Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis: 09/13/17

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Caloric Restriction Promotes Structural and Metabolic Changes in the Skin

Publication date: 12 September 2017
Source:Cell Reports, Volume 20, Issue 11
Author(s): Maria Fernanda Forni, Julia Peloggia, Tárcio T. Braga, Jesús Eduardo Ortega Chinchilla, Jorge Shinohara, Carlos Arturo Navas, Niels Olsen Saraiva Camara, Alicia J. Kowaltowski
Caloric restriction (CR) is the most effective intervention known to enhance lifespan, but its effect on the skin is poorly understood. Here, we show that CR mice display fur coat remodeling associated with an expansion of the hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) pool. We also find that the dermal adipocyte depot (dWAT) is underdeveloped in CR animals. The dermal/vennule annulus vasculature is enlarged, and a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) switch and metabolic reprogramming in both the dermis and the epidermis are observed. When the fur coat is removed, CR mice display increased energy expenditure associated with lean weight loss and locomotion impairment. Our findings indicate that CR promotes extensive skin and fur remodeling. These changes are necessary for thermal homeostasis and metabolic fitness under conditions of limited energy intake, suggesting a potential adaptive mechanism.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Caloric restriction significantly increases the lifespan, but its effect on the skin is poorly understood. Forni et al. show that caloric restriction changes the structure and metabolism of the skin; these changes affect whole-body thermoregulation.

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Set2 Methyltransferase Facilitates DNA Replication and Promotes Genotoxic Stress Responses through MBF-Dependent Transcription

Publication date: 12 September 2017
Source:Cell Reports, Volume 20, Issue 11
Author(s): Chen-Chun Pai, Anastasiya Kishkevich, Rachel S. Deegan, Andrea Keszthelyi, Lisa Folkes, Stephen E. Kearsey, Nagore De León, Ignacio Soriano, Robertus Antonius Maria de Bruin, Antony M. Carr, Timothy C. Humphrey
Chromatin modification through histone H3 lysine 36 methylation by the SETD2 tumor suppressor plays a key role in maintaining genome stability. Here, we describe a role for Set2-dependent H3K36 methylation in facilitating DNA replication and the transcriptional responses to both replication stress and DNA damage through promoting MluI cell-cycle box (MCB) binding factor (MBF)-complex-dependent transcription in fission yeast. Set2 loss leads to reduced MBF-dependent ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) expression, reduced deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) synthesis, altered replication origin firing, and a checkpoint-dependent S-phase delay. Accordingly, prolonged S phase in the absence of Set2 is suppressed by increasing dNTP synthesis. Furthermore, H3K36 is di- and tri-methylated at these MBF gene promoters, and Set2 loss leads to reduced MBF binding and transcription in response to genotoxic stress. Together, these findings provide new insights into how H3K36 methylation facilitates DNA replication and promotes genotoxic stress responses in fission yeast.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Pai et al. find that the Set2 methyltransferase facilitates dNTP synthesis and DNA replication through promoting MBF-dependent transcription in fission yeast. Set2 loss results in reduced ribonucleotide reductase expression, reduced dNTP synthesis, altered replication origin firing, and checkpoint-dependent S-phase delay. These findings suggest how H3K36 methylation suppresses replication stress.

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Differential Diagnosis of Parotid Gland Tumors: Role of Shear Wave Elastography

Aim. To create a predictive score for the discrimination between benign and malignant parotid tumors using elastographic parameters and to compare its sensitivity and specificity with standard ultrasound. Methods. A total of 124 patients with parotid gland lesions for whom surgery was planned were examined using conventional ultrasound, Doppler examination, and shear wave elastography. Results of the examinations were compared with those ones of histology. Results. There were 96 benign and 28 malignant lesions in our cohort. Blurred tumor margin alone proved to be an excellent predictor of malignancy with the sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 97%. Enlarged cervical lymph nodes, tumor vascularisation, microcalcifications presence, homogeneous echogenicity, and bilateral occurrence also discriminated between benign and malignant tumors. However, their inclusion in a predictive model did not improve its performance. Elastographic parameters (the stiffness maxima and minima ratio being the best) also exhibited significant differences between benign and malignant tumors, but again, their inclusion did not significantly improve the predictive power of the blurred margin classifier. Conclusion. Even though elastography satisfactorily distinguishes benign from malignant lesions on its own, it hardly provides any additional value in evaluation of biological character of parotid gland tumors when used as an adjunct to regular ultrasound examination.

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Das kardiorenale Syndrom

Zusammenfassung

Kardiorenale Syndrome sind bei Intensivpatienten häufige Erkrankungen, die entscheidenden Einfluss auf den Krankheitsverlauf haben können. Herz und Niere beeinflussen sich im Rahmen des „organ crosstalk" in vielfältiger Art und Weise gegenseitig. Wir haben die aktuellen Publikationen zum Thema kardiorenale Syndrome und deren Therapie gesichtet und ausgewertet. Dem Volumenmanagement mit Schleifendiuretika im Sinne einer renalen Entstauungstherapie kommt eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Therapie kardiorenaler Syndrome zu.

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Schlaganfall bei akutem Verschluss der A. basilaris

Zusammenfassung

Der akute Verschluss der A. basilaris ist eine seltene, sofern unbehandelt jedoch sehr schwer verlaufende neurovaskuläre Erkrankung mit hoher Mortalität. Die klinische Präsentation ist oft untypisch und die Diagnose verzögert. Aufgrund des schlechten Spontanverlaufs waren die rekanalisierenden Therapien oft aggressiver als bei Verschlüssen der vorderen Zirkulation. Eine gesicherte evidenzbasierte Therapie gibt es bisher nicht, die wesentlichen großen Registerstudien und Metaanalysen zeigten bisher keine klare Überlegenheit der endovaskulären Therapie gegenüber der reinen intravenösen Lysetherapie. Die aktuelle Übersichtsarbeit soll die wesentlichen Aspekte der klinischen Diagnose, der radiologischen Diagnostik und der Therapie der Basilaristhrombose zusammenfassen.

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Das Leben nach ARDS

Zusammenfassung

Nach einem überlebten „acute respiratory distress syndrome" (ARDS) leiden Patienten oftmals unter physischen und psychischen Langzeitfolgen. Dabei ist die Lungenfunktion der Überlebenden oft normal oder nur gering eingeschränkt, es besteht jedoch häufig eine Einschränkung der körperlichen Aktivität und Gehstrecke. Am auffälligsten ist jedoch die Vielzahl an depressiven Episoden, Angststörungen oder posttraumatischen Belastungsstörungen. Die Rate an kognitiven Störungen bei ARDS-Überlebenden beträgt 70–100 % bei Krankenhausentlassung, 46–80 % nach 1 Jahr und 20 % nach 5 Jahren, die Möglichkeit der Wiederaufnahme beruflicher Aktivität ist deutlich eingeschränkt. Aufgrund der vielfältigen Folgen müssen präventive Strategien entwickelt werden, um die hohe Prävalenz von persistierender körperlicher und psychischer Morbidität zu reduzieren. Neben einer konsequenten Prophylaxe und Therapie eines Delirs zeigen sich günstige Effekte für eine frühe und konsequente Mobilisierung und das Führen von Intensivtagebüchern.

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Mitteilungen der DGIIN

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Neurointensiv

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Derivation and validation of a prognostic model for postoperative risk stratification of critically ill patients with faecal peritonitis

Prognostic scores and models of illness severity are useful both clinically and for research. The aim of this study was to develop two prognostic models for the prediction of long-term (6 months) and 28-day m...

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High level of venous thromboembolism in critically ill trauma patients despite early and well-driven thromboprophylaxis protocol

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common preventable causes of in-hospital death in trauma patients surviving their injuries. We assessed the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for deep venou...

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Specific barriers to the conduct of randomised clinical trials on medical devices

Abstract

Background

Medical devices play an important role in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and care of diseases. However, compared to pharmaceuticals, there is no rigorous formal regulation for demonstration of benefits and exclusion of harms to patients. The medical device industry argues that the classical evidence hierarchy cannot be applied for medical devices, as randomised clinical trials are impossible to perform. This article aims to identify the barriers for randomised clinical trials on medical devices.

Methods

Systematic literature searches without meta-analysis and internal European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN) communications taking place during face-to-face meetings and telephone conferences from 2013 to 2017 within the context of the ECRIN Integrating Activity (ECRIN-IA) project.

Results

In addition to the barriers that exist for all trials, we identified three major barriers for randomised clinical trials on medical devices, namely: (1) randomisation, including timing of assessment, acceptability, blinding, choice of the comparator group and considerations on the learning curve; (2) difficulties in determining appropriate outcomes; and (3) the lack of scientific advice, regulations and transparency.

Conclusions

The present review offers potential solutions to break down the barriers identified, and argues for applying the randomised clinical trial design when assessing the benefits and harms of medical devices.

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ERAP1 and PDE8A Are Downregulated in Cattle Protected against Bovine Tuberculosis

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis that is responsible for significant economic losses worldwide. In spite of its relevance, the limited knowledge about the host immune responses that provide effective protection against the disease has long hampered the development of an effective vaccine. The identification of host proteins with an expression that correlates with protection against bTB would contribute to the understanding of the cattle defence mechanisms against M. bovis infection. In this study, we found that ERAP1 and PDE8A were downregulated in vaccinated cattle that were protected from experimental M. bovis challenge. Remarkably, both genes encode proteins that have been negatively associated with immune protection against bTB.
J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2017;27:237-245

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Methotrexate and Valproic Acid Affect Early Neurogenesis of Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells from Myelomeningocele

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a severe type of neural tube defect (NTD), in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close completely during early embryonic development. This condition results in serious morbidity and increased mortality after birth. Folic acid significantly reduces, and conversely, folate antagonist methotrexate (MTX) and valproic acid (VPA) increase the occurrence of NTDs, including MMC. How these pharmacological agents exactly influence the early neurulation process is still largely unclear. Here, we characterized human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) from prenatally diagnosed MMC and observed an effect of MTX and VPA administration on the early neural differentiation process. We found that MMC-derived AFSCs highly expressed early neural and radial glial genes that were negatively affected by MTX and VPA exposure. In conclusion, we setup a human cell model of MMC to study early neurogenesis and for drug screening purposes. We also proposed the detection of early neural gene expression in AFSCs as an additional MMC diagnostic tool.

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Convenient and Environmentally Friendly Production of Isostearic Acid with Protonic Forms of Ammonium Cationic Zeolites

Abstract

Three ammonium-cationic zeolites (ferrierite, ZSM5, and zeolite β) are individually analyzed to produce branched-chain fatty acid (i.e., isostearic acid) from unsaturated linear-chain fatty acid (ulc-FA) with up to 98% conversion and 80% selectivity. The SiO₂/Al₂O₃ molar ratio of zeolite, amount of water and choice of additive are found to be the key factors for the efficiency of zeolites in this particular reaction. Detailed characterization of zeolites supports the optimization parameters to produce the best results. Large scale production of isostearic acid achieving a 76% selectivity and 96% conversion demonstrates the potential of this systems' capability at the pilot scale. Variation in isomeric composition of branched-chain fatty acid (bc-FA) product is observed for the three different catalytic methods. Dimer production due to interaction with the external acidic surface of these zeolites has been observed, but it can be suppressed.

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CASTLE Thyroid Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review

Chris Lominska, Christopher Fleighton Estes, Prakash C. Neupane, Y. Shnayder, Mindi J. TenNapel, Maura F. O'Neil

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IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1966: SlBIR3 Negatively Regulates PAMP Responses and Cell Death in Tomato

IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1966: SlBIR3 Negatively Regulates PAMP Responses and Cell Death in Tomato

International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms18091966

Authors: Shuhua Huang Shuming Nie Shufen Wang Jianwei Liu Yanfeng Zhang Xiaofeng Wang

Bri1-associated kinase 1 (BAK1)-interacting receptor-like kinase (BIR) proteins have been shown to play important roles in regulating growth and development, pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) responses, and cell death in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified four BIR family members in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), including SlBIR3, an ortholog of AtBIR3 from A. thaliana. SlBIR3 is predicted to encode a membrane localized non-arginine-aspartate (non-RD) kinase that, based on protein sequence, does not have autophosphorylation activity but that can be phosphorylated in vivo. We established that SlBIR3 interacts with SlBAK1 and AtBAK1 using yeast two-hybrid assays and co-immunoprecipitation and maltose-binding protein pull down assays. We observed that SlBIR3 overexpression in tomato (cv. micro-tom) and A. thaliana has weak effect on growth and development through brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. SlBIR3 overexpression in A. thaliana suppressed flg22-induced defense responses, but did not affect infection with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae (PstDC3000). This result was confirmed using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in tomato in conjunction with PstDC3000 infection. Overexpression of SlBIR3 in tomato (cv. micro-tom) and A. thaliana resulted in enhanced susceptibility to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. In addition, co-silencing SlBIR3 with SlSERK3A or SlSERK3B using VIGS and the tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-RNA2 vector containing fragments of both the SlSERK3 and SlBIR3 genes induced spontaneous cell death, indicating a cooperation between the two proteins in this process. In conclusion, our study revealed that SlBIR3 is the ortholog of AtBIR3 and that it participates in BR, PTI, and cell death signaling pathways.

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IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1968: Tumor Inhibitory Effect of IRCR201, a Novel Cross-Reactive c-Met Antibody Targeting the PSI Domain

IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1968: Tumor Inhibitory Effect of IRCR201, a Novel Cross-Reactive c-Met Antibody Targeting the PSI Domain

International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms18091968

Authors: Hyunkyu Park Donggeon Kim Eunmi Kim Jason Sa Hee Lee Suji Yu Jiwon Oh Seok-Hyung Kim Yeup Yoon Do-Hyun Nam

Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR, c-Met) is an essential member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family that is often dysregulated during tumor progression, driving a malignant phenotypic state and modulating important cellular functions including tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, providing a strong rationale for targeting HGF/c-Met signaling axis in cancer therapy. Based on its protumorigenic potentials, we developed IRCR201, a potent antagonistic antibody targeting the plexin-semaphorin-integrin (PSI) domain of c-Met, using synthetic human antibody phage libraries. We characterized and evaluated the biochemical properties and tumor inhibitory effect of IRCR201 in vitro and in vivo. IRCR201 is a novel fully-human bivalent therapeutic antibody that exhibits cross-reactivity against both human and mouse c-Met proteins with high affinity and specificity. IRCR201 displayed low agonist activity and rapidly depleted total c-Met protein via the lysosomal degradation pathway, inhibiting c-Met-dependent downstream activation and attenuating cellular proliferation in various c-Met-expressing cancer cells. In vivo tumor xenograft models also demonstrated the superior tumor inhibitory responsiveness of IRCR201. Taken together, IRCR201 provides a promising therapeutic agent for c-Met-positive cancer patients through suppressing the c-Met signaling pathway and tumor growth.

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Methotrexate and Valproic Acid Affect Early Neurogenesis of Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells from Myelomeningocele

Hydroethanolic Extract of Strychnos pseudoquina Accelerates Skin Wound Healing by Modulating the Oxidative Status and Microstructural Reorganization of Scar Tissue in Experimental Type I Diabetes

The effect of topical application of ointment based on Strychnos pseudoquina hydroethanolic extract in the cutaneous wounds healing in diabetic rats was evaluated. Samples of S. pseudoquina were submitted to phytochemical prospection and in vitro antioxidant assay. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Sal-wounds treated with 0.9% saline solution; VH-wounds treated with 0.6 g of lanolin cream (vehicle); SS-wounds treated with silver sulfadiazine cream (10 mg/g); ES5- and ES10-wounds treated with an ointment of S. pseudoquina extract, 5% and 10%, respectively. Fragments of wounds were removed for histological and biochemical analysis every 7 days during 21 days. ES showed equivalent levels per gram of extract of total phenols and flavonoids equal to 122.04 mg for TAE and 0.60 mg for RE. The chlorogenic acid was one of the major constituents. S. pseudoquina extract presented high antioxidant potential in vitro. ES5 and ES10 showed higher wound healing rate and higher amount of cells, blood vessels, and type III and I collagen. The oxidative stress markers were lower in the ES5 and ES10 groups, while the antioxidants enzymes levels were higher. Ointment based on S. pseudoquina extract promotes a fast and efficient cutaneous repair in diabetic rats.

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New Trends on Modeling, Design, and Control of Chaotic Systems

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Assessment of intratumor heterogeneity in mesenchymal uterine tumor by an 18 F-FDG PET/CT texture analysis

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical significance of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT textural features for discriminating uterine sarcoma from leiomyoma.

Methods

Fifty-five patients with suspected uterine sarcoma based on ultrasound and MRI findings who underwent pretreatment ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT were included. Fifteen patients were histopathologically proven to have uterine sarcoma, 14 patients by surgical operation and one by biopsy, and 40 patients were diagnosed with leiomyoma by surgical operation or in a follow-up for at least 2 years. A texture analysis was performed on PET/CT images from which second- and higher order textural features were extracted in addition to standardized uptake values (SUVs) and other first-order features. The accuracy of PET features for differentiating between uterine sarcoma and leiomyoma was evaluated using a receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

The intratumor distribution of ¹⁸F-FDG was more heterogeneous in uterine sarcoma than in leiomyoma. Entropy, correlation, and uniformity calculated from normalized gray-level co-occurrence matrices and SUV standard deviation derived from histogram statistics showed greater area under the ROC curves (AUCs) than did maximum SUV for differentiating between sarcoma and leiomyoma. Entropy, as a single feature, yielded the greatest AUC of 0.974 and the optimal cut-off value of 2.85 for entropy provided 93% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 92% accuracy. When combining conventional features with textural ones, maximum SUV (cutoff: 6.0) combined with entropy (2.85) and correlation (0.73) provided the best diagnostic performance (100% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and 95% accuracy).

Conclusions

In combination with the conventional histogram statistics and/or volumetric parameters, ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT textural features reflecting intratumor metabolic heterogeneity are useful for differentiating between uterine sarcoma and leiomyoma.

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Measuring what matters to the patient: health related quality of life after aortic valve and thoracic aortic surgery

Abstract

With improved outcomes following cardiac surgery, health related quality of life (HRQoL) gains increasing importance for the better judgement of choosing the preferred treatment strategy in the individual patient. The physician perception of patient preferences can differ considerably from actual patient preferences, underlining the importance of gathering evidence of actual patient preferences before and quality of life after cardiac surgery. The objective of the current review is to provide an overview of current insights into the quality of life measurements after aortic valve and thoracic aortic surgery and to provide starting points for the application of HRQoL measurements toward the future. The amount and level of evidence on HRQoL outcomes after aortic valve and thoracic aortic surgery seems to be insufficient. Little has been investigated about the natural course of HRQoL after cardiac surgery, HRQoL outcomes between different surgical strategies, HRQoL outcomes between surgical patients and the general population, the different factors influencing HRQoL after cardiac surgery, and the effect of HRQoL on healthcare costs. More prospective studies should be performed, taking into account the knowledge gaps that need to be filled. Computerized adaptive testing methods through open source programs can be implemented to keep the burden to the patient as low as possible and catalyze the use of these tools. Our cardiovascular surgery community has the responsibility to deliberate how it can proceed to effectively fill in these knowledge gaps, and use this newfound knowledge to improve shared treatment decision making, patient outcomes, and ultimately optimize health care efficiency.

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The value of quantitative shear wave elastography in differentiating the cervical lymph nodes in patients with thyroid nodules

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic performance of quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) in differentiating metastatic cervical lymph nodes from benign nodes in patients with thyroid nodules.

Methods

One hundred and forty-one cervical lymph nodes from 39 patients with thyroid nodules that were diagnosed as papillary thyroid cancer had been imaged with SWE. The shear elasticity modulus, which indicates the stiffness of the lymph nodes, was measured in terms of maximum shear elasticity modulus (maxSM), minimum shear elasticity modulus (minSM), mean shear elasticity modulus (meanSM), and standard deviation (SD) of the shear elasticity modulus.

Results

All the patients underwent thyroid surgery, 50 of the suspicious lymph nodes were resected, and 91 lymph nodes were followed up for 6 months. The maxSM value, minSM value, meanSM value, and SD value of the metastatic lymph nodes were significantly higher than those of the benign nodes. The area under the curve of the maxSM value, minSM value, meanSM value, and SD value were 0.918, 0.606, 0.865, and 0.915, respectively.

Conclusions

SWE can differentiate metastasis from benign cervical lymph nodes in patients with thyroid nodules, and the maxSM, meanSM, and SD may be valuable quantitative indicators for characterizing cervical lymph nodes.

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Early prenatal diagnosis of a lumbo-costo-vertebral syndrome

Abstract

Lumbo-costo-vertebral syndrome (LCVS) is a rare type of lumbar hernia with associated abnormalities of the vertebral bodies, ribs, and trunk muscles. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature, all of which were diagnosed after birth. We present a case of LCVS diagnosed early in the second trimester of pregnancy using two- and three-dimensional ultrasound. In our case, the associated anomalies were: multiple costovertebral anomalies, lumbar hernia, anal imperforation, left hand supernumerary digit, and clubfoot.

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Genetic susceptibility in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and a leading cause of death due to disease in children. The genetic basis of ALL susceptibility has been supported by its association with certain congenital disorders and, more recently, by several genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These GWAS identified common variants in ARID5B, IKZF1, CEBPE, CDKN2A, PIP4K2A, LHPP and ELK3 influencing ALL risk. However, the risk variants of these SNPs were not validated in all populations, suggesting that some of the loci could be population specific. On the other hand, the currently identified risk SNPs in these genes only account for 19% of the additive heritable risk. This estimation indicates that additional susceptibility variants could be discovered. In this review, we will provide an overview of the most important findings carried out in genetic susceptibility of childhood ALL in all GWAS and subsequent studies and we will also point to future directions that could be explored in the near future.

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Issue Information

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Flavor Perception and Preference Development in Human Infants

As most parents and caregivers are aware, feeding children a nutritionally balanced diet can be challenging. Children are born with a biological predisposition to prefer sweet and to avoid bitter foods such as green leafy vegetables. It has been hypothesized that this predisposition evolved to attract children to energy-dense foods while discouraging the consumption of toxins. Although this may have enhanced survival in environments historically characterized by food scarcity, it is clearly maladaptive in many of today's food environments where children are surrounded by an abundance of sweet-tasting, unhealthful foods and beverages that place them at risk for excessive weight gain. Because overweight or obese children tend to become overweight or obese adults who are at risk for a range of cardiovascular diseases, it is of primary importance to develop effective evidence-based strategies to promote the development of healthy eating styles. Fortunately, accumulating evidence suggests that, starting before birth and continuing throughout development, there are repeated and varied opportunities for children to learn to enjoy the flavors of healthful foods. Because flavors are transmitted from the maternal diet to amniotic fluid and breast milk, mothers who consume a variety of healthful foods throughout pregnancy and lactation provide their infants with an opportunity to learn to like these flavors. This in turn eases the transition to healthful foods at weaning. In contrast, infants fed formula learn to prefer its invariant flavor profile, which differs from breast milk, and may initially be less accepting of flavors not found in formula. This process can continue throughout weaning and into childhood if infants are repeatedly exposed to a variety of healthful foods, even if they initially dislike them. These early-life sensory experiences establish food preferences and dietary patterns that set the stage for lifelong dietary habits.
Ann Nutr Metab 2017;70(suppl 3):17-25

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Editorial

Ann Nutr Metab 2017;70(suppl 3):5-6

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Does Breastfeeding Shape Food Preferences? Links to Obesity

The first 2 years of life have been recognized as a critical window for obesity prevention efforts. This period is characterized by rapid growth and development and, in a relatively short period of time, a child transitions from a purely milk-based diet to a more varied solid-food diet. Much learning about food and eating occurs during this critical window, and it is well-documented that early feeding and dietary exposures predict later food preferences, eating behaviors, and dietary patterns. The focus of this review will be on the earliest feeding experiences - breast- and formula-feeding - and the unique role of breastfeeding in shaping children's food preferences. Epidemiological data illustrate that children who were breastfed have healthier dietary patterns compared to children who were formula-fed, even after controlling for relevant sociodemographic characteristics associated with healthier dietary and lifestyle patterns. These dietary differences are underlined, in part, by early differences in the opportunities for flavor learning and preference development afforded by breast- versus formula-feeding. In particular, the flavors of the mothers' diet are transmitted from mother to child through the amniotic fluid and breastmilk. The flavors experienced in these mediums shape later food preferences and acceptance of the solid foods of the family and culture onto which the infant is weaned. All infants learn from flavor experiences in utero, but only breastfed infants receive the additional reinforcement and flavor learning provided by continued repeated exposure to a wide variety of flavors that occurs during breastfeeding. Given the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, promotion of breastfeeding during early infancy is an important focus for primary prevention efforts and should be combined with efforts to ensure that mothers consume healthy, varied diets during pregnancy and lactation, and expose their infants to a wide array of foods during weaning and solid-food feeding.
Ann Nutr Metab 2017;70(suppl 3):8-15

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Type 1 Taste Receptors in Taste and Metabolism

Our sense of taste allows us to evaluate the nutritive value of foods prior to ingesting them. Sweet taste signals the presence of sugars, and savory taste signals the presence of amino acids. The ability to identify these macronutrients in foods was likely crucial for the survival of our species when nourishing food sources were sparse. In modern, industrialized settings, taste perception continues to play an important role in human health as we attempt to prevent and treat conditions stemming from overnutrition. Recent research has revealed that type 1 taste receptors (T1Rs), which are largely responsible for sweet and umami taste, may also influence the absorption and metabolism of the foods we eat. Preliminary research shows that T1Rs contribute to intestinal glucose absorption, blood sugar and insulin regulation, and the body's responses to excessive energy intake. In light of these findings, T1Rs have come to be understood as nutrient sensors, among other roles, that facilitate the selection, digestion, and metabolism of foods.
Ann Nutr Metab 2017;70(suppl 3):27-36

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Savoring Sweet: Sugars in Infant and Toddler Feeding

During the first years of life, the sweetness of sugars has a capacity to hinder or to help in laying a strong nutritional foundation for food preferences that often extend over a lifetime. Aside from supplying 4 g/kcal of energy, sugars are non-nutritive. However, sugars have a powerful attribute, sweetness, which strongly influences human food preference. A child's first relationship with sweet taste begins even before birth and continues to evolve throughout complementary feeding. The sweetness of breastmilk encourages consumption and soothes the neonate. Conversely, inappropriate introduction of non-milk solids and beverages that are sweet at 0-4 months of age raises the newborn's risk for later obesity and may discourage the acceptance of other bitter or sour foods. Although cereals, fruits, 100% fruit juices, and some grains have naturally occurring sugars that impart sweet flavor notes, there is no clear role for added sugars between 6 and 12 months of age. Yet, 60% of infants are introduced to foods and beverages containing added sugars, threatening diet quality. Pairing foods with naturally occurring sugars, such as fruits, with foods that tend to be resisted initially, such as vegetables, can mask bitterness and promote acceptance. Utilizing the infants' extraordinary capacity for sensory-motor exploration is another strategy to expose them repeatedly to challenging tastes and flavors. The transitional year, as breast milk and infant formula are withdrawn, is a time when nutritional needs are high and diet quality often precarious. Rapid growth, along with brain and cognitive development, demand high-quality nutrition. Snacks are necessary both for energy and valuable nutrients. However, the selection of snack foods often exposes toddlers to items that offer concentrated energy with low nutrient value. Recent trends suggest a rapid fall in added sugars among infants and toddlers. Parenting practices that use small amounts of sugars to promote nutrient-rich foods from all 5 food groups can enhance rather than hinder their child's emerging dietary pattern.
Ann Nutr Metab 2017;70(suppl 3):38-46

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Title Page / Table of Contents / Policy Statement

Ann Nutr Metab 2017;70(suppl 3):1-4

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Video Wednesday

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Mechanistic and Fc Requirements for Inhibition of Sudan Virus Entry and In Vivo Protection by a Synthetic Antibody.

Authors: Hofmann D, Zak SE, Nyakatura EK, Mittler E, Bakken RR, Chandran K, Dye JM, Lai JR Abstract The Sudan virus (SUDV), an ebolavirus species, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with human case fatality rates of ∼50%. Previous work from our lab demonstrated the synthetic antibody F4 potently inhibits viral entry and protects against lethal virus challenge in mice [Chen et al., ACS Chem. Biol., 2014, 9, 2263-2273]. Here, we explore mechanistic requirements as well as contribution of the Fc region and function on neutralization and in vivo protection. Live cell imaging demonstrates that the antibody colocalizes with vesicular stomatitis virus particles containing the Sudan virus glycoprotein (VSV-GPSUDV) and that the antibody is rapidly degraded within cellular endosomes. Viral es...

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Neuroanatomical correlates of haptic object processing: combined evidence from tractography and functional neuroimaging

Abstract

Touch delivers a wealth of information already from birth, helping infants to acquire knowledge about a variety of important object properties using their hands. Despite the fact that we are touch experts as much as we are visual experts, surprisingly, little is known how our perceptual ability in touch is linked to either functional or structural aspects of the brain. The present study, therefore, investigates and identifies neuroanatomical correlates of haptic perceptual performance using a novel, multi-modal approach. For this, participants' performance in a difficult shape categorization task was first measured in the haptic domain. Using a multi-modal functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging analysis pipeline, functionally defined and anatomically constrained white-matter pathways were extracted and their microstructural characteristics correlated with individual variability in haptic categorization performance. Controlling for the effects of age, total intracranial volume and head movements in the regression model, haptic performance was found to correlate significantly with higher axial diffusivity in functionally defined superior longitudinal fasciculus (fSLF) linking frontal and parietal areas. These results were further localized in specific sub-parts of fSLF. Using additional data from a second group of participants, who first learned the categories in the visual domain and then transferred to the haptic domain, haptic performance correlates were obtained in the functionally defined inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Our results implicate SLF linking frontal and parietal areas as an important white-matter track in processing touch-specific information during object processing, whereas ILF relays visually learned information during haptic processing. Taken together, the present results chart for the first time potential neuroanatomical correlates and interactions of touch-related object processing.

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Cassini’s Grand Finale: The ups and downs of our 20-year mission

Michele Dougherty's team rode its luck to make eye-opening discoveries around Saturn and its moons. She reveals the project's pleasures and pains

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Signs, symbols and saving lives

From AIDS to preventing smoking, an exhibition on graphic design underlines the challenges faced by designers – and their powers of persuasion

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Improving the quality of fermented black tea juice with oolong tea infusion

Abstract

Fresh tea leaves were crushed into juice and then fermented (oxidation) to obtain fermented black tea juice, which can be used to prepare black tea beverage. The effects of addition of oolong tea infusion or tossing of tea leaves on the sensory quality and theaflavins (TFs) concentration of fermented black tea juice were investigated. The results showed that both addition of tea infusion and tossing of fresh tea leaves increased the TFs/thearubigins (TRs) ratio and improved the sensory quality of fermented black tea juice. The TFs/TRs ratio was found to be significantly correlated with the scores for flavor (r = 0.98), mouth feel (r = 0.94), and overall acceptability (r = 0.91) of the fermented black tea juices from different processes. This result suggested that a relatively high concentration of catechins and stepwise enzymatic oxidation were the crucial factors that increased the TFs/TRs ratio and improved the sensory quality. The combination of adding tea infusion and tossing fresh tea leaves greatly improved the quality of the fermented black tea juice by markedly increasing the TFs/TRs ratio (87%). Results of the present study provided useful information for improving the quality of fermented black tea juice.

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Downregulation of DEPTOR inhibits the proliferation, migration, and survival of osteosarcoma through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

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Antifungal and Mechanical Properties of Tissue Conditioner Containing Plant-Derived Component: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the antifungal activity and mechanical properties of a novel antifungal tissue conditioner containing Juncus powder.

Materials and Methods

Juncus powder was mixed with GC tissue conditioner at concentrations of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% by mass. The cylindrical specimens of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner (dimensions: 10 mm in diameter and 2 and 6 mm in height for antimicrobial and mechanical tests, respectively) were prepared. The specimens placed on the bottom of the 24-well tissue culture plate were cultured with Candida albicans CAD1 for 2 and 4 days. The proliferation of the C. albicans in the wells was determined by measuring the optical density of fungal culture, and the surface of the specimens were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To assess the mechanical properties of the specimens, the fluidity and hardness of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner were measured using the methods certified according to ISO 10139-1.

Results

Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner significantly exhibited growth inhibitory effect in a Juncus concentration-dependent manner after both 2- and 4- day cultures. SEM observation showed that the amount of C. albicans on Juncus-mixed specimens drastically decreased, and biofilm formation was markedly inhibited. Moreover, both mechanical properties were found to be within the ranges regulated and specified by ISO.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated that the tissue conditioner including Juncus powder has a significant growth inhibitory effect against C. albicans, and it is suggested that the application of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner may prevent denture stomatitis and oral candidiasis in denture wearers.

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Expression and distribution of three transient receptor potential vanilloid(TRPV) channel proteins in human odontoblast-like cells

Abstract

Odontoblasts have been suggested to contribute to nociceptive sensation in the tooth via expression of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. The TRP channels as a family of nonselective cation permeable channels play an important role in sensory transduction of human. In this study, we examined the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential vanilloid-2 (TRPV2) and transient receptor potential vanilloid-3 (TRPV3) channels in native human odontoblasts (HODs) and long-term cultured human dental pulp cells with odontoblast phenotyoe (LHOPs) obtained from healthy wisdom teeth with the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR),western blotting (WB) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) assay. LHOPs samples were made into ultrathin sections, mounted on nickel grids, floated of three TRPV antibodies conjugated with 10 nm colloidal gold particles and observed under IEM at 60,000 magnifications. The relative intracellular distributions of these three channels were analyzed quantitatively on IEM images using a robust sampling, stereological estimation and statistical evaluation method. The results of IHC and IF convinced that TRPV1, TRPV2 and TRPV3 channels were expressed in native HODs and (LHOPs). The result of qRT-PCR and WB confirmed that the gene and protein expression of TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3 channels and TRPV1 mRNA are more abundantly expressed than TRPV2 and TRPV3 in HODs (P < 0.05). Quantitative analysis of IEM images showed that the relative intracellular distributions of these three channels are similar, and TRPV1, TRPV2 and TRPV3 proteins were preferential labeled in human odontoblast processes, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, HODs could play an important role in mediating pulp thermo-sensation due to the expression of these three TRPV channels. The difference of relative intracellular distributions of three channels suggests that special structures such as processes may have an important role to sensing of the outer stimuli first.

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Primary facial reanimation in head and neck cancer

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2017
Source:Oral Oncology
Author(s): Axel Sahovaler, David Yeh, John Yoo
Facial Paralysis (FP) profoundly impairs the life of individuals, both functionally and psychosocially. Surgical approaches to treat this condition are myriad, but the ultimate goal is to restore symmetry and movement. Ablative surgery for tumors of the head and neck region are amongst the most common etiologies causing FP and this group of patients represents unique challenges. Surgical defects may have multiple competing reconstructive requirements and addressing the FP must be considered in this context. Furthermore, extent of disease, patient age, duration of preceding paralysis, adjuvant treatment, as well as the various different type of facial nerve defects are factors that may influence the type of reconstructive technique selected to address the FP.The complexity of FP especially following head and neck ablation can lead to results that are inconsistent and humbling. FP defects can be broadly described as having the potential for facial muscle recovery versus irreversible paralysis. Literature that specifically focuses on primary facial reanimation procedures in the oncological setting is scarce. We present a comprehensive review of primary facial reanimation after ablative surgery including the descriptions of a wide array of surgical techniques such as reinnervation, dynamic muscle transposition, static suspension, and free tissue transfer. Understanding the advantages and limitations of the different options will enable the surgeon to offer treatment for the paralyzed face for most clinical scenarios.

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IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1970: Bacterial Biofilm Control by Perturbation of Bacterial Signaling Processes

IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1970: Bacterial Biofilm Control by Perturbation of Bacterial Signaling Processes

International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms18091970

Authors: Tim Jakobsen Tim Tolker-Nielsen Michael Givskov

The development of effective strategies to combat biofilm infections by means of either mechanical or chemical approaches could dramatically change today's treatment procedures for the benefit of thousands of patients. Remarkably, considering the increased focus on biofilms in general, there has still not been invented and/or developed any simple, efficient and reliable methods with which to "chemically" eradicate biofilm infections. This underlines the resilience of infective agents present as biofilms and it further emphasizes the insufficiency of today's approaches used to combat chronic infections. A potential method for biofilm dismantling is chemical interception of regulatory processes that are specifically involved in the biofilm mode of life. In particular, bacterial cell to cell signaling called "Quorum Sensing" together with intracellular signaling by bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic-dimeric guanosine monophosphate (cyclic-di-GMP) have gained a lot of attention over the last two decades. More recently, regulatory processes governed by two component regulatory systems and small non-coding RNAs have been increasingly investigated. Here, we review novel findings and potentials of using small molecules to target and modulate these regulatory processes in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa to decrease its pathogenic potential.

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Landscape genetics in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys “ chasiquensis ” associated with highly disturbed habitats from the southeastern Pampas region, Argentina

Abstract

Studies of genetic differentiation in fragmented environments help us to identify those landscape features that most affect gene flow and dispersal patterns. Particularly, the assessment of the relative significance of intrinsic biological and environmental factors affecting the genetic structure of populations becomes crucial. In this work, we assess the current dispersal patterns and population structure of Ctenomys "chasiquensis", a vulnerable and endemic subterranean rodent distributed on a small area in Central Argentina, using 9 polymorphic microsatellite loci. We use landscape genetics approaches to assess the relationship between genetic connectivity among populations and environmental attributes. Our analyses show that populations of C. "chasiquensis" are moderately to highly structured at a regional level. This pattern is most likely the outcome of substantial gene flow on the more homogeneous sand dune habitat of the Northwest of its distributional range, in conjunction with an important degree of isolation of eastern and southwestern populations, where the optimal habitat is surrounded by a highly fragmented landscape. Landscape genetics analysis suggests that habitat quality and longitude were the environmental factors most strongly associated with genetic differentiation/uniqueness of populations. In conclusion, our results indicate an important genetic structure in this species, even at a small spatial scale, suggesting that contemporary habitat fragmentation increases population differentiation.

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Radiochemotherapie verbessert „failure-free survival“ beim Endometriumkarzinom im Stadium III

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Endocrine Therapy Initiation among Older Women with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Background. Although treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is controversial, national guidelines recommend considering endocrine therapy for women with estrogen receptor- (ER-) positive DCIS or those undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS) without radiation. We evaluated uptake and predictors of endocrine therapy use among older women with DCIS. Methods. In the SEER-Medicare database, we identified women aged 65+ years diagnosed with DCIS during 2007–2011. We evaluated demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics associated with endocrine therapy initiation. Results. Among 2,945 women with DCIS, 41% initiated endocrine therapy (66% tamoxifen, 34% aromatase inhibitors). Initiation was more common among women with ER-positive than ER-negative DCIS (48% versus 16%; HR = 3.75, 95% CI: 2.91–4.83); 28% of women with unknown ER status initiated endocrine therapy. Initiation was less common after BCS alone compared to BCS with radiation (32% versus 50%; HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.59–0.80). Conclusions. Less than half of older women with DCIS initiate endocrine therapy to prevent second breast cancers. Our findings suggest use was more common, but not exclusive, among women with ER-positive DCIS, but not among women who underwent BCS alone. Endocrine therapy should be targeted toward patients most likely to benefit from its use.

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Adiabatic Fixed-Bed Gasification of Colombian Coffee Husk Using Air-Steam Blends for Partial Oxidation

The increasing energy consumption, mostly supplied by fossil fuels, has motivated the research and development of alternative fuel technologies to decrease the humanity's dependence on fossil fuels, which leads to pollution of natural sources. Small-scale biomass gasification, using air-steam blends for partial oxidation, is a good alternative since biomass is a neutral carbon feedstock for sustainable energy generation. This research presents results obtained from an experimental study on coffee husk (CH) gasification, using air-steam blends for partial oxidation in a 10 kW fixed-bed gasifier. Parametric studies on equivalence ratio (ER) (1.53

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Comparison of the Diagnostic Yield of EUS Needles for Liver Biopsy: Ex Vivo Study

Background and Aims. EUS-guided liver biopsy is an emerging method of liver tissue acquisition which is safe and had been shown to produce excellent histological yield. There is limited data comparing the diagnostic yield of different FNA needles. We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of four commercially available 19-gauge FNA needles. Methods. Four FNA needles and one percutaneous needle were used to perform liver biopsies on two human cadaveric livers: Cook Echotip Procore™, Olympus EZ Shot 2™, Boston Scientific Expect Slimline™, Covidien SharkCore™, and an 18-gauge percutaneous needle (TruCore™, Argon Medical Devices). Each needle obtained biopsies by three, six, and nine complete back-and-forth motions of the needle ("throw") with a fanning technique. The combined lengths of specimen fragments and the total number of complete portal tracts (CPT) were measured by a blinded pathologist. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 52 liver biopsies were performed. The Covidien SharkCore needle had significantly greater number of CPT compared to other FNA needles. The number of "throws" did not impact the number of CPT significantly. There was no statistically significant difference in mean total specimen length between each FNA needle type. Conclusion. The Covidien SharkCore needle produced superior histological specimen by capturing more CPT, possibly due to its unique needle design.

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Mandibular Canines with Two Roots and Two Root Canals: Case Report and Literature Review

Usually, the mandibular canine only has one root and one root canal. However, there has been a noticeable increment in evidence showing variations in its morphology, such as the presence of two roots and two root canals. The aim of this article was to present a case of a mandibular canine with two roots and two root canals and to review the available literature on this anatomic variation. Root canal treatment of tooth #43 with such morphology was performed in a 47-year-old woman. Careful inspection of the preoperative radiograph indicated the presence of more than one canal. The 12-month follow-up showed normal periapical tissues, with no pain or tenderness. Literature review revealed that the overall prevalence of such root canal configuration is 5.7%, with a strong preference for female sex (87.5%). Although mandibular canines with two roots and two root canals are not common, clinicians should always anticipate the presence of possible variations. Therefore, timely diagnosis and meticulous exploration of such mandibular canines allow for planning of an individualized treatment protocol, tailored to their peculiar morphology, focused on avoiding excessive weakening or even perforation of the roots.

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Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Identification of Aerococcus Infections: An Australian Tertiary Centre Perspective

Aerococci uncommonly cause urinary tract (UTI) and bloodstream infections (BSI). The clinical characteristics and laboratory identification rates of Aerococcus in the Australian context are unknown. A retrospective observational cohort study of patients with positive Aerococcus cultures between 2010 and 2015 was performed. Patients were analysed according to predefined "asymptomatic bacteriuria," "UTI," and "BSI" groups. Forty-seven [40 (85%) for urine and 7 (15%) for blood] isolates were identified [38% male, median age of 79 (IQR 62–85) years], with corresponding identification rates of 24.2/100,000/year for urine (0.02%) and 7.3/100,000/year for blood cultures (0.007%). Since the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) identification rate in urine has increased from 14.7/100,000/year to 32/100,000/year (). For urine isolates, 14 (35%) met the definition for UTI whilst 26 (65%) were "asymptomatic bacteriuria." Underlying urological abnormalities, catheterisation, and polymicrobial growth were common. Seventy percent of bacteriuria was treated regardless of colonisation or active infection status. Symptomatic patients were more likely to receive treatment (OR 7.2, 95% CI 1.4–35.3). In patients with BSI, 1 (14.2%) had endocarditis and 1 (14.2%) died. The majority of isolates were susceptible to penicillin (11/12 tested, 92%).

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Bubble Flow Analysis of High Speed Cylindrical Roller Bearing under Fluid-Solid Thermal Coupling

Heat generation model of high speed cylindrical roller bearing is constructed by calculating the local friction in the bearing. Bubble flow calculation model of roller bearing considering fluid-solid thermal coupling is constructed based on two-body fluid model and turbulent model, in which diameter and size of bubbles, breakup, and coalescence model of bubbles are considered. Using dynamic mesh method, a new method for evaluating bearing temperature is set up treating the rolling elements as moving heat sources. Based on these models and finite element method, bubble flow of a high speed roller bearing is studied based on FLUENT software. The numerical study reveals the relationship between velocity of bearing, air volume fraction, and velocity and pressure of oil-air flow. An increase of air content in the oil produces a lower pressure at the bearing outlet while the exit fluid velocity increases. When fluid-solid thermal coupling effect is considered, velocity and pressure at outlet of the bearing both become larger, while temperature of bearing is lower than that without coupling. In comparison, the coupling effects on flow pressure and temperature are obvious. For a given rotating speed, there is an optimal value for air volume fraction, such that temperature rise of the bearing reaches the lowest value. Experiments verify the outcomes of the method presented in this paper.

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Comparison Study of Voltammetric Behavior of Muscle Relaxant Dantrolene Sodium on Silver Solid Amalgam and Bismuth Film Electrodes

Voltammetric behavior of muscle relaxant dantrolene sodium (DAN) was studied and the voltammetric methods for its determination using polished and mercury meniscus modified silver solid amalgam electrodes (p-AgSAE and m-AgSAE) as well as using bismuth film electrode (BiFE, ex situ plating on GCE) have been proposed. These working electrodes represent the most commonly used alternatives to mercury ones which come wrongfully into disfavor because of alleged toxicity of mercury. Within this work, the obtained results of DAN determination have been completed by corresponding statistical parameters and also some electrochemical characteristics of AgSAEs and BiFE were assessed, especially in comparison with the mercury electrodes.

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Cognitive functioning following one-year natalizumab treatment: A non-randomized clinical trial

Objectives

Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and can have serious impact on social and occupational functioning. Natalizumab reduces relapse rates, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions, and progression of disability. Previous studies on cognitive functioning have not based inclusion on cognitive performance criteria. The aim of the present study was to determine any potential natalizumab-related cognitive effects on MS patients performing below normal limits on neuropsychological testing.

Materials and methods

Patients starting natalizumab (n = 21) and a quasi-control group of stable MS patients (n = 13) on first line disease modifying treatment were included following neuropsychological assessment demonstrating subnormal cognitive performance. Assessment, using ten cognitive variables, was repeated after 12 months. Symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and depression were also examined. Raw scores on the cognitive tests were transformed into Z-scores based on published age-corrected normative data.

Results

Between-group analyses on difference Z-scores (baseline - follow-up) yielded significant results on Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-2 (PASAT-2) (P = .008), with the natalizumab group showing larger improvement than quasi control patients. On PASAT-2, 28,5% from the natalizumab group demonstrated >1 SD improvement, indicative of clinically meaningful change, compared with none in the quasi control group. Patients receiving natalizumab showed within-group improvements on six of the ten cognitive variables. There were no group differences in symptoms of fatigue, anxiety or depression.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate improvement in information processing speed following 12-months of natalizumab treatment. The results are interpreted as reflection of anti-inflammatory properties of natalizumab rather than retest- or long-term restorative effects.

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Impfen ist nicht nur Kindersache!

Zusammenfassung

Impfungen gehören weltweit zu den zehn erfolgreichsten Präventionsmaßnahmen. Während Impfprogramme für Kinder in Europa installiert sind, ist das Konzept der Erwachsenenimpfung nicht etabliert. Dabei sind Impfungen für Erwachsene überaus sinnvoll: die zunehmende Lebenserwartung läßt uns älter und damit empfänglicher für Infektionskrankheiten werden, Gesundheitsprobleme und Multimorbiditäten werden zunehmen. Die Krankheitslast infolge impfpräventabler Erkrankungen ist in Europa nach wie vor hoch. Infolge der Immunoseneszenz sind Ältere schlechter gegen Pathogene geschützt, Antikörpertiter nach Impfungen niedriger und die Dauer der Schutzwirkung kürzer. In Europa gibt es eklatanten Mangel an Daten zu Durchimpfungsraten bei Erwachsenen und zudem keinen internationalen Konsensus bezüglich Impfempfehlungen oder Richtlinien. Nur sechs Länder verfügen über ein ausführliches Dokument, das empfohlene Impfungen für Erwachsene beschreibt, darunter Österreich. Das Bewusstsein um die Wichtigkeit von Impfungen über die gesamte Lebensspanne ist vor allem in Europa noch nicht in dem Maße vorhanden, wie es nötig wäre und muss gefördert werden.

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Comparison of the Diagnostic Yield of EUS Needles for Liver Biopsy: Ex Vivo Study

Effects of Sotagliflozin Added to Insulin in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

The incidence of type 1 diabetes, which currently affects 29 million adults worldwide, is rising. In the United States, the number of patients with type 1 diabetes who are younger than 20 years of age may triple within 30 years. Less than one third of adults with type 1 diabetes achieve a glycated…

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Japanese Leigh syndrome case treated with EPI-743

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2017
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Takeshi Kouga, Mariko Takagi, Akihiko Miyauchi, Hiroko Shimbo, Mizue Iai, Sumimasa Yamashita, Kei Murayama, Matthew B. Klein, Guy Miller, Tomohide Goto, Hitoshi Osaka
BackgroundLeigh syndrome is a mitochondrial disease caused by respiratory chain deficiency, and there are no proven effective therapies. EPI-743 is a potent cellular oxidative stress protectant and results of clinical trials for mitochondrial diseases are accumulating.CaseAt 5months, a girl presented with the scarce eye movement and diminished muscle tone. She was diagnosed with Leigh encephalopathy from blood and cerebrospinal fluid lactate elevation and MRI findings. Sequence analysis for mitochondrial DNA revealed a T10158C mutation in the mitochondrial encoded ND3 gene in complex I.ResultsAt 8months, succinate was prescribed expected to restore the electron transport chain system. After that her condition got worse and succinate was discontinued. Subsequent administration of EPI-743 improved her eye movement, fine motor movements of the extremities, and bowel movement. She is now 5years old. Although brain atrophy has progressed, she has still respiratory free time.ConclusionOur patient showed visible improvement with EPI-743 treatment and the only patient surviving after 4years. There is a possibility that EPI-743 is modifying the natural course of the syndrome.

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Evaluation of analgesic effect and absorption of buprenorphine after buccal administration in cats with oral disease.

Evaluation of analgesic effect and absorption of buprenorphine after buccal administration in cats with oral disease.

J Feline Med Surg. 2017 Sep 01;:1098612X17727234

Authors: Stathopoulou TR, Kouki M, Pypendop BH, Johnston A, Papadimitriou S, Pelligand L

Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect and absorption of buprenorphine after buccal administration in cats with oral disease. Methods Six adult client-owned cats with chronic gingivostomatitis (weighing 5.1 ± 1.1 kg) were recruited for a randomised, prospective, blinded, saline-controlled, crossover study. Pain scores, dental examination, stomatitis score and buccal pH measurement were conducted on day 1 under sedation in all cats. On day 2, animals were randomised into two groups and administered one of the two treatments buccally (group A received buprenorphine 0.02 mg/kg and group B received 0.9% saline) and vice versa on day 3. Pain scores and food consumption were measured at 30, 90 and 360 mins after the administration of buprenorphine. Blood samples were taken at the same time and plasma buprenorphine concentration was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data were statistically analysed as non-parametric and the level of significance was set as P <0.05. Results There were no major side effects after buprenorphine administration. Buccal pH values ranged between 8.5 and 9.1 and the stomatitis disease activity index between 10 and 22 (17.8 ± 4.5) with the scale ranging from 0-30. The maximum buprenorphine plasma concentration (14.8 ng/ml) was observed 30 mins after administration and there was low inter-individual variability. There was a significant difference between baseline pain scores compared with pain scores after buprenorphine ( P <0.05 ) and between the saline and buprenorphine group at 30 mins ( P = 0.04) and 90 mins ( P = 0.04). There was also a significant effect of the stomatitis index on the pain score. Regarding the pharmacokinetic parameters, cats with stomatitis showed lower bioavailability and shorter absorption half-life after buccal administration of buprenorphine compared with normal cats in previous studies. Conclusions and relevance Buccal administration of buprenorphine in cats with gingivostomatitis produces an analgesic effect and low inter-individual variability in plasma concentration, and it can be incorporated in their multimodal analgesia plan.

PMID: 28895776 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of an Alternative Schedule of Sunitinib for the Treatment of Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study.

Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of an Alternative Schedule of Sunitinib for the Treatment of Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study.

Drugs R D. 2017 Sep 11;:

Authors: Buti S, Donini M, Bersanelli M, Gattara A, Leonardi F, Passalacqua R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Standard treatment with sunitinib for patients with metastatic renal cancer provides an 'on-off' schedule (daily administration of a 50-mg capsule for 4 weeks, followed by a 2-week break; consecutive 6-week cycles). We developed an alternative intermittent schedule to reduce the toxicity and symptoms of tumor regrowth during the rest period and to allow prolonged continuation of therapy, maintaining dose intensity.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to provide a retrospective evaluation of the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of an alternative schedule of sunitinib in patients who did not tolerate classical treatment.
METHODS: Patients treated with the classical schedule with at least grade 2 toxicity or recurrence of symptoms during the rest period were switched to an alternative schedule (the same daily dose 5 consecutive days per week for 5 weeks and then the same daily dose on days 1, 3, and 5 in the sixth week; consecutive 6-week cycles).
RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. The median time from sunitinib initiation to schedule switch was 2.9 months. After the switch, the median therapy duration was 9.2 months. Rate of delay, corrected by cycle number, was 10% for both schedules. After the switch, 48.7% of patients obtained a toxicity reduction (hypertension -82%, stomatitis -71%, cutaneous toxicity -69%). A reduction in 'on-off symptoms' (-86%) was achieved. Overall response rate was 40% and the disease control rate was 80%. Median progression-free survival was 16.4 months and median overall survival was 41.3 months.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size and retrospective nature, we demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the alternative schedule, allowing prolonged treatment and better quality of life.

PMID: 28895069 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Biochemical, hematological, and pathological related healing effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia hydroalcoholic extract in 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in male golden hamster.

Biochemical, hematological, and pathological related healing effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia hydroalcoholic extract in 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in male golden hamster.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2017 Sep 11;:

Authors: Koohi-Hosseinabadi O, Ranjbar Z, Sepehrimanesh M, AndisheTadbir A, Poorbaghi SL, Bahranifard H, Tanideh N, Koohi-Hosseinabadi M, Iraji A

Abstract
Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the cancer chemotherapy-related side effects which can affect the quality of life of affected patients. This study was designed to investigate the healing effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia in 5-flurouracil (5-FU)-induced OM in golden hamster. Fifty-six adult male golden hamsters received three intraperitoneal injections of 5-FU at a dose of 60 mg/kg on days 0, 5, and 10. The cheek pouch mucosa was scratched superficially under local anesthesia. Then, two horizontal scratches were made across the everted cheek pouch on days 3 and 4. All treatments were started on day 12 for equal number of animals in control group with no treatments, gel base group that was treated with carboxy methyl cellulose as gel base which used in preparation of the topical gel, topical gel group that used gel containing 10% hydroalcoholic extract of E. angustifolia (HEEA) topically, and dietary group which was treated with 300 mg/kg HEEA. At 2 and 5 days after treatment, blood and pouch tissue sampling were done and analyzed for blood composition, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities plus histopathological evaluations. Both topically and orally HEEA-treated groups showed a significant relief in OM compared to the control and base gel groups. However, the systemic form had higher efficiency in some parts especially decreasing the MPO (0.27 ± 0.17 vs. 0.56 ± 0.17 IU/L) and increasing SOD (6.46 ± 0.15 vs. 5.36 ± 0.18 IU/L) activities in pouch tissue in comparison to topical form mostly at 5 days after treatment. It seems that hydroalcoholic extract of E. angustifolia can be used as an appropriate drug choice for the treatment of oral mucositis based on its healing stimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

PMID: 28895047 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Development of an HIV vaccine using a vesicular stomatitis virus vector expressing designer HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins to enhance humoral responses.

Development of an HIV vaccine using a vesicular stomatitis virus vector expressing designer HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins to enhance humoral responses.

AIDS Res Ther. 2017 Sep 12;14(1):55

Authors: Racine T, Kobinger GP, Arts EJ

Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), like many other Rhabdoviruses, have become the focus of intense research over the past couple of decades based on their suitability as vaccine vectors, transient gene delivery systems, and as oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy. VSV as a vaccine vector platform has multiple advantages over more traditional viral vectors including low level, non-pathogenic replication in diverse cell types, ability to induce both humoral and cell-mediate immune responses, and the remarkable expression of foreign proteins cloned into multiple intergenic sites in the VSV genome. The utility and safety of VSV as a vaccine vector was recently demonstrated near the end of the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa where VSV pseudotyped with the Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein was proven safe in humans and provided protective efficacy against EBOV in a human phase III clinical trial. A team of Canadian scientists, led by Dr. Gary Kobinger, is now working with International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) in developing a VSV-based HIV vaccine that will combine unique Canadian research on the HIV-1 Env glycoprotein and on the VSV vaccine vector. The goal of this collaboration is to develop a vaccine with a robust and potent anti-HIV immune response with an emphasis on generating quality antibodies to protect against HIV challenges.

PMID: 28893277 [PubMed - in process]

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Focus on graphene and related materials

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Controlled formation of gold nanostructures on biopolymer films upon electromagnetic radiation

The localized formation of gold nanostructures with controlled size and shape on chitosan films doped with gold precursor upon electromagnetic irradiation of various types is demonstrated here. Such controlled formation is achieved by tuning the wavelength, the energy and the interaction time of the radiation with the composite films. In particular, the use of a single UV nanosecond laser pulse results in the formation of gold sub-micron platelets with specific crystal structure, while increasing the number of pulses, further precursor reduction and photofragmentation induce the formation of gold nanoparticles. Using x-ray radiation as an alternative energy source, the reduction of the gold precursor and the subsequent formation of particles follow a different pathway. Specifically, x-ray-induced photo-reduction triggers the selective formation of gold sub-micron platelets with a very well defined {111} crystal phase. In this case, the density of crystal platelets increases by i...

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Scalable transfer of vertical graphene nanosheets for flexible supercapacitor applications

Vertical graphene nanosheets (VGN) are the material of choice for application in next-generation electronic devices. The growing demand for VGN-based flexible devices for the electronics industry brings in restriction on VGN growth temperature. The difficulty associated with the direct growth of VGN on flexible substrates can be overcome by adopting an effective strategy of transferring the well-grown VGN onto arbitrary flexible substrates through a soft chemistry route. In the present study, we report an inexpensive and scalable technique for the polymer-free transfer of VGN onto arbitrary substrates without disrupting its morphology, structure, and properties. After transfer, the morphology, chemical structure, and electrical properties are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and four-probe resistive methods, respectively. The wetting properties are studied from the water contact angle measurements. The observed resul...

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Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for quantitative interface state characterization of planar and nanostructured semiconductor-dielectric interfaces

The performance of nanostructured semiconductors is frequently limited by interface defects that trap electronic carriers. In particular, high aspect ratio geometries dramatically increase the difficulty of using typical solid-state electrical measurements (multifrequency capacitance- and conductance-voltage testing) to quantify interface trap densities ( D it ). We report on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to characterize the energy distribution of interface traps at metal oxide/semiconductor interfaces. This method takes advantage of liquid electrolytes, which provide conformal electrical contacts. Planar Al 2 O 3 /p-Si and Al 2 O 3 /p-Si 0.55 Ge 0.45 interfaces are used to benchmark the EIS data against results obtained from standard electrical testing methods. We find that the solid state and EIS data agree very well, leading to the extraction of consistent D it energy distr...

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Carrier transport dynamics in Mn-doped CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells

In this work quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) were fabricated with CdSe and Mn-doped CdSe quantum dots (QDs) using the SILAR method. QDSSCs based on Mn-doped CdSe QDs exhibited improved incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency. Carrier transport dynamics in the QDSSCs were studied using the intensity modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy technique, from which transport and recombination time constants could be derived. Compared to CdSe QDSSCs, Mn–CdSe QDSSCs exhibited shorter transport time constant, longer recombination time constant, longer diffusion length, and higher charge collection efficiency. These observations suggested that Mn doping in CdSe QDs could benefit the performance of solar cells based on such nanostructures.

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A flexible, transparent and high-performance gas sensor based on layer-materials for wearable technology

Gas sensors play a vital role among a wide range of practical applications. Recently, propelled by the development of layered materials, gas sensors have gained much progress. However, the high operation temperature has restricted their further application. Herein, via a facile pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method, we demonstrate a flexible, transparent and high-performance gas sensor made of highly-crystalline indium selenide (In 2 Se 3 ) film. Under UV–vis-NIR light or even solar energy activation, the constructed gas sensors exhibit superior properties for detecting acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) gas at room temperature. We attribute these properties to the photo-induced charger transfer mechanism upon C 2 H 2 molecule adsorption. Moreover, no apparent degradation in the device properties is observed even after 100 bending cycles. In addition, we can also fabricate this device on rigid substrates, which is also capable to detect ga...

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Efficient methodology to correlate structural with optical properties of GaAs nanowires based on scanning electron microscopy

Twin boundaries and boundaries between zincblende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ) segments of GaAs-related nanowires (NWs) form intrinsic heterointerfaces with essential consequences for the application of such nanomaterials in optoelectronic devices. We show that for GaAs and GaAs/(Al, Ga)As core/shell NWs, crystal twinning along the NW axis can be imaged with a spatial resolution of 10 nm using secondary electrons in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Changes of the crystal structure from the ZB to the WZ phase have been investigated by electron backscatter diffraction. In addition to these methods, we employ spectrally and spatially resolved cathodoluminescence measurements in the same SEM to study the correlation between the structural and optical properties in single NWs. Two GaAs/AlAs/GaAs core/shell/shell NWs differing significantly in the crystal structure along their axis have been investigated combining these three techniques in order to demonstrate the strength of the emplo...

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An assembly and interaction of upconversion and plasmonic nanoparticles on organometallic nanofibers: enhanced multicolor upconversion, downshifting emission and the plasmonic effect

We present novel inorganic–organic hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) constituting inorganic NPs, NaY 0.78 Er 0.02 Yb 0.2 F 4 , and organometallic nanofiber, Tb(ASA) 3 Phen (TAP). X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared absorption and transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal that prepared ultrafine upconversion NPs (UCNPs (5–8 nm)) are dispersed on the surface of the TAP nanofibers. We observe that the addition of TAP in UCNPs effectively limits the surface quenching to boost the upconversion (UC) intensity and enables tuning of UC emission from the green to the red region by controlling the phonon frequency around the Er 3+ ion. On the other hand, TAP is an excellent source of green emission under ultraviolet exposure. Therefore prepared HNPs not only give enhanced and tunable UC but also emit a strong green color in the downshifting (DS) process. To further enhance the dual-mode emission of HNPs, silver NPs (AgNPs) ...

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Parallel patterning of SiO 2 wafer via near-field electrospinning of metallic salts and polymeric solution mixtures

This paper describes a near-field electrospinning technique combined with heat treatment process used to directly align parallel metal oxide and metal nitride fibers on silicon dioxide substrate. The effects of near-field electrospinning parameters (including collector-to-needle distance, applied voltage and the moving speed of the collector) on the morphology of the resulted fibers have been studied. Metallic salt-contained precursor fibers are individually aligned via near-field electrospinning of metallic salts and polymeric solution mixtures. After applying calcination process to these well aligned precursor fibers, patterning by metal oxide and metal nitride fibers such as ZnO, Ga 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , GaN and TiN is successfully obtained. The optical microscope images and the scanning electron microscopy show the presence of fiber patterns, whose crystalline structure is characterized by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy measurement. The results...

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How to Fight "Alternative Facts" in Politics

Just as the environmental movement galvanized support for protecting nature, a pro-truth movement could spur popular opposition to post-truth politicians

-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com

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A 3D-centered information system for the documentation of a complex restoration intervention

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2017
Source:Journal of Cultural Heritage
Author(s): Fabrizio Ivan Apollonio, Vilma Basilissi, Marco Callieri, Matteo Dellepiane, Marco Gaiani, Federico Ponchio, Francesca Rizzo, Angelo Raffaele Rubino, Roberto Scopigno, Giorgio Sobra'
Restoration is becoming a quite complex process: a large number of internal and external variables co-exist and may impair it. Among these, the large number of professionals involved and the huge amount of documentation produced can heavily affect the quality of the intervention as well as the possibility to have systemic and informed interventions in the future. In particular, a standardized method for storing restoration data and accessing them is still lacking, and the use of new technologies is still limited and/or not scalable. The paper describes the process of designing and testing an information system (IS) based on three-dimensional (3D) data, aimed to support the restoration of Neptune's Fountain in Bologna. In preparation of the restoration, a major effort was carried out to design and implement a web-based IS able to host all of the data produced, to allow the conservation-restoration specialists to interact on-site with an accurate 3D representation of the elements of the fountain, and to directly reference all information and data produced on the geometry of the model. The paper focuses on the challenges and adopted solutions related to the use of 3D models and the data mapping on 3D surfaces in the context of restoration documentation. Highly detailed visualizations of the models, easy navigation, and usable functionalities to add information directly on the 3D model have been achieved by extending the available solutions and by implementing new mechanisms to overcome the limitations of WebGL and remote rendering. Neptune IS' development has been extensively experimented in a real context of use. Results and knowledge from the experimentation currently represents the basis for evolving Neptune IS into a possible generic and flexible platform for documentation management in the field of restoration and related methodologies.

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Reconstructing historical recipes of linseed oil/colophony varnishes: Influence of preparation processes on application properties

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2017
Source:Journal of Cultural Heritage
Author(s): Sophie Tirat, Jean-Philippe Echard, Agnès Lattuati-Derieux, Jean-Yves Le Huerou, Stéphane Serfaty
Mixtures of siccative oil with Pinaceae resin are among the most widespread natural formulations used for varnishing before the introduction of synthetic varnishes in the 1900s. In this work, varnishes containing linseed oil and colophony in different proportions were recreated. Heat treatment is necessary to mix the two components; time and temperature of heating have to be carefully chosen, in accordance with proportions, in order to obtain homogeneous and translucent mixtures. The effects of heat treatment on the mixtures' properties were evaluated for five temperatures and three durations fitting these requirements, and various proportions were prepared. The application properties of the various reconstitutions, including a varnish prepared by a violin-maker, were studied through rheological measurements. These data were used to discuss the varnishes' brushing, leveling and sagging properties, by comparing them to industrial criterions. Intensifying the heat treatment by increasing its temperature and length was shown to exponentially increase the mixtures' viscosity. Size exclusion chromatography was used to evidence the polymerization reactions responsible for this behavior. The effect of colophony proportions was also investigated: colophony acts as a thickener increasing the mixtures' viscosity. All the varnishes exhibited thixotropic behavior. The higher the colophony proportion, the lowest is the shear rate at which shear-thinning behavior occurs, and the longer it takes to regain the initial viscosity. The easiest mixtures to apply as a coating were the ones with intermediate colophony proportions (33 to 58 wt%). Also, varnishes containing lower colophony proportions (20 wt%) could conveniently be coated if they were prepared using a strong heat treatment (long time and/or a high temperature). In the same way, higher colophony proportions (66 wt%) could be used if the mixture was heated at a lower temperature. These selected mixtures have a low viscosity at high shear rates, allowing brushing them easily. The time for viscosity recovering is long enough to allow good leveling and they have a quite high zero-shear rate viscosity, acting against sagging.

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Rainfall shocks are not necessarily a sensitive early indicator of changes in wasting prevalence

Rainfall shocks are not necessarily a sensitive early indicator of changes in wasting prevalence

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, September 13 2017. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.144

Authors: N A Ledlie, H Alderman, J L Leroy & L You

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Enteral versus parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients with severe pancreatitis: a meta-analysis

Enteral versus parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients with severe pancreatitis: a meta-analysis

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, September 13 2017. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.139

Authors: H Yao, C He, L Deng & G Liao

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Prolonged hypotension associated with Wernicke's encephalopathy

Prolonged hypotension associated with Wernicke's encephalopathy

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, September 13 2017. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.141

Authors: H Maeda, A Kuriyama & T Tanaka

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Raw BIA variables are predictors of muscle strength in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Raw BIA variables are predictors of muscle strength in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, September 13 2017. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.147

Authors: F de Blasio, M G Santaniello, F de Blasio, G Mazzarella, A Bianco, L Lionetti, F M E Franssen & L Scalfi

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A Paleolithic-type diet results in iodine deficiency: a 2-year randomized trial in postmenopausal obese women

A Paleolithic-type diet results in iodine deficiency: a 2-year randomized trial in postmenopausal obese women

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, September 13 2017. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.134

Authors: S Manousou, M Stål, C Larsson, C Mellberg, B Lindahl, R Eggertsen, L Hulthén, T Olsson, M Ryberg, S Sandberg & H F Nyström

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via alkiviadis.1961 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2w7HA9F

Acute hypoxemia and vascular function in healthy humans

Abstract

Endothelium-dependent flow mediated dilation (FMD) and endothelium-independent dilation (GTN) are impaired at high altitude (5050 m), and FMD is impaired following acute exposure (<60-minutes) to normobaric hypoxia equivalent to ∼5050 m (∼F_IO₂ = 0.11). Whether glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-induced dilation is impaired acutely, and whether FMD is impaired during milder hypoxia is unknown. Therefore, we assessed brachial FMD at baseline and following 30-minutes of mild (74 ± 2 mmHg P_ETO₂) and moderate (50 ± 3 mmHg P_ETO₂) normobaric hypoxia (n = 12) or normoxia (time-control trial; n = 10). We also assessed GTN-dilaiton following the hypoxic FMD tests and in normoxia on a separate control day (n = 8). Compared to normoxic baseline, reduction during mild and moderate hypoxic exposure were evident in FMD (mild vs moderate: −1.2 ± 1.1% vs. −3.1 ± 1.7%; P = 0.01) and GTN-dilation (−2.1 ± 1.0 vs. −4.2 ± 2.0; P = 0.01); the decline in FMD and GTN-dilation were greater during moderate hypoxia (P < 0.01). When allometrically corrected for baseline diameter and FMD shear rate under the curve (SR_AUC), relative FMD was attenuated in both conditions (mild vs moderate: 0.6 ± 0.9% vs. 0.8 ± 0.7%; P ≤ 0.01). Following 30-minutes of normoxic time-control, FMD was reduced (-0.6 ± 0.3%; P = 0.02). In summary, there was a graded impairment in FMD during mild and moderate hypoxic exposure, which appears to be influenced by shear patterns and incremental declines in smooth muscle vasodilator capacity (impaired GTN-dilation). Our findings from the normoxic controls study, suggest the decline in FMD in acute hypoxia also appears to be influenced by 30-minutes of supine rest/inactivity.

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Using tablet-based technology to deliver time-efficient ototoxicity monitoring.

Using tablet-based technology to deliver time-efficient ototoxicity monitoring.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Sep 12;:1-9

Authors: Brungart D, Schurman J, Konrad-Martin D, Watts K, Buckey J, Clavier O, Jacobs PG, Gordon S, Dille MF

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this article is to highlight mobile technology that is not yet standard of care but could be considered for use in an ototoxicity monitoring programme (OMP) as an adjunct to traditional audiometric testing. Current guidelines for ototoxicity monitoring include extensive test protocols performed by an audiologist in an audiometric booth. This approach is comprehensive, but it may be taxing for patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses and cost prohibitive if it requires serial clinical appointments. With the use of mobile technology, testing outside of the confines of the audiometric booth may be possible, which could create more efficient and less burdensome OMPs.
DESIGN: A non-systematic review of new OMP technology was performed. Experts were canvassed regarding the impact of new technology on OMPs.
STUDY SAMPLE: OMP devices and technologies that are commercially available and discussed in the literature.
RESULTS: The benefits and limitations of portable, tablet-based technology that can be deployed for efficient ototoxicity monitoring are discussed.
CONCLUSIONS: New mobile technology has the potential to influence the development and implementation of OMPs and lower barriers to patient access by providing time efficient, portable and self-administered testing options for use in the clinic and in the patient's home.

PMID: 28893111 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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upper respiratory tract infection; +60 new citations

60 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

upper respiratory tract infection

These pubmed results were generated on 2017/09/13

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

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