[Otorhinolaryngology and headache].

[Otorhinolaryngology and headache].

Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho. 2015 Aug;118(8):1005-10

Authors: Sakai F

PMID: 26697623 [PubMed - in process]

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The clinical anatomy of cystic artery variations: a review of over 9800 cases.

The clinical anatomy of cystic artery variations: a review of over 9800 cases.

Surg Radiol Anat. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Andall RG, Matusz P, du Plessis M, Ward R, Tubbs RS, Loukas M

Abstract
PURPOSE: While laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be a routine procedure when biliary anatomy is normally located, cystic artery variations can easily disorientate the inexperienced surgeon to the anatomy of the hepatobiliary triangle. This study presents the clinically important anatomical variations of the cystic artery.
METHODS: PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar databases were searched to conduct a review of the existing English literature on the clinically important cystic artery variations. An aberrant vessel was defined as a vessel that originated from an atypical source and/or one that was present in a specimen in addition to the normal vessel.
RESULTS: The cystic artery originated typically from the right hepatic artery (79.02 %) and was found in the hepatobiliary triangle in only 5427 of 6661 (81.5 %) cases. Clinically important cystic artery variations are (1) the cystic artery located anterior to the common hepatic duct or common bile duct found in 485 of 2704 (17.9 %) and 228 of 4202 (5.4 %) of cases, respectively, (2) the cystic artery located inferior to the cystic duct found in 38 of 770 (4.9 %) of cases, (3) short cystic arteries found in 98 of 1037 (9.5 %) cases and (4) multiple cystic arteries found in (8.9 %) of cases.
CONCLUSION: These variations are common in the general population and can lead to inadvertent ligation of biliary ducts or aberrant vessels. Therefore, it is important for the hepatobiliary surgeon to be aware of these vascular anomalies to avoid operative complications.

PMID: 26698600 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Lymph Node Yield as a Predictor of Survival in Pathologically Node Negative Oral Cavity Carcinoma.

Lymph Node Yield as a Predictor of Survival in Pathologically Node Negative Oral Cavity Carcinoma.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Lemieux A, Kedarisetty S, Raju S, Orosco R, Coffey C

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Even after a pathologically node-negative (pN0) neck dissection for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), patients may develop regional recurrence. In this study, we (1) hypothesize that an increased number of lymph nodes removed (lymph node yield) in patients with pN0 oral SCC predicts improved survival and (2) explore predictors of survival in these patients using a multivariable model.
STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review.
SETTING: Administrative database analysis.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The SEER database was queried for patients diagnosed with all-stage oral cavity SCC between 1988 and 2009 who were determined to be pN0 after elective lymph node dissection. Demographic and treatment variables were extracted. The association of lymph node yield with 5-year all-cause survival was studied with multivariable survival analyses.
RESULTS: A total of 4341 patients with pN0 oral SCC were included in this study. The 2 highest lymph node yield quartiles (representing >22 nodes removed) were found to be significant predictors of overall survival (22-35 nodes: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.854, P = .031; 36-98 nodes: HR = 0.827, P = .010). Each additional lymph node removed during neck dissection was associated with increased survival (HR = 0.995, P = .022).
CONCLUSION: These data suggest that patients with oral SCC undergoing elective neck dissection may experience an overall survival benefit associated with greater lymph node yield. Mechanisms behind the demonstrated survival advantage are unknown. Larger nodal dissections may remove a greater burden of microscopic metastatic disease, diminishing the likelihood of recurrence. Lymph node yield may serve as an objective measure of the adequacy of lymphadenectomy.

PMID: 26701177 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Laryngeal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Laryngeal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Marchiano E, Chin OY, Fang CH, Park RC, Baredes S, Eloy JA

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant minor salivary gland tumor that represents <1% of all laryngeal tumors. The submucosal location of laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) results in delayed presentation. Here, we present the first systematic review of reported cases of LACC to determine trends in presentation, diagnostic and treatment modalities, and patient outcome.
DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases.
METHODS: A search of the above databases was done to identify articles reporting cases of LACC. The variables included in the analysis were patient demographics, presenting symptoms, tumor location, imaging, treatment, follow-up time, recurrence, and outcome.
RESULTS: A total of 50 articles and 120 cases were included in the review. The most common presenting symptom was dyspnea (48.8%), followed by hoarseness (43.9%). LACC arose most frequently from the subglottis (56.7%). At presentation, 14.6% (13 of 89) of patients had regional disease. The average follow-up time was 54.0 months. At follow-up, distant metastasis was reported in 30 cases (33.3%). Surgery alone (43.3%) and surgery with radiotherapy (43.3%) were used most frequently and resulted in 57.1% and 55.3% of patients alive with no evidence disease at follow-up, respectively.
CONCLUSION: LACC was most often located in the subglottis. Patients commonly presented with dyspnea and hoarseness. In this systematic review, surgery with radiotherapy and surgery alone were the most commonly employed treatment modalities, and both resulted in slightly more than 50% of patients alive with no evidence of disease at follow-up.

PMID: 26701176 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Frontal Sinus Malignancies: A Population-Based Analysis of Incidence and Survival.

Frontal Sinus Malignancies: A Population-Based Analysis of Incidence and Survival.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Bhojwani A, Unsal A, Dubal PM, Echanique KA, Baredes S, Liu JK, Eloy JA

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Primary neoplasms originating in the frontal sinus are rare. As such, existing literature describing frontal sinus malignancies (a subset of frontal sinus neoplasms) is limited. Prognostic implications of these malignancies are difficult to determine. This study seeks to analyze trends in epidemiology, clinicopathology, incidence, and survival for these rare malignancies.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective database analysis.
METHODS: The SEER 18 database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results; 1973-2012) was searched for frontal sinus malignancies from 1973 to 2012 and analyzed for demographic and clinicopathologic trends. The Kaplan-Meier model was utilized for survival analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 171 cases of frontal sinus malignancies were identified. Incidence was 0.011 per 100,000 individuals. The mean age at diagnosis was 61.1 years, with males constituting the majority of cases (61.4%). 80.1% of patients were white, 9.4% Asian, and 8.2% black. The average tumor size was 3.8 cm. The most common histology encountered was squamous cell carcinoma (39.8%). Overall 5-year disease-specific survival was 44.2%. Five-year disease-specific survival was highest for mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (72.3%) and lowest for adenocarcinomas (15.4%).
CONCLUSIONS: Malignant tumors of the frontal sinus are rare and are more common in males. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common entity encountered. Of the 4 most common histologies, survival is best for mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and worst for adenocarcinomas.

PMID: 26701175 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Inpatient Pediatric Tonsillectomy: Does Hospital Type Affect Cost and Outcomes of Care?

Inpatient Pediatric Tonsillectomy: Does Hospital Type Affect Cost and Outcomes of Care?

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Raol N, Zogg CK, Boss EF, Weissman JS

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether hospital type is associated with differences in total cost and outcomes for inpatient tonsillectomy.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of the 2006, 2009, and 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Children ≤18 years of age undergoing tonsillectomy with/without adenoidectomy were included. Risk-adjusted generalized linear models assessed for differences in hospital cost and length of stay (LOS) among children managed by (1) non-children's teaching hospitals (NCTHs), (2) children's teaching hospitals (CTHs), and (3) nonteaching hospitals (NTHs). Risk-adjusted logistic regression compared the odds of major perioperative complications (hemorrhage, respiratory failure, death). Models accounted for clustering of patients within hospitals, were weighted to provide national estimates, and controlled for comorbidities.
RESULTS: The 25,685 tonsillectomies recorded in the KID yielded a national estimate of 40,591 inpatient tonsillectomies performed in 2006, 2009, and 2012. The CTHs had significantly higher risk-adjusted total cost and LOS per tonsillectomy compared with NCTHs and NTHs ($9423.34/2.8 days, $6250.78/2.11 days, and $5905.10/2.08 days, respectively; P < .001). The CTHs had higher odds of complications compared with NCTHs (odds ratio [OR], 1.48; 95% CI, 1.15-1.91; P = .002) but not when compared with NTHs (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.89-1.59; P = .23). The CTHs were significantly more likely to care for patients with comorbidities (P < .001).
CONCLUSION: Significant differences in costs, outcomes, and patient factors exist for inpatient tonsillectomy based on hospital type. Although reasons for these differences are not discernable using isolated claims data, findings provide a foundation to further evaluate patient, institutional, and system-level factors that may reduce cost of care and improve value for inpatient tonsillectomy.

PMID: 26701174 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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PRENATAL VITAMIN COMPOUNDS AVAILABLE IN BRAZIL ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ADEQUATE IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION OF PREGNANT WOMEN.

PRENATAL VITAMIN COMPOUNDS AVAILABLE IN BRAZIL ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ADEQUATE IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION OF PREGNANT WOMEN.

Thyroid. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Villagelin D, Romaldini JH, Comarella AP, Azevedo GG, Zolio SC, Tiago DB, Ward LS

Abstract
Maternal intake iodine deficiency, results in altered maternal and fetal hormone synthesis, which is proportional to the degree and duration of the iodine deprivation. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated difference in the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders in individuals of different ages living in different regions of Brazil. Worryingly, the Brazilian National Health Surveillance (ANVISA) recently reduced the amount of iodine added to salt. Here we aimed to: 1) identify the availability of dietary supplements for pregnant women in Brazil; 2) verify the amount of iodine present in these supplements; and 3) correlate these levels with the new global recommendations of the American Thyroid Association (1). We obtained nutritional information from available dietary supplements used by pregnant women and analyzed these data based on information on their package insert using the federal agency (ANVISA) system of drug control and regulation; the Anvisa's Eletronic Label. We identified 25 dietary supplements for pregnant women currently in use in Brazil. Based on the minimal daily supplementation of 150 µg of iodine recommended by the ATA, the ETA and the WHO, 48% of these supplements contained no iodine (12 out of the 25 products), 16% (4) contained 1 to 149 µg of iodine, and only 9 products (36%) had the recommended amount of iodine. In fact, despite a mandatory program of salt iodization in Brazil, available studies have found iodine insufficiency in 30 to 57% of brazilian pregnant women. On the other hand, less than half of dietary supplements commercially available and used by pregnant women in Brazil contain iodine at the amounts recommended by international guidelines. Based on our findings, we propose that urgent measures are needed to protect both pregnant women and their offspring from the severe consequences associated with iodine deficiency.

PMID: 26700644 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effects of zinc sulfate supplementation on cell-mediated immune response in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.

Related Articles

Effects of zinc sulfate supplementation on cell-mediated immune response in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.

Nutr Cancer. 2015;67(3):449-56

Authors: Sangthawan D, Phungrassami T, Sinkitjarurnchai W

Abstract
Zinc deficiency is an important factor that impairs cellular immunity and contributes to low T lymphocyte counts in head and neck cancers. Persistent T lymphopenia is clinically relevant in terms of tumor persistence and/or recurrence. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of zinc sulfate supplementation on the absolute numbers of circulating T lymphocytes and T lymphocyte subpopulations. The secondary objectives were to evaluate overall survival, progression-free survival, and the adverse events of zinc sulfate. Seventy-two head and neck cancer patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Zinc sulfate 50 mg in 10 cc and an identically appearing placebo were self-administered 3 times daily at meal times. Blood samples were obtained for complete blood count, total T lymphocytes and T lymphocyte subpopulations before radiation therapy as baselines, at the fifth week during radiation therapy, and at the first month after completion of radiation therapy. The baseline characteristics of patients, tumors, and treatments and the baseline lymphocyte parameters were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Zinc sulfate supplementation during head and neck radiation therapy showed no increase in absolute numbers of circulating T lymphocytes, T lymphocyte subpopulations, or survival with acceptable side effects.

PMID: 25803777 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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upper respiratory tract infection; +24 new citations

24 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 2015/12/25

PubMed comprises more than 24 million 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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Speech perception in noise in unilateral hearing loss.

Speech perception in noise in unilateral hearing loss.

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Nov 26;

Authors: Mondelli MF, Dos Santos MM, José MR

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Unilateral hearing loss is characterized by a decrease of hearing in one ear only. In the presence of ambient noise, individuals with unilateral hearing loss are faced with greater difficulties understanding speech than normal listeners.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the speech perception of individuals with unilateral hearing loss in speech perception with and without competitive noise, before and after the hearing aid fitting process.
METHODS: The study included 30 adults of both genders diagnosed with moderate or severe sensorineural unilateral hearing loss using the Hearing In Noise Test - Hearing In Noise Test-Brazil, in the following scenarios: silence, frontal noise, noise to the right, and noise to the left, before and after the hearing aid fitting process.
RESULTS: The study participants had a mean age of 41.9 years and most of them presented right unilateral hearing loss. In all cases evaluated with Hearing In Noise Test, a better performance in speech perception was observed with the use of hearing aids.
CONCLUSION: Using the Hearing In Noise Test-Brazil test evaluation, individuals with unilateral hearing loss demonstrated better performance in speech perception when using hearing aids, both in silence and in situations with a competing noise, with use of hearing aids.

PMID: 26699444 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Laryngeal oncocytic cystadenomas masquerading as laryngoceles.

Laryngeal oncocytic cystadenomas masquerading as laryngoceles.

Am J Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan-Feb;37(1):17-21

Authors: Feinstein AJ, Peng KA, Bhuta SM, Abemayor E, Mendelsohn AH

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe an experience with laryngeal oncocytic cystadenomas and review the published literature regarding this uncommon diagnosis.
METHODS AND RESULTS: A clinical review of patients presenting with cystic laryngeal masses in an urban academic medical center between January and December 2013 was performed. Three patients, two female and one male, with a mean age of 68years, were diagnosed with oncocytic cystadenomata of the larynx. Major presenting symptoms included dysphonia, globus, and ipsilateral otalgia. Endoscopic examinations revealed a cystic structure arising from varied subsites of the larynx: laryngeal ventricle, aryepiglottic fold, and pre-epiglottic space. Cross-sectional radiographic imaging was obtained in each case. The patients were treated with transoral (CO2) laser microsurgery (TLM). In all three cases, pathological analysis revealed oncocytic cystadenoma with clear margins.
CONCLUSIONS: Oncocytic cystadenoma is a rare entity of the larynx predominantly affecting elderly patients. Clinical presentation and imaging may suggest the diagnosis of an internal laryngocele. Complete excision is both diagnostic and therapeutic, and typically can be achieved using TLM. When clear margins are obtained, no adjuvant therapy is indicated. Although laryngoceles and malignancies are more commonly encountered, oncocytic cystadenomas should remain in the differential of cystic laryngeal masses.

PMID: 26700253 [PubMed - in process]

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[Pharyngeal-cervical-brachial syndrome: A rare form of Guillain-Barré syndrome with severe acute bulbar palsy].

[Pharyngeal-cervical-brachial syndrome: A rare form of Guillain-Barré syndrome with severe acute bulbar palsy].

Arch Pediatr. 2015 Dec 14;

Authors: Lametery E, Dubois-Teklali F, Millet A, Manel V

Abstract
The pharyngeal-cervical-brachial (PCB) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare in children. It is characterized by oropharyngeal, neck, and upper limb muscle involvement, without ataxia and disturbed consciousness. Although associated with anti-GT1a antibodies, there is no single clinical or serological marker of PCB syndrome. We report on two cases in a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old females. The first symptom was acute dysphonia followed by severe bulbar palsy with deglutition disorders, associated with involvement of other cranial nerves and arm and leg weakness. One of the girls had normal deep tendon reflexes. Both had normal cerebral imaging and normal cerebrospinal fluid. No sign of neuropathy was found on nerve conduction studies. The diagnosis of PCB syndrome was established based on the presence of antiganglioside antibodies. Both adolescents had IgG anti-GT1a antibodies. Anti-GQ1b and anti-GT1b antibodies were associated in the first case, anti-GM1 and anti-GD1a in the second case. Clinical improvement was fast after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Recovery was complete. Only a few cases of children and adolescents with PCB syndrome have been reported. The main differential diagnoses were excluded with brain MRI. The neurophysiological findings in PCB syndrome are axonal neuropathy rather than demyelinating neuropathy, which might be normal in the early stages of the disease. Positivity of anti-GT1a IgG antibodies is very helpful for the diagnosis of PCB syndrome. In atypical cases of bulbar palsy with other cranial nerve involvement and normal brain MRI, diagnosis of PCB syndrome should be considered. Recognizing the atypical cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome enables anticipatory monitoring for disease complications and identifies therapeutic options. The short- and long-term outcome of the PCB syndrome after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment seems favorable.

PMID: 26697812 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effect of TRIAC Treatment in Mct8-deficiency: a Word of Caution.

Effect of TRIAC Treatment in Mct8-deficiency: a Word of Caution.

Thyroid. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Bárez-López S, Obregon MJ, Martínez-de-Mena R, Bernal J, Guadaño-Ferraz A, Morte B

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) is a thyroid hormone-specific cell membrane transporter. Mutations in the MCT8 gene lead to profound psychomotor retardation and abnormal thyroid hormone serum levels with low thyroxine (T4) and high triiodothyronine (T3). Currently, therapeutic options for patients are limited. Triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) has potential therapeutic value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and efficacy of therapeutic doses of TRIAC on Mct8-deficient mice (Mct8KO).
METHODS: Wild-type (Wt) and Mct8KO mice were treated with 30 ng TRIAC/g BW/day, given in drinking water, from postnatal day 21 to 30. TRIAC, T4 and T3 levels in plasma, as well as T3 and TRIAC content in the cerebral cortex and striatum were measured by specific radioimmunoassays. The activities of deiodinases 1 and 2 were measured in liver and cortex. The effect of TRIAC treatment in the expression of T3-dependent genes was measured in the heart, cerebral cortex and striatum.
RESULTS: Plasma TRIAC concentration were the same in Wt and Mct8KO animals after treatment. TRIAC treatment greatly decreased plasma T4 in Wt and Mct8KO mice, and reduced T3 to normal levels in the Mct8KO. Deiodinase 1 activity and gene expression in the liver increased while it did not have any effect on the expression of Serca2a in the heart. TRIAC treatment did not induce the expression of T3-dependent genes in the cerebral cortex or striatum but further decreased expression of Flywch2 in the cortex and Aldh1a1 and Flywch2 in the striatum. Direct measurements of TRIAC and T3 content in the cortex and striatum revealed a decrease in T3 after treatment with no significant increase in the level of endogenous TRIAC. Conclusions Therapeutic doses of TRIAC in Mct8KO mice restored plasma T3 levels but severely decreased T4 levels. TRIAC has a direct effect on deiodinase 1 in the liver and does not have an effect on gene expression in the heart. The increase in the plasma TRIAC levels after treatment is not sufficient to increase TRIAC levels in the brain and to promote the expression of T3-dependent genes in brain cells. Instead, it leads to a state of brain hypothyroidism with reduced T3 content.

PMID: 26701289 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Sorafenib for the treatment of Progressive Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Efficacy and Safety Analysis.

Sorafenib for the treatment of Progressive Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Efficacy and Safety Analysis.

Thyroid. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Castroneves LA, Negrao MV, Freitas RM, Papadia C, Lima Junior JV, Fukushima J, Simao EF, Kulcsar MA, Tavares M, Jorge AA, Castro G, Hoff PM, Hoff AO

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Treatment of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was recently improved with the approval of vandetanib and cabozantinib. However, there is still a need to explore sequential therapy with more than one tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and to explore alternative therapies when vandetanib and cabozantinib are not available. In this paper, we report our experience with sorafenib as a treatment for advanced medullary thyroid cancer.
METHODS: This is a retrospective longitudinal study of thirteen patients with progressive metastatic MTC treated with sorafenib 400 mg twice daily between December 2011 and January 2015. The primary endpoints were to evaluate response and progression free survival (PFS) in patients treated with sorafenib outside a clinical trial. Secondary endpoint was assessment of toxicity profile. One patient was excluded because of a serious allergic skin rash after 1 week of starting sorafenib.
RESULTS: The analysis included 12 patients with metastatic MTC (median age 48 years), 10 with sporadic and 2 with hereditary disease. The median duration of treatment was 11 months and the median follow-up was 15.5 months. At data cutoff, 2 (16%) of 12 patients were still on treatment for 16 and 34 months. According to RECIST analysis, 10 patients (83.3%) showed stable disease and 2 (16.6%) had progression of disease, no partial response was observed. The median PFS was 9 months; however, three patients with extensive and rapidly progressive disease died within 3 months of sorafenib treatment. The median PFS excluding these 3 patients was 12 months. Adverse events (AE) occurred in 9 patients (75%). The main AEs were skin toxicity, weight loss and fatigue. Five (41.6%) patients needed dose reduction, and one patient discontinued treatment for toxicity.
CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with sorafenib in progressive metastatic MTC is well tolerated and resulted in disease control and durable clinical benefit in 75% of patients. Sorafenib treatment could be considered when vandetanib and cabozantinib are not available or after failing these drugs.

PMID: 26701095 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Ensuring effective prevention of iodine-deficiency disorders.

Ensuring effective prevention of iodine-deficiency disorders.

Thyroid. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Völzke H, Caron PJ, Dahl L, de Castro J, Erlund I, Gaberšček S, Gunnarsdottir I, Hubalewska-Dydejczyk A, Ittermann T, Ivanova L, Karanfilski B, Khattak RM, Kusic Z, Laurberg P, Lazarus J, Markou K, Moreno-Reyes R, Nagy EV, Peeters R, Pīrāgs V, Podoba J, Rayman MP, Rochau U, Siebert U, Smyth PP, Thuesen BH, Troen A, Vila L, Vitti P, Zamrazil V, Zimmermann M

Abstract
Background Programs initiated to prevent iodine-deficiency disorders (IDD) may not remain effective due to changes in government policies, commercial factors and human behaviour that may affect the efficacy of IDD prevention programs in unpredictable directions. Monitoring and outcome studies are needed to optimize the effectiveness of IDD prevention. Summary Although the need for monitoring is compelling, the current reality in Europe is less than optimal. Regular and systematic monitoring surveys have only been established in a few countries and comparability across the studies is hampered by the lack of centralized standardization procedures. In addition, data on outcomes and the cost of achieving them are needed to provide evidence of the beneficial effects of IDD prevention in countries with mild iodine deficiency. Conclusion Monitoring studies can be optimized by including centralized standardization procedures that improve the comparison between studies. No study of iodine consumption can replace the direct measurement of health outcomes and the evaluation of the costs and benefits of the program. It is particularly important that health-economic evaluation should be conducted in mildly iodine-deficient areas and that it should include populations from regions with different environmental, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

PMID: 26700864 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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PRENATAL VITAMIN COMPOUNDS AVAILABLE IN BRAZIL ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ADEQUATE IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION OF PREGNANT WOMEN.

PRENATAL VITAMIN COMPOUNDS AVAILABLE IN BRAZIL ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ADEQUATE IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION OF PREGNANT WOMEN.

Thyroid. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Villagelin D, Romaldini JH, Comarella AP, Azevedo GG, Zolio SC, Tiago DB, Ward LS

Abstract
Maternal intake iodine deficiency, results in altered maternal and fetal hormone synthesis, which is proportional to the degree and duration of the iodine deprivation. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated difference in the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders in individuals of different ages living in different regions of Brazil. Worryingly, the Brazilian National Health Surveillance (ANVISA) recently reduced the amount of iodine added to salt. Here we aimed to: 1) identify the availability of dietary supplements for pregnant women in Brazil; 2) verify the amount of iodine present in these supplements; and 3) correlate these levels with the new global recommendations of the American Thyroid Association (1). We obtained nutritional information from available dietary supplements used by pregnant women and analyzed these data based on information on their package insert using the federal agency (ANVISA) system of drug control and regulation; the Anvisa's Eletronic Label. We identified 25 dietary supplements for pregnant women currently in use in Brazil. Based on the minimal daily supplementation of 150 µg of iodine recommended by the ATA, the ETA and the WHO, 48% of these supplements contained no iodine (12 out of the 25 products), 16% (4) contained 1 to 149 µg of iodine, and only 9 products (36%) had the recommended amount of iodine. In fact, despite a mandatory program of salt iodization in Brazil, available studies have found iodine insufficiency in 30 to 57% of brazilian pregnant women. On the other hand, less than half of dietary supplements commercially available and used by pregnant women in Brazil contain iodine at the amounts recommended by international guidelines. Based on our findings, we propose that urgent measures are needed to protect both pregnant women and their offspring from the severe consequences associated with iodine deficiency.

PMID: 26700644 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effects of levothyroxine replacement or suppressive therapy on energy expenditure and body composition.

Effects of levothyroxine replacement or suppressive therapy on energy expenditure and body composition.

Thyroid. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Samuels M, Kolobova I, Smeraglio A, Peters D, Purnell J, Schuff KG

Abstract
BACKGROUND: TSH-suppressive doses of levothyroxine (L-T4) have adverse effects on bone and cardiac function, but it is unclear whether metabolic function is also affected. The objective of this study was to determine whether women receiving TSH-suppressive L-T4 doses have alterations in energy expenditure or body composition.
METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional comparison among three groups of women: 26 women receiving chronic TSH-suppressive L-T4 doses, 80 women receiving chronic replacement L-T4 doses, and 16 untreated euthyroid control women. Subjects underwent measurements of resting energy expenditure (REE), substrate oxidation, and thermic effect of food by indirect calorimetry; physical activity energy expenditure by accelerometer; caloric intake by 24-hour diet recall; and body composition by dual x-ray absorptiometry.
RESULTS: REE per kilogram lean body mass in the L-T4 euthyroid women was 6% lower than the L-T4 suppressed group and 4% lower than the healthy control group (P=0.04). Free T3 levels were directly correlated with REE, and were 10% lower in the L-T4 euthyroid women compared to the other two groups (P=0.007). The groups of subjects did not differ in other measures of energy expenditure, caloric intake, or body composition.
CONCLUSIONS: L-T4 suppression therapy does not adversely affect energy expenditure or body composition in women. However, L-T4 replacement therapy is associated with a lower REE despite TSH levels within the reference range. This may be due to lower fT3 levels, suggesting relative tissue hypothyroidism may contribute to impaired energy expenditure in L-T4 therapy.

PMID: 26700485 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Reactive oxygen species and anti-proteinases.

Reactive oxygen species and anti-proteinases.

Arch Physiol Biochem. 2015 Dec 23;:1-7

Authors: Siddiqui T, Zia MK, Ali SS, Rehman AA, Ahsan H, Khan FH

Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause damage to macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and DNA and alters their structure and function. When generated outside the cell, ROS can induce damage to anti-proteinases. Anti-proteinases are proteins that are involved in the control and regulation of proteolytic enzymes. The damage caused to anti-proteinase barrier disturbs the proteinase-anti-proteinases balance and uncontrolled proteolysis at the site of injury promotes tissue damage. Studies have shown that ROS damages anti-proteinase shield of the body by inactivating key members such as alpha-2-macroglobulin, alpha-1-antitrypsin. Hypochlorous acid inactivates α-1-antitrypsin by oxidizing a critical reactive methionine residue. Superoxide and hypochlorous acid are physiological inactivators of alpha-2-macroglobulin. The damage to anti-proteinase barrier induced by ROS is a hallmark of diseases such as atherosclerosis, emphysema and rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, understanding the behaviour of ROS-induced damage to anti-proteinases may helps us in development of strategies that could control these inflammatory reactions and diseases.

PMID: 26699123 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The effect of erythrocyte membranes from diabetic and hypercholesterolemic individuals on human carbonic anhydrase II activity.

The effect of erythrocyte membranes from diabetic and hypercholesterolemic individuals on human carbonic anhydrase II activity.

Arch Physiol Biochem. 2015 Dec 23;:1-5

Authors: Yildirmis S, Alver A, Yandi YE, Demir S, Senturk A, Bodur A, Mentese A

Abstract
CONTEXT: Erythrocyte membranes regulate many enzyme activities, including carbonic anhydrase II (CA II). Membrane fluidity is associated with alterations in protein function and protein-protein interactions.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to show the human CA II (hCA II) activity regulation by human erythrocyte membranes from diabetic and hypercholesterolemic subjects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Erythrocyte membranes were obtained from diabetic, hypercholesterolemic, and healthy subjects. hCA II activity was measured using the electrometric method.
RESULTS: hCA II activity was increased in vitro by membranes from both diabetic and hypercholesterolemic patients, with hypercholesterolemic membranes exhibiting a greater increase.
CONCLUSION: Changes in membrane composition may affect the erythrocyte membranes' capacity to increase in vitro hCA II activity.

PMID: 26698855 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Association of polymorphisms in 5-HTT (SLC6A4) and MAOA genes with measures of obesity in young adults of Portuguese origin.

Association of polymorphisms in 5-HTT (SLC6A4) and MAOA genes with measures of obesity in young adults of Portuguese origin.

Arch Physiol Biochem. 2015 Dec 23;:1-6

Authors: Dias H, Muc M, Padez C, Manco L

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of polymorphisms in SLC6A4 and MAOA genes with overweight (including obesity).
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Young adults (n = 535) of Portuguese origin were genotyped for the SLC6A4 polymorphisms 5-HTTLPR and STin2 and a MAOA VNTR. BMI and body fat percentage were measured and a questionnaire was used to assess individual's sport practicing habits.
RESULTS: In whole study sample, haplotype-based analysis revealed significant association with overweight/obesity for the individual 5-HTTLPR/Stin2 haplotype L10 (p = 0.04). In men, the MAOA 3R genotype was nominally associated with body fat (p = 0.04). In inactive individuals, overweight/obesity was found significantly associated with 5-HTTLPR L-allele (p = 0.01) and nominally associated with STin2 10-allele (p = 0.03). A significant association was also found testing for all haplotype effects (χ(2 )= 8.7; p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS: We found some evidences for the association of SLC6A4 and MAOA genes with measures of obesity. Our results suggest physical inactivity accentuates the influence of SLC6A4 polymorphisms on obesity risk.

PMID: 26698543 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity of Turkish propolis on human lung cancer cell line.

Antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity of Turkish propolis on human lung cancer cell line.

Nutr Cancer. 2015 Dec 23;:1-8

Authors: Demir S, Aliyazicioglu Y, Turan I, Misir S, Mentese A, Yaman SO, Akbulut K, Kilinc K, Deger O

Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, two of whose characteristic features are uncontrollable cell proliferation and insufficient apoptosis. Various studies have investigated the antiproliferative effects of propolis, a natural bee product, from different countries, and its cytotoxic effects have been attributed to its polyphenol contents. The purpose of this study was to show the cytotoxic effects, and possible mechanisms involved, of ethanolic extract of Turkish propolis (EEP) on the human lung cancer (A549) cell line. Cytotoxic activity of EEP on A549 cells was revealed using the MTT assay. Mechanisms involved in the cytotoxic action of EEP on A549 cells were then investigated in terms of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle using flow cytometry, endoplasmic reticulum stress using RT-PCR, and caspase activity using luminometric analysis. EEP exhibited selective toxicity against A549 cells compared to normal fibroblast cells. We determined that EEP arrested the cell cycle of A549 cells at the G1 phase, induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, caspase activity, and apoptosis and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These results indicate that Turkish propolis is capable of reducing cancer cell proliferation and may have a promising role to play in the development of new anticancer drugs in the future.

PMID: 26700423 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Contribution of ellagic acid on the antioxidant potential of medicinal plant Epilobium hirsutum.

Contribution of ellagic acid on the antioxidant potential of medicinal plant Epilobium hirsutum.

Nutr Cancer. 2015 Dec 23;:1-11

Authors: Karakurt S, Semiz A, Celik G, Gencler-Ozkan AM, Sen A, Adali O

Abstract
In the present study, the possible role of ellagic acid (EA) on antioxidant potential of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in rat liver was investigated. Wistar rats were intraperitoneally treated with 37.5 mg/kg of EH and 10 mg/kg of EA for 9 days. Effects of EH and EA on antioxidant [glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutases (SOD)] and Phase II [NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)] enzyme activities, as well as protein and mRNA expressions of those, were investigated. Polyphenolic content of EH was determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. EH and EA injection to rats resulted in a significant increase of NQO1 (3.6-fold and 4.7-fold), GPx (1.45-fold), and SOD (1.34-fold and 1.27-fold) enzyme activities, whereas total GST (46% and 57%) and its isoforms,and GST mu (57% and 72%), and GST theta (60% and 68%) activities were significantly decreased. Western-blot and qRT-PCR analysis showed that NQO1 and GPx protein and mRNA expressions were increased significantly (P < 0.0001), whereas GST mu and GST theta were significantly decreased (P < 0.0001).

PMID: 26700224 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Fish oil supplementation during chemotherapy increases posterior time to tumor progression in colorectal cancer.

Fish oil supplementation during chemotherapy increases posterior time to tumor progression in colorectal cancer.

Nutr Cancer. 2015 Dec 23;:1-7

Authors: Camargo CQ, Mocellin MC, Pastore Silva JA, de Souza Fabre ME, Nunes EA, de Moraes Trindade EB

Abstract
The authors evaluated clinical outcomes during and after chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients supplemented with fish oil during the first 9 wk of treatment. Thirty individuals never submitted to chemotherapy were randomized into supplemented group (SG), which received 2 g/day of fish oil (0.6 g/day of EPA and DHA) for 9 wk or control group (CG), which received neither fish oil nor placebo. Outcomes assessed were number of chemotherapy cycles administered; days undergoing chemotherapy; number of delays and interruptions in the administration of chemotherapy; number of hospitalizations during chemotherapy; tumor progression; values of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA); days until events (death and progression); and 3 yr survival. Time to tumor progression was significantly longer in SG [S593 days (±211.5)] vs. CG [330 days (± 135.1); P = 0.04], other outcomes did not differ between groups. Subjects with advanced cancer who received fish oil presented longer time to tumor progression and lower CEA values after chemotherapy; however these differences were not statistically significant. Supplementation with 2 g/day of fish oil for the first 9 wk of chemotherapy may contribute to delay in tumor progression in colorectal patients, possibly by enhancing the antineoplastic action of the chemotherapeutic drug.

PMID: 26700096 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Pomegranate exerts chemoprevention of experimentally induced mammary tumorigenesis by suppression of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis.

Pomegranate exerts chemoprevention of experimentally induced mammary tumorigenesis by suppression of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis.

Nutr Cancer. 2015 Dec 23;:1-11

Authors: Bishayee A, Mandal A, Bhattacharyya P, Bhatia D

Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women in the United States and discovery and development of safe chemopreventive drugs is urgently needed. The fruit pomegranate (Punica granatum) is gaining importance because of its various health benefits. This study was initiated to investigate chemopreventive potential of a pomegranate emulsion (PE) against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) rat mammary carcinogenesis. The animals were orally administered with PE (0.2-5.0 g/kg), starting 2 wk before and 16 wk following DMBA treatment. PE exhibited a striking reduction of DMBA-induced mammary tumor incidence, total tumor burden, and reversed histopathological changes. PE dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in mammary tumors. Immunohistochemical studies showed that PE increased intratumor Bax, decreased Bcl2 and manifested a proapoptotic shift in Bax/Bcl2 ratio. In addition, our gene expression study showed PE-mediated upregulation of Bad, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, poly (ADP ribose) polymerase and cytochrome c in mammary tumors. Thus, PE exerts chemoprevention of mammary carcinogenesis by suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis mediated through upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl2 in concert with caspase cascades. Pomegranate bioactive phytoconstituents could be developed as a chemopreventive drug to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

PMID: 26699876 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Rubus occidentalis: The black raspberry-its potential in the prevention of cancer.

Rubus occidentalis: The black raspberry-its potential in the prevention of cancer.

Nutr Cancer. 2015 Dec 23;:1-11

Authors: Kula M, Krauze-Baranowska M

Abstract
Rubus occidentalis is a black-fruited raspberry originating from North America. Its popularity and demand has been growing over the years, as studies outline its high anthocyanin and ellagitannin content and significance for human health. Interaction between chemical composition and pharmacological activity, mechanisms of action at cellular and molecular levels are all active areas of study. The vast majority of research concerning black raspberries is focused on chemoprevention and anticancer effects. This review summarizes the data on chemical composition and anticancer activity of black raspberry fruits throughout the years.

PMID: 26699735 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Suggestive evidence for the induction of colonic aberrant crypts in mice fed sodium nitrite.

Suggestive evidence for the induction of colonic aberrant crypts in mice fed sodium nitrite.

Nutr Cancer. 2015 Dec 23;:1-8

Authors: Zhou L, Zahid M, Anwar MM, Pennington KL, Cohen SM, Wisecarver JL, Shostrom V, Mirvish SS

Abstract
A reported linkage between processed (nitrite-treated) meat products and the incidence of colon cancer could be due to sodium nitrite (NaNO2) itself or to N-nitroso compounds produced from the nitrite. Exposure to nitrite occurs due to residual nitrite in processed meat and to salivary nitrite arising by reduction of nitrate in vegetables and drinking water. Here we tested whether NaNO2 could induce colonic aberrant crypts (ABC) or ABC foci (ACF), which are putative precursors of colon cancer. We fed NaNO2 in drinking water for 20-25 wk to groups of 8-20 adult female mice. After sacrifice, ABC and ACF were counted in 2-cm distal colonic segments. In Experiment 1, no significant differences in ABC/ACF induction were seen between groups of 13-14 A/J mice fed 0, 0.5, or 1.0 g NaNO2/l drinking water. NaNO2 also did not affect fasting blood glucose levels. In Experiment 2, we fed 0, 1.0, 1.25, or 1.5 g NaNO2/l water to groups of 15 CF-1 mice. Five of the mice fed 1.5 g NaNO2/l showed ABC, whereas all other groups showed only 0-2 ABC/group, including 0 ABC for the group fed 1.25 g NaNO2/l. Overall statistical analysis indicated a dose-response p trends of 0.04. Pairwise comparison of ABC between groups fed 1.25 and 1.5 g NaNO2/l showed p 0.02 for both ABC and ACF, but a similar comparison between the untreated and 1.5 g/l groups showed no significant effects. In Experiment 3, hot dogs (18% of diet), which were fed to CF-1 mice previously treated with azoxymethane, inhibited ABC and ACF induction, but this effect was not significant (P = 0.10-0.12). In conclusion, these results support the view that NaNO2 may be a risk factor for colon carcinogenesis.

PMID: 26699517 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Core neuropathological abnormalities in progranulin-deficient mice are penetrant on multiple genetic backgrounds.

Core neuropathological abnormalities in progranulin-deficient mice are penetrant on multiple genetic backgrounds.

Neuroscience. 2015 Dec 14;

Authors: Petkau TL, Hill A, Leavitt BR

Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) are a common cause of familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). A high degree of heterogeneity in the age-of-onset, duration of disease, and clinical presentation of FTLD, even among families carrying the same GRN mutation, suggests that additional modifying genes may be important to pathogenesis. Progranulin-knockout mice display subtle behavioral abnormalities and progressive neuropathological changes, as well as altered dendritic morphology and synaptic deficits in the hippocampus. In this study we evaluated multiple neuropathological endpoints in aged progranulin knockout mice and their wild-type littermates on two different genetic backgrounds: C57Bl/6 and 129/SvImJ. We find that in most brain regions, both strains are susceptible to progranulin-mediated neuropathological phenotypes, including astrogliosis, microgliosis, and highly accelerated deposition of the aging pigment lipofuscin. Neuroinflammation due to progranulin deficiency is exaggerated in the B6 strain and present, but less pronounced, in the 129 strain. Differences between the strains in hippocampal neuron counts and neuronal morphology suggest a complex role for progranulin in the hippocampus. We conclude that core progranulin-mediated neurodegenerative phenotypes are penetrant on multiple inbred mouse strains, but that genetic background modulates progranulin's role in neuroinflammation and hippocampal biology.

PMID: 26701296 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Is myopathy with rimmed vacuoles a hallmark of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3)?

Is myopathy with rimmed vacuoles a hallmark of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3)?

Neurol Sci. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Borgione E, Castello F, Lo Giudice M, Santa Paola S, Salvatore S, Berti G, Malandrini A, Bottitta M, Musumeci SA, Scuderi C

PMID: 26700800 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MD1003 (high-dose biotin) in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MD1003 (high-dose biotin) in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis.

Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2015 Dec 24;

Authors: Peyro Saint Paul L, Debruyne D, Bernard D, Mock DM, Defer GL

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially highly disabling neurological disorder. No disease-modifying treatments are approved in the progressive and not active forms of the disease. Areas covered: High doses of biotin were tested in an open-label pilot study involving 23 patients with progressive MS and reported positive results. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 154 progressive MS patients confirmed the beneficial effect of MD1003 (high-dose biotin) on reversing or stabilizing disability progression, with a good safety profile. It is proposed that MD1003 in progressive MS 1) increases energy production in demyelinated axons and/or 2) enhances myelin synthesis in oligodendrocytes. Biotin is highly bioavailable; absorption and excretion are rapid. The major route of elimination is urinary excretion. Expert opinion: A high oral dose of biotin seems generally well tolerated but a few important safety concerns were identified: 1) teratogenicity in one species and 2) interference with some biotin-based laboratory immunoassays. The animal toxicity data are limited at such high doses. Further preclinical studies would be useful to address the mechanism of action of MD1003. Assessment of clinical benefit duration in responders will be also very important to set. Results of randomized, placebo-controlled trial are reassuring and provide hope for the treatment of progressive MS.

PMID: 26699811 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis to the Breast and Axillary Lymph Nodes.

Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis to the Breast and Axillary Lymph Nodes.

Indian J Surg. 2015 Aug;77(4):329-31

Authors: Jung SP, Lee HY, Bae JW, Kim HY

Abstract
Breast metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are extremely rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature so far. Here, we report a case of metastatic MTC to the breast and axillary lymph nodes (LN). The case illustrates that (1) metastatic MTC of the breast could be clinically and pathologically misdiagnosed as primary breast cancer, such as invasive lobular carcinoma with axillary LN involvement; (2) unlike other metastatic breast cancer patients, who have very poor prognoses, our patient survived for more than 5 years after the breast and axillary surgery; and (3) metastasis of MTC to the breast is accompanied by axillary LN metastasis, which requires thorough axillary LN dissection, as in most primary breast cancers.

PMID: 26702242 [PubMed]

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miR-126 promotes angiogenesis and attenuates inflammation after contusion spinal cord injury in rats.

Related Articles

miR-126 promotes angiogenesis and attenuates inflammation after contusion spinal cord injury in rats.

Brain Res. 2015 May 22;1608:191-202

Authors: Hu J, Zeng L, Huang J, Wang G, Lu H

Abstract
MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs that regulate the expression of target mRNAs by inhibiting translation or destabilizing target mRNAs. miR-126 is a microRNA that is highly enriched in endothelial cells. miR-126 has been found to promote angiogenesis and inhibit vascular inflammation in endothelial cells by repressing three target genes Sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing protein 1 (SPRED1), phosphoinositol-3 kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1). Our previous study showed that the expression of miR-126 was downregulated after spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, we wanted to examine whether upregulation of miR-126 could promote angiogenesis, inhibit inflammation, and exert a positive effect on recovery after contusion SCI. In this study, we found that increased levels of miR-126 promoted angiogenesis, and inhibited leukocyte extravasation into the injured spinal cord, which was concurrent with downregulation of mRNA and protein expression of three validated miR-126 target genes, SPRED1, PIK3R2, and VCAM1. Moreover, a dose-dependent effect of miR-126 was observed in rescuing tissue damage and improving the functional deficit after SCI. Thus, the present study indicated that miR-126 played an important role in angiogenesis and inflammation after SCI.

PMID: 25724143 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Are we there yet? Evaluating commercial grade brain-computer interface for control of computer applications by individuals with cerebral palsy.

Are we there yet? Evaluating commercial grade brain-computer interface for control of computer applications by individuals with cerebral palsy.

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2015 Dec 23;:1-10

Authors: Taherian S, Selitskiy D, Pau J, Claire Davies T

Abstract
PURPOSE: Using a commercial electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI), the training and testing protocol for six individuals with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS and MACS IV and V) was evaluated.
METHOD: A customised, gamified training paradigm was employed. Over three weeks, the participants spent two sessions exploring the system, and up to six sessions playing the game which focussed on EEG feedback of left and right arm motor imagery.
RESULTS: The participants showed variable inconclusive results in the ability to produce two distinct EEG patterns. Participant performance was influenced by physical illness, motivation, fatigue and concentration.
CONCLUSIONS: The results from this case study highlight the infancy of BCIs as a form of assistive technology for people with cerebral palsy. Existing commercial BCIs are not designed according to the needs of end-users. Implications for Rehabilitation Mood, fatigue, physical illness and motivation influence the usability of a brain-computer interface. Commercial brain-computer interfaces are not designed for practical assistive technology use for people with cerebral palsy. Practical brain-computer interface assistive technologies may need to be flexible to suit individual needs.

PMID: 26699697 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A basic technology-aided programme for leisure and communication of persons with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: performance and social rating.

A basic technology-aided programme for leisure and communication of persons with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: performance and social rating.

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2015 Dec 23;:1-8

Authors: Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, D'Amico F, Ferlisi G, Zullo V, Denitto F, Lauta E, Abbinante C, Pesce CV

Abstract
PURPOSE: This study assessed (a) the impact of a technology-aided programme on the leisure and communication engagement of persons with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and (b) the opinion of rehabilitation and care personnel regarding the programme.
METHOD: The programme's impact was assessed with four participants who were allowed to activate leisure and communication options through basic responses (e.g. knee, finger or lip movements) and microswitches. Forty-two care and health professionals rated the programme after watching video clips of persons with ALS (three of the four involved in this study and three involved in previous studies) during and outside of the programme.
RESULTS: The programme was effective with all participants. Their mean percentages of session time with independently initiated leisure and communication engagements were zero during baseline and increased to between nearly 70 and 80 during the intervention. The care and health professionals rated the technology-aided programme as beneficial for the participants' positive engagement and social image, fairly practical for daily contexts and interesting from a personal standpoint.
CONCLUSIONS: The programme might be viewed as a viable resource for persons with advanced ALS. Implications for Rehabilitation A programme characterised by versatility, simplicity and relatively low cost could be considered practically relevant for persons with ALS and their contexts. A programme that is effective in fostering participants' independent leisure and communication engagement and is positively rated by care and rehabilitation personnel is more likely to be accepted and used with consistency. Any programme directed at persons affected by ALS needs to be adapted to the persons' progressive deterioration, starting from the response and microswitch used for accessing the programme's options.

PMID: 26699449 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Changes in cochlear function related to acoustic stimulation of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential stimulation

Publication date: Available online 25 December 2015
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Anna-Karin Strömberg, Åke Olofsson, Magnus Westin, Maoli Duan, Stefan Stenfelt
Evaluation of cervical evoked myogenic potentials (c-VEMP) is commonly applied in clinical investigations of patients with suspected neurotological symptoms. Short intense acoustic stimulation of peak levels close to 130 dB SPL is required to elicit the responses. A recent publication on bilateral significant sensorineural hearing loss related to extensive VEMP stimulation motivates evaluations of immediate effects on hearing acuity related to the intense acoustic stimulation required to elicit c-VEMP responses. The aim of the current study was to investigate changes in DPOAE-levels and hearing thresholds in relation to c-VEMP testing in humans. More specifically, the current focus is on immediate changes in hearing thresholds and changes in DPOAE-levels at frequencies 0.5 octaves above the acoustic stimulation when applying shorter tone bursts than previously used. Hearing acuity before and immediately after exposure to c-VEMP stimulation was examined in 24 patients with normal hearing and referred for neurotologic testing. The stimulation consisted of 192 tonebursts of 6 milliseconds and was presented at 500 Hz and 130 dB peSPL. Békésy thresholds at 0.125 to 8 kHz and DPOAE I/O growth functions with stimulation at 0.75 and 3 kHz were used to assess c-VEMP related changes in hearing status. No significant deterioration in Békésy thresholds was detected. Significant reduction in DPOAE levels at 0.75 (0.5-1.35 dB) and 3 kHz (1.6-2.1 dB) was observed after c-VEMP stimulation without concomitant changes in cochlear compression. The results indicated that there was no immediate audiometric loss related to c-VEMP stimulation in the current group of patients. The significant reduction of DPOAE levels at a wider frequency range than previously described after the c-VEMP test could be related to the stimulation with shorter tone bursts. The results show that c-VEMP stimulation causes reduction in DPOAE-levels at several frequencies that corresponds to half the reductions in DPOAE levels reported after exposure to the maximally allowed occupational noise for an eight hours working day. Consequently, extended stimuli intensity or stimulation repetition with c-VEMP testing should be avoided to reduce the risk for noise-induced cochlear injury.



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Influence of the paraflocculus on normal and abnormal spontaneous firing rates in the inferior colliculus

Publication date: Available online 25 December 2015
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Darryl P. Vogler, Donald Robertson, Wilhelmina H.A.M. Mulders
Spontaneous firing rates of neurons in the central auditory pathway, such as in the inferior colliculus, are known to be increased after cochlear trauma. This so-called hyperactivity is thought to be involved in the generation of tinnitus, a phantom auditory perception. Recent research in an animal model suggests behavioural signs of tinnitus can be significantly reduced by silencing or removal of the paraflocculus (PF) of the cerebellum. The current study investigated the effects of acute PF removal on spontaneous firing rates recorded from single neurons in the right inferior colliculus of guinea pigs with normal hearing (which did not receive acoustic trauma) or with hearing loss caused by acoustic trauma. Spontaneous firing rates were obtained at either 2 or 13 weeks after initial surgery on the left side. In half of the animals in each group the left PF was removed immediately prior to the spontaneous firing rates recordings. In the acoustic trauma groups, spontaneous firing rates in the inferior colliculus were higher when the PF was removed compared to animals with an intact PF. This effect of PF removal was not observed in animals that did not receive acoustic trauma. These results suggest that the PF has a tonic inhibitory effect on hyperactivity in the inferior colliculus in animals with hearing loss, but not on normal spontaneous firing rates in normal hearing animals.



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Cortical and thalamic connectivity of the auditory anterior ectosylvian cortex of early-deaf cats: Implications for neural mechanisms of crossmodal plasticity

Publication date: Available online 24 December 2015
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): M. Alex Meredith, H. Ruth Clemo, Sarah B. Corley, Nicole Chabot, Stephen G. Lomber
Early hearing loss leads to crossmodal plasticity in regions of the cerebrum that are dominated by acoustical processing in hearing subjects. Until recently, little has been known of the connectional basis of this phenomenon. One region whose crossmodal properties are well-established is the auditory field of the anterior ectosylvian sulcus (FAES) in the cat, where neurons are normally responsive to acoustic stimulation and its deactivation leads to the behavioral loss of accurate orienting toward auditory stimuli. However, in early-deaf cats, visual responsiveness predominates in the FAES and its deactivation blocks accurate orienting behavior toward visual stimuli. For such crossmodal reorganization to occur, it has been presumed that novel inputs or increased projections from non-auditory cortical areas must be generated, or that existing non-auditory connections were 'unmasked.' These possibilities were tested using tracer injections into the FAES of adult cats deafened early in life (and hearing controls), followed by light microscopy to localize retrogradely labeled neurons. Surprisingly, the distribution of cortical and thalamic afferents to the FAES was very similar among early-deaf and hearing animals. No new visual projection sources were identified and visual cortical connections to the FAES were comparable in projection proportions. These results support an alternate theory for the connectional basis for cross-modal plasticity that involves enhanced local branching of existing projection terminals that originate in non-auditory as well as auditory cortices.



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Th2 biased upper airway inflammation is associated with an impaired response to viral infection with Herpes simplex virus 1.

Th2 biased upper airway inflammation is associated with an impaired response to viral infection with Herpes simplex virus 1.

Rhinology. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Lan F, Wang XD, Nauwynck HJ, Holtappels G, Zhang L, Johnston SL, Papadopoulos NG, Bachert C, Zhang N

Abstract
BACKGROUND: We aimed to elucidate possible differences in antiviral defense in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) mucosal tissue compared to healthy mucosal tissue (HMT) upon herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) exposure.
METHODOLOGY: HMT and CRSwNP samples were infected with HSV1. We visualized the virus location by immunofluorescence and monitored invasion by a score. The mediators Interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-β, IFN-λ, IFN-γ, Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17, IL-5, IL-10 were measured in culture supernatants at baseline and at 24h, 48h and 72h after virus incubation.
RESULTS: CRSwNP mucosal tissue showed a significant deficit in IFN-γ and IL-17 release within 24 to 72 hours after infection in comparison to HMT, at the same time releasing significantly more pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and TNF-α. These findings were associated with significantly higher viral invasion scores at 48 and 72 h in CRSwNP mucosa compared to those for the HMT.
CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate for the first time in a human ex-vivo mucosal model that the inadequate response of CRSwNP may be associated with a deeper intrusion of viruses into the mucosal tissue, and may contribute to more and longer symptoms upon acute infection, but also to the persistence of inflammation in CRSwNP tissue.

PMID: 26702454 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 and risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 and risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Springerplus. 2015;4:787

Authors: Jiang J, Chen Z, Liang B, Yan J, Zhang Y, Jiang H

Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is implicated in learning and memory. Experimental studies have suggested that the IGF-1 system is beneficial in cognition, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD), by opposing Aβ amyloid processing and hyperphosphorylated tau toxicity. Low IGF-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 serum levels are significantly associated with AD. To assess the relationship between circulating IGF-I and IGFBP3 levels and change of postoperative cognition. The study was performed in patients scheduled for elective head and neck carcinoma surgery under general anesthesia. On the day before the operation and postoperative days 1, 3 and 7, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was performed by the same doctor, and blood samples were collected at 08:00 h after overnight fasting. The circulating levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One hundred and two patients completed all four MMSE tests and forty-four of them completed all the four blood samples collection. Postoperative circulating IGF-1 level, ratio of IGF-1/IGFBP3 and MMSE score significantly decreased, whereas IGFBP3 level significantly increased compared with preoperative values in total patients. The change trends of circulating IGF-1 level and MMSE score were similar. Preoperative circulating IGF-1 level, ratio and MMSE score were significantly lower in POCD group compared to non-POCD group. There was no significant difference in preoperative level of circulating IGFBP3 between the two groups. Preoperative circulating IGF-1 level was negatively correlated with age and positively with MMSE. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower preoperative IGF-1 level and elderly patients increased the odds of POCD. Down-regulation of circulating IGF-1 level may be involved in the mechanism of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Older patients had lower circulating IGF-1 levels and were more susceptible to POCD.

PMID: 26702376 [PubMed]

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Small is the new big: An overview of newer supraglottic airways for children.

Small is the new big: An overview of newer supraglottic airways for children.

J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol. 2015 Oct-Dec;31(4):440-9

Authors: Goyal R

Abstract
Almost all supraglottic airways (SGAs) are now available in pediatric sizes. The availability of these smaller sizes, especially in the last five years has brought a marked change in the whole approach to airway management in children. SGAs are now used for laparoscopic surgeries, head and neck surgeries, remote anesthesia; and for ventilation during resuscitation. A large number of reports have described the use of SGAs in difficult airway situations, either as a primary or a rescue airway. Despite this expanded usage, there remains little evidence to support its usage in prolonged surgeries and in the intensive care unit. This article presents an overview of the current options available, suitability of one over the other and reviews the published data relating to each device. In this review, the author also addresses some of the general concerns regarding the use of SGAs and explores newer roles of their use in children.

PMID: 26702197 [PubMed]

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Intrauterine Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Chorioamnionitis in a Sheep: Does It Affect the Auditory System?

Intrauterine Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Chorioamnionitis in a Sheep: Does It Affect the Auditory System?

Reprod Sci. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Smit AL, Lambermont VA, Stokroos RJ, Anteunis LJ, Chenault MN, Schaefer SM, Schoenmakers LW, Kremer B, Kramer BW

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fetal exposure to in utero inflammation such as chorioamnionitis is related to central nervous system injury. We hypothesized that chorioamnionitis can provoke inflammatory changes in the perilymph and alter hearing outcome.
METHODS: Pregnant ewes were randomized into 2 groups: intrauterine injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; n = 19) or saline (n = 21). In the first experiment, fetal perilymph samples were taken for cytokine analysis. In the second experiment, consecutive bone-conducted auditory brain stem responses were obtained from 1 to 7 months after birth.
RESULTS: Perilymph samples showed a significant elevation in interleukin 8 in the LPS group. Auditory brain stem response analysis demonstrated higher response thresholds and a prolongation of absolute peak V and interpeak intervals I to V and III to V in the LPS group compared to sham treatment.
CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the hypothesis that an intrauterine inflammation by LPS can result in a fetal perilymphatic inflammatory response and functional impaired hearing outcomes after birth in a sheep model.

PMID: 26702124 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Prevalence of and risk factors for otitis media with effusion in primary school children: case control study in Erzurum, Turkey.

Prevalence of and risk factors for otitis media with effusion in primary school children: case control study in Erzurum, Turkey.

Turk J Pediatr. 2015 May-Jun;57(3):230-5

Authors: Kucur C, Şimşek E, Kuduban O, Özbay İ

Abstract
A total of 1021 children attending 2 primary schools in districts in Erzurum were enrolled in a study evaluating the prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) and its relationship with various risk factors. The prevalence of OME in this study was 6.8% (69/1021). The difference in OME prevalence between age groups (<9 years, >9 years) was statistically significant (p<0.05). Parental smoking (p<0.001), history of acute otitis media (AOM) and recent history of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (p<0.001), socioeconomic status (p < 0.05), family size (p<0.001), educational status of the parents (p<0.05) and breastfeeding history (p<0.05) were also statistically significant factors. Sex (p>0.05), consanguineous marriage (p>0.05) and history of hearing loss in the parents (p>0.05) were not statistically significant. Parents need to be informed about the symptoms of and risk factors for OME to avoid delayed diagnosis, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.

PMID: 26701940 [PubMed - in process]

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On the connection between the tympanic membrane and the malleus.

On the connection between the tympanic membrane and the malleus.

Hear Res. 2015 Dec 14;

Authors: De Greef D, Goyens J, Pintelon I, Bogers JP, Van Rompaey V, Hamans E, Van de Heyning P, Dirckx JJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The tympano-mallear connection (TMC) is the soft-tissue connection between the tympanic membrane (TM) and the manubrium of the malleus. Some studies suggest that its mechanical properties may have a substantial influence on the mechanics and transfer function of the middle ear. However, relatively little is known about the dimensions of the TMC and its variability among individuals.
METHOD: Thirteen samples were collected from human temporal bones, consisting of only the malleus and the TM. They were imaged using μCT without contrast enhancing agent. From the μCT images, the TMC dimensions were measured in both anterior-posterior direction (TMC width) and medial-lateral direction (TMC thickness). Three selected samples were examined using histological microscopy.
RESULTS: Both TMC width and thickness featured a large variability among individuals. The minimal TMC width along the manubrium for different individuals covered a range between 83 and 840 μm. The minimal thickness ranged from 48 to 249 μm and the maximal thickness from 236 to 691 μm. Histological sections showed that the TMC consists of a narrow core of dense regular connective tissue, surrounded by loose connective tissue. In some samples, either of these two components was absent in the TMC at some manubrium locations. The configuration of these components varied among the samples as well.
CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that a large inter-individual variability exists in the properties of the TM-malleus connection in humans in terms of its dimensions, tissue composition and configuration. Average data and their variability margins will be useful input for testing the importance of the TMC in finite element models.

PMID: 26701786 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Determination of the mastoid surface area and volume based on micro-CT scanning of human temporal bones. Geometrical parameters depend on scanning resolutions.

Determination of the mastoid surface area and volume based on micro-CT scanning of human temporal bones. Geometrical parameters depend on scanning resolutions.

Hear Res. 2015 Dec 14;

Authors: Cros O, Knutsson H, Andersson M, Pawels E, Borga M, Gaihede M

Abstract
The mastoid air cell system (MACS) with its large complex of interconnected air cells reflects an enhanced surface area (SA) relative to its volume (V), which may indicate that the MACS is adapted to gas exchange and has a potential role in middle ear pressure regulation. These geometric parameters of the MACS have been studied by high resolution clinical CT scanning. However, the resolution of these scans is limited to a voxel size of around 0.6 mm in all dimensions, and so, the geometrical parameters are also limited. Small air cells may appear below the resolution and cannot be detected. Such air cells may contribute to a much higher SA, and thus, also the SA/V ratio. More accurate parameters are important for analysis of the function of the MACS including physiological modeling. Our aim was to determine the SA, V, and SA/V ratio in the MACS in human temporal bones at highest resolution by using micro-CT-scanning. Further, the influence of the resolution on these parameters was investigated by downsampling the data. Eight normally aerated temporal bones were scanned at the highest possible resolution (30-60 μm). The SA was determined using a triangular mesh fitted onto the segmented MACS. The V was determined by summing all the voxels containing air. Downsampling of the original data was applied four times by a factor of 2. The mean SA was 194 cm(2), the mean V was 9 cm(3), and the mean SA/V amounted to 22 cm(-1) (22 cm(2)/cm(3)). Decreasing the resolution resulted in a non-linear decrement of SA and SA/V, whereas V was mainly independent of the resolution. The current study found significantly higher SA and SA/V compared with previous studies using clinical CT scanning at lower resolutions. These findings indicate a role of the MACS different from that of the tympanum, though they are limited to only a smaller sample of temporal bones without knowledge about the disease history of the subjects. The current data on mastoid geometry seems important for a more accurate modeling of the middle ear physiology and future studies may include morphological investigations of the air cells with possible implications for their postnatal development.

PMID: 26701785 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Pressure buffering by the tympanic membrane. In vivo measurements of middle ear pressure fluctuations during elevator motion.

Pressure buffering by the tympanic membrane. In vivo measurements of middle ear pressure fluctuations during elevator motion.

Hear Res. 2015 Dec 14;

Authors: Padurariu S, de Greef D, Jacobsen H, Kamavuako EN, Dirckx JJ, Gaihede M

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The tympanic membrane (TM) represents a pressure buffer, which contributes to the overall pressure regulation of the middle ear (ME). This buffer capacity is based on its viscoelastic properties combined with those of the attached ossicular chain, muscles and ligaments. The current work presents a set of in vivo recordings of the ME pressure variations normally occurring in common life: elevator motion. This is defined as a situation of smooth ambient pressure increase or decrease on a limited range and at a low rate of pressure change. Based on these recordings, the purpose was a quantitative analysis of the TM buffer capacity including the TM compliance.
METHODS: The pressure changes in seven normal adult MEs with intact TM's were continuously recorded directly inside the ME cavity during four different elevator trips using a high precision instrument. The TM buffer capacity was determined by the ratio between the changes in ME and the ambient pressure. Further, the ME volumes were calculated by Boyle's Law from pressure recordings during inflation-deflation tests; subsequently the TM compliance could be also calculated. Finally, the correlation between the ME volume and buffer function was determined.
RESULTS: Twenty-one elevator trips could be used for the analysis. The overall mean TM pressure buffering capacity was 23.3 % (SEM = 3.4), whereas the mean overall compliance was 28.9 × 10(-3) μL/Pa (SEM = 4.8). A strong negative linear correlation was found between the TM buffer capacity and the ME volumes (R(2) = 0.92).
CONCLUSIONS: These results were in fair agreement with the literature obtained in clinical as well as temporal bone experiments, and they provide an in vivo reference for the normal ME function as well as for ME modeling. The TM buffer capacity was found more efficient in smaller mastoids. Possible clinical implications are discussed.

PMID: 26701784 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Fast Helical Tomotherapy in a head and neck cancer planning study: is time priceless?

Fast Helical Tomotherapy in a head and neck cancer planning study: is time priceless?

Radiat Oncol. 2015;10(1):261

Authors: Van Gestel D, De Kerf G, Wouters K, Crijns W, Vermorken JB, Gregoire V, Verellen D

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The last few years, in radiotherapy there has been a growing focus on speed of treatment delivery (largely driven by economical and commercial interests). This study investigates the influence of treatment time on plan quality for helical tomotherapy (HT), using delivery times with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT; Rapid Arc [RA]) as reference.
METHODS: In a previous study, double arc RA (Eclipse) and standard HT plans (TomoHD™) were created for five oropharyngeal cancer patients and reported according to ICRU 83 guidelines. By modifying the beam width from 2.5 to 5.0 cm, elevating the pitch and lowering the modulation factor, "TomoFast" (TF) plans were generated with treatment times equal to RA plans. To quantify the impact of TF's craniocaudal gradient, similar plans were generated on TomoEdge(TM) (TomoEdgeFast;TEF). The homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), mean dose, Dnear-max (D2) and Dnear-min (D98) of the PTVs were analyzed as well as the mean dose, specific critical doses and volumes of 26 organs at risk (OARs). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
RESULTS: With a mean treatment time of 3.05 min (RA), 2.89 min (TF) and 2.95 min (TEF), PTVtherapeutic coverage was more homogeneous with TF (HI.07;SE.01) and TEF (HI.08;SE.01) compared to RA (HI.10;SE.01), while PTVprophylactic was most homogeneous with RA. Mean doses to parotid glands were comparable for RA, TF, TEF: 25.62, 25.34, 23.09 Gy for contralateral and 32.02, 31.96, 30.01 Gy for ipsilateral glands, respectively. OARs' mean doses varied between different approaches not favoring a particular technique. TF's higher dose to OARs at the cranial-caudal edges of the PTVs and its higher integral dose, both due to the extended cranial-caudal gradient, seems to be solved by the new TomoEdge™ software. However, all these faster techniques lose part of standard TomoHD's OAR sparing capacity CONCLUSION: It is possible to treat oropharyngeal cancer patients using HT (TF/TEF) within time-frames observed for RA maintaining comparable target coverage and sparing of OARs. This study indicates that treatment time is not technology specific, rather an operator's decision on balancing efficiency and quality.

PMID: 26701749 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Serum antibodies to HPV16 early proteins as biomarkers for risk stratification and recurrence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer.

Serum antibodies to HPV16 early proteins as biomarkers for risk stratification and recurrence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer.

Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Fakhry C, Qualliotine J, Zhang Z, Agrawal N, Gaykalova DA, Bishop JA, Subramanian RM, Koch WM, Chung CH, Eisele DW, Califano J, Viscidi RP

Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for increasing incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). At present, there are no biomarkers in the surveillance algorithm for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC). HPV16 E6 antibody precedes OPC diagnosis. If HPV16 E6 indeed precedes primary diagnosis, it is similarly expected to precede disease recurrence and may have a potential role as a biomarker for surveillance of HPV-OPC. To determine whether HPV antibody titers have a potential role as early markers of disease recurrence or prognosis a retrospective pilot study was designed to determine whether HPV16 early antibody titers E6, E7, E1 and E2 decrease after treatment of HPV16-positive OPC. Trends in pre-treatment, early- (≤6 months after treatment) and late- post treatment (>6 months after treatment) HPV16 antibody titers were examined. There were 43, 34 and 52 subjects with serum samples available for pre-treatment, early- and late- post treatment intervals. Mean pre-treatment antibody levels were higher than post-treatment antibody levels. Average antibody levels decreased significantly over time for E6 (p-trend=0.001) and E7 (p-trend<0.001). 6 disease recurrences were observed during the follow-up period (median 4.4 years). In univariate analysis, a log unit increase in pre-treatment E6 titer was significantly associated with increased risk of disease recurrence (HR 5.42, 95%CI 1.1-25.7, p=0.03). Therefore, levels of antibodies to HPV16 early oncoproteins decline after therapy. Higher E6 titers at diagnosis are associated with significant increases in risk of recurrence. These data support the prospective evaluation of HPV16 antibodies as markers of surveillance and for risk stratification at diagnosis.

PMID: 26701665 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Suppression of pro-inflammatory and pro-survival biomarkers in oral cancer patients consuming a black raspberry phytochemical-rich troche.

Suppression of pro-inflammatory and pro-survival biomarkers in oral cancer patients consuming a black raspberry phytochemical-rich troche.

Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Knobloch TJ, Uhrig LK, Pearl DK, Casto BC, Warner BM, Clinton SK, Sardo-Molmenti CL, Ferguson JM, Daly BT, Riedl K, Schwartz SJ, Vodovotz Y, Buchta AJ, Schuller DE, Ozer E, Agrawal A, Weghorst CM

Abstract
Black raspberries (BRBs) demonstrate potent inhibition of aerodigestive tract carcinogenesis in animal models. However, translational clinical trials evaluating the ability of BRB phytochemicals to impact molecular biomarkers in the oral mucosa remain limited. The present phase 0 study addresses a fundamental question for oral cancer food-based prevention: Do BRB phytochemicals successfully reach the targeted oral tissues and reduce pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic gene expression profiles? Patients with biopsy-confirmed oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) administered oral troches containing freeze-dried BRB powder from the time of enrollment to the date of curative intent surgery (13.9±1.27 days). Transcriptional biomarkers were evaluated in patient-matched OSCCs and non-involved high at-risk mucosa (HARM) for BRB-associated changes. Significant expression differences between baseline OSCC and HARM tissues were confirmed using a panel of genes commonly deregulated during oral carcinogenesis. Following BRB troche administration, the expression of pro-survival genes (AURKA, BIRC5, EGFR) and pro-inflammatory genes (NFKB1, PTGS2) were significantly reduced. There were no BRB-associated Grade 3-4 toxicities or adverse events and 79.2% (N=30) of patients successfully completed the study with high levels of compliance (97.2%). The BRB phytochemicals cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-xylosylrutinoside were detected in all OSCC tissues analyzed, demonstrating that bioactive components were successfully reaching targeted OSCC tissues. We confirmed that hallmark anti-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory molecular biomarkers were over-expressed in OSCCs and that their gene expression was significantly reduced following BRB troche administration. Since these molecular biomarkers are fundamental to oral carcinogenesis and are modifiable, they may represent emerging biomarkers of molecular efficacy for BRB-mediated oral cancer chemoprevention.

PMID: 26701664 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the limestone forest of Khammouane Province, central Laos.

A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the limestone forest of Khammouane Province, central Laos.

Zootaxa. 2015;4058(3):388-402

Authors: Luu VQ, Calame T, Nguyen TQ, Bonkowski M, Ziegler T

Abstract
We describe a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus on the basis of three specimens from Khammouane Province, Laos. Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining congeners by the combination of the following characters: adult SVL 69.2-70.0 mm; dorsal head and neck with dark blotches; nuchal loop present; dorsum with five brown bands between limb insertions; 19 or 20 irregular rows of dorsal tubercles; 32 or 33 ventral scale rows; ventrolateral folds present, with distinct tubercles; dorsal surface of hind limbs with tubercles; 29 precloacal and femoral pores in a continuous row in males, precloacal pores absent in the female; enlarged femoral and precloacal scales present; 4 or 5 postcloacal tubercles; and subcaudals transversely enlarged. The new species most closely resembles Cyrtodactylus jaegeri and Cyrtodactylus roesleri in overall coloration and pattern. However, they can be clearly distinguished from each other in the number of dorsal tubercle rows, ventral scales, and femoral and precloacal pores. Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki is the 16^th species of Cyrtodactylus known from Laos.

PMID: 26701534 [PubMed - in process]

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Validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Speech Handicap Index in patients with oral cavity cancer.

Validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Speech Handicap Index in patients with oral cavity cancer.

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2015 Dec 14;

Authors: Park SS, Choi SH, Hong JA, Hong YH, Jeong NG, Lee SY, Sung MW, Hah JH

Abstract
The aims of this study were to evaluate the cross-cultural adaptation of the Speech Handicap Index (SHI) for Korean subjects and to determine its reliability and utility in patients with oral cavity cancer. The Korean version of the SHI was administered to 50 healthy subjects and 56 patients with speech problems resulting from treatment for oral cavity cancers. The content and construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were examined. Healthy subject and patient group scores were compared, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to determine discriminatory ability. The Korean version of the SHI had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.99) and test-retest reliability for the total and subscales: total (T) 0.98, speech (S) 0.99, and psychosocial (P) 0.97. Mean scores in the healthy group were 0.5 (T), 0.2 (S), and 0.2 (P), whereas those in the patient group were 34.3 (T), 16.6 (S), and 15.5 (P). The scores differed significantly between the groups (P<0.05). The Korean version of the SHI can be a useful tool to evaluate a patient's self-perception of their speech dysfunction in daily life and to better understand postoperative speech disorders in patients with oral cavity cancer.

PMID: 26701323 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Comparison of two- and three-dimensional sonography for the prediction of the extrathyroidal extension of papillary thyroid carcinomas.

Comparison of two- and three-dimensional sonography for the prediction of the extrathyroidal extension of papillary thyroid carcinomas.

Korean J Intern Med. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Yi YS, Kim SS, Kim WJ, Bae MJ, Kang JH, Choi BG, Jeon YK, Kim BH, Lee BJ, Wang SG, Kim IJ, Kim YK

Abstract
Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic validity of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography (US) when predicting the extrathyroidal extension of papillary thyroid cancer.
Methods: All 2D data were interpreted in real time and 3D data were stored, rendered using tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI), and then reviewed retrospectively.
Results: Extrathyroidal extension was present in 17 papillary thyroid cancers(24.3%) on pathology reports. The presence of contact was significantly associated with extrathyroidal extension on both 2D and 3D US (p = 0.007 and p = 0.003), and the sensitivity and specificity were not significantly different between 2D and 3D US (p = 1.000 and p = 0.754). The coexistence of protrusion and contact was not significantly associated with extrathyroidal extension on either 2D or 3D sonogram.
Conclusions: Three-dimensional images rendered with TUI algorithms alone do not seem to be markedly superior to real-time 2D US in predicting the extrathyroidal extension of papillary thyroid cancer.

PMID: 26701230 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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