Stepwise nanoassembly of a single hairpin probe and its biosensing

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Jianguo Xu, Tingting Zheng, Jingqing Le, Lee Jia
Herein, we describe a novel trigger-induced DNA nanoassembly method using only one loop-stem shaped hairpin probe (HP) that consists of three different functional regions as a single building unit. The Region I is designed complementary to the trigger, while the Region II and Region III are projected to complementary with each other. When hybridized with the trigger, a toehold mediated strand displacement (TMSD) occurred on the strand of Region I, leading to the release of Region III for further hybridization with the Region II on another HP molecule and in turn inducing a stepwise growth of HP with the aid of polymerase. Unlike the conventional assembly approaches that rely on the sophisticated sequence design and complex operation, the single-HP nanoassembly is easy and fast. Moreover, because many HPs are opened during the assembly process, we exemplified the nanoassembly strategy by re-designing a new labeled hairpin probe to analyze the Kras oncogene with a high sensitivity and specificity. The present study demonstrated a novel promising DNA nanoassembly strategy for biological applications.

Graphical abstract

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Photografted fluoropolymers as novel chromatographic supports for polymeric monolithic stationary phases

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): M. Catalá-Icardo, S. Torres-Cartas, S. Meseguer-Lloret, E.F. Simó-Alfonso, J.M. Herrero-Martínez
In this study, porous polymer monoliths were in situ synthesized in fluoropolymers tubing to prepare microbore HPLC columns. To ensure the formation of robust homogeneous polymer monoliths in these housing supports, the inner surface of fluoropolymer tubing was modified in a two-step photografting process. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful modification of the inner poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) wall and the subsequent attachment of a monolith onto the wall. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-divinylbenzene), poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) and poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) monoliths were in situ synthesized by thermal polymerization within the confines of surface vinylized ETFE tubes. The resulting monoliths exhibited good permeability and mechanical stability (pressure resistance up to 9 MPa). The chromatographic performance of these different monolithic columns was evaluated via the separation of alkyl benzenes and proteins in a conventional HPLC system.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2wRMd8s

A new strategy for the modification of a carbon paste electrode with carrageenan hydrogel for a sensitive and selective determination of arsenic in natural waters

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Claudia Núñez, Verónica Arancibia, Juan José Triviño
An adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for the determination of As(III) and Astotal in water samples using a carrageenan modified carbon paste electrode is presented for the first time (CAR−CPE). The modified electrode was prepared in different ways: by adding CAR in solid form or as a hydrogel together with graphite and paraffin, as well as adsorbing CAR by applying a potential on an unmodified carbon paste electrode. The best results were obtained when CAR was incorporated as hydrogel (HCAR−CPE). The selection of the ratio amounts for electrode preparation was carried out applying a multivariate experimental design. Variables like amount of graphite (U1), HCAR (U2) and paraffin (U3) were optimized using a (2^K+2K+C) model. The results showed that the amount of HCAR was the most significant factor, and the adequate U1:U2:U3 ratio to prepare the electrode was: 493 mg of graphite, 214 μL of paraffin and 134 μL of carrageenan as gel. The optimum parameters for the determination of As(III) were pH = 3.25 (0.01 mol L⁻¹ H3PO4/H2PO4⁻ solution); Eacc = −0.50 V and tacc = 30 s. The electrode presents good linear behavior concentration range from 0.50 to 6.70 μg L⁻¹, with a limit of detection of 0.22 μg L⁻¹. The relative standard deviation was 5.0% at the 1.5 μg L⁻¹ As(III) level (n = 16). The method was validated by quantifying As(III) in spiked tap water from laboratory (RE: 3.0%), and it was applied for the determination of Astotal in water samples from the Loa River (North of Chile) prior reduction of As(V) with Na2S2O3 solution, obtaining 814.00 ± 0.03 μg L⁻¹. The results of the proposed method were compared with those obtained by adsorptive stripping voltammetry with HMDE and by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP−MS) techniques.

Graphical abstract

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pH-dependent selective ion exchange based on (ethylenediamintetraacetic acid-nickel)-layered double hydroxide to catalyze the polymerization of aniline for detection of Cu2+ and Fe3+

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Sheng Tang, Jun Sun, Yana Li, Dasha Xia, Tong Qi, Kai Liu, Huimin Deng, Wei Shen, Hian Kee Lee
A pH-dependent selective ion exchange coupled with catalytic polymerization of aniline has been developed for sensitive detection of copper (Cu²⁺) and ferric ions (Fe³⁺). Ethylenediamintetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelated with nickel ion (Ni²⁺) were intercalated in a layered double hydroxide via a co-precipitation reaction. The product was subsequently applied as sorbent for the enrichment of Cu²⁺ at pH 6.5 and Fe³⁺ at pH 4.5. Since both Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ have stronger complex formation constants with EDTA, Ni²⁺ exchanges with Cu²⁺/Fe³⁺ selectively. The resulting sorbent containing Cu²⁺/Fe³⁺ was transferred to catalyze the aniline polymerization reaction, since Cu²⁺/Fe³⁺ could be released by the sorbent effectively at different pH values and have high catalytic abilities for the polymerization reaction. The resulting polyaniline with different colors were produced at different pH values, an observation that was utilized to distinguish between the colorimetric signals of Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺. The extraction temperature, extraction time, catalysis time and pH were optimized. The results showed that this method provided low limits of detection of 0.1 nM (6.4 ng/L) for Cu²⁺, 1 nM (56 ng/L) for Fe³⁺, wide linear ranges (0.0005–2.5 µM, and 0.005–5 µM, respectively), and good linearities (r² values of 0.9904, and 0.9965, respectively). The optimized method was applied to river water samples. Using Cu²⁺/Fe³⁺ as examples, this work provided a new and interesting approach for the convenient and efficient detection of metal ions in aqueous samples.

Graphical abstract

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Highly efficient enrichment of phosphopeptides from HeLa cells using hollow magnetic macro/mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Yayun Hong, Qiliang Zhan, Chenlu Pu, Qianying Sheng, Hongli Zhao, Minbo Lan
In this work, hollow magnetic macro/mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles (denoted as Fe3O4@H-fTiO2) were synthesized by a facile "hydrothermal etching assisted crystallization" route to improve the phosphopeptide enrichment efficiency. The porous nanostructure of TiO2 shell and large hollow space endowed the Fe3O4@H-fTiO2 with a high surface area (144.71 m² g⁻¹) and a large pore volume (0.52 cm³ g⁻¹), which could provide more affinity sites for phosphopeptide enrichment. Besides, the large pore size of TiO2 nanosheets and large hollow space could effectively prevent the "shadow effect", thereby facilitating the diffusion and release of phosphopeptides. Compared with the hollow magnetic mesoporous TiO2 with small and deep pores (denoted as Fe3O4@H-mTiO2) and solid magnetic macro/mesoporous TiO2, the Fe3O4@H-fTiO2 nanoparticles showed a better selectivity (molar ratio of α-casein/BSA up to 1:10000) and a higher sensitivity (0.2 fmol/μL α-casein) for phosphopeptide enrichment. Furthermore, 1485 unique phosphopeptides derived from 660 phosphoproteins were identified from HeLa cell extracts after enrichment with Fe3O4@H-fTiO2 nanoparticles, further demonstrating that the Fe3O4@H-fTiO2 nanoparticles had a high-efficiency performance for phosphopeptide enrichment. Taken together, the Fe3O4@H-fTiO2 nanoparticles will have unique advantages in phosphoproteomics analysis.

Graphical abstract

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Revealing of endogenous Marinobufagin by an ultra-specific and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS assay in pregnant women

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Charline Lenaerts, Liz Bond, Robin Tuytten, Bertrand Blankert
Marinobufagenin (MBG) is a bufadienolide cardiac inotrope implicated in volume expansion-mediated hypertensive states including essential hypertension and preeclampsia (PE). Endogenous MBG is an inhibitor of the α1-isoform of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase with vasoconstrictive and cardiotonic properties, causing hypertension and natriuresis.Elevated endogenous MBG-like material levels have been described by immunoassays in salt-sensitive pregnant and preeclamptic rats as well as in preeclamptic human patients. The rise of endogenous MBG-like material appears prior the development of the main symptoms of PE, leading us to consider MBG as one of the potential biomarkers for PE.The weak specificity and the high variability of the published immunoassays gives no certification about endogenous MBG existence. This led us to set-up a highly specific and sensitive analytical method to detect MBG in plasma at low levels relying on liquid chromatography combined to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) with recording of 7 highly specific MRM transitions for MBG. Pure MBG standard used in the method development was obtained by purification from the Bufo marinus toad venom. d3–25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was used as internal standard. An increasing organic gradient with mobile phase A and B composed of 97:3 (v/v) H2O: MeOH and 50:45:5 (v/v/v) MeOH:IPA:H2O at pH 4.5 respectively was used on a Pursuit 3 PFP column (100 mm × 3 mm; 3 µm) to allow elution and separation of the plasmatic compounds. Chromatographic analyses of plasma samples were preceded by a precipitation of proteins pretreatment.The developed UHPLC-MS/MS assay has been applied to early-pregnant women plasma samples allowing us to investigate MBG plasma levels. Thanks to the high specificity of the assay we were able to authenticate and certify the presence of endogenous MBG in early-pregnant women plasma with the use of the 7 selected specific mass transitions. These pioneering preliminary results are giving a promising perspective for early preeclampsia risk assessment in pregnant women.

Graphical abstract

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Novel microporous β-cyclodextrin polymer as sorbent for solid-phase extraction of bisphenols in water samples and orange juice

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Yarong Li, Pengpeng Lu, Jincheng Cheng, Xiaoliang Zhu, Wang Guo, Lijun Liu, Qiang Wang, Chiyang He, Shaorong Liu
A new microporous β-cyclodextrin polymer (MP-CDP) was prepared for the simultaneous solid-phase extraction (SPE) of bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol AF (BPAF). The MP-CDP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-phase ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, thermo-gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption analysis. Results indicated that the MP-CDP had micron-level particle size, microporous structure, a high BET surface area, and a high product yield. Adsorption tests showed that the MP-CDP sorbent had high adsorption ability and fast binding kinetics for bisphenols. Moreover, the MP-CDP presented high extraction efficiencies, high enrichment factor, good reusability and good batch-to-batch reproducibility for SPE of bisphenols. Based on the MP-CDP sorbent, a SPE-HPLC-UV method was developed and successfully applied to simultaneously detect three bisphenols in water samples and orange juice with the recoveries of 95.7–106.3% (RSD = 2.0–5.2%) for BPF, 92.9–107.0% (RSD = 1.5–5.1%) for BPA, and 96.0–103.5% (RSD = 1.7–5.0%) for BPAF, respectively. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) and the limit of quantification (S/N = 10) for all bisphenols in these samples were 0.15 ng/mL and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. The new MP-CDP can be potentially utilized as a good sorbent for simultaneous SPE of trace bisphenols in environmental water samples and beverages.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2Imbb54

Silver ion chromatography for peak resolution enhancement: Application to the preparative separation of two sesquiterpenes using online heart-cutting LC-LC technique

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Yang Yang, Yongmin Zhang, Chong Wei, Jing Li, Wenji Sun
Silver ion chromatography, utilizing columns packed with silver ions bonded to silica gel, has proved to be an invaluable technique for the analysis of some positional isomers. In this work, silver ion chromatography by combination with online heart-cutting LC-LC technique for the preparative separation of two sesquiterpenes positional isomers from a natural product was investigated. On the basis of the evaluation that silver ion content impacts on the separation, the laboratory-made silver ion columns, utilizing silica gel impregnated with 15% silver nitrate as column packing materials, were used for peak resolution improvement of these two isomers and the preparative separation of them in heart-cutting LC-LC. The relationship among the maximal sample load, flow rate and peak resolution in the silver ion column were optimized, and the performance of the silver ion column was compared with conventional C18 column and silica gel column. Based on the developed chromatographic conditions, online heart-cutting LC-LC chromatographic separation system in combination with a silica gel column and a silver ion column that was applied to preparative separation of these two isomers from a traditional Chinese medicine, Inula racemosa Hook.f., was established. The results showed that the online heart-cutting LC-LC technique by combination of a silica gel column and a silver ion column for the preparative separation of these two positional isomers from this natural plant was superior to the preparative separation performed on a single-column system with C18 column or silica gel column.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2KyBDFq

Magnetic Ni/Fe layered double hydroxide nanosheets as enhancer for DNA hairpin sensitive detection of miRNA

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Jun Sun, Yana Li, Chengbo Chen, Tong Qi, Dasha Xia, Wei Mao, Tongyi Yang, Lizhuang Chen, Wei Shen, Sheng Tang
A new non-enzyme method based on hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and colorimetric reaction catalyzed by magnetic Ni/Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets was developed for detection of microRNA (miRNA), let-7b. The DNA hairpins from HCR were separated and adsorbed by Ni/Fe LDH. The peroxidase-like activity of Ni/Fe LDH was found to be enhanced by the DNA hairpins on the surface. The factors, such as ratio of Ni/Fe and concentration of DNA hairpins, related to the catalytic activity were evaluated and the mechanism was discussed. The results of this new detection method for let-7b provided low limit of detection (0.36 fM), wide linear range (0.01 pM to 200 pM) with good linearity (r² = 0.9968). The optimized method was applied to analyze let-7b in real samples, lung cancer cells. This work demonstrated a new and cost-effective approach for efficient detection of miRNA.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2L6SRuu

Simple and ultra-fast recognition and quantitation of compounded monoclonal antibodies: Application to flow injection analysis combined to UV spectroscopy and matching method

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): E. Jaccoulet, A. Schweitzer-Chaput, B. Toussaint, P. Prognon, E. Caudron
Compounding of monoclonal antibody (mAbs) constantly increases in hospital. Quality control (QC) of the compounded mAbs based on quantification and identification is required to prevent potential errors and fast method is needed to manage outpatient chemotherapy administration. A simple and ultra-fast (less than 30 s) method using flow injection analysis associated to least square matching method issued from the analyzer software was performed and evaluated for the routine hospital QC of three compounded mAbs: bevacizumab, infliximab and rituximab. The method was evaluated through qualitative and quantitative parameters. Preliminary analysis of the UV absorption and second derivative spectra of the mAbs allowed us to adapt analytical conditions according to the therapeutic range of the mAbs. In terms of quantitative QC, linearity, accuracy and precision were assessed as specified in ICH guidelines. Very satisfactory recovery was achieved and the RSD (%) of the intermediate precision were less than 1.1%. Qualitative analytical parameters were also evaluated in terms of specificity, sensitivity and global precision through a matrix of confusion. Results showed to be concentration and mAbs dependant and excellent (100%) specificity and sensitivity were reached within specific concentration range. Finally, routine application on "real life" samples (n = 209) from different batch of the three mAbs complied with the specifications of the quality control i.e. excellent identification (100%) and ± 15% of targeting concentration belonging to the calibration range. The successful use of the combination of second derivative spectroscopy and partial least square matching method demonstrated the interest of FIA for the ultra-fast QC of mAbs after compounding using matching method.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2wSGVcU

A highly sensitive fluorescent probe for fast recognization of DTT and its application in one- and two-photon imaging

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Tong Sun, Lili Xia, Jinxin Huang, Yueqing Gu, Peng Wang
As a widely used reducing agent, 1, 4-dithiothreitol (DTT) plays important roles in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and biomedicine. The development of facile and fast methods for DTT detection is urgent and necessary. In this article, we rationally constructed a novel two-photon fluorescent probe 6-(methylsulfinyl)-2-phenyl-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2 H)-dione (NC-DTT) for detecting DTT, which employed the 1,8-naphthalimide and sulfoxide as the fluorophore and receptor unit respectively. The sulfoxide group in probe NC-DTT can be reduced by DTT to compound 6-(methylthio)-2-phenyl-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2 H)-dione (NC), which could emit strong fluorescence with large Stokes shift presumably due to the enhanced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). This probe responded to DTT quickly (within 1000 s) and showed satisfactory selectivity. A good linearity between fluorescence intensity and the concentration of DTT in the range of 0 − 700 μM was observed, and the detection limit towards DTT was 1.4 × 10⁻⁷ M. Furthermore, the probe was successfully employed in one- and two-photon imaging of DTT in HepG2 cells with low cytotoxicity.

Graphical abstract

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Colorimetric detection of low dose gamma radiation based on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles and its application for the blood irradiation

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 187
Author(s): Yanchao Song, Duan Feng, Shuai Shao, Jing Liang
To develop a simple and sensitive sensor for gamma radiation is of great importance not only for public safety, but also for rational utilization of ionizing radiation. In this study, a simple and sensitive method for colorimetric detection of low dose gamma radiation has been developed based on the single-strand DNA modified AuNPs (ssDNA-AuNPs), which were synthesized by immobilizing the sulfhydryl ssDNA on the surface of AuNPs. After the gamma radiation, the colors of ssDNA-AuNPs changed from wine-red to blue-purple gradually, and this can be easily distinguished by the naked eyes. Over a range from 0 to 30 Gy, a good linear relationship between the ratio of absorbance at 625 nm to that at 521 nm (A625/A521) in the UV–vis spectrum and radiation dose was obtained. The detection limit was as low as 0.5 Gy. The colorimetric mechanism was ascribed to the generation of hydroxyl radical during the gamma radiation. As a result, ssDNA was cut off and released from the AuNPs. Then the salt effect caused the aggregation leading to the distinct color change. The capability of the method has also been demonstrated for anti-radiation efficiency comparison of different radioprotectors. In addition, lymphocytes irradiation expriment indicated that the ssDNA-AuNPs prepared in this work can be successfully used for an indicator during blood irradiation to avoid transfusion associated graft vs. host disease (TA-GVHD).

Graphical abstract

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Scholar : These new articles for Aquatic Insects are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Aquatic Insects and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: From the Forthcoming Special Issue: Advances in Aquatic Insect Systematics and Biodiversity in the Neotropics Three new species of Parhydraenida Balfour-Browne, 1975 (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) from southeastern Brazil M. A. Jäch & J. A. Delgado Pages: 1-15 | DOI: 10.1080/01650424.2018.1445867 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. 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.

Profiling modifications for glioblastoma proteome using ultra-tolerant database search: Are the peptide mass shifts biologically relevant or chemically induced?

Publication date: Available online 17 May 2018
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Irina A. Tarasova, Peter M. Chumakov, Sergei A. Moshkovskii, Mikhail V. Gorshkov
Peptide mass shifts were profiled using ultra-tolerant database search strategy for shotgun proteomics data sets of human glioblastoma cell lines demonstrating strong response to the type I interferon (IFNα-2b) treatment. The main objective of this profiling was revealing the cell response to IFN treatment at the level of protein modifications. To achieve this objective, statistically significant changes in peptide mass shift profiles between IFN treated and untreated glioblastoma samples were analyzed. Detailed analysis of MS/MS spectra allowed further interpretation of the observed mass shifts and differentiation between post-translational and artifact modifications.SignificanceMalignant cells typically acquire increased sensitivity to viruses due to the deregulated antiviral mechanisms. Therefore, a viral therapy is considered as one of the promising approaches to treat cancer. However, recent studies have demonstrated that malignant cells can preserve intact antiviral mechanisms, e.g. interferon signaling, and develop resistance to virus infection in response to interferon treatment. Post translational modifications, e.g. tyrosine phosphorylation, are the interferon signaling drivers. Thus, comprehensive characterization of modifications is crucially important, yet, most challenging problem in cancer proteomics. Here, we report on the application of the recently introduced ultra-tolerant search strategy for profiling peptide modifications in the human glioblastoma cell lines demonstrating strong response to the type I interferon (IFNα-2b) treatment. The specific aim of the study was identification of statistically significant changes in peptide mass shift profiles between IFN treated and untreated glioblastoma samples, as well as determination of whether these shifts represent the biologically relevant modification.



https://ift.tt/2wQFICH

Inclusion of dosimetric data as covariates in toxicity-related radiogenomic studies

Abstract

Purpose

This systematic review evaluates the completeness of dosimetric features and their inclusion as covariates in genetic-toxicity association studies.

Materials and methods

Original research studies associating genetic features and normal tissue complications following radiotherapy were identified from PubMed. The use of dosimetric data was determined by mining the statement of prescription dose, dose fractionation, target volume selection or arrangement and dose distribution. The consideration of the dosimetric data as covariates was based on the statement mentioned in the statistical analysis section. The significance of these covariates was extracted from the results section. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine their completeness and inclusion as covariates.

Results

A total of 174 studies were found to satisfy the inclusion criteria. Studies published ≥2010 showed increased use of dose distribution information (p = 0.07). 33% of studies did not include any dose features in the analysis of gene-toxicity associations. Only 29% included dose distribution features as covariates and reported the results. 59% of studies which included dose distribution features found significant associations to toxicity.

Conclusion

A large proportion of studies on the correlation of genetic markers with radiotherapy-related side effects considered no dosimetric parameters. Significance of dose distribution features was found in more than half of the studies including these features, emphasizing their importance. Completeness of radiation-specific clinical data may have increased in recent years which may improve gene-toxicity association studies.

https://ift.tt/2L9Kej2

Gastrointestinal cancer incidence in type 2 diabetes mellitus; results from a large population-based cohort study in the UK

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 54
Author(s): Roy G.P.J. de Jong, Paul J.H.L. Peeters, Andrea M. Burden, Marie L. de Bruin, Harm R. Haak, Ad A.M. Masclee, Frank de Vries, Maryska L.G. Janssen-Heijnen
BackgroundPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been shown to have higher incidences of liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer compared to non-diabetic individuals. Current evidence is conflicting for other gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Therefore, we aimed to determine incidence rates (IRs) of all GI cancers in patients with and without T2DM.MethodsA cohort study was performed using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (1988-2012). A cohort of antidiabetic drug users was matched at baseline to a non-diabetic cohort, by age, sex, and practice. Crude IRs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of GI cancers per 100,000 person-years were calculated stratified by age, sex, and calendar year.Results333,438 T2DM and 333,438 non-diabetic individuals were analyzed. IRs of liver (IR 26, 95% CI 24–28 vs. 8.9, 95% CI 7.7–10), pancreatic (IR 65, 95% CI 62–69 vs. 31, 95% CI 28–34), and colon cancer (IR 119, 95% CI 114–124 vs. 109, 95% CI 104–114) were significantly higher in the diabetic compared to the non-diabetic cohort, whereas the IR of oesophageal cancer was significantly lower (IR 41, 95% CI 39–44 vs. 47, 95% CI 44–51). Sex-specific IRs of colon cancer remained significantly higher in men with T2DM, and IRs of esophageal cancer remained significantly lower in women with T2DM.ConclusionIn this study, T2DM patients were shown to have higher crude IRs of liver, pancreatic and colon cancer, but not of gastric, biliary, and rectal cancer. Moreover, the lower observed IRs of oesophageal cancer in diabetic patients warrants further investigation.



https://ift.tt/2KwAttP

Marital status and survival in patients with rectal cancer: An analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 54
Author(s): Xiangyang Wang, Weilan Cao, Chenguo Zheng, Wanle Hu, Changbao Liu
BackgroundMarital status has been validated as an independent prognostic factor for survival in several cancer types, but is controversial in rectal cancer (RC). The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of marital status on the survival outcomes of patients with RC.MethodsWe extracted data of 27,498 eligible patients diagnosed with RC between 2004 and 2009 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were categorized into married, never married, divorced/separated and widowed groups.We used Chi-square tests to compare characteristics of patients with different marital status.Rectal cancer specific survival was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method,and multivariate Cox regression analyses was used to analyze the survival outcome risk factors in different marital status.ResultsThe widowed group had the highest percentage of elderly patients and women,higher proportion of adenocarcinomas, and more stage I/II in tumor stage (P < 0.05),but with a lower rate of surgery compared to the married group (76.7% VS 85.4%). Compared with the married patients, the never married (HR 1.40), widowed (HR 1.61,) and divorced/separated patients (HR 1.16) had an increased overall 5-year mortality. A further analysis showed that widowed patients had an increased overall 5-year cause-specific survival(CSS) compared with married patients at stage I(HR 1.92),stage II (HR 1.65),stage III (HR 1.73),and stage IV (HR 1.38).ConclusionOur study showed marriage was associated with better outcomes of RC patients, but unmarried RC patients, especially widowed patients,are at greater risk of cancer specific mortality.



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Neoplasms-associated deaths in HIV-1 infected and non-infected patients in Bahia, Brazil

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 54
Author(s): Marinho Marques, Estela Luz, Mateus Leal, João Vitor Oliveira, Rejane Patrício, Eduardo Martins Netto, Carlos Brites
BackgroundHIV-infected patients are at a higher risk to develop malignancies than general population. Although AIDS-related malignancies are a common feature of late-stage disease, patients under successful antiretroviral therapy also have an increased risk for development of non-AIDS malignancies.ObjectiveTo compare the frequency and characteristics of adults HIV-infected patients and general population who died of malignancies in Bahia, Brazil from January 2000 to December 2010.MethodsNational Information System on Mortality (SIM) was searched to identify all deaths in the study period caused by malignancies in general population and in HIV patients. The frequency of malignancies in these two groups was compared. For HIV patients we also recorded the last HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load and CD4+ cells count, retrieved from oficial databases on laboratory monitoring for HIV patients.ResultsIn the study period 733,645 deaths were reported, 677,427 (92.3%) of them in individual older than 13 years. Malignancies were the cause of death in 77,174 (11.4%) of them, and 5156 (0.8%) were associated to HIV/Aids.Among deaths of HIV/Aids patients, Kaposi´s sarcoma was the most prevalent malignancy (OR: 309.7; 95% CI: 177-544), followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR: 10.1; 95% CI: 5.3-19.3), Hodgkin´s lymphoma (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 2.2-8.4), and cranial nervous malignancies (OR: 3.3; 95% CI:1.6-7.0). HIV patients died at a significantly lower age (43.7 years), than general population (64.5 years, p < 0.0001). Patients who had a diagnosis of Aids-related malignancies had lower CD4+ cells count than those with non-AIDS relates malignancies (p = 0.04).ConclusionHIV infection is a clear risk fator for development of some malignancies, and is associated with early mortality, compared to general population. The level of CD4+ cells count predicts the type of malignancies causing death in this population.



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Effect of African-American race on cancer specific mortality differs according to clear cell vs. non-clear cell histologic subtype in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 54
Author(s): Michele Marchioni, Sabrina S. Harmouch, Sebastiano Nazzani, Marco Bandini, Felix Preisser, Zhe Tian, Anil Kapoor, Luca Cindolo, Alberto Briganti, Shahrokh F. Shariat, Luigi Schips, Pierre I. Karakiewicz
AimTo test the effect of African-American race on cancer specific mortality (CSM) in clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma (ccmRCC) and non-ccmRCC.Patients and methodsWithin Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry (2001–2014), we identified patients with ccmRCC and non-ccmRCC. We relied on propensity score (PS) matching to reduce the effect of inherent differences between African-American vs. Caucasian patients. After PS matching that included access to cytoreductive nephrectomy (CNT), cumulative incidence, competing-risks regression (CRR) models and landmark analyses tested the effect of race on CSM.ResultsBefore PS matching, African-American patients accounted for 7.0 and 24.5% of respectively ccmRCC (N = 6742) and non-ccmRCC patients (N = 766). After PS matching, African-American patients accounted for 22.3 and 33.5% of respectively ccmRCC (N = 2050) and non-ccmRCC (N = 391) matched cohorts. In multivariable CRR models focusing on ccmRCC, higher CSM was recorded in African-Americans (HR:1.27, p < 0.001). Conversely, in non-ccmRCC, lower CSM was recorded in African-Americans (HR:0.54, p < 0.001). Landmark analyses rejected the hypothesis of immortal time bias.ConclusionAfrican-Americans experienced higher CSM in ccmRCC. Conversely, African-Americans experienced lower CSM, when diagnosed with non-ccmRCC. These differences are independent of access to CNT and warrant further study since they may have an impact on efficacy or access to systemic therapies.



https://ift.tt/2La8u4j

Alcohol intake and gastric cancer: Meta-analyses of published data versus individual participant data pooled analyses (StoP Project)

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 54
Author(s): Ana Ferro, Samantha Morais, Matteo Rota, Claudio Pelucchi, Paola Bertuccio, Rossella Bonzi, Carlotta Galeone, Zuo-Feng Zhang, Keitaro Matsuo, Hidemi Ito, Jinfu Hu, Kenneth C. Johnson, Guo-Pei Yu, Domenico Palli, Monica Ferraroni, Joshua Muscat, Reza Malekzadeh, Weimin Ye, Huan Song, David Zaridze, Dmitry Maximovitch, Nerea Fernández de Larrea, Manolis Kogevinas, Jesus Vioque, Eva M. Navarrete-Muñoz, Mohammadreza Pakseresht, Farhad Pourfarzi, Alicja Wolk, Nicola Orsini, Andrea Bellavia, Niclas Håkansson, Lina Mu, Roberta Pastorino, Robert C. Kurtz, Mohammad H. Derakhshan, Areti Lagiou, Pagona Lagiou, Paolo Boffetta, Stefania Boccia, Eva Negri, Carlo La Vecchia, Bárbara Peleteiro, Nuno Lunet
BackgroundIndividual participant data pooled analyses allow access to non-published data and statistical reanalyses based on more homogeneous criteria than meta-analyses based on systematic reviews. We quantified the impact of publication-related biases and heterogeneity in data analysis and presentation in summary estimates of the association between alcohol drinking and gastric cancer.MethodsWe compared estimates obtained from conventional meta-analyses, using only data available in published reports from studies that take part in the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project, with individual participant data pooled analyses including the same studies.ResultsA total of 22 studies from the StoP Project assessed the relation between alcohol intake and gastric cancer, 19 had specific data for levels of consumption and 18 according to cancer location; published reports addressing these associations were available from 18, 5 and 5 studies, respectively. The summary odds ratios [OR, (95%CI)] estimate obtained with published data for drinkers vs. non-drinkers was 10% higher than the one obtained with individual StoP data [18 vs. 22 studies: 1.21 (1.07–1.36) vs. 1.10 (0.99–1.23)] and more heterogeneous (I²: 63.6% vs 54.4%). In general, published data yielded less precise summary estimates (standard errors up to 2.6 times higher). Funnel plot analysis suggested publication bias.ConclusionMeta-analyses of the association between alcohol drinking and gastric cancer tended to overestimate the magnitude of the effects, possibly due to publication bias. Additionally, individual participant data pooled analyses yielded more precise estimates for different levels of exposure or cancer subtypes.



https://ift.tt/2Kvdsro

Misuse of Quality of Life Evaluation in Oncology Studies: Reification, Adaptation, and the U-Shaped Curve

Publication date: Available online 10 May 2018
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Robert J. Amdur, Bhishamjit S. Chera




https://ift.tt/2GsktXs

Developing and Assessing Electronic Checklists for Safety Mindfulness, Workload and Performance

Publication date: Available online 10 May 2018
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Gregg S. Tracton, Lukasz M. Mazur, Prithima Mosaly, Lawrence B. Marks, Shiva Das
PurposeTo i) propose set of innovative principles for effective design of electronic checklists to enhance safety mindfulness (a specific safety mindful mindset that offers the opportunity of operating more preemptively during routine QA tasks), and ii) discuss some of our preliminary results from testing our proposed electronic checklist with dosimetrists and physicists.Methods and materialsA multidisciplinary team designed, developed, and evaluated the utility of the electronic checklist (vs. paper-based checklist) to promote safety mindfulness. Subjective workload was measured at the end of each assessment/scenario. Performance was quantified based on discovery of purposefully embedded errors, time-to-complete the scenario, and additional concerns documented by the participants.ResultsUse of the electronic checklist was associated with decreases in time-to-scenario completion (p<0.01), increases in documentation of additional patient safety and plan quality concerns (p=0.04), but had no significant impact on recognition of purposefully embedded errors or perceptions of workload.ConclusionOur proposed principles for design of electronic checklists may improve the efficiency of QA procedures, while enhancing users' safety mindfulness. Future research is needed to better understand the utility of our proposed design principles on patient safety from a long-term use.



https://ift.tt/2rOutG8

Clinical response to radium-223 dichloride in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2018
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Isabella Zhang, Philip Gilbo, Nina Kohn, Brett Cox
Purpose/ObjectiveRadium-223 prolongs survival and decreases symptomatic skeletal events in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer and is indicated in patients with painful bone metastases. However, pain responses are rarely reported and often asked about by patients. Further, patients and their physicians are concerned about a lack of pain response portending a poor treatment response and may be inclined to change systemic therapies before completing 6cycles. We evaluated the likelihood and time course of pain response, potential predictors of response, and its prognostic value in patients receiving radium-223.Materials and MethodsWe reviewed the charts of patients who received radium-223 in our department. All patients were planned for 6cycles with a prescribed dose of 50–55kBq/kg at each administration. Pain scores, subjective response to pain, analgesic use, treatment toxicities, and laboratory values were recorded at each visit. Symptomatic skeletal events and survival were also recorded.Results48 patients received at least one cycle of radium-223 and 27 (56%) received all 6 planned cycles. Median survival from first treatment was 16.0months (95% CI 8.9 to 19.2months). 33% experienced at least one symptomatic skeletal event during or after treatment. 62.5% of men reported a decrease in pain from pre-treatment baseline. Of men with improved pain, 96% experienced an improvement before the third cycle. Pain relief was not associated with a decrease in ALK-P or PSA or improved survival.ConclusionsApproximately two-thirds of patients who undergo treatment with radium-223 will experience an improvement in pain and, if it occurs, it will most likely occur within the first two cycles. Patients should be counseled about this timeline and, if pain improvement isn't achieved, palliative radiation and oral analgesic readjustment should be considered. Pain response is not associated with survival and should not be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.



https://ift.tt/2Gqsn3q

Treatment of periorbital dark circles: Comparative study of carboxy therapy vs chemical peeling vs mesotherapy

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2L7uvRe

Successful treatment of cutaneous metastatic melanoma with high‐dose intralesional interleukin‐2 treatment combined with cryosurgery

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2rRp6F4

Heterogeneity in skin manifestations of spotted fever group rickettsial infection in Australia

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KvBLp2

Dermatoscopic chaos of border‐abruptness led to diagnosis of a minute melanoma

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2k4d4op

A case of acitretin‐induced haemorrhagic lesions in Darier disease

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2Kt07Q8

Trichoscopy helps to predict the time point of clinical cure of tinea capitis

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2k4cCGJ

Bedside diagnosis of lentigo maligna with reflectance confocal microscopy

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2k5nC72

Dermatologic toxicity from novel therapy using antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 in melanoma: A detailed examination of the clinicopathologic features

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KwfPKl

Testicular choriocarcinoma with cutaneous metastasis in a 19‐year‐old man

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2k5nmVC

Grocott methenamine silver and periodic acid‐Schiff positivity in cutaneous Mycobacterium avium complex infection

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KvV1CN

Issue Information

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 45, Issue 6, June 2018.


https://ift.tt/2k3l9K8

Early versus late prophylactic cranial irradiation in patients with extensive small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Objective

Previous studies demonstrated that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) significantly reduced the incidence of brain metastases in patients with extensive disease small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC). However, the appropriate timing for PCI in treating ED-SCLC is still unclear. This study aimed to compare the effect and safety of early versus late PCI.

Methods

Between November 2011 and July 2016, 103 patients with ED-SCLC were reviewed, receiving appropriate imaging tests to exclude brain metastases prior to cranial irradiation. Of these 103 patients, early PCI was performed in 47 patients and the other 56 patients received late PCI. The primary endpoint was the incidence of brain metastases. The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed.

Results

Early PCI significantly lowered the risk of brain metastases, as compared to late PCI (p = 0.024). Additionally, multivariate analyses demonstrated that early PCI was a favorable independent predictor of the incidence of brain metastases. The PFS and OS of patients in the early and late PCI groups were comparable (PFS: 8.4 months vs. 7.5 months, p = 0.234; OS: 16.1 months vs. 15.2 months, p = 0.753). The AEs were generally acceptable in both groups.

Conclusion

To reduce the incidence of brain metastases, early PCI is more effective than late PCI for ED-SCLC patients.

https://ift.tt/2k68JBo

Tumor volume as a prognostic marker in p16-positive and p16-negative oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the impact of primary gross tumor volume (pGTV) and nodal gross tumor volume (nGTV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and the difference in their role between human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative patients.

Methods

The patient cohort consists of 91 OPSCC patients treated with definitive radiochemotherapy or radiotherapy using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). All patients had a minimum follow-up of 31 months. Volume measurements were made from computer tomography (CT) scans and HPV status was assessed by p16 immunohistochemistry. The end points were as follows: overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and locoregional control (LRC).

Results

pGTV was a significant independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS; p = 0.020) in p16-negative patients. nGTV of p16-negative tumors had significant prognostic value in all end points in multivariate analyses. High-stage (III–IVc) p16-negative tumors were only associated with significantly poorer OS (p = 0.046) but not with poorer LRC or DFS when compared with the low-stage (I–II) tumors. nGTV of p16-positive tumors was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (p = 0.005) and LRC (p = 0.007) in multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

pGTV may serve as an independent prognostic factor in p16-negative patients and nGTV may serve as an independent prognostic factor both in p16-positive and p16-negative patients treated with radiochemotherapy or radiotherapy using IMRT. Tumor volume may have an impact on selecting patients for de-escalation protocols in the future, both in p16-positive and p16-negative patients.

https://ift.tt/2KsSxoE

Confocal Fluorescence Imaging To Evaluate The Effect Of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Depth On P. Gingivalis And T. Denticola Biofilms

Publication date: Available online 10 May 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Stephen Rogers, Kiyonobu Honma, Thomas S. Mang
BackgroundPorphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola are both principally implicated in the incidence of both periodontal disease and peri-implantitis. Recent studies have demonstrated that these bacteria exhibit symbiotic growth in vitro and a synergistic virulence in co-infection of animal models. Found at varying depths throughout the biofilm, these bacteria present a significant challenge to traditional antimicrobial treatment modalities. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy ( aPDT ) has yielded high success against bacterial biofilms, namely those found in the oral cavity. Data on the use of aPDT against these particular periodontal pathogens is, however, scarce. Here, we studied the qualitative killing efficacy and depth of drug and laser penetration into defined P. gingivalis and T. denticola biofilms.MethodsP. gingivalis and T. denticola were incubated under anaerobic (10%CO2, 10%H2, 80%N2) conditions for two days in diluted TSB with PBS (TYGVS for T. denticola maintenance) to elicit biofilm growth on coverslip-modified polystyrene dishes. Treated biofilms were exposed to a purpurin-based sensitizer (25 µg/mL in DMSO) for 30 minutes, and then aPDT was carried out using a diode laser at 664 nm. Light doses of 15 and 45 J/cm2 were used. All biofilms were then exposed to Filmtracer™ LIVE/DEAD® Biofilm Viability Kit (Cat No. L10316). Qualitative analysis was performed using a Zeiss LSM 510 Meta NLO Confocal Microscope with attached Zeiss Axioimager Z1 and Axiovert 200 M for visual data collection, and images were processed using the ZEN Digital Imaging for Light Microscopy software suite. Analysis was performed in 2 × 3 stacks to assess the entire depth of both the biofilm and presumed drug/laser penetration.ResultsInitial planktonic studies confirmed that the bacteria in question were present in the grown cultures and susceptible to aPDT exposure. Biofilm control groups were found to have significant levels of surviving bacterial colonies. Both treatment groups featured complete bacterial kill throughout the entirety of the biofilm (average: 23.17 µm; range: 18.13 – 27.20 µm).ConclusionsThe efficacy of the purpurin-based PS and aPDT is demonstrated to be effective at both high and low light doses. Bacterial kill was fully efficacious at each visualized biofilm layer (1.01 µm/z-level). This study serves as a proof of concept for future studies that must consider appropriate treatment parameters, including the amount of applied PS, and laser dose. These findings indicate that aPDT is a method that can be used to eliminate microorganisms associated with biofilms implicated in the etiology of peri-implantitis and periodontitis at large.



https://ift.tt/2ILgCtH

Quantifying the Uncertainty in Model Parameters Using Gaussian Process-Based Markov Chain Monte Carlo in Cardiac Electrophysiology

Publication date: Available online 17 May 2018
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Jwala Dhamala, Hermenegild J. Arevalo, John Sapp, B. Milan Horácek, Katherine C. Wu, Natalia A. Trayanova, Linwei Wang
Model personalization requires the estimation of patient-specific tissue properties in the form of model parameters from indirect and sparse measurement data. Moreover, a low-dimensional representation of the parameter space is needed, which often has a limited ability to reveal the underlying tissue heterogeneity. As a result, significant uncertainty can be associated with the estimated values of the model parameters which, if left unquantified, will lead to unknown variability in model outputs that will hinder their reliable clinical adoption. Probabilistic estimation of model parameters, however, remains an unresolved challenge. Direct Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling of the posterior distribution function (pdf) of the parameters is infeasible because it involves repeated evaluations of the computationally expensive simulation model. To accelerate this inference, one popular approach is to construct a computationally efficient surrogate and sample from this approximation. However, by sampling from an approximation, efficiency is gained at the expense of sampling accuracy. In this paper, we address this issue by integrating surrogate modeling of the posterior pdf into accelerating the Metropolis-Hastings (MH) sampling of the exact posterior pdf. It is achieved by two main components: 1) construction of a Gaussian process (GP) surrogate of the exact posterior pdf by actively selecting training points that allow for a good global approximation accuracy with a focus on the regions of high posterior probability; and 2) use of the GP surrogate to improve the proposal distribution in MH sampling, in order to improve the acceptance rate. The presented framework is evaluated in its estimation of the local tissue excitability of a cardiac electrophysiological model in both synthetic data experiments and real data experiments. In addition, the obtained posterior distributions of model parameters are interpreted in relation to the factors contributing to parameter uncertainty, including different low-dimensional representations of the parameter space, parameter non-identifiability, and parameter correlations.



https://ift.tt/2wNFexh

Complex networks reveal early MRI markers of Parkinson’s disease

Publication date: Available online 17 May 2018
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Nicola Amoroso, Marianna La Rocca, Alfonso Monaco, Roberto Bellotti, Sabina Tangaro
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurological disorder, after Alzheimer's disease, and is characterized by a long prodromal stage lasting up to 20 years. As age is a prominent factor risk for the disease, next years will see a continuous increment of PD patients, making urgent the development of efficient strategies for early diagnosis and treatments. We propose here a novel approach based on complex networks for accurate early diagnoses using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data; our approach also allows us to investigate which are the brain regions mostly affected by the disease. First of all, we define a network model of brain regions and associate to each region proper connectivity measures. Thus, each brain is represented through a feature vector encoding the local relationships brain regions interweave. Then, Random Forests are used for feature selection and learning a compact representation. Finally, we use a Support Vector Machine to combine complex network features with clinical scores typical of PD prodromal phase and provide a diagnostic index. We evaluated the classification performance on the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database, including a mixed cohort of 169 normal controls (NC) and 374 PD patients. Our model compares favorably with existing state-of-the-art MRI approaches. Besides, as a difference with previous approaches, our methodology ranks the brain regions according to disease effects without any a priori assumption.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2L9BE3x

Are European dermatology patients treated unequally?

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 991-991, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2wJPiY2

Allocation of biologics: health economics and clinical decision making in plaque psoriasis

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 997-998, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2IQp8rG

After the approval of dupilumab for moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis: what is next on the research agenda?

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 992-993, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2wOiVYg

Beyond skin deep: taking bedside dermatology to the next level with noninvasive technologies

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 994-996, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2ImZjQd

News and Notices

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 1226-1227, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2GnJxyV

U.K. Psychodermatology Society Annual Meeting, Royal College of Physicians, London, 26 January 2017

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e342-e346, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2IQoTgg

U.K. Psychodermatology Society Annual Meeting, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, 25 January 2018

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e347-e353, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2GpaXEp

Issue Information

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page i-v, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2IsnA7B

Analysis of anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐induced skin lesions reveals strong T helper 1 activation with some distinct immunological characteristics

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e364-e364, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2wNQaem

Changes in filaggrin degradation products and corneocyte surface texture by season

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e365-e365, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2IoGnAV

Image Gallery: the new age of dermoscopy: optical super‐high magnification

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e330-e330, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2wNPWnw

Iris pigmented lesions as a marker of cutaneous melanoma risk: an Australian case–control study

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e372-e372, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2IMM0Io

Cellulitis: what to measure, how to define? Systematic review of outcomes from cellulitis trials

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 1000-1001, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2wNPC8i

A systematic review of diagnostic criteria for psoriasis in adults and children: evidence from studies with a primary aim to develop or validate diagnostic criteria

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e362-e362, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2IST5ae

Supervised exercise training as an adjunct therapy for venous leg ulcers: a randomized controlled feasibility trial

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e361-e361, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2GoZrsQ

Inflammatory skin eruptions induced by anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α therapy differ undeniably from psoriasis or eczema

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 1007-1008, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2ImVASZ

Pembrolizumab treatment of a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum with disseminated melanoma and multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 1009-1009, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2GpQL5D

Adjunctive therapy for healing venous leg ulcers

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 1005-1006, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2Iq9Fii

Image Gallery: Cutaneous findings in Hunter syndrome

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page e329-e329, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2GrhQ8q

Moving core outcome sets in dermatology forward

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 178, Issue 5, Page 1010-1010, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2ImVyKR

Summary of historical terrestrial toxicity data for the brominated flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA): effects on soil microorganisms, earthworms, and seedling emergence

Abstract

This article summarizes historical and recent research on the terrestrial toxicology of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Despite its ubiquitous use and presence in the environment, little published data is available to evaluate the terrestrial ecotoxicity of TBBPA. The purposes of this paper are to enable broad access to a series of TBBPA ecotoxicity tests (nitrogen transformation, earthworm survival/reproduction, and seedling emergence/growth) that were conducted in support of regulatory risk assessments, and to summarize available research in the terrestrial toxicity of TBBPA. In these studies, no significant effect of TBBPA on nitrogen transformation was observed up to the highest concentration [1000 mg/kg dry weight (d.w.) soil]. The no-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) for seedling emergence ranged from 20 to 5000 mg/kg d.w. Sensitivities were soybeans < corn ≈ onion ≈ tomato < ryegrass < cucumber; the most sensitive endpoints being seedling dry weight and height. The 28-day earthworm mortality NOEC was > 4840 mg/kg d.w. The most sensitive terrestrial endpoint was earthworm reproduction with a half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 0.12 mg/kg d.w. soil. Based on this sensitive terrestrial endpoint, the EU derived a predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for soil of 0.012 mg/kg wet weight soil (EU 2008). We did not identify a more sensitive/lower point of departure for terrestrial toxicity endpoints in the published literature. On the basis of this PNEC, the EU concluded there was potential risk for environmental effects near TBBPA manufacturing sites, but no additional risk provided that no sewage sludge was applied to agricultural land (EU 2008).

https://ift.tt/2GsMjTp

Coordinated effects of lead toxicity and nutrient deprivation on growth, oxidative status, and elemental composition of primed and non-primed rice seedlings

Abstract

Rice crop is highly susceptible to the toxic levels of lead (Pb) during early growth stages. Moreover, a sufficient availability of mineral nutrients is critical for survival of plants particularly under stressful conditions. An experiment was carried out to unravel the coordinated effects of Pb stress (1-mM PbCl₂) and different nutrient treatments (sufficient nutrient supply, nitrogen (N) deprivation, phosphorus (P) deprivation, and potassium (K) deprivation) on morphological growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, and nutrient status in primed and non-primed rice seedlings. Seeding were primed with distilled water, 60-μM selenium, or 100-mg L⁻¹ salicylic acid. Results indicated that Pb toxicity did not affect the root growth, but severely reduced the shoot growth (length and biomass) of rice in N- or P-deprived seedlings. Rice seedlings grown with sufficient supply of nutrients or K-deprivation showed no growth reduction under Pb toxicity. Exposure of Pb stress triggered the production of ROS (H₂O₂, O₂˙⁻, OH⁻) and lipid peroxidation rate particularly under N- or P-deprivation. Moreover, the shoot accumulations of macronutrients (P in particular) were also restricted under Pb toxicity. Seed priming treatments effectively alleviated the undesirable effects of Pb stress on rice growth. The primed rice seedlings showed minimal oxidative damage caused by excessive generation of ROS under Pb stress and/or nutrient deprivation. Seed priming strengthened the antioxidative defense system of rice seedlings by regulating the activities/levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione in rice leaves. Moreover, better accumulation of essential nutrients in primed rice seedlings prevented the excess uptake and translocation of Pb, as evident by the lowered shoot accumulation of Pb.

https://ift.tt/2It4TAY

Toll‐like receptor signalling induces the expression of serum amyloid A in epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2Gs1MDg

Yellowish papules on the glans

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2rOQNiN

Paraneoplastic pemphigus foliaceus related to underlying breast cancer

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2GrHyJT

Improvement in facial discoid dermatosis with calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment and low‐dose acitretin

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IoLv8b

Persistent unilateral ulcer of the ear as the first manifestation of relapsing polychondritis

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2rQqUOG

Presence of human papillomavirus 16 in acral Bowen disease as a predictor of a less efficacious response to photodynamic therapy: a retrospective case series of nine patients

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2rLnFJq

Dermatology on‐call should be commissioned and funded to support acute hospital services

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2Gujmqs

Patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus have autoantibodies colocalizing with MYZAP, p0071, desmoplakins 1–2 and ARVCF, causing renal damage

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2rTFkyH

Lichenoid paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with follicular lymphoma without detectable autoantibodies

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2GrJ0Mm

An enlarging pedunculated nodule on the shoulder of a 21‐year‐old man

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IoKgG0

Dermatological aspects of tularaemia: a study of 168 cases

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2rP08pX

Issue Information ‐ TOC and Editorial Board

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 88, Issue 6, Page 759-760, June 2018.


https://ift.tt/2Kvf9F8

Cover Image, Volume 88, Issue 6

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 88, Issue 6, Page i-i, June 2018.


https://ift.tt/2k5mEYk

Issue Information ‐ Instructions for Authors

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 88, Issue 6, Page 996-997, June 2018.


https://ift.tt/2Kx8Il2

Ghrelin as a potential molecular marker of adrenal carcinogenesis: In vivo and in vitro evidence

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2k2Gd3i

Clinical associations of maternal thyroid function with foetal brain development: Epidemiological interpretation and overview of available evidence

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2rM0Rbm

Hypogonadism and male obesity: Focus on unresolved questions

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2k6VujM

Subclinical thyroid dysfunction and circulating thyroid hormones are not associated with bone turnover markers or incident hip fracture in older men

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KyGV3N

In systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 skin manifestations are not rare and the disease is not transient

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2k5mmRe

Unexpected adverse effect of metyrapone: A case report

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2Kz5ugZ

Eye contact modulates facial mimicry in 4-month-old infants: an EMG and fNIRS study

Publication date: Available online 10 May 2018
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Carina C.J.M. de Klerk, Antonia F.de C. Hamilton, Victoria Southgate
Mimicry, the tendency to spontaneously and unconsciously copy others' behaviour, plays an important role in social interactions. It facilitates rapport between strangers, and is flexibly modulated by social signals, such as eye contact. However, little is known about the development of this phenomenon in infancy, and it is unknown whether mimicry is modulated by social signals from early in life. Here we addressed this question by presenting 4-month-old infants with videos of models performing facial actions (e.g. mouth opening, eyebrow raising) and hand actions (e.g. hand opening and closing, finger actions) accompanied by direct or averted gaze, while we measured their facial and hand muscle responses using electromyography to obtain an index of mimicry (Experiment 1). In Experiment 2 the infants observed the same stimuli while we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate the brain regions involved in modulating mimicry by eye contact. We found that 4-month-olds only showed evidence of mimicry when they observed facial actions accompanied by direct gaze. Experiment 2 suggests that this selective facial mimicry may have been associated with activation over posterior superior temporal sulcus. These findings provide the first demonstration of modulation of mimicry by social signals in young human infants, and suggest that mimicry plays an important role in social interactions from early in life.



https://ift.tt/2InCpIF

Neural Practice Effect during Cross-modal Selective Attention: Supra-modal and Modality-specific Effects

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2018
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Jing Xia, Wei Zhang, Yizhou Jiang, You Li, Qi Chen
Practice and experiences gradually shape the central nervous system, from the synaptic level to large-scale neural networks. In natural multisensory environment, even when inundated by streams of information from multiple sensory modalities, our brain does not give equal weight to different modalities. Rather, visual information more frequently receives preferential processing and eventually dominates consciousness and behavior, i.e. visual dominance. It remains unknown, however, the supra-modal and modality-specific practice effect during cross-modal selective attention, and moreover whether the practice effect shows similar modality preferences as the visual dominance effect in the multisensory environment. To answer the above two questions, we adopted a cross-modal selective attention paradigm in conjunction with the hybrid fMRI design. Behaviorally, visual performance significantly improved while auditory performance remained constant with practice, indicating that visual attention more flexibly adapted behavior with practice than auditory attention. At the neural level, the practice effect was associated with decreasing neural activity in the frontoparietal executive network and increasing activity in the default mode network, which occurred independently of the modality attended, i.e. the supra-modal mechanisms. On the other hand, functional decoupling between the auditory and the visual system was observed with the progress of practice, which varied as a function of the modality attended. The auditory system was functionally decoupled with both the dorsal and ventral visual stream during auditory attention while was decoupled only with the ventral visual stream during visual attention. To efficiently suppress the irrelevant visual information with practice, auditory attention needs to additionally decouple the auditory system from the dorsal visual stream. The modality-specific mechanisms, together with the behavioral effect, thus support the visual dominance model in terms of the practice effect during cross-modal selective attention.



https://ift.tt/2GpGtT3

Encoding-related brain activity and accelerated forgetting in transient epileptic amnesia

Publication date: Available online 17 May 2018
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Kathryn E. Atherton, Nicola Filippini, Adam ZJ. Zeman, Anna C. Nobre, Christopher R. Butler
The accelerated forgetting of newly learned information is common amongst patients with epilepsy and, in particular, in the syndrome of transient epileptic amnesia. However, the neural mechanisms underlying accelerated forgetting are poorly understood. It has been hypothesised that interictal epileptiform activity during longer retention intervals disrupts normally established memory traces. Here, we tested a distinct hypothesis - that accelerated forgetting relates to the abnormal encoding of memories. We studied a group of 15 patients with transient epileptic amnesia together with matched, healthy control subjects. Despite normal performance on standard anterograde memory tasks, patients showed accelerated forgetting of a word list over one week. We used a subsequent memory paradigm to compare encoding-related brain activity in patients and controls. Participants studied a series of visually presented scenes whilst undergoing functional MRI scanning. Recognition memory for these scenes was then probed outside the scanner after delays of 45 minutes and of 4 days. Patients showed poorer memory for the scenes compared with controls. In the patients but not the controls, subsequently forgotten stimuli were associated with reduced hippocampal activation at encoding. Furthermore, patients demonstrated reduced deactivation of posteromedial cortex regions upon viewing subsequently remembered stimuli as compared to subsequently forgotten ones. These data suggest that abnormal encoding-related activity in key memory areas of the brain contributes to accelerated forgetting in transient epileptic amnesia. We propose that abnormally encoded memory traces may be particularly vulnerable to interference from subsequently encountered material and hence be forgotten more rapidly. Our results shed light on the mechanisms underlying memory impairment in epilepsy, and offer support to the proposal that accelerated forgetting may be a useful marker of subtle dysfunction in memory-related brain systems.



https://ift.tt/2IoBM1C

Atypical Brain Functional Segregation Pairs with Reduced Cognitive Performance: Evidence from Situs Inversus Totalis

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2018
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Guy Vingerhoets, Robin Gerrits, Stephanie Bogaert
Most humans show typical brain functional specialization with language and praxis favoring left hemisphere lateralization and spatial attention and face recognition showing right hemisphere dominance. Lateralization of these cognitive functions was investigated using fMRI in participants with complete visceral reversal and matched control participants. While most participants revealed typical brain organization, atypical functional segregation was significantly more frequent in participants with visceral reversal. Interestingly, some left handers maintained typical functional segregation but showed complete reversal of all cognitive functions regardless of visceral organization. Cognitive performance, as measured with a neuropsychological test battery, was significantly predicted by the degree of atypical functional segregation of praxis and spatial attention. Increased deviation from typical functional segregation paired with lower cognitive performance. The findings suggest that typical functional segregation reflects an optimal evolutionary solution with deviations being associated with reduced cognitive performance.One Sentence Summary:Atypical segregation of hemispheric functions is associated with suboptimal cognitive performance.



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Dehydrochlorination of 1, 1, 2-trichloroethane over SiO2-supported alkali and transition metal catalysts: Tunable selectivity controlled by the acid-base properties of the catalysts

Publication date: 15 November 2018
Source:Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Volume 236
Author(s): Tong-Yang Song, Zhao-Xia Dong, Jian-Dong Song, Xiao-Xia Wang, Guan-Qun Xie, Meng-Fei Luo, Ji-Qing Lu
Dehydrochlorination of 1, 1, 2-trichloroethane was performed on SiO2 supported alkali metal (Na. K, Cs) and transition metal (Mn, Ni, Zn) catalysts. The surface basicity or acidity of the catalyst exerted great influence on catalytic behaviors. The catalysts with higher amount of base or acid sites resulted in higher activity due to more adsorption sites for reactant. The basic catalysts (Cs/SiO2 and K/SiO2) tended to form vinylidene chloride with a selectivity up to 80%; the neutral catalysts (Na/SiO2 and SiO2) tended to form 1, 2-dichloroethene with a selectivity up to about 80%; the acidic catalysts (Zn/SiO2, Mn/SiO2 and Ni/SiO2) tended to form 1, 2-dichloroethene with a selectivity up to 96%. Proposed reaction mechanisms included an E1cb mechanism with a carbanion intermediate on the basic catalysts, an E2 concerted mechanism on the neutral catalysts, and an E1 mechanism with a carbonium intermediate on the acidic catalysts.

Graphical abstract

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The applications of Cu substrate in liquid metal cooling systems

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Materials Letters, Volume 227
Author(s): Tomasz Gancarz, Katarzyna Berent
Advances in electronics and nuclear energy have led to devices producing greater heat and therefore requiring more efficient cooling systems. The proposed liquid metal based on eutectic Ga-Sn-Zn meets such expectations. First, however, the materials which are used for storage and mostly applied in electronics, such as Cu, should be examined. The investigated liquid/Cu substrate couples were cross-sectioned and subjected to scanning electron microscopy to observe interfacial microstructure changes. The created intermetallic Cu-Ga phase layer at the liquid/Cu substrate interface was identified by x-ray diffraction analysis, and the kinetics of the formation and growth of the IMC layer were determined.



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NiZnCu-ferrite coated iron powder for soft magnetic composite applications

Publication date: 1 October 2018
Source:Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Volume 463
Author(s): Katie Jo Sunday, Mitra L. Taheri
Soft magnetic composites (SMCs) comprised of ferrimagnetic and electrically insulating coating materials for iron powder are capable of increasing frequency ranges and efficiency of electromagnetic devices, nominally electric motors. Soft ferrites can withstand stress relieving temperatures and allow for reduction in eddy current contributions while minimally effecting magnetic performance. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of a NiZnCu-ferrite coating material of 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 15 wt% on iron powder using traditional press and cure (700 °C) powder metallurgy techniques. Powder properties such as apparent density and Hall flow rate are used to determine effect of acoustic mixing procedure on coating uniformity. An increase in resistance and porosity are found for increasing coating amount, with subsequent decreases in density, permeability, and magnetic saturation. We find lower core loss values for increasing coating amount, related to eddy current loss, however, lower induction levels are also seen. Our work highlights the importance of soft ferrites, more specifically Ni0.5Zn0.3Cu0.2Fe2O4, and their ability to vastly improve SMC developments using more traditional powder metallurgy (PM) techniques.



https://ift.tt/2INiySE

Novel bimetallic catalyst supported by red mud for enhanced nitrate reduction

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 348
Author(s): Shanawar Hamid, Sungjun Bae, Woojin Lee
The use of red mud as a support material was evaluated in this study to develop a novel bimetallic catalyst for highly reactive and selective nitrate removal from water and wastewater. The catalyst was optimized for the selection of promoter metal (i.e., Sn, Cu, In, and Zn) and then for noble metal (i.e., Pd, Pt, and Au). Sn-Pd-red mud and In-Pd-red mud catalysts achieved a complete nitrate removal. Sn-Pd-red mud showed 5.1 times higher removal kinetics (k = 11.57 × 10⁻² min⁻¹) than that of In-Pd-red mud (k = 2.27 × 10⁻² min⁻¹). The results from characterization study confirmed that the enhanced nitrate removal kinetics of Sn-Pd-red mud was mainly attributed to 1) its high affinity towards nitrate, 2) low alloying effect of Sn on Pd, 3) high reduction potential of Sn, and 4) high H2 activation by Pd, as compared to those of other red mud supported bimetallic catalysts. We also found that the interaction between CaO and Fe2O3 was the driving force for the enhanced nitrate reduction and high N2 selectivity in this study. A complete nitrate removal with high N2 selectivity (>88%) was preserved during the 11 times of recycling tests with consistent reduction kinetics (k = 10.87 ± 0.48 × 10⁻² min⁻¹), indicating that red mud could be an excellent support material for efficient and durable bimetallic catalyst for the enhanced selective nitrate reduction.

Graphical abstract

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Facteurs associés à la non-conversion de la bacilloscopie après la phase d’attaque du traitement antituberculeux. Étude réalisée dans trois centres de prise en charge de la tuberculose au Sud Bénin

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2018
Source:Revue des Maladies Respiratoires
Author(s): G. Agodokpessi, A.P. Wachinou, B. Awanou, M. Gninafon
L'objectif de ce travail était de décrire le profil des patients tuberculeux pris en charge en condition de routine et présentant une non-conversion de la bacilloscopie après la phase d'attaque du traitement antituberculeux ainsi que d'analyser les facteurs associés à cette dernière. À cette fin, une étude transversale rétrospective à visée descriptive et analytique a été menée sur une population constituée d'adultes atteints de tuberculoses pulmonaires bacillifères (TPB) entre 2013 et 2014 dans trois villes du sud Bénin (Cotonou, Porto-Novo et Abomey). Les données des patients concernés (TBP+) ont été comparées à celles des autres patients (TBP−). Une analyse multivariée par régression logistique a été effectuée. Sur 1989 (94 %) des cas recensés, 305 (15,3 %) étaient TPB+, avec des différences significatives entre les villes. L'âge moyen était respectivement (38±13ans vs 34±12ans, p=0,091) pour les TPB+ et les TPB−. Au terme de l'analyse multivariée, les facteurs associés à la non conversion étaient la forte charge bacillaire (≥10 BAAR/champ microscopique) au moment du diagnostic, le statut VIH+, et l'issue défavorable à la fin du traitement antituberculeux. Ces patients doivent faire l'objet d'un suivi spécifique.The objective of this work was to describe the profile of routinely managed tuberculosis patients whose sputum smear did not become negative after the initial phase of anti-tuberculous treatment and to analyze the factors associated with this. With this aim a cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive and analytical study was carried out in a population of adults with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) between 2013 and 2014 in three cities in southern Benin (Cotonou, Porto-Novo and Abomey). The data of the patients who did not convert (PTB +) were compared with those who did (PTB−). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. In 1989 (94%) of the cases, 305 (15.3%) were TPB+ with significant differences between the cities. The mean age was 38±13 years vs 34±12 years, respectively, for PTB+and PTB −, P=0.091. At the end of the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with non-conversion were: high bacillary load (≥10 AFB/microscopic field) at diagnosis, HIV+status, and adverse outcome at the end of anti-tuberculous treatment. These patients should be monitored carefully.



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Une pleurésie très inhabituelle

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2018
Source:Revue des Maladies Respiratoires
Author(s): F. Vergne, R. Le Mao, L. Simonin, R. Descourt, F. Couturaud, A. Barnier, C. Tromeur
L'urinothorax correspond à la présence d'urine dans la cavité pleurale. Il s'agit d'une pathologie peu fréquente, sous diagnostiquée et souvent suspectée a posteriori. Habituellement, il s'agit d'un transsudat. Nous rapportons le cas d'une patiente dont l'urinothorax est révélé par une pleurésie purulente. La désobstruction des voies urinaires et l'instauration d'une antibiothérapie adaptée ont permis une régression quasi-complète de l'épanchement pleural. Actuellement, aucun test paraclinique ne semble être spécifique de l'urinothorax. En revanche, il semble que le ratio créatinine pleurale sur créatinine sérique puisse orienter vers ce diagnostic mais des études complémentaires semblent nécessaires pour valider ce paramètre biologique. De manière générale, tout geste urologique récent associé à l'apparition d'une pleurésie doit faire suspecter un urinothorax.Urinothorax refers to the presence of urine in the pleural space. Urinothorax is an infrequent and underdiagnosed pathology, with few cases reported, and these often suspected only with hindsight. It is usually a transudative pleural effusion. We report a case of urinothorax presenting as a purulent pleural effusion. Management of the urinothorax required antibiotics and surgical unblocking of the urinary tract. Currently, no test is available to confirm the diagnosis. The ratio of serum creatinine/pleural creatinine could suggest the presence of urinothorax but this parameter needs to be validated by complementary studies. Urinothorax should be suspected in the context of pleural effusion occurring after a recent urologic surgery.



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Comment régler un ventilateur de domicile ?

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2018
Source:Revue des Maladies Respiratoires
Author(s): L. Grassion, C. Llontop, L. Layachi, E. Hubert, C. Morelot-Panzini, J. Gonzalez-Bermejo




https://ift.tt/2IOXJWO

Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 33: Absorption and Photo-Stability of Substituted Dibenzoylmethanes and Chalcones as UVA Filters

Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 33: Absorption and Photo-Stability of Substituted Dibenzoylmethanes and Chalcones as UVA Filters

Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics5020033

Authors: Silvina Quintana Lazópulos Federico Svarc Gabriel Sagrera Lelia Dicelio

There is still an international need to develop broad-spectrum sunscreen products with an adequate UVB/UVA balance, while the approved filters available in the UVA are scarce. Currently, one of the few UVA filters approved in the United States and Europe is tert-butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM, avobenzone). However, this compound is unstable from aphotochemical point of view and cannot be used in combination with certain sunscreens. In this paper, we investigate the photochemical behavior of a set of dibenzoylmethanes and chalcones. In particular, we carry out their absorption and emission spectra, evaluate their photochemical degradation, and study their generation of free radicals and singlet oxygen photoproduction. Two compounds resultedin having the basic properties of UVA filters (2&prime;-hydroxy-4-methoxychalcone and 2&prime;-hydroxy-4-methoxydibenzoylmethane). Further studies are proposed, such asformulating the compoundsinto emulsions or other commoncosmetic presentations, as well as combining them with broadly-used UVB filters. We have also considered the need to establish its toxicological profile.

https://ift.tt/2wNSF0i

Lymphedema following cancer therapy: overview and options

Abstract

This summit focusing on lymphedema following cancer therapy was held during the 7th International Symposium on Cancer Metastasis through the Lymphovascular System. It was unique for the inclusion of patients with lymphedema joining physicians, therapists, healthcare professionals, and researchers to highlight what is known and more importantly what is unknown about the current state of research and treatment in the United States. The session opened with an introduction to lymphedema and then explored the incidence of multiple cancer-related lymphedemas, imaging tools and techniques useful for the diagnosis of lymphatic system abnormalities, and the new findings concerning the genetics of cancer-related lymphedema. It closed with a review of advocacy for patients and healthcare professionals and both conservative and surgical treatment options, followed by a panel discussion and questions. The session provided important information and updates which will be of value for improving the rehabilitation and overall support of patients with cancer-related lymphedema.

https://ift.tt/2Ivfkzy

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

The original publication of this paper contains a mistake.

https://ift.tt/2wNN2Pp

Scholar : Decannulation - νέα αποτελέσματα

[HTML] Respiratory Management Following Spinal Cord Injury

T Test

… 131; Other authors have recently shown that a deflated cuff during weaning strategies
not only improves the time to decannulation but also decreases respiratory infections
and improves swallowing. Conservative Management of Respiratory Dysfunction …

 

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Scholar : ΜΕΝΙΕΡΕ - νέα αποτελέσματα

[PDF] Retrospective Study to Describe Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Balance Disorders

M Castillo-Bustamante, AX Varela, MA Ricardo… - J Biomed Res Prac, 2018

… The most frequent diagnosis done were VM (25%), Meniere's Disease (21.6%), BPPV
(16.2%), Multisensory Dizziness (6%) and VN (4%). VM presentation was inversely
proportional to age in men and women, meanwhile BPPV showed it as directly proportional …

METHODS FOR ENHANCING SYNAPTOGENESIS AND NEURITOGENESIS

RD Kopke, W Li - US Patent App. 15/796,522, 2018

… 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject also suffers from balance
disorder or Meniere's disease with synapse loss. 21 … In some embodiments,
the subject suffers from a balance disorder. In some embodiments, the subject …

 

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