Scholar : intitle:laryngeal - new results

[PDF] Inhibition of laryngeal cancer cell activity by pterostilbene via modulating AKT/mTOR signal pathway and related mechanisms

Y Yang, J Wen, J Li, Y Zhang, H Fang, S Wu, T Dong… - Int J Clin Exp Med, 2018

Abstract: AKT/mTOR signal pathway participates in growth, proliferation and invasion of
tumor cells, and is correlated with onset and occurrence of laryngeal cancer. Resveratrol
can modulate proliferation of laryngeal cancer cells. Pterostilbene, as one homolog of

[PDF] Micro laryngeal surgery for benign laryngeal lesions

S Swain - cough

Abstract Micro Laryngeal Surgery (MLS) is a procedure where the larynx is seen with the
help of endoscope and the view is magnified by use of an operating microscope. A
minimally Invasive Technique, micro Laryngeal Surgery is a process that helps in the

[PDF] COMPARISON OF LARYNGEAL VISUALISATION AND EASE OF INTUBATION BETWEEN MACINTOSH AND MEDAN VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPE

S Agarwal, S Ninave

MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 60 subjects of age group 18-50 years with
apparently normal airway, randomly allotted in 2 groups of 30 each. The parameters like CL
grade, ease of intubation, time to intubation and number of attempts were recorded.

[PDF] COMPARISON OF AIRWAY RESPONSES, HAEMODYNAMICS AND RECOVERY USING SEVOFLURANE AND DESFLURANE VIA LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY IN …

A Satyanarayana, K Aparanji, K Gopalakrishna

BACKGROUND The general observation that children achieve better convalescence in the
home environment supports the need for adoption of day care surgeries in them.
Advantages of paediatric outpatient anaesthesia include-minimises parental separation,

[PDF] A Rare Case of Laryngeal Schwannoma

BB Kamble, P Deshmukh, D Methwani, P Lakhotia - Ann Clin Case Rep. 2017; 2

Abstract Introduction: Schwannoma within larynx is uncommon and arises from perineural
schwann cells. These tumors are a potential threat to airway and usually cause a challenge
to otorhinolaryngologists in diagnosis and management. A definite diagnosis can only be

 

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Scholar : ΛΟΓΟΣ - νέα αποτελέσματα

[PDF] Feminist and Ecofeminist Christology

I Sahinidou - International Journal of Social Science Studies, 2018

… history. When used by the Eastern Church Fathers, the concept of perichoresis
offered a way of attempting to express the mutual indwelling or co-inherence in
Christ, of the incarnate Λόγος of both human and divine natures …

[PDF] God (in) Acts

CH Aarflot

Page 1. MF Norwegian School of Theology God (in) Acts A Narrative Analysis of
the Characterization of God through God's Actions in the Acts of the Apostles Christine
Henriksen Aarflot Page 2. i Acknowledgments There are …

[HTML] The idea of 'finders keepers' as a signature for two sea-empires

G Nagy

Classical Inquiries. Studies on the Ancient World from CHS …

 

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Scholar : Myringotomy and tubes - νέα αποτελέσματα

Essentials of Endocrinology

EJ Krane, ET Rhodes, RE Claure, E Rowe, JI Wolfsdorf - A Practice of Anesthesia for …, 2019

This chapter presents the most up to date recommendations regarding the perioperative
management of children with diabetes. All the commonly used insulin prepar.

Essentials of Hematology

TL Adams, GJ Latham, MJ Eisses, MA Bender… - A Practice of Anesthesia for …, 2019

Pediatric hematologic diseases, while relatively uncommon, pose significant morbidity and
mortality. These children commonly undergo a host of diagnostic or the.

 

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Scholar : Laryngomalacia - νέα αποτελέσματα

The Pediatric Airway

JE Fiadjoe, RS Litman, JF Serber, PA Stricker, CJ Coté - A Practice of Anesthesia for …, 2019

This chapter reviews the developmental anatomy and physiology of the pediatric upper airway
as it relates to the practice of pediatric anesthesia. Differences b.

[PDF] Awareness of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children with Down Syndrome

M Zaffanello, G Piacentini - Ann Clin Case Rep. 2017; 2

Page 1. Remedy Publications LLC., | http://anncaserep.com/ Annals of Clinical Case
Reports 2017 | Volume 2 | Article 1326 1 Awareness of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in
Children with Down Syndrome OPEN ACCESS *Correspondence …

[PDF] Emotional distress in family caregivers of adolescents with bronchial asthma: analysis of its predictors

I Montoya-Castilla, S Castillo-Corullón…

… in the majority of cases (75.4%). With regard to malacias (tracheomalacia,
bronchomalacia, laryngomalacia), they only showed comorbidity with asthma (3.8%)
but not with other medical diagnoses. The mean time of disease …

 

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Scholar : ΜΕΝΙΕΡΕ - νέα αποτελέσματα

Comparing the Effects of Epley Maneuver and Cinnarizine on Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo; A Randomized Clinical Trial

M Saeedi, MH Khosravi, ME Bayatpoor - Galen Medical Journal, 2018

… Laryngoscope. 1992;102(9):988-92. Strain G, Myers L, Reece W. Hearing and equilibrium. Dukes'
physiology of domestic animals. 2004(Ed. 12):852-64. Claes J. A review of medical treatment
for Meniere's disease. Acta Otolaryngol. 2000;120(544):34-9. Cohen HS, Kimball KT …

Netter's Concise Radiologic Anatomy Updated Edition E-Book

EC Weber, JA Vilensky, SW Carmichael - 2018

 

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Scholar : Cricotracheal resection - νέα αποτελέσματα

The Extremely Premature Infant (Micropremie) and Common Neonatal Emergencies

JP Spaeth, JE Lam - A Practice of Anesthesia for Infants and Children (Sixth …, 2019

The preterm infant, defined as birth before 37 weeks gestation, provides unique medical and
surgical challenges to health care providers due to a myriad of anat.

 

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How to Characterize the Function of a Brain Region

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2018
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Sarah Genon, Andrew Reid, Robert Langner, Katrin Amunts, Simon B. Eickhoff
Many brain regions have been defined, but a comprehensive formalization of each region's function in relation to human behavior is still lacking. Current knowledge comes from various fields, which have diverse conceptions of 'functions'. We briefly review these fields and outline how the heterogeneity of associations could be harnessed to disclose the computational function of any region. Aggregating activation data from neuroimaging studies allows us to characterize the functional engagement of a region across a range of experimental conditions. Furthermore, large-sample data can disclose covariation between brain region features and ecological behavioral phenotyping. Combining these two approaches opens a new perspective to determine the behavioral associations of a brain region, and hence its function and broader role within large-scale functional networks.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 298





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Predicting an adrenal crisis: can we do it?

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Copeptin in hyponatremia: is there a role for this biomarker in the diagnostic workup?

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First evidence of anticoagulant rodenticides in fish and suspended particulate matter: spatial and temporal distribution in German freshwater aquatic systems

Abstract

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) have been used for decades for rodent control worldwide. Research on the exposure of the environment and accumulation of these active substances in biota has been focused on terrestrial food webs, but few data are available on the impact of ARs on aquatic systems and water organisms. To fill this gap, we analyzed liver samples of bream (Abramis brama) and co-located suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB). An appropriate method was developed for the determination of eight different ARs, including first- and second-generation ARs, in fish liver and SPM. Applying this method to bream liver samples from 17 and 18 sampling locations of the years 2011 and 2015, respectively, five ARs were found at levels above limits of quantifications (LOQs, 0.2 to 2 μg kg⁻¹). For 2015, brodifacoum was detected in 88% of the samples with a maximum concentration of 12.5 μg kg⁻¹. Moreover, difenacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, and flocoumafen were detected in some samples above LOQ. In contrast, no first generation AR was detected in the ESB samples. In SPM, only bromadiolone could be detected in 56% of the samples at levels up to 9.24 μg kg⁻¹. A temporal trend analysis of bream liver from two sampling locations over a period of up to 23 years revealed a significant trend for brodifacoum at one of the sampling locations.

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Special issue: developments in water management technologies and systems

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Ecotoxicological assessment of oil-based paint using three-dimensional multi-species bio-testing model: pre- and post-bioremediation analysis

Abstract

The present study validates the oil-based paint bioremediation potential of Bacillus subtilis NAP1 for ecotoxicological assessment using a three-dimensional multi-species bio-testing model. The model included bioassays to determine phytotoxic effect, cytotoxic effect, and antimicrobial effect of oil-based paint. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of pre- and post-bioremediation samples was also detected to confirm its detoxification. Although, the pre-bioremediation samples of oil-based paint displayed significant toxicity against all the life forms. However, post-bioremediation, the cytotoxic effect against Artemia salina revealed substantial detoxification of oil-based paint with LD₅₀ of 121 μl ml⁻¹ (without glucose) and > 400 μl ml⁻¹ (with glucose). Similarly, the reduction in toxicity against Raphanus raphanistrum seeds germination (%FG = 98 to 100%) was also evident of successful detoxification under experimental conditions. Moreover, the toxicity against test bacterial strains and fungal strains was completely removed after bioremediation. In addition, the post-bioremediation samples showed reduced antioxidant activities (% scavenging = 23.5 ± 0.35 and 28.9 ± 2.7) without and with glucose, respectively. Convincingly, the present multi-species bio-testing model in addition to antioxidant studies could be suggested as a validation tool for bioremediation experiments, especially for middle and low-income countries.

Graphical abstract

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Correction to: Effects-based spatial assessment of contaminated estuarine sediments from Bear Creek, Baltimore Harbor, MD, USA

Abstract

The authors of the article have informed the Journal that an author, Dr. Sacoby Wilson of the University of Maryland School of Public Health, was inadvertently omitted from the published version of their manuscript due to a miscommunication regarding authorship criteria.

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RE: “IMPACT OF BLAST INJURY ON HEARING IN A SCREENED MALE MILITARY POPULATION”

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RE: “HORMONE THERAPY USE AND RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASE IN THE NURSES’ HEALTH STUDY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH THE WOMEN’S HEALTH INITIATIVE”

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Inverse-Probability-Weighted Estimation for Monotone and Nonmonotone Missing Data

Abstract

Missing data is a common occurrence in epidemiologic research. In this paper, 3 data sets with induced missing values from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a multisite US study conducted from 1959 to 1974, are provided as examples of prototypical epidemiologic studies with missing data. Our goal was to estimate the association of maternal smoking behavior with spontaneous abortion while adjusting for numerous confounders. At the same time, we did not necessarily wish to evaluate the joint distribution among potentially unobserved covariates, which is seldom the subject of substantive scientific interest. The inverse probability weighting (IPW) approach preserves the semiparametric structure of the underlying model of substantive interest and clearly separates the model of substantive interest from the model used to account for the missing data. However, IPW often will not result in valid inference if the missing-data pattern is nonmonotone, even if the data are missing at random. We describe a recently proposed approach to modeling nonmonotone missing-data mechanisms under missingness at random to use in constructing the weights in IPW complete-case estimation, and we illustrate the approach using 3 data sets described in a companion article (Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(3):568–575).

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Principled Approaches to Missing Data in Epidemiologic Studies

Abstract

Principled methods with which to appropriately analyze missing data have long existed; however, broad implementation of these methods remains challenging. In this and 2 companion papers (Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(3):576–584 and Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(3):585–591), we discuss issues pertaining to missing data in the epidemiologic literature. We provide details regarding missing-data mechanisms and nomenclature and encourage the conduct of principled analyses through a detailed comparison of multiple imputation and inverse probability weighting. Data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a multisite US study conducted from 1959 to 1974, are used to create a masked data-analytical challenge with missing data induced by known mechanisms. We illustrate the deleterious effects of missing data with naive methods and show how principled methods can sometimes mitigate such effects. For example, when data were missing at random, naive methods showed a spurious protective effect of smoking on the risk of spontaneous abortion (odds ratio (OR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19, 0.93), while implementation of principled methods multiple imputation (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.77) or augmented inverse probability weighting (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.97) provided estimates closer to the "true" full-data effect (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.64). We call for greater acknowledgement of and attention to missing data and for the broad use of principled missing-data methods in epidemiologic research.

http://ift.tt/2F28joj

Multiple Imputation for Incomplete Data in Epidemiologic Studies

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies are frequently susceptible to missing information. Omitting observations with missing variables remains a common strategy in epidemiologic studies, yet this simple approach can often severely bias parameter estimates of interest if the values are not missing completely at random. Even when missingness is completely random, complete-case analysis can reduce the efficiency of estimated parameters, because large amounts of available data are simply tossed out with the incomplete observations. Alternative methods for mitigating the influence of missing information, such as multiple imputation, are becoming an increasing popular strategy in order to retain all available information, reduce potential bias, and improve efficiency in parameter estimation. In this paper, we describe the theoretical underpinnings of multiple imputation, and we illustrate application of this method as part of a collaborative challenge to assess the performance of various techniques for dealing with missing data (Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(3):568–575). We detail the steps necessary to perform multiple imputation on a subset of data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959–1974), where the goal is to estimate the odds of spontaneous abortion associated with smoking during pregnancy.

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Sudden Unexpected Cardiac Death on Monday in Younger and Older Men: The Manitoba Follow-up Study

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Sex Differences in the Association of Diabetes With Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Among African-American and White Participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Abstract

A sex × diabetes interaction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been established among white persons; however, it is unknown whether this interaction occurs among African Americans. We hypothesized that there was a multiplicative sex × diabetes interaction for CVD among African Americans participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (1987–2013). Race-specific Cox models were run in three stages: Stage 1 examined baseline diabetes status; stage 2 examined baseline diabetes status with the competing risk of non-CVD death; and stage 3 examined time-varying diabetes status with a competing risk of non-CVD death. There were 1,073 incident CVD events among 3,767 African Americans and 2,475 among 10,291 white persons. Among African Americans, in stage 1 analysis, the hazard ratio for women with diabetes was 2.3 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0, 2.7) compared with women without diabetes after adjustment for age, and the corresponding hazard ratio for men was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5, 2.1) (P for interaction = 0.014). After full adjustment, the diabetes hazard ratio was attenuated to 2.0 (95% CI: 1.8, 2.3) among women and remained 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5, 2.1) for men (P for interaction = 0.058). A synergistic influence on CVD risk between being a black woman and having diabetes was consistent across stage 2 and stage 3 analyses, with marginally significant interaction, mirroring sex differences seen in whites.

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George et al. Respond to “Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease”

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Invited Commentary: Sex and Race Differences in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease—Achieving the Promise of Sex and Race Subgroup Analyses in Epidemiologic Research

Abstract

Diabetes confers a higher risk of cardiovascular disease on women than on men. The reasons for these sex differences, such as poorer cardiovascular risk factor profiles, have received considerable attention. However, a recent report on sex × diabetes interactions on cardiovascular disease identified that few if any prior studies have confirmed these sex differences in black individuals, despite known diabetes-related disparities. In this issue of the Journal, George et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(3):403–410.) found marginally significant multiplicative sex × diabetes interactions in black but not white study participants after adjustments for traditional and behavioral risk factors, competing risk, and change in diabetes status over time. This study is notable for its attempt to fill an important literature gap, and it elegantly addressed multiple statistical considerations in assessing sex × diabetes interactions according to race strata. The findings also highlighted several important considerations for conducting race and sex subgroup analyses.

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Breast Cancer Incidence and Exposure to Metalworking Fluid in a Cohort of Female Autoworkers

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among women, and environmental studies have produced few leads on modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Following an Institute of Medicine recommendation for occupational studies of women highly exposed to potential breast cancer risk factors, we took advantage of an existing cohort of 4,503 female autoworkers in Michigan exposed to metalworking fluid (MWF), complex mixtures of oils and chemicals widely used in metal manufacturing worldwide. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to estimate hazard ratios for incident breast cancer (follow-up, 1985–2013) and cumulative exposure (20-year lag) to straight mineral oils (a known human carcinogen) and water-based soluble and synthetic MWF. Because the state cancer registry began decades after the cohort was defined, we restricted our analyses to subcohorts of women hired closer to the start of follow-up. Among those hired after 1969, the hazard ratio associated with a 1 interquartile-range increase in straight MWF exposure was 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.23). In separate analyses of premenopausal breast cancer, defined by age at diagnosis, the hazard ratio was elevated for exposure to synthetic MWF (chemical lubricants with no oil content), possibly suggesting a different mechanism in the younger women with breast cancer. This study adds to the limited literature regarding quantitative chemical exposures and breast cancer risk.

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Association of DNA Methylation-Based Biological Age With Health Risk Factors and Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality

Abstract

Measures of biological age based on blood DNA methylation, referred to as age acceleration (AA), have been developed. We examined whether AA was associated with health risk factors and overall and cause-specific mortality. At baseline (1990–1994), blood samples were drawn from 2,818 participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia). DNA methylation was determined using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array (Illumina Inc., San Diego, California). Mixed-effects models were used to examine the association of AA with health risk factors. Cox models were used to assess the association of AA with mortality. A total of 831 deaths were observed during a median 10.7 years of follow-up. Associations of AA were observed with male sex, Greek nationality (country of birth), smoking, obesity, diabetes, lower education, and meat intake. AA measures were associated with increased mortality, and this was only partly accounted for by known determinants of health (hazard ratios were attenuated by 20%–40%). Weak evidence of heterogeneity in the association was observed by sex (P = 0.06) and cause of death (P = 0.07) but not by other factors. DNA-methylation-based AA measures are associated with several major health risk factors, but these do not fully explain the association between AA and mortality. Future research should investigate what genetic and environmental factors determine AA.

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Possible Mediation by Methylation in Acute Inflammation Following Personal Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution

Abstract

Air pollution may increase cardiovascular and respiratory risk through inflammatory pathways, but evidence for acute effects has been weak and indirect. Between December 2014 and July 2015, we enrolled 36 healthy, nonsmoking college students for a panel study in Shanghai, China, a city with highly variable levels of air pollution. We measured personal exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) continuously for 72 hours preceding each of 4 clinical visits that included phlebotomy. We measured 4 inflammation proteins and DNA methylation at nearby regulatory cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) loci. We applied linear mixed-effect models to examine associations over various lag times. When results suggested mediation, we evaluated methylation as mediator. Increased PM_2.5 concentration was positively associated with all 4 inflammation proteins and negatively associated with DNA methylation at regulatory loci for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1. A 10-μg/m³ increase in average PM_2.5 during the 24 hours preceding blood draw corresponded to a 4.4% increase in TNF-α and a statistically significant decrease in methylation at one of the two studied candidate CpG loci for TNF-α. Epigenetics may play an important role in mediating effects of PM_2.5 on inflammatory pathways.

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Sickle Cell Trait and Heat Injury Among US Army Soldiers

Abstract

There is concern that sickle cell trait (SCT) increases risk of exertional collapse, a primary cause of which is heat injury. However, to our knowledge, no population-based studies among active individuals have addressed this, representing a critical evidence gap. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of SCT-tested African-American soldiers who were on active duty in the US Army anytime between January 2011 and December 2014. Using Cox proportional hazards models and adjusting for demographic and medical factors, we observed no significant associations between SCT and either mild heat injury (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84, 1.56; n = 45,999) or heat stroke (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.44, 2.79; n = 46,183). Risk of mild heat injury was substantially higher among soldiers with recent prescriptions for antipsychotic agents (HR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.33, 7.90). Risk of heat stroke was elevated among those with a prior mild heat injury (HR = 17.7, 95% CI: 8.50, 36.7) and among overweight and obese individuals (HR = 2.91 (95% CI: 1.38, 6.17) and HR = 4.04 (95% CI: 1.72, 9.45), respectively). In a setting where universal precautions are utilized to mitigate risk of exertion-related illnesses, SCT is not associated with either mild heat injury or heat stroke.

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The Role of Mobile Genetic Elements in the Spread of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli From Chickens to Humans in Small-Scale Production Poultry Operations in Rural Ecuador

Abstract

Small-scale production poultry operations are increasingly common worldwide. To investigate how these operations influence antimicrobial resistance and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), Escherichia coli isolates were sampled from small-scale production birds (raised in confined spaces with antibiotics in feed), household birds (no movement constraints; fed on scraps), and humans associated with these birds in rural Ecuador (2010–2012). Isolates were screened for genes associated with MGEs as well as phenotypic resistance to 12 antibiotics. Isolates from small-scale production birds had significantly elevated odds of resistance to 7 antibiotics and presence of MGE genes compared with household birds (adjusted odds ratio (OR) range = 2.2–87.9). Isolates from humans associated with small-scale production birds had elevated odds of carrying an integron (adjusted OR = 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 3.83) compared with humans associated with household birds, as well as resistance to sulfisoxazole (adjusted OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.60) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (adjusted OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.95). Stratifying by the presence of MGEs revealed antibiotic groups that are explained by biological links to MGEs; in particular, resistance to sulfisoxazole, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or tetracycline was highest among birds and humans when MGE exposures were present. Small-scale production poultry operations might select for isolates carrying MGEs, contributing to elevated levels of resistance in this setting.

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Understanding Causal Distributional and Subgroup Effects With the Instrumental Propensity Score

Abstract

To address issues with measured and unmeasured confounding in observational studies, we developed a unified approach to using an instrumental variable in more flexible ways to evaluate treatment effects. The approach is based on an instrumental propensity score conditional on baseline variables, which can then be incorporated in matching, regression, subclassification, or weighting along with various parametric, semiparametric, or nonparametric methods for the assessment of treatment effects. Therefore, the application of the instrumental propensity score allows different methods for outcome effect evaluations in addition to standard 2-stage least square models while controlling for unmeasured confounders. Several properties of the instrumental propensity score are discussed. The approach is then illustrated using subclassification along with a semiparametric density ratio model and empirical likelihood. This method allows us to evaluate distributional and subgroup treatment effects in addition to the overall average treatment effect. Simulation studies showed that the method works well. We applied our method to a study of the effects of attending a Catholic school versus a public school and found that attending a Catholic school had significant beneficial effects on subsequent wages among a subgroup of subjects.

http://ift.tt/2GRmX27

The Mental Health Benefits of Acquiring a Home in Older Age: A Fixed-Effects Analysis of Older US Adults

Abstract

Homeownership is consistently associated with better mental health, but whether becoming a homeowner in later in life has positive psychological benefits has not, to our knowledge, been examined. We assessed whether acquiring a home after age 50 years was associated with depression in a representative sample of older US adults. We used individual fixed-effects models based on data from 20,524 respondents aged ≥50 years from the Health and Retirement Study, who were interviewed biennially during 1993–2010. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Controlling for confounders, becoming a homeowner in later life predicted a decline in depressive symptoms in the same year (β = −0.0768, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.152, −0.007). The association remained significant after 2 years (β = −0.0556, 95% CI: −0.134, −0.001) but weakened afterward. Buying a home for reasons associated with positive characteristics of the new house or neighborhood drove this association (β = −0.426, 95% CI: −0.786, −0.066), while acquiring a home for reasons associated with characteristics of the previous home or neighborhood, the desire to be closer to relatives, downsizing, or upsizing did not predict mental health improvements. Findings suggest that there are small but significant benefits for mental health associated with acquiring a home in older age.

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When to Censor?

Abstract

Loss to follow-up is an endemic feature of time-to-event analyses that precludes observation of the event of interest. To our knowledge, in typical cohort studies with encounters occurring at regular or irregular intervals, there is no consensus on how to handle person-time between participants' last study encounter and the point at which they meet a definition of loss to follow-up. We demonstrate, using simulation and an example, that when the event of interest is captured outside of a study encounter (e.g., in a registry), person-time should be censored when the study-defined criterion for loss to follow-up is met (e.g., 1 year after last encounter), rather than at the last study encounter. Conversely, when the event of interest must be measured within the context of a study encounter (e.g., a biomarker value), person-time should be censored at the last study encounter. An inappropriate censoring scheme has the potential to result in substantial bias that may not be easily corrected.

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Invited Commentary: “Bedroom Light Exposure at Night and the Incidence of Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study of the HEIJO-KYO Cohort”

Abstract

In modern society, we are increasingly disconnected from natural light/dark cycles and beset by round-the-clock exposure to artificial light. Light has powerful effects on physical and mental health, in part via the circadian system, and thus the timing of light exposure dictates whether it is helpful or harmful. In their compelling paper, Obayashi et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(3):427–434.) offer evidence that light at night can prospectively predict an elevated incidence of depressive symptoms in older adults. Strengths of the study include the longitudinal design and direct, objective assessment of light levels, as well as accounting for multiple plausible confounders during analyses. Follow-up studies should address the study's limitations, including reliance on a global self-report of sleep quality and a 2-night assessment of light exposure that may not reliably represent typical light exposure. In addition, experimental studies including physiological circadian measures will be necessary to determine whether the light effects on depression are mediated through the circadian system or are so-called "direct" effects of light. In any case, these exciting findings could inform novel approaches to preventing depressive disorders in older adults.

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Obayashi et al. Respond to “Light at Night Predicts Depression—What Next?”

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Bedroom Light Exposure at Night and the Incidence of Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study of the HEIJO-KYO Cohort

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that minimal exposure to light at night (LAN) increases depression risk, even at 5 lux, in nocturnal and diurnal mammals. Although such low-level LAN may affect human circadian physiology, the association between exposure to LAN and depressive symptoms remains uncertain. In the present study, bedroom light intensity was measured objectively, and depressive symptoms were assessed, during 2010–2014 in Nara, Japan. Of 863 participants (mean age = 71.5 years) who did not have depressive symptoms at baseline, 73 participants reported development of depressive symptoms during follow-up (median, 24 months). Compared with the "dark" group (average of <5 lux; n = 710), the LAN group (average of ≥5 lux; n = 153) exhibited a significantly higher depression risk (hazard ratio = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.14), according to a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and economic status. Further, the significance remained in a multivariable model adjusting for hypertension, diabetes, and sleep parameters (hazard ratio = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.89). Sensitivity analyses using bedroom light data with a cutoff value of ≥10 lux suggested consistent results. In conclusion, these results indicated that exposure to LAN in home settings was independently associated with subsequent depression risk in an elderly general population.

http://ift.tt/2FfaZ5e

Fractional CO 2 laser for genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors: clinical, immunological, and microbiological aspects

Abstract

The composition of vaginal microbiome in menopause and cancer survivor women changes dramatically leading to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in up to 7% of patients. Recent reports suggest that laser therapy may be valuable as a not hormonal therapeutic modality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of fractional CO₂ laser treatment on the vaginal secretory pathway of a large panel of immune mediators, usually implicated in tissue remodeling and inflammation, and on microbiome composition in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. The Ion Torrent PGM platform and the Luminex Bio-Plex platform were used for microbiome and immune factor analysis. The significant reduction of clinical symptoms and the non-significant changes in vaginal microbiome support the efficacy and safety of laser treatment. Moreover, the high remodeling status in vaginal epithelium is demonstrated by the significant changes in inflammatory and modulatory cytokine patterns. Laser therapy can be used for the treatment of GSM symptoms and does not show any adverse effects. However, further studies will be needed to clarify its long-term efficacy and other effects.

http://ift.tt/2oxX6pc

Cumulative effects of cascade hydropower stations on total dissolved gas supersaturation

Abstract

Elevated levels of total dissolved gas (TDG) may occur downstream of dams during the spill process. These high levels would increase the incidence of gas bubble disease in fish and cause severe environmental impacts. With increasing numbers of cascade hydropower stations being built or planned, the cumulative effects of TDG supersaturation are becoming increasingly prominent. The TDG saturation distribution in the downstream reaches of the Jinsha River was studied to investigate the cumulative effects of TDG supersaturation resulting from the cascade hydropower stations. A comparison of the effects of the joint operation and the single operation of two hydropower stations (XLD and XJB) was performed to analyze the risk degree to fish posed by TDG supersaturation. The results showed that water with supersaturated TDG generated at the upstream cascade can be transported to the downstream power station, leading to cumulative TDG supersaturation effects. Compared with the single operation of XJB, the joint operation of both stations produced a much higher TDG saturation downstream of XJB, especially during the non-flood discharge period. Moreover, the duration of high TDG saturation and the lengths of the lethal and sub-lethal areas were much higher in the joint operation scenario, posing a greater threat to fish and severely damaging the environment. This work provides a scientific basis for strategies to reduce TDG supersaturation to the permissible level and minimize the potential risk of supersaturated TDG.

http://ift.tt/2oGExOP

Fabrication and characterization of β-cypermethrin-loaded PLA microcapsules prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation: loading and release properties

Abstract

Microcapsulses can be designed to effectively encapsulate, protect, and control the release of pesticides. In this study, emulsion-solvent evaporation method was used to fabricate microcapsules using dichloromethane as the solvent, polylactic acid (PLA) as the carrier materials, poly(vinyl alcohol) as the emulsifier, and β-cypermethrin as the entrapped pesticide. The effects of process parameters on the microcapsules characteristics (size, loading content, and encapsulation efficiency) were investigated. Also, the release behavior of the β-cypermethrin was measured experimentally and modeled mathematically. Kinetic analysis indicated that release mechanism of β-cypermethrin was compatible to Fickian diffusion. By optimizing the process parameters, β-cypermethrin-loaded microcapsules were successfully produced with spherical shape, smooth surface, high encapsulation efficiency (> 80%), and a range of pesticide contents. These parameters could be adjusted to achieve delivery systems with desirable release profiles. The results are beneficial to develop delivery systems for rational and effective usage of pesticides.

http://ift.tt/2HSV1ML

Experimental investigation on emission reduction in neem oil biodiesel using selective catalytic reduction and catalytic converter techniques

Abstract

In the present study, non-edible seed oil namely raw neem oil was converted into biodiesel using transesterification process. In the experimentation, two biodiesel blends were prepared namely B25 (25% neem oil methyl ester with 75% of diesel) and B50 (50% neem oil methyl ester with 50% diesel). Urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technique with catalytic converter (CC) was fixed in the exhaust tail pipe of the engine for the reduction of engine exhaust emissions. Initially, the engine was operated with diesel as a working fluid and followed by refilling of biodiesel blends B25 and B50 to obtain the baseline readings without SCR and CC. Then, the same procedure was repeated with SCR and CC technique for emission reduction measurement in diesel, B25 and B50 sample. The experimental results revealed that the B25 blend showed higher break thermal efficiency (BTE) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) with lower break-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) than B50 blend at all loads. On comparing with biodiesel blends, diesel experiences increased BTE of 31.9% with reduced BSFC of 0.29 kg/kWh at full load. A notable emission reduction was noticed for all test fuels in SCR and CC setup. At full load, B25 showed lower carbon monoxide (CO) of 0.09% volume, hydrocarbon (HC) of 24 ppm, and smoke of 14 HSU and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) of 735 ppm than diesel and B50 in SCR and CC setup. On the whole, the engine with SCR and CC setup showed better performance and emission characteristics than standard engine operation.

http://ift.tt/2oG78nH

Impact of military on biofuels consumption and GHG emissions: the evidence from G7 countries

Abstract

It was aimed to test the relation among the greenhouse gases emissions, economic growth, biofuels consumption, and militarization in G7 countries during the 1985–2015 period by Pedroni 1995 and panel Johansen tests and two long-run estimators—dynamic OLS and fully modified OLS. Long-run estimators found that economic growth and militarization have statistically significant positive impact on CO₂ emission of G7 countries. Furthermore, the panel causality tests were applied: Dumitrescu and Hurlin (Econ Model 29(4):1450–1460, 2012) and panel Granger causality. These tests determined the causal relationship between the variables. The results of this paper implied that economic growth and biofuels consumption depend on militarization, and economic growth and militarization are granger causes of the greenhouse gases emissions.

http://ift.tt/2HULRiX

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) boosts dominant brain oscillations

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2018
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): Caroline Di Bernardi Luft, Ioanna Zioga, Joydeep Bhattacharya




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Long-lasting effects of transcranial static magnetic field stimulation on motor cortex excitability

Publication date: Available online 7 February 2018
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): Michele Dileone, Laura Mordillo-Mateos, Antonio Oliviero, Guglielmo Foffani
BackgroundTranscranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) was recently added to the family of inhibitory non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. However, the application of tSMS for 10–20 min over the motor cortex (M1) induces only short-lasting effects that revert within few minutes.ObjectiveWe examined whether increasing the duration of tSMS to 30 min leads to long-lasting changes in cortical excitability, which is critical for translating tSMS toward clinical applications.MethodsThe study comprised 5 experiments in 45 healthy subjects. We assessed the impact of 30-min-tSMS over M1 on corticospinal excitability, as measured by the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and resting motor thresholds (RMTs) to single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) (experiments 1–2). We then assessed the impact of 30-min-tSMS on intracortical excitability, as measured by short-interval intracortical facilitation (SICF) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) using paired-pulse TMS protocols (experiments 2–4). We finally assessed the impact of 10-min-tSMS on SICF and SICI (experiment 5).Results30-min-tSMS decreased MEP amplitude compared to sham for at least 30 min after the end of the stimulation. This long-lasting effect was associated with increased SICF and reduced SICI. 10-min-tSMS –previously reported to induce a short-lasting decrease in MEP amplitude– produced the opposite changes in intracortical excitability, decreasing SICF while increasing SICI.ConclusionsThese results suggest a dissociation of intracortical changes in the consolidation from short-lasting to long-lasting decrease of corticospinal excitability induced by tSMS. The long-lasting effects of 30-min-tSMS open the way to the translation of this simple, portable and low-cost technique toward clinical trials.



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Simplified Preparation of αvβ3 Integrin-Targeted Microbubbles Based on a Clinically Available Ultrasound Contrast Agent: Validation in a Tumor-Bearing Mouse Model

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2018
Source:Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
Author(s): Kentaro Otani, Hirohito Nishimura, Atsunori Kamiya, Mariko Harada-Shiba
The usefulness of ultrasound molecular imaging with αvβ3 integrin-targeted microbubbles for detecting tumor angiogenesis has been demonstrated. Recently, we developed αvβ3 integrin-targeted microbubbles by modifying clinically available microbubbles (Sonazoid, Daiichi-Sankyo Pharmaceuticals, Tokyo, Japan) with a secreted glycoprotein (lactadherin). The aims of our present study were to simplify the preparation of lactadherin-bearing Sonazoid and to examine the diagnostic utility of lactadherin-bearing Sonazoid for αvβ3 integrin-expressing tumor vessels by using SK-OV-3-tumor–bearing mice. By incubating 1.2 × 10⁷ Sonazoid microbubbles with 1.0 µg lactadherin, the complicated washing and centrifugation steps during the microbubble preparation could be omitted with no significant reduction in labeling ratio of lactadherin-bearing Sonazoid. In addition, the number of Sonazoid microbubbles accumulated in the SK-OV-3 tumor was significantly increased by modifying Sonazoid with lactadherin. Our data suggest that the lactadherin-bearing Sonazoid is an easily prepared and potentially clinically translatable targeted microbubble for αvβ3 integrin-expressing vessels.



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