Scholar : ΡΙΝΙΚΟ ΔΙΑΦΡΑΓΜΑ - νέα αποτελέσματα

[PDF] DIRETRIZES PARA A COBERTURA JORNALÍSTICA EM MODELOS DAS NAÇÕES UNIDAS

A Figueiredo, G Veiga, M Motta, V Petuco, V Pacheco - SOBRE O PERIÓDICO

… Por último, no Modo P (PrograMação autoMática), que é semelhante ao automático, as
configurações de obturador e de abertura de diafragma são determinadas pela câmera …
Manipulando o diafragma, é possível modificar o que se conhece por Profundidade de caMPo …

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Scholar : Myringotomy and tubes - νέα αποτελέσματα

Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of TP63‐related disorders including the first set of monozygotic twins

T Wenger, D Li, MH Harr, WH Tan, R Pellegrino… - American Journal of Medical …, 2017

… but he required tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, had chronic otitis media with effusion requiring
multiple bilateral myringotomy tubes and resulting in … Other concordant features included choanal
atresia, lacrimal duct atresia, severe feeding difficulty requiring G-tube feedings in …

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Scholar : ΒΑΣΗ ΚΡΑΝΙΟΥ - νέα αποτελέσματα

[PDF] Η συμβολή του παιχνιδιού στην ανάπτυξη των κινητικών προτύπων τόσο σε υγιή παιδιά, όσο και σε παιδιά με αναπτυξιακές διαταραχές προσχολικής ηλικίας

Κ ΜΠΑΛΛΑ - 2017

… Page 9. [3] 1.1 ΕΓΚΕΦΑΛΟΣ Ο εγκέφαλος βρίσκεται μέσα στο κύτος του κρανίου περιβαλλόμενος
από τρία περιβλήματα, τις μήνιγγες, με στόχο την μέγιστη προστασία του … Η κάτω επιφάνεια του
εγκεφάλου, ονομάζεται βάση και από εκεί εξέρχονται τα εγκεφαλικά νεύρα …

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Scholar : ΑΚΟΥΣΤΙΚΟ - νέα αποτελέσματα

[PDF] Η συμβολή του παιχνιδιού στην ανάπτυξη των κινητικών προτύπων τόσο σε υγιή παιδιά, όσο και σε παιδιά με αναπτυξιακές διαταραχές προσχολικής ηλικίας

Κ ΜΠΑΛΛΑ - 2017

… 2003), οι οποίοι είναι : • Μετωπιαίος λοβός, ο οποίος περιλαμβάνει τον κινητικό και τον προκινητικό
φλοιό • Βρεγματικός λοβός, ο οποίος περιλαμβάνει τον πρωτογενή σωματοαισθητικό φλοιό •
Κροταφικός λοβός, ο οποίος περιλαμβάνει τον πρωτογενή ακουστικό φλοιό • Ινιακός …

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Scholar : ΠΑΡΕΣΗ BELL - νέα αποτελέσματα

Justin C. Sowder, Breanne L. Schiffer

RK Gurgel, C Shelton - Skull Base Surgery of the Posterior Fossa, 2017

… utilized for repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence, encephaloceles, access to the petrous
apex, decompression of the facial nerve for Bell's palsy or … They are informed that there is, however,
a 20–30% chance of having temporary facial paresis in the immediate to early …

'Motility Psychoses', by Erik Strömgren (1940)

GE Berrios, J Schioldann - History of Psychiatry, 2017

The motility psychoses are a group of acute psychiatric conditions characterized by salient
disorders of movement (increased, decreased and disorganized), psych...

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Scholar : ΠΡΟΣΩΠΙΚΟ ΝΕΥΡΟ - νέα αποτελέσματα

[PDF] Η συμβολή του παιχνιδιού στην ανάπτυξη των κινητικών προτύπων τόσο σε υγιή παιδιά, όσο και σε παιδιά με αναπτυξιακές διαταραχές προσχολικής ηλικίας

Κ ΜΠΑΛΛΑ - 2017

… τμήματος για τις γνώσεις που μας μετέδωσαν ,καθώς και το προσωπικό της βιβλιοθήκης … βρίσκεται
κάτωθεν του θαλάμου και είναι μικρότερος από αυτόν .Το νεύρο που εξέρχεται … συστήματος
.Επιπλέον, έχει συνδέσεις με τους πυρήνες των εγκεφαλικών νεύρων, την παρεγκεφαλίδα …

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Scholar : ΧΗΜΕΙΟΘΕΡΑΠΕΙΑ - νέα αποτελέ

Προγνωστική εκτίμηση γονοτυπικών και φαινοτυπικών παραμέτρων του υποδοχέα του επιδερμικού αυξητικού παράγοντα στον τριπλά αρνητικό καρκίνο του μαστού

Σ Λέββα - 2017

… Στην παρούσα μελέτη, διερευνήθηκαν οι αλλαγές του EGFR σε διαφορετικά μοριακά επίπεδα και
εκτιμήθηκε η προγνωστική τους επίπτωση σε ασθενείς με εγχειρήσιμο ΤΑΚΜ οι οποίες
θεραπεύτηκαν με συμπληρωματική χημειοθεραπεία που βασίστηκε στην ανθρακυκλίνη …

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Scholar : intitle:Bioprinting - νέα αποτελέσματα

Embedded Multimaterial Extrusion Bioprinting

M Rocca, A Fragasso, W Liu, MA Heinrich, YS Zhang - … : Translating Life Sciences …, 2017

Embedded extrusion bioprinting allows for the generation of complex structures that
otherwise cannot be achieved with conventional layer-by-layer deposition from the bottom,
by overcoming the limits imposed by gravitational force. By taking advantage of a hydrogel

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Expression of the clock gene Rev-erbα in the brain controls the circadian organization of food intake and locomotor activity, but not daily variations of energy metabolism

Abstract

The nuclear receptor REV-ERBα is part of the molecular clock mechanism and thought to be involved in a variety of biological processes within metabolically active peripheral tissues as well. To investigate whether Rev-erbα (also known as Nr1d1) in the brain plays a role in the daily variations of energy metabolism, feeding behaviour and the sleep-wake cycle, we studied mice with global (GKO) or brain (BKO) deletion of Rev-erbα. Mice were studied both in a light-dark cycle and constant darkness, and 24-h variations of Respiratory quotient (RQ) and energy expenditure, as well as the temporal patterns of rest-activity and feeding behavior were recorded. The RQ increase of GKO mice was not detected in BKO animals, indicating a peripheral origin for this metabolic alteration. Arrhythmic patterns of locomotor activity were only found in BKO mice. By contrast, the circadian rhythm of food intake was lost both in GKO and BKO mice, mostly by increasing the number of daytime meals. These changes in the circadian pattern of feeding behaviour were, to some extent, correlated with a loss of rhythmicity of hypothalamic Hcrt (also named Orx) mRNA levels. Together, these findings highlight that Rev-erbα in the brain is involved in the temporal partitioning of feeding and sleep, whereas its effects on energy metabolism are mainly exerted through its peripheral expression.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2zbSWuD

Facilitating effects of Buyang Huanwu decoction on axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve transection

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 213
Author(s): Ki-Joong Kim, Uk Namgung
Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn traditional Asian medicine, Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) has been used for the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Recent experimental studies have begun to provide evidence on the protective effects of BYHWD on injured peripheral nerves.Aim of the studyTo examine whether BYHWD was effective in inducing axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve transection, and if so, how it acted on the nerve.Materials and methodsThe sciatic nerve in rats was transected and resutured 0, 1, or 4 weeks later. BYHWD was orally administered daily into the animals with nerve transection and coaptation (NTC). Axonal regeneration was measured by immunofluorescence staining of NF-200 and superior cervical ganglion 10 (SCG10) and by retrograde tracing method. Changes of protein levels in the sciatic nerve were analyzed by western blot analysis. Effects of BYHWD and its constituents on neurite outgrowth were analyzed in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Hot plate and treadmill training tests were performed to assess the levels of functional recovery after nerve injury.ResultsThe rate of axonal regeneration was attenuated by delayed coaptation after transection, but improved by BYHWD treatment. Levels of phospho-Erk1/2 and Cdc2 phosphorylation of vimentin, measured as indicators of the activation of regenerating axons and supportive Schwann cells, were increased in the sciatic nerve of NTC animals, and their distribution in the proximal and distal nerves were affected by BYHWD treatment. Treatment of BYHWD during the period of chronic denervation significantly increased axonal regeneration when analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and retrograde tracing methods. Neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons cocultured with Schwann cells from the chronically transected sciatic nerves was enhanced by BYHWD treatment. Radix Paeoniae Rubra induced neurite outgrowth most efficiently among all herbal constituents of BYHWD. Finally, hot plate and treadmill training tests demonstrated that BYHWD administration significantly improved the sensorimotor nerve function in NTC animals.ConclusionsOur data suggest that BYHWD treatment may contribute to the timely interaction between regenerating axons and distal Schwann cells in the transected nerve and facilitate axonal regeneration.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yUdsM8

Curcuzedoalide contributes to the cytotoxicity of Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes against human gastric cancer AGS cells through induction of apoptosis

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 213
Author(s): Eun Bee Jung, Tuy An Trinh, Tae Kyoung Lee, Noriko Yamabe, Ki Sung Kang, Ji Hoon Song, Sungyoul Choi, Sanghyun Lee, Tae Su Jang, Ki Hyun Kim, Gwi Seo Hwang
Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurcuma zedoaria Roscoe (Zingiberaceae), also known as white turmeric or zedoaria, has been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat various cancers, and it possesses several sesquiterpenoid compounds.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a methanolic (MeOH) extract of C. zedoaria rhizomes, as well as its active constituents, against gastric cancer, which is a frequently diagnosed cancer in South Korea.Materials and methodsRepeated column chromatography, together with semi-preparative HPLC purification, was used to separate the bioactive constituents from the C. zedoaria MeOH extract. The cytotoxic effects of the C. zedoaria MeOH extract and its active compounds were measured in human gastric cancer AGS cells. Expression of proteins related to apoptosis was evaluated using Western blotting analysis.ResultsThe MeOH extract of C. zedoaria rhizomes exerted a cytotoxic effect on AGS cells (IC50: 96.60 ± 4.87μg/mL). Based on the bioactivity-guided fractionation for antiproliferative activity, a chemical investigation of the MeOH extract led to the isolation of five sesquiterpenes including isoprocurcumenol (1), germacrone (2), curzerenone (3), curcumenol (4), and curcuzedoalide (5). Among these, curcuzedoalide demonstrated the strongest effect in suppressing gastric cancer cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 125.11±2.77μM. Western blotting analysis showed that curcuzedoalide inhibited AGS human gastric cancer cell viability by activating caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP, which contributed to apoptotic cell death in AGS human gastric cancer cells.ConclusionThese data indicate that curcuzedoalide contributed to the cytotoxicity of C. zedoaria by activating the cleavage of caspases and PARP, which are representative markers for apoptosis. Therefore, curcuzedoalide is a positive candidate for the development of novel chemotherapeutics.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ySlo0h

Editorial Board

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Volume 83





http://ift.tt/2hJfJqf

Using Citrus aurantifolia essential oil for the potential biocontrol of Colocasia esculenta (taro) leaf blight caused by Phytophthora colocasiae

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of leaves and epicarp of Citrus aurantifolia essential oil against Phytophthora colocasiae, the causative agent of taro leaf blight. Oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activities of oils were tested in vitro against mycelium growth and sporangium production. In situ tests were done on healthy taro leaves, and the necrosis symptoms were evaluated. Results showed that the essential oil extraction yields from leaves and epicarp were 0.61 and 0.36%, respectively. Limonene (48.96%), bornyl acetate (14.18%), geraniol (10.53%), geranial (3.93%), and myrcene (3.14%) were the main components in leaf oil, while limonene (59.09%), cis-hydrate sabinene (7.53%), geranial (5.61%), myrtenol (5.02%), and terpinen-4-ol (3.48%) were the main components in epicarp oil. Both oils exhibited antimicrobial activities with total inhibition of the mycelium growth at 500 and 900 ppm for leaf and epicarp, respectively. The highest inhibitory concentration of sporangium production was 400 (72.84%) and 800 ppm (80.65%) for leaf and epicarp oil, respectively. For the standard fungicide (metalaxyl), the total inhibition value of mycelial growth and sporangium production was 750 ppm. In situ tests showed that, at 5000 ppm, total inhibition (100%) was obtained for a preventive test, while 50% of the inhibition was observed for a curative test when leaf oil was applied. When epicarp essential oil was applied at 5000 ppm, 47.5 and 16.66% of the reduction of leaf necrosis were observed for the preventive and curative test, respectively. There were positive correlations between both the oil concentration and the reduction of necrosis caused by P. colocasiae. These findings suggest that the C. aurantifolia essential oil could serve as an eco-friendly biocontrol for the management of taro leaf blight.

http://ift.tt/2hA1Map

Intrapartum assessment of fetal well-being

1A012A043J02

http://ift.tt/2yS3lY7

Treatment withdrawal and end-of-life care in the intensive care unit

1F052C063A07

http://ift.tt/2AZAvGY

Prehabilitation

1I052A073J03

http://ift.tt/2yVXkd7

Anaesthesia for head and neck cancer surgery

1C012A013A02

http://ift.tt/2AZAoLy

Principles of resource allocation in critical care

1I022C073J02

http://ift.tt/2ySUbul

Ion-imprinted electrospun nanofibers of chitosan/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate for the dynamic expulsion of thorium (IV) ions from mimicked effluents

Abstract

The present study explores the innocuous, biocompatible, and extremely competent molecularly imprinted chitosan/RTIL electrospun nanofibers having average diameter of 30 nm for the expulsion of thorium (IV) ions from the mimicked effluent waste. The extended Flory–Huggins theory and three-dimensional molecular modeling have been effectively premeditated via Materials Studio software for enumerating the inter-miscibility and compatibility (Chi parameter (χ) = 1.019, mixing energy (E_mix) = 0.603 kcal/mol) of the chitosan/RTIL (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate). The maximum adsorption efficiency is found to be 90% at a neutral pH of 7, and a temperature of 298 K within 120 min. The adsorption process was extensively studied by two-parameter adsorption isotherms like Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) and three-parameter models like Redlich–Paterson and Sips isotherm. Pseudo-second-order kinetics model (R² = 0.982) and Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.994) bestowed the best fitting on chitosan/RTIL nanofibers for the adsorption of Th (IV) ions. The thermodynamic study reveals the spontaneity and exothermic nature of the reaction. The experimental analysis conjoint with isotherm and kinetic models, and simulation study establish the applicability of chitosan/RTIL nanofibers for the expulsion of Th (IV) and other toxic metal ions from the effluents.

Graphical abstract

Ion-imprinted electrospun nanofiber for expulsion of thorium (IV) ion

http://ift.tt/2mAgROm

Comprehensive study of the mountainous lake sediments in relation to natural and anthropogenic processes and time (Mały Staw Lake, Poland)

Abstract

The Sudety Mts. form a chain of mountains in the South of Poland and during the last 200 years were subjected to strong industrial and agricultural pressure. The records of these human-induced changes are stored in natural archives like lake sediments. For the comprehensive study, three sediment cores taken from Mały Staw Lake (Sudety Mts.) were analyzed for the concentration of K, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Mg, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and radioactivity of ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb. As a result of the studies, the bathymetry map was developed and the sources of solid material supplied to the lake were identified. The geochronology studies of the cores were performed using ²¹⁰Pb method, to evaluate model of time changes in the sediment. Radioactivity of ²¹⁰Pb_uns (determined indirectly by ²¹⁰Po) ranged from 1051 ± 64 to 12 ± 8 Bq kg⁻¹. The ¹³⁷Cs radioactivity was determined directly by gamma spectrometry and varied from 525 ± 37 Bq kg⁻¹ for top layers to 9.80 ± 5.40 Bq kg⁻¹ for the bottom of the core. Two characteristic peaks of ¹³⁷Cs radioactivity related to the global fallouts after nuclear weapons testing and the Chernobyl accident were observed and used to confirm ²¹⁰Pb dating method. Chemometrics analysis of the chosen metal's concentrations combined with sample dating showed distinct imprint of human activity on the studied area.

http://ift.tt/2zdppAY

Masthead

Publication date: November–December 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2hGmuZT

Table of Contents

Publication date: November–December 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2jDk9zD

Acknowledgement of referees

Publication date: November–December 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2jDkxOB

American College of Radiology–American Brachytherapy Society practice parameter for electronically generated low-energy radiation sources

Publication date: November–December 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 6
Author(s): Phillip M. Devlin, Laurie E. Gaspar, Ivan Buzurovic, D. Jeffrey Demanes, Michael E. Kasper, Subir Nag, Zoubir Ouhib, Joshua H. Petit, Seth A. Rosenthal, William Small, Paul E. Wallner, Alan C. Hartford
BackgroundThis collaborative practice parameter technical standard has been created between the American College of Radiology and American Brachytherapy Society to guide the usage of electronically generated low energy radiation sources (ELSs). It refers to the use of electronic X-ray sources with peak voltages up to 120 kVp to deliver therapeutic radiation therapy.Main FindingsThe parameter provides a guideline for utilizing ELS, including patient selection and consent, treatment planning, and delivery processes. The parameter reviews the published clinical data with regard to ELS results in skin, breast, and other cancers.ConclusionsThis technical standard recommends appropriate qualifications of the involved personnel. The parameter reviews the technical issues relating to equipment specifications as well as patient and personnel safety. Regarding suggestions for educational programs with regard to this parameter,it is suggested that the training level for clinicians be equivalent to that for other radiation therapies. It also suggests that ELS must be done using the same standards of quality and safety as those in place for other forms of radiation therapy.



http://ift.tt/2hHWrBD

Changes in bone mineral density related to changes in serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations over a two-year period in postmenopausal women

http://ift.tt/2zazezf

Somatostatin receptor subtype 1 might be a predictor of better response to therapy in medullary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a malignant neoplasm of parafollicular cells. Because it is a neuroendocrine tumor, it has known somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). The actual frequencies of the SSTR subtypes and their potential influences (by binding with endogenous somatostatin) on MTC cell proliferation have not been fully elucidated to date. The present study evaluated the occurrence of SSTR subtypes 1, 2, 3 and 5 as well as the possible role that each subtype plays in the clinical evolution of patients with MTC.

Methods

This retrospective, longitudinal study analyzed thyroid surgical material from 42 patients with MTC. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with monoclonal antibodies against subtypes 1, 2, 3 and 5 of SSTR. The histological material was classified as negative, focal positive or diffuse positive, in relation to each of the SSTR subtypes. The initial response to treatment, clinical course and patient mortality rate were assessed and related to the presence of SSTR subtypes.

Results

The most prevalent SSTR subtype was SSTR 3, which was found in 81% of the patients, when considering any pattern of positivity. However, subtype 2 had the lowest number of positive patients, with 28.6% demonstrating any positive pattern. Subtypes 1 and 5 had an intermediate prevalence of positivity, with subtype 1 present in 45.2% of the patients and subtype 5 positive in 54.8% of the patients, when considering any pattern of positivity. The presence of STR 1, in the form of diffuse positivity, independently predicted a better response to the initial therapy, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.80 (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

This is the first study to show the correlation of the presence of SSTR1, detected by monoclonal immunohistochemical techniques, and better response to initial treatment and possibly better long-term clinical response in patients with MTC. In addition, these patients had low positivity rates for SSTR2, which might explain the low sensitivity of diagnostic and limited therapeutic response to octrotide based radioisotopes.

http://ift.tt/2mCrz72

Impact of thyroid disease on testicular function

Abstract

Introduction

Testis was considered unresponsive to thyroid hormone for a long time. However, like in animals, the presence of thyroid hormone receptors in different testicular cell types was demonstrated also in humans. Accordingly, thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism have remarkable effects on testicular function and more extensively on fertility.

Review

Thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism are associated with changes affecting the endocrine, sexual, or reproductive functions. Particularly, compared with controls, hyperthyroid patients have higher serum SHBG and lower free and bioavailable testosterone concentrations, a higher rate of astheno-zoospermia, oligo-zoospermia, and terato-zoospermia, and a higher prevalence of sexual disturbances, such as premature ejaculation. In hypothyroid patients, hormonal changes are in the opposite direction compared with hyperthyroid patients.

Summary

Thyroid hormone regulates a number of functions in the testis, such as proliferation and differentiations of non-germ cells, steroidogenesis, and sperm motility. Furthermore, thyroid hormone regulates testicular redox status. Consequently, thyroid hormone excess or deficiency can affect testicular function at different levels.

Conclusions

In view of the high prevalence of thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism, a considerable part of infertile patients may harbor overt or subclinical thyroid disease. Identification and management of thyrotoxicosis/hypothyroidism associated infertility needs the collaboration of andrologists, endocrinologists, gynecologists, and general practitioners.

http://ift.tt/2zb0Y78

An Appraisal of the Cephalic Index in Sagittal Craniosynostosis, and the Unseen Third Dimension.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2zPubTZ

“Reply: Outpatient circumferential lower Body Lift is the Lipo-Body Lift an ideal method?

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hAv4p8

Outpatient circumferential lower Body Lift: Is the Lipo-Body Lift an ideal method?

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2zOcXq4

Comparison of Steroid and Botox Monotherapy with Combination Therapy for Treating Human Hypertrophic Scars in an Animal Model

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hAuXKe

“Predictors of Autologous Free Fat Graft Retention in the Management of Craniofacial Contour Deformities.”

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2zMWvqk

Authors´ response: Parry-Romberg syndrome shows greater fat graft retention after a complementary fat grafting

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hyrsUT

Re: Autologous Fat Transfer for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis A Prospective Study

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2zO2J9w

Autologous Fat Transfer for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2hAuI1M

Changes in bone mineral density related to changes in serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations over a two-year period in postmenopausal women

http://ift.tt/2zazezf

Somatostatin receptor subtype 1 might be a predictor of better response to therapy in medullary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a malignant neoplasm of parafollicular cells. Because it is a neuroendocrine tumor, it has known somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). The actual frequencies of the SSTR subtypes and their potential influences (by binding with endogenous somatostatin) on MTC cell proliferation have not been fully elucidated to date. The present study evaluated the occurrence of SSTR subtypes 1, 2, 3 and 5 as well as the possible role that each subtype plays in the clinical evolution of patients with MTC.

Methods

This retrospective, longitudinal study analyzed thyroid surgical material from 42 patients with MTC. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with monoclonal antibodies against subtypes 1, 2, 3 and 5 of SSTR. The histological material was classified as negative, focal positive or diffuse positive, in relation to each of the SSTR subtypes. The initial response to treatment, clinical course and patient mortality rate were assessed and related to the presence of SSTR subtypes.

Results

The most prevalent SSTR subtype was SSTR 3, which was found in 81% of the patients, when considering any pattern of positivity. However, subtype 2 had the lowest number of positive patients, with 28.6% demonstrating any positive pattern. Subtypes 1 and 5 had an intermediate prevalence of positivity, with subtype 1 present in 45.2% of the patients and subtype 5 positive in 54.8% of the patients, when considering any pattern of positivity. The presence of STR 1, in the form of diffuse positivity, independently predicted a better response to the initial therapy, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.80 (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

This is the first study to show the correlation of the presence of SSTR1, detected by monoclonal immunohistochemical techniques, and better response to initial treatment and possibly better long-term clinical response in patients with MTC. In addition, these patients had low positivity rates for SSTR2, which might explain the low sensitivity of diagnostic and limited therapeutic response to octrotide based radioisotopes.

http://ift.tt/2mCrz72

Impact of thyroid disease on testicular function

Abstract

Introduction

Testis was considered unresponsive to thyroid hormone for a long time. However, like in animals, the presence of thyroid hormone receptors in different testicular cell types was demonstrated also in humans. Accordingly, thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism have remarkable effects on testicular function and more extensively on fertility.

Review

Thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism are associated with changes affecting the endocrine, sexual, or reproductive functions. Particularly, compared with controls, hyperthyroid patients have higher serum SHBG and lower free and bioavailable testosterone concentrations, a higher rate of astheno-zoospermia, oligo-zoospermia, and terato-zoospermia, and a higher prevalence of sexual disturbances, such as premature ejaculation. In hypothyroid patients, hormonal changes are in the opposite direction compared with hyperthyroid patients.

Summary

Thyroid hormone regulates a number of functions in the testis, such as proliferation and differentiations of non-germ cells, steroidogenesis, and sperm motility. Furthermore, thyroid hormone regulates testicular redox status. Consequently, thyroid hormone excess or deficiency can affect testicular function at different levels.

Conclusions

In view of the high prevalence of thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism, a considerable part of infertile patients may harbor overt or subclinical thyroid disease. Identification and management of thyrotoxicosis/hypothyroidism associated infertility needs the collaboration of andrologists, endocrinologists, gynecologists, and general practitioners.

http://ift.tt/2zb0Y78

Outcomes Comparison for Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction in Specialty Surgery Hospitals Versus Tertiary Care Facilities

Background: Postoperative monitoring is crucial in the care of free flap breast reconstruction patients. Tertiary care facilities (TCFs) provide postoperative monitoring in an ICU after surgery. Specialty surgery hospitals (SSHs) do not have ICUs, but these facilities perform free flap breast reconstruction as well. Are outcomes comparable between the 2 facilities in terms of flap reexploration times and overall success? Methods: Retrospective study including 163 SSH and 157 TCF patients. Primary predictor was facility in which the procedure was performed. Secondary predictors included operative, demographic, and comorbidity data. Primary outcomes were flap take back rate and flap failures. Secondary outcomes were total time from adverse event noticed in the flap to returning to the operating room (OR) and total time from decision made to return to the OR to returning to the OR (decision made). Tertiary outcomes were length of stay, operative times, and blood loss. Results: Patients at the TCF were generally less healthy than SSH patients. Salvage rates and failure rates were similar between the 2 institutions. Adverse event noticed and decision made times did not differ between the 2 facilities. Overall flap success rate was 98.22% at SSH and 98.81% at TCF. No primary or secondary predictors had a significant correlation with increased odds for flap failure. Conclusion: SSHs can offer similar outcomes in free flap breast reconstruction with just as effective clinical response times to endangered flaps as found in a TCF. However, surgery at an SSH may best be reserved for healthier patients.

http://ift.tt/2jdoDMP

An Algorithmic Approach to Operative Management of Complex Pediatric Dog Bites: 3-Year Review of a Level I Regional Referral Pediatric Trauma Hospital

Background: Incidence of dog bites continues to rise among the pediatric population and serves as a public health threat for the well-being of children. Plastic surgeons are at the forefront of initial management and eventual outcome of these devastating injuries. This study set out to determine the nature of dog bite injuries treated over a 3-year period at a large level 1 pediatric trauma center. Methods: A retrospective review of emergency room records of all pediatric patients (age, 0–18 years old) who sustained dog bites between January 2012 and December 2014 were gathered. All details about age of patient, location and severity of dog bites, type of dog breed, antibiotics given, and emergency versus operative treatment were recorded and analyzed. Results: One hundred eight patients aged 5 months to 18 years old were treated in the emergency department after suffering dog bite injuries during the study period. The highest incidence of dog bites occurred in preschool children. The mean age for patients who required operative repair was lower than the mean age for patients who underwent primary closure in the emergency department. The location of injury was most commonly isolated to the head/neck region. Of the 56 cases that had an identified dog breed, pit bulls accounted for 48.2% of the dog bites, and 47.8% of pit bull bites required intervention in the operating room. Conclusion: Children with large dog bite injuries require more immediate care in a level 1 pediatric trauma hospitals in order to optimize their hospitalization course and eventual outcome.

http://ift.tt/2zmwdLD

Dexmedetomidine promotes biomimetic non-rapid eye movement stage 3 sleep in humans: A pilot study

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 129, Issue 1
Author(s): Oluwaseun Akeju, Lauren E. Hobbs, Lei Gao, Sara M. Burns, Kara J. Pavone, George S. Plummer, Elisa C. Walsh, Tim T. Houle, Seong-Eun Kim, Matt T. Bianchi, Jeffrey M. Ellenbogen, Emery N. Brown
ObjectivesSleep, which comprises of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM stages 1–3 (N1–N3), is a natural occurring state of decreased arousal that is crucial for normal cardiovascular, immune and cognitive function. The principal sedative drugs produce electroencephalogram beta oscillations, which have been associated with neurocognitive dysfunction. Pharmacological induction of altered arousal states that neurophysiologically approximate natural sleep, termed biomimetic sleep, may eliminate drug-induced neurocognitive dysfunction.MethodsWe performed a prospective, single-site, three-arm, randomized-controlled, crossover polysomnography pilot study (n = 10) comparing natural, intravenous dexmedetomidine- (1-μg/kg over 10 min [n = 7] or 0.5-μg/kg over 10 min [n = 3]), and zolpidem-induced sleep in healthy volunteers. Sleep quality and psychomotor performance were assessed with polysomnography and the psychomotor vigilance test, respectively. Sleep quality questionnaires were also administered.ResultsWe found that dexmedetomidine promoted N3 sleep in a dose dependent manner, and did not impair performance on the psychomotor vigilance test. In contrast, zolpidem extended release was associated with decreased theta (∼5–8 Hz; N2 and N3) and increased beta oscillations (∼13–25 Hz; N2 and REM). Zolpidem extended release was also associated with increased lapses on the psychomotor vigilance test. No serious adverse events occurred.ConclusionsPharmacological induction of biomimetic N3 sleep with psychomotor sparing benefits is feasible.SignificanceThese results suggest that α2a adrenergic agonists may be developed as a new class of sleep enhancing medications with neurocognitive sparing benefits.



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Cytosolic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases: unanticipated relocations for unexpected functions

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
Author(s): Nathaniel Yakobov, Sylvain Debard, Frédéric Fischer, Bruno Senger, Hubert Dominique Becker
AbstractProkaryotic and eukaryotic cytosolic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are essentially known for their conventional function of generating the full set of aminoacyl-tRNA species that are needed to incorporate each organism's repertoire of genetically-encoded amino acids during ribosomal translation of messenger RNAs. However, bacterial and eukaryotic cytosolic aaRSs have been shown to exhibit other essential nonconventional functions. Here we review all the subcellular compartments that prokaryotic and eukaryotic cytosolic aaRSs can reach to exert either a conventional or nontranslational role. We describe the physiological and stress conditions, the mechanisms and the signalling pathways that trigger their relocation and the new functions associated with these relocating cytosolic aaRS. Finally, given that these relocating pools of cytosolic aaRSs participate to a wide range of cellular pathways beyond translation, but equally important for cellular homeostasis, we mention some of the pathologies and diseases associated with the dis-regulation or malfunctioning of these nontranslational functions.



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Determination of degree of RBC agglutination for blood typing using a small quantity of blood sample in a microfluidic system

Publication date: 15 April 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 102
Author(s): Yaw-Jen Chang, Ching-Yuan Ho, Xin-Miao Zhou, Hsiu-Rong Yen
Blood typing assay is a critical test to ensure the serological compatibility of a donor and an intended recipient prior to a blood transfusion. This paper presents a microfluidic blood typing system using a small quantity of blood sample to determine the degree of agglutination of red blood cell (RBC). Two measuring methods were proposed: impedimetric measurement and electroanalytical measurement. The charge transfer resistance in the impedimetric measurement and the power parameter in the electroanalytical measurement were used for the analysis of agglutination level. From the experimental results, both measuring methods provide quantitative results, and the parameters are linearly and monotonically related to the degree of RBC agglutination. However, the electroanalytical measurement is more reliable than the impedimetric technique because the impedimetric measurement may suffer from many influencing factors, such as chip conditions. Five levels from non-agglutination (level 0) to strong agglutination (level 4+) can be discriminated in this study, conforming to the clinical requirement to prevent any risks in transfusion.



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To Study the Feasibility and Quality of Life of Medial Group Retropharyngeal Node Sparing in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Condition:   Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Intervention:   Radiation: medial group retropharyngeal node（MRLN） sparing
Sponsor:   Sun Yat-sen University
Recruiting

http://ift.tt/2itaoR9

The Translational Research Image-Guided Operating Room (TRIGORA): Intraoperative 3D Imaging for Head & Neck Surgical Patients

Condition:   Head and Neck Neoplasms
Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: 3D Cone-Beam Imaging
Sponsor:   University Health Network, Toronto
Recruiting

http://ift.tt/2AOYnfe

Early and Whole Course Nutritional Support by Nutren® Optimum During IMRT for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Conditions:   Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma;   Nutritional Support
Interventions:   Radiation: Radiotherapy;   Drug: Chemotherapy;   Dietary Supplement: Nutren® Optimum
Sponsors:   Sun Yat-sen University;   Nestlé Health Science Spain
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2iqN86c

Nutrition and Inflammation in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Conditions:   Head and Neck Neoplasms;   Radiotherapy Side Effect;   Inflammation;   Metabolism
Intervention:   Radiation: Radiotherapy
Sponsors:   Uppsala University;   Swedish Cancer Society;   The Kamprad Family Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Research & Charity
Recruiting

http://ift.tt/2AOY6sI

PET-MRI Assessment of Early Tumor Response to Predict Outcomes of HPV-Positive Oropharynx Cancer Patients

Conditions:   Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Oropharynx Cancer
Interventions:   Radiation: Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT);   Drug: Chemotherapy;   Diagnostic Test: PET-MRI
Sponsors:   University of Wisconsin, Madison;   National Cancer Institute (NCI);   National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2ipqaMQ

Nivolumab, Carboplatin, and Paclitaxel in Treating Patients With Stage III-IV Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma That Can Be Removed by Surgery

Conditions:   Name Human Papillomavirus Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage II Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage III Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage III Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage III Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage III Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IV Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IV Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IV Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IV Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVA Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVA Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVA Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVA Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVB Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVB Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVB Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVB Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVC Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVC Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVC Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma;   Stage IVC Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Interventions:   Drug: Paclitaxel;   Drug: Carboplatin;   Biological: Nivolumab
Sponsors:   Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University;   Bristol-Myers Squibb
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2ANpWWv

A Study of LY3381916 Alone or in Combination With LY3300054 in Participants With Solid Tumors

Conditions:   Solid Tumor;   Non Small Cell Lung Cancer;   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck;   Urothelial Carcinoma;   Brain Metastasis
Interventions:   Drug: LY3381916;   Drug: LY3300054
Sponsor:   Eli Lilly and Company
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2iqyRGF

KeyLargo: Pembrolizumab + Oxaliplatin + Capecitabine in Gastric Cancer

Conditions:   Gastric Cancer;   Esophagus Cancer
Intervention:   Drug: Oxaliplatin+Capecitabine+Pembrolizumab
Sponsors:   Duke University;   Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2AOXDGY

HIV patients, healthy aging and transplant recipients can reveal the hidden footprints of CMV

Publication date: Available online 3 November 2017
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Shelley Waters, Emily Brook, Silvia Lee, Riwanti Estiasari, Ibnu Ariyanto, Patricia Price
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a β-herpesvirus. Latent infections are common in all populations. However age-associated increases in levels of CMV-reactive antibody are testament to repeated reactivations and periods of viral replication. CMV has been associated with several diseases of aging, including vasculopathy and neurocognitive impairment. These conditions occur at a younger age in persons with particularly high burdens of CMV - transplant recipients and people living with HIV. Here we define the "clinical footprints" as immunopathologies triggered by CMV that develop over many years.A high burden of CMV also drives accumulation of multifunctional terminally-differentiated αβ T-cells, a novel population of Vδ2⁻ γδ T-cells, and a population of CD56^lo NK cells lacking a key regulatory molecule. An understanding of these "immunological footprints" of CMV may reveal how they collectively promote the "clinical footprints" of the virus. This is explored here in transplant recipients, HIV patients and healthy aging.



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The impact of social exclusion on anticipatory attentional processing

Publication date: Available online 15 November 2017
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): John E. Kiat, Jacob E. Cheadle, Bridget J. Goosby
The importance of understanding how we anticipate and prepare for social rejection is underscored by the mental and physical toll of continual social vigilance. In this study, we investigate the impact of social rejection on anticipatory attentional processes using the well-known Cyberball task, a paradigm in which participants engage in a game of catch with virtual avatars who after an initial period of fair-play (inclusion condition) then exclude the participant from the game (exclusion condition). The degree of anticipatory attention allocated by subjects towards the avatars was assessed by measuring P3b responses towards the avatars' preparatory actions (i.e. the phase preceding their exclusionary actions) using high density EEG. The results of the study show that relative to the inclusion, participants exhibit elevated levels of anticipatory attentional allocation towards the avatars during the exclusion block. This shift was however significantly moderated by participants' self-reported cognitive regulation tendencies. Participants with higher levels of self-reported cognitive reappraisal tendencies showed larger anticipatory P3b increases from the inclusion to exclusion block relative to participants with reduced levels of reappraisal tendencies. These results highlight the impact of social exclusion on anticipatory neural processing and the moderating role of cognitive reappraisal on these effects.



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Proteome and phosphoproteome analysis of commensally induced dendritic cell maturation states

Publication date: Available online 15 November 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Ali Giray Korkmaz, Todor Popov, Loulou Peisl, Marius Cosmin Codrea, Sven Nahnsen, Alexander Steimle, Ana Velic, Boris Macek, Martin von Bergen, Joerg Bernhardt, Julia-Stefanie Frick
Dendritic cells (DCs) can shape the immune system towards an inflammatory or tolerant state depending on the bacterial antigens and the environment they encounter. In this study we provide a proteomic catalogue of differentially expressed proteins between distinct DC maturation states, brought about by bacteria that differ in their endotoxicity. To achieve this, we have performed proteomics and phosphoproteomics on murine DC cultures. Symbiont and pathobiont bacteria were used to direct dendritic cells into a semi-mature and fully-mature state, respectively. The comparison of semi-mature and fully-mature DCs revealed differential expression in 103 proteins and differential phosphorylation in 118 phosphosites, including major regulatory factors of central immune processes. Our analyses predict that these differences are mediated by upstream elements such as SOCS1, IRF3, ABCA1, TLR4, and PTGER4. Our analyses indicate that the symbiont bacterial strain affects DC proteome in a distinct way, by downregulating inflammatory proteins and activating anti-inflammatory upstream regulators.Biological significanceIn this study we have investigated the responses of immune cells to distinct bacterial stimuli. We have used the symbiont bacterial strain B. vulgatus and the pathobiont E. coli strain to stimulate cultured primary dendritic cells and performed a shotgun proteome analysis to investigate the protein expression and phosphorylation level differences on a genome level. We have observed expression and phosphorylation level differences in key immune regulators, transcription factors and signal transducers. Moreover, our subsequent bioinformatics analysis indicated regulation at several signaling pathways such as PPAR signaling, LXR/RXR activation and glucocorticoid signaling pathways, which are not studied in detail in an inflammation and DC maturation context. Our phosphoproteome analysis showed differential phosphorylation in 118 phosphosites including those belonging to epigenetic regulators, transcription factors and major cell cycle regulators. We anticipate that our study will facilitate further investigation of immune cell proteomes under different inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2jBKf61

Dynamic molecular events associated to Plasmodium berghei gametogenesis through proteomic approach

Publication date: Available online 15 November 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Carlos H.S. Garcia, Delphine Depoix, Rayner M.L. Queiroz, Jaques M.F. Souza, Wagner Fontes, Marcelo V. de Sousa, Marlon D.M. Santos, Paulo C. Carvalho, Philippe Grellier, Sébastien Charneau
Plasmodium mature sexual cycle occurs in the vector mosquitoes and ensures the transmission to a new host. Gametogenesis takes place within minutes in the vector midgut. Gametocytes have to complete a deep nuclear reorganization, quick differentiation, and in the case of male gametocytes, intracytoplasmic flagellum assembly that results in free-swimming microgametes required for macrogamete fertilization.In efforts to improve our knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in gamete morphogenesis, we carried out a nanoLC/MSMS based quantitative proteomic analysis throughout the xanthurenic acid-induced gametogenesis of the rodent parasite P. berghei. Time-course analyses were performed 7 and 15min after gametogenesis induction. From 2617 iTRAQ-labelled peptides, 49 proteins were found differentially abundant. Proteins related to RNA translation, DNA, and protein biosynthesis were most prominent and strongly regulated. The energetic metabolic pathway, glycolysis, environmental stress response, RNA/protein biosynthesis, mitosis and axoneme formation, both related to tubulin-associated cytoskeleton dynamic, were predominant regulated cell processes at protein level during the differentiation. Our results also include 26 phosphoproteins in gametocytes/gametes. This first iTRAQ-based proteomic time course analysis of Plasmodium gamete development sheds light on the biological protein orchestration within gametogenesis.SignificanceMalaria is one of the most serious and widespread parasitic diseases that affected humans in medicine history. The increasing emergence of resistance of parasites from Plasmodium genus to the available antimalarial drugs and the absence of efficient vaccines require an urgent need of development of new therapeutic strategies to fight against that disease. The sexual reproduction is a key step of Plasmodium life cycle and constitutes an attractive target for the development of new therapeutic approaches since it would control malaria based on an inhibition of the parasite transmission to Anopheles, and then to humans. Male and female gamete formation (gametogenesis) is thus a biological event that is determinant for the perpetuation of the parasite in which drastic morphological and metabolic changes occur in a short time interval, resulting in the production of 8 male gametes from a male gametocyte, and fertilization of the female gamete. Development of such transmission-blocking strategies required in deep understanding of the molecular and cellular events associated to gametogenesis. Despite several studies, our understanding on gametogenesis is still incomplete and requires further investigations. This work is the first large-scale quantitative proteomic insight into the P. berghei gamete morphogenesis providing valuable time course data. Plasmodium gametogenesis clearly requires regulation of expression and phosphorylation of proteins belonging to different metabolic pathways and functions, in order to produce mature male and female gametes.

Graphical abstract

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Social discomfort moderates the relationship between drinking in response to negative affect and solitary drinking in underage drinkers

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Carillon Skrzynski, Kasey G. Creswell, Rachel L. Bachrach, Tammy Chung
ObjectiveResearch shows that solitary drinking is associated with negative reinforcement motives (i.e., relieving negative affect). An untested hypothesis proposes that this association may be especially strong for individuals who experience social discomfort. This study aimed to 1) replicate findings linking solitary drinking to social discomfort (i.e., loneliness, social anxiety, and lack of perceived social support), alcohol problems, and drinking in response to negative affect (i.e., drinking to cope motives and inability to resist alcohol during negative affect), and 2) investigate whether greater social discomfort moderates the relationship between drinking in response to negative affect and solitary drinking in underage drinkers.MethodCurrent alcohol drinkers ages 18 to 20 (N=664) recruited from a TurkPrime panel reported the percentage of time they drank solitarily and completed measures assessing social discomfort, drinking in response to negative affect, and alcohol involvement. Structural equation modeling was used to test the moderation model.ResultsResults replicated prior literature supporting the first aim. For the second aim, analyses indicated a positive association between solitary drinking and drinking in response to negative affect across all individuals, but contrary to prediction, this relationship was stronger for individuals with lower, rather than higher, social discomfort.ConclusionUnderage drinkers with lower, rather than higher, social discomfort appear to be at greater risk for drinking alone. These findings may inform our understanding of individuals at greatest risk for drinking alone and promote new avenues for intervention.



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Soil physical properties response to tillage practices during summer fallow of dryland winter wheat field on the Loess Plateau

Abstract

Soil physical properties are a greatly important part of the soil and indicator of soil quality, which can directly affect soil nutrient turnover and crop yields in dryland. This study was carried out with three tillage practices during the summer fallow season since 2011, including no tillage (NT), plow tillage (PT), and subsoiling (ST) in dryland winter wheat fields of the Loess Plateau. Results showed that soil tillage during the summer fallow had a small effect on soil bulk density (ρ _b) in the 0–50-cm soil profile before sowing and after harvesting of winter wheat. Soil ρ _b under NT at a depth of 20–30 cm was significantly greater than those under PT in both seasons. Both soil gravimetric water content (θ _g) and volumetric moisture content (θ _v) after harvesting increased by 28.8–78.6% and 37.5–87.3%, respectively, compared with those before sowing. Adoption of PT significantly increased soil θ _g and θ _v in the entire 0–50-cm profile before sowing compared with NT and ST (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a small effect on soil porosity (e.g., total porosity, air-filled porosity, and capillary porosity) in the profile of 0–50 cm both before sowing and after harvesting. Overall, short-term tillage during summer fallow mainly affected soil water content in the 0–50-cm soil profile, and it had a slight effect on other physical soil properties.

http://ift.tt/2A8ioBr

Polymorphisms in inflammasome genes and risk of asthma in Brazilian children

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 93
Author(s): Vinicius Nunes Cordeiro Leal, Isabel Rugue Genov, Márcia C Mallozi, Dirceu Solé, Alessandra Pontillo
Considering its role in inflammation and recently described "alternative" roles in epithelial homeostasis and Th1/Th2 balance, we hypothesize that inflammasome genetics could contribute to the development of asthma. Selected functional polymorphisms in inflammasome genes are evaluated in a cohort of asthmatic children and their families.Gain-of-function NLRP1 variants rs11651270, rs12150220 and rs2670660 resulted significantly associated to asthma in trios (TDT) analysis; and rs11651270 and rs2670660 also with asthma severity and total IgE level in asthmatic children. NLRP1 activators in humans are still unknown, however we hypothesized that individuals with gain-of-function SNPs in NLRP1 could be more prone in activating inflammasome in the presence of asthma-related cell stressors (i.e. ER stress or ROS), and this activation contribute to exacerbate inflammatory response and asthma development.Gain-of-function IL1A rs17561 resulted significantly associated with a reduced pulmonary capacity in asthmatic children. IL18 rs5744256 which lead to lower serum level of IL-18 appeared to be associated to a worse response to bronchodilators.Concluding, this work provides evidences about the contribution of inflammasome genetics in the development of paediatric asthma, both considering its inflammatory role in alveolar macrophages (i.e.: NLRP1) or its homeostatic role in lung epithelial cells (i.e.: IL1A, IL18).



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Impact of risk factors for gestational diabetes (GDM) on pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, we evaluated the impact of risk factors for gestational diabetes on clinical/biochemical parameters and maternal/fetal outcomes.

Methods

One hundred eighty-three (n 183) women (age 33.8 ± 5.5 years, 59% Caucasians, 41% non-Caucasians) with gestational diabetes were included in the study. Anamnestic information, anthropometric and laboratory parameters, and maternal and fetal outcomes at delivery were collected.

Results

Insulin therapy prevalence was higher in Asians vs Caucasians (p = 0.006), despite lower pre-pregnancy BMI in Asians (p = 0.0001) and in pre-pregnancy overweight vs normal weight patients (p = 0.04). Insulin-treated patients had higher fasting OGTT glucose than patients on diet therapy (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, Asian ethnicity, age ≥ 35 years and pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² were independent predictors of insulin therapy. Cesarean section occurred more in women aged ≥ 35 years than < 35 years (p = 0.02). Duration of pregnancy and age showed inverse correlation (r − 0.3 p = 0.013). Week of delivery was lower in patients ≥ 35 years vs patients < 35 years (p = 0.013). Fasting OGTT glucose was higher in overweight than in normal weight patients (p = 0.016). 1-h OGTT glucose was lower in obese vs normal weight (p = 0.03) and overweight patients (p = 0.03). Prevalence of prior gestational diabetes was higher in overweight/obese women (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Ethnicity, age, and BMI have the heaviest impact on pregnancy outcomes.

http://ift.tt/2zKOMcH

La reconnaissance des maladies professionnelles, une procédure opportunément restrictive

Publication date: Available online 15 November 2017
Source:Médecine & Droit
Author(s): Michael Rioux
Le système de reconnaissance des maladies professionnelles du régime général qui a par ailleurs inspiré les autres régimes est financé à 100 % par le patronat. Parce que son fonctionnement est étroitement lié au financement de sa réparation, le choix d'un mécanisme de tableaux pour évaluer le lien au travail répond à l'objectif de n'indemniser que la maladie liée avec certitude au travail. D'âpres tractations empêchent bien souvent l'actualisation de ces tableaux les rendant obsolètes. La réparation des maladies professionnelles pèse ainsi peu sur le coût du travail mais ne permet pas de prendre en charge l'ensemble des maladies réellement liées au travail. Il en résulte un système de prise en charge imparfait qui rejette du système de réparation des maladies professionnelles, une majorité de maladies au moins partiellement en lien avec le travail, particulièrement les troubles musculosquelettiques et les maladies psychiques.The system for the recognition of occupational diseases in the general social security scheme, which has moreover inspired other schemes, is funded entirely by employers. As its functioning is closely linked to the funding of compensation, the use of a system of tables to evaluate the link to work serves to meet the objective of compensating only diseases that can be related with certainty to work. Furthermore, the codification of these tables is the subject of bitter negotiations that render them obsolete. In this way, compensation for occupational diseases puts little pressure on labour costs, but does not cover all the disorders actually related to work. As a result, the system for covering health-care costs is imperfect, the compensation system for occupational disorders rejecting the majority of diseases related at least partially to work, particularly musculoskeletal and mental health disorders.



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Safety, acceptability and tolerability of uncoated and excipient-coated high density silicon micro-projection array patches in human subjects

Publication date: 4 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 48, Part B
Author(s): Paul Griffin, Suzanne Elliott, Kenia Krauer, Cristyn Davies, S. Rachel Skinner, Christopher D. Anderson, Angus Forster
Most vaccinations are performed by intramuscular injection with a needle and syringe. However, this method is not ideal due to limitations, such as the risk of needle-stick injury, the requirement for trained personnel to give injections and the need to reconstitute lyophilized vaccines. Therefore, we tested an alternative delivery technology that overcomes the problems with needle and syringe. The Nanopatch™ is an array of 10,000 silicon micro-projections per cm² that can be dry-coated with vaccine for skin delivery. The high number and density of micro-projections means that high velocity application is required to achieve consistent skin penetration. Before clinically testing a vaccine Nanopatch, this study tests the safety, tolerability and acceptability/utility of uncoated and excipient-coated Nanopatches in healthy adults.Nanopatches were applied to skin of the upper arm and volar forearm and left in contact with the skin for two minutes before removal. The application sites were assessed for local skin response over 28 days. Acceptability interviews were also performed.No unexpected adverse events directly related to the Nanopatch application were reported. All applications of the Nanopatch resulted in an expected erythema response which faded between days 3 and 7. In some subjects, some skin discolouration was visible for several days or up to 3 weeks after application. The majority (83%) of subjects reported a preference for the Nanopatch compared to the needle and syringe and found the application process to be simple and acceptable. On a pain scale from 0 to 10, 78% of applications were scored "0" (no pain) with the average scores for less than 1.The results from this study demonstrate the feasibility of the Nanopatch to improve vaccination by showing that application of the product without vaccine to human skin is safe, tolerable and preferred to needle and syringe administration.Clinical trial registry ID: ACTRN1261500083549.



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Canine vaccination: Bridging the rabies knowledge gap

Publication date: Available online 15 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi, Ahad Bazmani, Mohammad Aghazadeh




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Editorial Board/Aims and Scope

Publication date: 4 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 48, Part B





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Projections of zoster incidence in Australia based on demographic and transmission models of varicella-zoster virus infection

Publication date: 4 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 48, Part B
Author(s): Valentina Costantino, Heather F Gidding, James G Wood
Re-exposure to varicella infection is believed to delay the occurrence of herpes zoster (HZ), which has led to predictions of increased HZ following introduction of varicella vaccination programs. However, there is evidence of rising HZ rates before vaccination was introduced. Here, we explore a potential explanation for this effect through demographic change leading to reductions in varicella exposure and boosting in the context of Australia over the 20th century.To study this hypothesis, we integrated observed changes in Australian birth and age-specific death rates with a varicella transmission model. The model was then calibrated to age-specific pre-vaccination seroprevalence (1997–9) and hospitalization data (1993–2009).Model simulations predicted that declining birth rates led to a 50% reduction in varicella incidence over the 20th century. When combined with the impacts of an aging population, the simulations further suggested that HZ incidence should have increased by 50% over the 20th century. However, we found that after age-standardization, the residual increase in HZ due to reduced boosting was only about 8% over the 20th century. Results were also sensitive to the assumed duration of immunity to HZ and whether multiple HZ episodes were possible.Despite a strong predicted effect of demographic change on varicella incidence, our findings suggest that improved survival is the main contributor to any rise in HZ rates prior to vaccination in Australia. Removing survival effects through age-standardization is recommended when considering epidemiologic or model-based analysis of past trends in HZ.



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European Court of Justice ruling on vaccine liability and its implications for the United States

Publication date: 4 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 48, Part B
Author(s): Y. Tony Yang




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Hib antibody responses in infants following diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) combination vaccines with decreasing amounts of tetanus toxoid

Publication date: 4 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 48, Part B
Author(s): Henry H. Bernstein, Elisabeth R. Seyferth
BackgroundWhile combination vaccines have contributed to improved vaccine uptake rates in children, studies have documented varied immunogenicity to specific vaccine components. We studied whether varying the amount of tetanus toxoid (TT) in a DTaP and Hib combination vaccine would result in immunogenicity comparable with separate, concurrent administration.MethodsWe evaluated the immunogenicity of Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories (MBL) diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (mDTaP) vaccine combined with tetanus-conjugated MBL Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (mHib) in a single injection (DTaPH). We compared four DTaPH vaccines containing varying concentrations of TT. We also evaluated the immune response to the DTaP vaccine manufactured by Connaught Laboratories (now known as Sanofi Pasteur) given with mHib and with Wyeth Hib-CRM197 (HbOC) as separate injections. Vaccines were administered to 240 healthy infants at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, and blood specimens for antibody determination were obtained before each immunization and one month after the third immunization.ResultsWe found no significant differences in immune response to the vaccines between the four DTaPH groups. Hib antibody responses were similar in the mHib and the HbOC groups but significantly lower in the DTaPH groups, as measured by Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell neutralization titers and filamentous hemagglutinin antigen (FHA) geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of anti-Hib antibodies. There were no significant differences between the groups in pertussis or tetanus toxoid antibody levels.ConclusionReducing tetanus toxoid amounts did not produce comparable immunogenicity for Hib. The nature of the interaction between immune responses to DTaPH components should be explored further to enable the development of better Hib-containing combination vaccines.



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Pertussis seroepidemiology in women and their infants in Sarlahi District, Nepal

Publication date: 4 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 48, Part B
Author(s): Michelle M. Hughes, Janet A. Englund, Kathryn Edwards, Sandra Yoder, James M. Tielsch, Mark Steinhoff, Subarna K. Khatry, Steven C. LeClerq, Joanne Katz
BackgroundInfants are at greatest risk for pertussis morbidity and mortality. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy has been shown to prevent pertussis in young infants in high- and middle-income countries. However, data on the levels of maternal pertussis antibodies and the efficiency of transplacental transfer in low-income South Asian settings are limited.ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of maternal pertussis antibodies and the efficiency of transplacental transfer in rural southern Nepal.Design/methodsPaired maternal-infant blood samples were collected from a subsample of participants in a randomized, controlled trial of maternal influenza immunization (n=291 pairs). Sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin, and fimbriae. Maternal and infant pertussis antibody levels and transplacental transfer efficiency were determined and potential factors associated with both were assessed.ResultsElevated maternal antibodies to pertussis toxin, suggesting recent pertussis infection, were rarely detected (4%, tested n=305). However, paired maternal-cord sera were highly correlated across all antibodies; transplacental antibody transfer ratios for pertussis toxin were 1.14 (n=291, 95% CI 1.07–1.20); filamentous hemagglutinin 1.10 (n=120, 95% CI: 1.01–1.20); fimbriae 2/3 1.05 (n=120, 95% CI: 0.96–1.15) and pertactin 0.96 (n=289, 95% CI: 0.91–1.00). Older gestational age was associated with increased pertussis toxin and decreased fimbriae 2/3 antibody transport.ConclusionsA low prevalence of maternal antibody to all four pertussis antigens was noted in Nepal, but transplacental antibody transfer was efficient. No consistent demographic factors were associated with elevated maternal antibody levels or efficiency of transplacental transfer. If an increase in infant pertussis disease burden was detected in this population, maternal immunization could be an effective intervention to prevent disease in early infancy.



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Newcastle disease virus (NDV) recombinant expressing the hemagglutinin of H7N9 avian influenza virus protects chickens against NDV and highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H7N9) virus challenges

Publication date: 4 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 48, Part B
Author(s): Zenglei Hu, Xiaowen Liu, Xinan Jiao, Xiufan Liu
The emerged highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H7N9) (HPAI) viruses in China pose a dual challenge to public health and poultry industry. Thus H7N9 vaccines are in an urgent need. In this study, we constructed a Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-vectored vaccine (rLXHAF) expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) of H7N9 virus fused with the transmembrane/cytoplasmic tail domain of the NDV fusion protein. rLXHAF stably expressed the HA protein, exhibited similar growth kinetics and pathogenicity as the parental virus. rLXHAF induced positive NDV-specific hemagglutination inhibition (HI), virus neutralization (VN) and total IgY antibodies and completely protected chickens from NDV challenge. Unexpectedly, rLXHAF elicited undetectable HI and VN titers but high overall IgY antibody titers against H7N9 measured by ELISA. The vaccine provided 80% protection against HPAI H7N9 challenge. Virus shedding of NDV and H7N9 challenge strains was reduced. Our results suggest that rLXHAF is immunogenic and efficacious against HPAI H7N9 virus in chickens.



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