Estimation of oxygen effective diffusion coefficient in a non-steady-state biofilm based on response time

Abstract

In wastewater treatment, oxygen effective diffusion coefficient (D_eff ) is a key parameter in the study of oxygen diffusion-reaction process and mechanism in biofilms. Almost all the reported methods for estimating the D_eff rely on other biokinetic parameters, such as substrate consumption rate and reaction rate constant. Then, the estimation was complex. In this study, a method independent of other biokinetic parameters was proposed for estimating the dissolved oxygen (DO) D_eff in biofilms. It was based on the dynamic DO microdistribution in a non-steady-state inactive biofilm, which was measured by the oxygen transfer modeling device (OTMD) combining with an oxygen microelectrode system. A pure DO diffusion model was employed, and the expression of the DO D_eff was obtained by applying the analytical solution of the model to a selected critical DO concentration. DO D_eff in the biofilm from the bioreactor was calculated as (1.054 ± 0.041) × 10⁻⁹ m²/s, and it was in the same order of magnitude with the reported results. Therefore, the method proposed in this study was effective and feasible. Without measurement of any other biokinetic parameters, this method was convenient and will benefit the study of oxygen transport-reaction process in biofilms and other biofouling deposits.

Graphical abstract

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Scholar : These new articles for South African Theatre Journal are available online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for South African Theatre Journal and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Mapping a classic: body mapping and Koodiyattam Rasa breath patterns as a way of embodying character and analysing text in a production of The Trojan Women with second year acting students from the University of Cape Town's Drama Department. Sara Matchett Pages: 1-12 | DOI: 10.1080/10137548.2017.1417742 Routledge Performance Archive - http://ift.tt/1txaJgs "Take a Tour" to find out more and recommend the Archive to your librarian to arrange a free trial for your institution. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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.

PD-L1 and IDO1 Are Expressed in Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer that currently has limited effective treatment options. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of carcinomas. In this study, we explore whether immune checkpoint pathways, such as programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), are activated in a cohort of patients with PDTC to determine whether ICIs may be an effective therapy for these patients. PDTC from 28 patients were stained for IDO1, PD-L1, and CD8 using immunohistochemistry. Staining was scored using an H-score, and PD-L1 and IDO1 expression was correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics. Positivity for PD-L1 and IDO1 was set at an H-score cutoff of five. Twenty-five percent (n = 7/28) of the PDTC were positive for PD-L1 expression. Twenty-nine percent (n = 2/7) of the PD-L1 positive PDTCs also co-expressed IDO1. The expression of PD-L1 in PDTC was significantly associated with tumor size and multifocality, with a non-significant trend towards associations with older age, extrathyroidal extension, presence of metastasis, higher stage, increased number of CD8+ T cells, and decreased disease-free and overall survival. PD-L1 expression occurs in a subset of PDTC, and is associated with a subset of clinical features of aggressive thyroid disease. Given the limited effective treatments for this patient population, consideration for ICIs as monotherapy or in combination with an IDO1 inhibitor should be explored as a novel treatment modality for patients with PDTC.

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Scholar : These new articles for Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction are available online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles New Sincerity and the legacy of psychoanalysis: Benjamin Kunkel's Indecision (2005) and Heidi Julavits's The Uses of Enchantment (2006) Audrey Farley Pages: 1-13 | DOI: 10.1080/00111619.2017.1412935 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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.

Comparative study of Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of concomitant therapy vs modified quadruple therapy comprising proton-pump inhibitor, bismuth, amoxicillin, and metronidazole in Korea

Abstract

Background

The standard triple Helicobacter pylori regimen now shows unacceptably low treatment success in Korea. Administration of the concomitant therapy for 10 days, which has a high cure rate, is recommended as an alternative first-line treatment in areas of high clarithromycin resistance including Korea. Recently, modified bismuth-containing quadruple therapy with amoxicillin (PAM-B therapy) showed excellent results, regardless of dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance. This study compared the concomitant therapy with PAM-B therapy as a first-line treatment for H. pylori infection.

Method

Subjects infected with H. pylori and naïve to treatment were performed a head-to-head comparison between 10-day concomitant therapy [rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily] and 14-day PAM-B therapy [rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, metronidazole 750 mg, and tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate 600 mg (elemental bismuth 240 mg) twice daily]. Six weeks after treatment, H. pylori eradication was assessed.

Results

Two hundred and seventy subjects were randomized. Both regimens achieved high cure rates: 83.0% (112/135) and 88.1% (119/135) by the intention-to-treat analysis and 95.5% (106/111) and 96.6% (114/118) by the per-protocol analysis, respectively. The intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses revealed no statistically significant difference in the eradication rate (P = .299 and P = .743, respectively). Rates of adverse events were similar between groups (25.2% vs 23.0%, P -value: .776) Adverse events, which resulted in poor compliance, occurred in six patients of each group, but there were no serious complications.

Conclusions

PAM-B therapy is as effective as concomitant therapy for eradicating H. pylori with comparative safety. PAM-B therapy is regarded as a promising alternative to standard triple therapy for a first-line eradication in Korea.

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Cisplatin Plus Radiotherapy vs Durvalumab Plus Radiotherapy Followed by Durvalumab vs Durvalumab Plus Radiotherapy Followed by Tremelimumab and Durvalumab in Intermediate Risk HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal SCC

Condition:   Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Interventions:   Radiation: Radiation;   Drug: Cisplatin;   Drug: Durvalumab;   Drug: Tremelimumab
Sponsors:   Canadian Cancer Trials Group;   AstraZeneca
Not yet recruiting

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Primary cutaneous non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, clinically mimicking a soft tissue sarcoma

Prajwala Gupta, Poojan Agarwal, Arvind Ahuja, CK Durga

CytoJournal 2018 15(1):2-2

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with distinct biology and clinical course when compared to their nodal counterparts. They usually present as violaceous, erythematous plaques, and nonulcerated nodules, which are confined to skin at the time of presentation. We present an unusual case of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, clinically mimicking a sarcoma. This case highlights the uncommon aggressive behavior and ulcerated type of nodular lesions seen in PCBCL and also revisits the cytomorphological findings of the same.

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Fine-needle aspiration of a slowly enlarging neck mass in a 61-year-old woman: An interesting adult blue cell tumor in an unusual location

Sue Chang, Sharon Hirschowitz, David Y Lu, Rose C Montoya, Maria Vergara-Lluri, Neda A Moatamed

CytoJournal 2018 15(1):1-1



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Diagnostic importance of CD56 with fine-needle aspiration cytology in suspected papillary thyroid carcinoma cases

Ozgen Arslan Solmaz

CytoJournal 2018 15(1):3-3

Background: Palpable thyroid nodules can be found in 4%–7% of the adult population; however, <5% of thyroid nodules are malignant. Immunohistochemical markers, such as CD56, can be used to make a differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions. To increase the accuracy of the diagnosis and distinguish the malignant aspirates from the benign ones, chose to evaluate CD56, which is normally found in benign thyroid tissue. Methods: A total of 53 fine-needle aspirate samples from patients diagnosed with suspected papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were included prospectively. These aspirates were immunocytochemically stained for CD56. Results: In histopathological examination, the fine-needle aspiration cytopathology specimens suspicious for PTC (after undergoing surgery) showed that 32 (60.4%) were benign and 21 (39.6%) were malignant. Thirty-one of the benign cases (96.87%) were CD56-positive, whereas the last case (3.13%) was CD56-negative. Staining was not seen in any of the malignant cases. Conclusions: We believe that CD56 is an important marker in the definitive diagnosis of suspected PTC cases, with CD56-positivity being interpreted in favor of benignity.

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Scholar : The Chinese Economy, Volume 51, Issue 1, January-February 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content The Chinese Economy, Volume 51, Issue 1, January-February 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles Lending to Private Firms: Evidence from China on the Role of Firm Openness and Bribery Wenjuan Ruan, Erwei Xiang & Shiguang Ma Pages: 1-19 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2017.1368905 Bank's Profit Efficiency Under China Economic Structure Rebalancing: Empirical Evidence Using Index of Economic Freedom Woon Kan Yap & Fadzlan Sufian Pages: 20-44 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2017.1368878 Domestic Value Added in China's Exports to the World and Its Partners Dongwei Wen Pages: 45-68 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2017.1368885 Incorporating Foreign Direct Investment and Trade into Energy-Employment Nexus: Evidence from China Chung-Khain Wye Pages: 69-96 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2017.1368892 The Coexistence and Interaction of Formal and Informal Lending in China— Discussion of the Wenzhou Case Junjie Wu Pages: 97-114 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2017.1368897 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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.

Filaggrin gene mutations may influence the persistence of food allergies in Japanese primary school children

Abstract

Mutations in FLG are the underlying cause of ichthyosis vulgaris and are an important predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (AD).¹ In 2011, FLG mutations were reported to increase the risk of peanut allergy², and they have been proven to increase the risk of other food sensitizations and allergies.^3,4 In this study, we comprehensively screened 411 children in Japan for 10 Japanese-population-specific FLG mutations and suggested that FLG mutations influence the persistence of food allergies (FAs).

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Scholar : Chemistry and Ecology, Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Chemistry and Ecology, Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Research Articles CO2 leakage simulation: effects of the pH decrease on fertilisation and larval development of Paracentrotus lividus and sediment metals toxicity M. Dolores Basallote, Araceli Rodríguez-Romero, Manoela R. De Orte, T. Ángel DelValls & Inmaculada Riba Pages: 1-21 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1396319 On the tolerance of charophytes to high-nitrate concentrations María A. Rodrigo, Eric Puche & Carmen Rojo Pages: 22-42 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1398237 Bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated medium using Lemna minor, Daphnia magna and their consortium Şeyda Fikirdeşici-Ergen, Esra Üçüncü-Tunca, Murat Kaya & Evren Tunca Pages: 43-55 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1393534 Copper(II) ions' removal from aqueous solution using green horse-chestnut shell as a low-cost adsorbent Anna Parus Pages: 56-69 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1396452 The potential ecological risk of soil trace metals following over five decades of agronomical practices in a semi-arid environment Salar Rezapour, P. Kouhinezhad & A. Samadi Pages: 70-85 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1404585 Effects of adding biochar on tetracycline removal during anaerobic composting of swine manure Shengdao Shan, Hua Wang, Chengran Fang, Yixuan Chu & Lanhui Jiang Pages: 86-97 | DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2017.1400022 Browse papers on image & data fusion, GIS, LiDAR & more in the International Journal of Image and Data Fusion's exclusive Editor's Choice collection. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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 Applied Developmental Science are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Applied Developmental Science and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Developments in developmental research and theory John R. Nesselroade Pages: 1-3 | DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2017.1403529 Staff matter: Gender differences in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) career interest development in adolescent youth | C. Aaron Price, F. Kares, G. Segovia & Aerika Brittian Loyd Pages: 1-16 | DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2017.1398090 Review Article Drivers of human development: How relationships and context shape learning and development1 | David Osher, Pamela Cantor, Juliette Berg, Lily Steyer & Todd Rose Pages: 1-31 | DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2017.1398650 Malleability, plasticity, and individuality: How children learn and develop in context1 | Pamela Cantor, David Osher, Juliette Berg, Lily Steyer & Todd Rose Pages: 1-31 | DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2017.1398649 2018 Future Directions Forum JOIN US at the 2018 Future Directions Forum for Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology - June 15-16, 2018 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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 Contemporary Theatre Review are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Contemporary Theatre Review and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Errata Erratum Pages: 1-1 | DOI: 10.1080/10486801.2018.1430112 Routledge Performance Archive - http://ift.tt/1txaJgs "Take a Tour" to find out more and recommend the Archive to your librarian to arrange a free trial for your institution. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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 : Australian Journal of Political Science, Volume 53, Issue 1, March 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Australian Journal of Political Science, Volume 53, Issue 1, March 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Editorial Editorial Renee Jeffery, John Parkinson, Annika Werner & Tracey Arklay Pages: 1-2 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2018.1420532 Articles Public opinion and policy responsiveness: the case of same-sex marriage in Australia Andrea Carson, Shaun Ratcliff & Yannick Dufresne Pages: 3-23 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1381944 New institutionalism, critical junctures and post-crisis policy reform Alastair Stark Pages: 24-39 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1409335 The stretched rubber band: banks, houses, debt and vulnerability in Australia Tom Conley Pages: 40-56 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1378311 Gender and candidate selection in a weakly institutionalised party system: the case of Samoa Kerryn Baker Pages: 57-72 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1416582 Symposium: International approaches to online political participation and connective action Introduction: international approaches to online political participation and connective action Andrea Carson & Ariadne Vromen Pages: 73-77 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1416588 Mediated mobilisation after the Arab Spring: how online activism is shaping Bahrain's opposition Kylie Moore-Gilbert Pages: 78-88 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1416584 Generating a voice among 'media monsters': hybrid media practices of Taiwan's Anti-Media Monopoly Movement Shiau Ching Wong & Scott Wright Pages: 89-102 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1416587 Connective action mechanisms in a time of political turmoil: virtual disability rights protest at Donald Trump's inauguration Filippo Trevisan Pages: 103-115 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1416585 Connected feminists: foregrounding the interpersonal in connective action Verity Trott Pages: 116-129 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1416583 The legitimisation of clicktivism Max Halupka Pages: 130-141 | DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2017.1416586 Do you have original research that relates to present-day Japan and its recent historical development? Contemporary Japan welcomes your submissions. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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 : New articles have been published for Journal of Natural History, Volume 52, Issue 5-6

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content The following articles have been newly published in the issue Journal of Natural History, Volume 52, Issue 5-6 on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles The coconut pathosystem: weed hosts of nymphs of the American palm Cixiid Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) Eder Ramos Hernández, Miguel Alberto Magaña Alejandro, Carlos Fredy Ortiz García, Carlos Oropeza Salín, Julia María Lesher Gordillo, Saúl Sánchez Soto Pages: 255-268 | DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2017.1420832 Revision of the subfamily Cardiochilinae Ashmead, 1900 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Egypt, with new records and a new species Yusuf A. Edmardash, Neveen S. Gadallah, Michael J. Sharkey Pages: 269-297 | DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2017.1420834 The issue is in progress. To view all articles already published in this issue, please visit: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tnah20/52/5-6 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.

Improved insulin sensitivity and secretion in pre-diabetic patients with adrenal insufficiency on dual-release hydrocortisone treatment: a 36-month retrospective analysis

Summary

Objective

Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) provides physiological cortisol exposure, leading to an improvement of anthropometric and metabolic parameters. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of DR-HC on insulin secretion and sensitivity and cardio metabolic risk, indirectly expressed by the visceral adiposity index (VAI).

Design and patients

Retrospective analysis of 49 patients, 13 with primary and 36 with secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI) respectively, on conventional glucocorticoid treatment at baseline and switched to DR-HC for 36 months.

Overall, 24 patients had AI-pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and the combination) and 25 had AI-normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

Measurements

Clinical and metabolic parameters, including VAI, insulin secretion and sensitivity indexes [fasting insulinemia, AUC_{2h insulinemia}, oral disposition index (Dio) and ISI-Matsuda] were evaluated.

Results

In patients with AI-NGT and AI-pre-diabetes a significant decrease in BMI (p= 0.017 and p< 0.001), waist circumference (p= 0.008 and p< 0.001), HbA1c (p= 0.034 and p= 0.001) and a significant increase in HDL-C (p= 0.036 and p= 0.043) were respectively observed.

In addition, in pre-diabetic patients only we found a significant decrease in insulinemia (p= 0.014), AUC_{2h insulinemia} (p= 0.038) and VAI (p= 0.001), in concomitance with a significant increase in DIo (p= 0.041) and ISI-Matsuda (p= 0.038).

Conclusions

Long-term DR-HC therapy is associated with an improvement in insulin secretion and sensitivity in patients with pre-diabetes. However, all patients appear to benefit from the treatment in terms of improvement of metabolic and anthropometric parameters. Larger studies are required to confirm our preliminary data.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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In vivo skin reactions from pulsed-type, bipolar, alternating current radiofrequency treatment using invasive noninsulated electrodes

Abstract

Background

Bipolar, alternating current radiofrequency (RF) conduction using invasive noninsulated electrodes consecutively generates independent tissue coagulation around each electrode and then, the converged coagulation columns.

Methods

Two pulsed-type RF models at the on-time pulse width/pulse pack of 30 and 40 milliseconds were designed to amplify the early stage of RF-induced tissue reaction using hairless mouse skin in vivo. Then, structural and ultrastructural changes were evaluated in hairless mouse skin samples at baseline and immediately 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after treatment.

Results

Immediately after pulsed-RF treatment, a few chrysanthemum-like zones of electrothermal coagulation and hypereosinophilic collagen fibers were found in the dermis and dermo-subcutaneous fat junction. Histochemical staining for periodic acid-Schiff and immunohistochemical staining for type IV collagen revealed marked thickening of basement membranes. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that pulsed-RF treatment resulted in higher electron-dense and remarkably thicker lamina densa, as well as increases in anchoring fibrils, compared with untreated control specimens. Furthermore, CD31-positive blood vessels were smaller in size with a slit-like luminal appearance, without excessive damage to endothelial cells.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that pulse-type, bipolar RF energy induces structural and ultrastructural changes in basement membranes and vascular components in hairless mouse skin.

http://ift.tt/2nauscx

Non-invasive assessment of cellulitis from snapshot hyperspectral imaging – A primary study

http://ift.tt/2BrzbeO

Optical coherence tomography image processing for in vivo 3-dimensional visualization of basal cell carcinoma

http://ift.tt/2n90Z3i

Effects of thymol on amyloid-β-induced impairments in hippocampal synaptic plasticity in rats fed a high-fat diet

Publication date: Available online 13 January 2018
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Masoumeh Asadbegi, Alireza Komaki, Iraj Salehi, Parichehreh Yaghmaei, Azadeh Ebrahim-Habibi, Siamak Shahidi, Abdolrahman Sarihi, Sara Soleimani Asl, Zoleikha Golipoor
Obesity and a high-fat diet (HFD) are known to increase the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oxidative stress, a major risk factor for AD, is increased with HFD consumption. Thymol (Thy) has antioxidant properties. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the protective and therapeutic effects of Thy on amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced impairments in the hippocampal synaptic plasticity of HFD-fed rats. In this study, 72 adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 9 groups (n = 8 rats/group): Group 1 (control; standard diet); Group 2: Control + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + Oil (Thy vehicle); Group 3 (HFD + PBS); Group 4: (HFD + Aβ); Group 5: Control + PBS + Thy; Group 6: (HFD + Aβ + Oil); Group 7: Control + Aβ + Thy; Group 8: HFD + PBS + Thy; Group 9: (HFD + Aβ + Thy). After stereotaxic surgery, the field potentials were recorded after the implantation of the recording and stimulating electrodes in the dentate gyrus (DG) and perforant pathway, respectively. Following high-frequency stimulation, the long-term potentiation (LTP) of the population spike (PS) amplitude and the slope of the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were measured in the DG. The HFD rats that received Aβ exhibited a significant decrease in their EPSP slope and PS amplitude as compared to the control group. In contrast, Thy administration in the HFD + Aβ rats reduced the decrease in the EPSP slope and PS amplitude. Thy decreased the Aβ-induced LTP impairments in HFD rats. The HFD significantly increased serum malondialdehyde levels and decreased total antioxidant capacity and total glutathione levels; whereas, Thy supplementation significantly reversed these parameters. Therefore, these results suggest that Thy, a natural antioxidant, can be therapeutic against high risk factors for AD, such as HFD.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Brain Research Bulletin, Volume 136





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Normative distribution of substance P and its tachykinin neurokinin-1 receptor in the medullary serotonergic network of the human infant during postnatal development

Publication date: Available online 11 January 2018
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Fiona M. Bright, Roger W. Byard, Robert Vink, David S. Paterson
Substance P (SP) and its tachykinin NK1 receptor (NK1R) function within key medullary nuclei to regulate cardiorespiratory and autonomic control. We examined the normative distribution of SP and NK1R in the serotonergic (5-Hydroxytryptamine, [5-HT]) network of the human infant medulla during postnatal development, to provide a baseline to facilitate future analysis of the SP/NK1R system and its interaction with 5-HT within pediatric brainstem disorders in early life. [¹²⁵I] labelled Bolton Hunter SP (BH-SP) tissue receptor autoradiography (n = 15), single label immunohistochemistry (IHC) and double label immunofluorescence (IF) (n = 10) were used to characterize the normative distribution profile of SP and NK1R in the 5-HT network of the human infant medulla during postnatal development. Tissue receptor autoradiography revealed extensive distribution of SP and NK1R in nuclei intimately related to cardiorespiratory function and autonomic control, with significant co-distribution and co-localization with 5-HT in the medullary network in the normal human infant during development. A trend for NK1R binding to decrease with age was observed with significantly higher binding in premature and male infants. We provide further evidence to suggest a significant role for SP/NK1R in the early postnatal period in the modulation of medullary cardiorespiratory and autonomic control in conjunction with medullary 5-HT mediated pathways and provide a baseline for future analysis of the potential consequences of abnormalities in these brainstem neurotransmitter networks during development.



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Retinal Arterio-Arterial Collaterals in Susac Syndrome

Background: The ophthalmic findings of Susac syndrome (SS) consist of visual field defects related to branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), and fluorescein angiography (FA) reveals a unique staining pattern. To date, retinal arterial collateral development has been described only in a single patient. Given that the immunopathological process in SS induces retinal ischemia, it is conceivable that abnormal blood vessel development may occur in affected individuals. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. The medical records including fundus photography and FA of all patients with SS were reviewed, and those with any type of retinal arterial collateral were identified. Results: A total of 11 patients were identified with retinal collaterals. Five were men. Age ranged from 20 to 50 years. Ten patients had arterio-arterial (A-A) collaterals and 1 had arterio-venous (A-V) collaterals, and all had collaterals remote from the optic disc. No collaterals were present at onset of illness and the first developed at 9 months. Conclusions: The literature reveals scant evidence for the association between BRAO and retinal arterial collaterals. Our findings indicate that retinal arterial collaterals in SS are usually A-A and not A-V and may be more common in this disorder than previously believed. Collaterals do not develop early in the disease, and there may be a predilection toward development in men. The chronic inflammatory state of SS may be the stimulus for the development of these arterial collaterals. Address correspondence to Robert A. Egan, MD, Department of Neurology, Rockwood Clinic, 910 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 1000, Spokane, WA 99204; E-mail: Eganr8@gmail.com The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

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Literature Commentary

In this issue of Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, M. Tariq Bhatti, MD and Mark L. Moster, MD will discuss the following 6 articles: Nachev P, Rose GE, Verity DH, Manohar SG, MacKenzie K, Adams G, Theodorou M, Pankhurst QA, Kennard C. Magnetic oculomotor prosthetics for acquired nystagmus. Ophthalmology. 2017;124:1556–1564.Vestergaard N, Rosenberg T, Torp-Pedersen C, Vorum H, Andersen CU, Aasbjerg K. Increased mortality and comorbidity associated with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy: a nationwide cohort study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2017;58:4586–4592.Roberts DR, Albrecht MH, Collins HR, Asemani D, Chatterjee AR, Spampinato MV, Zhu X, Chimowitz MI, Antonucci MU. Effects of space flight on astronaut brain structure as indicated on MRI. N Engl J Med. 2017;377:1746–1753.Klawiter EC, Bove R, Elsone L, Alvarez E, Borisow N, Cortez M, Mateen F, Mealy MA, Sorum J, Mutch K, Tobyne SM, Ruprecht K, Buckle G, Levy M, Wingerchuk D, Paul F, Cross AH, Jacobs A, Chitnis T, Weinshenker B. High risk of postpartum relapses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Neurology. 2017;89:2238–2244.Ahle G, Touitou V, Cassoux N, Bouyon M, Humbrecht C, Oesterlé H, Baraniskin A, Soussain C, Nguyen-Them L, Gaultier C, Hoang-Xuan K, Houillier C. Optic nerve infiltration in primary central nervous system lymphoma. JAMA Neurol. 2017;74:1368–1373.Gelfand JM, Bradshaw MJ, Stern BJ, Clifford DB, Wang Y, Cho TA, Koth LL, Hauser SL, Dierkhising J, Vu N, Sriram S, Moses H, Bagnato F, Kaufmann JA, Ammah DJ, Yohannes TH, Hamblin MJ, Venna N, Green AJ, Pawate S. Infliximab for the treatment of CNS sarcoidosis: a multi-institutional series. Neurology. 2017;89:2092–2100. © 2018 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

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Risk of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Monocular Vision Loss of Vascular Etiology

Background: To evaluate the risk of concurrent acute ischemic stroke and monocular vision loss (MVL) of vascular etiology. Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Subjects: Patients aged 18 or older diagnosed with MVL of suspected or confirmed vascular etiology who had no other neurologic deficits and who received brain MRI within 7 days of onset of visual symptoms were included. Methods: A medical record review was performed from 2013 to 2016 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Patients were included if vision loss was unilateral and due to transient monocular vision loss (TMVL), central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), or branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). Any patients with neurologic deficits other than vision loss were excluded. Other exclusion criteria were positive visual phenomena, nonvascular intraocular pathology, and intracranial pathology other than ischemic stroke. Main Outcome Measures: The presence or absence of acute stroke on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on brain MRI. Results: A total of 641 records were reviewed, with 293 patients found to have MVL. After excluding those with focal neurologic deficits, there were 41 patients who met the inclusion criteria and received a brain MRI. Eight of the 41 subjects (19.5%) were found to have findings on brain MRI positive for acute cortical strokes. The proportion of lesion positive MRI was 1/23 (4.3%) in TMVL subjects, 4/12 (33.3%) in CRAO subjects, and 2/5 (40%) in BRAO subjects. Brain computed tomography (CT) scans were not able to identify the majority of acute stroke lesions in this study. Conclusions: Patients with MVL of vascular etiology such as TMVL, CRAO, or BRAO may have up to 19.5% risk of concurrent ischemic stroke, even when there are no other neurologic deficits. These strokes were detected acutely with brain MRI using DWI but were missed on CT. Address correspondence to Jason Zhang, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 40 Temple Street, Suite 3D, New Haven, CT 06510; E-mail: jason.zhang@yale.edu Presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, November 14–17, 2015, Las Vegas, NV. The authors report no conflicts of interest. Supplemental digital content is available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the full text and PDF versions of this article on the journal's Web site (http://ift.tt/2BFTkP1). © 2018 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

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Serum irisin concentrations in lean adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

Summary

Objective

To explore differences in irisin concentrations between lean adolescents with PCOS and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls and examine the associations of irisin with core features of the syndrome.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Patients

Lean females with PCOS, aged 13-21 years.

Measurements

Physical, hormonal and sonographic assessment. Irisin concentrations were measured with ELISA.

Results

Participants included in total 39 sedentary females (mean±SD; age 17.3±2.1 years, BMI 20.7±1.3 Kg/m²); 23 adolescents with PCOS and 16 controls. Adolescents with PCOS compared to controls, had significantly elevated concentrations of fasting serum irisin (mean±SD; PCOS, 1.7±1.0 μg/mL vs. controls, 1.0±0.4 μg/mL; P=.007), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, Δ4-androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, glucose, as well as free-androgen index, Ferriman-Gallwey score and mean ovarian volume (MOV).

For the total sample, circulating irisin was positively correlated with MOV (r=.593, P=.020), glucose (r=.428, P=.007), insulin (r_s=.369, P=.021), HOMA-IR (r_s=.422, P=.007) and negatively correlated with QUICKI (r=-.329, P=.041). Follicle-stimulating hormone (B=0.295, Beta=.342, P=.042) and MOV (B=0.182, Beta=.821, P=.001) were positive predictors and LH (B=-0.108, Beta=-.523, P=.010) and testosterone (B=-0.431, Beta=-.457, P=.032) negative predictors of irisin concentrations, whereas irisin positively predicted fasting glucose (B=4.728, Beta=.428, P=.007).

In the PCOS group, irisin concentrations were positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r_s=.416, P=.048) but negatively correlated with LH (r_s=-.499, P=.015), testosterone (r=-.585, P=.003), free-androgen index (r=-.426, P=.048) and Ferriman-Gallwey score (r=-.533, P=.015).

Conclusions

Irisin was associated with the adolescents' metabolic and reproductive characteristics and the hyperandrogenic phenotype of the syndrome. More research is needed to ascertain mechanisms of elevated serum irisin in adolescent PCOS.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Genetic Influences on the Development of Cerebral Cortical Thickness During Childhood and Adolescence in a Dutch Longitudinal Twin Sample: The Brainscale Study

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that cortical thickness (CT) is under strong genetic control across the life span. However, little is known about genetic influences that cause changes in cortical thickness (ΔCT) during brain development. We obtained 482 longitudinal MRI scans at ages 9, 12, and 17 years from 215 twins and applied structural equation modeling to estimate genetic influences on (1) cortical thickness between regions and across time, and (2) changes in cortical thickness between ages. Although cortical thickness is largely mediated by the same genetic factor throughout late childhood and adolescence, we found evidence for influences of distinct genetic factors on regions across space and time. In addition, we found genetic influences for cortical thinning during adolescence that is mostly due to fluctuating influences from the same genetic factor, with evidence of local influences from a second emerging genetic factor. This fluctuating core genetic factor and emerging novel genetic factor might be implicated in the rapid cognitive and behavioral development during childhood and adolescence, and could potentially be targets for investigation into the manifestation of psychiatric disorders that have their origin in childhood and adolescence.

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Subthreshold Activity Underlying the Diversity and Selectivity of the Primary Auditory Cortex Studied by Intracellular Recordings in Awake Marmosets

Abstract

Extracellular recording studies have revealed diverse and selective neural responses in the primary auditory cortex (A1) of awake animals. However, we have limited knowledge on subthreshold events that give rise to these responses, especially in non-human primates, as intracellular recordings in awake animals pose substantial technical challenges. We developed a novel intracellular recording technique in awake marmosets to systematically study subthreshold activity of A1 neurons that underlies their diverse and selective spiking responses. Our findings showed that in contrast to predominantly transient depolarization observed in A1 of anesthetized animals, both transient and sustained depolarization (during or beyond the stimulus period) were observed. Comparing with spiking responses, subthreshold responses were often longer lasting in duration and more broadly tuned in frequency, and showed narrower intensity tuning in non-monotonic neurons and lower response threshold in monotonic neurons. These observations demonstrated the enhancement of stimulus selectivity from subthreshold to spiking responses in individual A1 neurons. Furthermore, A1 neurons classified as regular- or fast-spiking subpopulation based on their spike shapes exhibited distinct response properties in frequency and intensity domains. These findings provide valuable insights into cortical integration and transformation of auditory information at the cellular level in auditory cortex of awake non-human primates.

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Genetic Complexity of Cortical Structure: Differences in Genetic and Environmental Factors Influencing Cortical Surface Area and Thickness

Abstract

Quantifying the genetic architecture of the cerebral cortex is necessary for understanding disease and changes to the brain across the lifespan. Prior work shows that both surface area (SA) and cortical thickness (CT) are heritable. However, we do not yet understand the extent to which region-specific genetic factors (i.e., independent of global effects) play a dominant role in the regional patterning or inter-regional associations across the cortex. Using a population sample of young adult twins (N = 923), we show that the heritability of SA and CT varies widely across regions, generally independent of measurement error. When global effects are controlled for, we detected a complex pattern of genetically mediated clusters of inter-regional associations, which varied between hemispheres. There were generally weak associations between the SA of different regions, except within the occipital lobe, whereas CT was positively correlated within lobar divisions and negatively correlated across lobes, mostly due to genetic covariation. These findings were replicated in an independent sample of twins and siblings (N = 698) from the Human Connectome Project. The different genetic contributions to SA and CT across regions reveal the value of quantifying sources of covariation to appreciate the genetic complexity of cortical structures.

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Correction to: Effect of 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser on invasiveness and innate immune response in keratinocytes infected with Candida albicans

Abstract

In the published online version of the article, the authors' given and family names were incorrectly captured. The corrected names are shown in the author group section above.

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Visualization of viscoelastic behavior in skin equivalent using optical coherence tomography-based straingraphy

Abstract

Background/Purpose

The relationships between the skin components and these mechanical roles are still unclear. To clarify these relationships, we investigated spatial mapping of the mechanical behavior of cultured skin equivalents (SEs) using optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based straingraphy.

Methods

We built a strain relaxation test system combined with OCT and developed an algorithm that could visualize a time-dependent strain distribution, named dynamic-optical coherence straingraphy (D-OCSA). Using this system, we analyzed how the spatial mechanical changes in the SEs depended on the culture duration. For quantitative analysis of viscoelastic behavior, we defined a relaxation attenuation coefficient of strain rate, which indicates the ratio of viscosity and elasticity in the Klevin-Voight model.

Results

By culturing for 4 days in comparison to culturing for 1 day, the strain relaxation attenuation coefficient of the whole skin, especially at the region of the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), significantly increased in the negative direction. In tissue slices taken for microscopy, several cracks were observed in the SEs cultured for 4 days.

Conclusion

This study is the first to provide quantified evidence that the DEJ is a dynamically specialized region. An OCT-based straingraphy system (D-OCSA) would be beneficial for evaluating the quality of SEs, as well as functional analysis of their mechanics.

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Wrinkle and roughness measurement by the Antera 3D and its application for evaluation of cosmetic products

Abstract

Background

Skin topographic measurements are of paramount importance in the field of dermo-cosmetic evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate how the Antera 3D, a multi-purpose handheld camera, correlates with other topographic techniques and changes in skin topography following the use of a cosmetic product.

Methods

Skin topographic measurements were collected on 26 female volunteers aged 45-70 years with the Antera 3D, the DermaTOP and image analysis on parallel-polarized pictures. Different filters for analysis from the Antera 3D were investigated for repeatability, correlations with other imaging techniques and ability to detect improvements of skin topography following application of a serum.

Results

Most of Antera 3D parameters were found to be strongly correlated with the DermaTOP parameters. No association was found between the Antera 3D parameters and measurements on parallel-polarized photographs. The measurements repeatability was comparable among the different filters for analysis, with the exception of wrinkle max depth and roughness Rt. Following a single application of a tightening serum, both Antera 3D wrinkles and texture parameters were able to record significant improvements, with the best improvements observed with the large filter.

Conclusion

The Antera 3D demonstrated its relevance for cosmetic product evaluation. We also provide recommendations for the analysis based on our findings.

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Neural signatures for active maintenance and interference during working memory updating

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2018
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Adrià Vilà-Balló, Juha Salmi, Anna Soveri, Antoni Rodríguez-Fornells, Minna Lehtonen, Matti Laine
Although working memory (WM) is amongst the most studied neurocognitive functions, temporal patterns of its component processes are not fully understood. We examined the neural underpinnings of active maintenance and interference management in the n-back task by manipulating load (1-back vs 3-back) and including so-called lure stimuli. ERPs of 27 young adults revealed that the 1-back condition enabling active maintenance showed a positive slow wave (PSW) prior to the next stimulus (-600–0 ms) and augmented P2 (190–290 ms) and P3b (330–430 ms) responses after the stimulus appeared, albeit the latter effects were driven by the initial PSW. Moreover, PSW amplitude correlated negatively with reaction time in the 1-back condition. Responses to lures showed interference, accompanied with different ERP effects for the two load levels. Our results support the view that PSW reflects efficient WM maintenance and suggest two distinct neuronal correlates for interference in WM.



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A profile of Propionibacterium acnes resistance and sensitivity at a tertiary dermatological centre in Singapore

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a key component in the pathogenesis of acne. Both topical and oral antibiotics are key therapeutic options. Unfortunately, antibiotic resistance is rapidly increasing globally. Many countries have reported greater than 50% of P.acnes strains acquiring resistance to topical macrolides^1-3. In Singapore, antibiotic resistance rates of 8% in 1999⁴ rising to 14.9%⁵ in 2007 were reported. We aimed to update the local prevalence of antibiotic resistance and identify features which may distinguish patients demonstrating antibiotic resistance from those who are pan-sensitive.

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Pulsed-dye laser therapy for carcinoma in situ of the penis

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the penis is a precancerous condition with a 5 to 10% risk for progression into an invasive penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)¹. Clinical variants of genital CIS encompass bowenoid papulosis, erythroplasia of Queyrat and Bowen's disease. Treatment options of penile CIS include topical application of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod, photodynamic therapy (PDT), ablative laser therapy, cryotherapy and surgery² .

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Omalizumab updosing allows disease activity control in refractory patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Omalizumab has been shown to be a very effective drug in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) improving patients' quality of life.¹ Phase III clinical trials ASTERIA I/II and GLACIAL showed respectively 58.8-52.4% of patients achieving a twice daily average Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7td)≤6 at week 12.² Outside of clinical trials, the response varies between 77-83%.³ However, some patients do not achieve well-controlled activity of the disease with the licensed dose of omalizumab (300mg/4 weeks).

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Dermoscopic features of pilar leiomyomas

Cutaneous pilar leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle neoplasms that usually present as painful firm erythematous to brown coloured papules and nodules.¹ Dermoscopy has been used as an auxiliary tool in the diagnosis of various cutaneous tumors. Herein we report the various dermoscopic features of 48 cutaneous pilar leiomyomas in five patients.

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