The AhRR -c.565C>G transversion may increase total antioxidant capacity levels of the seminal plasma in infertile men

Abstract

The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-repressor (AhRR) is a regulator of the AhR pathway, which plays an important role in xenobiotic and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is a major factor in semen quality that protects sperm against ROS stress. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the indicator of lipid peroxidation damage that is occurred due to ROSs. In this study, we determined and compared the MDA and TAC levels of infertile men's semen and blood plasma regarding genotype groups of AhRR-c.565C>G transversion. Semen and blood samples of 123 infertile males were collected from the Fatemeh Zahra IVF Centre, Babol, Iran. TAC and MDA levels of seminal and blood plasma were measured by TBARS and FRAP methods, respectively. Cases were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP method. The frequency of c.565C>G genotypes was determined as CC (34.14%), CG (55.28%) and GG (10.58%). Mean levels of TAC μm/L and MDA nmol/mL in semen plasma of CC, CG and GG groups were (1365.7, 1.28), (1542.8, 1.51) and (1860.2, 0.82), respectively. Also, mean levels of TAC μm/L and MDA nmol/mL in blood plasma samples in CC, CG and GG genotypes were (806.14, 1.168), (727.1, 1.006) and (635.7, 0.83), respectively. Comparison of marker levels between genotypes revealed that the TAC level of semen plasma in the GG genotype was significantly higher than its level in the CC group (p < 0.05). Our findings showed that in seminal plasma of infertile men with the GG genotype of AhRR-c.565C>G transversion, the level of total antioxidant capacity is significantly higher in comparison with the CC genotype. Then, the G allele of AhRR-c.565C>G transversion may have a role in the increase in antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma.

http://ift.tt/2sfaRMG

Green synthesis and characterization of gold and silver nanoparticles using Mussaenda glabrata leaf extract and their environmental applications to dye degradation

Abstract

Plant-derived nanomaterials opened a green approach in solving the current environment issues. Present study focused on rapid microwave-assisted synthesis and applications of gold and silver nanoparticles mediated by aqueous leaf extract of Mussaenda glabrata. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, powder XRD, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron (TEM), and atomic force microscopic techniques (AFM). FCC crystal structure of both nanoparticles was confirmed by peaks corresponding to (111), (200), (220), and (311) planes in XRD spectra and bright circular spots in SAED pattern. IC₅₀ values shown by gold and silver nanoparticles (44.1 ± 0.82 and 57.92 ± 1.33 μg/mL) reflected their high free radical scavenging potential. The synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles revealed their potency to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Anthropogenic pollutants rhodamine B and methyl orange were effectively degraded from aquatic environment and waste water sewages of dye industries using the prepared nanocatalysts. The catalytic capacities of the synthesized nanoparticles were also exploited in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2qWehjD

Visualization and quantification of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) in freshwater using an auto-imaging approach

Abstract

Most water sources are full of microscopic transparent exopolymer particles (TEP), which are currently regarded as a major initiator of biofilm formation. This study developed and applied an auto-imaging FlowCAM-based method for online observation and quantification of TEP in freshwater. Samples from reservoirs in Taiwan with a wide range of water quality were directly used to develop this methodology. Factors that potentially affect the measurement were tested. The results showed that characteristics of the particles measured instantaneously after staining samples with Alcian blue differed significantly from those measured at steady states, as a result of particle aggregation. Compared to traditional microscopic methods, this proposed method provides a simple, rapid, and less labor-intensive analysis with particle morphological conservation and a large number of particle attributes. By overcoming the limitations from the former, this technique would offer routine monitoring of these transparent particles from various freshwater sources and feed water in membrane filtration, hence facilitating the use of TEP as a critical parameter for biofouling investigation in water treatment. Application of the method for Taiwan reservoirs showed a wide variety of morphological forms of TEP and its abundance, up to 25,000 ppm.

http://ift.tt/2qWelQm

Nitrate in drinking water and vegetables: intake and risk assessment in rural and urban areas of Nagpur and Bhandara districts of India

Abstract

The study focuses on the estimation of health risk from nitrate present in the drinking water and vegetables in Nagpur and Bhandara districts in the state of Maharashtra, India. Drinking water samples from 77 locations from the rural as well as urban areas and 22 varieties of vegetable were collected and analyzed for the presence of nitrate for a period of 1 year (two seasons). The daily intake of nitrate from these water and vegetable samples was then computed and compared with standard acceptable intake levels to assess the associated health risk. The mean nitrate concentration of 59 drinking water samples exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards limit of 45 mg/L in drinking water. The rural and urban areas were found to have mean nitrate concentration in drinking water as 45.69 ± 2.08 and 22.53 ± 1.97 mg/L, respectively. The estimated daily intake of drinking water samples from 55 study sites had nitrate concentration far below the safety margin indicating serious health risk. The sanitation survey conducted in 12 households reported contaminated source with positive E. coli count in 20 samples as the major factor of health risk. The average nitrate concentration was maximum in beetroot (1349.38 mg/kg) followed by spinach (1288.75 mg/kg) and amaranthus (1007.64 mg/kg). Among the samples, four varieties of the vegetables exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI) with an assumption of 0.5 kg consumption of vegetables for an average of a 60-kg individual. Therefore, irrigation of these locally grown vegetables should be monitored periodically for nitrogen accumulation by the crop above the ADI limit. The application of nitrogenous fertilizers should also be minimized in the rural areas to help protect the nitrate contamination in groundwater sources.

http://ift.tt/2sfDNnT

Characterisation of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours in neurofibromatosis-1 using heterogeneity analysis of 18 F-FDG PET

Abstract

Purpose

Measurement of heterogeneity in ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) images is reported to improve tumour phenotyping and response assessment in a number of cancers. We aimed to determine whether measurements of ¹⁸F-FDG heterogeneity could improve differentiation of benign symptomatic neurofibromas from malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs).

Methods

¹⁸F-FDG PET data from a cohort of 54 patients (24 female, 30 male, mean age 35.1 years) with neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1), and clinically suspected malignant transformation of neurofibromas into MPNSTs, were included. Scans were performed to a standard clinical protocol at 1.5 and 4 h post-injection. Six first-order [including three standardised uptake value (SUV) parameters], four second-order (derived from grey-level co-occurrence matrices) and four high-order (derived from neighbourhood grey-tone difference matrices) statistical features were calculated from tumour volumes of interest. Each patient had histological verification or at least 5 years clinical follow-up as the reference standard with regards to the characterisation of tumours as benign (n = 30) or malignant (n = 24).

Results

There was a significant difference between benign and malignant tumours for all six first-order parameters (at 1.5 and 4 h; p < 0.0001), for second-order entropy (only at 4 h) and for all high-order features (at 1.5 h and 4 h, except contrast at 4 h; p < 0.0001–0.047). Similarly, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was high (0.669–0.997, p < 0.05) for the same features as well as 1.5-h second-order entropy. No first-, second- or high-order feature performed better than maximum SUV (SUVmax) at differentiating benign from malignant tumours.

Conclusions

¹⁸F-FDG uptake in MPNSTs is higher than benign symptomatic neurofibromas, as defined by SUV parameters, and more heterogeneous, as defined by first- and high-order heterogeneity parameters. However, heterogeneity analysis does not improve on SUVmax discriminative performance.

http://ift.tt/2sCTxyD

Tadalafil solid dispersion formulations based on PVP/VA S-630: Improving oral bioavailability in rats

Publication date: 30 August 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 106
Author(s): Jin-Seok Choi, Sang-Eun Lee, Woo Suk Jang, Jong Chan Byeon, Jeong-Sook Park
Here, solid dispersion (SD) techniques were utilized to improve the oral bioavailability of tadalafil (TDF). Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-covinyl acetate) (PVP/VA S-630; 60% VP and 40% VA; MW 50,000) SD formulations were previously found to improve the solubility and dissolution (%) of TDF. The effect of various weak acids and bases on SD formulations was also investigated herein. PVP/VA S-630 SD formulations in combination with weak acids and bases increased the apparent solubility of TDF. After 1h, the apparent solubility of PVP/VA S-630 SD formulations with MgO, meglumine, and tartaric acid were significantly higher by 387.0±4.17, 376.8±9.88, and 308.8±4.17μg/mL, respectively, than those of SD formulations without weak acids and bases (166.8±0.50μg/mL). The dissolution (%) of SD formulations with weak acids was under 60%; however, the dissolution (%) of those containing MgO, meglumine, and NaHCO3 was over 80% in distilled water (specifically 85.6%, 89.9%, and 91.6%, respectively). The optimal SD formulation contained meglumine (B-2); both its apparent solubility after 24h and dissolution (%) were the highest among all SD formulations. The B-2 SD formulation showed no toxicity in Caco-2 cells after 24h. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUClast) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of the orally administered B-2 SD formulation was greater than that with Cialis® powder in rats. We conclude that the B-2 SD formulation significantly improves the apparent solubility and dissolution (%) of TDF over that of commercially available products (i.e., Cialis®). Moreover, the B-2 SD formulation improves the relative bioavailability (BA) of TDF (21.9%) over that of Cialis®.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2rKZJVb

Editorial board members

Publication date: 15 July 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 105





http://ift.tt/2rLjKuZ

Calendar of Events

Publication date: 15 July 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 105





http://ift.tt/2r1bppD

Scholar : These new articles for Asian Journal of Political Science are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Asian Journal of Political Science and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Taiwan in the Caribbean: a case study in state de-recognition Theodor Tudoroiu Pages: 1-18 | DOI: 10.1080/02185377.2017.1334146 Interested in the political-economic topics surrounding China? You wouldn't want to miss this exclusive collection. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

New insights on diabetes in Turner syndrome: results from an observational study in adulthood

Abstract

Objective

To explore the characteristics of diabetes mellitus in adults with Turner syndrome.

Design

Observational study consisting of a prospective phase after the access of adults with Turner syndrome to the Endocrinology Unit (median period of follow-up 15.6, interquartile range: 12.0–24.5 months) and a retrospective collection of data from the diagnosis of Turner syndrome until the time of access to the Endocrinology Unit. A total of 113 Italian Turner syndrome patients were included in the study. During the prospective phase of the study, each patient underwent physical examination, fasting blood sampling, and an oral glucose tolerance test on a yearly basis. Oral glucose tolerance test was used to perform the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Results

Before access to the Endocrinology Unit, diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in two Turner syndrome patients. Another five cases of diabetes mellitus were diagnosed at the first access to the Endocrinology Unit, whereas seven new cases of diabetes mellitus were diagnosed during the prospective phase of the study. At the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, only one patient had fasting glucose above 126 mg/dL, and only two had an HbA1c value >6.5% (48 mmol/mol). When compared to normo-glucose tolerant patients, the diabetic patients had a significantly lower insulin-to-glucose ratio at 30 and 60 min of the oral glucose tolerance test. In the regression analyses, only age was associated with the development of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

This study confirms that diabetes mellitus is frequent in Turner syndrome and suggests that it is specific to the syndrome. In addition, this study demonstrates that oral glucose tolerance test is a more sensitive test than HbA1c for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Turner syndrome.

http://ift.tt/2rA5x5A

Scholar : These new articles for Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles How scenes containing visual errors affect speech fluency in young and older adults Lori E. James, Brittany N. Chambers & Chelsea L. Placzek Pages: 1-15 | DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2017.1337061 Routledge Psychology 2017 sponsor of BPS #PsychCrunch podcasts. Access 25 journal articles: http://bit.ly/psychcrunch2017 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

[Decolonization for Staphylococcus aureus carriers in arthroplasty surgery after hip fracture].

[Decolonization for Staphylococcus aureus carriers in arthroplasty surgery after hip fracture].

Rev Esp Quimioter. 2017 Jun 05;:

Authors: Barbero JM, Romanyk J, Vallés A, Plasencia MA, Montero E, López J

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Staphylococcus aureus is the main causative agent of joint prosthesis infections. The decolonization of the carriers is effective in the prevention of the infections of the elective arthroplasties. The aim of this study is to evaluate if it is also in arthroplasties after hip fracture.
METHODS: Study in patients with hip fracture who underwent joint prosthesis from January 2011 to December 2015 with a protocol of S. aureus detection-decolonization with intranasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine baths. Patients between January 2009 and December 2010 were the comparison group.
RESULTS: In the intervention period, the study of colonization of S. aureus was performed in 307 patients, of whom 87 were positive (28.3%). The study period was completed by 267 patients, of whom two developed S. aureus infection, compared to six of 138 in the control group (0.7% vs 4.3%, RR 0.1, p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS: In our study, S. aureus decolonization in patients with hip fracture decreased the incidence of joint prosthesis infection by this microorganism.

PMID: 28585795 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2rUcr6g

PIPAC puts pressure on peritoneal metastases from pancreatic cancer

http://ift.tt/2sfcERN

New insights on diabetes in Turner syndrome: results from an observational study in adulthood

Abstract

Objective

To explore the characteristics of diabetes mellitus in adults with Turner syndrome.

Design

Observational study consisting of a prospective phase after the access of adults with Turner syndrome to the Endocrinology Unit (median period of follow-up 15.6, interquartile range: 12.0–24.5 months) and a retrospective collection of data from the diagnosis of Turner syndrome until the time of access to the Endocrinology Unit. A total of 113 Italian Turner syndrome patients were included in the study. During the prospective phase of the study, each patient underwent physical examination, fasting blood sampling, and an oral glucose tolerance test on a yearly basis. Oral glucose tolerance test was used to perform the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Results

Before access to the Endocrinology Unit, diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in two Turner syndrome patients. Another five cases of diabetes mellitus were diagnosed at the first access to the Endocrinology Unit, whereas seven new cases of diabetes mellitus were diagnosed during the prospective phase of the study. At the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, only one patient had fasting glucose above 126 mg/dL, and only two had an HbA1c value >6.5% (48 mmol/mol). When compared to normo-glucose tolerant patients, the diabetic patients had a significantly lower insulin-to-glucose ratio at 30 and 60 min of the oral glucose tolerance test. In the regression analyses, only age was associated with the development of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

This study confirms that diabetes mellitus is frequent in Turner syndrome and suggests that it is specific to the syndrome. In addition, this study demonstrates that oral glucose tolerance test is a more sensitive test than HbA1c for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Turner syndrome.

http://ift.tt/2rA5x5A

Qualification of AM parts: Extreme value statistics applied to tomographic measurements

Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): S. Romano, A. Brandão, J. Gumpinger, M. Gschweitl, S. Beretta
The progressive improvement of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques enables the production of geometrically complex and lightweight parts, which explains the incredibly fast growth of AM for space and aerospace applications. The first standards require the production of witness specimens manufactured together with the components for assessment and qualification for the material control. However, one of the most critical issues is determining the 'fitness-for-purpose' of fatigue loaded parts, which is strictly related to the microstructure and defects generated during the manufacturing process. One of the most suitable techniques for detecting defects even near the surface or in thin, complex geometries is micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). This paper deals with the application of statistics of extremes for analysing X-ray CT scan measurements in view of component assessment by discussing its advantages and requirements.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2qVPign

Effects of strain amount and strain rate on grain structure of a novel high Co nickel-based polycrystalline superalloy

Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Liming Tan, Zaiwang Huang, Feng Liu, Guoai He, Xin Wang, Lan Huang, Yiwen Zhang, Liang Jiang
The development of nickel-based superalloys with high Co addition has aroused widespread interest recently owing to their potential application in hot sections of gas turbine. However, how hot working parameters impact the grain evolution of these superalloys remains to be studied systematically. In this work, high-throughput double cone (DC) specimen, which yielded gradient strain at different regions in a single sample after hot compression, were designed to investigate the thermo-mechanical behaviors of a novel superalloy. Superslovus treatment was subsequently conducted to investigate the susceptibility to abnormal grain growth (AGG). By means of finite element simulation, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), it was found that slow strained DC was preferred to obtain a well-distributed grain structure after supersolvus annealing, owing to its adequate dynamical recrystallization (DRX) and dynamical recovery (DRV) during deformation.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2qWauma

Influences of size effect and stress condition on ductile fracture behavior in micro-scaled plastic deformation

Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): J.L. Wang, M.W. Fu, S.Q. Shi
In macro-scaled plastic deformation, ductile fracture behaviors have been extensively investigated in terms of formation mechanism, deformation mechanics, influencing factors and fracture criteria. In micro-scaled plastic deformation, however, the fracture behaviors of materials are greatly different from those in macro-scale due to the existence of size effects. To explore the simultaneous interaction of size effect and stress condition on material fracture behavior in meso/micro-scaled plastic deformation, the tensile and compression tests of pure copper with various geometrical sizes and microstructures were conducted. The experiment results show that microvoids exist in compressed samples due to localization of shear band instead of macro fracture. Furthermore, the FE simulation is conducted by using the size dependent surface layer model, which aims to study the interaction of size effect and stress condition on material fracture behavior in multi-scaled plastic deformation. It is found that the stress triaxiality (T) generally increases with the ratio of surface grains η in compression statement. Fracture strain and fracture energy with positive T are much smaller than that with negative T regardless of geometrical and grain sizes. This research provides an in-depth understanding of the influences of size effect and stress condition on ductile fracture behavior in micro-scaled plastic deformation.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2qWbkj9

Are we making an impact with incident learning systems? Analysis of quality improvement interventions using total body irradiation as a model system

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Aileen Kim, Eric Ford, Matthew Spraker, Jing Zeng, Ralph Ermoian, Loucille Jordan, Gabrielle Kane, Matthew Nyflot
PurposeDespite increasing interest in incident learning systems (ILS) to improve safety and quality in radiation oncology, little is known about interventions developed in response to safety data. We used Total Body Irradiation (TBI) as a model system to study the effectiveness of interventions from our institutional ILS.Methods and MaterialsNear-miss event reports specific to TBI were identified from a departmental ILS from March 2012 to December 2015. The near-miss risk index (NMRI) was rated at multidisciplinary review from 0 (no potential harm) to 4 (critical potential harm). Interventions were analyzed for effectiveness with a schema adapted from The Joint Commission and other agencies: "Most Reliable" (e.g. forcing functions, automation), "Somewhat Reliable" (e.g. checklists, standardization), "Least Reliable" (e.g. training, rules, procedures). Causal factors of each event were drawn from the casual factor schema used in RO-ILS™.ResultsOf 4007 safety-related reports, 266 reports pertained to TBI. TBI reports had a somewhat higher proportion of high-risk events (NMRI 3–4) compared to non-TBI reports (25% versus 17%, p=0.0045). A total of 117 interventions were implemented. The reliability indicators for the interventions were: Most Reliable (11% of interventions), Somewhat Reliable (17%), and Least Reliable (72%). Interventions were more likely to be applied to high-risk events (54% versus 41%, p=0.03). There was a pattern of high-reliability interventions with increased risk score of events. Events involving human error (e.g. slips) and equipment/IT lent themselves more often to high-reliability interventions. Events related to communication, standardization, and training were associated with low-reliability interventions.ConclusionsOver a three-and-a-half-year period, 117 quality improvement strategies were developed for TBI based on ILS. Interventions were more likely to be applied to high-risk events and high-risk events were more likely to be associated with high-quality interventions. These results may be useful to institutions seeking to develop interventions based on ILS data.



http://ift.tt/2r12vZn

Scholar : Australian Journal of International Affairs, Volume 71, Issue 4, August 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Australian Journal of International Affairs, Volume 71, Issue 4, August 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles Middle-power definitions: confusion reigns supreme Jeffrey Robertson http://ift.tt/2rAnl0t Pages: 355-370 | DOI: 10.1080/10357718.2017.1293608 The diversity of identity: youth participation at the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission Caitlin Mollica Pages: 371-388 | DOI: 10.1080/10357718.2017.1290045 Malaysia's role in two South-East Asian insurgencies: 'an honest broker'? Chanintira na Thalang Pages: 389-404 | DOI: 10.1080/10357718.2016.1269147 Accountability and sexual exploitation and abuse in peace operations Sarah Smith Pages: 405-422 | DOI: 10.1080/10357718.2017.1287877 Denial strategy in Australian strategic thought Adam Lockyer & Michael D. Cohen Pages: 423-439 | DOI: 10.1080/10357718.2017.1278743 Assessing China's response to the South China Sea arbitration ruling Feng Zhang (张 锋) Pages: 440-459 | DOI: 10.1080/10357718.2017.1287876 Secret Files from World Wars to Cold War - Examine British government secret intelligence and foreign policy files at your desk. Only available elsewhere by visiting the National Archives in London. Ask your library to arrange a free trial. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

An unusual case of idiopathic localized giant cell lichenoid dermatitis

http://ift.tt/2qVTMn1

Long-term changes in time spent walking and subsequent cognitive and structural brain changes in older adults

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging
Author(s): John R. Best, Caterina Rosano, Howard J. Aizenstein, Qu Tian, Robert M. Boudreau, Hilsa N. Ayonayon, Suzanne Satterfield, Eleanor M. Simonsick, Stephanie Studenski, Kristine Yaffe, Teresa Liu-Ambrose
Previous studies have shown that more active older adults have better cognition and brain health based on a variety of structural neuroimaging measures. Nevertheless, the effects of maintaining physical activity over an extended period of time on future changes in older adults' cognition and brain structure are unknown. Participants were 141 initially well-functioning community-dwelling older adults (aged 70-79 years at baseline; 60% female; 42% black) studied over a 13-year period. Physical activity (self-reported time spent walking) was assessed annually from years 1 to 10. Magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor was performed at years 10 and 13. Time spent walking decreased on average by 8.4% annually from year 1 to year 10. Independent of initial time spent walking, demographics, and APOE e4 status, better maintenance of time spent walking over the decade predicted less reduction in hippocampal volume (p = .03), smaller increases in global gray matter mean diffusivity and white matter axial diffusivity (p < .01), and maintenance of general cognitive performance (p < .01). Maintenance of cognitive performance was associated with smaller increases in white matter axial diffusivity (p < .01). PA at baseline and at year 10, as well as changes in PA over a five-year period were less predictive of future changes in brain structure and cognition. Thus, how physical activity levels change over longer periods of aging may be an important contributor to cognitive and neural protection.



http://ift.tt/2sS3bg4

Differential alteration of hippocampal function and plasticity in females and males of the APPxPS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging
Author(s): Kevin Richetin, Petnoi Petsophonsakul, Laurent Roybon, Bruno P. Guiard, Claire Rampon
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and impaired cognitive functions. The higher incidence of AD among women indicates that sex is one of the main risk factor for developing the disease. Using the transgenic APPxPS1 mouse model of AD, we investigated sex inequality with regards to memory capacities and hippocampal plasticity. We report that spatial memory is strongly affected in APPxPS1 females whilst remarkably spared in males, at all ages tested. Given the contribution of adult neurogenesis to hippocampal-dependent memory processes, we examined whether impaired neurogenesis could account for age-related decline of memory functions in APPxPS1 mice. We show that not only limited numbers of new neurons are generated in these mice, but also, that new granule cells display reduced capacity for synaptic connectivity, a default that is exacerbated in females. Moreover, high densities of hypertrophic astrocytes are observed in the dentate gyrus of APPxPS1 females specifically. By revealing sex-dependent hippocampal alterations, our data may provide causal explanation to APPxPS1 females memory deficits.



http://ift.tt/2rUaKFF

Skewed X-chromosome inactivation and XIST locus methylation levels does not contribute to the lower prevalence of Parkinson´s disease in females

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging
Author(s): Amit Sharma, Oliver Kaut, Anna Pavlova, Holger Fröhlich, Ashar Ahmad, Ina Schmitt, Osman El-Maarri, Johannes Oldenburg, Ullrich Wüllner
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system and the cause of the majority of sporadic cases is unknown. Females are relatively protected from PD as compared to males and linkage studies suggested a PD susceptibility locus on the X chromosome. To determine a putative association of skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) and PD, we examined XCI patterns using a human androgen receptor gene-based assay (HUMARA) and did not identify any association of skewed or random X inactivation with clinical heterogeneity among female patients. In addition, we sought to determine methylation specific changes at the XIST (X-inactive specific transcript) locus, which is known to be responsible for initiating X-inactivation and observed a trend towards hypomethylation in the gene body region of the XIST locus in PD females. Furthermore, we extend our analysis for DNA methylation across the entire X-chromosome and revealed no methylation specific differences between PD females and healthy controls. Herein, we propose that unlike hormones, skewed XCI might not have any protective role against PD in females.



http://ift.tt/2sRPcH8

Sound offset-related brain potentials show retained sensory processing, but increased cognitive control activity in older adults

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging
Author(s): János Horváth, Zsófia Anna Gaál, Márta Volosin
It has been hypothesized that age-related hearing loss is caused not only by peripheral, but also central changes in the auditory system. Many studies utilized event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by sound onsets to characterize age-related differences in central auditory processing. Age-related ERP enhancements in such studies have often been interpreted in terms of elevated sensitivity to auditory stimulation. Such ERPs, however, comprise various components reflecting different aspects of auditory and task-related processing. The composition of the waveforms may considerably differ for ERPs elicited by other auditory events. In the present study ERPs elicited by tone-offsets were used to characterize processing differences between younger and older adults in a short-go, tone-duration discrimination paradigm. Whereas the onset-related auditory ERP was enhanced in the older adult group, no age-related differences were found in the offset-related auditory ERPs observable at temporal electrodes. In older adults, however, offset-related processing was dominated by an N2 that could reflect enhanced cognitive control activities. Because N2 was present regardless discrimination difficulty, younger adults may have framed the task as offset-detection, whereas older adults represented the task as "genuine" discrimination.



http://ift.tt/2rU8le2

Structural and functional brain signatures of C9orf72 in motor neuron disease

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging
Author(s): Federica Agosta, Pilar M. Ferraro, Nilo Riva, Edoardo Gioele Spinelli, Teuta Domi, Paola Carrera, Massimiliano Copetti, Yuri Falzone, Maurizio Ferrari, Christian Lunetta, Giancarlo Comi, Andrea Falini, Angelo Quattrini, Massimo Filippi
This study investigated structural and functional MRI abnormalities in C9orf72 motor neuron disease (MND) relative to disease severity-matched sporadic MND cases. We enrolled 19 C9orf72 and 67 disease severity-matched sporadic MND patients, and 22 controls. Sporadic cases were grouped in patients with: no cognitive/behavioural deficits (sporadic-motor); same patterns of cognitive/behavioural impairment as C9orf72 cases (sporadic-cognitive); shorter disease duration vs other sporadic groups (sporadic-early). C9orf72 patients showed cerebellar and thalamic atrophy vs all sporadic cases. All MND patients showed motor, frontal and temporoparietal cortical thinning and motor and extramotor white matter damage vs controls, independent of genotype and presence of cognitive impairment. Compared with sporadic-early, C9orf72 patients revealed an occipital cortical thinning. C9orf72 patients had enhanced visual network functional connectivity vs sporadic-motor and sporadic-early cases. Structural cerebellar and thalamic damage and posterior cortical alterations are the brain MRI signatures of C9orf72 MND. Frontotemporal cortical and widespread white matter involvement are likely to be an effect of the disease evolution rather than a C9orf72 marker.



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Scholar : These new articles for Bulletin of Spanish Studies are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Bulletin of Spanish Studies and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Los discursos en torno a la sensorialidad en el fin de siglo: Luis Simarro y su lectura holística del ser humano, entre lo individualy lo colectivo Sonsoles Hernández Barbosa Pages: 1-18 | DOI: 10.1080/14753820.2017.1317085 Reviews of Books Mónica Legazpi-Iglesias, Mónica Legazpi-Iglesias, George D. Greenia, Matthew Bailey, Enrique Fernández, Michelle M. Hamilton, Lynn Williams, Núria Silleras-Fernández, Bárbara Mujica, Lía Schwartz, Nieves Romero-Díaz, David Ortiz Jr, Diane E. Marting, Eamonn Rodgers, Christine Arkinstall, José Saval, Silvia Bermúdez, Susannah Humble Ferreira, David Rex Galindo, Eva Valero Juan, Stephen M. Hart, Jesús Rodero, David Wood & Miroslava Chávez-García Pages: 1-31 | DOI: 10.1080/14753820.2017.1333341 Listening Leaders Free Accessarticles from International Listening Association Lifetime Achievement AwardeesFind out more To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : These new articles for Australian Journal of Political Science are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Australian Journal of Political Science and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: ARTICLE The Iron Butterfly and the Political Warrior: mobilising models of femininity in the Australian Liberal Party Katrina Lee-Koo http://ift.tt/2rUe9UZ & Maria Maley http://ift.tt/2sRRi9V Pages: 1-18 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1336202 Find out more about the issues and challenges in Governing Asia. This collection includes free access papers on security challenges, the Abe and Modi administration, reflections on the Chinese Governance and more. Browse today! To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET imaging and immunohistochemistry in adenoid cystic carcinoma-a preliminary analysis

Abstract

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of the head and neck is an uncommon malignant epithelial tumour of the secretory glands. Many patients develop slowly growing local recurrence and/or distant metastasis, for which treatment options are limited. A retrospective analysis of 9 AdCC patients was conducted to analyse the visualization of AdCC on PSMA PET/CT and to investigate the expression of PSMA on primary, recurrent and metastatic AdCC tumour tissue using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Local recurrence occurred in six patients and eight developed distant metastasis. All PET/CTs depicted PSMA-ligand uptake. Four PSMA PET/CTs showed suspected residual disease, eight scans depicted uptake in areas suspected of distant metastasis. Median Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUV_max) in local recurrent and distant metastatic AdCC was 2.52 (IQR 2.41–5.95) and 4.01 (IQR 2.66–8.71), respectively. All primary tumours showed PSMA expression on immunohistochemistry (5–90% expression), as well as all available specimens of local recurrence and distant metastases.

Conclusion

PSMA PET/CT is able to detect and visualize local recurrent and distant metastatic AdCC. PSMA-specific targeting is supported by PSMA expression on immunohistochemistry.

http://ift.tt/2s3fzNR

You see but you do not observe: A review of bystander intervention and sexual assault on university campuses

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Danielle Labhardt, Emma Holdsworth, Sarah Brown, Douglas Howat
Sexual assault on university campuses has garnered increased attention in recent years. A systematic review was conducted to identify the factors associated with bystander intervention regarding sexual assault on university campuses. Currently, no published systematic reviews exist within this area. Twenty-eight studies were reviewed according to four major bystander factors: rape myth and date rape attitudes; bystander efficacy; bystander intent; and bystander behavior. There was a heavy emphasis on bystander intent and behavior throughout. Three important limitations were identified: (1) all empirical research has been conducted in the USA, yet bystander intervention programs exist outside of the USA, in countries such as the UK, (2) a majority of the studies employed quantitative methodologies and so failed to capture important details such as bystanders' perceptions of sexual assault or what other factors influence the likelihood of intervening, and (3) there were limited attempts to control for factors such as social desirability. This area of research is still in its infancy. Future research should examine in greater detail the factors inhibiting and facilitating bystander intervention. Finally, research outside of the USA is important in developing the literature in this area to effectively inform bystander intervention programs.



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Human neuroimaging reveals the subcomponents of grasping, reaching and pointing actions

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Cristiana Cavina-Pratesi, Jason D. Connolly, Simona Monaco, Teresa D. Figley, A. David Milner, Thomas Schenk, Jody C. Culham
Although the neural underpinnings of visually guided grasping and reaching have been well delineated within lateral and medial fronto-parietal networks (respectively), the contributions of subcomponents of visuomotor actions have not been explored in detail. Using careful subtraction logic, here we investigated which aspects of grasping, reaching, and pointing movements drive activation across key areas within visuomotor networks implicated in hand actions. For grasping tasks, we find activation differences based on the precision required (fine > coarse grip: anterior intraparietal sulcus, aIPS), the requirement to lift the object (grip+lift > grip: aIPS; dorsal premotor cortex, PMd; and supplementary motor area, SMA), and the number of digits employed (3-/5- vs. 2-digit grasps: ventral premotor cortex, PMv; motor cortex, M1, and somatosensory cortex, S1). For reaching/pointing tasks, we find activation differences based on whether the task required arm transport ((reach-to-point with index finger and reach-to-touch with knuckles) vs. point-without-reach; anterior superior parietal lobule, aSPL) and whether it required pointing to the object centre ((point-without-reach and reach-to-point) vs. reach-to-touch: anterior superior parieto-occipital cortex, aSPOC). For point-without-reach, in which the index finger is oriented toward the object centre but from a distance (point-without-reach > (reach-to-point and reach-to-touch)), we find activation differences that may be related to the communicative nature of the task (temporo-parietal junction, TPJ) and the need to precisely locate the target (lateral occipito-temporal cortex, LOTC). The present findings elucidate the different subcomponents of hand actions and the roles of specific brain regions in their computation.



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Pioglitazone attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced depression-like behaviors, modulates NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3, CREB/BDNF pathways and central serotonergic neurotransmission in mice

Publication date: August 2017
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 49
Author(s): L. Liao, X.D. Zhang, J. Li, Z.W. Zhang, C.C. Yang, C.L. Rao, C.J. Zhou, L. Zeng, L.B. Zhao, L. Fang, D.Y. Yang, P. Xie
Immune activation and inflammation are closely associated with the development of depression. Pioglitazone (PIO), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist, has exhibited antidepressant-like effects in a couple of studies. However, the underlying mechanisms are far from being fully elucidated. The study aimed to investigate the effects of PIO on depression-like behaviors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. The results showed that PIO pretreatment attenuated the depression-like behaviors in mice challenged with intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) LPS administration. Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed the effects of PIO on inhibiting activation of the nuclear factor kappa B/interleukin 6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3) pathway, improving down-regulation of the cAMP response-element-binding protein/brain derived neurotrophic factor (CREB/BDNF) pathway, as well as regulating disturbed expression of proteins involved in central serotonergic neurotransmission following LPS administration. The beneficial effects of PIO, at both the behavioral and molecular level, were significantly inhibited by the PPAR-γ specific antagonist GW9662. In summary, our data reveals for the first time that the modulation of the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 and CREB/BDNF pathways, as well as the potential impact on central serotonergic neurotransmission, may be involved in the PPAR-γ-dependent effects of PIO on depression-like behaviors induced by LPS. Additionally, our findings may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of depression-like behaviors in patients with inflammatory status.

Graphical abstract

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Inflammasomes, the cardinal pathology mediators are activated by pathogens, allergens and mutagens: A critical review with focus on NLRP3

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 92
Author(s): Seema Patel
Inflammation is a pivotal defense system of body. Unfortunately, when homeostasis falters, the same inflammatory mechanism acts as a double-edged sword, and turns offensive, paving the path for a broad array of pathologies. A multi-protein complex termed as inflammasome perceives the PAMPs (pathogen associated molecular patterns) and DAMPs (danger associated molecular patterns), executing immune responses. This activation predominantly encompasses the elaboration of effector cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and the cysteine proteases (caspase 1 and 11). Extensive study on an inflammasome NLRP3 has revealed its role in the onset and progression of pathogenic, metabolic, autoimmune, neural, and geriatric diseases. In this regard, this inflammasome's immune activation mechanisms and inhibition strategies have been discussed. Through this rigorous literature analysis, the superficial diversity between pathogens/allergens and mutagens, and NLRP3 activity towards them has been emphasized. Though there is a scope for inhibition of aberrant inflammasomes, including that of NLRP3, given their complexity and unpredictability, prevention of their activation by lifestyle correction has been suggested.



http://ift.tt/2sCFn0w

Important medicinal herbs in Parkinson’s disease pharmacotherapy

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 92
Author(s): Saurabh Srivastav, Mahino Fatima, Amal Chandra Mondal
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder affecting more than 10 million people worldwide. The characteristic hallmark of PD involves progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA-ergic) neuron in Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNpc) region of the brain, however, aetiology of the disease still remains unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative insult are considered to be the key culprit. The current therapy available for PD primarily relies on Levodopa that offers the potential of slowing down disease progression to some extent but includes lot of side effects. Any potential drug capable of treating or halting the disease still remains to be identified. It is evident that redox stabilization and replenishment of mitochondrial function seem to be an important therapeutic approach against PD as both are required for optimal neuronal functioning. Enormous research done in this field has shown that some natural and synthetic products exhibit neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic potential by improving mitochondrial function and alleviating oxidative stress. Therefore, the present review aims to discuss some of the important medicinal natural herbs (Bacopa monnieri, Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Gingko Biloba, and Camellia sinensis) in context to their neuroprotective potential and also in the development of novel therapeutic strategies against PD.



http://ift.tt/2s3mw1g

Evaluation of MiR-15a and MiR-16-1 as prognostic biomarkers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 92
Author(s): Tatiane Vieira Braga, Fernanda Cristina Gontijo Evangelista, Lorena Caixeta Gomes, Sérgio Schusterschitz da Silva Araújo, Maria das Graças Carvalho, Adriano de Paula Sabino
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B lineage neoplasm, characterized by the accumulation of B lymphocytes of great longevity, and usually develops as a result of the inhibition of apoptosis. Clinical evolution is extremely variable amongst affected individuals with survival ranging from a few months in aggressive cases, to a few decades in cases of indolent CLL. The identification of new prognostic factors, apart from clinical staging, has been an important research topic aiming at a better understanding of CLL. There are approximately one thousand miRNAs in the human genome. They are expressed in specific tissues and changes in this expression are associated with different pathologies. In recent years, several studies have focused on the role of regulatory miRNAs in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including CLL. It has become evident that the profiles of miRNAs have great potential for application in the evaluation of CLL prognosis, since changes in miRNA expression profiles contribute to cell survival, proliferation and development of the disease. The deletion 13q14, the most prevalent alteration in CLL, leads to the deletion of the human tumor suppressor genes miR-15a and miR-16-1, which act on cell proliferation and in the process of apoptosis. Therefore, in patients with 13q deletion, loss of miR-15a and miR-16-1 displaces the expression balance for higher levels of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic p53 proteins. Regarding these microRNAs, the correlation of miR-15a and miR-16-1 with low-risk CLL is of particular interest.In this context, this mini review summarizes the current evidences on the role of regulatory miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CLL, particularly miR-15a and miR-16-1, involved on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, it is our intention to highlight the potential role of micro RNAs as a marker of prognosis in this disease and to arouse interest in future studies addressing this interesting issue.Several current and future studies may shed light on the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of CLL, possibly leading to the development of new laboratory biomarkers.



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MicroRNA-126 participates in lipid metabolism in mammary epithelial cells

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Meiqiang Chu, Yong Zhao, Yanni Feng, Hongfu Zhang, Jing Liu, Ming Cheng, Lan Li, Wei Shen, Hongfang Cao, Qiang Li, Lingjiang Min
Lipids are a major component of milk and are important for infant growth and development. MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) has previously been observed in mammary glands and adipocytes and is known to be involved in lipid metabolism during the process of atherosclerosis. However, it remains unknown whether miR-126 also participates in lipid metabolism in mammary luminal epithelial cells (MECs). In the current investigation, miR-126-3p inhibition stimulated lipid synthesis in MECs in part through increasing levels of the lipid synthesis enzymes FASN, ACSL1, and Insig1. Overexpression of miR-126-3p decreased lipid content in MECs with a reduction in FASN and Insig1. Furthermore, the expression of miR-126-3p was diminished by the steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone with a subsequent elevation of lipid formation in MECs. We also noted that miR-126-3p was expressed differentially at various stages of murine mammary gland development, exhibiting a negative correlation with FASN. Together these findings suggest that miR-126-3 might be involved in lipid metabolism in mammary gland.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2qVHZ8c

NR1D1 enhances oxidative DNA damage by inhibiting PARP1 activity

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Na-Lee Ka, Tae-Young Na, Mi-Ock Lee
Cancer cells exhibit an elevated intracellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) because of their accelerated metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and antioxidant deficit. The oxidative stress in cancer cells may provide clinical benefits, which can be associated with a better response to anticancer therapies. Therefore, identifying the regulatory pathway of oxidative stress in cancer cells is important in the development of therapeutic targets that enhance sensitivity to ROS-generating anticancer therapies. Here, we report that nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D, member 1 (NR1D1; Rev-erbα) inhibited DNA repair of ROS-induced DNA damage in breast cancer cells. NR1D1 interacted with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and subsequently inhibited catalytic activity of PARP1. NR1D1 enhanced accumulation of DNA damage, which increased sensitivity of breast cancer cells to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that NR1D1 could be a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment, especially in those patients treated with ROS-inducing chemotherapeutic agents.



http://ift.tt/2qVqoxg

Thermophysical characterization of a reversible dynamic polymer network based on kinetics and equilibrium of an amorphous furan-maleimide Diels-Alder cycloaddition

Publication date: 30 June 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 120
Author(s): M.M. Diaz, G. Van Assche, F.H.J. Maurer, B. Van Mele
The equilibrium and kinetics of the furan-maleimide Diels-Alder (DA) reaction for the formation of a reversible network were studied by calorimetry between 25 °C and 90 °C using an amorphous bismaleimide eliminating solvent use. The relationship between the equilibrium conversion xeq with temperature and the effect of dilution were simulated. The glass transition-conversion relationship of the reversible network was established.The thermophysical properties of the reversible network were linked to the kinetics and equilibrium of the DA system, and studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), dielectric analysis (DEA) and rheometry. Below Tg the reversible network behaves like an irreversible network; however, above Tg, a decrease in the rubber tensile storage modulus was observed due to a reduction of cross-link density caused by the retro DA reaction. DEA revealed that above Tg, an interface is formed between released bismaleimide molecules and the remaining network. The rheological behavior is related to xeq and the lifetime of the reversible covalent bonds. When xeq is higher than the gelation conversion xgel (below 90 °C), the system gels at constant xgel. An elastic strengthening effect is observed in a transition region between 90 °C and 115 °C. Above 115 °C the system is reaching a viscous melt behavior. These observations are important for the application of this network as a self-healing material and as a recyclable elastomer or thermoset.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2rKLXSC

A self-healing PDMS elastomer based on acylhydrazone groups and the role of hydrogen bonds

Publication date: 30 June 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 120
Author(s): Dong-Dong Zhang, Ying-Bo Ruan, Bao-Qing Zhang, Xin Qiao, Guohua Deng, Yongming Chen, Chen-Yang Liu
A PDMS elastomer based on acylhydrazone groups with both acid- and heat-assisted self-healing properties was successfully prepared from tetra-acylhydrazine-terminated PDMS and terephthalaldehyde through solution casting. The good healing performance was obtained with catalytic acetic acid for 24 h at 25 °C or by annealing at 120 °C for 2 h. The elastomer exhibited a reversible transition near 80 °C observed by rheological measurements and variable-temperature FTIR, which corresponded to the dissociation and reconstruction of hydrogen bonds between acylhydrazone groups. Since the non-equimolar sample presented similar behaviors with the equimolar sample, it verifies that the reversible dissociation/reformation of hydrogen bonds dominates the heat-assisted self-healing process. This finding will enable better understanding of the contribution of hydrogen bonding interactions in acylhydrazone self-healing systems, thus promoting the development of self-healing bulk materials based on acylhydrazone groups.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2rKrRru

Morphology development in poly (lactic acid)/polyamide11 biobased blends: Chain mobility and interfacial interactions

Publication date: 30 June 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 120
Author(s): Vahid Heshmati, Ali M. Zolali, Basil D. Favis
In this study, the interfacial tension, morphology, PLA phase continuity and thermal behavior are studied for poly (lactic acid)/bio-polyamide11 blends. This blend combines the very unusual characteristics of high static interfacial tension, 5.8 ± 0.6 mN/m and 5.4 ± 0.4 mN/m as measured by the breaking thread (BT) and fiber retraction (FR) methods respectively, with the fine dispersed morphology and low level coalescence of a highly interacting system after melt mixing. The dispersed phase size at 1 vol% is 750 and 700 nm for dispersed PLA and PA11 respectively with no coalescence whatsoever up to 20 vol% minor phase. A coalescence study during annealing shows that the 50PLA-50PA11 blend behaves as if it were an interfacially modified system. Furthermore, the half time of crystallization of PA11 increases in the presence of PLA, an indication of significant interfacial interactions. A study using plasticizers for both PA11 and the PLA shows that this discrepancy between the static interfacial tension and the observed morphology after dynamic mixing can be attributed directly to the limited chain mobility of the stiff PLA molecule, particularly under quiescent conditions, which inhibits the available functional groups from interacting at the interface. Plasticized PLA in PLA-PA11 serves to significantly reduce the static interfacial tension as well as the phase size and coalescence in the dynamically mixed system at high concentrations of 30 and 40 vol% PLA. These results underline that the stiffness and borderline mobility of PLA chains can have a significant influence on its capacity for interfacial interactions and could be dependent on the flow conditions.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2rKvcqC

Editorial board

Publication date: 16 June 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 119





http://ift.tt/2rKz0YZ

Graphical Contents list & Author index

Publication date: 16 June 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 119





http://ift.tt/2r0h0fL

Novel proton exchange membrane nanocomposites based on sulfonated tungsten trioxide for application in direct methanol fuel cells

Publication date: 16 June 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 119
Author(s): Hossein Beydaghi, Mehran Javanbakht, Parisa Salarizadeh, Ahmad Bagheri, Ali Amoozadeh
Novel sulfonated poly (phthalazinone ether ketone) (SPPEK)/sulfonated poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (SPVdF-co-HFP)/sulfonated tungsten trioxide (SWO3) nanocomposite blend membranes were fabricated as alternative proton exchange membranes (PEM) for application in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). PPEK and PVdF-co-HFP were sulfonated using sulfuric acid and chlorosulfonic acid, respectively. The degree of sulfonation (DS) of produced SPPEK and SPVdF-co-HFP were determined by titration method and found to be 68% and 30%, respectively. The dominant characteristics of the prepared membranes, such as water uptake, membrane swelling, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, selectivity and DMFC performance were investigated. The membranes containing SWO3 nanoparticles indicated higher proton conductivity and lower methanol permeability compared with pristine SPPEK and blend membranes. This improvement is attributed to presence of the sulfonated groups of nanoparticles that increases proton conductivity with Grotthus and vehicle mechanisms. The catalytic properties of SWO3 nanoparticles increase kinetic of reaction in interface surface of membrane and electrode and improve performance of DMFCs. Well optimized nanocomposite blend membrane (MSSW5) showed proton conductivity of 0.071 S cm⁻¹, methanol permeability of 9.5 × 10⁻⁸ cm² S⁻¹ and power density of 63.60 mW cm⁻² at room temperature, thus it can be a suitable candidate for DMFC application.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2rKELpn

Immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine

Abstract

Chlorhexidine is a widely used and effective antiseptic agent. Although skin contact is usually well tolerated, it may cause both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. We report a case of immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine causing both skin and respiratory symptoms following occupational exposure to chlorhexidine in a health-care worker.

http://ift.tt/2rTUjJq

Lentigo maligna of the face: A quantitative simple method to identify individual patient risk probability on dermoscopy

Abstract

Background/Objectives

The clinical and dermoscopic differential diagnosis of flat pigmented facial lesions represents a great challenge for the clinicians. Our aim was to report a quantitative method based on dermoscopic features to better classify pigmented facial lesions.

Methods

This is a retrospective case-series study that analysed the dermoscopic features of 582 pigmented facial lesions.

Results

The individual patient probability of lentigo maligna (LM) was predicted by a multivariate model, with an accuracy of 0.72. According to the odds ratio at the multivariate analysis, an individual scoring index was assigned to each criterion, and a value of 4.56 was identified as optimal cut-off point. Up to a score of 2.5, the probability that a lesion is an LM is 0. The probability increases from 10 to 50% for a score ranging between 4.5 and 6. It is about 90% for a score of 7.

Conclusion

The optimal cut-off point obtained and the curve that identifies the probability of a patient having a LM could improve the classification and the management strategies of equivocal pigmented facial lesions.

http://ift.tt/2sROHN8

An international survey about nail histology processing techniques

Abstract

Background

There is limited data on nail histopathology techniques. The objective of this study was to examine nail histopathology techniques currently in use internationally.

Methods

An online survey was sent to the European Nail Society and Council for Nail Disorders during 2015–16.

Results

There were fifty seven respondents, from twenty countries comprising dermatologists, podiatrists and pathologists.

Specimens were unmarked or marked using ink or a suture and fixed in 10% formalin, from 6 to 48 hours before embedding in paraffin wax (90% (17/19), liquid nitrogen (frozen section, 1/19) and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (plastic, 1/19).

Nail softening was undertaken by 71% (17/24) of respondents for 6 to 48 hours using Mollifex Gurr (12.5%, 3/24), 10% potassium hydroxide solution (12.5%, 3/24) or 10% potassium thioglycolate cream (12.5%, 3/24).

Sections thickness was 4-9 µm (62.5%), using a steel microtome (92%,12/13) on glass slides (91.6%, 11/12).

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) was routine for all biopsies and Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) (100%,15/15) for fungus The favored stain for differentiating melanin and hemoglobin was Fontana-Masson (60%, 6/10). For pigmented lesions, Melan-A was always employed by all respondents (9/9).

Conclusion

Nail histopathology processing has some small variations from normal skin processing.

http://ift.tt/2r08LAu

Cutaneous Malignancies Simulating Seborrheic Keratoses: An Underappreciated Phenomenon?

ABSTRACT

Background

Seborrheic keratosis (SK), a common and benign entity, is generally diagnosed clinically without the need for a biopsy. Given their variable appearance, SK may mimic cancer clinically and require biopsy for clinically equivocal cases. A clinician may also choose to perform biopsies on SK based on other circumstances, such as cosmetic reasons, or SK being in an inconvenient and irritative location.

Methods

Dermatopathology samples from 2015 obtained from private and university locations were retrospectively assessed. Cases included in the study were those with "SK" or "ISK" (irritated seborrheic keratosis) and no other diagnosis in the clinical data. Cases with modifiers suggestive of malignancy such as "SK rule out others," changing, growing, etc. were excluded. A total of 4361 eligible cases were identified and used for analysis.

Results

Of the 4361 cases identified as only "SK" or "ISK" in the clinical data, 3759 (86.2%) were, in fact, SK or ISK. 466 (10.7%) were an assortment of non-malignancy diagnoses such as dermatofibroma. There were 136 (3.1%) cases histologically diagnosed as malignancies. The majority (9/136 cases; 67%) were in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma; 24.3% (33/136) were basal cell carcinoma, and 8.8% (12/136) were melanoma.

Conclusions

SK may mimic cancer even in clinically unsuspicious cases.

http://ift.tt/2rzUk4M

Vesiculobullous melanoma: an unusual manifestation of in-transit metastasis

Summary

Malignant melanoma (MM), a well-known skin cancer with a poor prognosis, has various clinical manifestations, but vesiculobullous lesions have seldom been reported. We report a case of MM forming amelanotic vesicles at the site of an in-transit metastasis, and we also review the published reports on vesiculobullous MM. Our patient was an 87-year-old man with a history of a treated plantar MM 2 years previously, who had recurrence of the MM and development of an in-transit metastasis in his lower leg. Histopathological findings revealed vesicles caused by infiltration of the tumour. A review of the English literature revealed nine cases with various clinical presentations of the vesicles or blisters. For patients with MM with vesiculobullous lesions, an accurate medical history and examination of biopsies are of primary importance for management.

http://ift.tt/2s3wjV8

Ulcerated nodules in the groin of an immunosuppressed patient

http://ift.tt/2sC4Nev

The importance of full skin examination in diagnosing cutaneous melanoma

http://ift.tt/2s3bR72

Thyroid autoimmunity in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a case–control study

Summary

The aetiopathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is not fully understood; however, increasing evidence suggests that it may be an immune-mediated disorder. Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) has classically been considered as the 'paradigm' of autoimmunity, and it has been linked to a variety of skin disorders. To our knowledge, the prevalence of AITD has not been investigated in patients with HS. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare, for the first time, the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in 70 patients with HS and in 70 age- and sex-matched controls. In all participants, thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid function tests were analysed. No statistically significant difference was detected between patients with HS and controls, either for the prevalence of thyroid antibodies or for thyroid function parameters. This lack of an association between HS and thyroid autoimmunity suggests that conventional autoimmune mechanisms may not be implicated in the pathogenesis of HS.

http://ift.tt/2sCw6VV

Physical strain: a new perspective on walking in cerebral palsy

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Astrid CJ. Balemans, Eline Bolster, Merel-Anne Brehm, Annet J. Dallmeijer
ObjectiveThe objectives of this study in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) were to 1) describe physical strain of walking, 2) describe the proportion of participants walking above the anaerobic threshold and 3) describe 4 phenotypes of physical strain of walking based on deviations in aerobic capacity and walking energy cost (EC).DesignCohortSettingAcademic medical centerParticipantsThirty-seven participants (13y5mo(4y0mo)) with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I[n=13], II[N=17] and III[N=7]) and 20 typically developing participants (TD) (11y8mo(3y5mo)).InterventionsNot applicableMain Outcome Measure(s)Oxygen consumption (VO2walk), speed and EC were determined during walking at comfortable speed. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and anaerobic threshold were measured during a maximal cycling exercise test. Aerobic capacity was decreased if <10^th percentile and EC was increased if >3SD's. Physical strain was defined as [VO2walk/VO2peak]*100.ResultsParticipants with CP had a higher physical strain (GMFCS levels I:55±12%, II:62±17% and III:78±14%) than TD (40±11%, p<0.001). 43% of the participants with CP showed a VO2walk at or higher than their anaerobic threshold compared to 10% in TD (p=0.007). Phenotypes showed that a decreased VO2peak [N=9] or an increased EC [N=9] lead to 18-20% higher physical strain, while a combination [N=12] leads to 40% increase.ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with CP walk at a high physical strain, approximating intense exercise and a considerable part walks around or above their anaerobic threshold, probably explaining fatigue and reduced walking distance. Both an increased EC and/or a decreased VO2peak contribute to high physical strain in children or adolescents with CP. The different causes of high physical strain in CP require different intervention strategies.



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Comparison of different regimens of pimecrolimus 1% cream in the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis

Summary

Background

Pimecrolimus 1% cream has already been proved to be an effective and safe alternative to treat seborrheic dermatitis. However, the treatment periods were inconstant in previous studies.

Objective

To evaluate the comparative efficacy of pimecrolimus 1% cream with different regimens for the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis.

Method

Thirty patients with facial seborrheic dermatitis were enrolled and randomly distributed to three groups. Patients of Group 1 were treated with topical pimecrolimus cream 1% twice daily for 2 weeks and then a moisturizer cream twice daily for 2 weeks. Patients of Group 2 were treated with pimecrolimus cream 1% twice daily for 2 weeks and then once daily for another 2 weeks. Patients of Group 3 had a consecutive course of pimecrolimus cream 1% twice daily for 4 weeks. Objective symptoms, subjective symptoms, and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were measured at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6.

Results

At week 4, the clinical severity scores of all three regimens significantly decreased (P<.01). The improvement of total severity score in Group 3 was more remarkable than groups 1 and 2 (both P<.05). This effect was maintained until the end of the study in Group 3. Life quality of all three groups was significantly improved at week 4 (P<.001), while there was no statistical difference on the improvement of life quality among three groups.

Conclusion

We recommend pimecrolimus 1% cream could be applied twice a day for 4 weeks to treat seborrheic dermatitis.

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Multicomponent access to androstano-arylpyrimidines under microwave conditions and evaluation of their anti-cancer activity in vitro

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Ádám Baji, Tamás Kiss, János Wölfling, Dávid Kovács, Nóra Igaz, Mohana Krishna Gopisetty, Mónika Kiricsi, Éva Frank
Novel ring D- and A-fused pyrimidines in the androstane series were efficiently synthesized within 10–15min in polar protic solvents under microwave irradiation via two kinds of multicomponent heterocyclization reactions followed by spontaneous or promoted oxidation. The rates of the one-pot catalyst-free transformations of steroidal β-ketoaldehydes, ammonium acetate and substituted benzaldehydes in EtOH were found to be affected slightly by the steric and electronic feature of the substituents on the aromatic ring of the arylaldehyde component and the different reactivities of rings D and A of the sterane core. At the same time, the acid-catalyzed Biginelli-type reaction of dihydrotestosterone acetate, urea and arylaldehydes, and subsequent Jones oxidation of the primarily formed dihydropyrimidinones led to the corresponding ring A-fused 1H-pyrimidin-2-ones in moderate yields independently of the substituents on the aromatic moiety. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro on human cancer cell lines as well as on non-cancerous fibroblast cells by the MTT assay in order to investigate their biological effects. As a result of the pharmacological screen, a remarkable structure-function relationship has been observed as the acetylated Biginelli products exhibited higher toxicity compared to the deacetylated version of each compound. Furthermore, in case of three 2′-arylpyrimidine derivatives a strong prostate cancer cell specific activity has been identified.

Graphical abstract

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A role for G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in estrogen-induced carcinogenesis: dysregulated glandular homeostasis, survival and metastasis

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Edward J. Filardo
Mechanisms of carcinogenesis by estrogen center on its mitogenic and genotoxic potential on tumor target cells. These models suggest that estrogen receptor (ER) signaling promotes expansion of the transformed population and that subsequent accumulation of somatic mutations that drive cancer progression occur via metabolic activation of cathecol estrogens or by epigenetic mechanisms. Recent findings that GPER is linked to obesity, vascular pathology and immunosuppression, key events in the development of metabolic syndrome and intra-tissular estrogen synthesis, provides an alternate view of estrogen-induced carcinogenesis. Consistent with this concept, GPER is directly associated with clinicopathological indices that predict cancer progression and poor survival in breast and gynecological cancers. Moreover, GPER manifests cell biological responses and a microenvironment conducive for tumor development and cancer progression, regulating cellular responses associated with glandular homeostasis and survival, invading surrounding tissue and attracting a vascular supply. Thus, the cellular actions attributed to GPER fit well with the known molecular mechanisms of G-protein coupled receptors, GPCRs, namely, their ability to transactivate integrins and EGF receptors and alter the interaction between glandular epithelia and their extracellular environment, affecting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and allowing for tumor cell survival and dissemination. This perspective reviews the molecular and cellular responses manifested by GPER and evaluates its contribution to female reproductive cancers as diseases that progress as a result of dysregulated glandular homeostasis resulting in chronic inflammation and metastasis.This review is organized in sections as follows: I) a brief synopsis of the current state of knowledge regarding estrogen-induced carcinogenesis, II) a review of evidence from clinical and animal-based studies that support a role for GPER in cancer progression, and III) a mechanistic framework describing how GPER-mediated estrogen action may influence the tumor and its microenvironment.



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A single dose of dapagliflozin, an SGLT-2 inhibitor, induces higher glycosuria in GCK- and HNF1A-MODY than in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aims

SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of oral hypoglycemic agents used in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Their effectiveness in maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is unknown. We aimed to assess the response to a single dose of 10 mg dapagliflozin in patients with Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1 Alpha (HNF1A)-MODY, Glucokinase (GCK)-MODY, and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We examined 14 HNF1A-MODY, 19 GCK-MODY, and 12 type 2 diabetes patients. All studied individuals received a single morning dose of 10 mg of dapagliflozin added to their current therapy of diabetes. To assess the response to dapagliflozin we analyzed change in urinary glucose to creatinine ratio and serum 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) level.

Results

There were only four patients with positive urine glucose before dapagliflozin administration (one with HNF1A-MODY, two with GCK-MODY, and one with T2DM), whereas after SGLT-2 inhibitor use, glycosuria occurred in all studied participants. Considerable changes in mean glucose to creatinine ratio after dapagliflozin administration were observed in all three groups (20.51 ± 12.08, 23.19 ± 8.10, and 9.84 ± 6.68 mmol/mmol for HNF1A-MODY, GCK-MODY, and T2DM, respectively, p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences in mean glucose to creatinine ratio change between type 2 diabetes and each monogenic diabetes in response to dapagliflozin (p = 0.02, p = 0.003 for HNF1-A and GCK MODY, respectively), but not between the two MODY forms (p = 0.7231). Significant change in serum 1,5-AG was noticed only in T2DM and it was −6.57 ± 7.34 mg/ml (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

A single dose of dapagliflozin, an SGLT-2 inhibitor, induces higher glycosuria in GCK- and HNF1A-MODY than in T2DM. Whether flozins are a valid therapeutic option in these forms of MODY requires long-term clinical studies.

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Circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) associates with the maturity of boys’ drawings: Does AMH slow cognitive development in males?

Abstract

Purpose

High levels of circulating anti-Müllerian hormone are unique to developing males, but the function of anti-Müllerian hormone in boys is unknown. In mice, anti-Müllerian hormone contributes to the male biases in the brain, but its receptors are present throughout non-sexually dimorphic portions of the brain. In humans, the speed of maturation is the most overt difference between girls and boys. We postulate that this is because anti-Müllerian hormone slows the maturation of the male human brain.

Methods

One hundred and fourty three 5-year or 6-year-old boys and 38 age-matched girls drew a person and donated a blood sample. The children's drawings were blind-scored to generate a maturity index. The level of anti-Müllerian hormone and the other Sertoli cell hormone, inhibin B, were measured by ELISA. The relationship between the children's age, hormones and maturity index were examined by linear regression analysis.

Results

The girls drew more complex and realistic person than the boys (32%, p = 0.001), with their drawings also being larger (39%, p = 0.037) and more coloured-in (235%, p = 0.0005). The maturity index in boys correlated with age (+r = 0.43, p < 0.0005) and anti-Müllerian hormone level (−r = −0.29, p < 0.0005). The association between maturity index and anti-Müllerian hormone level persisted when corrected for age and for inhibin B (r = −0.24, p = 0.0005). The calculated effect of the median level of anti-Müllerian hormone (1 nM) was equal to 0.81 months of development. The size and colouring of the drawings did not correlate with the boys' age, anti-Müllerian hormone or inhibin B.

Conclusions

This exploratory study provides the first indicative evidence that circulating anti-Müllerian hormone may influence the development of the human brain.

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Identification of a flavonoid C-glycoside as potent antioxidant

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 110
Author(s): Lingrong Wen, Yupeng Zhao, Yueming Jiang, Limei Yu, Xiaofang Zeng, Jiali Yang, Miaomiao Tian, Huiling Liu, Bao Yang
Flavonoids have been documented to have good antioxidant activities in vitro. However, reports on the cellular antioxidant activities of flavonoid C-glycosides are very limited. In this work, an apigenin C-glycoside was purified from Artocarpus heterophyllus by column chromatography and was identified to be 2″-O-β-D-xylosylvitexin by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The cellular antioxidant activity and anticancer activity of 2″-O-β-D-xylosylvitexin were evaluated for the first time. The quantitative structure-activity relationship was analysed by molecular modeling. Apigenin presented an unexpected cellular antioxidation behaviour. It had an antioxidant activity at low concentration and a prooxidant activity at high concentration, whereas 2″-O-β-D-xylosylvitexin showed a dose-dependent cellular antioxidant activity. It indicated that C-glycosidation improved the cellular antioxidation performance of apigenin and eliminated the prooxidant effect. The ortho-dihydroxyl at C-3′/C-4′ and C-3 hydroxyl in the flavonoid skeleton play important roles in the antioxidation behaviour. The cell proliferation assay revealed a low cytotoxicity of 2″-O-β-D-xylosylvitexin.

Graphical abstract

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Editorial Board

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 109





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