Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
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Σάββατο 24 Ιουνίου 2017
Editorial Board
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
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Information for readers
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
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July 2017:152(1)
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Allen H. Moffitt
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Extraction frequencies
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Robert Waxler
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Authors' response
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Tate H. Jackson
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Table of Contents
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
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Effect of cervical or high-pull headgear on the vertical dimensions of Class II Division 1 patients
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Divya S, Kirankumar HC
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Robert Shaye, 1937-2017
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Ahmad Abdelkarim
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Harms and adverse events in clinical research
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Florian Benicio Chauca
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Authors' response
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Erin Dobbins Zervas, Maria Therese S. Galang-Boquiren, Ales Obrez, Maria Grace Costa Viana, Budi Kusnoto, Nelson Oppermann, Flavio Sanchez, Enrique Garcia Romero
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Effects of short-term in-vivo studies on orthodontic root resorption paradigms
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Napthali Brezniak, Atalia Wasserstein
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Authors' response
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Braydon M. Patterson, Oyku Dalci, Alexandra K. Papadopoulou, Suman Madukuri, Jonathan Mahon, Peter Petocz, Axel Spahr, M. Ali Darendeliler
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Authors' response
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Sérgio Estelita Barros, Guilherme Janson, Kelly Chiqueto
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No tricks, please
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Peter M. Greco
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Introduction to incidence rates and time-changing variables for cohort studies
Publication date: July 2017
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Despina Koletsi, Nikolaos Pandis
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Compliance with removable orthodontic appliances and adjuncts: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Publication date: July 2017
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Dalya Al-Moghrabi, Fiorella Colonio Salazar, Nikolaos Pandis, Padhraig S. Fleming
IntroductionThe primary aims of this systematic review were to assess objective levels of wear of removable orthodontic appliances and components vs both stipulated and self-reported levels. We also aimed to consider patient experiences and the effectiveness of interventions geared at enhancing compliance.MethodsElectronic databases and reference lists of relevant studies were searched with no language restriction (PROSPERO: CRD42016036059). Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, case series, qualitative and mixed-methods studies objectively assessing compliance levels were identified. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I), or mixed-methods appraisal tool based on their design.ResultsOf 4269 records, 80 full texts were obtained, with 24 studies meeting the selection criteria. Of these, 11 were included in the quantitative synthesis. A weighted estimate of objectively assessed compliance levels in relation to stipulated wear time was calculated with the discrepancy highest in the headgear group (5.81 hours per day, 95% confidence interval, 4.98, 6.64) based on 6 studies. The mean discrepancy between self-reported and objectively assessed headgear wear was 5.02 hours per day (95% confidence interval, 3.64, 6.40). Compliance level was not directly related to appliance type (P = 0.211). Thematic synthesis was not undertaken because of the limited number of qualitative studies.ConclusionsCompliance with removable orthodontic appliances and adjuncts is suboptimal, and patients routinely overestimate duration of wear. Techniques for improving compliance have promise but require further evaluation in high-level research.
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Biomechanics in orthodontics
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Jean-Marc Retrouvey
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Gingival crevicular fluid bone turnover biomarkers: How postmenopausal women respond to orthodontic activation
Publication date: July 2017
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
Author(s): Sorapan Smuthkochorn, J. Martin Palomo, Mark G. Hans, Corey S. Jones, Leena Palomo
IntroductionBone turnover associated with orthodontic tooth movement is evidenced by increased bone turnover markers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Postmenopausal women have an increased concentration of serum bone turnover markers. The filtrate of this serum makes up GCF, but little is known of the bone turnover around teeth in this cohort. The objective of this investigation was to compare the GCF bone turnover markers in premenopausal vs postmenopausal women receiving orthodontic treatment at baseline and at orthodontic activation.MethodsTwenty-eight women were enrolled in the study and separated into 2 groups: premenopausal (16) and postmenopausal (12). Bone turnover was evaluated by GCF at baseline and 24 hours after orthodontic appliance activation. GCF concentrations of RANKL and OPN were measured using ELISA. Baseline and change in concentrations were compared between groups.ResultsBaseline RANKL and OPN were significantly different between the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups (P <0.05). Both markers increased significantly from baseline to 24 hours after orthodontic appliance activation in both groups (P <0.05). However, the response to orthodontic activation was not significantly different between groups.ConclusionsAlthough postmenopausal women have a different bone turnover profile at baseline than do their premenopausal counterparts, there is no difference in their response to orthodontic activation. This confers a level of security associated with orthodontic activation. Future studies are warranted to construct biomarker curves throughout orthodontic therapy.
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Directory: AAO Officers and Organizations
Source:American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 152, Issue 1
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Specific or nonspecific? Evaluation of band, baseline, and cognitive specificity of sensorimotor rhythm- and gamma-based neurofeedback
Publication date: Available online 24 June 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Silvia Erika Kober, Matthias Witte, Christa Neuper, Guilherme Wood
Neurofeedback (NF) is often criticized because of the lack of empirical evidence of its specificity. Our present study thus focused on the specificity of NF on three levels: band specificity, cognitive specificity, and baseline specificity. Ten healthy middle-aged individuals performed ten sessions of SMR (sensorimotor rhythm, 12–15Hz) NF training. A second group (N=10) received feedback of a narrow gamma band (40–43Hz). Effects of NF on EEG resting measurements (tonic EEG) and cognitive functions (memory, intelligence) were evaluated using a pre-post design. Both training groups were able to linearly increase the target training frequencies (either SMR or gamma), indicating the trainability of these EEG frequencies. Both NF training protocols led to nonspecific changes in other frequency bands during NF training. While SMR NF only led to concomitant changes in slower frequencies, gamma training affected nearly the whole power spectrum. SMR NF specifically improved memory functions. Gamma training showed only marginal effects on cognitive functions. SMR power assessed during resting measurements significantly increased after SMR NF training compared to a pre-assessment, indicating specific effects of SMR NF on baseline/tonic EEG. The gamma group did not show any pre-post changes in their EEG resting activity. In conclusion, SMR NF specifically affects cognitive functions (cognitive specificity) and tonic EEG (baseline specificity), while increasing SMR during NF training nonspecifically affects slower EEG frequencies as well (band non-specificity). Gamma NF was associated with nonspecific effects on the EEG power spectrum during training, which did not lead to considerable changes in cognitive functions or baseline EEG activity.
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Pre-operative Carotid Plaque Echolucency Assessment has no Predictive Value for Long-Term Risk of Stroke or Cardiovascular Death in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy
Publication date: Available online 23 June 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): D. de Waard, G.J. de Borst, R. Bulbulia, H. Pan, A. Halliday
IntroductionIn patients with carotid stenosis receiving medical treatment, carotid plaque echolucency has been thought to predict risk of future stroke and of other cardiovascular events. This study evaluated the prognostic value of pre-operative plaque echolucency for future stroke and cardiovascular death in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy in the first Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial (ACST-1).MethodsIn ACST-1, 1832/3120 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA), of whom 894 had visual echolucency assessment according to the Gray-Weale classification. During follow-up patients were monitored both for peri-procedural (i.e. within 30 days) death, stroke, or MI, and for long-term risk of stroke or cardiovascular death. Unconditional maximum likelihood estimation was used to calculate odds ratios of peri-procedural risk and Kaplan-Meier statistics with log-rank test were used to compare cumulative long-term risks.ResultsOf 894 operated patients in whom echolucency was assessed, 458 plaques (51%) were rated as echolucent and peri-procedural risk of death/stroke/MI in these patients was non-significantly higher when compared with patients with non-echolucent plaques (OR 1.48 [95% CI 0.76–2.88], p = .241). No differences were found in the 10 year risk of any stroke (30/447 [11.6%] vs. 29/433 [11.0%], p = .900) or cardiovascular (non-stroke) death (85/447 [27.9%] vs. 93/433 [32.1%], p = .301).ConclusionIn ACST-1, carotid plaque echolucency assessment in patients undergoing CEA offered no predictive value with regard to peri-operative or long-term stroke risk or of cardiovascular (non-stroke) death.
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Phenotypic approaches to positional therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea
I thank Drs. Oksenberg and Gadoth for highlighting the important role that positional therapy may play in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) according to a phenotypic approach [1]. The recent phenotyping review in this journal [2] focused on physiological mechanisms with potential clinical application. Clinical phenotypes such as supine OSA has been the feature of other recent comprehensive reviews and research articles that eloquently highlight the therapeutic potential of positional therapy and how changes in body position alter the phenotypic traits that cause OSA (e.g.
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Aging alters mRNA expression of amyloid transporter genes at the blood-brain barrier
Publication date: September 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 57
Author(s): Doreen Osgood, Miles C. Miller, Arthur A. Messier, Liliana Gonzalez, Gerald D. Silverberg
Decreased clearance of potentially toxic metabolites, due to aging changes, likely plays a significant role in the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides and other macromolecules in the brain of the elderly and in the patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aging is the single most important risk factor for AD development. Aβ transport receptor proteins expressed at the blood-brain barrier are significantly altered with age: the efflux transporters lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 and P-glycoprotein are reduced, whereas the influx transporter receptor for advanced glycation end products is increased. These receptors play an important role in maintaining brain biochemical homeostasis. We now report that, in a rat model of aging, gene transcription is altered in aging, as measured by Aβ receptor gene messenger RNA (mRNA) at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 30, and 36 months. Gene mRNA expression from isolated cerebral microvessels was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 and P-glycoprotein mRNA were significantly reduced in aging, and receptor for advanced glycation end products was increased, in parallel with the changes seen in receptor protein expression. Transcriptional changes appear to play a role in aging alterations in blood-brain barrier receptor expression and Aβ accumulation.
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Scholar : These new articles for Museum Management and Curatorship are available online
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Fungal Keratitis Caused by Metarhizium anisopliae complex
Publication date: Available online 23 June 2017
Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports
Author(s): Mahmood J. Showail, Julianne V. Kus, George Kar Tsui, Hall F. Chew
PurposeTo report a case of fungal keratitis caused by Metarhizium anisopliae complexMethodsCase reportResultsOur patient presented with a central corneal infiltrate. Fungal culture yielded a Metarhizium species. She was started on antifungal agents with no significant improvement. A therapeutic corneal transplant was performed after perforation. At two years follow up, she was free of infection.ConclusionMetarhizium anisopliae is a very rare cause of keratitis. Although previous reported cases showed clinical improvement with antifungal agents, this case required surgical treatment to control the infection.
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ADM research guidance papers
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Paulo Cesar, Reinhard Hickel, J. Robert Kelly, Ulrich Lohbauer, David C. Watts
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A Case of "Late" Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism.
| Related Articles |
A Case of "Late" Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism.
Case Rep Endocrinol. 2017;2017:3962951
Authors: Simões CA, Costa MK, Comerlato LB, Ogusco AA, Araújo Filho V, Dedivitis RA, Cernea CR
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism normally occurs a short time after thyroid surgery in form of two clinical syndromes of different etiology and prognosis. The first is transitory and might spontaneously recover within a few weeks or months. The second is permanent and needs a definitive treatment. Only few cases of hypoparathyroidism clinically evident after many years from surgery have been reported.
CASE REPORT: A case of hypoparathyroidism clinically evident only three and a half years after surgery is reported. Our findings and review of a few cases reported by medical literature suggest the existence of a third form of postsurgical hypoparathyroidism, characterized by a late beginning.
PMID: 28642829 [PubMed]
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Severe Short Stature in an Adolescent Male with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Therapeutic Conundrum.
| Related Articles |
Severe Short Stature in an Adolescent Male with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Therapeutic Conundrum.
Case Rep Endocrinol. 2017;2017:4271978
Authors: Wasserman M, Mulvihill EM, Ganan-Soto A, Uysal S, Quintos JB
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency results in excess androgen production which can lead to early epiphyseal fusion and short stature. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder resulting from a defect on chromosome 15 due to paternal deletion, maternal uniparental disomy, or imprinting defect. Ninety percent of patients with PWS have short stature. In this article we report a patient with simple-virilizing CAH and PWS who was overtreated with glucocorticoids for CAH and not supplemented with growth hormone for PWS, resulting in a significantly short adult height.
PMID: 28638668 [PubMed]
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Scholar : These new articles for Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science are available online
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Scholar : These new articles for AIDS Care are available online
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Evaluation of Texture Analysis Parameter for Response Prediction in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Drug-eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) Using Biphasic Contrast-enhanced CT Image Data
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Christopher Kloth, Wolfgang M. Thaiss, Rainer Kärgel, Rainer Grimmer, Jan Fritz, Sorin Dumitru Ioanoviciu, Dominik Ketelsen, Konstantin Nikolaou, Marius Horger
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the potential role of computed tomography texture analysis (CTTA) of arterial and portal-venous enhancement phase image data for prediction and accurate assessment of response of hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) by comparison to liver perfusion CT (PCT).Materials and MethodsTwenty-eight patients (27 male; mean age 67.2 ± 10.4) with 56 hepatocellular carcinoma-typical liver lesions were included. Arterial and portal-venous phase CT data obtained before and after TACE with a mean time of 39.93 ± 62.21 days between examinations were analyzed. TACE was performed within 48 hours after first contrast-enhanced CT. CTTA software was a prototype. CTTA analysis was performed blinded (for results) by two observers separately. Combined results of modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (mRECIST) and PCT of the liver were used as the standard of reference. Time to progression was additionally assessed for all patients. CTTA parameters included heterogeneity, intensity, average, deviation, skewness, and entropy of co-occurrence. Each parameter was compared to those of PCT (blood flow [BF], blood volume, arterial liver perfusion [ALP], portal-venous perfusion, and hepatic perfusion index) measured before and after TACE.ResultsmRECIST + PCT yielded 28.6% complete response (CR), 42.8% partial response, and 28.6% stable disease. Significant correlations were registered in the arterial phase in CR between changes in mean heterogeneity and BF (P = .004, r = −0.815), blood volume (P = .002, r = −0.851), and ALP (P = .002, r = −0.851), respectively. In the partial response group, changes in mean heterogeneity correlated with changes in ALP (P = .003) and to a lesser degree with hepatic perfusion index (P = .027) in the arterial phase. In the stable disease group, BF correlated with entropy of nonuniformity (P = .010). In the portal-venous phase, no statistically significant correlations were registered in all groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of CTTA parameters yielded predictive cutoff values for CR in the arterial contrast-enhanced CT phase for uniformity of skewness (sensitivity: 90.0%; specificity: 45.8%), and in the portal-venous phase for uniformity of heterogeneity (sensitivity: 92.3%; specificity: 81.8%).ConclusionsSignificant correlations exist between CTTA parameters and those derived from PCT both in the pre- and the post-TACE settings, and some of them have predictive value for TACE midterm outcome.
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The Efficacy of Low-intensity Vibration to Improve Bone Health in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease Is Highly Dependent on Compliance and Muscle Response
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Chamith S. Rajapakse, Mary B. Leonard, Elizabeth A. Kobe, Michelle A. Slinger, Kelly A. Borges, Erica Billig, Clinton T. Rubin, Felix W. Wehrli
Rational and ObjectivesLow intensity vibration (LIV) may represent a nondrug strategy to mitigate bone deficits in patients with end-stage renal disease.Materials and MethodsThirty end-stage renal patients on maintenance hemodialysis were randomized to stand for 20 minutes each day on either an active or placebo LIV device. Analysis at baseline and completion of 6-month intervention included magnetic resonance imaging (tibia and fibula stiffness; trabecular thickness, number, separation, bone volume fraction, plate-to-rod ratio; and cortical bone porosity), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (hip and spine bone mineral density [BMD]), and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (tibia trabecular and cortical BMD; calf muscle cross-sectional area).ResultsIntention-to-treat analysis did not show any significant changes in outcomes associated with LIV. Subjects using the active device and with greater than the median adherence (70%) demonstrated an increase in distal tibia stiffness (5.3%), trabecular number (1.7%), BMD (2.3%), and plate-to-rod ratio (6.5%), and a decrease in trabecular separation (−1.8%). Changes in calf muscle cross-sectional area were associated with changes in distal tibia stiffness (R = 0.85), trabecular bone volume/total volume (R = 0.91), number (R = 0.92), and separation (R = −0.94) in the active group but not in the placebo group. Baseline parathyroid hormone levels were positively associated with increased cortical bone porosity over the 6-month study period in the placebo group (R = 0.55) but not in the active group (R = 0.01). No changes were observed in the nondistal tibia locations for either group except a decrease in hip BMD in the placebo group (−1.7%).ConclusionOutcomes and adherence thresholds identified from this pilot study could guide future longitudinal studies involving vibration therapy.
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Varicocele and semen quality: a retrospective case–control study of 4230 patients from a single centre
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present study is to assess impairment of spermatogenesis induced by varicocele in, to our knowledge, the largest single-centre caseload available to date.
Materials and methods
We conducted a retrospective study on 4230 consecutive patients attending our Department for andrological outpatient assessment and preconception check-ups between 2011 and 2014. A total of 2113 patients had varicocele (Group V), while the remaining 2117 were selected as the control group (Group C). All patients were divided into age classes (<17, 18–28, 29–39 and ≥40 years), and Group V patients were classified as "low" (I–II) or "high" (III–IV) grade.
Results
Varicocele patients had a higher mean height than controls, as well as lower BMI. There was also a statistically significant reduction in the concentration/mL and the total sperm number in Group V against Group C. When stratified by age, values for all semen parameters were significantly worse in the older than in the younger age classes in both Group V and Group C, except for concentration/mL and total sperm number in the 29–39 and ≥40 age classes in both groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that factors independently predicting the presence of varicocele were older age, higher BMI and smoking for more than 10 years.
Conclusions
Varicocele patients show worse semen parameters compared to controls, although their values were still within WHO reference limits. Semen quality is further worsened by increased age, grade and chronic smoking.
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Cone-beam computed tomography for assessment of dens invaginatus in the Polish population
Abstract
Objectives
There are many developmental variations in the permanent dentition. Dens invaginatus can be recognized on many dental X-rays of affected patients, but not every image allows for assessment of the type of malformation. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of dens invaginatus with radiological features using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods
CBCT images of 33 patients were evaluated. Age, sex, side, lateralization, occurrence in a particular group of teeth, type of invagination, differentiation, and the consequences of these factors were analyzed.
Results
Forty-one teeth with dens invaginatus met the inclusion criteria for this evaluation. Females were affected more frequently than males (57.6 vs. 42.4%, respectively). The patients' age ranged from 7 to 40 years, and the occurrence of dens invaginatus peaked from age 9 to 13 years. In total, 92.7% of affected teeth were present in the maxilla, more often unilaterally (75.8%) than bilaterally (24.2%). The most frequent tooth with dens invaginatus was the maxillary lateral incisor (53.7% of affected teeth). Almost two-thirds (63.4%) of affected teeth were found on the left side and 36.6% were found on the right. The tooth anatomy was distorted within the crown and root. Dens invaginatus sometimes affected other surrounding teeth and reduced their esthetics.
Conclusions
The obtained data indicate that CBCT examination is an essential tool in assessing dens invaginatus and can guide dental practitioners in treating patients who exhibit characteristic features of this disorder. CBCT allows the clinician to distinguish the type of anomaly.
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Radiological manifestations of renal osteodystrophy in the orofacial region: a case report and literature review
Abstract
Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a metabolic skeletal pathology that frequently affects the orofacial region and presents with characteristic radiological manifestations. This paper reports a case of ROD causing diffused orofacial bone alterations in a female patient with end-stage chronic kidney disease. The radiological features on panoramic, posteroanterior and lateral skull and computed tomography radiographs are described for this case. Previous reports in the literature are reviewed and discussed with a focus on radiological characteristics and differential diagnoses.
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Activation of IRF3 contributes to IFN-γ and ISG54 expression during the immune responses to B16F10 tumor growth
Publication date: September 2017
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 50
Author(s): Zachary Guinn, Deborah M. Brown, Thomas M. Petro
Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF-3) has been shown to contribute to immune control of B16 melanoma tumor growth. We have shown previously that IRF-3 has a role in IFN-γ-induced expression of pro-apoptotic interferon stimulated gene 54 (ISG54) in macrophages and IFN-γ in T cells. To investigate the IRF3-IFN-γ-ISG54 nexus, we injected C57Bl/6 (B6) and IRF3KO mice s.c. with luciferase-producing B16-F10 tumor cells. Tumor growth as measured by luciferase levels was similar between B6 and IRF3KO mice at days 2 and 6, but was significantly greater at day 9 in IRF3KO mice compared with B6 mice. Transcription factor assays on splenic protein extracts after tumor inoculation revealed peak activation of IRF3 and IRF7 at day 6 in B6 tumor-bearing mice but not in IRF3KO tumor-bearing mice. Likewise, significant induction of IFN-γ occurred in spleens and tumors in B6 mice from days 6–9 but failed to occur in tumor-bearing IRF3KO mice. Previous reports from other labs showed that the anti-tumor properties of IFN-γ are the result of cell cycle arrest. Using B16F1 cells or B16F1 cells deficient in IFN-γ receptor (B16-IRFGRKO), we found that IFN-γ alone and in synergy with the TLR3/IRF3 agonists, poly I:C, decreased B16F1 cell growth in significant correlation with increased ISG54 expression. Moreover, IFN-γ alone increased expression of the cell cycle inhibitor, p27Kip while IFN-γ plus poly I:C increased cleaved Caspase-3 in B16 cells. Thus, it is likely that an IFN-γ/IRF3/ISG54 nexus can significantly contribute to tumor cell control during anti-tumor immune responses.
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Chapter 3: The Role of PET/CT in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Hrishikesh Kale, Tanya J. Rath
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is an important cause of cancer morbidity worldwide and has been stratified into HPV-related and HPV-unrelated subgroups which impact prognosis and now staging. Conventional anatomic imaging methods are suboptimal for the detection of regional and distant metastases which are important prognosticators associated with poor outcomes. Functional imaging with FDG PET/CT is a useful tool in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, providing complementary physiologic and anatomic information. In this article, optimal PET/CT technique will be reviewed and the pre-treatment and post-treatment applications of PET/CT will be described. A simplified approach to imaging interpretation, including review of pearls and pitfalls will discussed. An initial framework for follow-up evaluation will be provided.
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The Role of Sonoelastography in Breast Lesions
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Richard G. Barr
There is a large body of published material that supports the use of elastography, both strain and shear wave, for characterization of breast lesions. To a lesser extent elastography can be used in the detection of breast abnormalities. This article reviews the principles of elastography regarding breast imaging, reviews the techniques to perform both strain and shear wave elastography, reviews the literature and discuss how elastography can be used to improve the characterization of breast lesions to allow for decrease in the number of short-term follow-up examinations and benign biopsies.
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Imaging of Lymph Nodes in the Head and Neck
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Tanya J. Rath
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Image-guided Fine Needle Aspiration and Core Needle Biopsy of Neck Lymph Nodes: Techniques, Pearls, and Pitfalls
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Amir A. Borhani, Sara E. Monaco
Image-guided percutaneous biopsy of cervical lymph nodes is a minimally invasive method performed for characterization of abnormal lymph nodes, staging, and for detection of regional tumor recurrence. When performed with proper technique and by a skilled proceduralist, this technique offers a very high diagnostic yield and can potentially save the patient from more invasive procedures. Its diagnostic role in different disease processes and the variations in technique as well as its potential risks and pitfalls will be discussed in this article.
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Case Report: Metastatic Phyllodes tumor
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): L. Ruiz-Flores, L.O. Ebuoma, M.B. Benveniste, C. Nagi, T. OrtizPerez, A.P. Benveniste
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Thyroid Malignancy. Staging and Restaging
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Daniel Thomas Ginat, Anca M. Avram
Determining the extent of disease is necessary for guiding the management of thyroid carcinomas. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound, CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine scans, plays an essential role in staging and restaging of thyroid carcinomas. This article reviews the approaches and imaging findings for evaluating the primary tumor, regional lymph node metastases, and distant metastases. In addition, potential pitfalls are discussed and depicted.
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CH 5. Ultrasound Characteristics of Benign Versus Malignant Cervical Lymph Nodes
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Ramanujam Prativadi, Nirvikar Dahiya, Aya Kamaya, Shweta Bhatt
With approximately 800 lymph nodes in the body, and more than one third found within the head and neck, lymph nodes are a common site for neck pathology. Differentiation between benign and malignant lymph nodes is critical in accurate prognosis; similarly, treatment hinges on accurate identification of the etiology of the pathologic process. Key grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound criteria can help accurately distinguish between benign and malignant lymph nodes.
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Chapter 1. Neck Anatomy, Imaging Based Level Nodal Classification and Impact of Primary Tumor Site on Patterns of Nodal Metastasis
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Matthew H. Kulzer, Barton F. Branstetter
The anatomy of the neck is complex, with many critical structures crowded together in a relatively small cross sectional area. Many structures in the neck also have similar soft tissue density or signal which further complicates interpretation for the radiologist, who relies on tissue differences to create contrast resolution and distinguish structures. Head and neck cancer incidence worldwide exceeds 550,000 cases per year with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis relying highly on a thorough knowledge of this compact space. This chapter will focus on reviewing head and neck anatomy with special attention to nodal anatomy and discussing the expected patterns of nodal spread in head and neck cancers.
http://ift.tt/2t5nJWa
Chapter 2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Imaging Evaluation of Regional Lymph Nodes and Implications for Management
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Hillary R. Kelly, Hugh D. Curtin
The presence of cervical lymph node metastases is a major prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). The presence of a solitary ipsilateral metastatic lymph node reduces expected survival by almost 50%, and the presence of regional metastatic nodes at the time of presentation is the strongest predictor of recurrence and/or the development of distant metastases. Therefore, accurate identification of metastatic cervical lymph nodes is essential for staging and treatment planning. Pretreatment imaging is important for identifying clinically occult pathologic nodes as well as delineating nodal size and morphologic characteristics used in staging. The role of imaging and its implications for management are reviewed, with emphasis on the traditional modalities and imaging criteria, including evaluation for extranodal extension.
http://ift.tt/2rNafdE
Non-Squamous Cell Causes of Cervical Lymphadenopathy
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Mohit Agarwal, Seyed Ali Nabavizadeh, Suyash Mohan
Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common indication for imaging evaluation of the neck. Besides metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, cervical lymphadenopathy can be due to many causes, with simple reactive lymphadenopathy on one end of the spectrum and malignant lymphadenopathy due to distant a distant infraclavicular primary, on the other end. A systematic approach to the cause of cervical lymphadenopathy which includes pattern of lymph node enlargement, lymph node characteristics, systemic symptoms and extranodal abnormalities can be very useful in arriving at the correct diagnosis. In this review, various patterns of cervical lymphadenopathy due to non-squamous cell causes are discussed.
http://ift.tt/2t5ZJ5i
On the Horizon: Advanced Imaging Techniques to Improve Non-invasive Assessment of Cervical Neck Nodes
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): S. Ali Nabavizadeh, Sanjeev Chawla, Mohit Agarwal, Suyash Mohan
http://ift.tt/2rMBK7r
Acute Bowel Computed Tomography
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Abdulmalik Dredar, Prem Thanaratnam, Kaiser Hussain, Seth Andrews, Edward Mtui, Tara Catanzano
Acute abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in the emergency department. Increasingly, computed tomography is utilized for evaluating these patients. Radiologists are therefore expected to be familiar with the pertinent clinical and radiologic information related to acute bowel pathology. This primer will review the need-to-know and latest updates related to computed tomography evaluation of acute bowel pathology
http://ift.tt/2t5TSg9
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Musculoskeletal Emergencies
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Parthiv Mehta, Micheal Morrow, Joshua Russell, Nikhil Madhuripan, Michael Habeeb
Musculoskeletal trauma and infections are commonly encountered in the emergency department. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rarely employed in true emergencies and most musculoskeletal studies can be deferred to the outpatient setting. This article seeks to address the urgent conditions in which MRI can play a role in diagnosis, management, and treatment. This article outlines MRI's role in the evaluation of posterolateral corner injuries and other soft-tissue pathologies such as rhabdomyolysis, diabetic myonecrosis, septic arthritis, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and compartment syndrome.
http://ift.tt/2rN1hNr
Letter from the Guest Editor: Seminars 2017
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Tara Catanzano
http://ift.tt/2t5WVVV
Computed Tomography Angiography of the Extremities in Emergencies
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Nikhil Madhuripan, Parthiv Mehta, Sara E. Smolinski, Njogu Njuguna
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the extremities offers a noninvasive, rapid means of evaluation of the extremities in vascular emergencies. CTA is now the first-line investigation for this purpose, offering high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis. The learning objectives of this review article include reviewing normal arterial anatomy and variants of the upper and lower extremity, illustrating CTA findings in traumatic vascular injuries, and exploring the range of vascular pathologies that may cause acute ischemic symptoms in the extremities.
http://ift.tt/2rMJBl5
Neuromodulation of Axon Terminals
Abstract
Understanding which cellular compartments are influenced during neuromodulation underpins any rational effort to explain and optimize outcomes. Axon terminals have long been speculated to be sensitive to polarization, but experimentally informed models for CNS stimulation are lacking. We conducted simultaneous intracellular recording from the neuron soma and axon terminal (blebs) during extracellular stimulation with weak sustained (DC) uniform electric fields in mouse cortical slices. Use of weak direct current stimulation (DCS) allowed isolation and quantification of changes in axon terminal biophysics, relevant to both suprathreshold (e.g., deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation) and subthreshold (e.g., transcranial DCS and transcranial alternating current stimulation) neuromodulation approaches. Axon terminals polarized with sensitivity (mV of membrane polarization per V/m electric field) 4 times than somas. Even weak polarization (<2 mV) of axon terminals significantly changes action potential dynamics (including amplitude, duration, conduction velocity) in response to an intracellular pulse. Regarding a cellular theory of neuromodulation, we explain how suprathreshold CNS stimulation activates the action potential at terminals while subthreshold approaches modulate synaptic efficacy through axon terminal polarization. We demonstrate that by virtue of axon polarization and resulting changes in action potential dynamics, neuromodulation can influence analog–digital information processing.http://ift.tt/2t5yeZn
A Randomized Trial on the Effects of Attentional Focus on Motor Training of the Upper Extremity Using Robotics with Individuals after Chronic Stroke
Publication date: Available online 24 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Grace J. Kim, Jim Hinojosa, Ashwini K. Rao, Mitchell Batavia, Michael W. O'Dell
ObjectiveTo compare the long-term effects of external focus (EF) versus internal focus (IF) of attention after 4-weeks of arm training. Design: Randomized, repeated measure, mixed ANOVA.SettingOutpatient clinic.Participants33 individuals with stroke and moderate-to-severe arm impairment living in the community (3 withdrawals).Interventions4-week arm training protocol on the InMotion ARM robot (12 sessions).Main Outcome MeasuresJoint independence, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Wolf Motor Function Test measured at baseline, discharge, and 4-week follow-up.ResultsThere were no between-group effects for attentional focus. Participants in both groups improved significantly on all outcome measures from baseline to discharge and maintained those changes at 4-week follow-up regardless of group assignment [Jt indep-EF, F(1.6, 45.4) = 17.74, p<.0005, partial η2=.39; Jt indep-IF, F(2, 56)= 18.66, p<.0005, partial η2=.40; FMA, F(2, 56) = 27.83, p<.0005, partial η2=.50 ; WMFT, F(2, 56) =14.05, p<.0005, partial η2=.35].ConclusionThere were no differences in retention of motor skills between EF and IF participants four weeks after arm training, suggesting that individuals with moderate-to-severe arm impairment may not experience the advantages of an EF found in healthy individuals. Attentional focus is most likely not an active ingredient for retention of trained motor skills for individuals with moderate-to-severe arm impairment, whereas dosage and intensity of practice appear to be pivotal. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of attentional focus for individuals with mild arm impairment.
http://ift.tt/2sBdJmk
Effects of scapular stabilization exercise training on scapular kinematics, disability, and pain in subacromial impingement: A randomized controlled trial
Publication date: Available online 24 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Elif Turgut, Irem Duzgun, Gul Baltaci
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of two different exercise programs on three-dimensional scapular kinematics, disability, and pain in participants with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS).DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingOutpatient clinic and research laboratory.ParticipantsThirty participants who were diagnosed with SIS and who also exhibited scapular dyskinesis.InterventionsThe participants were randomized in two different exercise groups: 1) shoulder girdle stretching and strengthening with additional scapular stabilization exercises based on a kinetic chain approach (intervention group), and 2) shoulder girdle stretching and strengthening exercises only (control group).Main Outcome MeasuresThree-dimensional scapular kinematics, self-reported shoulder pain, and disability were evaluated at baseline, after 6 weeks of training, and after 12 weeks of training.ResultsSignificant differences were observed between the control and intervention group in external rotation and posterior tilt after 6 weeks of training and in external rotation, posterior tilt, and upward rotation after 12 weeks of training. All groups showed improvement in self-reported pain and disability scores, however there were no significant differences between the groups.ConclusionProgressive exercise training independent from specific scapular stabilization exercises provides decreased disability and pain severity in impingement syndrome.
http://ift.tt/2s6gA3s
Effects of Transcranial direct current stimulation with sensory modulation on stroke motor rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial
Publication date: Available online 24 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Chia-Lin Koh, Jau-Hong Lin, Jiann-Shing Jeng, Sheau-Ling Huang, Ching-Lin Hsieh
ObjectiveTo test whether a multi-strategy intervention enhanced recovery immediately and longitudinally in patients with severe to moderate upper extremity (UE) paresis.DesignDouble-blind randomized controlled trial with placebo control.SettingAn outpatient department of a local medical center.ParticipantsPeople (n = 25) with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Participants in the transcranial direct current stimulation with sensory modulation (tDCS-SM) and in the control group were 55.3±11.5 (n=14) and 56.9±13.5 (n=11) years old, respectively.Interventions8-week intervention. The tDCS-SM group received bilateral tDCS, bilateral cutaneous anesthesia, and high repetitions of passive movements on the paretic hand. The control group received the same passive movements but with sham tDCS and sham anesthesia. During the experiment, all participants continued their regular rehabilitation.Main outcome measuresVoluntary UE movement, spasticity, UE function, and basic activities of daily living. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, at post-intervention, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups.ResultsNo significant differences were found between groups. However, there was a trend that the voluntary UE movement improved more in the tDCS-SM group than in the control group, with a moderate immediate effect (partial η2, ηp2 = 0.14, p = 0.07) and moderate long-term effects (ηp2 =0.17, p = 0.05 and ηp2 = 0.12, p = 0.10). Compared with the control group, the tDCS-SM group had a trend of a small immediate effect (ηp2 = 0.02 – 0.04) on reducing spasticity but no long-term effect. A trend of small immediate and long-term effects in favor of tDCS-SM was found on UE function and daily function recovery (ηp2= 0.02 - 0.09).ConclusionsAccompanied with traditional rehabilitation, tDCS-SM had a non-significant trend of having immediate and longitudinal effects on voluntary UE movement recovery in patients with severe to moderate UE paresis after stroke, but its effects on spasticity reduction and functional recovery may be limited. (NCT01847157)
http://ift.tt/2s6BSOt
Pain Intensity, Interference, and Medication Use after Spinal Cord Injury: Relationship with Risk of Mortality after Controlling for Socioeconomic and Other Health Factors
Publication date: Available online 23 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): James S. Krause, Yue Cao, Jillian M.R. Clark
ObjectiveTo identify the relationships of pain intensity, pain interference, and pain medication use with risk of mortality after spinal cord injury (SCI), controlling for demographic, injury, socioeconomic, and health factors.DesignProspective data collection occurred in 2007-2009 as part of a larger longitudinal study initiated in 1997-1998. Mortality status was determined as of December 31, 2014 using the National Death Index. A 3-stage Cox proportional hazards model was generated, with different sets of predictors entered at each step.SettingAcademic medical center in Southeastern United States.ParticipantsAll participants had traumatic SCI of at least 1-year duration at enrollment, with non-complete recovery (AIS A-D). Mortality status was obtained for 2,535 individuals, and 335 were deceased as of 2014.Interventionsn/aMain Outcome Measure(s)Mortality status.ResultsPreliminary bivariate analyses indicated deceased participants were more likely to be older at injury, have more years post injury, be male, and have a severe injury, low income, less education, and poorer health indicators. The final Cox model indicated those who used pain medication daily were 51% more likely to be deceased at follow-up (HR=1.51). Pain intensity and pain interference were not statistically significant. Non-chronic pressure sore was related to 67% higher mortality risk (HR=1.67), and chronic pressure sore 122% higher risk (HR=2.22). Other health indicators also increased the risk of mortality from 43%-73%, including hospitalization (HR=1.54), depression (HR=1.43), and amputation (HR=1.73).ConclusionsPrescription pain medication use appears to have a direct relationship with mortality, beyond that associated with other characteristics, and should become a strong focus of prevention efforts.
http://ift.tt/2sBq9e1
Alleviative effect of licorice on copper chloride-induced oxidative stress in the brain: biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and genotoxic study
Abstract
Although copper is an essential micronutrient involved in a variety of biological processes indispensable for sustaining life, it can be toxic when administered in excess. Licorice (Glycyrrhizaglabra) has been used in Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of various disorders. Licorice has the biological capabilities of detoxication, antioxidation, and antiinfection. Here, we test the hypothesis that licorice could ameliorate copper-induced neurotoxic and genotoxic effects in adult male albino rats. For this purpose, 48 adult male albino rats were randomized into five groups: group I (8 rats), untreated control; group II (16 rats), subdivided into; vehicle control IIa (8 rats) which received 1 mL saline twice weekly intraperitoneally for 8 weeks and vehicle control IIb (8 rats) received 0.5 mL distilled water/day orally gavaged for 8 weeks; group III (8 rats), treated with licorice dissolved in 0.5 mL of distilled water, 50 mg/kg b.w./day orally gavaged for 8 weeks; group IV (8 rats), copper chloride (CuCl2) dissolved in 0.5 mL saline, 7 mg/kg b.w. twice weekly intraperitoneal for 8 weeks; and group V (8 rats), CuCl2 + licorice (the same previously mentioned doses) licorice extract were orally given for 10 days before treatment was initiated then followed by CuCl2 intraperitoneally for 8 weeks. We found that CuCl2 exposure significantly increased brain oxidative stress as manifested by elevated malondialdehyde levels, decreased reduced glutathione content, and depressed antioxidant enzyme activities in brain tissues when compared with control groups. This was accompanied by histopathological changes in the form of increased cellularity and swelling of astrocytes that showed dense eosinophilic cytoplasm, pyknotic nuclei, and multiple apoptotic bodies that associated with degenerated neurons with deep eosinophilic cytoplasm. Also, strong Bax immunoreactions in the brain were detected. Furthermore, comet assay results confirmed CuCl2-related oxidative DNA damage. Notably, all these changes were partially ameliorated in rats treated concomitantly with licorice and CuCl2. Our results showed that licorice exerts protective effects against CuCl2-induced neuro- and genotoxicities. These effects may be attributed to the antioxidative property of licorice.
http://ift.tt/2tF2esK
Degradation of 3,4-dichlorobenzotrifluoride by the Fenton-like process using zirconia-coated magnetite magnetic nanoparticles as an effective heterogeneous catalyst
Abstract
In this study, zirconia-coated magnetite magnetic nanoparticles (ZrO2/Fe3O4 MNPs) were prepared, characterized, and used as an effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for 3,4-dichlorobenzotrifluoride (3,4-DCBTE) degradation. The catalytic potential of the Fe3O4/ZrO2-H2O2 system for the removal of 3,4-DCBTE was tested in comparison with several other systems, and the effects of various operating parameters, including initial solution pH, catalyst addition, H2O2 concentrations, and reaction temperature, were also evaluated with respect to the degradation efficiency of 3,4-DCBTE. Results showed that the Fe3O4/ZrO2 composite could effectively enhance the oxidation of 3,4-DCBTE by the Fenton-like process, and there might be a synergetic effect in the Fe3O4/ZrO2 composite. When the mass ratio of Fe3O4 and ZrO2 was 1:1, the Fe3O4/ZrO2 exhibited the best catalytic activity, and the catalyst-driven Fenton process achieved high removal of 3,4-DCBTE (98.5%) and total organic carbon (TOC) (52.7%) at the operating conditions: pH 3.0, catalyst 2.0 g/L, H2O2 30 mM, temperature 30 °C, and reaction time 1 h. Furthermore, five successive runs of the Fenton oxidation using the same Fe3O4/ZrO2 composite resulted in the steady removal of 3,4-DCBTE, further confirming the high stability of the catalyst. In addition, the possible catalytic mechanism and degradation pathways of 3,4-DCBTE were also investigated.
http://ift.tt/2t5Ks4M
Evaluating the efficiency of nuclear energy policies: an empirical examination for 26 countries
Abstract
The decarbonization of the global economy is an urgent concern. As a potential solution, it can be important to understand the efficiency of nuclear energy policies. For this purpose, the paper analyzes whether there is a unit root in nuclear energy consumption in 26 countries and it uses the unit root tests with two endogenous (unknown) structural breaks. The paper finds that nuclear energy consumption is stationary around a level and the time trend in 25 of 26 countries and nuclear energy consumption contains a unit root only in France. The paper also discusses the potential implications of the findings.
http://ift.tt/2tF9eWi
The removal of particle-reactive radionuclides in shallow water: Bottom scavenging versus particle settling of iodine-131 and beryllium-7
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 177
Author(s): Michael P. Montenero, Elizabeth K. Dilbone, James T. Waples
In pelagic waters, the removal of particle-reactive radionuclides is controlled by nuclide sorption to particles and subsequent settling by gravity. However, in shallow nearshore waters, the dominant mechanism of nuclide scavenging is not so clear. Understanding how particle-reactive radionuclides are scavenged from the water column is critical if these tracers are to be used as proxies of particle flux in shallow aquatic systems. In this study, we present evidence that the removal of particle-reactive radionuclides in nearshore and turbulent waters is primarily controlled by bottom scavenging. Specifically, we measured both water column and bottom sediment activities of sewage-sourced iodine-131 (131I, t ½ = 8.02 days) and atmospherically-sourced beryllium-7 (7Be, t ½ = 53.3 days) in a semi-enclosed harbor. We show that the water column 7Be/131I flux ratio that is required to sustain observed harbor bottom inventories of both nuclides is incongruent with 7Be/131I activity ratios on water column particles, and (2) 131I and 7Be derived mass fluxes of particulate matter to the harbor bottom are in concordance with each other and independently made estimates of river sediment loading to the harbor only when bottom scavenging of both particle-bound and dissolved (<0.7 μm) nuclide fractions are considered.
http://ift.tt/2rMNOp1
Influence of O/F ratio on oxygen defect and photochemical properties of BixOyFz
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Ming Ren, Fei Teng, Yang Yang, Yifei Zhai, Wenhao Gu, Zailun Liu, Zhe Liu, Yiran Teng
The BixOyFz samples with different O/F molar ratios are prepared by a simple hydrothermal method through controlling reaction medium composition. The effect of O/F molar ratio on the oxygen defect and photochemical property are mainly investigated. It is found that BiO0.51F1.98, BiO0.67F1.66, Bi7O5F11 and BiF3 can form in acetic acid/water (AA/W) medium; whereas in tetrahydrofuran/water (THF/W) medium, BiF3 and BiOF can only form. Moreover, with decreasing O/F ratio, the energy band of BixOyFz down shifts and the band gap becomes wider; but the amount of oxygen defect decreases with decreasing O/F ratio, namely, Bi7O5F11 (O/F=0.4545, g=307mT)>BiO0.67F1.66 (O/F=0.4036, g=260mT)>BiO0.51F1.98 (O/F=0.2576, g=130mT). This work suggests that BiO0.51F1.98 and BiO0.67F1.66 can be developed as the new photocatalysts.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2t5Cc4L
Control of morphology and orientation for textured nanocrystalline indium oxide thin film: A growth zone diagram
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Zimin Chen, Yi Zhuo, Ruiqin Hu, Wenbin Tu, Yanli Pei, Bingfeng Fan, Chengxin Wang, Gang Wang
The function and performance of textured polycrystalline thin films are closely related to their microstructures. However, the corresponding growth mechanisms remain unclear, which brings obstacles to the effective engineering of the films' properties. In this work, textured nanocrystalline Indium Oxide (nc-In2O3) thin films are prepared and the growth mechanism is explored. Texture morphology within or beyond the prediction of Wulff's theorem and van der Drift's growth mechanism are both observed. The orientation of the textured film changes from (100)-preferred in quasi-equilibrium growth conditions to (111)-preferred in non-equilibrium growth conditions. From a microscopic perspective of adatoms' diffusion, different growth modes for the growth of the textured In2O3 thin films is classified and a quantitative growth zone model is developed. According to the zone model, the morphology and orientation of the films could be successfully designed and controlled by changing growth conditions.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2t5BbtI
Παρασκευή 23 Ιουνίου 2017
Model-based spike sorting with a mixture of drifting t-distributions
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Kevin Q. Shan, Evgueniy V. Lubenov, Athanassios G. Siapas
BackgroundChronic extracellular recordings are a powerful tool for systems neuroscience, but spike sorting remains a challenge. A common approach is to fit a generative model, such as a mixture of Gaussians, to the observed spike data. Even if non-parametric methods are used for spike sorting, such generative models provide a quantitative measure of unit isolation quality, which is crucial for subsequent interpretation of the sorted spike trains.New methodWe present a spike sorting strategy that models the data as a mixture of drifting t-distributions. This model captures two important features of chronic extracellular recordings—cluster drift over time and heavy tails in the distribution of spikes—and offers improved robustness to outliers.ResultsWe evaluate this model on several thousand hours of chronic tetrode recordings and show that it fits the empirical data substantially better than a mixture of Gaussians. We also provide a software implementation that can re-fit long datasets in a few seconds, enabling interactive clustering of chronic recordings.Comparison with existing methodsWe identify three common failure modes of spike sorting methods that assume stationarity and evaluate their impact given the empirically-observed cluster drift in chronic recordings. Using hybrid ground truth datasets, we also demonstrate that our model-based estimate of misclassification error is more accurate than previous unit isolation metrics.ConclusionsThe mixture of drifting t-distributions model enables efficient spike sorting of long datasets and provides an accurate measure of unit isolation quality over a wide range of conditions.
http://ift.tt/2t5pTFE
Overcoming obstacles in the design of cancer anorexia/weight loss trials
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Jennifer G. Le-Rademacher, Jeffrey Crawford, William J. Evans, Aminah Jatoi
Most advanced cancer patients suffer loss of appetite (anorexia) and loss of weight. Despite the fact that cancer anorexia and weight loss are associated with a poor prognosis and detract from quality of life, no interventions have been demonstrated to palliate this syndrome in its entirety, particularly in patients with treatment-refractory malignancies. Recently, two registration trials − one with anamorelin and another with enobosarm − failed to reach their primary endpoints, thus raising questions. Were both these agents ineffective? Alternatively, did study design issues compromise the ability of these trials to identify effective agents? Thus, this review is timely insofar it serves as an introduction to study design, offers guidance on how to test promising agents for cancer anorexia/weight loss, and provides advice for overcoming trial design obstacles.
http://ift.tt/2s6kbOL
UNRAVELLING THE COMPLEXITY OF SIGNALLING NETWORKS IN CANCER: A REVIEW OF THE INCREASING ROLE FOR COMPUTATIONAL MODELLING
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): John Garland
Cancer induction is a highly complex process involving hundreds of different inducers but whose eventual outcome is the same. Clearly, it is essential to understand how signalling pathways and networks generated by these inducers interact to regulate cell behaviour and create the cancer phenotype. While enormous strides have been made in identifying key networking profiles, the amount of data generated far exceeds our ability to understand how it all "fits together". The number of potential interactions is astronomically large and requires novel approaches and extreme computation methods to dissect them out. However, such methodologies have high intrinsic mathematical and conceptual content which is difficult to follow. This review explains how computation modelling is progressively finding solutions and also revealing unexpected and unpredictable nano-scale molecular behaviours extremely relevant to how signalling and networking are coherently integrated. It is divided into linked sections illustrated by numerous figures from the literature describing different approaches and offering visual portrayals of networking and major conceptual advances in the field. First, the problem of signalling complexity and data collection is illustrated for only a small selection of known oncogenes. Next, new concepts from biophysics, molecular behaviours, kinetics, organisation at the nano level and predictive models are presented. These areas include: visual representations of networking, Energy Landscapes and energy transfer/dissemination (entropy); diffusion, percolation; molecular crowding; protein allostery; quinary structure and fractal distributions; energy management, metabolism and re-examination of the Warburg effect. The importance of unravelling complex network interactions is then illustrated for some widely-used drugs in cancer therapy whose interactions are very extensive. Finally, use of computational modelling to develop micro- and nano- functional models ("bottom-up" research) is highlighted. The review concludes that computational modelling is an essential part of cancer research and is vital to understanding network formation and molecular behaviours that are associated with it. Its role is increasingly essential because it is unravelling the huge complexity of cancer induction otherwise unattainable by any other approach.
http://ift.tt/2sB3jmM
Promoting healthier children's meals at quick-service and full-service restaurants: Results from a pilot and feasibility study
Source:Appetite, Volume 117
Author(s): Nanette V. Lopez, Sara C. Folta, Meaghan E. Glenn, Vanessa M. Lynskey, Anjali A. Patel, Stephanie Anzman-Frasca
High-calorie restaurant foods contribute to childhood overweight. Increased consumer demand for healthier kids' meals may motivate the restaurant industry to provide additional healthy options. This study pilot-tested a combination of four strategies (toy incentive, placemats, server prompts, signage) designed to increase demand for healthier kids' meals, which were defined as those eligible for the National Restaurant Association's Kids LiveWell program. Relative sales of healthier kids' meals were examined before (n = 3473 total kids' meal orders) and during Month 1 (n = 3546 total kids' meal orders) and Month 2 of implementation (n = 3645 total kids' meal orders) of an 8-week intervention in two locations each of a quick-service (QSR) and full-service (FSR) restaurant chain. Convenience samples of children (n = 27) and their parents (n = 28) were surveyed regarding parent and child perceptions of intervention components. Findings regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention were mixed. At the FSRs, the relative percentage of monthly sales from healthier kids' meals increased from 5.0% of kids' meal orders at baseline to 8.3% during Month 1, ending at 6.4% during Month 2. At the QSRs, the relative percentage of monthly sales from healthier kids' entrees decreased from 27.5% at baseline to 25.2% during Month 1, ending at 25.9% during Month 2. Implementation quality tracking showed that consistent implementation of intervention components was a challenge; parent- and child-reported awareness of intervention components supported this finding. Future directions are discussed, aiming to build upon these findings and maximize the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of efforts to promote healthier eating in restaurants.
http://ift.tt/2sB30bx
Dining with dad: Fathers' influences on family food practices
Source:Appetite, Volume 117
Author(s): Priya Fielding-Singh
Scholars have documented multiple influences on family food practices. This article examines an overlooked contributor to family diet: fathers. Using 109 in-depth interviews with middle and upper-middle class mothers, adolescents, and fathers in the United States, I show how fathers can undermine mothers' efforts to provision a healthy diet. While family members perceive mothers as committed to provisioning a healthy diet, many fathers are seen as, at best, detached and, at worst, a threat to mothers' dietary aspirations. Fathers not only do little foodwork; they are also viewed as less concerned about their own and other family members' dietary health. When tasked with feeding, many fathers often turn to quick, unhealthy options explicitly avoided by mothers. Mothers report efforts to limit fathers' involvement in foodwork to ensure the healthiness of adolescents' diets, with variation across families by mothers' employment status. Fathers' dietary approaches reflect and reinforce traditional gender norms and expectations within families. In highlighting how and why fathers can undermine mothers' efforts to provision a healthy diet, this study deepens our understanding of the myriad dynamics shaping family food practices.
http://ift.tt/2s624ss
A novel heterocyclic compound improves working memory in the radial arm maze and modulates the dopamine receptor D1R in frontal cortex of the Sprague-Dawley rat
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 332
Author(s): Ahmed M. Hussein, Yogesh D. Aher, Predrag Kalaba, Nilima Y. Aher, Vladimir Dragačević, Bojana Radoman, Marija Ilić, Johann Leban, Tetyana Beryozkina, Abdel Baset M.A. Ahmed, Ernst Urban, Thierry Langer, Gert Lubec
A series of compounds have been shown to enhance cognitive function via the dopaminergic system and indeed the search for more active and less toxic compounds is continuing. It was therefore the aim of the study to synthetise and test a novel heterocyclic compound for cognitive enhancement in a paradigm for working memory. Specific and effective dopamine re-uptake inhibition DAT (IC50=4,1±0,8μM) made us test this compound in a radial arm maze (RAM) in the rat.CE-125 (4-((benzhydrylsulfinyl)methyl)-2-cyclopropylthiazole), was tested for dopamine (DAT), serotonin and norepinephrine re-uptake inhibition by a well-established system. The working memory index (WMI) was evaluated in male Sprague Dawley rats that were intraperitoneally injected with CE-125 (1 or 10mg/kg body weight). In order to evaluate basic neurotoxicity, the open field, elevated plus maze, rota rod studies and the forced swim test were carried out. Frontal cortex was taken at the last day of the RAM test and dopamine receptors D1R and D2R, DAT and phosphorylated DAT protein levels were determined.On the 10th day both doses were increasing the WMI as compared to the vehicle-treated group. In both, trained and treated groups, D1R levels were significantly reduced while D2R levels were unchanged. DAT levels were comparable between all groups while phosphorylated DAT levels were increased in the trained group treated with 1mg/kg body weight. CE-125 as a probably non-neurotoxic compound and specific reuptake inhibitor was shown to increase performance (WMI) and modulation of the dopaminergic system is proposed as a possible mechanism of action.
http://ift.tt/2t5rnzR
Disturbances of novel object exploration and recognition in a chronic ketamine mouse model of schizophrenia
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 332
Author(s): Maria Jelena Hauser, Dirk Isbrandt, Jochen Roeper
Schizophrenia is a chronic and devastating disease with an overall lifetime risk of 1%. While positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations and delusions are reduced by antipsychotic medication based on the inhibition of type 2 dopaminergic receptors (D2R), negative symptoms (e.g. reduced motivation) and cognitive symptoms (e.g. impaired working memory) of schizophrenia are not effectively treated by current medication. This dichotomy might arise in part because of our limited understanding of the pathophysiology of negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia. In addition to genetic approaches, chronic systemic application of NMDA inhibitors such as ketamine have been used to generate rodent models, which displayed several relevant endophenotypes related to negative and cognitive symptoms and might thus facilitate mechanistic studies into the underlying pathophysiology. In this context, previous behavioral testing identified impairments in novel object recognition memory as a key feature in chronic NMDA-inhibitor schizophrenia rodent models. Using a chronic ketamine mouse model, we have however identified are more complex behavioral phenotype including deficits in novel space and novel object exploration in combination deficits in short-term novel object recognition memory. These impairments in novelty discrimination are in line with prefrontal and hippocampal reductions in parvalbumin-expression as well as reduced expression of the early immediate gene c-fos after novel-object exploration in hippocampal areas in our model. Our results indicate that adult C57Bl6N mice chronically treated with ketamine display combined impairments in novelty exploration and recognition, which might represent both motivational (negative) and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
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