Ruthenium complexes with phenylterpyridine derivatives target cell membrane and trigger death receptors-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 129
Author(s): Zhiqin Deng, Pan Gao, Lianling Yu, Bin Ma, Yuanyuan You, Leung Chan, Chaoming Mei, Tianfeng Chen
Elucidation of the communication between metal complexes and cell membrane may provide useful information for rational design of metal-based anticancer drugs. Herein we synthesized a novel class of ruthenium (Ru) complexes containing phtpy derivatives (phtpy = phenylterpyridine), analyzed their structure-activity relationship and revealed their action mechanisms. The result showed that, the increase in the planarity of hydrophobic Ru complexes significantly enhanced their lipophilicity and cellular uptake. Meanwhile, the introduction of nitro group effectively improved their anticancer efficacy. Further mechanism studies revealed that, complex (2c), firstly accumulated on cell membrane and interacted with death receptors to activate extrinsic apoptosis signaling pathway. The complex was then transported into cell cytoplasm through transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis. Most of the intracellular 2c accumulated in cell plasma, decreasing the level of cellular ROS, inducing the activation of caspase-9 and thus intensifying the apoptosis. At the same time, the residual 2c can translocate into cell nucleus to interact with DNA, induce DNA damage, activate p53 pathway and enhance apoptosis. Comparing with cisplatin, 2c possesses prolonged circulation time in blood, comparable antitumor ability and importantly, much lower toxicity in vivo. Taken together, this study uncovers the role of membrane receptors in the anticancer actions of Ru complexes, and provides fundamental information for rational design of membrane receptor targeting anticancer drugs.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2nB1mFg

Mitigating hypoxic stress on pancreatic islets via in situ oxygen generating biomaterial

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 129
Author(s): Maria M. Coronel, Ryan Geusz, Cherie L. Stabler
A major obstacle in the survival and efficacy of tissue engineered transplants is inadequate oxygenation, whereby unsupportive oxygen tensions result in significant cellular dysfunction and death within the implant. In a previous report, we developed an innovative oxygen generating biomaterial, termed OxySite, to provide supportive in situ oxygenation to cells and prevent hypoxia-induced damage. Herein, we explored the capacity of this biomaterial to mitigate hypoxic stress in both rat and nonhuman primate pancreatic islets by decreasing cell death, supporting metabolic activity, sustaining aerobic metabolism, preserving glucose responsiveness, and decreasing the generation of inflammatory cytokines. Further, the impact of supplemental oxygenation on in vivo cell function was explored by the transplantation of islets previously co-cultured with OxySite into a diabetic rat model. Transplant outcomes revealed significant improvement in graft efficacy for OxySite-treated islets, when transplanted within an extrahepatic site. These results demonstrate the potency of the OxySite material to mitigate activation of detrimental hypoxia-induced pathways in islets during culture and highlights the importance of in situ oxygenation on resulting islet transplant outcomes.



http://ift.tt/2nB13dC

Development of fusogenic glass surfaces that impart spatiotemporal control over macrophage fusion: Direct visualization of multinucleated giant cell formation

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 128
Author(s): James J. Faust, Wayne Christenson, Kyle Doudrick, Robert Ros, Tatiana P. Ugarova
Implantation of synthetic material, including vascular grafts, pacemakers, etc. results in the foreign body reaction and the formation of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) at the exterior surface of the implant. Despite the long-standing premise that fusion of mononucleated macrophages results in the formation of MGCs, to date, no published study has shown fusion in context with living specimens. This is due to the fact that optical-quality glass, which is required for the majority of live imaging techniques, does not promote macrophage fusion. Consequently, the morphological changes that macrophages undergo during fusion as well as the mechanisms that govern this process remain ill-defined. In this study, we serendipitously identified a highly fusogenic glass surface and discovered that the capacity to promote fusion was due to oleamide contamination. When adsorbed on glass, oleamide and other molecules that contain long-chain hydrocarbons promoted high levels of macrophage fusion. Adhesion, an essential step for macrophage fusion, was apparently mediated by Mac-1 integrin (CD11b/CD18, αMβ2) as determined by single cell force spectroscopy and adhesion assays. Micropatterned glass further increased fusion and enabled a remarkable degree of spatiotemporal control over MGC formation. Using these surfaces, we reveal the kinetics that govern MGC formation in vitro. We anticipate that the spatiotemporal control afforded by these surfaces will expedite studies designed to identify the mechanism(s) of macrophage fusion and MGC formation with implication for the design of novel biomaterials.



http://ift.tt/2n9C6ou

Assessment of sperm quality in palaemonid prawns using Comet assay: methodological optimization

Abstract

The aim of this study was to adapt the Comet assay in spermatozoa of the marine prawn Palaemon serratus to use it as a marker of sperm quality. Indeed, due to the characteristics of their spermatozoa, the measurement of DNA integrity is one of the few markers which can be transferred to crustaceans to assess the quality of their semen. In the first step, the methods of collecting and maintaining spermatozoa were optimized. Cell survival was estimated during kinetics of preservation (i.e. 1, 2, 4 and 8 h) in various suspension media to define artificial seawater (ASW) as optimal. Several methods in the releasing of spermatozoa from the spermatophore of prawns were estimated with regard to their incidence both on the efficiency of extraction and the survival of cells. Pipetting up and down turned out to be the most successful and the least invasive technique. Secondly, the transfer of Comet assay was optimized by studying various times in both cell lysis (i.e. 1, 6, 18 h) and DNA denaturation (i.e. 15, 30 and 45 min), after in vitro exposure of spermatozoa to an H2O2 gradient as model genotoxicant. Results revealed that a minimum of 1 h in cell lysis and 15 min of DNA denaturation were sufficient to obtain valuable results, linked with a low compaction of DNA in spermatozoa of Palaemon sp. Finally, the sensitivity of P. serratus spermatozoa was assessed after in vitro exposures to model genotoxicants displaying various modes of interaction with DNA (i.e. UV-C, 13.3–79.5 J m⁻²; H₂O₂, 5–10 μM and MMS, 0.5–5 mM) and some environmental contaminants known or suspected to be genotoxic (i.e. cadmium and diuron, 0.015–1.5 μg L⁻¹; carbamazepine, 0.1–10 μg L⁻¹) for invertebrates. The low variability of the baseline level of DNA strand breaks recorded in controls highlighted the robustness of the method. P. serratus spermatozoa displayed significant DNA damage from the lowest doses tested for all model genotoxicants, but conversely, no genotoxic effect of tested environmental contaminants was observed. These results, which are discussed according to the protocol tested in the present study and the comparison with literature data, could suggest a difference in the response or sensitivity of spermatozoa to environmental genotoxicity between invertebrate species, and therefore the interest of Palaemonidae prawns in ecogenotoxicology. In conclusion, the present study underlines the potential of the Comet assay as a marker to assess the contamination impact on the sperm quality in Palaemonidae prawns in view to a potential application for in situ biomonitoring surveys.

http://ift.tt/2ncIZpj

Genome-wide transcriptional analysis of cardiovascular-related genes and pathways induced by PM 2.5 in human myocardial cells

Abstract

Air pollution has been a major environment-related health threat. Most of the studies on PM_2.5 toxicity have verified on the cardiovascular system and endothelial cells. However, researches on PM_2.5-induced myocardial-related toxicity are limited. This study aims to fully understand the toxic effects of PM_2.5 on human myocardial cell (AC16) and explore its molecular mechanism based on microarray analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Microarray data analysis manifested that PM_2.5-induced toxicity affected expression of 472 genes compared with the control group, including 166 upregulated genes and 306 downregulated genes in human myocardial (AC16) cells. GO analysis showed that cellular processes such as immune response, cell maturation, embryonic heart tube morphogenesis, cellular response to electrical stimulus, skeletal muscle tissue regeneration, and negative regulation of signal transduction were upregulated, while regulation of transcription (DNA-dependent), rhythmic process, protein destabilization apoptotic process, and innate immune response were downregulated. The pathway analysis indicates that cell signaling pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NF-κB signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, endocrine and other factor-regulated calcium reabsorption, HTLV-I infection, and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) were upregulated, while the TGF-β signaling pathway was downregulated. In addition, Signal-net showed that the TUBA4A, ADRBK2, BRIX1, SMC4, EIF5B, PRMT1, ATG4B, and NDC80 genes were significantly decreased, while the expression of the KRT6B gene was markedly increased compared with the control group. All the genes were verified by qRT-PCR. This study had provided new bioinformatics evidences in PM_2.5-induced myocardial tissue toxicity which is necessary for further cardiovascular system toxicity studies.

http://ift.tt/2mTNges

The relationship between mineral contents, particle matter and bottom ash distribution during pellet combustion: molar balance and chemometric analysis

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the correlation between the mineral contents in agropellets and particle matter and bottom ash characteristics during combustion in domestic boilers. Four agrifood residues with higher mineral contents, namely grape marc (GM), tomato waste (TW), exhausted olive mill solid waste (EOMSW) and olive mill wastewater (OMWW), were selected. Then, seven different pellets were produced from pure residues or their mixture and blending with sawdust. The physico-chemical properties of the produced pellets were analysed using different analytical techniques, and a particular attention was paid to their mineral contents. Combustion tests were performed in 12-kW domestic boiler. The particle matter (PM) emission was characterised through the particle number and mass quantification for different particle size. The bottom ash composition and size distribution were also characterised. Molar balance and chemometric analyses were performed to identify the correlation between the mineral contents and PM and bottom ash characteristics. The performed analyses indicate that K, Na, S and Cl are released partially or completely during combustion tests. In contrast, Ca, Mg, Si, P, Al, Fe and Mn are retained in the bottom ash. The chemometric analyses indicate that, in addition to the operating conditions and the pellet ash contents, K and Si concentrations have a significant effect on the PM emissions as well as on the agglomeration of bottom ash.

http://ift.tt/2ncCZg6

Pilot testing model to uncover industrial symbiosis in Brazilian industrial clusters

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to create a pilot model to uncover industrial symbiosis practices in Brazilian industrial clusters. For this purpose, a systematic revision was conducted in journals selected from two categories of the ISI Web of Knowledge: Engineering, Environmental and Engineering, Industrial. After an in-depth revision of literature, results allowed the creation of an analysis structure. A methodology based on fuzzy logic was applied and used to attribute the weights of industrial symbiosis variables. It was thus possible to extract the intensity indicators of the interrelations required to analyse the development level of each correlation between the variables. Determination of variables and their weights initially resulted in a framework for the theory of industrial symbiosis assessments. Research results allowed the creation of a pilot model that could precisely identify the loopholes or development levels in each sphere. Ontology charts for data analysis were also generated. This study contributes to science by presenting the foundations for building an instrument that enables application and compilation of the pilot model, in order to identify opportunity to symbiotic development, which derives from "uncovering" existing symbioses.

http://ift.tt/2mTAFYH

Protective effect of Nigella sativa seeds against spermatocyte chromosomal aberrations and genotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice

Abstract

Nigella sativa is a well-known dietary antioxidant and a valuable inhibitor of clastogenesis and carcinogenesis. The purpose of the present work was to investigate the effects of N. sativa seeds against chromosomal aberrations in primary spermatocytes and early embryonic lethality induced by CCl₄ hepatotoxin in Swiss albino mice. One hundred male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into five groups. Groups I, II, and III received only normal saline, olive oil, and aqueous suspension of N. sativa seeds (50 mg/kg b.w.), while groups IV and V were orally given CCl₄ dissolved in olive oil at a dose level of 1.9 (¼ LD₅₀) alone and with aqueous suspension of N. sativa seeds (50 mg/kg b.w.) alternately. Aqueous extract of N. sativa significantly reduced the elevated frequency of chromosomal aberrations induced by CCl₄ in mouse primary spermatocytes. For the male-dominant lethal test, four males from each group (control and experimental) were used and each male was mated for 13 days to two untreated virgin females. On days 14–16 after breeding, all the females were evaluated for incidence of pregnancy, live implants, and fetal deaths. Treatment with 1/4 LD₅₀ of CCl₄ induced positive dominant lethal mutation, reflecting a high rate of deformations in male germ cells. Interestingly, no dominant lethal mutations were recorded in females mated to male mice treated with CCl₄ plus N. sativa. Under the experimental conditions of this study, our results highlight the beneficial role of N. sativa against CCl₄-induced mutagenicity.

http://ift.tt/2ncIZ8N

Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen for wheat through empirical modeling under semi-arid environment

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilizer availability to plants is strongly linked with water availability. Excessive or insufficient use of nitrogen can cause reduction in grain yield of wheat and environmental issues. The per capita per annum water availability in Pakistan has reduced to less than 1000 m³ and is expected to reach 800 m³ during 2025. Irrigating crops with 3 or more than 3 in. of depth without measuring volume of water is not a feasible option anymore. Water productivity and economic return of grain yield can be improved by efficient management of water and nitrogen fertilizer. A study was conducted at post-graduate agricultural research station, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, during 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 to optimize volume of water per irrigation and nitrogen application. Split plot design with three replications was used to conduct experiment; four irrigation levels (I₃₀₀ = 300 mm, I₂₄₀ = 240 mm, I₁₈₀ = 180 mm, I₁₂₀ = 120 mm for whole growing season at critical growth stages) and four nitrogen levels (N₆₀ = 60 kg ha⁻¹, N₁₂₀ = 120 kg ha⁻¹, N₁₈₀ = 180 kg ha⁻¹, and N₂₄₀ = 240 kg ha⁻¹) were randomized as main and sub-plot factors, respectively. The recorded data on grain yield was used to develop empirical regression models. The results based on quadratic equations and economic analysis showed 164, 162, 158, and 107 kg ha⁻¹ nitrogen as economic optimum with I₃₀₀, I₂₄₀, I₁₈₀, and I₁₂₀ mm water, respectively, during 2012–2013. During 2013–2014, quadratic equations and economic analysis showed 165, 162, 161, and 117 kg ha⁻¹ nitrogen as economic optimum with I₃₀₀, I₂₄₀, I₁₈₀, and I₁₂₀ mm water, respectively. The optimum irrigation level was obtained by fitting economic optimum nitrogen as function of total water. Equations predicted 253 mm as optimum irrigation water for whole growing season during 2012–2013 and 256 mm water as optimum for 2013–2014. The results also revealed that reducing irrigation from I₃₀₀ to I₂₄₀ mm during 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 did not reduce crop yield significantly (P < 0.01). The excessive nitrogen application ranged from 31.2 to 55.4% at N₁₈₀ and N₂₄₀ kg ha⁻¹ for different levels of irrigation. It is concluded from study that irrigation and nitrogen relationship can be used for efficient management of irrigation and nitrogen and to reduce nitrogen losses. The empirical equations developed in this study can help farmers of semi-arid environment to calculate optimum level of irrigation and nitrogen for maximum economic return from wheat.

http://ift.tt/2mTJwd5

Decolorization of complex dyes and textile effluent by extracellular enzymes of Cyathus bulleri cultivated on agro-residues/domestic wastes and proposed pathway of degradation of Kiton blue A and reactive orange 16

Abstract

In this study, the white-rot fungus Cyathus bulleri was cultivated on low-cost agro-residues, namely wheat bran (WB), wheat straw (WS), and domestic waste orange peel (OP) for production of ligninolytic enzymes. Of the three substrates, WB and OP served as good materials for the production of laccase with no requirement of additional carbon or nitrogen source. Specific laccase activity of 94.4 U mg⁻¹ extracellular protein and 21.01 U mg⁻¹ protein was obtained on WB and OP, respectively. Maximum decolorization rate of 13.6 μmol h⁻¹ U⁻¹ laccase for reactive black 5 and 22.68 μmol h⁻¹ U⁻¹ laccase for reactive orange 16 (RO) was obtained with the WB culture filtrate, and 11.7 μmol h⁻¹ U⁻¹ laccase for reactive violet 5 was observed with OP culture filtrate. Importantly, Kiton blue A (KB), reported not to be amenable to enzymatic degradation, was degraded by culture filtrate borne activities. Products of degradation of KB and RO were identified by mass spectrometry, and a pathway of degradation proposed. WB-grown culture filtrate decolorized and detoxified real and simulated textile effluents by about 40%. The study highlights the use of inexpensive materials for the production of enzymes effective on dyes and effluents.

http://ift.tt/2ncD1ol

Legacy effects of simulated short-term climate change on ammonia oxidisers, denitrifiers, and nitrous oxide emissions in an acid soil

Abstract

Although the effect of simulated climate change on nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions and on associated microbial communities has been reported, it is not well understood if these effects are short-lived or long-lasting. Here, we conducted a field study to determine the interactive effects of simulated warmer and drier conditions on nitrifier and denitrifier communities and N₂O emissions in an acidic soil and the longevity of the effects. A warmer (+2.3 °C) and drier climate (−7.4% soil moisture content) was created with greenhouses. The variation of microbial population abundance and community structure of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), bacteria (AOB), and denitrifiers (nirK/S, nosZ) were determined using real-time PCR and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the simulated warmer and drier conditions under the greenhouse following urea application significantly increased N₂O emissions. There was also a moderate legacy effect on the N₂O emissions when the greenhouses were removed in the urea treatment, although this effect only lasted a short period of time (about 60 days). The simulated climate change conditions changed the composition of AOA with the species affiliated to marine group 1.1a-associated lineage increasing significantly. The abundance of all the functional denitrifier genes decreased significantly under the simulated climate change conditions and the legacy effect, after the removal of greenhouses, significantly increased the abundance of AOB, AOA (mainly the species affiliated to marine group 1.1a-associated lineage), and nirK and nosZ genes in the urea-treated soil. In general, the effect of the simulated climate change was short-lived, with the denitrifier communities being able to return to ambient levels after a period of adaptation to ambient conditions. Therefore, the legacy effect of simulated short-time climate change conditions on the ammonia oxidizer and denitrifier communities and N₂O emissions were temporary and once the conditions were removed, the microbial communities were able to adapt to the ambient conditions.

http://ift.tt/2mTA1L3

Can red deer antlers be used as an indicator of environmental and edible tissues’ trace element contamination?

Abstract

Venison is an attractive product for consumers concerned with healthy lifestyle; however, it can contain high levels of toxic elements, and therefore, it is a possible source of hazardous contaminants in human diet. Antlers are suitable bioindicators of environmental metal contamination, and herein, we assessed the ability of trace element levels in antlers to indicate levels in edible soft tissues. We determined the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in the liver, kidney, muscle, and antlers of 14 free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) from northeastern Poland using atomic absorption spectrometry. We found the highest concentrations of Pb (0.321 ± 0.165 mg/kg), As (0.045 ± 0.074 mg/kg), Zn (105.31 ± 16.33 mg/kg), and Fe (220.92 ± 117.18 mg/kg) in antlers; of Cd (4.974 ± 1.90 mg/kg) and Hg (0.048 ± 0.102 mg/kg) in kidney; and of Cu (7.29 ± 7.02 mg/kg) in the liver. A positive relationship between concentrations in antlers and muscle was found only for Cu (p = 0.001), and it therefore appears that red deer antlers cannot be used as an index for element concentrations in soft tissues. While our results confirm that the Mazury region is little polluted, consumption of red deer offal from this area should be limited according to extant legal limits set for livestock consumption.

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Faculty Evaluations Correlate Poorly with Medical Student Examination Performance in a Fourth-Year Emergency Medicine Clerkship

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Nicole M. Dubosh, Jonathan Fisher, Jason Lewis, Edward A. Ullman
BackgroundClerkship directors routinely evaluate medical students using multiple modalities, including faculty assessment of clinical performance and written examinations. Both forms of evaluation often play a prominent role in final clerkship grade. The degree to which these modalities correlate in an emergency medicine (EM) clerkship is unclear.ObjectiveWe sought to correlate faculty clinical evaluations with medical student performance on a written, standardized EM examination of medical knowledge.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of fourth-year medical students in a 4-week EM elective at one academic medical center. EM faculty performed end of shift evaluations of students via a blinded online system using a 5-point Likert scale for 8 domains: data acquisition, data interpretation, medical knowledge base, professionalism, patient care and communication, initiative/reliability/dependability, procedural skills, and overall evaluation. All students completed the National EM M4 Examination in EM. Means, medians, and standard deviations for end of shift evaluation scores were calculated, and correlations with examination scores were assessed using a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.ResultsThirty-nine medical students with 224 discrete faculty evaluations were included. The median number of evaluations completed per student was 6. The mean score (±SD) on the examination was 78.6% ± 6.1%. The examination score correlated poorly with faculty evaluations across all 8 domains (ρ 0.074–0.316).ConclusionFaculty evaluations of medical students across multiple domains of competency correlate poorly with written examination performance during an EM clerkship. Educators need to consider the limitations of examination score in assessing students' ability to provide quality patient clinical care.



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The Impact of a Pediatric Emergency Department Facility Verification System on Pediatric Mortality Rates in Arizona

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Amber Rice, Jennifer Dudek, Toni Gross, Tomi St Mars, Dale Woolridge
BackgroundThe Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program, as well as the Institute of Medicine report on pediatric emergency care, encourages recognition of emergency departments (EDs) through categorization and verification systems. Although pediatric verification programs are associated with greater pediatric readiness, clinical outcome data have been lacking to track the effects and patient-centered outcomes by implementing such programs.ObjectiveTo describe pediatric mortality rates prior to and after implementation of a pediatric emergency facility verification system in Arizona.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted using data from ED visits between 2011 and 2014 recorded in the Arizona Hospital Discharge Database. The primary outcome measure was the mortality rate for ED visits by patients under 18 years old. Rates were compared prior to and after facility certification by the Arizona Pediatric Prepared Emergency Care program.ResultsThe total number of ED visits by children during the study period was 1,928,409. Of these, 1,127,294 were at facilities undergoing certification. For hospitals becoming certified, overall ED mortality rates were 35.2 deaths/100,000 ED visits (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.5–41.7) in the precertification analysis and 34.4 deaths/100,000 ED visits (95% CI 30.4–38.9) in the postcertification analysis. The injury-related ED visit mortality rate for certified hospitals showed a decrease from 40.0 injury-related deaths/100,000 ED visits (95% CI 28.6–54.4) in the precertification analysis to 25.8 injury-related deaths/100,000 ED visits (95% CI 18.7–34.8) in the postcertification analysis.ConclusionThe implementation of the Arizona pediatric ED verification system was associated with a trend toward lower mortality. These results offer a platform for further research on pediatric ED preparedness efforts and their effects on improved patient outcomes.



http://ift.tt/2nctSMk

Recurrent Priapism Gone Wrong: ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock After Penile Corporal Phenylephrine Irrigation

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): S. Tyler Constantine, Anand Gopalsami, Gregg Helland
BackgroundRecurrent priapism secondary to sickle cell trait in an African-American male has been reported in the literature. A common treatment for these low-flow priapism cases is aspiration and injection of the corpus cavernosum with a sympathomimetic agent. We report a rare complication not described previously in the literature of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and cardiogenic shock in a 29-year-old male with sickle cell trait undergoing a routine detumescence procedure.Case ReportA 29-year-old African-American male with a history of sickle cell trait and recurrent low-flow/ischemic priapism presented with a painful erection for 8 h. Corporal aspiration and irrigation with phenylephrine was performed. After phenylephrine injection, the patient experienced hypertensive emergency, flash pulmonary edema, STEMI, and subsequent cardiogenic shock. He required intubation, ionotropic support, cardiac catheterization, and admission to the cardiac care unit. History taken from the patient's wife on the following day revealed that he was taking high doses of pseudoephedrine at home to treat symptoms. The patient was subsequently discharged after 3 days with normalization of ejection fraction and negative troponin.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Intracavernosal injection of phenylephrine is a common emergency department treatment utilized in management of priapism, but emergency physicians should be aware of the potential severe systemic complications resulting from this procedure. Providers should take a careful history, including over-the-counter medication use; consider comorbid medical history; standardize phenylephrine mixing instructions with pharmacy; and perform the procedure in a monitored setting with a brief observation after complete detumescence.



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Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Sonographic Posterior Fat Pad Sign: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review

Publication date: Available online 21 March 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Yoshito Okumura, Nestor Maldonado, Kyle Lennon, Bryan McCarty, Philipp Underwood, Mathew Nelson
BackgroundDiagnosis of elbow fracture can sometimes be difficult with plain radiography due to overlapping bones, growth plates, and maturing bones in the pediatric population. The radiographic posterior fat pad (PFP) sign is one of the frequently referenced indirect signs of an occult elbow fracture. This sign can be falsely negative if the sign is subtle, and can be falsely positive when the position of the elbow is not flexed at 90 degrees.Case ReportWe discuss a case in which sonographic PFP sign helped to diagnose an elbow fracture. A 57-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) after a fall on an outstretched hand. The point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was completed identifying an elevated PFP and an anechoic joint fluid collection with innumerous floating hyperechogenic spicules visualized in the olecranon fossa. Diagnosis of a radial head fracture was later confirmed by plain radiograph.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?The increase in use and availability of POCUS in the ED makes this a very practical application. Our ability to rapidly perform the ultrasound of the elbow may allow us a more rapid diagnosis of pathology, as well as provide a way to further triage our patients. With time, it may even allow us to avoid routine use of plain radiography.



http://ift.tt/2n6AZEo

237Np analytical method using 239Np tracers and application to a contaminated nuclear disposal facility

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 172
Author(s): Mathew S. Snow, Samuel S. Morrison, Sue B. Clark, John E. Olson, Matthew G. Watrous
Environmental ²³⁷Np analyses are challenged by low ²³⁷Np concentrations and lack of an available yield tracer; we report a rapid, inexpensive ²³⁷Np analytical approach employing the short lived ²³⁹Np (t1/2 = 2.3 days) as a chemical yield tracer followed by ²³⁷Np quantification using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. ²³⁹Np tracer is obtained via separation from a ²⁴³Am stock solution and standardized using gamma spectrometry immediately prior to sample processing. Rapid digestions using a commercial, 900 W "Walmart" microwave and Parr microwave vessels result in 99.8 ± 0.1% digestion yields, while chromatographic separations enable Np/U separation factors on the order of 10⁶ and total Np yields of 95 ± 4% (2σ). Application of this method to legacy soil samples surrounding a radioactive disposal facility (the Subsurface Disposal Area at Idaho National Laboratory) reveal the presence of low level ²³⁷Np contamination within 600 m of this site, with maximum ²³⁷Np concentrations on the order of 10³ times greater than nuclear weapons testing fallout levels.



http://ift.tt/2n6Gao6

Review of current nuclear fallout codes

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 171
Author(s): Jerrad P. Auxier, John D. Auxier, Howard L. Hall
The importance of developing a robust nuclear forensics program to combat the illicit use of nuclear material that may be used as an improvised nuclear device is widely accepted. In order to decrease the threat to public safety and improve governmental response, government agencies have developed fallout-analysis codes to predict the fallout particle size, dose, and dispersion and dispersion following a detonation. This paper will review the different codes that have been developed for predicting fallout from both chemical and nuclear weapons. This will decrease the response time required for the government to respond to the event.



http://ift.tt/2ncy4fh

The effect of post-mastectomy radiation in women with one to three positive nodes enrolled on the control arm of BCIRG-005 at ten year follow-up

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Moses M. Tam, S. Peter Wu, Carmen Perez, Naamit Kurshan Gerber
Background and purposeWe evaluated the effect of post-mastectomy radiation (PMRT) in 1–3 positive lymph nodes (LN) in patients who received uniform modern systemic therapy.Materials and methodsCohort study using individual data collected for 1,649 node-positive women who received doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with sequential docetaxel in 2000–2003 on the control arm of BCIRG-005. All women underwent mastectomy or lumpectomy and axillary LN dissection. PMRT was given at investigator's discretion.ResultsA total of 523 women with 1–3 positive LN underwent mastectomy and 39% (206/523) received PMRT. With a median follow-up of 10years, PMRT improved loco-regional control (LRC) from 91% to 98% (p=0.001) but had no effect on overall survival (OS) (84% vs. 86%, p=0.9). On multivariate analysis, PMRT improved local control (LC) (hazard ratio, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03–0.62; p=0.01) and LRC (hazard ratio, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04–0.50; p=0.002). PMRT did not significantly impact OS on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.55–1.51; p=0.7). Results remained consistent with the use of propensity score analysis.ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients with N1 disease treated with modern systemic therapy, PMRT improves LRC but has no effect on OS. The rates of OS were excellent, irrespective of adjuvant radiation.



http://ift.tt/2n6dkEo

VMAT plus a few computer-optimized non-coplanar IMRT beams (VMAT+) tested for liver SBRT

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Abdul Wahab M. Sharfo, Maarten L.P. Dirkx, Sebastiaan Breedveld, Alejandra Méndez Romero, Ben J.M. Heijmen
PurposeTo propose a novel treatment approach, designated VMAT+, involving addition of <5 IMRT beams with computer-optimized non-coplanar orientations to VMAT, and evaluate it for liver Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). VMAT+ is investigated as an alternative for (1) coplanar VMAT and (2) multi-beam non-coplanar treatment.Methods/materialsFor fifteen patients with liver metastases, VMAT+ plans were compared with (1) dual-arc VMAT and (2) 25-beam, non-coplanar treatment with computer-optimized beam orientations (25-NCP). All plans were generated fully automatically for delivery of the highest feasible tumor Biologically Effective Dose (BED). OAR doses, intermediate-dose-spillage, dose-compactness, and measured delivery times were evaluated.ResultsWith VMAT+ the maximum achievable tumor BED was equal to that of 25-NCP. Conversely, VMAT resulted in a lower tumor BED in 5 patients. Compared to VMAT, VMAT+ yielded significant dose reductions in OARs. Intermediate-dose-spillage and dose-compactness were significantly improved by 9.8% and 17.3% (p≤0.002), respectively. Treatment times with VMAT+ were only enhanced by 4.1min on average, compared to VMAT (8.4min). Improvements in OAR sparing with 25-NCP, compared to VMAT+, were generally modest and/or statistically insignificant, while delivery times were on average 20.5min longer.ConclusionsFor liver SBRT, VMAT+ is equivalent to time-consuming treatment with 25 non-coplanar beams in terms of achievable tumor BED. Compared to VMAT, OAR sparing and intermediate-dose-spillage are significantly improved, with minor increase in delivery time.



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Diagnosis and Treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplasm of people living with HIV today. In Sub-Saharan Africa, KS is among the most common cancers in men, overall. Not only HIV-positive individuals present with KS; any immune compromised person infected with KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8 is at risk: the elderly, children in KSHV-endemic areas, and transplant recipients. KS diagnosis is based on detection of the viral protein latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) in the biopsy, but not all cases of KS are the same or will respond to the same therapy. Standard KS therapy has not changed in 20 years, but newer modalities are on the horizon and will be discussed.

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Inhibition versus facilitation of contralesional motor cortices in stroke: Deriving a model to tailor brain stimulation

Publication date: Available online 21 March 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): Vishwanath Sankarasubramanian, Andre G. Machado, Adriana B. Conforto, Kelsey A. Potter-Baker, David A. Cunningham, Nicole M. Varnerin, Xiaofeng Wang, Ken Sakaie, Ela B. Plow
ObjectiveThe standard approach to brain stimulation in stroke is based on the premise that ipsilesional M1 (iM1) is important for motor function of the paretic upper limb, while contralesional cortices compete with iM1. Therefore, the approach typically advocates facilitating iM1 and/or inhibiting contralesional M1 (cM1). But, this approach fails to elicit much improvement in severely affected patients, who on account of extensive damage to ipsilesional pathways, cannot rely on iM1. These patients are believed to instead rely on the undamaged cortices, especially the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex (cPMd), for support of function of the paretic limb. Here, we tested for the first time whether facilitation of cPMd could improve paretic limb function in severely affected patients, and if a cut-off could be identified to separate responders to cPMd from responders to the standard approach to stimulation.MethodsIn a randomized, sham-controlled crossover study, fifteen patients received the standard approach of stimulation involving inhibition of cM1 and a new approach involving facilitation of cPMd using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Patients also received rTMS to control areas. At baseline, impairment [Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer (UEFMPROXIMAL, max =36)] and damage to pathways [fractional anisotropy (FA)] was measured. We measured changes in time to perform proximal paretic limb reaching, and neurophysiology using TMS.ResultsFacilitation of cPMd generated more improvement in severely affected patients, who had experienced greater damage and impairment than a cut-off value of FA (0.5) and UEFMPROXIMAL (26-28). The standard approach instead generated more improvement in mildly affected patients. Responders to cPMd showed alleviation of interhemispheric competition imposed on iM1, while responders to the standard approach showed gains in ipsilesional excitability in association with improvement.ConclusionsA preliminary cut-off level of severity separated responders for standard approach vs. facilitation of cPMd.SignificanceCut-offs identified here could help select candidates for tailored stimulation in future studies so patients in all ranges of severity could potentially achieve maximum benefit in function of the paretic upper limb.



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On the source inversion of fugitive surface layer releases. Part II. Complex sources

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 158
Author(s): V. Sanfélix, A. Escrig, A. López-Lilao, I. Celades, E. Monfort
The experimental measurement of fugitive emissions of particulate matter entails inherent complexity because they are usually discontinuous, of short duration, may be mobile, and are affected by weather conditions. Owing to this complexity, instead of experimental measurements, emission factors are used to inventory such emissions. Unfortunately, emission factor datasets are still very limited at present and are insufficient to identify problematic operations and appropriately select control measures. To extend these datasets, a source inversion methodology (described in Part I of this work) was applied to field campaigns in which operation-specific fugitive particulate matter emission factors were determined for several complex fugitive sources, some of which were mobile. Mobile sources were treated as a superposition of instantaneous sources. The experimental campaigns were conducted at ports (bulk solids terminals), aggregate quarries, and cement factories, encompassing powder handling operations and vehicle circulation on paved and unpaved roads. Emission factors were derived for the operations and materials involved in these scenarios and compared with those available in the emission factor compilations. Significant differences were observed between the emission factors obtained in the studied handling operations. These differences call into question the use of generic emission factors and highlight the need for more detailed studies in this field.



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Observations of N2O5 and ClNO2 at a polluted urban surface site in North China: High N2O5 uptake coefficients and low ClNO2 product yields

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 156
Author(s): Xinfeng Wang, Hao Wang, Likun Xue, Tao Wang, Liwei Wang, Rongrong Gu, Weihao Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Zhe Wang, Lingxiao Yang, Jianmin Chen, Wenxing Wang
Dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) and its heterogeneous uptake product, nitryl chloride (ClNO2), play important roles in the nocturnal boundary layer chemistry. To understand the abundances and chemistry of N2O5 and ClNO2 in the polluted urban atmosphere in North China, field measurements were conducted by deploying a chemical ionization mass spectrometer in urban Ji'nan in September 2014. The observed surface N2O5 concentrations were relatively low, with an average nocturnal value of 22 pptv, although the source of NO3 was rather strong, i.e., the NO2 and O3 were at very high levels. The N2O5 concentration peaked in the early evening, which was associated with thermal power plant plumes and residual O3. Nocturnal N2O5 was lost very rapidly, mainly through heterogeneous reactions on aerosol surfaces. The estimated N2O5 uptake coefficient was in the range of 0.042–0.092, among the highest values obtained from ground based field measurements. The fast heterogeneous reaction of N2O5 on high loadings of aerosols generated relatively high levels of ClNO2, with an average nocturnal concentration of 132 pptv. Despite the rich chloride content in aerosols, the ClNO2 product yield was low, 0.014 and 0.082 in two nighttime cases, much lower than the calculated values from the experiment-derived parameterization. The suppressed chlorine activation in polluted urban atmospheres was possibly associated with the reduced hygroscopicity, solubility, and activity of chloride in complex ambient aerosols.



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Secondary organic aerosol formation from propylene irradiations in a chamber study

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 157
Author(s): Shuangshuang Ge, Yongfu Xu, Long Jia
Some studies have shown that low-molecular-weight VOCs such as ethylene and acetylene can form SOA. However, so far propylene (C3H6) has not been studied. The current work systematically investigates irradiations of propylene in the presence of NOx (x = 1, 2) in a self-made indoor chamber. Only a small amount of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) was formed under 5% and 80% RH conditions without sodium chloride (NaCl) seed particles or in the presence of solid NaCl. When NaCl was in the form of droplets, liquid water content (LWC) increased from 34.5 to 169.8 μg m⁻³ under different initial NaCl concentrations, and correspondingly the amount of SOA linearly increased from 5.9 to 29.8 μg m⁻³ (SOA = 0.0164 × LWC+1.137, R² = 0.97) at the C3H6/NOx ratio of 32.2–44.9 (ppbC/ppb). The initial C3H6/NOx concentration ratio considerably impacted the formation of SOA, in which the amount of SOA increased from 12.1 to 47.9 μg m⁻³ exponentially as the ratio decreased from 46.5 to 6.3 with an important point of the ratio value of 11. At the ratio of less than 11 in the regime under the control of C3H6, SOA concentrations decreased considerably with increasing ratio, whereas at the ratio value of larger than 11 in the NOx controlled regime, SOA slightly decreased with increasing ratio. From combination of the analysis of different functional groups of particles by IR spectra and ESI-Exactive-Orbitrap mass spectrometer, the constituents of SOA were identified to be hydroperoxides (e.g. HOCH2CCl(CH3)OOH), esters (e.g. CH2ClC(O)OCHClCHO), organic nitrates (e.g. HO2CH(CH2Cl)C(O)OCCl(CH2Cl)C(O)OCHClCH2ONO2), etc. Furthermore, a liquid-phase mechanism of SOA formation has been proposed in this study.



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Editorial board

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 156





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Progressive, Fatal Neurological Decline in an Adolescent

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Howard S. Jacobs, E. Steve Roach




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The corpus-predominant gastritis index can be an early and reversible marker to identify the gastric cancer risk of Helicobacter pylori-infected nonulcer dyspepsia

Abstract

Background

Corpus-predominant gastritis index (CGI) is an early histological marker to identify Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric cancer relatives at risk of cancer. This study validated whether CGI is more prevalent in H. pylori-infected nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) subjects than in duodenal ulcer (DU) controls and whether it is reversible after H. pylori eradication or is correlated with noninvasive biomarkers.

Materials and Methods

In this longitudinal cohort study, 573 H. pylori-infected subjects were enrolled, including 349 NUD and 224 DU. Gastric specimens were provided to assess CGI, spasmolyic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM), and Operative Link on Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia assessment (OLGIM). Serum pepsinogen I and II levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CGI subjected were followed up at least 1 year after H. pylori eradication.

Results

NUD subjects had higher prevalence rates of CGI (47.0% vs 29.9%, P<.001) and OLGIM stages III-IV (24.1% vs 15.2%, P=.01) than controls. CGI was highly prevalent in NUD subjects after the age of 40, which was 10 years earlier than atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. NUD subjects with CGI had higher risk of SPEM (OR 2.86, P<.001) and lower serum pepsinogen I/II ratios (P<.001) than those without CGI. Serum pepsinogen I/II ratios <9 could predict CGI modestly (AUROC 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63-0.74). CGI was regressed after eradication (P<.001).

Conclusions

CGI was more prevalent in H. pylori-infected NUD subjects than in controls, was correlated with SPEM, and may serve as a marker earlier than OLGIM to indicate risk of gastric cancer. Moreover, CGI could be regressed after eradication.

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Gly972Arg of IRS-1 and Lys121Gln of PC-1 polymorphisms act in opposite way in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Purpose

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was associated with a number of polymorphisms of genes involved in insulin signaling. So far, they have been studied separately. The aim of this study was to verify the impact of the coexistence of two polymorphisms of insulin signaling.

Methods

One hundred consecutive PCOS women (diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria) and 45 age-matched healthy women were genotyped for two polymorphisms: Gly972Arg of IRS-1 and Lys121Gln of PC-1. Also, they underwent clinical evaluation, blood sampling for measurement of metabolic and hormonal indices, and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

Comparing PCOS women with controls, the rate of homo-/heterozygosity was significantly greater (50 vs. 24.5%, P = 0.004) for IRS-1 polymorphism, but insignificantly greater (20 vs. 13.3%, P = 0.33) for PC-1 polymorphism. In PCOS women, compared with controls, the genotypes IRS-1 hetero/PC-1 wild type (WT) (36 vs. 17.8%, P = 0.03) and IRS-1 hetero/PC-1 hetero (14 vs. 6.7%, P = 0.20) were overrepresented at the expense of IRS-1 WT/PC-1 WT (44 vs. 68.8%, P = 0.005), while IRS-1 WT/PC-1 hetero was similarly represented (6 vs. 6.7%). Based on genotype, metabolic and hormonal indices changed significantly. For instance, six indices (HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, insulin area under the curve at OGTT, triglycerides, total and calculated free testosterone) were the highest in IRS-1 hetero/PC-1 WT women.

Conclusions

Genetic variations in insulin signaling contribute to the extent and the variability of metabolic and hormonal derangement.

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Habitual physical activity is associated with improved anthropometric and androgenic profile in PCOS: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the effect of habitual physical activity (PA) on the metabolic and hormonal profiles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Materials and methods

Anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal assessment and determination of habitual PA levels with a digital pedometer were evaluated in 84 women with PCOS and 67 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. PA status was defined according to number of steps (≥7500 steps, active, or <7500 steps, sedentary).

Results

BMI was lower in active women from both groups. Active PCOS women presented lower waist circumference (WC) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) values versus sedentary PCOS women. In the control group, active women also had lower WC, lower values for fasting and 120-min insulin, and lower LAP than sedentary controls. In the PCOS group, androgen levels were lower in active versus sedentary women (p = 0.001). In the control group, free androgen index (FAI) was also lower in active versus sedentary women (p = 0.018). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and 2000 daily step increments were independent predictors of FAI. Each 2000 daily step increment was associated with a decrease of 1.07 in FAI.

Conclusions

Habitual PA was associated with a better anthropometric and androgenic profile in PCOS.

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Primary cilium is required for the stimulating effect of icaritin on osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts in vitro

Abstract

Objective

Icaritin, one effective metabolite of Herba Epimedii-derived flavonoid icariin, has a strong osteogenic activity. However, its action mechanism remains unclear. Since primary cilia have been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating the osteogenesis, we hypothesized primary cilia are indispensable in mediating icaritin osteogenic effect.

Materials and methods

Primary rat calvarial osteoblasts were transfected with siRNA1 targeting intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88), a protein required for ciliogenesis, to prevent formation of primary cilium and were treated with 10⁻⁶ M icaritin.

Results

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly increased after 3 days in cells transfected with scrambled siRNA control and treated by icaritin (SC+I group) compared to cells transfected with scrambled siRNA control only (SC group). ALP activity after IFT88 siRNA1 transfection and icaritin treatment (siRNA1+I group) was significantly lower than that of SC+I group. Formation of ALP positively stained colonies after 6 days, osteocalcin secretion after 9 days and formation of calcified nodules after 12 days displayed a similar tendency among the three groups. mRNA expression of osteogenesis-related genes ALP, BMP-2, COL1α, RUNX-2 and OSX after 24 h was significantly increased in SC+I group, but was not different with SC group in siRNA1+I group. Protein levels of BMP-2, COL1α, RUNX-2 and OSX after 48 h showed the similar tendency with gene expression.

Conclusion

Primary cilia are important in mediating icaritin-stimulated osteogenic differentiation and may be a novel target for pharmacological therapies for bone loss.

http://ift.tt/2nIevgi

The steroid response to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation in men with Klinefelter syndrome does not change using immunoassay or mass spectrometry

Abstract

Purpose

Liquid-chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed in parallel to Immunoassays (IAs) and today is proposed as the "gold standard" for steroid assays. Leydig cells of men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) are able to respond to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation, even if testosterone (T) production was impaired. The aim was to evaluate how results obtained by IAs and LC-MS/MS can differently impact on the outcome of a clinical research on gonadal steroidogenesis after hCG stimulation.

Methods

A longitudinal, prospective, case-control clinical trial. (clinicaltrial.gov NCT02788136) was carried out, enrolling KS men and healthy age-matched controls, stimulated by hCG administration. Serum steroids were evaluated at baseline and for 5 days after intramuscular injection of 5000 IU hCG using both IAs and LC-MS/MS.

Results

13 KS patients (36 ± 9 years) not receiving T replacement therapy and 14 controls (32 ± 8 years) were enrolled. T, progesterone, cortisol, 17-hydroxy-progesterone (17OHP) and androstenedione, were significantly higher using IAs than LC-MS/MS. IAs and LC-MS/MS showed direct correlation for all five steroids, although the constant overestimation detected by IAs. Either methodology found the same 17OHP and T increasing profile after hCG stimulation, with equal areas under the curves (AUCs).

Conclusions

Although a linearity between IA and LC-MS/MS is demonstrated, LC-MS/MS is more sensitive and accurate, whereas IA shows a constant overestimation of sex steroid levels. This result suggests the need of reference intervals built on the specific assay. This fundamental difference between these two methodologies opens a deep reconsideration of what is needed to improve the accuracy of steroid hormone assays.

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Quantification and comparison of the mechanical properties of four human cardiac valves

Publication date: Available online 21 March 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Thuy Pham, Fatiesa Sulejmani, Erica Shin, Di Wang, Wei Sun
ObjectiveAlthough having the same ability to permit unidirectional flow within the heart, the four main valves—the mitral valve (MV), aortic (AV), tricuspid (TV) and pulmonary (PV) valves—experience different loading conditions; thus, they exhibit different structural integrity from one another. Most research on heart valve mechanics have been conducted mainly on MV and AV or an individual valve, but none quantify and compare the mechanical and structural properties among the four valves from the same aged patient population whose death was unrelated to cardiovascular disease.MethodsA total of 114 valve leaflet samples were excised from 12 human cadavers whose death was unrelated to cardiovascular disease (70.1 ± 3.7 years old). Tissue mechanical and structural properties were characterized by planar biaxial mechanical testing and histological methods. The experimental data were then fitted with a Fung-type constitutive model.ResultsThe four valves differed substantially in thickness, degree of anisotropy, and stiffness. The leaflets of the left heart (the AV leaflets and the anterior mitral leaflets, AML) were significantly stiffer and less compliant than their counterparts in the right heart. TV leaflets were the most extensible and isotropic, while AML and AV leaflets were the least extensible and the most anisotropic. Age plays a significant role in the reduction of leaflet stiffness and extensibility with nearly straightened collagen fibers observed in the leaflet samples from elderly groups (65 years and older).ConclusionsResults from 114 human leaflet samples not only provided a baseline quantification of the mechanical properties of aged human cardiac valves, but also offer a better understanding of the age-dependent differences among the four valves. It is hoped that the experimental data collected and the associated constitutive models in this study can facilitate future studies of valve diseases, treatments and the development of interventional devices.Statement of SignificanceMost research on heart valve mechanics have been conducted mainly on mitral and aortic valves or an individual valve, but none quantify and compare the mechanical and structural properties among the four valves from the same relatively healthy elderly patient population. In this study, the mechanical and microstructural properties of 114 leaflets of aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid valves from 12 human cadaver hearts were mechanically tested, analyzed and compared. Our results not only provided a baseline quantification of the mechanical properties of aged human valves, but a age range between patients (51-87 years) also offers a better understanding of the age-dependent differences among the four valves. It is hoped that the obtained experimental data and associated constitutive parameters can facilitate studies of valve diseases, treatments and the development of interventional devices.

Graphical abstract

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Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothings

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Seema Patel
In the past few decades, synthetic fragrance compounds have become ubiquitous components of personal care and household cleaning products. Overwhelming consumerism trends have led to the excess usage of these chemicals.It has been observed that this fragrance-laden unhealthy lifestyle runs parallel with the unprecedented rates of diabetes, cancer, neural ailments, teratogenicity, and transgender instances. The link between fragrances as and the multiplicity of pathogens remained latent for decades. However, now this health hazard and its role in homeostasis breakdown is getting attention. The adverse effects of the fragrance constituents as phthalates, paraben, glutaraldehyde, hydroperoxides, oil of turpentine, metals, nitro musks, and essential oils, among others are being identified. The endocrine-immune-neural axis perturbation pathways of these chemicals are being proven.Despite the revelations of cause-effect nexus, a majority of the vulnerable populations are unaware and unmotivated to avoid these 'slow poisons'. Hence, the the researchers need to further validate the toxicity of fragrance compounds, and raise awareness towards the health risksIn this regard, a number of pathologies triggered by fragrance exposure, yet proven only scantily have been hypothesized. Analysis of the health issues from multiple facets, including the pivotal 'stressors- extracellular acidosis- aromatase upregulation- estrogen hyperproduction- inflammation' link has been proposed. Fragrance compounds share configurational similarity with carcinogenic environmental hydrocarbons and they provoke the expression of the cytochrome group monooxygenase enzyme aromatase. This enzyme aromatizes androgens to form estrogen, the powerful signaling hormone, which underlies the majority of morbidities. This holistic review with a repertoire of preliminary evidences and robust hypotheses is expected to usher in deserving extent of research on this pervasive health risk.



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Synthesis and hyperpolarisation of eNOS substrates for quantification of NO production by 1H-NMR spectroscopy

Publication date: Available online 21 March 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Fernando Fernandez Diaz-Rullo, Francesco Zamberlan, Ryan E. Mewis, Marianna Fekete, Lionel Broche, Lesley A. Cheyne, Sergio Dall'Angelo, Simon B. Duckett, Dana Dawson, Matteo Zanda
Hyperpolarization enhances the intensity of the NMR signals of a molecule, whose in vivo metabolic fate can be monitored by MRI with higher sensitivity. SABRE is a hyperpolarization technique that could potentially be used to image nitric oxide (NO) production in vivo. This would be very important, because NO dysregulation is involved in several pathologies, including cardiovascular ones. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathway leads to NO production via conversion of l-arginine into l-citrulline. NO is a free radical gas with a short half-life in vivo (≈ 5 s), therefore direct NO quantification is challenging. An indirect method – based on quantifying conversion of an l-Arg- to L-Cit-derivative by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy – is herein proposed. A small library of pyridyl containing L-Arg derivatives was designed and synthesized. In vitro tests showed that compounds 4a-j and 11a-c were better or equivalent substrates for the eNOS enzyme (NO2^- production = 19-46 μM) than native L-Arg (NO2^- production = 25 μM). Enzymatic conversion of L-Arg to L-Cit derivatives could be monitored by ¹H-NMR. The maximum hyperpolarization achieved by SABRE reached 870-fold NMR signal enhancement, which opens up exciting future perspectives of using these molecules as hyperpolarized MRI tracers in vivo.

Graphical abstract

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Corrigendum to “Synthesis and biological activity of 2,5-diaryl-3-methylpyrimido[4,5-c]quinolin-1(2H)-one derivatives” [Bioorg. Med. Chem. 15 (2007) 2434–2440]

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Kamel Metwally, Omar Aly, Enayat Aly, Abhijit Banerjee, Rudravajhala Ravindra, Susan Bane




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Synthesis and biological activity of novel tert-amylphenoxyalkyl (homo)piperidine derivatives as histamine H3R ligands

Publication date: Available online 21 March 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Kamil Kuder, Dorota Łażewska, Maria Kaleta, Gniewomir Latacz, Tim Kottke, Agnieszka Olejarz, Tadeusz Karcz, Andrzej Fruziński, Katarzyna Szczepańska, Janina Karolak-Wojciechowska, Holger Stark, Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
As a continuation of our search for novel histamine H3 receptor ligands a series of twenty new tert-amyl phenoxyalkylamine derivatives (2-21) was synthesized. Compounds of four to eight carbon atoms spacer alkyl chain were evaluated on their binding properties at human histamine H3 receptor (hH3R). The highest affinities were observed for pentyl derivatives 6-8 (Ki= 8.8 – 23.4 nM range) and among them piperidine derivative 6 with Ki=8.8 nM. Structures 6, 7 were also classified as antagonists in cAMP accumulation assay (with EC50 = 157 and 164 nM, respectively). Moreover, new compounds were also evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in Antiepileptic Screening Program (ASP) at National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (USA). Seven compounds (2-4, 9, 11, 12 and 20) showed anticonvulsant activity at maximal electroshock (MES) test in the dose of 30 mg/kg at 0.5 h. In the subcutaneous pentetrazole (scMET) test compound 4 showed protection at 100 and 300 mg/kg dose at mice, however compounds showed high neurotoxicity in rotarod test at used doses. Also, molecular modeling studies were undertaken, to explain affinity of compounds at hH3R (taking into the consideration X-ray analysis of compound 18). In order to estimate "drug-likeness" of selected compounds in silico and experimental evaluation of lipophilicity, metabolic stability and cytotoxicity was performed.

Graphical abstract

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Peptide nanoparticle with pH-sensing cargo solubility enhances cancer drug efficiency

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2017
Source:Nano Today
Author(s): Hoon Choi, Ting Liu, Kavindra Nath, Rong Zhou, I-Wei Chen
We report a class of 17-amino-acid peptides that undergo a sharp hydrophobicity transition at pH around 7. Nanoparticles made of such peptides exhibit ultra pH-sensitivity and autonomous drug-eluting properties, which are beneficial for cancer drug delivery. At pH above 7, the peptides bind water-insoluble drug cargo and form a nanoparticle that protects its cargo from serum proteins. Sensing tumor's mildly acidic pH (≤7.0), nanoparticle peptides undergo a hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic transition and release drug molecules in the interstitial fluid as the nanoparticle migrates down the pH gradient in the tumor. When this pH-sensing and drug-eluting nanoparticle formulation was used to deliver two drugs, lonidamine inhibiting tumor bioenergetics and bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide (BPTES) targeting cancer glutamine metabolism, to triple negative human breast cancer xenografts, the nanoparticle drug demonstrated superior efficiency compared to the respective standard formulation.

Graphical abstract

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Realizing the benefits, makes the benefits real

Publication date: Available online 21 March 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Matt Wallden




http://ift.tt/2mOFphy

Responsiveness of the Prosthetic Esthetic Scale

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the Prosthetic Esthetic Index (PEI) in a population who received prosthetic replacements.

Materials and methods

Fifty-seven patients who received prosthetic replacement of at least one tooth by means of fixed or removable prosthesis were professionally esthetically evaluated using the PEI and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) before and after treatment. The participants further evaluated their oral esthetics using the Oral Health Impact Profile Aesthetic (OHIP-Aes) and Orofacial Esthetic Index (OES). Responsiveness was determined by calculating effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) of the change in PEI score, testing the change in PEI score in different subgroups, and correlating the change in PEI score with the change in OHIP-Aes and OES scores. The change in PEI score was compared to the change in DAI score.

Results

The ES and SRM were large for the change in PEI score. Patients having anterior teeth replaced had a larger improvement in PEI score compared to participants not having anterior teeth replaced. The change in PEI score was moderately but significantly correlated to the change in OHIP-Aes and OES scores. The PEI was more consistent in responsiveness than the DAI.

Conclusions

The PEI shows sufficient responsiveness for use in longitudinal studies and for use as a follow-up measure in clinical practice.

Clinical relevance

The PEI can in a standardized manner monitor and document esthetic improvements and problems as seen by the dentist in clinical practice.

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Efficacy and safety of 1% ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia after lower third molar surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical study

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative analgesic effect of ropivacaine administered as main or supplemental injection for the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients undergoing lower third molar surgery.

Materials and Methods

The double-blind randomized study comprised 72 healthy patients. All patients received two blocks, the IANB for surgical procedure + IANB after surgery for postoperative pain control, and were divided into three groups: (1) 2 % lidocaine/epinephrine + 1 % ropivacaine, (2) 2 % lidocaine/epinephrine + saline, and (3) 1 % ropivacaine + saline. The occurrence of postoperative pain, pain intensity and analgesic requirements were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using chi-square, Fisher, and Kruskal-Wallis tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni and Tukey correction.

Results

Ropivacaine was more successful than lidocaine/epinephrine in obtaining duration of postoperative analgesia, reduction of pain, and analgesic requirements whether ropivacaine was used for surgical block or administered as a supplemental injection after surgery.

Conclusions

Ropivacaine (1 %, 2 ml) resulted in effective postoperative analgesia after lower third molar surgery.

Clinical Relevance

Since pain control related to third molar surgery requires the effective surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia, the use of 1 % ropivacaine could be clinically relevant in a selection of appropriate pain control regimen for both surgical procedure and early postsurgical treatment.

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Histological and radiological evaluation of sintered and non-sintered deproteinized bovine bone substitute materials in sinus augmentation procedures. A prospective, randomized-controlled, clinical multicenter study

Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study is to histologically and radiologically compare a sintered and a non-sintered bovine bone substitute material in sinus augmentation procedures.

Materials and methods

Thirty-three patients were included in the clinically controlled randomized multicentre study resulting in a total of 44 treated sinuses. After lateral approach, sinuses were filled with either a sintered (SBM, Alpha Bio's Graft^®) or a non-sintered (NSBM, Bio Oss^®) deproteinized bovine bone substitute material. The augmentation sites were radiologically assessed before and immediately after the augmentation procedure as well as prior to implant placement. Bone trephine biopsies for histological analysis were harvested 6 months after augmentation whilst preparing the osteotomies for implant placement.

Results

Healing was uneventful in all patients. After 6 months, radiological evaluation of 43 sinuses revealed a residual augmentation height of 94.65 % (±2.74) for SBM and 95.76 % (±2.15) for NSBM. One patient left the study for personal reasons. Histological analysis revealed a percentage of new bone of 29.71 % (±13.67) for SBM and 30.57 % (±16.07) for NSBM. Residual bone substitute material averaged at 40.68 % (±16.32) for SBM compared to 43.43 % (±19.07) for NSBM. All differences between the groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, Student's t test).

Conclusion

Both xenogeneic bone substitute materials showed comparable results regarding new bone formation and radiological height changes in external sinus grafting procedures.

Clinical relevance

Both bone substitute materials allow for a predictable new bone formation following sinus augmentation procedures.

http://ift.tt/2nAfpLs

Osteogenic gene array of osteoblasts cultured on a novel osteoinductive biphasic calcium phosphate bone grafting material

Abstract

Objectives

Recently, novel biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds have emerged as a new class of bone grafts with osteoinductive potential demonstrating the ability to form ectopic bone in extra-skeletal sites. The aim of the present study was to perform an osteogenic gene array to target possible genes responsible for eliciting the changes in cell expression responsible for inducing osteoblast differentiation.

Materials and methods

Human MG63 osteoblast-like cells were seeded for 24 h on tissue culture plastic or osteoinductive BCP particles and analyzed for upregulated genes using an osteogenesis super-array. Osteoblast-related genes including those transcribed during bone mineralization, bone metabolism, cell growth and differentiation, as well as gene products representing extracellular matrix molecules, transcription factors, and cell adhesion molecules were investigated.

Results

An upregulation of genes transcribing biglycan (1.7-fold), bone morphogenetic proteins 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 (1.5–2.1-fold), various collagen isoforms including 1a1, 1a2, 2a1, and 5a1 (1.73–2.72-fold), colony stimulating factor 2 (2.59-fold), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (1.79-fold), fibronectin (2.56-fold), integrin alpha 1, 2, and 3 (1.82–2.24-fold), SOX9 (2.75-fold), transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (1.72-fold), vitamin D (1.89-fold), and vascular endothelial growth factor A and B (2.00, 1.75-fold) were all significantly (p < 0.05) increased on BCP particles when compared to control tissue culture plastic.

Conclusion

In summary, a number of activated genes were involved in bone formation following osteoblast attachment to BCP particles. The involvement of key chondrogenic genes hints that bone grafts capable of spontaneously inducing ectopic bone formation may implicate endochondral ossification. Further investigations in the triggered pathways involved in the process of ectopic bone formation are necessary to understand the key inductive properties of these novel osteoinductive BCP particles.

Clinical relevance

Novel osteoinductive BCP particles demonstrate a wide range of significant increases over several key molecules implicated in osteogenesis that may be implicated in their ability to form ectopic bone formation.

http://ift.tt/2mOvt7J

Efficacy of calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide nanoparticles on the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis in human root dentin

Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the antibacterial effect of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) and calcium hydroxide nanoparticles (CHNPs) against Enterococcus faecalis in a dentinal block model.

Materials and methods

E. faecalis strain JCM 7783 was introduced into dentinal tubules of semicylindrical dentin specimens by centrifugation and incubated for 1 week. Fifty microliters of CONPs or CHNPs was placed on the root canal side of the infected dentin specimens. The specimens were then incubated in aerobic condition at 37 °C and 100 % relative humidity for 1 week. The treated dentin specimens were subjected to fluorescent staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to analyze the proportions of non-vital and vital bacterial cells inside the dentinal tubules. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm the effect of the medicaments on the bacteria in the dentinal tubules. Calcium oxide (CO) and calcium hydroxide (CH) were used as controls.

Results

Based on the CLSM and SEM analyses, CHNPs were more efficient than CONPs in the elimination of the bacteria in the dentinal tubules. CONPs significantly killed more E. faecalis than CO and CH (P < .05). Neither CO nor CH was able to kill the bacteria.

Conclusions

CHNPs were more effective than CONPs in the elimination of E. faecalis in dentinal tubules.

Clinical relevance

CHNPs are effective nanoparticles in killing endodontic bacteria present in dentinal tubules. They have potential as an intracanal medicament, which may be beneficial in root canal therapy.

http://ift.tt/2nA38Gy

The effect of various occlusal reduction levels on postoperative pain in teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis using computerized analysis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of various occlusal reduction levels on the postoperative pain in teeth diagnosed as symptomatic apical periodontitis by using a computerized analysis system.

Materials and methods

Thirty-nine molar teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis were included. After the root canal preparation and filling was performed, the subjects were divided into three groups according to the level of occlusal reduction determined by using T-Scan (T-Scan III for Windows, Tekscan Inc., South Boston, MA) as follows: (1) no reduction (control), (2) semi-reduction, and (3) full-reduction groups. Preoperative and postoperative pain levels using visual analogue scale, percussion pain, and analgesic intake were recorded for each subject. The data were evaluated statistically using two-way analysis of variance and Holm–Sidak post hoc tests at a 95 % confidence level (P = 0.05).

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of occlusal reduction (P > 0.005).

Conclusion

Within the limitation of the present study, there were no significant differences among the no reduction, semi-reduction, and full-reduction groups at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days in terms of postoperative pain levels.

Clinical relevance

Occlusal reduction, determined using a computerized analysis system, did not influence the postoperative pain in teeth diagnosed as symptomatic apical periodontitis.

http://ift.tt/2mOlz6g

Long-term effect of periodontal surgery on oral health and metabolic control of diabetics

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate impact of periodontal surgery on periodontal health and on glycaemia control of type 1 and type 2 (T1DM; T2DM) diabetics with severe periodontitis, during 12 months follow-up, in comparison with non-diabetic controls.

Materials and methods

A total of 23 T1DM and 10 T2DM patients with respective number of matched non-diabetics were examined prior to, and 3, 6 and 12 months after periodontal surgery. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reflected control of DM. Periodontal parameters were oral debris (DI-S), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP).

Results

Periodontal status in all diabetics improved after 3 months and remained so during follow-up: mean (SD) DI-S > 1 (T1DM 1.1(0.5)/0.9(0.7); T2DM 1.2(0.4)/0.8(0.4)), PPD >5 mm (T1DM 35.1(32.2)/5.1(7.8); T2DM 46.3(24.2)/13.0(10.9)), CAL ≥6 mm (T1DM 44.4(37.0)/24.52(27.2)); mean % BOP >50 % (T1DM 57.1(25.1)/22.8(20.8)), T2DM 59.4(20.8)/18.9(15.7)), p < 0.05. Mean HbA1c values decreased in T2DM patients after 3 months and remained stable during follow-up. No improvement of glycaemia control was observed in T1DM patients. Positive correlation between mean HbA1c and CAL changes was observed (r = 0.842, p < 0.05). Mean changes of periodontal parameters did not differ between diabetics and controls.

Conclusion

Periodontal surgery improved significantly periodontal status of all patients and metabolic control of T2DM patients.

Clinical relevance

Research findings concerning long-term effect of periodontal surgery among patients with diabetes mellitus are scarce. We found that surgical periodontal treatment positively affects periodontal health of all diabetics and improves metabolic control of type 2 DM. There is a positive correlation between clinical attachment loss and glycosylated haemoglobin levels.

http://ift.tt/1SsJXmd

Comparative evaluation of the retaining of QMix and chlorhexidine formulations on human dentin: a chemical analysis

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate, in vitro, the retaining of 2 % CHX gel, 2 % CHX liquid and QMix (an endodontic irrigant) within a root canal for 24 h, 30, 90, and 120 days by chemical analysis.

Methods

Eighty extracted human teeth were used for this study. The samples were divided into four groups (G1-G4), according to the chemical auxiliary substance used to perform the instrumentation: G1 (control): distilled water, G2: 2 % CHX gel, G3: 2 % CHX liquid, and G4: QMix. The roots were prepared up to the instrument #45 by serial instrumentation. Longitudinal grooves were carved on the free surfaces of the roots, providing 2 halves of each root and resulting in 40 samples per group. Each group was randomly divided into four subgroups (n = 10), and substantivity was evaluated after 24 h, 30, 90, and 120 days. The amount of 2 % CHX gel, 2 % CHX liquid, and QMix (in micrograms) was measured through reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Games-Howell test for post-hoc comparisons (α = 0.05).

Results

CHX gel, CHX liquid, and QMix were retained in dentin up to 120 days. Significantly less substantivity was observed for QMix, irrespective of the period of time. Statistically significant higher values were observed for CHX gel after 24 h, while no differences were noted between CHX gel and CHX liquid after 30, 90, and 120 days of evaluation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Two percent CHX (gel and liquid) and QMix are retained in root canal dentin for up to 120 days.

Clinical relevance

This study proposes an alternative of auxiliary chemical substance to be used during the chemo-mechanical preparation.

http://ift.tt/2mOte4n

Effect of nasal high-flow oxygen therapy on the swallowing reflex: an in vivo volunteer study

Abstract

Objective

The advantages of nasal high-flow oxygen therapy (NHF) include not only allowing talking, but also eating and drinking, during the therapy. However, the effect of NHF on the swallowing reflex remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effects of NHF on the swallowing reflex.

Methods

Nine healthy adult Japanese male volunteers with no history of dysphagia or diseases that may cause dysphagia, such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, were evaluated. Participants received one of four levels of NHF intervention (0 (control), 15, 30 and 45 L/min of oxygen) with the NHF system through the nasal cannula. Swallowing was induced by the administration of a bolus injection of 5 mL of distilled water over 3 s through a polyethylene catheter at each level of oxygen flow. The primary end-point was the latency period of the swallowing reflex after bolus injection, which was defined as the time from the start of the bolus injection to the onset of the electromyogram (EMG) burst of the first swallow.

Results

Mean latency times of the swallowing reflex with 15 (9.8 ± 2.9 s), 30 (9.0 ± 2.7 s) and 45 (8.5 ± 3.0 s) L/min of NHF were significantly shorter than those under control conditions (11.9 ± 3.7 s; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that NHF may enhance swallowing function with increasing levels of NHF by reducing the latency of the reflex.

Clinical relevance

NHF may allow continuation of oral intake without aspiration during oxygen therapy.

http://ift.tt/1VdeZVn

Periodontal pathogenic bacteria and aMMP-8 findings depending on periodontal conditions of patients before and after liver transplantation

Abstract

Background

The aim of this single-center cross-sectional study was to detect the prevalence of selected periodontal pathogenic bacteria and active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) level in patients before (preLTx) and after liver transplantation (postLTx).

Methods

Periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were assessed. Subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect 11 common periodontal pathogens. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine aMMP-8 level and assigned to a scoring system: score 0: 0–8 ng/ml, score 1: 8–20 ng/ml, and score 2: >20 ng/ml. The following were used for the statistical analysis: t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fishers test (α = 5 %).

Results

In total, 110 patients (preLTx: n = 35, postLTx: n = 75) could be included in the study. Periodontal findings were not significantly different between groups. In microbiological analysis, a significantly higher prevalence of Campylobacter rectus in preLTx group was detected (p = 0.03). Significantly more patients with score 0 in postLTx group (p = 0.024) and significantly more patients with score 1 in preLTx group were found (p = 0.004). Furthermore, aMMP-8 concentrations for patients with moderate periodontitis were significantly lower in postLTx group compared to preLTx group (p = 0.045). Additionally, in postLTx group, aMMP-8 concentration was significantly higher in patients with severe periodontitis compared to those with no/mild periodontitis (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

LTx appears to affect aMMP-8 level, but not bacterial findings in patients after LTx.

Clinical relevance

Determination of aMMP-8 level in patients after LTx with immunosuppressive medication might lead to wrong interpretation of the results.

http://ift.tt/1VWnWla

Efficacy of a sugar-free herbal lollipop for reducing salivary Streptococcus mutans levels: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal lollipop containing licorice root extract on salivary Streptococcus mutans in caries-free and high-caries-risk children.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in caries-free and high-caries-risk children, aged 5–11 years (n = 108). The groups were caries-free children (group A); high-caries-risk children whose dental treatment was completed before lollipop use (group B); and high-caries-risk children who did not comply with dental treatment (group C). The groups were divided into two subgroups: herbal (A-1, B-1, C-1) and placebo lollipops (A-2, B-2, C-2). Saliva samples were taken before dental treatment, before and after consuming lollipops, and at 3 months after consuming lollipops. The results were statistically analyzed with chi-squared test.

Results

Only in group C-1 (high-risk, using herbal lollipops) that significant reduction was observed in salivary S. mutans levels after lollipop use (p = 0.033), and only in the same group (C-1), there was significant difference between after lollipop use and third month levels (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Herbal lollipops could be recommended to children with high-caries risk who do not comply with dental treatment in place of high-carbohydrate snacks.

Clinical relevance

The paper provides a perspective on using herbal products in high-risk children for reducing salivary S. mutans counts.

http://ift.tt/2nAiGdC

Does Botulinum neurotoxin type A treatment for sialorrhea change oral health?

Abstract

Objectives

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BNT-A) intrasalivary gland injections in patients with neurological disorders have been known to effectively treat hypersalivation. However, oral health can be compromised with increasing the dose. The aim of this study was to find out the therapeutic effect of low-dose, ultrasonography-controlled BNT-A injections into the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands on oral health in the treatment of sialorrhea.

Material and methods

Twenty patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other neurological disorders, including stroke or birth trauma, received BNT-A injections with salivary tests before and 1 month after the injections. Drooling was evaluated using subjective scales and objective assessment of salivary flow rate and oral health (salivary composition and cariogenic bacterial counts).

Results

A significant decrease was found in salivary flow rate at 1- and 3-month follow-up in the BNT-A treated group. There was no significant change in salivary composition or cariogenic bacterial counts.

Conclusion

BNT-A injections according to the current protocol can effectively manage sialorrhea while maintaining oral health.

Clinical relevance

Oral health can be considered the mirror of general human health, as the cause of many diseases. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting the oral cavity. The present study is of high clinical relevance because, although earlier research has proved the effect of Botulinum neurotoxin type A injections on reduction in saliva flow, data about the risks of the treatment method to the oral condition through affecting saliva composition has so far been missing.

http://ift.tt/2mOracy

Gingival crevicular fluid and serum hCAP18/LL-37 levels in generalized aggressive periodontitis

Abstract

Objectives

hCAP18/LL-37 is an endogenous antibiotic having a role in innate immunity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) hCAP18/LL-37 levels in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP).

Materials and methods

Twenty-six G-AgP patients, 24 gingivitis patients, and 25 healthy subjects were included in this study. Periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and papilla bleeding index were recorded. GCF and serum hCAP18/LL-37 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

GCF hCAP18/LL-37 level was significantly higher in G-AgP compared to others (p = 0.038, p < 0.001). Gingivitis patients had significantly higher GCF hCAP18/LL-37 levels than controls (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in serum hCAP18/LL-37 levels among the study groups (p = 0.524). While there were positive correlations between GCF hCAP18/LL-37 levels and periodontal parameters of sampling sites (p < 0.005), no significant correlation was observed between serum hCAP18/LL-37 levels and whole-mouth periodontal parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased levels of GCF hCAP18/LL-37 in G-AgP might show that it is abundantly expressed in the presence of periodontal tissue destruction. Serum hCAP18/LL-37 levels do not seem to be related with the presence of G-AgP.

Clinical relevance

hCAP18/LL-37 antimicrobial peptide might be associated with periodontal tissue destruction in the presence of aggressive periodontitis.

http://ift.tt/2nA2mcB

Ultrasonic activation of irrigants increases growth factor release from human dentine

Abstract

Objectives

Bioactive proteins are sequestered in human dentine and play a decisive role in dental pulp regeneration and repair. They can be released and exposed on the dentine surface by acids, but also chelators, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate whether ultrasonic activation of irrigants in the root canal will promote growth factor release from dentine and (ii) to collect bioactive proteins in a physiological solution.

Materials and methods

Human dentine disks underwent irrigation with and without ultrasonic activation. The protocols included treatment by either a single or two consecutive steps with 10 % EDTA and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), where each sample was treated three times. To mimic clinical conditions, selected irrigation regimens were applied to root canals of extracted human teeth after preparation. Amounts of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in solution were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed to compare different groups as well as repetitions within a group (Mann-Whitney U test, α = 0.05). Additionally, morphological changes of dentine surfaces were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

TGF-β1 was not detectable after irrigation of dentine with PBS, neither with nor without ultrasonic activation. Irrigation with EDTA released TGF-β1, and ultrasonic activation of EDTA enhanced this effect. However, preceding EDTA conditioning enabled the release of bioactive proteins into PBS solution. Similar results were observed in dentine disks and root canals. Visualization of dentine surfaces after different treatment revealed superficial erosion after ultrasonic activation irrespective of the irrigant solution, but different degrees of exposure of organic substance.

Conclusions

Ultrasonic activation enhances growth factor release from human dentine. Bioactive proteins can be isolated in physiological solvents and may act as autologous supplements for regenerative endodontic treatment or pulp tissue engineering.

Clinical relevance

Autologous growth factors from human dentine can advance treatment strategies in dental pulp tissue engineering.

http://ift.tt/2mOmQKt

Unique isodimorphism and isomorphism behaviors of even-odd poly(hexamethylene dicarboxylate) aliphatic copolyesters

Publication date: 21 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 115
Author(s): Yang Yu, Lin Sang, Zhiyong Wei, Xuefei Leng, Yang Li
Three series of even-odd aliphatic copolyesters, poly(hexamethylene gluarate-co-hexamethylene pimelate) (PHGP), poly(hexamethylene pimelate-co-hexamethylene azelate) (PHPA), and poly(hexamethylene gluarate-co-hexamethylene azelate) (PHGA), were firstly synthesized derived from even diol of 1,6-hexanediol with odd diacids of glutaric acid, pimelic acid or azelaic acid, respectively. Then, their cocrystallization behaviors were systematically investigated by DSC, WAXD, and POM techniques. It is found that both PHGP and PHPA showed isodimorphism with a characteristic eutectic behavior observed from the plot of melting point versus composition, however, PHGA exhibited strict isomorphism in the whole composition range without a eutectic point. WAXD studies also confirmed the unique isodimorphism and isomorphism behaviors for even-odd copolyesters. The only slight change of the methylene number in alkyl unit of comonomers could generate so large difference in crystallization behavior, which exhibits unique physicochemical properties and structure–properties correlations in such even-odd copolyesters. Furthermore, the difference in cocrystallization miscibility effect of comonomers was analyzed by thermodynamics based on the defect Gibbs energy calculated from Wendling-Suter model. For PHGP and PHPA, the comonomer units have better miscibility in the case of the incorporation of shorter unit into the longer unit crystal than the opposite case. By contrast, in the case of PHGA, the HG and HA units are perfectly miscible in a same crystal lattice with only a little difference in crystal cell dimensions due to the identity of chain conformation of HG and HA units during packing into the crystal lattice. Finally, a model of crystal lattice structure of copolyesters was proposed to better understand the difference in cocrystallization miscibility effect of comonomers between isodimorphism and isomorphism.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2mODfi6

Abdominal CT scan showed a well-delineated, low-density area that exhibited heterogeneous contrast enhancement. The area measured about 20 mm in size and was to the left of the aorta at the level of the inferior mesenteric artery. MRI showed a mass with heterogeneous hypointensity on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous hyperintensity on T2-weighted images. PET-CT scan showed slightly increased 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation within the mass. : Retroperitoneal ectopic thyroid tissue

Retroperitoneal ectopic thyroid tissue

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Mechanical characterization of curly hair: Influence of the use of nonconventional hair straightening treatments

Background/purpose

Hair straighteners are very popular around the world, although they can cause great damage to the hair. Thus, the characterization of the mechanical properties of curly hair using advanced techniques is very important to clarify how hair straighteners act on hair fibers and to contribute to the development of effective products. On this basis, we chose two nonconventional hair straighteners (formaldehyde and glyoxylic acid) to investigate how hair straightening treatments affect the mechanical properties of curly hair.

Methods

The mechanical properties of curly hair were evaluated using a tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), a torsion modulus, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis.

Results

The techniques used effectively helped the understanding of the influence of nonconventional hair straighteners on hair properties. For the break stress and the break extension tests, formaldehyde showed a marked decrease in these parameters, with great hair damage. Glyoxylic acid had a slight effect compared to formaldehyde treatment. Both treatments showed an increase in shear modulus, a decrease in water sorption and damage to the hair surface.

Conclusions

A combination of the techniques used in this study permitted a better understanding of nonconventional hair straightener treatments and also supported the choice of the better treatment, considering a good relationship between efficacy and safety. Thus, it is very important to determine the properties of hair for the development of cosmetics used to improve the beauty of curly hair.

http://ift.tt/2nQwk9x

Residual stresses induced by laser welding process in the case of a dual-phase steel DP600: Simulation and experimental approaches

Publication date: 5 June 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 123
Author(s): A. Kouadri-Henni, C. Seang, B. Malard, V. Klosek
This study aimed at characterizing the residual stresses distribution of a DP600 undergoing a laser beam welding. The residual stresses in the ferritic phase have been experimentally determined by the use of the neutron diffraction technique. The results confirmed a gradient of residual stresses among different zones both on the top and below surfaces but also through the thickness of the fusion zone. Low compressive stresses were observed in the BM (Base metal) close to the HAZ zone (heat affected zone) whereas high tensile stresses were observed in the FZ (fusion zone). Two numerical modelling strategies were conducted: first with elastic plastic model (EP) and then with a visco-elastic plastic model (VEP) which takes into account the effect of phase transformation-induced volumetric strain. Both models allowed highlighting the residual stresses evolution through the different zones. Numerical results showed a difference in the residual stresses distribution depending on the model used. In the end, it appears that the high temperature, specific to the laser beam, is the main factor governing the residual stresses. When comparing simulation results with experimental data, the values converge well in some zones, in particular the FZ and the others less.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2mT2wIJ

A method to control delaminations in composites for adjusted energy dissipation characteristics

Publication date: 5 June 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 123
Author(s): M. Kuhtz, A. Hornig, M. Gude, H. Jäger
Concepts to adjust the delamination behaviour of textile reinforced composites are investigated. The composite interfaces are modified by adjusting the interlaminar contact area using perforated PTFE-foils. According mode I and mode II energy release rates are determined and a progressive correlation between the interlaminar contact area and energy release rates is identified. The results are exploited within three point bending experiments to adapt the structural delamination and subsequent energy dissipation behaviour with the proposed interface modification concept. Two structural designs concepts are evaluated numerically: adjusting structural energy dissipation capacity and adjusting the peak levels as well as the characteristic trends of the structural reactive forces. It is demonstrated, that the mechanical response of composite structures can be tailored by controlling their delamination behaviour.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2mTamlt

Viscous flow and viscosity measurement of low-temperature imprintable AuCuSi thin film metallic glasses investigated by nanoindentation creep

Publication date: 5 June 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 123
Author(s): Cheng Wang, Yi-Chia Liao, Jinn P. Chu, Chun-Hway Hsueh
The viscous flow typically plays an important role for the deformation of metallic glasses in the supercooled liquid region. This deformation behavior has been widely investigated for bulk metallic glasses. However, studies on the viscous flow and viscosity measurement of thin film metallic glasses (TFMGs) were sparse. In this work, we synthesized four compositions of fully amorphous AuCuSi TFMGs by magnetron sputtering. The glass transition temperature, which is also the temperature of the critical transition point from elastic/plastic deformation to time-dependent viscous flow, was determined using nanoindentation. The nanoindentation creep tests performed with hemispherical and Berkovich indenter tips in the temperature range of 50 to 170°C were proven to be suitable for the viscosity measurements of AuCuSi TFMGs. The activation energy of the flow process was also evaluated from the indentation results and good agreement was obtained between the results evaluated from hemispherical and Berkovich tips. Finally, a nano-scaled imprinted AuCuSi TFMG showed great topological resolution.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2mSWiIS