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Παρασκευή 22 Σεπτεμβρίου 2017
Scholar : Autophagy, Volume 13, Issue 9, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
Dietitians' perceptions of the healthiness of packaged food
Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 120
Author(s): Rachael L. Thurecht, Fiona E. Pelly, Sheri L. Cooper
http://ift.tt/2xsI2y9
Taste the feeling or feel the tasting: Tactile exposure to food texture promotes food acceptance
Source:Appetite, Volume 120
Author(s): Chantal Nederkoorn, Julia Theiβen, Michelle Tummers, Anne Roefs
The texture of food can be a reason why children reject it: It matters if food is crispy, slimy, smooth or has pips and bits in it. In general, mere exposure is the best method to increase acceptance of food: becoming more familiar with a food by repeated exposure increases liking for it. However, exposure to texture can be difficult, as children can be reluctant to try tasting it. In the current study, it is tested if acceptance of a food with a specific texture is improved after exposure to the feel of it, with hands only. Sixty-six children (between 3 and 10 years old) were randomly assigned to either the exposure or control condition. In the exposure condition, children played with an colourless and odourless jelly with their hands and in the control group, children played a board game. Afterwards, children were asked to taste 3 desserts (in balanced order): smooth strawberry yoghurt, strawberry yoghurt with pieces and strawberry jelly. Results showed that the children in the exposure condition ate specifically more of the jelly dessert - the texture of which they had been pre-exposed to - compared to the children in control condition. No group differences were found for the other two desserts. The results imply that feeling the texture of a food with hands increases the acceptance of food with the same texture. Playing with food with hands seems therefore be a first step in getting familiar with food and might help to increase variety of food intake.
http://ift.tt/2wLuZo1
A dentist's life: 'My job really has the best of both worlds'
Natalie Waylen, 30, qualified as a dentist in 2014 and is now a civilian dental practitioner within the Ministry of Defence.
http://ift.tt/2xmn02r
Alternative sugars: Dates
Elaine Gardner, British Dietetic Association (BDA) Spokesperson, discusses the sugar content in dates and other dried fruits, and related oral health advice.
http://ift.tt/2yhECvw
Validation of a Dispatch Protocol with Continuous Quality Control for Cardiac Arrest: A Before-and-After Study at a City Fire Department-Based Dispatch Center
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Chien-Hsiung Huang, Hsuan-Jui Fan, Cheng-Yu Chien, Chen-June Seak, Chan-Wei Kuo, Chip-Jin Ng, Wen-Cheng Li, Yi-Ming Weng
BackgroundAn optimized protocol to help dispatchers identify potential cases of cardiac arrest and provide phone instructions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may increase the provision of bystander CPR, further improving the survival rate and neurological outcomes.ObjectiveWe assessed a revised dispatcher-assisted (DA)-CPR protocol with a continuous quality-improvement feature in a county fire department-based emergency medical services system.MethodsThis was a before-and-after intervention prospective study conducted in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. The participants were out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients from November 2014 to February 2016. Interventional quality control started in August 2015. Approximately 10% of the telephone calls from these OHCA patients were reviewed.ResultsIn total, 66 and 64 cases were included in the before- and after-intervention groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed in sex, age, day, and time of events, or languages spoken by the callers. After the intervention, we found significant improvements in the rates at which cardiac arrests were recognized (54.5% vs. 68.8%; p = 0.007) and normal breathing was checked (51.5% vs. 76.6%, p = 0.003). Moreover, the frequency with which DA-CPR was provided by the dispatchers improved significantly (50.0% vs. 72.7%; p = 0.046). Significant improvement in patient outcomes was observed with regard to 24-h survival (7.6% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.036) but not with regard to survival to discharge (3.0% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.076).ConclusionsThe study found this DA-CPR protocol, which includes continuous quality control, is promising as it improved the successful recognition of cardiac arrests.
http://ift.tt/2xWYsjE
Scholar : These new articles for Annals of GIS are available online
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Scholar : Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Volume 35, Issue 4, October-December 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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Mechanical, hormonal and metabolic influences on blood vessels, blood flow and bone
Bone tissue is highly vascularized due to the various roles bone blood vessels play in bone and bone marrow function. For example, the vascular system is critical for bone development, maintenance and repair and provides O2, nutrients, waste elimination, systemic hormones and precursor cells for bone remodeling. Further, bone blood vessels serve as egress and ingress routes for blood and immune cells to and from the bone marrow. It is becoming increasingly clear that the vascular and skeletal systems are intimately linked in metabolic regulation and physiological and pathological processes. This review examines how agents such as mechanical loading, parathyroid hormone, estrogen, vitamin D and calcitonin, all considered anabolic for bone, have tremendous impacts on the bone vasculature. In fact, these agents influence bone blood vessels prior to influencing bone. Further, data reveal strong associations between vasodilator capacity of bone blood vessels and trabecular bone volume, and poor associations between estrogen status and uterine mass and trabecular bone volume. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of the bone microcirculation, particularly the vascular endothelium and NO-mediated signaling, in the regulation of bone blood flow, bone interstitial fluid flow and pressure and the paracrine signaling of bone cells. Finally, the vascular endothelium as a mediator of bone health and disease is considered.
http://ift.tt/2xnyjYe
AIP and the somatostatin system in pituitary tumours
Classic somatostatin analogues aimed at somatostatin receptor type 2, such as octreotide and lanreotide, represent the mainstay of medical treatment for acromegaly. These agents have the potential to decrease hormone secretion and reduce tumour size. Patients with a germline mutation in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein gene, AIP, develop young-onset acromegaly, poorly responsive to pharmacological therapy. In this review, we summarise the most recent studies on AIP-related pituitary adenomas, paying special attention to the causes of somatostatin resistance; the somatostatin receptor profile including type 2, type 5 and truncated variants; the role of G proteins in this pathology; the use of first and second generation somatostatin analogues; and the role of ZAC1, a zinc-finger protein with expression linked to AIP in somatotrophinoma models and acting as a key mediator of octreotide response.
http://ift.tt/2yhIpt6
Scholar : These new articles for Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology are available online
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O-Acetylation of Peptidoglycan Limits Helper T Cell Priming and Permits Staphylococcus aureus Reinfection
Publication date: Available online 21 September 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe
Author(s): Marisel Sanchez, Stacey L. Kolar, Sabrina Müller, Christopher N. Reyes, Andrea J. Wolf, Chihiro Ogawa, Rajat Singhania, Daniel D. De Carvalho, Moshe Arditi, David M. Underhill, Gislâine A. Martins, George Y. Liu
Humans do not usually develop effective immunity to Staphylococcus aureus reinfection. Using a murine model that mimics human infection, we show that lack of protective immunity to S. aureus systemic reinfection is associated with robust interleukin-10 (IL-10) production and impaired protective Th17 responses. In dendritic cell co-culture assays, priming with S. aureus promotes robust T cell proliferation, but limits Th cells polarization and production of IL-1β and other cytokines important for Th1 and Th17 differentiation. We show that O-acetylation of peptidoglycan, a mechanism utilized by S. aureus to block bacterial cell wall breakdown, limits the induction of pro-inflammatory signals required for optimal Th17 polarization. IL-10 deficiency in mice restores protective immunity to S. aureus infection, and adjuvancy with a staphylococcal peptidoglycan O-acetyltransferase mutant reduces IL-10, increases IL-1β, and promotes development of IL-17-dependent, Th cell-transferable protective immunity. Overall, our study suggests a mechanism whereby S. aureus modulates cytokines critical for induction of protective Th17 immunity.
Graphical abstract
Teaser
Humans do not develop robust protective immunity to S. aureus infection. Sanchez et al. show that mice, like humans, do not develop a protective Th17 response after bloodstream S. aureus infection. S. aureus, via modification of cell wall peptidoglycan, limits priming of Th17 cells and blocks development of protective immunity.http://ift.tt/2yufeUv
A Two-Component System Regulates Bacteroides fragilis Toxin to Maintain Intestinal Homeostasis and Prevent Lethal Disease
Publication date: Available online 21 September 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe
Author(s): Aaron L. Hecht, Benjamin W. Casterline, Vivian M. Choi, Juliane Bubeck Wardenburg
Intestinal microbes are recognized for their role in human disease. Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer; however, colonization alone is insufficient to cause these illnesses. We hypothesized that homeostasis in healthy carriers is maintained by colonic mucus, the major constituent of which is the glycoprotein Muc2. We found that Muc2-deficient mice succumb to lethal disease from ETBF colonization in a B. fragilis toxin (BFT)-dependent manner. We identify a toxin regulator, the two-component system RprXY, which suppresses BFT expression in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of either component was sufficient to prevent lethal disease in Muc2-deficient mice. Our studies demonstrate that homeostasis in the context of ETBF colonization is dependent on a dynamic interaction between intestinal mucus, a bacterial toxin, and a toxin regulatory system. Regulation of virulence may offer a therapeutic target to maintain intestinal homeostasis in susceptible patients.
Graphical abstract
Teaser
Enterotoxigenic B. fragilis is associated with inflammatory disease of the colon. Hecht, Casterline, and colleagues report that mucus-deficient mice are susceptible to lethal colitis. Suppressing toxin expression by manipulating a bacterial two-component system restores homeostasis, linking the host environment to pathogen virulence and providing a strategy to modify disease outcome.http://ift.tt/2yu5Tfr
Dietary Manganese Promotes Staphylococcal Infection of the Heart
Publication date: Available online 21 September 2017
Source:Cell Host & Microbe
Author(s): Lillian J. Juttukonda, Evelien T.M. Berends, Joseph P. Zackular, Jessica L. Moore, Matthew T. Stier, Yaofang Zhang, Jonathan E. Schmitz, William N. Beavers, Christiaan D. Wijers, Benjamin A. Gilston, Thomas E. Kehl-Fie, James Atkinson, Mary K. Washington, R. Stokes Peebles, Walter J. Chazin, Victor J. Torres, Richard M. Caprioli, Eric P. Skaar
Diet, and specifically dietary metals, can modify the risk of infection. However, the mechanisms by which manganese (Mn), a common dietary supplement, alters infection remain unexplored. We report that dietary Mn levels dictate the outcome of systemic infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of bacterial endocarditis. Mice fed a high Mn diet display alterations in Mn levels and localization within infected tissues, and S. aureus virulence and infection of the heart are enhanced. Although the canonical mammalian Mn-sequestering protein calprotectin surrounds staphylococcal heart abscesses, calprotectin is not released into the abscess nidus and does not limit Mn in this organ. Consequently, excess Mn is bioavailable to S. aureus in the heart. Bioavailable Mn is utilized by S. aureus to detoxify reactive oxygen species and protect against neutrophil killing, enhancing fitness within the heart. Therefore, a single dietary modification overwhelms vital host antimicrobial strategies, leading to fatal staphylococcal infection.
Graphical abstract
Teaser
Juttukonda et al. reveal that high dietary manganese levels enhance S. aureus virulence and infection of the murine heart. The host protein calprotectin does not limit manganese bioavailability in the heart, permitting S. aureus to acquire excess manganese from the diet and resist reactive oxygen species during infection.http://ift.tt/2yut5Kt
Seborrheic Keratosis With Prominent Clear Cell Changes-A Rare but Important Diagnostic Variant.
http://ift.tt/2hlp0Eg
Spectrum of Hybrid Cysts and Their Clinical Significance.
http://ift.tt/2hms6aY
Cutaneous Richter Syndrome Mimicking Primary Cutaneous CD4-Positive Small/Medium T-cell Lymphoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
A Case of Phacomatosis Pigmentokeratotica Associated With Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas.
http://ift.tt/2hjNOfV
A Case of Lymphomatoid Papulosis Type E With an Unusual Exacerbated Clinical Course.
http://ift.tt/2hnUINl
Th17 Response of Borderline-Lepromatous Leprosy Inhibits Rash Manifestation of Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Case Report.
http://ift.tt/2hk2oUx
Cutaneous Cytomegalovirus Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient: Innocent Bystander or Culprit?.
http://ift.tt/2hkHmFv
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis With Clinical and Histologic Features of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Brief Report and Review.
http://ift.tt/2hmrvTh
Scholar : Classroom Discourse, Volume 8, Issue 3, October 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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Scholar : Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, Volume 63, Issue 13, November 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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A flow-through nanoporous alumina trypsin bioreactor for mass spectrometry peptide fingerprinting
Publication date: Available online 21 September 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Marcus Kjellander, Erika Billinger, Harisha Ramachandraiah, Mats Boman, Sara Bergström Lind, Gunnar Johansson
Mass spectrometry-based proteomics benefits from efficient digestion of protein samples. In this study, trypsin was immobilized on nanoporous anodized alumina membranes to create an enzyme reactor suitable for peptide mass fingerprinting. The membranes were derivatized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and the amino groups were activated with carbonyldiimidazole to allow coupling of porcine trypsin via ε-amino groups. The function was assessed using the artificial substrate Nα-Benzoyl-L-arginine 4-nitroanilide hydrochloride, bovine ribonuclease A and a human plasma sample. A 10-membrane flow-through reactor was used for fragmentation and MS analysis after a single pass of substrate both by collection of product and subsequent off-line analysis, and by coupling on-line to the instrument. The peptide pattern allowed correct identification of the single target protein in both cases, and of >70 plasma proteins in single pass mode followed by LC-MS analysis. The reactor retained 76% of the initial activity after 14days of storage and repeated use at room temperature.SignificanceThis manuscript describes the design of a stable enzyme reactor that allows efficient and fast digestion with negligible leakage of enzyme and enzyme fragments. The high stability facilitates the use in an online-setup with MS detection since it allows the processing of multiple samples within an extended period of time without replacement.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2hnB2gf
Effect of biopsy site on detection of gastric cancer high-risk groups by OLGA and OLGIM stages
Abstract
Background/Aims
The operative link for gastritis assessment (OLGA) and operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) staging systems are recommended to assess the severity of gastritis, but the optimal biopsy sites have not been clearly defined. We aimed to investigate whether the scoring of the OLGA and OLGIM stages was affected by the use of different biopsy sites.
Methods
Between 2014 and 2015, to determine OLGA and OLGIM stages, seven biopsy samples were obtained from the antrum (lesser and greater curvatures [LG] of the antrum and lesser curvature of the angle) and corpus (LG and anterior and posterior walls [AP]) in 247 patients diagnosed with gastritis, gastric adenoma, or adenocarcinoma. The OLGA and OLGIM stages were scored using four different protocols: antrum + angle + corpus LG, antrum + angle + corpus AP, antrum + corpus LG, and antrum + corpus AP. High-risk group included patients who had OLGA or OLGIM stages III and IV.
Results
For the OLGA stage, the angle + antrum + corpus LG protocol placed more patients in the high-risk group (64.4%) than the angle + antrum + corpus AP (55.5%, P < .001), antrum+corpus LG (59.5%, P = .031), and antrum + corpus AP (47.8%, P < .001) protocols. Likewise, for the OLGIM stage, the angle + antrum + corpus LG protocol placed more patients in the high-risk group (48.6%) than the angle + antrum + corpus AP (46.2%, P = .134), antrum + corpus LG (36.8%, P < .001), and antrum + corpus AP (37.2%, P < .001) protocols.
Conclusions
To prevent underestimation of OLGA and OLGIM stages, it is necessary to include an angle biopsy, and to obtain corpus biopsy specimens from lesser and greater curvature sites rather than from anterior and posterior wall sites.
http://ift.tt/2yu9pWY
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic schoolchildren in Bhutan
Abstract
Aim
Bhutan is a small mountainous country between Tibet and India with relatively homogenous population. According to the World Health Organization, gastric cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer death in Bhutan. This study examined the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among children in Bhutan with emphasis on water source and living conditions.
Methods
A cross-sectional sero-epidemiologic study was conducted among schoolchildren who attended public schools in Thimphu, Bhutan. Between 2015 and 2016, blood samples from schoolchildren were collected after obtaining an informed consent from the school management and the children's parents. Demographic information, parents' education, family size living in the same household, and aspects of household environment including type of latrines, boiling drinking water were collected. All serum samples were tested for H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) by commercial ELISA kits.
Results
There were 327 children between 4 and 19 years of age participated, 44% boys, mean age = 13.6 ± 3 years. The overall prevalence of H. pylori was 66% with no difference between boys and girls (66 vs 64%, respectively), P = .42. H. pylori prevalence was 75% among both 4-7 and 15-19 years and not statically different from that of the 8-10 or 11-14 age groups (59% and 63%, respectively), P = .1. H. pylori prevalence was inversely correlated with the level of mother's education (70% vs 55%) for those without and with a college education, respectively (OR = 2.3; 95%CI = 0.9-1.7), P = .08. The total number of people living in the same household did not correlate with H. pylori sero-prevalence, but households had less than 3 children had lower prevalence than those with 3 or more children (62% vs 71%, respectively OR = 1.7, 95% CI = [1.0-2.6], P = .05).
Conclusions
H. pylori infection is prevalent among all age group children in Bhutan. The results suggest that transmission of H. pylori is related to personal care practices that directly correlate with the mothers' education and crowded living condition with children. Our results are important to developing prevention strategies for gastric cancer in Bhutan.
http://ift.tt/2xWoqUn
Bioactive effect of sulphated polysaccharides derived from orange-footed sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) toward THP-1 macrophages
Publication date: Available online 21 September 2017
Source:Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre
Author(s): Magdalena M. Stefaniak-Vidarsson, Varsha A. Kale, María Gudjónsdóttir, Gudrun Marteinsdottir, Olafur Fridjonsson, Gudmundur Oli Hreggvidsson, Olafur E. Sigurjonsson, Sesselja Omarsdottir, Kristberg Kristbergsson
Atlantic sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) is a marine invertebrate that occurs naturally in the North Atlantic. Its collagen rich body walls make the sea cucumber an appreciated food source in many countries. The heteroglycans derived from the cartilage of Atlantic sea cucumbers have shown potential as a source of bioactive compounds, but further investigation is needed to confirm this hypothesis. The objectives of this work were to test the immunomodulating properties of heteroglycan fractions (FCFs) derived from Atlantic sea cucumbers toward phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) differentiated THP-1 macrophages. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) was determined and cell culture media was collected and analyzed for presence of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10). FCFs toxicity toward macrophages was evaluated by light microscopy and confirmed by XTT proliferation assay. Heteroglycans derived from cartilage of Atlantic sea cucumber showed immunomodulatory activity in THP-1 macrophages. FCF-1, −2, and − 3) at concentrations 0.1–100µg/ml induced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 proofing their bioactivity towards THP-1 macrophages. However, fractions of FCF-1 and FCF-2 may have induced oxidative stress in the macrophages, which possibly could lead to decreased cellular viability.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2fFEQGd
RNA methylation regulates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell development
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Jason Ear, Shuo Lin
http://ift.tt/2yhPsBQ
A glycolysis-based ten-gene signature correlates with the clinical outcome, molecular subtype and IDH1 mutation in glioblastoma
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Cong Chen, Yu Shi, Yong Li, Zhi-Cheng He, Kai Zhou, Xiao-Ning Zhang, Kai-Di Yang, Jin-Rong Wu, Hsiang-Fu Kung, Yi-Fang Ping, Xiu-Wu Bian
Reprogrammed metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. Glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells predominantly utilize aerobic glycolysis for the biogenesis of energy and intermediate nutrients. However, in GBM, the clinical significance of glycolysis and its underlying relations with the molecular features such as IDH1 mutation and subtype have not been elucidated yet. Herein, based on glioma datasets including TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas), REMBRANDT (Repository for Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data) and GSE16011, we established a glycolytic gene expression signature score (GGESS) by incorporating ten glycolytic genes. Then we performed survival analyses and investigated the correlations between GGESS and IDH1 mutation as well as the molecular subtypes in GBM. The results showed that GGESS independently predicted unfavorable prognosis and poor response to chemotherapy of GBM patients. Notably, GGESS was high in GBMs of mesenchymal subtype but low in IDH1-mutant GBMs. Furthermore, we found that the promoter regions of tumor-promoting glycolytic genes were hypermethylated in IDH1-mutant GBMs. Finally, we found that high GGESS also predicted poor prognosis and poor response to chemotherapy when investigating IDH1-wildtype GBM patients only. Collectively, glycolysis represented by GGESS predicts unfavorable clinical outcome of GBM patients and is closely associated with mesenchymal subtype and IDH1 mutation in GBM.
http://ift.tt/2xnnepY
Roles for the VCP co-factors Npl4 and Ufd1 in neuronal function in Drosophila melanogaster
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Dwayne J. Byrne, Mark J. Harmon, Jeremy C. Simpson, Craig Blackstone, Niamh C. O'Sullivan
The VCP-Ufd1-Npl4 complex regulates proteasomal processing within cells by delivering ubiquitinated proteins to the proteasome for degradation. Mutations in VCP are associated with two neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and inclusion body myopathy with Paget's disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD), and extensive study has revealed crucial functions of VCP within neurons. By contrast, little is known about the functions of Npl4 or Ufd1 in vivo. Using neuronal-specific knockdown of Npl4 or Ufd1 in Drosophila melanogaster, we infer that Npl4 contributes to microtubule organization within developing motor neurons. Moreover, Npl4 RNAi flies present with neurodegenerative phenotypes including progressive locomotor deficits, reduced lifespan and increased accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 homolog (TBPH). Knockdown, but not overexpression, of TBPH also exacerbates Npl4 RNAi-associated adult-onset neurodegenerative phenotypes. In contrast, we find that neuronal knockdown of Ufd1 has little effect on NMJ organization, TBPH accumulation or adult behaviour. These findings suggest the differing neuronal functions of Npl4 and Ufd1 in vivo.
http://ift.tt/2yhOqWz
Vegfa signaling regulates diverse artery/vein formation in vertebrate vasculatures
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Daqing Jin, Diqi Zhu, Yabo Fang, Yiwei Chen, Gaihong Yu, Weijun Pan, Dong Liu, Fen Li, Tao P. Zhong
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) signaling regulates vascular development during embryogenesis and organ formation. However, the signaling mechanisms that govern the formation of various arteries/veins in various tissues are incompletely understood. We utilized transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) to generate zebrafish vegfaa mutants. vegfaa−/− embryos are embryonic lethal, and display a complete loss of the dorsal aorta (DA) and expansion of the cardinal vein. Activation of Vegfa signaling expands the arterial cell population at the expense of venous cells during vasculogenesis of the axial vessels in the trunk. Vegfa signaling regulates endothelial cell (EC) proliferation after arterial-venous specification. Vegfa deficiency and overexpression inhibit the formation of tip cell filopodia and interfere with the pathfinding of intersegmental vessels (ISVs). In the head vasculature, vegfaa‒/‒ causes loss of a pair of mesencephalic veins (MsVs) and central arteries (CtAs), both of which usually develop via sprouting angiogenesis. Our results indicate that Vegfa signaling induces the formation of the DA at the expense of the cardinal vein during the trunk vasculogenesis, and that Vegfa is required for the angiogenic formation of MsVs and CtAs in the brain. These findings suggest that Vegfa signaling governs the formation of diverse arteries/veins by distinct cellular mechanisms in vertebrate vasculatures.
http://ift.tt/2xlYDlF
Key elements for designing and performing a CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic screen
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Wanjing Shang, Fei Wang, Gaofeng Fan, Haopeng Wang
Reverse genetic screens are invaluable for uncovering gene functions, but are traditionally hampered by some technical limitations. Over the past few years, since the advent of the revolutionary CRISPR/Cas9 technology, its power in genome editing has been harnessed to overcome the traditional limitations in reverse genetic screens, with successes in various biological contexts. Here, we outline these CRISPR/Cas9-based screens, provide guidance on the design of effective screens and discuss the potential future directions of development of this field.
http://ift.tt/2fF4RW7
The effects of aquaculture on mercury distribution, changing speciation, and bioaccumulation in a reservoir ecosystem
Abstract
A survey was conducted in a freshwater reservoir located in Guizhou province, south China, to investigate the influence of fish aquaculture activities on mercury (Hg) distribution, speciation change, and bioaccumulation. Water, sediment, and aquaculture fish samples were collected from aquaculture sites (AS) and the corresponding reference sites (RS). The results showed that total mercury (THg) concentration in overlying water in Wujiangdu reservoir reached 6.87 ± 14.9 ng L−1. THg concentration in a different layer follows the sequence: surface layer > bottom layer > three intermediate layers with significant difference. In addition, the total methylmercury (TMeHg) concentration in overlying water was 0.113 ± 0.211 ng L−1. The highest TMeHg was observed in the bottom layer. Both dissolved Hg (DHg) and dissolved methylmercury (DMeHg) accounted for more than 50% of THg and TMeHg in the top four layers of overlying water, respectively. In contrast, particulate Hg (PHg) and particulate methylmercury were the major portion of THg and TMeHg in bottom layer and reached to 67 and 58.7% of THg and TMeHg, respectively. Aquaculture activities were estimated to contribute an annual loading of approximately 69.8 ng g−1of THg yearly in the top 1 cm of sediment underneath the rafts due to unconsumed fish feed. The extra loading of THg in sediment may have potential to stimulate the release of Hg to the overlying water. Both DMeHg and DHg in sediment pore water and organic matter (OM) contents in the top 4 cm of AS were noticeably higher than RS, which indicated that the accumulation of OM due to aquaculture activities promoted MeHg production in the top surface of sediment pore water. No significant difference was noted between THg in RS (296 ± 104 ng g−1) and AS (274 ± 132 ng g−1) in the solid phase. In addition, the sediments were net sources of both MeHg and inorganic Hg. For Hg in fish tissues, THg and inorganic Hg (IHg) in the liver were significantly higher (THg: p < 0.001, F = 9.98; IHg: p < 0.001, F = 13.1) than those in the other organs. In contrast, MeHg concentration in the muscle was significantly higher than (p < 0.01, F = 4.83) that in the other organs.
http://ift.tt/2yhCQdV
Plain language summaries
Linked Comment: Wang et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:656–665
Linked Comment: Langton et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:818–827
Linked Comment: Lott et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:845–853
Linked Comment: Smith et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:628–636
Linked Comment: Smit et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:779–790
Linked Comment: González-López et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:688–695
Linked Comment: Xie et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:809–817
Linked Comment: Ridd et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:719–734
Linked Comment: Al-Jefri et al. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:837–844
http://ift.tt/2wDNEGZ
Framework for assessment and phytoremediation of asbestos-contaminated sites
Abstract
We examine the feasibility of phytoremediation as an alternative strategy to limit the exposure of asbestos in site with asbestos-containing materials. We collected soils from four locations from two sites—one with naturally occurring asbestos, and another, a superfund site, where asbestos-containing materials were disposed over decades—and performed ecotoxicology tests. We also performed two experiments with crop cultivar and two grasses from serpentine ecotype and cultivar to determined best choice for phytoremediation. Asbestos concentrations in different size fractions of soils varied by orders of magnitude. However, different asbestos concentrations had little effect on germination and root growth. Presence of co-contaminants such as heavy metals and lack of nutrients affected plant growth to different extents, indicating that several of these limiting factors should be considered instead of the primary contaminant of concern. Crop cultivar survived on asbestos-contaminated soil. Grasses from serpentine ecotype did not show higher biomass than the cultivar. Overall, these results showed that soil conditions play a critical role in screening different crop species for phytoremediation and that asbestos concentration has limited to no effect on plant growth. Our study provided a framework for phytoremediation of asbestos-contaminated sites to limit long-term asbestos exposure.
http://ift.tt/2fDaCU3
Setting the baseline for estimated background observations at IMS systems of four radioxenon isotopes in 2014
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 178–179
Author(s): Christophe Gueibe, Martin B. Kalinowski, Jonathan Baré, Abdelhakim Gheddou, Monika Krysta, Jolanta Kusmierczyk-Michulec
http://ift.tt/2yuE1I0
Radical radiation therapy for oligometastatic breast cancer: Results of a prospective phase II trial
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Marco Trovo, Carlo Furlan, Jerry Polesel, Francesco Fiorica, Stefano Arcangeli, Niccolò Giaj-Levra, Filippo Alongi, Alessandro Del Conte, Loredana Militello, Elena Muraro, Debora Martorelli, Simon Spazzapan, Massimiliano Berretta
Background and purposeWe conducted a prospective phase II multicentric trial to determine if radical radiation therapy to all metastatic sites might improve the progression-free survival (PFS) in oligometastatic breast cancer patients. Secondary endpoints were local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and toxicity.Methods and materialsInclusion criteria were the following: oligometastatic breast cancer with ≤5 metastatic sites, FDG-PET/CT staging, no brain metastases, primary tumor controlled. Radiotherapy could be delivered using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) technique or fractionated intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). SBRT consisted of 30–45Gy in 3 fractions, while IMRT was delivered to a total dose of 60Gy in 25 fractions. We hypothesized that radical radiation therapy could increase the PFS from 30% (according to the published literature) to 50% at two years.Results54 Patients with 92 metastatic lesions were enrolled. Forty-four were treated with SBRT, and 10 with IMRT. Forty-eight (89%) patients received a form of systemic therapy concomitantly to radiation therapy. Sites of metastatic disease were the following: bones 60 lesions, lymph nodes 23 lesions, lung 4 lesions, liver 5 lesions. After a median follow-up of 30months (range, 6–55months), 1- and 2-year PFS was 75% and 53%, respectively. Two-year LC and OS were 97% and 95%, respectively. Radiation therapy was well tolerated, and no Grade ≥3 toxicity was documented. Grade 2 toxicity were pain and fatigue in 2 cases.ConclusionsPatients with oligometastatic breast cancer treated with radical radiotherapy to all metastatic sites may achieve long-term progression-free survival, without significant treatment-related toxicity. While waiting for data from randomized trials, the use of radical radiation therapy to all metastatic sites in patients with oligometastatic breast cancer should be considered a valuable option, and its recommendation should be individualized.
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Prognostic factors for tube feeding dependence after curative (chemo-) radiation in head and neck cancer: A systematic review of literature
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Kim Wopken, Hendrik P. Bijl, Johannes A. Langendijk
BackgroundTube feeding dependence is a commonly observed debilitating side-effect of curative (chemo-) radiation in head and neck cancer patients that severely affects quality of life. Prevention of this side-effect can be obtained using advanced radiation techniques, such as IMRT. For radiotherapy treatment plan optimization, it has become increasingly important to develop prediction models that enable clinicians to predict the risk of tube feeding dependence for individual patients. To develop such a tool, information regarding the most relevant prognostic factors for tube feeding dependence is necessary.ObjectivesThe primary aim of this systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, was to identify prognostic factors that are consistently found to be associated with tube feeding dependence at ≥6months after treatment. The secondary aim was to identify prognostic factors found to be associated with tube feeding placement and use at <6months.Data sourcesArticles were identified through a search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Approximately 2600 articles were screened and selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsFourteen retrospective studies were identified that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and reported on prognostic factors for tube feeding dependence at ≥6months. The studies reported on patient and disease variables, treatment variables and DVH parameters. Two of these studies reported on a model for tube feeding dependence, one including DVH parameters. Additionally, 18 studies were identified that reported on prognostic factors for tube feeding placement and use at <6months.ConclusionsPrognostic factors that were consistently associated with the risk of tube feeding dependence at ≥6months for head and neck cancer patients treated with (chemo-) radiotherapy were DVH parameters, including dose to the larynx, the pharyngeal constrictor muscle inferior and superior, and the dose to the contralateral parotid gland. Furthermore, advanced tumor and nodal stage, pretreatment weight loss, (concomitant) chemotherapy and prophylactic gastrostomy policy were prognostic for tube feeding dependence ≥6months. For tube feeding use at less than 6months, prognostic DVH parameters included dose and volume to the oral mucosa, dose to the contralateral submandibular gland, and also dose to the larynx and the pharyngeal constrictor muscle inferior and superior. Prognostic patients/disease and treatment factors for tube feeding placement and use at less than 6months were similar to the prognostic factors for tube feeding dependence at ≥6months, but also included several unique variables such as the use of narcotics prior to treatment and living alone at the time of treatment.
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Effects of propofol on wound closure and barrier function of cultured endothelial cells: An in vitro experimental study.
http://ift.tt/2wL0nDb
Effects of magnesium chloride on rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade and sugammadex reversal in an isolated rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation: An in-vitro study.
http://ift.tt/2xsohXi
Median effective dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine sedation for transthoracic echocardiography examination in postcardiac surgery and normal children: An up-and-down sequential allocation trial.
http://ift.tt/2wL3z1m
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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...
