MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Flushing: current concepts

Objective

Flushing can be defined as a sensation of warmth accompanied by erythema that most commonly is seen on the face and which occurs in episodic attacks. Such a problem can be clinically problematic, since many conditions and drugs can be related to flushing, and while often there appears to be no underlying organic disease, it is important to exclude disorders since they may be life-threatening conditions.

Design and methods

We performed a search in MEDLINE using the terms 'flushing' in combination with 'carcinoid syndrome', 'pheochromocytoma', 'mastocytosis', 'menopausal hot flush' and 'treatment'. European and American guidelines relating to neuroendocrine tumours, mastocytosis and menopause were reviewed.

Results

In this review, we discuss the main causes of flushing and propose an algorithm based on pathogenesis, which can be used to guide the clinical evaluation process. We also review recent significant developments in the assessment and treatment of the carcinoid syndrome and menopausal hot flushes, which should guide the clinical practice regarding this common but sometimes confusing condition.

Conclusions

When evaluating flushing, a precise systematic approach is needed to exclude potentially serious underlying causes, although despite this, the cause of the disorder is not always found. If symptoms are not progressive, the patient should be advised about its apparently benign nature in order to avoid unnecessary studies or initiating treatments of minimal benefit.

http://ift.tt/2yJAbKd

A syndromic extreme insulin resistance caused by biallelic POC1A mutations in exon 10

POC1A encodes a protein with a role in centriole assembly and stability, and in ciliogenesis. Biallelic loss-of-function mutations affecting POC1A cause SOFT syndrome, an ultra-rare condition characterized by short stature, onychodysplasia, facial dysmorphism and hypotrichosis. Using exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous frameshift mutation (c.1047_1048dupC; p.G337Rfs*25) in a patient presenting with short stature, facial hirsutism, alopecia, dyslipidemia and extreme insulin resistance. The truncating variant affected exon 10, which is retained in only two of the three POC1A-mature RNAs, due to alternative processing of the transcript. Clinical discrepancies with SOFT syndrome support the hypothesis that POC1A mutations affecting exon 10 are associated with a distinct condition, corroborating a previous hypothesis based on a similar case. Furthermore, this report provides an additional example of a genetic condition presenting with clinical heterogeneity due to alternative transcript processing. In conclusion, POC1A mutations in exon 10 should be taken into account in patients with extreme insulin resistance and short stature.

http://ift.tt/2kpeYTH

Are lower TSH cutoffs in neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism warranted?

When newborn screening (NBS) for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) using thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) as a primary screening test was introduced, typical TSH screening cutoffs were 20–50 U/L of whole blood. Over the years, lowering of TSH cutoffs has contributed to an increased prevalence of detected CH. However, a consensus on the benefit deriving from lowering TSH cutoffs at screening is lacking. The present paper outlines arguments both for and against the lowering of TSH cutoffs at NBS. It includes a review of recently published evidence from Australia, Belgium and Italy. A section focused on economic implications of lowering TSH cutoffs is also provided. One issue that bears further examination is the extent to which mild iodine deficiency at the population level might affect the association of neonatal TSH values with cognitive and developmental outcomes. A debate on TSH cutoffs provides the opportunity to reflect on how to make NBS for CH more effective and to guarantee optimum neurocognitive development and a good quality of life to babies with mild as well as with severe CH. All authors of this debate article agree on the need to establish optimal TSH cutoffs for screening programs in various settings and to ensure the benefits of screening and access to care for newborns worldwide.

http://ift.tt/2yJA0i1

MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Aberrations of the X chromosome as cause of male infertility

Male infertility is most commonly caused by spermatogenetic failure, clinically noted as oligo- or a-zoospermia. Today, in approximately 20% of azoospermic patients, a causal genetic defect can be identified. The most frequent genetic causes of azoospermia (or severe oligozoospermia) are Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), structural chromosomal abnormalities and Y-chromosomal microdeletions. Consistent with Ohno's law, the human X chromosome is the most stable of all the chromosomes, but contrary to Ohno's law, the X chromosome is loaded with regions of acquired, rapidly evolving genes, which are of special interest because they are predominantly expressed in the testis. Therefore, it is not surprising that the X chromosome, considered as the female counterpart of the male-associated Y chromosome, may actually play an essential role in male infertility and sperm production. This is supported by the recent description of a significantly increased copy number variation (CNV) burden on both sex chromosomes in infertile men and point mutations in X-chromosomal genes responsible for male infertility. Thus, the X chromosome seems to be frequently affected in infertile male patients. Four principal X-chromosomal aberrations have been identified so far: (1) aneuploidy of the X chromosome as found in Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY or mosaicism for additional X chromosomes). (2) Translocations involving the X chromosome, e.g. nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development (XX-male syndrome) or X-autosome translocations. (3) CNVs affecting the X chromosome. (4) Point mutations disrupting X-chromosomal genes. All these are reviewed herein and assessed concerning their importance for the clinical routine diagnostic workup of the infertile male as well as their potential to shape research on spermatogenic failure in the next years.

http://ift.tt/2ksp4Dw

Bone microarchitecture and estimated bone strength in men with active acromegaly

Context

Both acromegaly and adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are associated with increased fracture risk. Sufficient data are lacking regarding cortical bone microarchitecture and bone strength, as assessed by microfinite element analysis (µFEA).

Objective

To elucidate both cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture and estimated bone strength in men with active acromegaly or GHD compared to healthy controls.

Design and subjects

Cross-sectional study at a clinical research center, including 48 men (16 with acromegaly, 16 with GHD and 16 healthy controls).

Outcome measures

Areal bone mineral density (aBMD), cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture and estimated bone strength (µFEA) at the radius and tibia.

Results

aBMD was not different between the 3 groups at any skeletal site. At the radius, patients with acromegaly had greater cortical area (P < 0.0001), cortical thickness (P = 0.0038), cortical pore volume (P < 0.0001) and cortical porosity (P = 0.0008), but lower trabecular bone density (P = 0.0010) compared to controls. At the tibia, patients with acromegaly had lower trabecular bone density (P = 0.0082), but no differences in cortical bone microstructure. Compressive strength and failure load did not significantly differ between groups. These findings persisted after excluding patients with hypogonadism. Bone microarchitecture was not deficient in patients with GHD.

Conclusions

Both cortical and trabecular microarchitecture are altered in men with acromegaly. Our data indicate that GH excess is associated with distinct effects in cortical vs trabecular bone compartments. Our observations also affirm the limitations of aBMD testing in the evaluation of patients with acromegaly.

http://ift.tt/2yJzVed

Early growth hormone treatment start in childhood growth hormone deficiency improves near adult height: analysis from NordiNet(R) International Outcome Study

Objective

To investigate the effect of age at growth hormone (GH) treatment start on near adult height (NAH) in children with isolated GH deficiency (GHD).

Design

NordiNet® International Outcome Study (IOS) (Nbib960128), a non-interventional, multicentre study, evaluates the long-term effectiveness and safety of Norditropin® (somatropin) (Novo Nordisk A/S) in the real-life clinical setting.

Methods

Patients (n = 172) treated to NAH (height at ≥18 years, or height velocity <2 cm/year at ≥16 (boys) or ≥15 (girls) years) were grouped by age (years) at treatment start (early (girls, <8; boys, <9), intermediate (girls, 8–10; boys, 9–11) or late (girls, >10; boys, >11)) and GHD severity (<3 ng/mL or 3 to ≤10 ng/mL). Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of age at treatment start (as a categorical and continuous variable) on NAH standard deviation score (SDS).

Results

Age at treatment start had a marked effect on NAH SDS; NAH SDS achieved by patients starting treatment early (n = 40 (boys, 70.0%); least squares mean (standard error) –0.76 (0.14)) exceeded that achieved by those starting later (intermediate, n = 42 (boys, 57.1%); –1.14 (0.15); late, n = 90 (boys, 68.9%); –1.21 (0.10)). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association between NAH SDS and age at treatment start (P < 0.0242), baseline height SDS (HSDS) (P < 0.0001), target HSDS (P < 0.0001), and GHD severity (P = 0.0012). Most (78.5%) patients achieved a normal NAH irrespective of age at treatment start.

Conclusions

Early initiation of GH treatment in children with isolated GHD improves their chance of achieving their genetic height potential.

http://ift.tt/2kpKW27

Primary aldosteronism as a cause of secondary osteoporosis

Objective

Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) have a high prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) and fractures (Fx). We evaluated the presence of PA in patients admitted to our metabolic bone disease outpatient clinic.

Design

Study conducted on an in- and outpatient basis in a referral Italian endocrinology unit.

Methods

A total of 2632 patients were evaluated. 2310 were excluded because they were taking drugs known to affect bone or mineralocorticoids metabolism or were diagnosed to have a secondary cause of osteoporosis. The remaining 322 subjects (304 females, 18 males) took part in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) and thoracic and lumbar spine vertebral morphometry were performed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. All patients were screened for PA with aldosterone-to-renin ratio. In those who had positive results, confirmatory tests were performed.

Results

Among 322 subjects, 213 were osteoporotics and 109 were not. PA was diagnosed in eleven out of 213 osteoporotic patients (5.2%) and one out of 109 non-osteoporotic subjects (0.9%, P = 0.066). PA was observed in the 26.1% of patients with the concomitant presence of osteoporosis, hypertension and hypercalciuria. Compared with patients without PA, patients with PA had mean values of urinary calcium excretion, 4.8 ± 2.5 mmol/day vs 7.6 ± 3.2 mmol/day, P < 0.001 and serum PTH levels, 5.4 pmol/L vs 7.3 pmol/L, P < 0.01, significantly higher.

Conclusions

PA should be considered among the causes of secondary OP.

http://ift.tt/2yJzOzj

Adrenocortical carcinoma and succinate dehydrogenase gene mutations: an observational case series

Objective

Germline loss-of-function mutations in succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) genes results in rare tumor syndromes that include pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and others. Here we report a case series of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) that harbor SDHx mutations.

Patients and results

We report four unrelated patients with ACC and SDHx mutations. All cases presented with Cushing syndrome and large adrenal masses that were confirmed to be ACC on pathology. All four ACC specimens were found to have truncating mutations in either SDHC or SDHA, while cases 1, 2 and 3 also had the mutations confirmed in the germline: Case 1: SDHC c.397C > T, pR133X; Case 2: SDHC c.43C > T, p.R15X; Case 3: SDHA c.91C > T, p.R31X; Case 4: SDHA c.1258C > T, p.Q420X. Notably, Case 1 had a father and daughter who both harbored the same SDHC germline mutation, and the father had a paraganglioma and renal cell carcinoma. A combination of next generation sequencing, and/or immunohistochemistry, and/or mass spectroscopy was used to determine whether there was loss of heterozygosity and/or loss of SDH protein expression or function within the ACC. Potential evidence of loss of heterozygosity was observed only in Case 2.

Conclusions

We observed truncating mutations in SDHA or SDHC in the ACC and/or germline of four unrelated patients. Given how statistically improbable the concurrence of ACC and pathogenic germline SDHx mutations is expected to be, these observations raise the question whether ACC may be a rare manifestation of SDHx mutation syndromes. Further studies are needed to investigate the possible role of SDH deficiency in ACC pathogenesis.

http://ift.tt/2kpSDFA

Enhanced Versus Basic Referral for Intimate Partner Violence in an Urban Emergency Department Setting

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Jennifer Wolff, Arthur Cantos, Leslie Zun, Ashley Taylor
BackgroundVictims of intimate partner violence (IPV) frequently do not disclose abuse to medical providers. Therefore, research has examined the most effective screening and referral methods to help identify victims of abuse and connect them to needed resources.ObjectivesTo determine the efficacy of referrals intended to connect IPV victims with behavioral health resources, while taking into consideration demographic and mental health variables.MethodsWe examined a convenience sample of medically stable individuals in an emergency department setting. Participants were given the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Partner Violence Screen measures to assess mental health and IPV victimization. Individuals that screened positive were randomized to a basic or enhanced referral and given a follow-up interview to determine referral success. Referrals were considered successful if an individual scheduled an appointment with provided behavioral health resources within the follow-up interval.ResultsTwo-hundred and one individuals were enrolled. Forty-one (20.4%) participants screened positive for IPV victimization. Male and female participants in the enhanced referral group were more likely to have a successful referral than those in the basic referral group, with a large effect size such that 72.7% of participants in the enhanced referral and 15.7% of participants in the basic referral group contacted referral resources. Both referral type and marital status significantly predicted referral success.ConclusionComorbidity with mental health concerns measured as high within those that screened positive for IPV victimization. The enhanced referral showed to be an effective way to encourage participants to contact behavioral health resources.



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Abscess of the Base of Tongue and Epiglottis

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Matthew L. Wong




http://ift.tt/2ypPbRq

Dermal Injury Caused by Hydrogen Peroxide

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Shu-Yu Shih, Chih-Cheng Lai




http://ift.tt/2ko5WGG

The Kager's Fat Pad Sign

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Kamil Kokulu, Hatice Şeyma Akça




http://ift.tt/2yqmfsO

“Screaming your Lungs Out!” A Case of Boy Band-Induced Pneumothorax, Pneumomediastinum, and Pneumoretropharyngeum

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): J Mack Slaughter, Lynn Roppolo




http://ift.tt/2ko5SXs

Death from Ingestion of E-Liquid

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Stephen Morley, John Slaughter, Paul R. Smith
BackgroundThe use of e-liquids is becoming more prevalent. There is a risk that such liquids may be ingested by mouth rather than being vaped/ inhaled. Due to the high concentration of drugs such as nicotine in these liquids, there may be toxic, and possibly fatal consequences.Case ReportWe report the death of a 32-year-old male who ingested nicotine-containing e-liquid while under the influence of alcohol. A serum sample taken 24 h after collapse contained nicotine at a concentration of 1600 ng/mL of nicotine.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Death secondary to e-liquid ingestion is still very rare, but has the potential for causing deaths due to the easy access of such liquids to the general public. Such toxicity should be considered in individuals who present in the early phases with symptoms of stimulant toxicity, but also in the latter phase where there may be autonomic depressive effects.



http://ift.tt/2yrxyAO

Ricin Poisoning after Oral Ingestion of Castor Beans: A Case Report and Review of the Literature and Laboratory Testing

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Oscar F. Lopez Nunez, Anthony F. Pizon, Kenichi Tamama
BackgroundRicin is a protein toxin derived from the castor bean plant Ricinus communis. Several cases secondary to its consumption have been published and, more recently, its use as a potential bioterrorism agent has also been reported. Oral absorption of ricin is highly erratic, leading to a wide spectrum of symptoms. In addition, conventional urine drug screening tests will not be able to detect this compound, posing a diagnostic challenge.Case ReportA male teenager intended to die by ingesting 200 castor beans after mixing and blending them with juice. Eight hours later, he presented with weakness, light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting and sought medical treatment. The patient was admitted and treated conservatively. An immune-based standard urine toxicology drug screen panel was reported as negative. A comprehensive untargeted urine drug screen test showed the presence of ricinine, a surrogate marker of ricin intoxication. He was transferred to the psychiatric service 3 days after admission.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?This case highlights the importance of knowing the peculiar pharmacokinetic properties of ricin after oral ingestion of castor beans and toxin release through mastication. Emergency physicians should be aware that oral absorption of ricin is dependent on several factors, such type and size of seeds and the geographic harvesting region, making it extremely difficult to estimate its lethality based solely on the number of ingested beans. Finally, comprehensive untargeted urine drug screening testing is highly valuable as a diagnostic tool in this context.



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A Young Man with Acute Chest Pain

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Andrew Eyre, Henry Epino, Kriti Bhatia, Emily Senecal Miller




http://ift.tt/2yrLsms

Scholar : These new articles for Archives and Manuscripts are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Archives and Manuscripts and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Obituary Alan Ives, 1946–2017 Anne-Marie Schwirtlich Pages: 1-3 | DOI: 10.1080/01576895.2017.1373322 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Work-Related Quality of Life of US General Surgery Residents: Is It Really so Bad?

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Muhammad H. Zubair, Lala R. Hussain, Kristen N. Williams, Kevin J. Grannan
PurposeThe quality of working life of US surgical residents has not been studied, and given the complexity of interaction between work and personal life there is a need to assess this interaction. We utilized a validated Work Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) questionnaire to evaluate the perceived work-related quality of life of general surgery residents, using a large, nationally representative sample in the United States.MethodsBetween January 2016 and March 2016, all US general surgery residents enrolled in an ACGME general surgery training program were invited to participate. The WRQoL scale measures perceived quality of life covering six domains: General Well-Being (GWB), Home-Work Interface (HWI), Job and Career Satisfaction (JCS), Control at Work (CAW), Working Conditions (WCS) and Stress at Work (SAW).ResultsAfter excluding for missing data, the final analysis included 738 residents. The average age was 30 (±3) years, of whom 287 (38.9%) were female, 272 (36.9%) were from a community hospital, and 477 (64.6%) were juniors (postgraduate year ≤ 3). Demographically, the respondents matched expected percentages. When male and female residents were compared, males had statistically better HWI (p<0.001), better GWB (p = 0.03), more CAW (p = 0.0003) and WCS (p = 0.001). Junior residents had a lower JCS (p = 0.002) and CAW (p = 0.04) compared to seniors. There were no differences between university and community residents in any of the domains of WRQoL. Although residents were more stressed than other professions but the overall WRQoL was comparable.ConclusionsThe nature of surgical residency and a surgical career may in fact be more "stressful" than other professions, yet may not translate into a worsened Quality of Life. Our findings suggest further study is needed to elucidate why female residents have or experience a lower perceived WRQoL than their male colleagues.



http://ift.tt/2wyGYpn

Instituting a Surgical Skills Competition Increases Technical Performance of Surgical Clerkship Students Over Time

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Harold J. Leraas, Morgan L. Cox, Victoria A. Bendersky, Shanna S. Sprinkle, Brian F. Gilmore, Rathnayaka M. Gunasingha, Elisabeth T. Tracy, Ranjan Sudan
IntroductionSurgical skills training varies greatly between institutions and is often left to students to approach independently. Although many studies have examined single interventions of skills training, no data currently exists about the implementation of surgical skills assessment as a component of the medical student surgical curriculum. We created a technical skills competition and evaluated its effect on student surgical skill development.MethodsSecond-year medical students enrolled in the surgery clerkship voluntarily participated in a surgical skills competition consisting of knot tying, laparoscopic peg transfer, and laparoscopic pattern cut. Winning students were awarded dinner with the chair of surgery and a resident of their choice. Individual event times and combined times were recorded and compared for students who completed without disqualification. Disqualification included compromising cutting pattern, dropping a peg out of the field of vision, and incorrect knot tying technique. Timed performance was compared for 2 subsequent academic years using Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsOverall, 175 students competed and 71 students met qualification criteria. When compared by academic year, 2015 to 2016 students (n = 34) performed better than 2014 to 2015 students (n = 37) in pattern cut (133s vs 167s, p = 0.040), peg transfer (66s vs 101s, p < 0.001), knot tying (28s vs 30s, p = 0.361), and combined time (232s vs 283s, p = 0.009). The best time for each academic year also improved (105s vs 110s). Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery proficiency standards for examined tasks were achieved by 70% of winning students.ConclusionsImplementation of an incentivized surgical skills competition improves student technical performance. Further research is needed regarding long-term benefits of surgical competitions for medical students.



http://ift.tt/2fT5qPr

Short Sleep Duration and Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy: Aggregate and Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

Short sleep duration has been linked to maternal hyperglycemia. Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between sleep duration and hyperglycemia in pregnancy or gestational diabetes(GDM). Medline and Scopus were searched until July 2017. Studies that assessed sleep duration and had objective measurements of hyperglycemia during pregnancy were eligible. Aggregate data were available from eight studies, n=17,308 (seven with self-reported and one with objectively measured sleep duration).

http://ift.tt/2fTZ9mJ

Plastic surgical operative workload in major trauma centres (POW-MTC): a UK prospective national cohort study

Modern plastic surgery was born out of trauma during World War I and trauma is an essential part of the specialty. United Kingdom (U.K.) military and single-centre civilian data report plastic surgical operative involvement in 29 to 40% of major trauma patients requiring surgery,1,2 with a particularly high workload in lower limb trauma. The substantial role of plastic surgery in trauma has been reported in other settings, including a United States civilian Level I trauma centre3.

http://ift.tt/2yJLPVB

Scholar : Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles Can authentic assessment find its place in seafarer education and training? Samrat Ghosh Pages: 213-226 | DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2017.1320828 Code for unplanned encounters at sea and its practical limitations in the East and South China Seas Anh Duc Ton Pages: 227-239 | DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2017.1326075 Getting off the conflict treadmill: community engagement and marine park policy in South Australia, Australia Catriona Bride Meyer-McLean & Melissa Nursey-Bray Pages: 240-264 | DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2017.1332475 The Royal Australian Navy's Landing Helicopter Docks: a missile carrier concept Sam Goldsmith Pages: 265-276 | DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2017.1332510 The Royal Australian Navy's Landing Helicopter Docks: self-defence upgrades Sam Goldsmith Pages: 277-287 | DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2017.1332511 Find out more about the issues and challenges in Governing Asia. This collection includes free access papers on security challenges, the Abe and Modi administration, reflections on the Chinese Governance and more. Browse today! To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Development of magnesium-based biodegradable metals with dietary trace element germanium as orthopaedic implant applications

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Dong Bian, Weirui Zhou, Jiuxu Deng, Yang Liu, Wenting Li, Xiao Chu, Peng Xiu, Hong Cai, Yuhui Kou, Baoguo Jiang, Yufeng Zheng
From the perspective of element biosafety and dietetics, the ideal alloying elements for magnesium should be those which are essential to or naturally presented in human body. Element germanium is a unique metalloid in the carbon group, chemically similar to its group neighbors, Si and Sn. It is a dietary trace element that naturally presents in human body. Physiological role of Ge is still unanswered, but it might be necessary to ensure normal functioning of the body. In present study, novel magnesium alloys with dietary trace element Ge were developed. Feasibility of those alloys to be used as orthopaedic implant applications was systematically evaluated. Mg-Ge alloys consisted of α-Mg matrix and eutectic phases (α-Mg+Mg2Ge). Mechanical properties of Mg-Ge alloys were comparable to current Mg-Ca, Mg-Zn and Mg-Sr biodegradable metals. As-rolled Mg-3Ge alloy exhibited outstanding corrosion resistance in vitro (0.02 mm/y, electrochemical) with decent corrosion rate in vivo (0.6 mm/y, in rabbit tibia). New bone could directly lay down onto the implant and grew along its surface. After 3 months, bone and implant were closely integrated, indicating well osseointegration being obtained. Generally, this is a pioneering study on the in vitro and in vivo performances of novel Mg-Ge based biodegradable metals, and will benefit the future development of this alloy system.Statement of SignificanceThe ideal alloying elements for magnesium-based biodegradable metals should be those which are essential to or naturally presented in human body. Element germanium is a unique metalloid in the carbon group. It is a dietary trace element that naturally presents in human body. In present study, feasibility of Mg-Ge alloys to be utilized as orthopedic applications was systematically investigated, mainly focusing on the microstructure, mechanical property, corrosion behavior and biocompatibility. Our findings showed that Mg-3Ge alloy exhibited superior corrosion resistance to current Mg-Ca, Mg-Zn and Mg-Sr alloys with favorable biocompatibility. This is a pioneering study on the in vitro & in vivo performances of Mg-Ge biodegradable metals, and will benefit the future development of this alloy system.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fU30Qx

Scholar : These new articles for Journal of Strategic Marketing are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Journal of Strategic Marketing and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles The importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for branding and business success in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in a business-to-distributor (B2D) context Kamel Ben Youssef, Thomas Leicht, Michela Pellicelli & Philip J. Kitchen Pages: 1-17 | DOI: 10.1080/0965254X.2017.1384038 Competitor orientation in successful SMEs: an exploration of the impact on innovation Michele O'Dwyer & Audrey Gilmore Pages: 1-17 | DOI: 10.1080/0965254X.2017.1384040 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : These new articles for Journal of the Institute of Conservation are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Journal of the Institute of Conservation and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Book Review Volatile Organic Compounds and the Conservation of Inorganic Materials Christian Baars Pages: 1-2 | DOI: 10.1080/19455224.2017.1361620 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

THE BRAZILIAN MARKET OF HERBAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS AND THE IMPACTS OF THE NEW LEGISLATION ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINES

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Ana Cecília Bezerra Carvalho, Túlio Nader Lana, João Paulo Silvério Perfeito, Dâmaris Silveira
Ethnopharmacological relevancethe herbal medicinal products (HMP) market is expanding in the world, an expansion that has not occurred in Brazil when considering the number of licensed products. Despite being a megadiverse country, the number of HMP licensed in Brazil is small, and the number of HMP obtained from native species is even smaller. A new legislation for herbal products licensing, which divides the products into two categories, Herbal Medicine (HM) and Traditional Herbal Product (THP) was launched in Brazil focusing on traditional use, as well as a law regulating the use of biodiversity and traditional knowledge.Aim of the studyto evaluate the situation of HMP licensed in Brazil and to make a comparison with the data obtained in 2008 and 2011, discussing the evolution of the licensed products and the possible impacts of the new legislation.Materials and methodsa survey was carried out in the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) database to verify the HMP licensed in Brazil in September 2016. The data obtained were compared with two surveys previously published.ResultsThere are 332 single, and 27 combined HM, totaling 359 HM licensed in Brazil. There is no THP notified in Anvisa's system yet. There are 214 HM classified as nonprescription (OTC), while 145 are sold under prescription, one of them with prescription retention. There are 101 plant species licensed as active in HM in Brazil, 39 of which are native, adapted or cultivated. The most licensed plant species is Mikania glomerata Spreng., with 25 HM licensed. The article includes tables with plant species that have derivatives licensed as simple and combined HM, their therapeutic classification, the native plant species indication and the distribution of the companies by Brazilian regions.ConclusionsThere are few licensed HM in Brazil, and this number has been decreasing in recent years. It is expected that the data obtained, together with the changes promoted in sanitary and environmental rules, will help to develop and regulate HMP chain in Brazil.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xTIZ3D

Anti-sepsis protection of Xuebijing injection is mediated by differential regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory Th17 and T regulatory cells in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Xi Chen, Yuxin Feng, Xiya Shen, Guixiang Pan, Guanwei Fan, Xiumei Gao, Jihong Han, Yan Zhu
Ethnopharmacological RelevanceXuebijing injection (XBJ), a Chinese herbal medicine containing extracts from 5 herbs, is frequently used as an add-on with standard therapies to treat sepsis or septic shock with fewer side effects in China. Nonetheless, its mechanism of action on septic shock remains to be unveiled. We explored the differential effects of XBJ on subtypes of CD4+ T cell differentiation and septic shock protection in a murine model to understand the contribution of XBJ to regulation of the inflammation-immune axis function.Materials and MethodsIn vitro T cell differentiation assays were performed to determine the effect of XBJ on CD4+ regulatory T cell and T helper cell differentiation. Besides, 2ml/kg, 6ml/kg- and 18ml/kg of XBJ were administered to different groups of septic mice once/day for 5 days after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgeries. 36hours after CLP, serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-6 were determined with Elisa. Frequencies of CD4+ T cells were analyzed after staining with Tregs and T helper cell lineage specific antibodies by flow cytometer.ResultsXBJ at 18ml/kg stimulated Treg differentiation and moderately inhibited Th17 differentiation in vitro. Accordingly, 18ml/kg XBJ facilitated the expansion of IL-10+ Tregs and normalized pro-inflammatory Th17 population in septic mice. This regimen also significantly reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in septic mice. Additionally, 18ml/kg XBJ injection effectively prevented neutrophil infiltration into the lung and kidney and improved survival in this septic shock model.ConclusionsIn summary, XBJ improves survival in septic shock partially through preventing cytokine storm, inhibiting inflammation and regulating the balance of Tregs and Th17 cells. Thus, higher dose of XBJ is a potential regimen to benefit septic shock patients.

Graphical abstract

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Scholar : African Journal of AIDS Research, Volume 16, Issue 3, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content African Journal of AIDS Research, Volume 16, Issue 3, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Research Articles "Dying to be women": explorations and implications of narrative parameters of female youth sexuality in Zimbabwe Ngonidzashe Muwonwa Pages: 185-191 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1346693 Delivering culturally sensitive, sexual health education in western Kenya: a phenomenological case study Gary Lacey Pages: 193-202 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1349682 HIV stigma experiences and stigmatisation before and after a HIV stigma-reduction community "hub" intervention Catharina Dorothea Prinsloo, Minrie Greeff, Annamarie Kruger & Itumeleng Paul Khumalo Pages: 203-213 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1349683 "We have heard it together": a qualitative analysis of couple HIV testing and counselling recruitment in Malawi's Option B+ programme Nora E Rosenberg, Rebecca Gross, Tiwonge Mtande, Suzanne Maman, Carol E Golin, Friday Saidi, Olivia Manthalu, Irving Hoffman, Mina C Hosseinipour & William C Miller Pages: 215-223 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1362017 Food challenges facing people living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe Nobuhle Moyo, Pranitha Maharaj & Liberty Mambondiani Pages: 225-230 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1362018 HIV antiretroviral medication stock-outs in Ghana: contributors and consequences Rebecca A Poku, Adobea Yaa Owusu, Patricia Dolan Mullen, Christine Markham & Sheryl A McCurdy Pages: 231-239 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1364275 Experiences along the HIV care continuum: perspectives of Kenyan adolescents and caregivers Winnie K Luseno, Bonita Iritani, Susannah Zietz, Suzanne Maman, Isabella I Mbai, Florence Otieno, Barrack Ongili & Denise Dion Hallfors Pages: 241-250 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1365089 Factors associated with the take-up of voluntary medical male circumcision amongst learners in rural KwaZulu-Natal Gavin George, Kaymarlin Govender, Sean Beckett, Carl Montague & Janet Frohlich Pages: 251-256 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1369441 Review Article Behavioural interventions promoting condom use among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review | Uchenna O Okafor, Rik Crutzen , Yauri Aduak, Sylvia Adebajo & Hubertus W Van den Borne Pages: 257-268 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1358753 Book Review Sizonqoba! Outliving AIDS in Southern Africa Samantha Manley Pages: 269-270 | DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1387158 Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services FREE ACCESS to the TOP 2016 Volume Year Articles. Find out more To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Full title with Editorial board members

Publication date: November 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 121





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Instructions to Authors

Publication date: November 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 121





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IOP-details

Publication date: November 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 121





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Scholar : Chemistry and Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 8, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Chemistry and Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 8, September 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Review Articles Aspects and prospects of algal carbon capture and sequestration in ecosystems: a review Sarban Sengupta, Prakash Chandra Gorain & Ruma Pal Pages: 695-707 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1359262 Research Articles Isotopic composition (C & N) of the suspended particles and N uptake by phytoplankton in a shallow tropical coastal lagoon Sivaji Patra, Dipnarayan Ganguly , Manish Tiwari, VishnuVardhan Kanuri , Pradipta R. Muduli , R. S. Robin, K. R. Abhilash, B. Charan Kumar, Siddhesh Satish Nagoji, A. V. Raman & B. R. Subramanian Pages: 708-724 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1356292 Behavioural toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to waterborne zinc and chromium(VI) Nannan Lu, Shaohua Sun, Wuchang Song & Ruibao Jia Pages: 725-738 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1373767 Antioxidant enzymatic activities and lipid peroxidation in liver and ovary of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to deltamethrin Reshma Shabnam Kuder & Gundala Harold Philip Pages: 739-749 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1359263 Bioremediation of aquaculture wastewater from Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) with different microalgae species Valeria Andreotti, Anuta Chindris, Gianni Brundu, Dario Vallainc, Matteo Francavilla & Joan García Pages: 750-761 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1378351 Morpho-histological and enzymatic alterations in earthworms Drawida willsi and Lampito mauritii exposed to urea, phosphogypsum and paper mill sludge Suryasikha Samal , Sunanda Sahoo & C. S. K. Mishra Pages: 762-776 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1357700 Environmental impact of leaching of trace elements from fly ash dumps on aquatic ecosystems Vikas Pandey, Zeba Usmani, Avantika Chandra, Rohit Kumar Mishra & Vipin Kumar Pages: 777-794 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1376663 Corrigenda Corrigendum Pages: i-i | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1368210 Hoping to have your article read by anyone, anywhere and at any time? Find out more about publishing open access with Ecosystem Health and Sustainability. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Distributions and sources of heavy metals in sediments of the Bohai Sea, China: a review

Abstract

This paper summarizes the recent research results from studies concerning heavy metals in the Bohai Sea in recent decades. The temporal and spatial variations and potential sources of the heavy metals in the surface sediments were analyzed. Based on these obtained data, the average concentrations in surface sediments collected in recent years (summarized 3171 samples) were 0.31, 87.0, 25.7, 25.8, 0.11, 16.9, 52.2, and 27.7 μg/g for Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg, As, Cr, and Ni, respectively. In the samples collected in the 1980s, the concentrations were 22.6, 21.3, 69.13, 0.26, and 57.5 μg/g (summarized 218 samples) for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr. The concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd increased slightly. Generally, higher concentrations were measured in the Bohai Bay and central Bohai Sea. The distribution patterns of heavy metals were significantly different between samples collected after the year of 2000 and those in the 1980s. In the 1980s and recent years, higher concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Pb were measured in the samples collected from Bohai Bay and Liaodong Bay, respectively. This indicated that the sources of heavy metals in Bohai Sea were changed significantly during the past decades.

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Scholar : These new articles for New Political Science are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for New Political Science and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Thinking Philosophical Anthropology Through the Natural Sciences Alex Melonas Pages: 1-14 | DOI: 10.1080/07393148.2017.1379238 Multiple Baskets: Diverse Racial Frames and the 2016 Republican Primary Michael Lee Pages: 1-20 | DOI: 10.1080/07393148.2017.1378788 Escaping the Spatial Imaginary, or, Politics as an Occupation Chad Lavin Pages: 1-16 | DOI: 10.1080/07393148.2017.1378858 The Racial Gap in Voting Among Women: White Women, Racial Resentment, and Support for Trump Charles Tien Pages: 1-19 | DOI: 10.1080/07393148.2017.1378296 The Cognitive and Emotional Sources of Trump Support: The Case of Low-Information Voters Richard C. Fording & Sanford F. Schram Pages: 1-17 | DOI: 10.1080/07393148.2017.1378295 Does Fusion Undermine American Third Parties? An Analysis of House Elections from 1870 to 2016 Bernard Tamas Pages: 1-18 | DOI: 10.1080/07393148.2017.1378294 Interested in the political-economic topics surrounding China? You wouldn't want to miss this exclusive collection. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : Critical Reviews in Solid State and Materials Sciences, Volume 42, Issue 5, September 3, 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Critical Reviews in Solid State and Materials Sciences, Volume 42, Issue 5, September 3, 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Reviews Structure Tuning of Bi2MoO6 and Their Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Performances Yanhua Peng, Yan Zhang, Fenghui Tian, Jinqiu Zhang & Jianqiang Yu Pages: 347-372 | DOI: 10.1080/10408436.2016.1200009 Device Physics Modeling of Surfaces and Interfaces from an Induced Gap State Perspective John F. Wager & Kelin Kuhn Pages: 373-415 | DOI: 10.1080/10408436.2016.1223013 UV-LED Photo-activated Chemical Gas Sensors: A Review Ehsan Espid & Fariborz Taghipour Pages: 416-432 | DOI: 10.1080/10408436.2016.1226161 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Visceral adipose tissue macrophage-targeted TACE silencing to treat obesity-induced type 2 diabetes

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 148
Author(s): Seok-Beom Yong, Yoonsung Song, Yong-Hee Kim
Obesity is an increasingly prevalent global health problem. Due to its close relations with metabolic diseases and cancer, new therapeutic approaches for treating obesity and obesity-induced metabolic diseases are required. Visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) has been closely associated with obesity-induced inflammation and adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are responsible for obesity-induced inflammation by releasing inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6. TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) is a transmembrane enzyme that induces the enzymatic cleavage and release of inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we developed a nonviral gene delivery system consisting of an oligopeptide (ATS-9R) that can selectively target visceral ATMs. In here we shows visceral adipose tissue-dominant inflammatory gene over-expressions in obese mouse and our strategy enabled the preferential delivery of therapeutic genes to visceral ATMs and successfully achieved ATM-targeted gene silencing. Finally, ATS-9R-mediated TACE gene silencing in visceral ATMs alleviated visceral fat inflammation and improved type 2 diabetes by reducing whole body inflammation.



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Analgesia (mis)usage on a dental emergency service: a patient survey

Abstract

Objectives

Analgesics are one of the most frequently used medicines. Self-medication and misuse have been described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to document analgesic (mis)use in a population seeking emergency dental treatment.

Material and methods

Patients consulting a dental emergency service were randomly asked to complete a questionnaire on analgesic use, knowledge and information on the analgesics and on their pain history. A photobook was used as an aid to identify products used. Descriptive statistics were combined with chi-square and Mann-Whitney U testing.

Results

Ninety-eight patients were included. Acetaminophen (69.4%) and ibuprofen (65.3%) were the most frequently used products. Nearly half of the subjects (43.9%) combined at least two analgesics. Although 42.9% of subjects were aware of the maximum daily dose, 62.2% of the subjects exceeded this limit, specifically 76.6% of subjects using ibuprofen and 32.4% of subjects using acetaminophen overdosing. Females overdosed significantly more than males. Ingestion on medical advice did not affect the overdose rates significantly. No significant relation was found between the absence of knowledge on the maximum daily dose and actual overdosing. No higher pain reduction was found in patients overdosing analgesics. The average number of days patients experienced pain before consulting the emergency unit was 12. A significant relation was found between the lag time and overdosing.

Conclusions

A large portion of the patients overdosed analgesics. Even prior medical advice did not reduce significantly overdose rates.

Clinical relevance

Dentists treating emergency cases clearly need to be aware of the high risk and high rates of overdosing analgesics in their patients.

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Effects of photobiomodulation therapy and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on skeletal muscle injury induced by contusion in rats—part 1: morphological and functional aspects

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries are very frequent and are responsible for causing pain and impairment of muscle function, as well as significant functional limitations. In the acute phase, the most prescribed treatment is with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), despite their questionable effectiveness. However, the use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in musculoskeletal disorders has been increasing in the last few years, and this therapy appears to be an interesting alternative to the traditional drugs. The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effects of PBMT, with different application doses, and topical NSAIDs, under morphological and functional parameters, during an acute inflammatory process triggered by a controlled model of musculoskeletal injury induced via contusion in rats. Muscle injury was induced by means of a single trauma to the animals' anterior tibialis muscle. After 1 h, the rats were treated with PBMT (830 nm; continuous mode, with a power output of 100 mW; 3.57 W/cm²; 1 J–35.7 J/cm², 3 J–107.1 J/cm², and 9 J–321.4 J/cm²; 10, 30, and 90 s) or diclofenac sodium for topical use (1 g). Morphological analysis (histology) and functional analysis (muscle work) were performed, 6, 12, and 24 h after induction of the injury. PBMT, with all doses tested, improved morphological changes caused by trauma; however, the 9 J (321.4 J/cm²) dose was the most effective in organizing muscle fibers and cell nuclei. On the other hand, the use of diclofenac sodium produced only a slight improvement in morphological changes. Moreover, we observed a statistically significant increase of muscle work in the PBMT 3 J (107.1 J/cm²) group in relation to the injury group and the diclofenac group (p < 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that PBMT, with a dose of 3 J (107.1 J/cm²), is more effective than the other doses of PBMT tested and NSAIDs for topical use as a means to improve morphological and functional alterations due to muscle injury from contusion.

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Development of photoaffinity derivatives of the antitumor macrolide aplyronine A, a PPI-inducer between actin and tubulin

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Masaki Kita, Kota Yamagishi, Kota Tsuchiya, Yu Seguchi, Hiroki Nakane, Hideo Kigoshi
The antitumor and actin-depolymerizing marine macrolide aplyronine A (ApA) synergistically binds to tubulin in association with actin, and prevents spindle formation and mitosis. While the crystal structure of the actin–ApA complex was solved in 2006, its interaction with the tubulin heterodimer has not been clarified. To investigate the binding modes of ApA as a unique protein–protein interaction (PPI)-inducer between these two cytoskeletal proteins, we prepared its photoaffinity acetylene and fluorescent derivatives with the aid of molecular modeling studies for probe design. Among these three derivatives, the ApA–PPA–TAMRA probe specifically photoreacted with both actin and tubulin in vitro. However, the photolabeling yield of tubulin was quite low (up to ∼1%), and one of the major side-reactions was the addition of a water molecule to the carbene species generated from an aryldiazirine moiety on the hydrophilic surface of actin.

Graphical abstract

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Design and Synthesis of Benzimidazole-based Rho Kinase inhibitors for the treatment of Glaucoma

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Vasudha Abbhi, Lovneet Saini, Srishti Mishra, Gautam Sethi, Alan Prem Kumar, Poonam Piplani
Rho kinase inhibitors (ROCK II) play a key role in glaucoma management attributed to their IOP lowering ability and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, a series of novel benzimidazole derivatives (9a-m) has been synthesized and evaluated for their IOP lowering, Rho kinase inhibitory and antioxidant properties. The synthesized compounds were found to be lipophilic and showed a significant IOP lowering effect both in the treated and the contralateral eye comparable to the reference standard fasudil. The nitrophenyl piperazine substituted compound 9j exhibited significant IOP lowering (51.56%) and an inhibition of 57.25 and 77.92% towards ROCK II enzyme at a concentration of 0.5 and 1 mM respectively. It possessed a considerable free radical scavenging activity exhibiting an IC50 value of 95.49 µg/mL in DPPH assay. The molecular docking studies of compound 9j indicated the binding of the compound at the active site of recombinant human ROCK II which makes it a promising antiglaucoma agent.

Graphical abstract

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Directional hippocampal-prefrontal interactions during working memory

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research
Author(s): Tiaotiao Liu, Wenwen Bai, Mi Xia, Xin Tian
Working memory refers to a system that is essential for performing complex cognitive tasks such as reasoning, comprehension and learning. Evidence shows that hippocampus (HPC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) play important roles in working memory. The HPC-PFC interaction via theta-band oscillatory synchronization is critical for successful execution of working memory. However, whether one brain region is leading or lagging relative to another is still unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we simultaneously recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from rat ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and while the rats performed a Y-maze working memory task. We then applied instantaneous amplitudes cross-correlation method to calculate the time lag between PFC and vHPC to explore the functional dynamics of the HPC-PFC interaction. Our results showed a strong lead from vHPC to mPFC preceded an animal's correct choice during the working memory task. These findings suggest the vHPC-leading interaction contributes to the successful execution of working memory.



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Dataset on the regulation of banana weevil abundance and corm damage associated with plant richness and the ground-dwelling arthropods’ food web

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 15
Author(s): Charlotte Poeydebat, Philippe Tixier, Luc De Lapeyre De Bellaire, Dominique Carval
The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled ̎Plant richness enhances banana weevil regulation in a tropical agroecosystem by affecting a multitrophic food web ̎ [1]. It provides information about plant species richness, weevil corm damage and the abundance of different arthropod groups, including the banana weevil and its potential natural enemies and alternative preys.



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Why averaging multiple MUNIX measures in the longitudinal assessment of patients with ALS?

Publication date: Available online 4 October 2017
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology
Author(s): Marcio Luiz Escorcio-Bezerra, Agessandro Abrahao, Denizart Santos-Neto, Nadia Iandoli de Oliveira Braga, Acary Souza Bulle Oliveira, Gilberto Mastrocola Manzano
ObjectiveTo assess the impact of averaging multiple MUNIX trials on the follow-up of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).MethodsWe determined the percent relative change (%RC) of MUNIX, in healthy subjects and patients with ALS, by subtracting the MUNIX value in the second visit from the first. Both the mean of a set of three MUNIX (mean-MUNIX) and the first MUNIX sample (single-MUNIX) were evaluated. Then, we studied the sensitivity to detect relative changes over time and the statistical dispersion of the%RC from these two parameters.ResultsWe found that the mean-MUNIX%RC has lower mean coefficient of variation than the single-MUNIX%RC in all muscles. The mean-MUNIX also resulted in more ALS patients with significant%RC, i.e., outside reference limits.ConclusionThe mean-MUNIX resulted in less dispersed values of%RC in patients with ALS and thus, increased the precision of the technique. The mean-MUNIX resulted also in an increase in the sensitivity to track changes over time in these patients.SignificanceThe mean-MUNIX should be considered in any ALS follow-up study as a more reliable approach and as a way of potentially reducing the sample size needed for the study.



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Anti-inflammatory effect of glucose-lysine Maillard reaction products on intestinal inflammation model in vivo

Publication date: November 2017
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 52
Author(s): Chung-Oui Hong, Chae Hong Rhee, Min Cheol Pyo, Kwang-Won Lee
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disorders that are characterized by intestinal epithelial inflammation and injury. Currently, the most employed therapies are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs; however, the side effects limit long-term effectiveness. We evaluated the impact of glucose-lysine Maillard reaction products (Glc-Lys MRPs) on colitis, induced in rats by an administration of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. Glc-Lys MRPs ameliorate DSS-induced colitis, as determined by a decrease in disease index activity, colon weight/length ratio, nitric oxide levels in serum, recovery of body weight loss, colon length and serum lysozyme levels. Furthermore, Glc-Lys MRPs increase the glutathione content and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and inhibit lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity in colon tissues. In particular, Glc-Lys MRPs suppress the mRNA level of the inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor-κB in colon tissues. This study suggests the potential of Glc-Lys MRPs in preventing or treating IBDs.



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Low-dose combined exposure of nanoparticles and heavy metal compared with PM 2.5 in human myocardial AC16 cells

Abstract

The co-exposure toxicity mechanism of ultrafine particles and pollutants on human cardiovascular system are still unclear. In this study, the combined effects of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and/or carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) with Pb(AC)₂ compared with particulate matter (PM)_2.5 were investigated in human myocardial cells (AC16). Our study detected three different combinations of SiNPs and Pb(AC)₂, CBNPs and Pb(AC)₂, and SiNPs and CBNPs compared with PM_2.5 at low-dose exposure. Using PM_2.5 as positive control, our results suggested that the combination of SiNPs and Pb(AC)₂/CBNPs could increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH); induce inflammation by the upregulation of protein CRP and TNF-α, and apoptosis by the upregulation of protein caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax while the downregulation of protein Bcl-2; and trigger G2/M phase arrest by the upregulation of protein Chk2 and downregulation of protein Cdc2 and cyclin B1. In addition, the combination of CBNPs and Pb(AC)₂ induced a significant increase in MDA and reduced the activities of ROS, LDH, SOD, and GSH, with G1/S phase arrest via upregulation of Chk1 and downregulation of CDK6 and cyclin D1. Our data suggested that the additive interaction and synergistic interaction are the major interaction in co-exposure system, and PM_2.5 could trigger more severe oxidative stress, G2/M arrest, and apoptosis than either co-exposure or single exposure.

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Erratum to: Sub-chronic exposure to low concentration of dibutyl phthalate affects anthropometric parameters and markers of obesity in rats

Abstract

The correct name of the 1st and corresponding Author is Khalid Abdul Majeed.

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A high-resolution air pollutants emission inventory in 2013 for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 170
Author(s): Ji Qi, Bo Zheng, Meng Li, Fang Yu, Chuchu Chen, Fei Liu, Xiafei Zhou, Jing Yuan, Qiang Zhang, Kebin He
We developed a high-resolution Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) regional air pollutants emission inventory for the year 2013. The inventory was established using a bottom-up approach based on facility-level activity data obtained from multiple data sources. The estimates from the BTH 2013 emission inventory show that the total emissions of SO2, NOX, PM2.5, PM10, CO, NMVOC, NH3, BC, and OC were 2,305, 2,686, 1,090, 1,494, 20,567, 2,207, 623, 160, and 254 Gg, respectively. The industry sector is the largest emissions source for SO2, NOX, PM2.5, PM10, CO, and NMVOC in the BTH region, contributing 72.6%, 43.7%, 59.6%, 64.7%, 60.3%, and 70.4% of the total emissions, respectively. Power plants contributed 11.8% and 23.3% of the total SO2 and NOX emissions, respectively. The transportation sector contributed 28.9% of the total NOX emissions. Emissions from the residential sector accounted for 31.3%, 21.5%, 46.6% and 71.7% of the total PM2.5, NMVOC, BC and OC emissions, respectively. In addition, more than 90% of the total NH3 emissions originate from the agriculture sector, with 44.2% from fertilizer use and 47.7% from livestock. The spatial distribution results illustrate that air pollutant emissions are mainly distributed over the eastern and southern BTH regions. Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Tangshan and Handan are the major contributors of air pollutants. The major NMVOC species in the BTH region are ethylene, acetylene, ethane and toluene. Ethylene is the biggest contributor in Tianjin and Hebei. The largest contributor in Beijing is toluene. There is relatively low uncertainty in SO2 and NOX emission estimates, medium uncertainty in PM2.5, PM10 and CO emission estimates, and high uncertainties in VOC, NH3, BC and OC emission estimates. The proposed policy recommendations, based on the BTH 2013 emission inventory, would be helpful to develop strategies for air pollution control.



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