt/2Q9pA4V
An Open Label Phase Ib Dose Escalation Study of TRC105 (Anti‐Endoglin Antibody) with Axitinib in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
AbstractBackground.TRC105 is an IgG1 endoglin monoclonal antibody that potentiates VEGF inhibitors in preclinical models. We assessed safety, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of TRC105 in combination with axitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).Subjects, Materials, and Methods.Heavily pretreated mRCC patients were treated with TRC105 weekly (8 mg/kg and then 10 mg/kg) in combination with axitinib (initially at 5 mg b.i.d. and then escalated per patient tolerance to a maximum of 10 mg b.i.d.) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity using a standard 3 + 3 phase I design.Results.Eighteen patients (median number of prior therapies = 3) were treated. TRC105 dose escalation proceeded to 10 mg/kg weekly without dose‐limiting toxicity. Adverse event characteristics of each drug were not increased in frequency or severity when the two drugs were administered concurrently. TRC105 and axitinib demonstrated preliminary evidence of activity, including partial responses (PR) by RECIST in 29% of patients, and median progression‐free survival (11.3 months). None of the patients with PR had PR to prior first‐line treatment. Lower baseline levels of osteopontin and higher baseline levels of TGF‐β receptor 3 correlated with overall response rate.Conclusion.TRC105 at 8 and 10 mg/kg weekly was well tolerated in combination with axitinib, with encouraging evidence of activity in patients with mRCC. A multicenter, randomized phase II trial of TRC105 and axitinib has recently completed enrollment (NCT01806064).Implications for Practice.TRC105 is a monoclonal antibody to endoglin (CD105), a receptor densely expressed on proliferating endothelial cells and also on renal cancer stem cells that is implicated as a mediator of resistance to inhibitors of the VEGF pathway. In this Phase I trial, TRC105 combined safely with axitinib at the recommended single agent doses of each drug in patients with renal cell carcinoma. The combination demonstrated durable activity in a VEGF inhibitor‐refractory population and modulated several angiogenic biomarkers. A randomized Phase II trial testing TRC105 in combination with axitinib in clear cell renal cell carcinoma has completed accrual.
https://ift.tt/2CrkNJ9
“I need to know what makes somebody tick …”: Challenges and Strategies of Implementing Shared Decision‐Making in Individualized Oncology
AbstractBackground.Shared decision‐making (SDM) has been advocated as an ethical framework for decision‐making in cancer care. According to SDM, patients make decisions in light of their values and based on the available evidence. However, SDM is difficult to implement in cancer care. A lack of applicability in practice is often reported. This empirical‐ethical study explores factors potentially relevant to current difficulties in translating the concept of SDM into clinical practice.Methods.This study was conducted with nonparticipant observation of the decision‐making process in patients with gastrointestinal cancers for whom the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy was uncertain according to clinical guidelines. Triangulation of qualitative data analysis was conducted by means of semistructured interviews subsequent to the observation. Observation notes and interview transcripts were analyzed according to the principles of grounded theory.Results.Deviating from the concept of SDM, oncologists initiated a process of eliciting values and medical information prior to conveying information. The purpose of this approach was to select and individualize information relevant to the treatment decision. In doing so, the oncologists observed used two strategies: "biographical communication" and a "metacommunicative approach." Both strategies could be shown to be effective or to fail depending on patients' characteristics such as their view of the physicians' role and the relevance of value‐related information for medical decision‐making.Conclusion.In contrast to the conceptual account of SDM, oncologists are in need of patient‐related information prior to conveying information. Both strategies observed to elicit such information are in principle justifiable but need to be adapted in accordance with patient preferences and decision‐making styles.Implications for Practice.This study showed that knowledge of patients' values and preferences is very important to properly adapt the giving of medical information and to further the process of shared decision‐making. Shared decision‐making (SDM) trainings should consider different strategies of talking about values. The right strategy depends largely on the patient's preferences in communication. To be aware of the role of values in SDM and to be able to switch communicative strategies might prove to be of particular value. A more systematic evaluation of the patient's decision‐making preferences as part of routine procedures in hospitals might help to reduce value‐related barriers in communication.
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Regorafenib for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Who Progressed After Standard Therapy: Results of the Large, Single‐Arm, Open‐Label Phase IIIb CONSIGN Study
AbstractBackground.In the phase III CORRECT trial, regorafenib significantly improved survival in treatment‐refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The CONSIGN study was designed to further characterize regorafenib safety and allow patients access to regorafenib before market authorization.Methods.This prospective, single‐arm study enrolled patients in 25 countries at 186 sites. Patients with treatment‐refractory mCRC and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≤1 received regorafenib 160 mg once daily for the first 3 weeks of each 4‐week cycle. The primary endpoint was safety. Progression‐free survival (PFS) per investigator assessment was the only efficacy evaluation.Results.In total, 2,872 patients were assigned to treatment and 2,864 were treated. Median age was 62 years, ECOG PS 0/1 was 47%/53%, and 74% had received at least three prior regimens for metastatic disease. Median treatment duration was three cycles. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) led to dose reduction in 46% of patients. Regorafenib‐related TEAEs led to treatment discontinuation in 9%. Grade 5 regorafenib‐related TEAEs occurred in <1%. The most common grade ≥3 regorafenib‐related TEAEs were hypertension (15%), hand–foot skin reaction (14%), fatigue (13%), diarrhea (5%), and hypophosphatemia (5%). Treatment‐emergent grade 3–4 laboratory toxicities included alanine aminotransferase (6%), aspartate aminotransferase (7%), and bilirubin (13%). Ongoing monitoring identified one nonfatal case of regorafenib‐related severe drug‐induced liver injury per DILI Working Group criteria. Median PFS (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 2.7 months (2.6–2.7).Conclusion.In CONSIGN, the frequency and severity of TEAEs were consistent with the known safety profile of regorafenib. PFS was similar to reports of phase III trials. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01538680.Implications for Practice.Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who fail treatment with standard therapies, including chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor or epidermal growth factor receptor, have few treatment options. The multikinase inhibitor regorafenib was shown to improve survival in patients with treatment‐refractory mCRC in the phase III CORRECT (N = 760) and CONCUR (N = 204) trials. However, safety data on regorafenib for mCRC in a larger number of patients were not available. The CONSIGN trial, carried out prospectively in more than 2,800 patients across 25 countries, confirmed the safety profile of regorafenib from the phase III trials and reinforced the importance of using treatment modifications to manage adverse events.
https://ift.tt/2Crm8jp
A Pioneer in Neuroendocrinology
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2018; 126: 534-535
DOI: 10.1055/a-0658-1185
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Full text
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Most Innovative Paper Award
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2018; 126: 471-471
DOI: 10.1055/a-0696-9405
Dear Readers,It is our – and the publisher's – conviction that a scientific journal's mission is not only to provide its readers with the most relevant and interesting papers available, but also to further scientific research and to reward and honour those whose contributions to the advancement of science are truly remarkable. We are thus especially delighted to announce that from this year onward, we – the Editors-in-Chief together with the publisher Georg Thieme Verlag- will again officially award the most innovative paper published in Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes. Eligible are all original papers within the fields of endocrinology and diabetes published the two years previously, i. e. the prize awarded in 2019 will consider papers published in 2017 and 2018.Of course, true to the title of the journal, the prize – worth € 4,000 – will alternate between endocrinology and diabetes and will be awarded either during the DGE or the DDG conference. Endocrinology will make a start in 2019 and we are looking forward to our first winners on stage during the DGE conference 20–22 March 2019.
[...]
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
https://ift.tt/2oNZKqM
“The validity of the EQ-5D-5L in measuring quality of life benefits of breast reconstruction”
The EuroQol EQ-5D-5L instrument is the most widely-used quality of life measure in health economic evaluations. It is unclear whether such a generic instrument is valid enough to estimate the benefits of breast reconstruction (BR), given the specific changes observed in quality of life after BR. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the validity of EQ-5D-5L in patients who had undergone postmastectomy BR.
https://ift.tt/2oTsIFT
Aggregation, sedimentation, and dissolution of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles in five waters
Abstract
With the accelerated application of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) in commercial products, concerns about the potential impacts on the environment have been growing. Environmental behaviors of NPs are expected to significantly influence their fate and ecological risk in the aquatic environment. In this study, the environmental behaviors of two metallic NPs (CuO and ZnO NPs), including aggregation, sedimentation, and dissolution, were systematically evaluated in five representative waters (pool water, lake water, rainwater, tap water, and wastewater) with varying properties. Remarkable aggregation, sedimentation, and dissolution were observed for both metallic NPs, among which ZnO NPs exhibited greater influence. CuO (ZnO) NPs aggregated to 400 (500) nm, 500 (900) nm, and 800 (1500) nm in lake water, wastewater, and tap water, respectively. The sedimentation rates of CuO and ZnO NPs in the five waters were ranked as tap water > wastewater > lake water > pool water > rainwater. The dissolution of CuO and ZnO NPs in waters follows a first-order reaction rate model and is affected by ionic type, ionic strength (IS), and NOM (natural organic matter) concentrations. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that the aggregation and sedimentation of NPs have a strong correlation, insofar as the sedimentation rates increase with increasing aggregation rates. The aggregation and dissolution of NPs have a negative correlation, insofar as the dissolution rates reduce with increasing aggregation rates. The aggregation, sedimentation, and dissolution of NPs can be influenced by ionic types, IS, and TOC in waters, among which, TOC may the dominant factor.
https://ift.tt/2wOMV3M
Interactions between hypothalamic pituitary thyroid axis and other pituitary dysfunctions
Abstract
Central hypothyroidism is defined as low circulating free thyroxine (free T4) with inappropriately low circulating thyrotropin (TSH), in context of a hypothalamic pituitary pathology. Rare cases of idiopathic central hypothyroidism caused by a functional defect may occur, and the condition is often overlooked due to difficulty in achieving the correct diagnosis, sparse symptomatology of the condition and a high risk of misinterpretion of the biochemical changes in central hypothyroidism. Central hypothyroidism is mainly seen in patients with hypothalamic–pituitary pathology due to one of many possible aetiologies, where other hormone deficiencies often co-exist, and both the presence of other deficiencies and their replacement have a strong influence on the measurement of the thyroid-related hormones and thereby interpretation of the thyroid function variables in relation to the clinical impact of thyroid hormone substitution therapy. Conversely, lack of thyroid hormone has a similar strong influence on the interpretation of other pituitary hormone axes, as well as their replacement. Undertreating patients with central hypothyroidism may have serious metabolic consequences with a potentially increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity. The present review thus aims at describing central hypothyroidism, by an overview of interactions of hypothyroidism with other pituitary hormones, diagnosing/testing for central hypothyroidism, and focusing on consequences of undertreatment. Finally, it is mentioned how to deal with new diagnostic settings with lower a priori likelihood of hypopituitarism, particularly in view of the importance of stringent diagnostic testing in order to avoid overdiagnosing central hypothyroidism.
https://ift.tt/2MUaXVi
Interactions between hypothalamic pituitary thyroid axis and other pituitary dysfunctions
Abstract
Central hypothyroidism is defined as low circulating free thyroxine (free T4) with inappropriately low circulating thyrotropin (TSH), in context of a hypothalamic pituitary pathology. Rare cases of idiopathic central hypothyroidism caused by a functional defect may occur, and the condition is often overlooked due to difficulty in achieving the correct diagnosis, sparse symptomatology of the condition and a high risk of misinterpretion of the biochemical changes in central hypothyroidism. Central hypothyroidism is mainly seen in patients with hypothalamic–pituitary pathology due to one of many possible aetiologies, where other hormone deficiencies often co-exist, and both the presence of other deficiencies and their replacement have a strong influence on the measurement of the thyroid-related hormones and thereby interpretation of the thyroid function variables in relation to the clinical impact of thyroid hormone substitution therapy. Conversely, lack of thyroid hormone has a similar strong influence on the interpretation of other pituitary hormone axes, as well as their replacement. Undertreating patients with central hypothyroidism may have serious metabolic consequences with a potentially increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity. The present review thus aims at describing central hypothyroidism, by an overview of interactions of hypothyroidism with other pituitary hormones, diagnosing/testing for central hypothyroidism, and focusing on consequences of undertreatment. Finally, it is mentioned how to deal with new diagnostic settings with lower a priori likelihood of hypopituitarism, particularly in view of the importance of stringent diagnostic testing in order to avoid overdiagnosing central hypothyroidism.
https://ift.tt/2MUaXVi
Transcriptome analysis to identify the Ras and Rap1 signal pathway genes involved in the response of TM3 Leydig cells exposed to zearalenone
Abstract
The mechanism of action of zearalenone (ZEA) in inducing germ cell tumors is unclear, and little is known about the change in the transcriptome of germ cells after ZEA exposure. To explore the molecular basis of the ZEA oncogene, we examined the median lethal concentration (50 μmol/L) and pro-apoptotic effect of ZEA on TM3 Leydig cells by MTT and TUNEL assay. Subsequently, we investigated the genetic changes in the transcriptome of TM3 Leydig cells exposed to 50 μmol/L ZEA. The transcriptome sequencing results show that 772 genes are significantly down-regulated, while 204 genes are significantly up-regulated. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis shows that ZEA has a major effect on the connective function, cell composition, cell cycle, and energy metabolism of the TM3 Leydig cells. Using the results of the GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, we select the Ras and Rap1 signaling pathways that are closely related to the occurrence of cancer. The differentially expressed genes visualized in the KEGG pathway were selected for RT-qPCR differential gene expression validation. The results show that the gene expression results are consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. This study thus provides a theoretical molecular basis for the mechanism of ZEA carcinogenesis.
https://ift.tt/2M57tcZ
Comparison of relative and absolute rectal dose–volume parameters and clinical correlation with acute and late radiation proctitis in prostate cancer patients
Abstract
Purpose
To compare relative and absolute dose–volume parameters (DV) of the rectum and their clinical correlation with acute and late radiation proctitis (RP) after radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa).
Patients and methods
366 patients received RT for PCa. In total, 49.2% received definitive RT, 20.2% received postoperative RT and 30.6% received salvage RT for biochemical recurrence. In 77.9% of patients, RT was delivered to the prostate or prostate bed, and additional whole pelvic RT was performed in 22.1%. 33.9% received 3D-RT, and 66.1% received IMRT. The median follow-up was 59.5 months (18.0–84.0 months). The relative (in %) and absolute (in ccm) rectal doses from 20–75 Gy including the receiver operating characteristics curves (rAUC) from 30–65 Gy (in % and ccm) and several other clinical parameters were analyzed in univariate and multivariate analyses. We performed the statistical analyses separately for the entire cohort (n = 366), patients with (n = 81) and without (n = 285) pelvic RT, comparing RP vs. RP ≥ grade I.
Results
With the exception of the V50Gyccm (p = 0.02) in the univariate analyses for acute RP in the entire patient cohort, no absolute DV parameter (in ccm) was statistically significant associated with either acute or late RP. In the multivariate analyses, 3D-RT (p < 0.008) and rAUCV30–50 Gy% (p = 0.006) were significant parameters for acute RP for the entire cohort, and the V50Gy% (p = 0.01) was the significant parameter for patients with pelvic RT. The rAUCV40–50 Gy% (p = 0.004) was significant for RT to the prostate/prostate bed. Regarding the statistical analysis for late RP, the rAUCV30–65 Gy% (p = 0.001) was significant for the entire cohort, and rAUCV30–50 Gy% (p = 0.001) was significant for RT of the prostate/prostate bed. No parameter was significant in patients with pelvic RT.
Conclusion
Absolute DV parameters in ccm are not required for RT in PCa patients.
https://ift.tt/2M6FR7m
Assessment of hair cortisol in euthyroid, hypothyroid, and subclinical hypothyroid subjects
Abstract
Purpose
Hypothyroidism is associated with an increase in serum cortisol level while the long-term activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in hypothyroid, and subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) subjects has not been studied. This study aimed to assess the hair cortisol levels as a long-term activity of HPA axis in hypothyroid, SCH and a group of healthy adult subjects. Also, it aimed to examine the correlation of hair cortisol levels with hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and anthropometric measures.
Methods
We prospectively evaluated a group of normal, SCH and hypothyroid subjects. Serum TSH, FT4, and FT3 were measured as a component of the HPT axis. Hair samples were collected, prepared, followed by extraction of hair cortisol and measurement in pg/mg of hair. Hair cortisol levels were compared in normal, SCH and hypothyroid groups and correlated with HPT axis and anthropometric data.
Results
A total of 65 healthy volunteers were analyzed, and the mean hair cortisol level was reported to be 17.38 pg/mg of hair. Hair cortisol level was slightly higher in the SCH subjects, 18.19 pg/mg of hair; however the difference was not significant. Compared to the euthyroid subject, a significantly higher hair cortisol level was recorded in the hypothyroid subjects, 24.17 pg/mg hair, p < .05. Hair cortisol was significantly and positively associated with each of the serum TSH, age, weight and BMI (p < .05).
Conclusions
Overt hypothyroidism but not SCH is significantly associated with higher hair cortisol levels compared to normal subjects, and a significant relation between hair cortisol with HPT axis was found. Also, weight and BMI were positively correlated with hair cortisol level.
https://ift.tt/2CmhUtc
Assessment of hair cortisol in euthyroid, hypothyroid, and subclinical hypothyroid subjects
Abstract
Purpose
Hypothyroidism is associated with an increase in serum cortisol level while the long-term activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in hypothyroid, and subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) subjects has not been studied. This study aimed to assess the hair cortisol levels as a long-term activity of HPA axis in hypothyroid, SCH and a group of healthy adult subjects. Also, it aimed to examine the correlation of hair cortisol levels with hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and anthropometric measures.
Methods
We prospectively evaluated a group of normal, SCH and hypothyroid subjects. Serum TSH, FT4, and FT3 were measured as a component of the HPT axis. Hair samples were collected, prepared, followed by extraction of hair cortisol and measurement in pg/mg of hair. Hair cortisol levels were compared in normal, SCH and hypothyroid groups and correlated with HPT axis and anthropometric data.
Results
A total of 65 healthy volunteers were analyzed, and the mean hair cortisol level was reported to be 17.38 pg/mg of hair. Hair cortisol level was slightly higher in the SCH subjects, 18.19 pg/mg of hair; however the difference was not significant. Compared to the euthyroid subject, a significantly higher hair cortisol level was recorded in the hypothyroid subjects, 24.17 pg/mg hair, p < .05. Hair cortisol was significantly and positively associated with each of the serum TSH, age, weight and BMI (p < .05).
Conclusions
Overt hypothyroidism but not SCH is significantly associated with higher hair cortisol levels compared to normal subjects, and a significant relation between hair cortisol with HPT axis was found. Also, weight and BMI were positively correlated with hair cortisol level.
https://ift.tt/2CmhUtc
Scholar : Art Journal, Volume 77, Issue 2, Summer 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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Scholar : These new articles for Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction are available online
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Survival Among Patients With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Treated With Sequential vs Concurrent Chemotherapy
This phase 3 randomized clinical trial compares disease-free and overall survival among patients with operable HER2-positive breast cancer who received concurrent vs sequential administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
https://ift.tt/2M3Jqvi
https://ift.tt/2M3Jqvi
Information Transparency in the Drug Approval Process—Reply
In Reply We read with interest the letter by Rini and colleagues in response to our Viewpoint, and we thank them for making us aware of the substantial information available at the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) website. However, we still believe that there was excessive focus on disease-free survival (DFS) over overall survival (OS) at the committee meeting, for 2 main reasons.
https://ift.tt/2Qawqaf
https://ift.tt/2Qawqaf
Information Transparency in the Drug Approval Process
To the Editor Drs Gyawali and Goldstein recently published a Viewpoint in which they accuse the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) of being ignorant of overall survival (OS) data from the S-TRAC adjuvant sunitinib trial, and that this ignorance led to a recommendation for approval from 6 ODAC members and subsequently the FDA. They further accuse the sponsor of hiding the OS data in the Supplement of the full publication.
https://ift.tt/2wLZlIV
https://ift.tt/2wLZlIV
Hyperprogressive Disease in Patients With Advanced NSCLC Treated With PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors
This multicenter cohort study investigates whether hyperprogressive disease is observed in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer treated with programmed cell death 1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors compared with single-agent chemotherapy.
https://ift.tt/2Q4mAXD
https://ift.tt/2Q4mAXD
Clinical Trials, End Points, and Statistics—Measuring and Comparing Cancer Treatments in Practice
This Patient Page defines the some of the important terms and techniques that cancer researchers use to measure and report their findings.
https://ift.tt/2M3INlq
https://ift.tt/2M3INlq
Terminal Cancer and Death—On Grief
This essay describes the process of coming to an understanding of grief following the death of a family member who had cancer.
https://ift.tt/2Q7uPSB
https://ift.tt/2Q7uPSB
Trichloroacetic acid as a treatment for persistent oral mucosal lesions in pemphigus vulgaris
Publication date: Available online 6 September 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Hamidreza Mahmoudi, Kamran Balighi, Soheil Tavakolpour, Maryam Daneshpazhooh, Cheyda Chams-Davatchi
https://ift.tt/2wPfZHt
Lightening Becker’s nevus: Role of topical therapies
Publication date: Available online 6 September 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Naveen Kumar Kansal
https://ift.tt/2Q842pc
Reply to MS#JAAD-D-18-01527
Publication date: Available online 6 September 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Mao-Qiang Man
https://ift.tt/2M3o9lr
Ruxolitinib for the treatment of severe alopecia areata
Publication date: Available online 6 September 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Lucy Y. Liu, Brett A. King
https://ift.tt/2Qawmav
New Perspectives on the Pathogenesis of PCOS: Neuroendocrine Origins
Publication date: Available online 5 September 2018
Source: Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Author(s): Kirsty A. Walters, Robert B. Gilchrist, William L. Ledger, Helena J. Teede, David J. Handelsman, Rebecca E. Campbell
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition in reproductive-aged women. It is characterized by reproductive, endocrine, metabolic, and psychological features. The cause of PCOS is unknown, thus there is no cure and its management remains suboptimal because it relies on the ad hoc empirical management of symptoms only. We review here the strong support for PCOS having a neuroendocrine origin. In particular, we focus on the role of aberrant hypothalamic–pituitary function and associated hyperandrogenism, and their role as major drivers of the mechanisms underpinning the development of PCOS. This important information now provides a target site and a potential mechanism for the future development of novel, targeted, and mechanism-based effective therapies for the treatment of PCOS.
https://ift.tt/2wRQGW8
Metformin and blood cancers
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer are correlated with changes in insulin signaling, a pathway that is frequently upregulated in neoplastic tissue but impaired in tissues that are classically targeted by insulin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many antidiabetes treatments, particularly metformin, enhance insulin signaling, but this pathway can be inhibited by specific cancer treatments. The modulation of cancer growth by metformin and of insulin sensitivity by anticancer drugs is so common that this phenomenon is being studied in hundreds of clinical trials on cancer. Many meta-analyses have consistently shown a moderate but direct effect of body mass index on the incidence of multiple myeloma and lymphoma and the elevated risk of leukemia in adults. Moreover, new epidemiological and preclinical studies indicate metformin as a therapeutic agent in patients with leukemia, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. In this article, we review current findings on the anticancer activities of metformin and the underlying mechanisms from preclinical and ongoing studies in hematologic malignancies.
https://ift.tt/2M6E3eV
Revisiting the roles of VHR/DUSP3 phosphatase in human diseases
Protein tyrosine phosphatases have long been considered key regulators of biological processes and are therefore implicated in the origins of various human diseases. Heterozygosity, mutations, deletions, and the complete loss of some of these enzymes have been reported to cause neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune syndromes, genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, cancers, and many other physiological imbalances. Vaccinia H1-related phosphatase, also known as dual-specificity phosphatase 3, is a protein tyrosine phosphatase enzyme that regulates the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, a central mediator of a diversity of biological responses. It has been suggested that vaccinia H1-related phosphatase can act as a tumor suppressor or tumor-promoting phosphatase in different cancers. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that this enzyme has many other biological functions, such as roles in immune responses, thrombosis, hemostasis, angiogenesis, and genomic stability, and this broad spectrum of vaccinia H1-related phosphatase activity is likely the result of its diversity of substrates. Hence, fully identifying and characterizing these substrate-phosphatase interactions will facilitate the identification of pharmacological inhibitors of vaccinia H1-related phosphatase that can be evaluated in clinical trials. In this review, we describe the biological processes mediated by vaccinia H1-related phosphatase, especially those related to genomic stability. We also focus on validated substrates and signaling circuitry with clinical relevance in human diseases, particularly oncogenesis.
https://ift.tt/2Q7iL3L
The human adrenal cortex: growth control and disorders
This review summarizes key knowledge regarding the development, growth, and growth disorders of the adrenal cortex from a molecular perspective. The adrenal gland consists of two distinct regions: the cortex and the medulla. During embryological development and transition to the adult adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex acquires three different structural and functional zones. Significant progress has been made in understanding the signaling and molecules involved during adrenal cortex zonation. Equally significant is the knowledge obtained regarding the action of peptide factors involved in the maintenance of zonation of the adrenal cortex, such as peptides derived from proopiomelanocortin processing, adrenocorticotropin and N-terminal proopiomelanocortin. Findings regarding the development, maintenance and growth of the adrenal cortex and the molecular factors involved has improved the scientific understanding of disorders that affect adrenal cortex growth. Hypoplasia, hyperplasia and adrenocortical tumors, including adult and pediatric adrenocortical adenomas and carcinomas, are described together with findings regarding molecular and pathway alterations. Comprehensive genomic analyses of adrenocortical tumors have shown gene expression profiles associated with malignancy as well as methylation alterations and the involvement of miRNAs. These findings provide a new perspective on the diagnosis, therapeutic possibilities and prognosis of adrenocortical disorders.
https://ift.tt/2M3xREo
DNA repair pathways and cisplatin resistance: an intimate relationship
The main goal of chemotherapeutic drugs is to induce massive cell death in tumors. Cisplatin is an antitumor drug widely used to treat several types of cancer. Despite its remarkable efficiency, most tumors show intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. The primary biological target of cisplatin is genomic DNA, and it causes a plethora of DNA lesions that block transcription and replication. These cisplatin-induced DNA lesions strongly induce cell death if they are not properly repaired or processed. To counteract cisplatin-induced DNA damage, cells use an intricate network of mechanisms, including DNA damage repair and translesion synthesis. In this review, we describe how cisplatin-induced DNA lesions are repaired or tolerated by cells and focus on the pivotal role of DNA repair and tolerance mechanisms in tumor resistance to cisplatin. In fact, several recent clinical findings have correlated the tumor cell status of DNA repair/translesion synthesis with patient response to cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, these mechanisms provide interesting targets for pharmacological modulation that can increase the efficiency of cisplatin chemotherapy.
https://ift.tt/2Q7SYIG
Perspectives for cancer immunotherapy mediated by p19Arf plus interferon-beta gene transfer
While cancer immunotherapy has gained much deserved attention in recent years, many areas regarding the optimization of such modalities remain unexplored, including the development of novel approaches and the strategic combination of therapies that target multiple aspects of the cancer-immunity cycle. Our own work involves the use of gene transfer technology to promote cell death and immune stimulation. Such immunogenic cell death, mediated by the combined transfer of the alternate reading frame (p14ARF in humans and p19Arf in mice) and the interferon-β cDNA in our case, was shown to promote an antitumor immune response in mouse models of melanoma and lung carcinoma. With these encouraging results, we are now setting out on the road toward translational and preclinical development of our novel immunotherapeutic approach. Here, we outline the perspectives and challenges that we face, including the use of human tumor and immune cells to verify the response seen in mouse models and the incorporation of clinically relevant models, such as patient-derived xenografts and spontaneous tumors in animals. In addition, we seek to combine our immunotherapeutic approach with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or checkpoint blockade, with the goal of reducing dosage and increasing efficacy. The success of any translational research requires the cooperation of a multidisciplinary team of professionals involved in laboratory and clinical research, a relationship that is fostered at the Cancer Institute of Sao Paulo.
https://ift.tt/2M45V35
Interdisciplinary interventions in the perioperative rehabilitation of total laryngectomy: an integrative review
The aim of this study was to use the scientific literature to identify interdisciplinary interventions for rehabilitation during the perioperative period for cancer patients who underwent total laryngectomy. We systematically researched controlled descriptors: laryngectomy, patient care team/education, patient care team/manpower, patient care team/methods, patient care team/utilization and rehabilitation. We performed a qualitative narrative synthesis and identified 549 articles. Of these, 113 were duplicates, 398 were excluded during the analysis of the title and abstract, 1 was excluded for unfeasibility of access, and 4 were excluded after reading the article in full, resulting in 33 included articles. The articles addressed different types of interdisciplinary actions, such as vocal, olfactory, pulmonary and alimentary rehabilitation; comparisons of prosthetic devices; and descriptions of practices for total laryngectomized patient rehabilitation. Although the interventions found in the literature were effective in the rehabilitation of the total laryngectomized patient, their interdisciplinarity was not evidenced but was highlighted in these studies as a factor for improvement in terms of practical assistance and quality of life.
https://ift.tt/2Q7Sp1w
Human papillomavirus and genome instability: from productive infection to cancer
Infection with high oncogenic risk human papillomavirus types is the etiological factor of cervical cancer and a major cause of other epithelial malignancies, including vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile and head and neck carcinomas. These agents affect epithelial homeostasis through the expression of specific proteins that deregulate important cellular signaling pathways to achieve efficient viral replication. Among the major targets of viral proteins are components of the DNA damage detection and repair machinery. The activation of many of these cellular factors is critical to process viral genome replication intermediates and, consequently, to sustain faithful viral progeny production. In addition to the important role of cellular DNA repair machinery in the infective human papillomavirus cycle, alterations in the expression and activity of many of its components are observed in human papillomavirus-related tumors. Several studies from different laboratories have reported the impact of the expression of human papillomavirus oncogenes, mainly E6 and E7, on proteins in almost all the main cellular DNA repair mechanisms. This has direct consequences on cellular transformation since it causes the accumulation of point mutations, insertions and deletions of short nucleotide stretches, as well as numerical and structural chromosomal alterations characteristic of tumor cells. On the other hand, it is clear that human papillomavirus-transformed cells depend on the preservation of a basal cellular DNA repair activity level to maintain tumor cell viability. In this review, we summarize the data concerning the effect of human papillomavirus infection on DNA repair mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the potential of exploiting human papillomavirus-transformed cell dependency on DNA repair pathways as effective antitumoral therapies.
https://ift.tt/2wPjq0X
Alterations in the expression and activity of extracellular matrix components in HPV-associated infections and diseases
Infection with human papillomaviruses is associated with a series of benign and malignant hyperproliferative diseases that impose a heavy burden on human populations. A subgroup of mucosal human papillomavirus types are associated with the majority of cervical cancers and a relevant fraction of vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile and head and neck carcinomas. Human papillomaviruses mediate cell transformation by the expression of two pleiotropic oncoproteins that alter major cellular regulatory pathways. However, these viruses are not complete carcinogens, and further alterations within the infected cells and in their microenvironment are necessary for tumor establishment and progression. Alterations in components of the extracellular matrix for instance, matrix metalloproteinases and some of their regulators such as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, have been consistently reported in human papillomaviruses-associated diseases. Matrix metalloproteinases function by remodeling the extracellular matrix and alterations in their expression levels and/or activity are associated with pathological processes and clinical variables including local tumor invasion, metastasis, tumor relapse and overall patient prognosis and survival. In this review we present a summarized discussion on the current data concerning the impact of human papillomavirus infection on the activity and expression of extracellular matrix components. We further comment on the possibility of targeting extracellular matrix molecules in experimental treatment protocols.
https://ift.tt/2QbdckK
Heart-sparing volumetric modulated arc therapy for whole lung irradiation
Abstract
Purpose
Whole lung irradiation (WLI) is indicated for subgroups of patients with lung metastases from Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma). WLI has traditionally been performed with an anterior/posterior field arrangement with poor potential for heart sparing; thus, new techniques are desirable to achieve a lower dose to the heart.
Materials and methods
We utilized volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for WLI with 18 Gy in a patient with metastatic nephroblastoma. The planning results were compared against a three-dimensional (3D) conformal plan.
Results
VMAT resulted in adequate target volume coverage with the prescribed dose. Mean heart dose was 10.2 Gy. The dose to organs at risk (OAR) was generally more favorable with VMAT when compared with a 3D-conformal radiotherapy plan.
Discussion
WLI with VMAT provides superior sparing of OARs and especially a considerably lower dose to the heart.
https://ift.tt/2MRnc51
Adsorption behavior of chloroform, carbon disulfide, and acetone on coconut shell-derived carbon: experimental investigation, simulation, and model study
Abstract
The adsorption performances of chloroform (TCM), carbon disulfide (CDS), and acetone (CP) were investigated and compared over self-prepared coconut shell-derived carbon (CDC) to study the adsorption behavior and mechanism of heteroatom (Cl, S, O)-containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The result indicates that the adsorption capacity of three typical VOCs obeys the sequence: TCM (361 mg/g) > CDS (194 mg/g) > CP (37 mg/g). However, desorption experiments show that adsorption intensity follows the order: CDS (165 °C) > TCM (147 °C) > CP (130 °C). The influence of surface oxygen-containing functional groups over CDC on adsorption performance was also studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and in situ DRIFT spectra. It is implied that carbonyl in lactone and benzoquinonyl of CDC could affect VOC adsorption intensity by conjugation effect. Furthermore, adsorption isotherms of three VOCs were obtained through Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation and then fitted by classical isothermal models. Furthermore, the total adsorption potentials are calculated by potential theory, and the result follows the order: TCM (− 2.18 kJ/mol) > CDS (− 2.1 kJ/mol) > CP (− 1.5 kJ/mol). It is believed that the effect of magnetic susceptibility (χ) is more crucial than polarizability (∂) and the distance r between the interacting molecules for the potential difference.
https://ift.tt/2wQlF4R
Remediation potential of caffeine, oxybenzone, and triclosan by the salt marsh plants Spartina maritima and Halimione portulacoides
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have attracted increasing concern during the last decade because of their widespread uses and continuous release to the aquatic environment. This work aimed to study the distribution of caffeine (CAF), oxybenzone (MBPh), and triclosan (TCS) when they arrive in salt marsh areas and to assess their remediation potential by two different species of salt marsh plants: Spartina maritima and Halimione portulacoides. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory either in hydroponics (sediment elutriate) or in sediment soaked in elutriate, for 10 days. Controls without plants were also carried out. CAF, MBPh, and TCS were added to the media. In unvegetated sediment soaked in elutriate, CAF was mainly in the liquid phase (83%), whereas MBPh and TCS were in the solid phase (90% and 56%, respectively); the highest remediation was achieved for TCS (40%) and mainly attributed to bioremediation. The presence of plants in sediment soaked in elutriate-enhanced PPCPs remediation, decreasing CAF and TCS levels between approximately 20-30% and MBPh by 40%.. Plant uptake, adsorption to plant roots/sediments, and bio/rhizoremediation are strong hypothesis to explain the decrease of contaminants either in water or sediment fractions, according to PPCPs characteristics.
https://ift.tt/2NUKtzc
Exploring the sensitivity of magnetic resonance fingerprinting to motion
Publication date: Available online 5 September 2018
Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Author(s): Zidan Yu, Tiejun Zhao, Jakob Assländer, Riccardo Lattanzi, Daniel K. Sodickson, Martijn A. Cloos
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the motion sensitivity of magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF), we performed experiments with different types of motion at various time intervals during multiple scans. Additionally, we investigated the possibility to correct the motion artifacts based on redundancy in MRF data.
Methods
A radial version of the FISP-MRF sequence was used to acquire one transverse slice through the brain. Three subjects were instructed to move in different patterns (in-plane rotation, through-plane wiggle, complex movements, adjust head position, and pretend itch) during different time intervals. The potential to correct motion artifacts in MRF by removing motion-corrupted data points from the fingerprints and dictionary was evaluated.
Results
Morphological structures were well preserved in multi-parametric maps despite subject motion. Although the bulk T1 values were not significantly affected by motion, fine structures were blurred when in-plane motion was present during the first part of the scan. On the other hand, T2 values showed a considerable deviation from the motion-free results, especially when through-plane motion was present in the middle of the scan (−44% on average). Explicitly removing the motion-corrupted data from the scan partially restored the T2 values (−10% on average).
Conclusion
Our experimental results showed that different kinds of motion have distinct effects on the precision and effective resolution of the parametric maps measured with MRF. Although MRF-based acquisitions can be relatively robust to motion effects occurring at the beginning or end of the sequence, relying on redundancy in the data alone is not sufficient to assure the accuracy of the multi-parametric maps in all cases.
https://ift.tt/2oNQdjf
Moderately Hypofractionated Conformal Radiation Combined With Cisplatin for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Condition: Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Intervention: Combination Product: Moderately hypofractionated conformal radiation combined With cisplatin
Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University
Recruiting
https://ift.tt/2CrNi9X
Intervention: Combination Product: Moderately hypofractionated conformal radiation combined With cisplatin
Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University
Recruiting
https://ift.tt/2CrNi9X
Efficacy of Pediatric Manual Therapy in the Positional Plagiocephaly
Conditions: Plagiocephaly; Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic; Plagiocephaly, Positional
Interventions: Procedure: Pediatric Manual Therapy; Procedure: Educational Physical Therapy
Sponsor: Universidad de Zaragoza
Recruiting
https://ift.tt/2NkDx1h
Interventions: Procedure: Pediatric Manual Therapy; Procedure: Educational Physical Therapy
Sponsor: Universidad de Zaragoza
Recruiting
https://ift.tt/2NkDx1h
The Effect of EMT on Anxiety Levels and Perception of Waiting Time in the Radiation Oncology Waiting Room
Condition: Cancer
Intervention: Other: Environmental Music Therapy
Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Recruiting
https://ift.tt/2M5BFVo
Intervention: Other: Environmental Music Therapy
Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Recruiting
https://ift.tt/2M5BFVo
Blue laser imaging with acetic acid enhancement improved the detection rate of gastric intestinal metaplasia
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate the ability of blue laser imaging (BLI) combined with acetic acid (BLI-AA) to detect gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). Participants undergoing gastroscopy from July 2017 to February 2018 in our hospital were enrolled prospectively. The abilities of white light imaging endoscopy, BLI endoscopy, and BLI-AA to detect GIM were compared. One hundred six patients undergoing gastroscopy met the inclusion criteria. GIM was diagnosed in 41 patients. For BLI-AA, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values were 85.4%, 84.6%, 77.8%, and 90.2% respectively. The diagnostic accuracy rate for BLI-AA was 84.9%, which was higher than that of white light imaging endoscopy and BLI endoscopy. For target biopsy, the GIM detection rate for the BLI-AA mode was significantly higher (77.8%, 105/135) than that for the BLI mode (58.3%, 84/144) or the white light endoscopy mode (40.4%, 57/141) (p < 0.05). BLI-AA is an efficient and simple method for the detection of GIM.
https://ift.tt/2PLerq7
Oral glucose load and mixed meal feeding lowers testosterone levels in healthy eugonadal men
Abstract
Purpose
Precise evaluation of serum testosterone levels is important in making an accurate diagnosis of androgen deficiency. Recent practice guidelines on male androgen deficiency recommend that testosterone be measured in the morning while fasting. Although there is ample evidence regarding morning measurement of testosterone, studies that evaluated the effect of glucose load or meals were limited by inclusion of hypogonadal or diabetic men, and measurement of testosterone was not performed using mass spectrometry.
Methods
Sixty men (23–97 years) without pre-diabetes or diabetes who had normal total testosterone (TT) levels underwent either an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) after an overnight fast. Serum samples were collected before and at regular intervals for 2 h (OGTT cohort) or 3 h (MMTT cohort). TT was measured by LC-MS/MS. LH and prolactin were also measured.
Results
TT decreased after a glucose load (mean drop at nadir = 100 ng/dL) and after a mixed meal (drop at nadir = 123 ng/dL). Approximately 11% of men undergoing OGTT and 56% undergoing MMTT experienced a transient decrease in TT below 300 ng/dL, the lower normal limit. Testosterone started declining 20 min into the tests, with average maximum decline at 60 min. Most men still had TT lower than baseline at 120 min. This effect was independent of changes in LH or prolactin.
Conclusion
A glucose load or a mixed meal transiently, but significantly, lowers TT levels in healthy, non-diabetic eugonadal men. These findings support the recommendations that measurement of serum testosterone to diagnose androgen deficiency should be performed while fasting.
https://ift.tt/2MVVfZS
Oral glucose load and mixed meal feeding lowers testosterone levels in healthy eugonadal men
Abstract
Purpose
Precise evaluation of serum testosterone levels is important in making an accurate diagnosis of androgen deficiency. Recent practice guidelines on male androgen deficiency recommend that testosterone be measured in the morning while fasting. Although there is ample evidence regarding morning measurement of testosterone, studies that evaluated the effect of glucose load or meals were limited by inclusion of hypogonadal or diabetic men, and measurement of testosterone was not performed using mass spectrometry.
Methods
Sixty men (23–97 years) without pre-diabetes or diabetes who had normal total testosterone (TT) levels underwent either an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) after an overnight fast. Serum samples were collected before and at regular intervals for 2 h (OGTT cohort) or 3 h (MMTT cohort). TT was measured by LC-MS/MS. LH and prolactin were also measured.
Results
TT decreased after a glucose load (mean drop at nadir = 100 ng/dL) and after a mixed meal (drop at nadir = 123 ng/dL). Approximately 11% of men undergoing OGTT and 56% undergoing MMTT experienced a transient decrease in TT below 300 ng/dL, the lower normal limit. Testosterone started declining 20 min into the tests, with average maximum decline at 60 min. Most men still had TT lower than baseline at 120 min. This effect was independent of changes in LH or prolactin.
Conclusion
A glucose load or a mixed meal transiently, but significantly, lowers TT levels in healthy, non-diabetic eugonadal men. These findings support the recommendations that measurement of serum testosterone to diagnose androgen deficiency should be performed while fasting.
https://ift.tt/2MVVfZS
Analysis of the results of empirical research and surveys of perceived indoor temperature depending on gender and seasons
Abstract
The indoor thermal condition tests were conducted as real and declared by the respondents. The tests were carried out in the laboratory room in Bialystok. The object is a detached, two-storey building with a cellar. The tests were carried out from February to May 2015. In 1 week, on average, ten measurement series were carried out. During one experiment series, there were between 10 and 15 students present in the room. The aim of the publication is to analyze the results of declared perceived temperature tests in the room depending on the gender, the season and indoor and outdoor temperature conditions. On the basis of statistical analysis of the test results, it was found that in the analyzed age group, the perceived temperature declared in the room is not affected by the respondent's gender. The conclusion is that the temperature sensations of young (and probably healthy) people who do not do physical work are similar, regardless of gender. Differences between the average perceived temperature in the room, declared by all respondents in winter and declared in spring are statistically significant. The indoor perceived temperature declared in the winter is almost constant and does not depend on the temperature of the perceived temperature of outdoor air.
https://ift.tt/2MT3sO7
Water quality modeling of a prairie river-lake system
Abstract
Eutrophication of an under-ice river-lake system in Canada has been modeled using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP7). The model was used to assess the potential effect on water quality of increasing inter-basin transfer of water from an upstream reservoir into the Qu'Appelle River system. Although water is currently transferred, the need for increased transfer is a possibility under future water management scenarios to meet water demands in the region. Output from the model indicated that flow augmentation could decrease total ammonia and orthophosphate concentrations especially at Buffalo Pound Lake throughout the year. This is because the water being transferred has lower concentrations of these nutrients than the Qu'Appelle River system, although there is complex interplay between the more dilute chemistry, and the potential to increase loads by increasing flows. A global sensitivity analysis indicated that the model output for the lake component was more sensitive to input parameters than was the model output of the river component. Sensitive parameters included dissolved organic nitrogen mineralization rate, phytoplankton nitrogen to carbon ratio, phosphorus-to-carbon ratio, maximum phytoplankton growth rate, and phytoplankton death rate. Parameter sensitivities on output variables for the lake component were similar for both summer (open water) and winter (ice-covered), whereas those for the river component were different. The complex interplay of water quality, ice behaviors, and hydrodynamics of the chained river-lake system was all coupled in WASP7. Mean absolute error varied from 0.03–0.08 NH4-N/L for ammonium to 0.5 to1.7 mg/L for oxygen, and 0.04–0.13 NO3-N/L for nitrate.
https://ift.tt/2NNcatM
Is depression associated with oral health outcomes in adults and elders? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Objectives
To systematically review the literature in order to investigate association between depression and oral diseases.
Material and methods
Electronic searches were performed in five databases. Studies testing associations between depression and oral diseases as either exposure or outcome were included. Oral disease variable included any tooth loss or edentulism, periodontal disease, and dental caries.
Results
A total of 2504 articles were identified in the electronic database search. Sixteen studies were included in this systematic review being 14 included in the meta-analyses. Eleven studies considered oral health as outcome, whereas three studies considered depression as an outcome variable. Depression was associated to dental caries, tooth loss, and edentulism. Pooled estimates showed that depression increased the odds of dental caries (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.13–1.44), tooth loss (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.24–1.37), and edentulism (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.02–1.34), respectively. When the oral diseases were tested as independent variable and depression as outcome, associations with both edentulism (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.06–1.55) and periodontal disease (HR 1.73; 95% CI 1.58–1.89) were found.
Conclusions
The results of our systematic review and meta-analyses show a positive association between depression and oral diseases, specifically dental caries, tooth loss, and edentulism, in adults and elders. More longitudinal studies are required to test causal and temporal relationship between depression and oral health status.
Clinical relevance
Mental and oral health are among the main disabilities worldwide. This article helps to understand more about the relationship between both conditions, highlighting the importance for both clinicians and policy makers of considering individual's psychological status in management of oral health.
https://ift.tt/2MQhWi2
The efficacy of HRAS and CDK4/6 inhibitors in anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines
Abstract
Purpose
Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) are non-responsive to multimodal therapy, representing one of the major challenges in thyroid cancer. Previously, our group has shown that genes involved in cell cycle are deregulated in ATCs, and the most common mutations in these tumours occurred in cell proliferation and cell cycle related genes, namely TP53, RAS, CDKN2A and CDKN2B, making these genes potential targets for ATCs treatment. Here, we investigated the inhibition of HRAS by tipifarnib (TIP) and cyclin D-cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) by palbociclib (PD), in ATC cells.
Methods
ATC cell lines, mutated or wild type for HRAS, CDKN2A and CDKN2B genes, were used and the cytotoxic effects of PD and TIP in each cell line were evaluated. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined for these drugs and its effects on cell cycle, cell death and cell proliferation were subsequently analysed.
Results
Cell culture studies demonstrated that 0.1 µM TIP induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase (50%, p < 0.01), cell death, and inhibition of cell viability (p < 0.001), only in the HRAS mutated cell line. PD lowest concentration (0.1 µM) increased significantly cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase (80%, p < 0.05), but only in ATC cell lines with alterations in CDKN2A/CDKN2B genes; additionally, 0.5 µM PD induced cell death. The inhibition of cell viability by PD was more pronounced in cells with alterations in CDKN2A/CDKN2B genes (p < 0.05) and/or cyclin D1 overexpression.
Conclusions
This study suggests that TIP and PD, which are currently in clinical trials for other types of cancer, may play a relevant role in ATC treatment, depending on the specific tumour molecular profile.
https://ift.tt/2M40aST
Scholar : New articles have been published for Journal of Natural History, Volume 52, Issue 31-32
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Scholar : Obstructive sleep apnea - νέα αποτελέσματα
Sleep-disordered breathing, neuroendocrine function, and clinical SUDEP risk in patients with epilepsy
S Billakota, N Odom, AJ Westwood, E Hanna, AM Pack… - Epilepsy & Behavior, 2018
… seizure. FSH follicle-stimulating hormone. LH luteinizing hormone. OSA obstructive
sleep apnea. PWE people with epilepsy. PRL prolactin. P4 progesterone. PSG
polysomnogram. RR reference range. RDI respiratory distress index …
sleep apnea. PWE people with epilepsy. PRL prolactin. P4 progesterone. PSG
polysomnogram. RR reference range. RDI respiratory distress index …
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Volumetric changes of the upper airway following maxillary and mandibular advancement using cone beam computed tomography
GK Parsi, AA Alsulaiman, B Kotak, P Mehra, LA Will… - International Journal of Oral …, 2018
… mandibular or bimaxillary retrognathism9, 10, 11. It has also been shown that
advancement of the jaws can significantly improve oropharyngeal dimensions of the
airway and effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)12, 13, 14 …
advancement of the jaws can significantly improve oropharyngeal dimensions of the
airway and effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)12, 13, 14 …
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Neuroendocrine Aspects of Improving Sleep in Epilepsy
DS Reddy, SH Chuang, D Hunn, AZ Crepea, R Magant - Epilepsy Research, 2018
… 2006; Jain and Kothare, 2015a,b). Sleep deprivation, due to a variety of
primary sleep disorders like sleep apnea, has been … and seizure occurrence;
why epileptic seizures are rare in REM sleep; and whether or not hormones …
primary sleep disorders like sleep apnea, has been … and seizure occurrence;
why epileptic seizures are rare in REM sleep; and whether or not hormones …
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[HTML] Validation of minute-to-minute scoring for sleep and wake periods in a consumer wearable device compared to an actigraphy device
J Cheung, JM Zeitzer, H Lu, E Mignot - Sleep Science and Practice, 2018
… We found high degrees of agreement in minute-to-minute data scoring for
sleep and wake periods between the two devices. Keywords. Consumer
wearable Validation Sleep monitoring Actigraphy. Abbreviations. OSA …
sleep and wake periods between the two devices. Keywords. Consumer
wearable Validation Sleep monitoring Actigraphy. Abbreviations. OSA …
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Differential Cellular Composition of Human Palatine and Pharyngeal Tonsils
L Stanisce, E Sims, C Hou, Y Koshkareva, JP Gaughan… - Archives of Oral Biology, 2018
… A number of studies have described specific changes in cellular composition
or expression of functional factors (cytokines, pattern recognition receptors)
associated with tonsil or adenoid hypertrophy, infections or obstructive sleep …
or expression of functional factors (cytokines, pattern recognition receptors)
associated with tonsil or adenoid hypertrophy, infections or obstructive sleep …
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Hypoglossal motor neuron death via intralingual CTB-saporin (CTB-SAP) injections mimic aspects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) related to dysphagia
LA Lind, ER Murphy, TE Lever, NL Nichols - Neuroscience, 2018
… To begin the protocols, the apneic CO 2 threshold was determined by lowering
P ETCO2 until nerve activity ceased for at least one minute. The P ETCO2
was then slowly increased until the recruitment threshold was reached (ie …
P ETCO2 until nerve activity ceased for at least one minute. The P ETCO2
was then slowly increased until the recruitment threshold was reached (ie …
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Causes and solutions to "globesity": The new FA (S) T alarming global epidemic
LV Vasileva, AS Marchev, MI Georgiev - Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2018
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Three-Dimensional Assessment of Pharyngeal Airway Space by MRI in Class II Division 1 Patients Treated by Twin Block Appliance.
RAM GOPAL, T TRIPATHI, P RAI, A KANASE - Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic …, 2018
… tool for soft tissues and should be considered specially when mandibular
morphology may affect PAS viz., obstructive sleep apnea, craniofacial
abnormalities … Yamada T, Tanne K, Miyamoto K, Yamauchi K. Influences of …
morphology may affect PAS viz., obstructive sleep apnea, craniofacial
abnormalities … Yamada T, Tanne K, Miyamoto K, Yamauchi K. Influences of …
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[PDF] Elevated red cell distribution width is associated with poor clinical outcomes in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
J Guo, J Tang, X Cui, L Zhang, H Zhang, C Cao… - Int J Clin Exp Med, 2018
… Am J Cardiol 2009; 104: 868-72. [9] León Subías E, Gómara de la Cal S, Marin Trigo
JM. Red cell distribution width in obstructive sleep apnea. Arch Bronconeumol 2017;
53: 114-119. [10] Perlstein TS, Weuve J, Pfeffer MA, Beckman JA …
JM. Red cell distribution width in obstructive sleep apnea. Arch Bronconeumol 2017;
53: 114-119. [10] Perlstein TS, Weuve J, Pfeffer MA, Beckman JA …
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SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING DYSPNEA, INCLUDING VIA ELECTRICAL AFFERENT SIGNAL BLOCKING
EJ Hlavka, LS Elliott - US Patent App. 15/792,653, 2018
… and asthma (18 million US patients), collectively referred to as Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases … During normal sleeping hours, the system
can enter the disable mode, during which the system … at night, so as to reduce …
Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases … During normal sleeping hours, the system
can enter the disable mode, during which the system … at night, so as to reduce …
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