http://ift.tt/2uN5yRN
Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,00306932607174,alsfakia@gmail.com,
Ετικέτες
Παρασκευή 11 Αυγούστου 2017
Cortical Auditory-Evoked Responses in Preterm Neonates: Revisited by Spectral and Temporal Analyses
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Rewards and Cognitive Control in the Human Prefrontal Cortex
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How We Transmit Memories to Other Brains: Constructing Shared Neural Representations Via Communication
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Absence of cardiotoxicity with prolonged treatment and large accumulating doses of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin
Abstract
Background
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is used as a second-line therapy for gynecologic cancers, with a better short-term toxicity profile compared to doxorubicin or other anthracyclines.
Methods
We screened 14 patients with recurrent gynecologic cancers, who underwent prolonged treatment with large cumulative doses of PLD for overt or subtle signs of cardiotoxicity (CTX) using standard and advanced echocardiography techniques [3D volumetric method for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular/right ventricular global longitudinal strain]. Half the patients had previous echocardiographic studies available for comparison.
Results
The average PLD treatment duration was 23.6 ± 10.8 months (range 13–57), accumulating dose of 1387 ± 483 mg (range 780–2538 mg). The study group had a normal LVEF both by 2D-echo (60 ± 5%, range 50–67) and 3D echo (58 ± 5%, range 46–63). Two patients (14%) were found to have minimally reduced ejection fraction by 2D and 3D echo (50%/46% and 51%/49%, respectively) that did not meet the current definition of CTX. For the seven patients who had consecutive echocardiography studies, the average LVEF remained stable between studies (59 ± 7, 60 ± 9 and 58 ± 10.5% for the latest study, previous, p < 0.79, and most remote study p < 0.9); No change was found in average left ventricular/right ventricular global longitudinal strain as well: −20.8 ± 4.6% at the latest study and −19.3 ± 2.6% for the previous (p < 0.51).
Conclusion
No prevalent or incident cases of cardiotoxicity were found despite prolonged treatment with large cumulative doses of PLD, adding to previous reports on shorter treatment duration.
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Proposed Biochemistry of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): D.S. Robertson
The formation of brain compounds linked to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's brain diseases are described. Metabolic mechanisms involved in the control of reacting biochemicals are detailed. Relationships are established between the biochemical reactions, biochemical control mechanisms and the onset of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's. Treatments based on these relationships are proposed.
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Sex differences in cancer risk and survival: A Swedish cohort study
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 84
Author(s): Cecilia Radkiewicz, Anna L.V. Johansson, Paul W. Dickman, Mats Lambe, Gustaf Edgren
AimThe aim of this study is to firmly delineate temporal and age trends regarding sex discrepancies in cancer risk and survival as well as quantifying the potential gain achieved by eliminating this inequality.MethodsWe performed a population-based cohort study using data on all adult incident cancer cases (n = 872,397) recorded in the Swedish Cancer Register in 1970–2014. To assess the associations between sex and cancer risk and sex and survival, male-to-female incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and excess mortality ratios (EMRs) adjusted for age and year of diagnosis were estimated using Poisson regression.ResultsMen were at increased risk for 34 of 39 and had poorer prognosis for 27 of 39 cancers. Women were at increased risk for 5 of 39 and had significantly poorer survival for 2 of 39 cancers. IRRs among male predominant sites ranged from 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–-1.1 (lung adenocarcinoma) to 8.0; 95% CI, 7.5–8.5 (larynx). EMRs among sites with male survival disadvantage ranged from 1.1; 95% CI, 1.03–1.1 (colon) to 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5–-2.8 (well-differentiated thyroid).ConclusionMale sex is associated with increased risk and poorer survival for most cancer sites. Identifying and eliminating factors driving the observed sex differences may reduce the global cancer burden.
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Factors associated with degree of tumour response to neo-adjuvant radiotherapy in rectal cancer and subsequent corresponding outcomes
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)
Author(s): Katherine J. Gash, Onur Baser, Ravi P. Kiran
BackgroundTumour response to neo-adjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer varies significantly between patients, as classified by Tumour Regression Grade (TRG 0-3), with 0 equating to pathological complete response (pCR) and 3 denoting minimal/no response. pCR is associated with significantly better local recurrence rates and survival, but is achieved in only 20-30% of patients. The literature contains limited data reporting factors predictive of tumour response and corresponding outcomes according to degree of regression.MethodsAll patients with rectal cancer who received neo-adjuvant radiotherapy, entered into the National Cancer Database (NCDB) in 2009-2013, were included. Data were analysed on procedure performed, tumour details, pathological findings, chemo-radiotherapy regimens, patient demographics, outcomes and survival. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with pCR.ResultsOf 13,742 patients, 32.4% achieved pCR/TRG0 (4452). Factors associated with pCR (vs. TRG3) included adenocarcinoma rather than mucinous adenocarcinoma histology; well/moderately differentiated grade; lower clinical tumour (cT1, cT2, cT3) and nodal (N0 and N1) stage, and the addition of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Elevated CEA levels were associated with TRG3. pCR patients had higher rates of local excision, shorter mean length of stay and lower unplanned readmission rates, than TRG3. R0 resection rates and overall survival were significantly higher in all grades of regression, compared to TRG3 (p<0.0001).ConclusionTumour regression correlates with outcomes. Identifying factors predictive of response may facilitate higher pCR rates, the tailoring of therapy, and improve outcomes.
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Sentinel node biopsy after primary chemotherapy in cT2 N0/1 breast cancer patients: long-term results of a retrospective study
Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)
Author(s): Gabriele Martelli, Rosalba Miceli, Roberto Agresti, Eleonora Guzzetti, Camelia Chifu, Ilaria Maugeri, Secondo Folli, Claudio Ferranti, Giulia Bianchi, Giuseppe Capri, Maria Luisa Carcangiu, Biagio Paolini, Cristina Ferraris, Domenico Piromalli, Marco Greco
BackgroundIt is controversial whether sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is adequate in breast cancer patients who become cN0 after primary chemotherapy. To address this we retrospectively compared outcomes in T2 cases given primary chemotherapy, comparing those given axillary dissection (AD) with those given SNB but no AD if sentinel nodes were clinically negative post-chemotherapy.MethodsWe examined overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and axillary failure in 317 consecutive cT2 cN0/1 patients given primary chemotherapy followed by quadrantectomy/mastectomy, between January 2002 and December 2007. The approach to the axilla changed over time allowing division into three groups: 101 (31.9%) given upfront AD; 139 (43.8%) given SNB+AD; and 77 (24.3%) given SNB only because sentinel nodes were negative. OS and DFS were estimated by Kaplan-Meier and compared by log-rank.ResultsAfter median follow-ups of 92 (AD), 99 (SNB+AD) and 72 months (SNB-only), OS (p=0.131) and DFS (p=0.087) did not differ between the 3 groups, or between SNB-only and the ypN1 and ypN0 subgroups of SNB+AD, or between the cN0 and cN1 subgroups (before chemotherapy) of the SNB-only group. No SNB-only patient had axillary failure. OS (p=0.004) and DFS (p=0.002) were better in patients with complete response than those with partial response or stable/progressive disease.ConclusionsSNB is adequate in T2 patients who are cN0 after primary chemotherapy, irrespective of axillary status before chemotherapy. Better outcomes in patients with complete pathological remission confirm the prognostic importance of response to primary chemotherapy, and suggest that all T2 patients should receive primary chemotherapy.
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The role of cetuximab in converting initially unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases for resection
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)
Author(s): Graeme Poston, René Adam, Jianming Xu, Belinda Byrne, Regina Esser, Hassan Malik, Harpreet Wasan, Jianmin Xu
In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) predominantly confined to the liver, whether a patient undergoes potentially curative resection of the liver lesions is a well-established principal determinant of long-term survival. There are a number of different agents, both chemotherapeutic and targeted biologic agents, which can aid in shrinking liver tumors, which would have otherwise been unresectable, allowing for potentially curative resection. The aim of this this review article is to summarize the available evidence regarding optimal therapeutic strategies for converting initially unresectable metastases for potentially curative resection; we do not discuss patients who present with initially resectable disease. We have taken the approach to review trials that included R0 resection rates as one of the principal study endpoints and specifically enrolled patients with liver limited disease. Primary tumor location has recently emerged as a putative prognostic and predictive factor in patients with mCRC; however, presently, there is a lack of resectability outcomes differentiating tumor location-defined subgroups and several ongoing trials and retrospective analyses are anticipated to guide insights in the future. In conclusion, in patients with RAS wild-type mCRC, the data support preferential use of the anti–epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody cetuximab when combined with standard-of-care infusional doublet chemotherapy regimens (FOLFOX or FOLFIRI) for the conversion of initially unresectable metastases for potentially curative resection. Furthermore, we discuss data involving intensified chemotherapy regimens (ie, 3-drug backbones such as FOLFOXIRI with or without a targeted biologic agent) to promote the conversion of initially unresectable metastases for potentially curative resection.
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Scholar : These new articles for Archives and Manuscripts are available online
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Scholar : Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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Scholar : Advanced Robotics, Volume 31, Issue 15, August 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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Investigating the origin of nonfluency in aphasia: A path modeling approach to neuropsychology
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Nazbanou Nozari, Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah
A major challenge in understanding the origin of clinical symptoms in neuropsychological impairments is capturing the complexity of the underlying cognitive structure. This paper presents a practical guide to path modeling, a statistical approach that is well-suited for modeling multivariate outcomes with a multi-factorial origin. We discuss a step-by-step application of such a model to the problem of nonfluency in aphasia. Individuals with aphasia are often classified into fluent and nonfluent groups for both clinical and research purposes, but despite a large body of research on the topic, the origin of nonfluency remains obscure. We propose a model of nonfluency inspired by the psycholinguistic approach to sentence production, review several bodies of work that have independently suggested a relationship between fluency and various elements in this model, and implement it using path modeling on data from 112 individuals with aphasia from the AphasiaBank. The results show that word production, comprehension, and working memory deficits all contribute to nonfluency, in addition to syntactic impairment which has a strong and direct impact on fluency. More generally, we demonstrate that a path model is an excellent tool for exploring complex neuropsychological symptoms such as nonfluency.
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Are Extramedian Symptoms Associated with Peripheral Causes in Patient with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Electrodiagnostic and Ultrasonographic Study
Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Basak Mansiz-Kaplan, Merve Akdeniz-Leblecicier, Ilker Yagci
ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between extramedian spreading of sensorial symptoms and median and ulnar nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) and to compare the ultrasonographic and electrophysiological findings in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with or without extramedian sensory symptoms.DesignCross-sectional studyMaterials and MethodsPatients with CTS were divided into two groups as with or without extramedian symptoms and were assessed clinically, electrophysiologically and ultrasonographically by three blind investigators. In electrophysiological tests, median and ulnar nerve conduction studies were performed. Nerve cross-sectional areas were measured at hook of hamate, psiform bone, radio-ulnar joint, one-third distal part of forearm, and medial epicondyle by ultrasonography.FindingsThe study was completed with 61 patients (108 hands). Extramedian symptoms were present in 31 patients (54 hands). Finger grip strength was lower, pain values evaluated with visual analogue scale were higher in patients with extramedian symptoms (p <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in electrophysiological and ultrasonographic parameters.ConclusionAccording to our results, extramedian symptoms are not related to nerve conduction studies or nerve ultrasonography, these symptoms may be explained with central sensitization in patient with CTS.
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Urushiol-derived non-silane coupling agent
Publication date: 8 September 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 125
Author(s): Xuesong Yan, Gary R. Hamed, Li Jia
Sulfur was chemically incorporated into urushiol in one step to afford an oligomeric sulfurized urushiol (SU). About 53% of the linkages between urushiol monomer units are cleavable multi-sulfidic bonds. Surface modification of silica with SU can be achieved either in a suspension before rubber compounding or in situ during rubber compounding. SU performs better when added in situ into the rubber compound than when used to pre-modify silica. Mooney viscosity and Payne effect studies of the uncured rubber compounds show that SU is as effective as TESPT to promote filler dispersion during mixing. The increased bound rubber content and suppressed filler flocculation demonstrate that SU does indeed generate covalent filler-rubber interactions during mixing in contrast to our previously reported hydrogenated urushiol, which only act as a covering agent. However, SU is less effective than TESPT as a coupling agent. The dynamic mechanical properties of the SU-containing vulcanizate are intermediate between the TESPT-containing standard and the hydrogenated urushiol-containing standard. When SU is used to replace 50% TESPT, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the two vulcanizates are essentially identical. Noteworthy is that the reaction between SU and silica during rubber compounding produces water instead of ethanol, which the reaction of silica and TESPT produces, as a volatile organic compound.
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Efficient pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3-dione-based wide band gap polymer for high-efficiency binary and ternary solar cells
Publication date: 8 September 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 125
Author(s): Vellaiappillai Tamilavan, Jihoon Lee, Rajalingam Agneeswari, Dal Yong Lee, Yun Kyung Jung, Shinuk Cho, Jung Hyun Jeong, Youngeup Jin, Myung Ho Hyun, Sung Heum Park
Wide band gap pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3(2H,5H)-dione (PPD)-based alternating polymer, P(BDTT-ttPPD) was synthesized by combining electron-rich 4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BDTT) and electron-deficient 4,6-bis(2-bromothieno[3,2-b]thiophen-5-yl)-5-octyl-2-(2-octyldodecyl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3(2H, 5H)-dione (ttPPD). When the P(BDTT-ttPPD) polymer was applied to binary polymer solar cells (PSCs) as a donor material, the device exhibited a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.93% with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.87 V, a short-circuit current (Jsc) of 11.38 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 70%. The photovoltaic performance was further improved to 9.08% (Voc ∼ 0.80 V, Jsc ∼ 16.05 mA/cm2, and FF ∼ 71%) when the polymer was used as a donor component for absorbing high-energy light in ternary PSCs with a blend of P(BDTT-ttPPD):PTB7-Th:PC70BM. The overall PCE of ternary PSCs was found to be higher than those of the binary PSCs made form P(BDTT-ttPPD) or PTB7-Th. We discuss the property modulation of PPD-based polymers via the replacement of thiophene π–spacer units with thieno[3,2-b]thiophene.
Graphical abstract
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Scholar : These new articles for Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant Science are available online
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Scholar : Applied Developmental Science, Volume 21, Issue 4, October-December 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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Scholar : These new articles for The Law Teacher are available online
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Immobilization of lead by application of soil amendment produced from vinegar residue, stainless steel slag, and weathered coal
Abstract
This paper presents a new soil amendment used for immobilization of soil Pb, produced from vinegar residue, stainless steel slag, and weathered coal. The pH value measuring, granulation and adsorption experiments were carried out to determine the optimal composition of soil amendment. Optimizing soil amendment B2 was composed of vinegar residue, weathered coal (humic acid 61.53 wt%), and stainless steel slag with the ratio of 80∶16∶4, and particle size was in the range of 2–4 mm. In the leaching column experiment, B2 addition reduced the Pb release from the soil as well as increasing leachate pH and decreasing the bioavailable Pb concentration. The leachate Pb concentration decreased with lengthened leaching time under lower pH, but such a phenomenon disappeared in the rebounding period. Compared to control, the DTPA extractable Pb content in soil decreased by 12.41, 13.20, and 8.78% with the B2 addition amount of 1.00, 2.00, and 2.00 wt%, respectively. In addition, the total Pb content of each soil layer generally rose as B2 addition increased. It was concluded that application of B2 led to lower transport and transformation of Pb in soil. Based on the single chemical extraction, the environmental risk of Pb was decreased after application of B2. Meanwhile, soil amendment was also a new way to recycle vinegar residue, stainless steel slag, and weathered coal.
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Scholar : These new articles for Critical Inquiry in Language Studies are available online
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Emotion Regulation in Adolescents: An ERP study.
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Alex Desatnik, Tarik Bel-Bahar, Tobias Nolte, Michael Crowley, Peter Fonagy, Pasco Fearon
AimsThe use of emotion regulation strategies can reduce the intensity of negative emotional experiences. Event related potentials (ERPs), specifically the late positive potential (LPP), are known to be sensitive to this modulation in adults. This is the first study to explore the neural correlates of expressive suppression in adolescents. We sought to replicate previous findings from emotion regulation studies with adult populations, show that the LPP can be modulated by expressive suppression in healthy adolescents, and examine the influence of age on LPP changes.MethodERPs of 53 healthy adolescents (12 to 17 years old) performing an emotion regulation task (expressive suppression) were recorded.ResultsExpressive suppression altered the LPP in adolescents with both increases and decreases noted depending on time window and recording site. The LPP during expressive suppression was decreased with increasing age.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that 1) the LPP is an effective tool to study processes associated with emotion regulation in adolescents, and 2) expressive suppression, in terms of its neural indicators, seems to become more effective with age. The nature and utility of expressive suppression as a specific form of emotion regulation in adolescents are discussed.
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Scholar : These new articles for International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry are available online
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and trace elements bounded to airborne PM10 in the harbor of Volos, Greece: Implications for the impact of harbor activities
Publication date: October 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 167
Author(s): E. Manoli, A. Chelioti-Chatzidimitriou, K. Karageorgou, A. Kouras, D. Voutsa, C. Samara, I. Kampanos
Harbors are often characterized by high levels of air pollutants that are emitted from ship traffic and other harbor activities. In the present study, the concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace elements (As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Fe) bounded to the inhalable particulate matter PM10 were studied in the harbor of Volos, central Greece, during a 2-year period (2014–2015). Seasonal and daily variations were investigated. Moreover, total carcinogenic and mutagenic activities of PAHs were calculated. The effect of major wind sectors (sea, city, industrial, harbor) was estimated to assess the potential contribution of ship traffic and harbor activities, such as scrap metal handling operations. Results showed that the harbor sector (calm winds ≤ 0.5 m s−1) was associated with the highest concentrations of PM10. The harbor sector was also associated with relatively increased levels of trace elements (As, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ni), however the effect of this sector was lower than the corresponding effect of the industrial wind sector. The sea sector showed only a slight increase in B[a]Py and Σ12PAHs, whereas the highest increasing effect for PAHs and traffic-related elements, such as Pb and Zn, was evidenced for the city sector.
Graphical abstract
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Impact of Body Site, Age, and Gender on the Collagen/Elastin Index by Noninvasive in vivo Vertical Two-Photon Microscopy
Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2017;30:260-267
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A survey on stimuli for visual cortical function assessment in infants
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Farveh Daneshvarfard, Nasrin Maarefi, Hamid Abrishami Moghaddam, Fabrice Wallois
Visual processing, as a significant and complex functionality of the human brain, changes during the life span with the most developmental changes in the infancy. Different types of visual stimuli are needed for evaluating different functionalities of the infants' visual system. Selecting appropriate visual stimuli is an important issue in evaluating visual cortical functions in infants. Properties of stimulation influence responses of visual system and must be adjusted according to the age and specific function which is going to be investigated. In this review, the most commonly used stimuli to elicit visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are evaluated and characteristics of VEPs extracted by these stimulations are studied. Furthermore, various studies investigating different functionalities such as selectivity for orientation and directional motion are presented. Valuable results regarding emerging and maturation times of different functions and normative data for clinical diagnosis are provided by these studies.
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Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 serum activity and concentration are increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Abstract
Objective
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disease, the etiology of which is not well understood. Alterations in potential candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of androgens, folliculogenesis, and insulin and glucose metabolism have been suggested as possible etiologies. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) plays a key role in glucose homeostasis and, thus, in the regulation of insulin secretion. The aim of our study was to analyze the DPP4 activity and concentrations in the serum of PCOS and non-PCOS patients and, additionally, study the activation of the DPP4 promoter by androgens in vitro.
Design, Patients and Measurements
Serum samples were obtained from 288 female patients treated at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (154 non-PCOS and 134 PCOS patients). DPP4 activity was measured by the conversion of the DPP4 substrate Gly-Pro p-nitroanilide hydrochloride and DPP4 concentration with a commercial ELISA. Luciferase reporter assays, qPCR and Western Blot analyses were performed for the in vitro evaluation of the activation of the DPP4 promoter by androgens.
Results
DPP4 serum activity was increased in women with PCOS, regardless of which Rotterdam criteria led to the PCOS diagnosis. Furthermore, DPP4 serum levels were strongly correlated with the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum level. In vitro, the DPP4 promoter was stimulated by androgens in luciferase reporter assays, and DPP4 mRNA expression was increased in KGN granulosa carcinoma cells after androgen treatment.
Conclusions
The results suggested that a deregulation of DPP4 serum levels could be an additional characteristic of the metabolic imbalances associated with PCOS.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Scholar : These new articles for Bulletin of Spanish Studies are available online
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Scholar : These new articles for Australian Journal of Linguistics are available online
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Scholar : These new articles for Australian Journal of International Affairs are available online
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Scholar : These new articles for AIDS Care are available online
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Alternative sugars: Xylitol
Elaine Gardner, British Dietetic Association (BDA) Spokesperson, presents part 1 in our brand new series of columns on sugar and sugar alternatives.
http://ift.tt/2uMIH8X
Evaluation of the Relationship between Alopecia Areata and Viral Antigen Exposure
Abstract
Background
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-scarring alopecia with T-cell infiltration at the affected hair follicle.
Objective
Our aim was to study the potential link between hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen exposure and AA.
Methods
Two pediatric patients with AA following hepatitis B vaccination were identified in a general dermatology clinic. A bioinformatics analysis and an electronic medical record (EMR) database query were performed at the University of Rochester Medical Center to identify patients with AA, coexisting viral infections, vaccinations, or interferon (IFN) therapy in order to determine if the presence of AA and these conditions was higher than in AA patients without these associated conditions or therapy.
Results
An increased frequency of AA among those who received the HBV surface protein antigen [odds ratio (OR) 2.7, p < 0.0001] was identified, and an independent analysis revealed an increased frequency of AA in those receiving IFN-β treatment (OR 8.1, p < 0.05). One potential antigenic target identified was SLC45A2, a melanosomal transport protein important in skin and hair pigmentation. The longest potential vaccine peptide fragment match (8-mer) was to a segment of natural killer (NK) cell inhibitory receptors, KIR3DL2 and KIR3DL1. Predictive modeling of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide binding demonstrated potential binding of this peptide to MHC relevant to AA.
Limitations
The results will need to be verified in additional patient databases allowing analysis of temporal relationships, and with molecular experiments of the identified antigens.
Conclusions
Our data confirm associations between viral infection and IFN treatment with AA. It establishes that the hepatitis B surface protein antigen has shared epitopes with human killer immunoglobulin-like receptors.
http://ift.tt/2wzQGby
Hybrid whole body 18F-FDG PET/MR in evaluation of plexiform neurofibromatosis type 1
Publication date: Available online 10 August 2017
Source:Revista Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular
Author(s): M. Yang, Y. Zhou, J.M. Hoxworth, A.B. Porter, M.C. Roarke
http://ift.tt/2uwqr4u
Πέμπτη 10 Αυγούστου 2017
Outcome of delayed miniplate osteosynthesis of maxillofacial fractures in a Nigerian tertiary institution
African Journal of Trauma 2016 5(2):31-35
Background: This report describes treatment outcome following delayed miniplate osteosynthesis (MPO) of maxillofacial fractures. Materials and Methods: The records of patients who underwent delayed MPO of facial fractures from January 2011 to December 2014 at the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria were retrospectively reviewed. Data retrieved were age, gender, etiology of trauma, site of fractures, and time lapse from injury to treatment. Follow-up at postoperative intervals consisted of clinical and radiographic examinations. Outcome variables such as wound infection, wound dehiscence, malocclusion, hardware failure, fracture stability, and neurosensory disturbance were recorded. Results: Thirty-one patients with 52 facial fractures were treated. There were 18 (58.1%) mandibular, 8 (25.8%) maxillary fracture while 5 (16.1%) fractures occurred in both jaws. All patients had a stable fixation and normal healing. Thirteen complications occurred in 11 patients representing 35.5% of the total. Malocclusion and wound infection were the most common complication. More complications occurred in late treatment group. Conclusion: MPO with or without postoperative intermaxillary fixation is effective in the delayed facial fracture. Treatment delay may increase the incidence of complications.
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Fatal traumatic slicing injuries of the chest: An industrial death and safety concerns
African Journal of Trauma 2016 5(2):54-57
A 36-year-old male truck driver of a mattress manufacturing company in Lagos was allegedly found dead on the rotary conveyor belt of a foam slicing machine in the factory. A visit to the scene of the event including examination of the conveyor belt and interrogation of the industrial nurse and chief security officer was made. Postmortem examination revealed single transverse incised wound on the chest, left and the right arms. Internal examination revealed incision on the 6th rib anteriorly, right hemothorax and a linear incision on the base of the left ventricle. Other findings included incision on the liver, the left hemidiaphragm, and hemoperitoneum. Death was ascribed to multiple injuries following sharp force trauma to the chest and abdomen in an industrial accident. Due to lack of toxicological facilities, blood level analysis of alcohol, other intoxicants, or substance abuse could not be checked for. This would have ruled out alcohol intoxication, substance abuse, or drug overdose. Suicide was ruled out judging from the decedent's medical and social history. The manner of death, in this case, was in our opinion accidental. This case has brought to the fore one of many occurrences of industrial deaths following inadequacy of safety measures and equipment in the company. There has never been a situation where culpable individual in charge of safety is brought to book in this environment. It has also highlighted the problems that could be faced by forensic pathologist in deciding manner of death in this type of situation.
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Changing pattern in the treatment of mandibular fractures in North-Western Nigeria
African Journal of Trauma 2016 5(2):36-42
Background: Maxillofacial fractures constitute a significant proportion of fractures seen at tertiary hospitals. Management of maxillofacial fractures is challenging and often associated with reduced quality of life among patients if not properly managed. This study was designed to analyze the trend in management of maxillofacial fractures at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria between 2011 and 2016. Materials and Methods: Data on the sociodemographic characteristics, etiology, type of fracture, and treatment done were retrieved. Data analysis was done with SPSS and comparisons were made using Chi-square and t-test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 341 fracture sites were observed in 201 patients, the majority were males giving a male to female ratio of 6.2:1. The overall modal age group at presentation was the 21–30 year age group accounting for 78 (36.3%) of all cases seen. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the principal etiological factor accounting for 137 (63.7%) of the fracture cases seen. The mandibular body and dentoalveolar sites were the most frequently occurring fracture sites on the mandible accounting for 69 (20.2%) and 42 (12.3%) of all fractures. A comparison of the etiological factors among groups of patients based on the year of presentation and gender was statistically significant (P = 0.02). A comparison of the mode of treatment (open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] or closed reduction) among patients based on the year of treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: RTA remains the foremost cause of maxillofacial fractures in our environment. Despite a variety of challenges, ORIF is gradually being embraced as a viable mode of treatment in our center.
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Ειδοποίηση Μελετητή:[ ωτα ] [HTML] Gender, identity and material: Film screening C Brand - 2017 ftypM4V *M4V M4A mp42isom*a┌moovlmvhd...
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Publication date: September 2017 Source: Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 110 Author(s): Lucía Fernández-del-Río, Anish Nag, Elen...