Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Κυριακή 31 Ιουλίου 2016

Liposarcoma

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America
Author(s): Aimee M. Crago, Mark A. Dickson

Teaser

There are 3 biologic groups of liposarcoma: well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcoma, myxoid/round cell liposarcoma, and pleomorphic liposarcoma. In all 3 groups, complete surgical resection is central in treatment aimed at cure and is based on grade. Radiation can reduce risk of local recurrence in high-grade lesions or minimize surgical morbidity in the myxoid/round cell liposarcoma group. The groups differ in chemosensitivity, so adjuvant chemotherapy is selectively used in histologies with metastatic potential but not in the resistant subtype dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Improved understanding of the genetic aberrations that lead to liposarcoma initiation is allowing for the rapid development of targeted therapies for liposarcoma.


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Acute pancreatitis: An unusual cause of esophageal stricture

A 25 year-old gentleman with alcohol related acute pancreatitis of 2 month-duration was symptomatic with abdominal pain and fever. Initially, the patient had required admission in ICU for persistent acute lung injury and was diagnosed to have severe acute pancreatitis. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of abdomen revealed acute necrotizing pancreatitis with peri-pancreatic necrotic collection extending into left paracolic gutter with air foci. He received intravenous meropenem for pancreatic infection, proton pump inhibitors for stress ulcer prophylaxis and received percutaneous drain as part of step-up approach.

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The price of target dose uniformity

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Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): David Craft, Fazal Khan, Michael Young, Thomas Bortfeld




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Upregulation of long noncoding RNA SNHG18 promotes radioresistance of glioma by repressing Sema5A

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): R. Zheng, Q.W. Yao, C. Ren, Y. Liu, H.L. Yang, G.Z. Xie, S.S. Du, K.J. Yang, Y.W. Yuan
Although there is increasing evidence that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important regulatory role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, little is known about the role of small nucleolar RNA host gene 18 (SNHG18) in cancer. This study investigated the clinical associations of SNHG18 and its role in glioma. Our results showed that the expression level of SNHG18 was remarkably up-regulated in clinical glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues.SNHG18 expression was associated with the clinical tumor grade and was negatively correlated with IDH1 mutation. In addition, knockdown of SNHG18 with short hairpin RNA suppressed the radioresistance of glioma cells, whereas transgenic expression of SNHG18 had the opposite effect. Furthermore, xenograft tumors grown from cells with SNHG18 deletion were more radiosensitive than tumors grown from control cells. Further studies revealed that SNHG18 promotes radioresistance by inhibiting Sema5A, and that inhibition of Sema5A expression abrogated the radiosensitizing effect caused by SNHG18 deletion. Our findings provide new insights into the role of SNHG18 in glioma, and suggest its potential as a target for glioma therapy.

Teaser

SNHG18 is significantly up-regulated in clinical glioma tissues and is negatively associated with Sema5A expression. Inhibition of SNHG18 is able to suppress glioma cell radioresistance. The promotion effect of SNHG18 deletion in radiosensitivity was rescued by suppression of Sema5A.


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Serum lipidomics analysis of ovariectomized rats under Curcuma comosa treatment

Publication date: 4 November 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 192
Author(s): Nawaporn Vinayavekhin, Jetjamnong Sueajai, Nichaboon Chaihad, Ratchanee Panrak, Ratchanaporn Chokchaisiri, Polkit Sangvanich, Apichart Suksamrarn, Pawinee Piyachaturawat
Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurcuma comosa Roxb. (C. comosa) or Wan Chak Motluk, Zingiberaceae family, has been used in Thai traditional medicine for the treatment of gynecological problems and inflammation.Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of C. comosa by determining the changes in the lipid profiles in the ovariectomized rats, as a model of estrogen-deficiency-induced hyperlipidemia, after treatment with different components of C. comosa using an untargeted lipidomics approach.Materials and methodsLipids were extracted from the serum of adult female rats subjected to a sham operation (SHAM; control), ovariectomy (OVX), or OVX with 12-week daily doses of estrogen (17β-estradiol; E2), (3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol (DPHD; a phytoestrogen from C. comosa), powdered C. comosa rhizomes or its crude ethanol extract. They were then analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, characterized, and subjected to the orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis statistical model to identify tentative biomarkers.ResultsLevels of five classes of lipids (ceramide, ceramide-1-phosphate, sphingomyelin, 1-O-alkenyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine) were elevated in the OVX rats compared to those in the SHAM rats, while the monoacylglycerols and triacylglycerols were decreased. The E2 treatment only reversed the levels of ceramides, whereas treatments with DPHD, C. comosa extract or powder returned the levels of all upregulated lipids back to those in the SHAM control rats.ConclusionsThe findings suggest the potential beneficial effects of C. comosa on preventing the increased ceramide levels in OVX rats, a possible cause of metabolic disturbance under estrogen deficiency. Overall, the results demonstrated the power of untargeted lipidomics in discovering disease-relevant biomarkers, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of treatment by C. comosa components (DPHD, extract or powder) as utilized in Thai traditional medicine, and also providing scientific support for its folklore use.

Graphical abstract

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Conscious and Non-conscious Representations of Emotional Faces in Asperger's Syndrome

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An EEG experimental protocol is designed to clarify the interplay between conscious and non-conscious representations of emotional faces in patients with Asperger's syndrome. The technique suggests that patients with Asperger's syndrome have deficits in non-conscious representation of emotional faces, but have comparable performance in conscious representation with healthy controls.

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Effect of Interferon-γ on the Basal and the TNFα-Stimulated Secretion of CXCL8 in Thyroid Cancer Cell Lines Bearing Either the RET/PTC Rearrangement Or the BRAF V600e Mutation

CXCL8 displays several tumor-promoting effects. Targeting and/or lowering CXCL8 concentrations within the tumor microenvironment would produce a therapeutic benefit. Aim of this study was to test the effect of IFNγ on the basal and TNFα-stimulated secretion of CXCL8 in TCP-1 and BCPAP thyroid cancer cell lines (harboring RET/PTC rearrangement and BRAF V600e mutation, resp.). Cells were incubated with IFNγ (1, 10, 100, and 1000 U/mL) alone or in combination with TNF-α (10 ng/mL) for 24 hours. CXCL8 and CXCL10 concentrations were measured in the cell supernatants. IFNγ inhibited in a dose-dependent and significant manner both the basal (ANOVA F: 22.759; ) and the TNFα-stimulated (ANOVA F: 15.309; ) CXCL8 secretions in BCPAP but not in TPC-1 cells (NS). On the other hand, IFNγ and IFNγ + TNF-α induced a significant secretion of CXCL10 in both BCPAP () and TPC-1 () cells. Transwell migration assay showed that (i) CXCL8 increased cell migration in both TPC-1 and BCPAP cells; (ii) IFNγ significantly reduced the migration only of BCPAP cells; and (iii) CXCL8 reverted the effect of IFNγ. These results constitute the first demonstration that IFNγ inhibits CXCL8 secretion and in turn the migration of a BRAF V600e mutated thyroid cell line.

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Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver

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In this manuscript, we describe percutaneous isolated hepatic perfusion with simultaneous chemofiltration as treatment for unresectable liver metastases. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in the angiosuite by an experienced team, consisting of an interventional radiologist, a clinical perfusionist and anaesthesiologist.

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Microrobots from Drexel University

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Microrobotics is not only hot in Europe. "A team of researchers at Drexel has developed an assembly of microscopic robots, suspended in liquid, that assemble and swim together at remarkable speeds when exposed to a rotating magnetic field.  This finding represents a key step in the development of 'microswimmers' for the delivery of medicine and the performance of surgery inside the body.
The robot chains move as a long, screw-like propeller as each individual robot in the chain spins in response to the external rotating magnetic field. Increasing the external field strength increases the rate the robots spin at which, in turn, increases the velocity of the robot chain, allowing the velocity of the chain to be controlled. The magnetic field can also be used to divide the chain into shorter segments as, at certain magnetic frequencies, the chain will split into two separate smaller chains which move independently of one-another.
After being separated, the field can be adjusted to make the smaller robots travel in different directions. The beads can also be reconnected as they are magnetized. This is achieved by tweaking the field to bring them back into contact.
This finding is a vital part of a bigger project in which Drexel is collaborating with 10 institutions of medicine and research from across the world to develop technology for executing minimally invasive surgery on blocked arteries."



Source: AZO Robotics, Drexel

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Air Pollutants, Climate, and the Prevalence of Pediatric Asthma in Urban Areas of China

Background. Prevalence of childhood asthma varies significantly among regions, while its reasons are not clear yet with only a few studies reporting relevant causes for this variation. Objective. To investigate the potential role of city-average levels of air pollutants and climatic factors in order to distinguish differences in asthma prevalence in China and explain their reasons. Methods. Data pertaining to 10,777 asthmatic patients were obtained from the third nationwide survey of childhood asthma in China's urban areas. Annual mean concentrations of air pollutants and other climatic factors were obtained for the same period from several government departments. Data analysis was implemented with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the situation of childhood asthma was strongly linked with SO2, relative humidity, and hours of sunshine (). Multiple regression analysis indicated that, among the predictor variables in the final step, SO2 was found to be the most powerful predictor variable amongst all (, p

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Antinociceptive Activity of Zanthoxylum piperitum DC. Essential Oil

Zanthoxylum piperitum DC. (ZP) is a traditional medicinal plant used mainly in countries from Asia such as Japan. This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of ZP essential oil (ZPEO). The major component present in the essential oil was beta-phellandrene (29.39%). Its antinociceptive activity was tested through animal models (formalin-, capsaicin-, and glutamate-induced paw licking and hot plate). The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated through the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration into the subcutaneous air pouch (SAP), with measurement of cytokines. The results showed antinociceptive effect for ZPEO for the first phase of the formalin-induced licking, glutamate, and hot plate tests. However, ZPEO had no effect on reducing paw licking induced by capsaicin. Finally, ZPEO had no effect against inflammation induced by carrageenan.

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Improved Heterojunction Quality in Cu2O-based Solar Cells Through the Optimization of Atmospheric Pressure Spatial Atomic Layer Deposited Zn1-xMgxO

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Here we present a protocol for synthesizing Zn1-xMgxO/Cu2O heterojunctions in open-air at low temperature via atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP-SALD) of Zn1-xMgxO on cuprous oxide. Such high quality conformal metal oxides can be grown on a variety of substrates including plastics by this cheap and scalable method.

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Efficacy of topical therapy of irrigation with syringe and the influence of the middle turbinate in sinus penetration of solutions

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2016
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Guilherme Henrique Wawginiak, Leonardo Balsalobre, Eduardo Macoto Kosugi, João Paulo Mangussi-Gomes, Raul Ernesto Samaniego, Aldo Cassol Stamm
IntroductionThe topical therapies are the best postoperative treatment option for chronic rhinosinusitis, especially those with high volume and pressure, such as the squeeze bottles. However, they are not an available option in Brazil, where irrigation syringes are used.ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of topical sinonasal therapy with syringe and the influence of this process on the middle turbinate.MethodsIntervention study in training models (S.I.M.O.N.T.). After standard dissection, three interventions were performed (Nasal Spray 4 puffs, 60-mL syringe and 240-mL Squeeze Bottle) with normal and Sutured Middle Turbinate. Images of each sinus were captured after the interventions, totaling 144 images. The images were classified by 10 evaluators according to the amount of residual volume from zero to 3, with zero and 1 being considered poor penetration and 2 and 3, good penetration. The 1440 evaluations were used in this study.ResultsConsidering all middle turbinate situations, the amount of good penetrations were 8.1% for Spray; 68.3% for Syringe, and 78.3% for Squeeze (p<0.0001). Considering all types of interventions, the Normal Middle Turbinate had 48.2% of good penetrations and the Sutured Middle Turbinate, 55% (p=0.01). Considering only Sutured Middle Turbinate, there was no difference between the interventions with Syringe and Squeeze (76.3% vs. 80.4%; p=0.27).ConclusionTopical therapy of irrigation with a 60-mL syringe was more effective than that with nasal spray. The status of the middle turbinate proved to be fundamental and influenced topical therapy. Irrigation with syringe was as effective as the squeeze bottle when the middle turbinate was sutured to the nasal septum.



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Profile and prevalence of hearing complaints in the elderly

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2016
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Magda Aline Bauer, Ângela Kemel Zanella, Irênio Gomes Filho, Geraldo de Carli, Adriane Ribeiro Teixeira, Ângelo José Gonçalves Bós
IntroductionHearing is essential for the processing of acoustic information and the understanding of speech signals. Hearing loss may be associated with cognitive decline, depression and reduced functionality.ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence of hearing complaints in elderly individuals from Rio Grande do Sul and describe the profile of the study participants with and without hearing complaints.Methods7315 elderly individuals interviewed in their homes, in 59 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, participated in the study. Inclusion criteria were age 60 years or older and answering the question on auditory self-perception. For statistical purposes, the chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to assess the correlations between variables.Results139 elderly individuals who did not answer the question on auditory self-perception and 9 that self-reported hearing loss were excluded, totaling 7167 elderly participants. Hearing loss complaint rate was 28% (2011) among the elderly, showing differences between genders, ethnicity, income, social participation. The mean age of the elderly without hearing complaints was 69.44 (±6.91) and among those with complaint, 72.8 (±7.75) years. Elderly individuals without hearing complaints had 5.10 (±3.78) years of study compared to 4.48 (±3.49) years among those who had complaints. Multiple logistic regression observed that protective factors for hearing complaints were: higher level of schooling, contributing to the family income and having received health care in the last six months. Risk factors for hearing complaints were: older age, male gender, experiencing difficulty in leaving home and carrying out social activities.ConclusionsAmong the elderly population of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the prevalence of hearing complaints reached 28%. The complaint is more often present in elderly men who did not participate in the generation of family income, who did not receive health care, performed social and community activities, had a lower level of schooling and were older.



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Bilateral multifocal inverted papilloma with osseous metaplasia of the sinonasal cavity

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Lokman Uzun, Seyma Ozkanli, M. Tayyar Kalcioglu, Numan Kokten, Cigdem Kafkasli




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Preoperative vestibular assessment protocol of cochlear implant surgery: an analytical descriptive study

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2016
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Roseli S.M. Bittar, Eduardo Setsuo Sato, Douglas Jósimo Silva Ribeiro, Robinson Koji Tsuji
IntroductionCochlear implants are undeniably an effective method for the recovery of hearing function in patients with hearing loss.ObjectiveTo describe the preoperative vestibular assessment protocol in subjects who will be submitted to cochlear implants.MethodsOur institutional protocol provides the vestibular diagnosis through six simple tests: Romberg and Fukuda tests, assessment for spontaneous nystagmus, Head Impulse Test, evaluation for Head Shaking Nystagmus and caloric test.Results21 patients were evaluated with a mean age of 42.75±14.38 years. Only 28% of the sample had all normal test results. The presence of asymmetric vestibular information was documented through the caloric test in 32% of the sample and spontaneous nystagmus was an important clue for the diagnosis. Bilateral vestibular areflexia was present in four subjects, unilateral arreflexia in three and bilateral hyporeflexia in two. The Head Impulse Test was a significant indicator for the diagnosis of areflexia in the tested ear (p=0.0001). The sensitized Romberg test using a foam pad was able to diagnose severe vestibular function impairment (p=0.003).ConclusionThe six clinical tests were able to identify the presence or absence of vestibular function and function asymmetry between the ears of the same individual.



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An upright eyedrop bottle: accuracy, usage of excess drops, and contamination compared to a conventional bottle



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Etiologic analysis of 100 anatomically failed dacryocystorhinostomies



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Visualization of a hyaluronan network on the surface of silicone-hydrogel materials



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After-hours primary care for people with intellectual disabilities in The Netherlands—Current arrangements and challenges

Publication date: December 2016
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 59
Author(s): Marloes Heutmekers, Jenneken Naaldenberg, Tessa K. Frankena, Marleen Smits, Geraline L. Leusink, Willem J.J. Assendelft, Henny M.J. van Schrojenstein Lantman- de Valk
BackgroundLittle is known about the organisation of after-hours primary care for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), and mainstream care is not self-evidently accessible or fit for this group. A first step towards improvement is a greater understanding of current after-hours primary ID care.AimsThis study explores the organisation of and experiences with after-hours primary care provided for people with ID in The Netherlands.Methods and proceduresA telephone survey amongst 68 care provider services including questions on organisational characteristics, problem areas, facilitators, and inhibitors.Outcomes and resultsA multitude of different after-hours primary care arrangements were found. Primary care physicians (PCPs) were involved in almost all care provider services, often in alliance with PCP cooperatives. Specialised ID physicians had differing roles as gatekeeper, primary caregiver, or consultant. Most problems during the after-hours arose regarding daily care professionals' competences. Facilitators and inhibitors of after-hours primary care were themed around complexity of, and need for, specialised care, multidisciplinary team of professionals, communication and information, and prerequisites at organisational level.Conclusions and implicationsEvidence on specific after-hours health needs of people with ID is needed to strengthen collaboration between specialist ID care services and mainstream healthcare services to adequately provide care.



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Efficient Catalyst One-Pot Synthesis of 7-(Aryl)-10,10-dimethyl-10,11-dihydrochromeno[4,3-b]chromene-6,8(7H,9H)-dione Derivatives Complemented by Antibacterial Activity

The problem of bacteria resistance to many known agents has inspired scientists and researchers to discover novel efficient antibacterial drugs. Three rapid, clean, and highly efficient methods were developed for one-pot synthesis of 7-(aryl)-10,10-dimethyl-10,11-dihydrochromeno[4,3-b]chromene-6,8(7H,9H)-dione derivatives. Three components are condensed in the synthesis, 4-hydroxycoumarin, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione, and aromatic aldehydes, using tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP), or ferric chloride (FeCl3), respectively. Each method has different reaction mechanisms according to the catalyst. The present methods have advantages, including one-pot synthesis, excellent yields, short reaction times, and easy isolation of product. All catalysts utilized in our study could be reused several times without losing their catalytic efficiency. All synthesized compounds were fully characterized and evaluated for their antibacterial activity.

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TWiV 400: Harold '400' Varmus, a scientist for all seasons

The TWiV team is together in New York City for a conversation with Nobel Laureate Harold Varmus about his remarkable career in science.

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello



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Editorial Board



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Training Groups



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Editorial Board/ Publication Information

Publication date: August 2016
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 76





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Optimal timing of salvage radiotherapy for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy: is ultra-early salvage radiotherapy beneficial?

The optimal timing of salvage radiotherapy for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy is controversial. In particular, the prognostic significance of salvage radiotherapy delivered before a current...

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LPN, Paramedic - CSL PLASMA

Job Description 1 Promotes positive customer relations with all donors. 2 Conducts confidential and effective interviews with donors to obtain necessary information regarding suitability to donate plasma. 3 In conjunction with the Center Medical Director and/or Center Physician responds to medically related questions from staff including donor suitability and provides information to staff on medically ...

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APS - Diagnostics and challenges for the future

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Publication date: Available online 31 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): V. Pengo, E. Bison, G. Zoppellaro, S. Padayattil Jose, G. Denas, A. Hoxha, A. Ruffatti, A. Banzato
Diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is essentially based on the detection of circulating antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. Progress have been made on the standardization of tests exploring the presence of aPL as guidelines on coagulation and immunological tests were recently published in the literature. Clinical relevance of aPL profile has come from prospective cohort studies in populations with a homogeneous antibody profile supporting the view that triple positivity is a high risk pattern in patients and carriers. In addition to the classic ones, several other tests have been proposed for the diagnosis of APS. The detection of antibodies directed to domain 1 and 4/5 of β2-Glycoprotein I (β2GP1) were found to be particularly sound. Several issues remain to be addressed. We do not yet know what is the physiological function of β2GP1 and the pathophysiology of thrombosis and pregnancy loss in these patients. Moreover, treatment is poorly defined especially in the case of feared catastrophic APS.



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Complement and thrombosis in the antiphospholipid syndrome

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Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Kenji Oku, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Michihiro Kono, Kazumasa Ohmura, Masaru Kato, Toshiyuki Bohgaki, Tetsuya Horita, Shinsuke Yasuda, Olga Amengual and, Tatsuya Atsumi
The involvement of complement activation in the pathophysiology of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was first reported in murine models of antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-related pregnancy morbidities. We previously reported that complement activation is prevalent and may function as a source of procoagulant cell activation in the sera of APS patients. Recently, autoantibodies against C1q, a component of complement 1, were reported to be correlated with complement activation in systemic lupus erythematosus. These antibodies target neoepitopes of deformed C1q bound to various molecules (i.e., anionic phospholipids) and induce accelerated complement activation. We found that anti-C1q antibodies are more frequently detected in primary APS patients than in control patients and in refractory APS patients with repeated thrombotic events. The titre of anti-C1q antibodies was significantly higher in refractory APS patients than in APS patients without flare. The binding of C1q to anionic phospholipids may be associated with the surge in complement activation in patients with anti-C1q antibodies when triggered by 'second-hit' biological stressors such as infection. Such stressors will induce overexpression of anionic phospholipids, with subsequent increases in deformed C1q that is targeted by anti-C1q antibodies.



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Tolerogenic dendritic cells for reprogramming of lymphocyte responses in autoimmune diseases

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Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Paulina García-González, Gabriela Ubilla-Olguín, Diego Catalán, Katina Schinnerling, Juan Carlos Aguillón
Dendritic cells (DCs) control immune responses by driving potent inflammatory actions against external and internal threats while generating tolerance to self and harmless components. This duality and their potential to reprogram immune responses in an antigen-specific fashion have made them an interesting target for immunotherapeutic strategies to control autoimmune diseases. Several protocols have been described for in vitro generation of tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) capable of modulating adaptive immune responses and restoring tolerance through different mechanisms that involve anergy, generation of regulatory lymphocyte populations, or deletion of potentially harmful inflammatory T cell subsets. Recently, the capacity of tolDCs to induce interleukin (IL-10)-secreting regulatory B cells has been demonstrated. In vitro assays and rodent models of autoimmune diseases provide insights to the molecular regulators and pathways enabling tolDCs to control immune responses. Here we review mechanisms through which tolDCs modulate adaptive immune responses, particularly focusing on their suitability for reprograming autoreactive CD4+ effector T cells. Furthermore, we discuss recent findings establishing that tolDCs also modulate B cell populations and also examine on clinical trials applying tolDCs to patients with autoimmune diseases.



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From VGKC to LGI1 and Caspr2 encephalitis: The evolution of a disease entity over time

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): A. van Sonderen, M.W.J. Schreurs, P.W. Wirtz, P.A.E. Sillevis Smitt, M.J. Titulaer
A wide variety of clinical syndromes has been associated with antibodies to voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs). Six years ago, it was discovered that patients do not truly have antibodies to potassium channels, but to associated proteins. This enabled the distinction of three VGKC-positive subgroups: anti-LGI1 patients, anti-Caspr2 patients and VGKC-positive patients lacking both antibodies. Patients with LGI1-antibodies have a limbic encephalitis, often with hyponatremia, and about half of the patients have typical faciobrachial dystonic seizures. Caspr2-antibodies cause a more variable syndrome of peripheral or central nervous system symptoms, almost exclusively affecting older males. Immunotherapy seems to be beneficial in patients with antibodies to LGI1 or Caspr2, stressing the need for early diagnosis. Half of the VGKC-positive patients lack antibodies to both LGI1 and Caspr2. This is a heterogeneous group of patients with a wide variety of clinical syndromes, raising the question whether VGKC-positivity is truly a marker of disease in these patients. Data regarding this issue are limited, but a recent study did not show any clinical relevance of VGKC-positivity in the absence of antibodies to LGI1 and Caspr2. The three VGKC-positive subgroups are essentially different, therefore, the lumping term 'VGKC-complex antibodies' should be abolished.



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Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in the Emergency Department: How Can a Specialized Addiction Team Be Useful? A Pilot Study

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Fanny Pélissier, Isabelle Claudet, Peggy Gandia-Mailly, Amine Benyamina, Nicolas Franchitto
BackgroundChronic cannabis users may experience cyclical episodes of nausea and vomiting and learned behavior of hot bathing. This clinical condition, known as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, was first reported in 2004.ObjectiveOur aim was to promote early recognition of this syndrome in emergency departments (EDs) and to increase referral to addiction specialists.MethodsCannabis abusers were admitted to the ED for vomiting or abdominal pain from June 1, 2014 to January 1, 2015 and diagnosed with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome by a specialized addiction team. Then, medical records were examined retrospectively.ResultsSeven young adults were included. Their mean age was 24.7 years (range 17−39 years) and the majority were men (male-to-female ratio 1.2). Biological and toxicological blood samples were taken in all patients. Tetrahydrocannabinol blood level was measured in 4 patients, with a mean blood concentration of 11.6 ng/mL. Radiographic examination including abdominal computed tomography and brain imaging were negative, as was upper endoscopy. Five patients compulsively took hot baths in an attempt to decrease the symptoms. Treatment was symptomatic. Five patients have started follow-up with the specialized addiction team.ConclusionsCannabis hyperemesis syndrome is still under-diagnosed 10 years after it was first described. Physicians should be aware of this syndrome to avoid repeated hospitalizations or esophageal complications. Greater awareness should lead to prompt treatment and prevention of future recurrence through cannabis cessation. Addiction specialists, as well as medical toxicologists, are experts in the management of cannabis abusers and can help re-establish the role of medical care in this population in collaboration with emergency physicians.



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Low-Dose Steroid Therapy Is Associated with Decreased IL-12 Production in PBMCs of Severe Septic Patients

Background. Sepsis-induced immunosuppression may result in higher mortality rates in patients. Methods. We examined the relationship of cytokine responses from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression (days 1 and 7) with low-dose steroid therapy in 29 septic patients. Patients were treated according to the guidelines. Thirty healthy controls were enrolled for validation. Results. Eighteen patients were prescribed low-dose steroids and 11 were not. Interleukin- (IL-) 12 responses in patients without low-dose steroid therapy on days 1 and 7 were higher than those with low-dose steroid therapy. Compared to day 1, IL-12 responses significantly increased on day 7 in patients without low-dose steroid therapy. After regression analysis, the change in the IL-12 response from day 7 to day 1 was found to be independently associated with the low-dose steroid therapy. There was no difference in monocyte HLA-DR expression between patients treated with and without low-dose steroid on day 1 or 7. No change in monocyte HLA-DR expression from day 7 to day 1 was observed in patients with or without low-dose steroid therapy. Conclusion. Decreased IL-12 response was associated with the low-dose steroid therapy in PBMCs of septic patients.

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Tiron ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammation in a murine model of airway remodeling

Publication date: October 2016
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 39
Author(s): Nagla A. El-Sherbeeny, Zeinab A. Hassan, Hayam Ateyya
Airway remodeling includes lung structural changes that have a role in the irreversibility of pulmonary dysfunction shown in chronic bronchial asthmatics. The current experiment investigated the effect of the mitochondrial antioxidant, tiron in comparison with dexamethasone (DEXA) on airway remodeling in chronic asthma. Sensitized BALB/c mice were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) aerosol for 8weeks, OVA sensitized-challenged mice were treated with either DEXA or tiron, respectively. After that, lung tissue and bronchoaveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were used for measurement of different biological markers. Lungs were examined for histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry. Upon comparing with vehicle treated animals, trion or DEXA treatment significantly reduced eosinophils, lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages count in the BALF. Both drugs significantly alleviated chronic OVA-induced oxidative stress as illustrated by decreased pulmonary malondialdenhyde (MDA) and increased glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Asthmatic mice exhibited elevated levels of NOx, IL-13 and TGF-β1 that were reduced by DEXA and tiron. Histopathological changes and increased immunoreactivity of nuclear factor-Kappa B (NF-κ B) in OVA-challenged mice were minimized by tiron and DEXA treatment. In conclusion, in this model of chronic asthma DEXA and tiron ameliorated airway remodeling and inflammation in experimental chronic asthma with no difference between the effect of tiron and DEXA. Tiron has a potential role as adjuvant treatment in chronic asthma.



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Recombinant expression of porcine lactoferrin peptide LF-6 with intein technology and its immunomodulatory function in ETEC K88-infected mice

Publication date: October 2016
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 39
Author(s): Qin Jiang, Haiwen Zhang, Yonggang Xie, Yizhen Wang
LF-6 is a modified antibacterial peptide derived from LFP-20, a major active ingredient of porcine lactoferrin, whose antibacterial activity is 200 times higher than its native protein counterpart. Moreover, LF-6 displays even higher antibacterial activity than LFP-20 and negligible toxic adverse effects, make it a potential therapeutic agent for antibacterial purposes. Escherichia coli expression system has been a preferred choice and workhorse for most recombinant proteins. However, LF-6 must be coexpressed with a fusion partner to avoid its potentially fatal toxicity which would threat E. coli expression system. In this study, we successfully introduced intein system to solve this problem, which LF-6 was N-terminally fused to dithiothreitol (DTT)-induced self-cleavable intein, and it conduct cleavage when the intein-fusion peptide passing through a chromatography column filled with chitin, then the spliced peptide was purified with RP-HPLC and identified with mass spectroscopy. A bacteriostatic test showed that the recombinant LF-6 displayed nearly the same antibacterial activity as the chemically synthetized LF-6, and an in vivo immunoprotection analysis showed that the recombinant LF-6 exerted protective effects on Escherichia coli (ETEC)-K88-infected mice, which significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines level in plasma and intestine, and resistant to intestinal mucosal injury compared to the infective alone groups. Our study indicates that the intein system allows a safe and efficient method to produce recombinant LF-6, which not only has antibacterial activity, but more importantly, has an immunomodulatory function.



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Application of CRISPR-Cas system in gene therapy: pre-clinical progress in animal model

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): Lihong Guan, Yawei Han, Shaoyi Zhu, Juntang Lin
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and their associated proteins (Cas) belong to the crucial adaptive immune system, which exist in archaea and bacteria. Currently, CRISPR-Cas9 system has been modified and widely used to edit genome. In this review, we summarized the discovery, classification and mechanism of CRISPR-Cas system and further discussed the application of CRISPR-Cas9 in gene therapy, mainly in disease models.



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Chemical analysis of Punica granatum fruit peel and its in vitro and in vivo biological properties

The medical application of pomegranate fruits and its peel is attracted human beings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro α-Glucosidase inhibition, antimicrobial, antioxidant property and...

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PRELIM II(EDI BOARD)

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Publication date: August 2016
Source:Neuroscience Research, Volume 109





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An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Danhong Injection for Ischemic Stroke

Objective. This overview is to evaluate the current evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of Danhong injection (DHI) for ischemic stroke (IS). Methods. SRs of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning DHI and IS were searched in six databases without language restrictions until September 2015. Assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR) was used to evaluate the methodological quality of all included SRs. Result. A total of 8 articles were included. After the administration of DHI, clinical efficiency and neurological deficits score have marked advantages over those of the control group. However, the overall poor quality of meta-analysis and original studies affected the reliability of the results. Evaluation of methodological quality found that no one paper meets the requirements of all 11 items. The main flaws of the methodology quality included the following: not providing "a priori" design and reasonable objectives, duplicate study selection not given enough attention, performing an incomprehensive literature search, not paying attention to publication bias and other bias reports, characteristics of included studies not provided in detail, and ignoring clinical heterogeneity when performing meta-analyses. Conclusion. The current published SRs suggest DHI appears to be a safe and effective way for IS treatment in general. However, it lacks a high quality systematic evaluation and analysis. The quality of SRs should be improved. Further large sample-size and well-designed RCTs are needed.

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Data on morphometric analysis of the pancreatic islets from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 8
Author(s): Thiago Aparecido da Silva, Robertha Mariana Lemes, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira, Aline da Silva Almeida, Javier Emílio Lazo Chica
The endocrine portion of the pancreas, which is characterized by pancreatic islets, has been widely investigated among different species. The BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice are extensively used in experimental research, and the morphometric differences in the pancreatic islets of these animals have not been evaluated so far. Thus, our data have a comparative perspective related to the morphometric analysis of area, diameters, circularity, and density of pancreatic islets from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. The data presented here are focused to evaluate the differences in morphology of pancreatic islets of two common laboratory mouse strains.



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Maraviroc-Mediated Lung Protection following Trauma-Hemorrhagic Shock

Objectives. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) pathway exerts anti-inflammatory effects in response to injury. Maraviroc has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PPARγ plays an important role in maraviroc-mediated lung protection following trauma-hemorrhage. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure maintained at approximately 35–40 mmHg for 90 minutes), followed by fluid resuscitation. During resuscitation, a single dose of maraviroc (3 mg/kg, intravenously) with and without a PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 (1 mg/kg, intravenously), GW9662, or vehicle was administered. Lung water content, tissue histology, and other various parameters were measured ( rats/group) 24 hours after resuscitation. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's testing were used for statistical analysis. Results. Trauma-hemorrhage significantly increased lung water content, myeloperoxidase activity, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β levels. These parameters significantly improved in the maraviroc-treated rats subjected to trauma-hemorrhage. Maraviroc treatment also decreased lung tissue damage as compared to the vehicle-treated trauma-hemorrhaged rats. Coadministration of GW9662 with maraviroc abolished the maraviroc-induced beneficial effects on these parameters and lung injury. Conclusion. These results suggest that PPARγ might play a key role in maraviroc-mediated lung protection following trauma-hemorrhage.

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Approaches to Peripheral Nerve Repair: Generations of Biomaterial Conduits Yielding to Replacing Autologous Nerve Grafts in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery

Peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical entity, which may arise due to traumatic, tumorous, or even iatrogenic injury in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Despite advances in biomaterials and techniques over the past several decades, reconstruction of nerve gaps remains a challenge. Autografts are the gold standard for nerve reconstruction. Using autografts, there is donor site morbidity, subsequent sensory deficit, and potential for neuroma development and infection. Moreover, the need for a second surgical site and limited availability of donor nerves remain a challenge. Thus, increasing efforts have been directed to develop artificial nerve guidance conduits (ANCs) as new methods to replace autografts in the future. Various synthetic conduit materials have been tested in vitro and in vivo, and several first- and second-generation conduits are FDA approved and available for purchase, while third-generation conduits still remain in experimental stages. This paper reviews the current treatment options, summarizes the published literature, and assesses future prospects for the repair of peripheral nerve injury in craniomaxillofacial surgery with a particular focus on facial nerve regeneration.

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Microbial Production of Short Chain Fatty Acids from Lignocellulosic Biomass: Current Processes and Market

Biological production of organic acids from conversion of biomass derivatives has received increased attention among scientists and engineers and in business because of the attractive properties such as renewability, sustainability, degradability, and versatility. The aim of the present review is to summarize recent research and development of short chain fatty acids production by anaerobic fermentation of nonfood biomass and to evaluate the status and outlook for a sustainable industrial production of such biochemicals. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid have many industrial applications and are currently of global economic interest. The focus is mainly on the utilization of pretreated lignocellulosic plant biomass as substrate (the carbohydrate route) and development of the bacteria and processes that lead to a high and economically feasible production of VFA. The current and developing market for VFA is analyzed focusing on production, prices, and forecasts along with a presentation of the biotechnology companies operating in the market for sustainable biochemicals. Finally, perspectives on taking sustainable product of biochemicals from promise to market introduction are reviewed.

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Targeting Lung Cancer Stem Cells with Antipsychological Drug Thioridazine

Lung cancer stem cells are a subpopulation of cells critical for lung cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Thioridazine, a classical neurological drug, has been reported with anticancer ability. However, whether thioridazine could inhibit lung cancer stem cells has never been studied. In our current work, we used different dosage of thioridazine to test its effect on lung cancer stem cells sphere formation. The response of lung cancer stem cells to chemotherapy drug with thioridazine treatment was measured. The cell cycle distribution of lung cancer stem cells after thioridazine treatment was detected. The in vivo inhibitory effect of thioridazine was also measured. We found that thioridazine could dramatically inhibit sphere formation of lung cancer stem cells. It sensitized the LCSCs to chemotherapeutic drugs 5-FU and cisplatin. Thioridazine altered the cell cycle distribution of LCSCs and decreased the proportion of G0 phase cells in lung cancer stem cells. Thioridazine inhibited lung cancer stem cells initiated tumors growth in vivo. This study showed that thioridazine could inhibit lung cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo. It provides a potential drug for lung cancer therapy through targeting lung cancer stem cells.

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Avian Mycobacteriosis: Still Existing Threat to Humans

The nontuberculous mycobacteria are typically environmental organisms residing in soil and water. These microorganisms can cause a wide range of clinical diseases; pulmonary disease is most frequent, followed by lymphadenitis in children, skin and soft tissue disease, and rare extra pulmonary or disseminated infections. Mycobacterium avium complex is the second most common cause of pulmonary mycobacterioses after M. tuberculosis. This review covers the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of infection caused by the members of this complex and particularities for the treatment of different disease types and patient populations.

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Reply

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Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Luise Westernberg, Veronique Schulten, Alessandro Sette, Bjoern Peters




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T-cell receptor–mediated cross-reactivity to different allergens is driven by recognition of homologous, phylogenetically conserved epitopes

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Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016
Source:Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Samuele E. Burastero




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"Olanzapine induced hypothermia: a rare case report"

2016-07-31T06-40-16Z
Source: Journal of Behavioral Health
Javed Ather Siddiqui, Shazia Farheen Qureshi, Abdullah Al Zahrani.
ABSTRACT: Introduction: We report a case of 40-year old man who had a diagnose case of schizophrenia on olanzapine, had develop symptomatic hypothermia. The majority of documented cases involve short duration of hypothermia often less than 24 hours. Antipsychotics that are more potent antagonists at 5HT2 than at dopamine2 receptors appear more likely to cause hypothermia. Objective: Hypothermia is an adverse drug reaction of antipsychotic drug use. It is strong 5HT2 antagonistc characteristics which induced hypothermia, have been proposed. 55 percent of hypothermia reports are for atypical antipsychotics. Case presentation: A 40-year old man with schizophrenia who was being treated with a therapeutic dose of olanzapine presented with shivering, slurred speech, Confusion. He had a core temperature of 31.5 celsius. Electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia with Osborn waves or J waves. He didnt have any risk factors for developing hypothermia except the use of olanzapine. There was improvement in his clinical condition with reversal of electrocardiogram changes following gradual re-warming and withhold of olanzapine. Conclusion: Olanzapine induced hypothermia is rare and has been reported during initiation and increasing the dose or even in stable dose, but this case report raises the possibility of hypothermia even in patients who are on stable doses of olanzapine for a long period of time. Clinicians should consider the possibility of drug induced illness in hypothermic patients who are taking antipsychotics.


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Sclerosing Osteomyelitis of Garre

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* Excess periosteal reaction by an extremely sensitive periosteum in response to a low grade anaerobe. 
* Manifests as long standing chronic Osteomyelitis without any abscess or sequesterum formation. 
* XRay - Expanded bone with generalised sclerosis 
* ESR - Usually elevated 
* Culture - Usually Negative 
* Antibiotics and fenesteration of the sclerotic bone is usually helpful 




Case Submitted by 

Dr Tushar Mehta 
MBBS , DNB , MS (USAIM) , MNAMS
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Famous Radiology Blog http://ift.tt/1MM2hKr TeleRad Providers at http://ift.tt/1NgppuI Mail us at sales@teleradproviders.com


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Release of PACAP-38 in episodic cluster headache patients – an exploratory study

Activation of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex, involving the trigeminal ganglion, the superior salivatory nucleus and the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is crucial in the pathophysiology of cluster headache (CH...

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Σάββατο 30 Ιουλίου 2016

Characteristics of coronary arterial lesions in patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between risk factors such as hypertension and the complex degrees of coronary arterial lesions (CAL).

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Comparison of models for estimating methane emission factor for enteric fermentation of growing-finishing Hanwoo steers

The methodology provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines is widely used for estimating enteric methane (CH4) production by cattle. No attempt other than the default values in th...

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Impact of hypofractionation and tangential beam IMRT on the acute skin reaction in adjuvant breast cancer radiotherapy

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of multiple prognostic factors on the acute skin reaction in adjuvant breast cancer radiotherapy, in particular the impact of hypofractionation (HF) compared...

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Potential risk factors for jaw osteoradionecrosis after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

To identify potential risk factors for the development of jaw osteoradionecrosis (ORN) after 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) among patients with newly diagnosed h...

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Evaluation of gantry speed on image quality and imaging dose for 4D cone-beam CT acquisition

This study investigates the effect of gantry speed on 4DCBCT image quality and dose for the Varian On-Board Imager®.

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Temporo-spatial cell-cycle kinetics in HeLa cells irradiated by Ir-192 high dose-rate remote afterloading system (HDR-RALS)

Intracavitary irradiation plays a pivotal role in definitive radiotherapy for cervical cancer, and the Ir-192 high dose-rate remote afterloading system (HDR-RALS) is often used for this purpose. Under this con...

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Employer Policies and Practices to Manage and Prevent Disability: Conclusion to the Special Issue

Abstract

Purpose Research of employer policies and practices to manage and prevent disability spans many disciplines and perspectives, and there are many challenges related to stakeholder collaboration, data access, and interventions. The purpose of this article is to synthesize the findings from a conference and year-long collaboration among a group of invited researchers intended to spur new research innovations in this field. Methods A multidisciplinary team of 26 international researchers with published research in employer-based disability management or related fields were invited to attend a 3-day conference in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA. The conference goals were to review the status of current research of workplace disability management and prevention, examine its relevance for employer decision-making, compare conceptual frameworks or theoretical perspectives, and recommend future research directions. In this paper, we summarize key points from the 6 resulting papers, compare them with an earlier 2005 conference on improving return-to-work research, and conclude with recommendations for further overarching research directions. Results/Conclusion In comparison with the 2005 conference, a greater emphasis was placed on organizational and social factors, employer roles and responsibilities, methods of implementation, non-clinical approaches, and facilitating stay-at-work as well as return-to-work. A special panel of employer consultants and representatives who were featured at the 2015 conference reinforced the importance of organizational culture, leadership style, and financial decision-making strategies at the employer level. Based on the conference proceedings, we recommend that future research in this area should strive for: (a) broader inclusion of workers and workplaces; (b) attention to multilevel influences in the workplace; (c) a focus on social as well as physical aspects of work; (d) earlier employer collaboration efforts; (e) more attention to implementation factors; and (f) a broader assessment of possible outcome domains.



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Process Evaluation of a Workers’ Health Surveillance Program for Meat Processing Workers

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the implementation process of a workers' health surveillance (WHS) program in a Dutch meat processing company. Methods Workers from five plants were eligible to participate in the WHS program. The program consisted of four evaluative components and an intervention component. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to evaluate seven process aspects. Data were gathered by interviews with stakeholders, participant questionnaires, and from registries of the company and occupational health service. Results Two recruitment strategies were used: open invitation or automatic participation. Of the 986 eligible workers, 305 participated in the program. Average reach was 53 %. Two out of five program components could not be assessed on dose delivered, dose received and fidelity. If components were assessable, 85–100 % of the components was delivered, 66–100 % of the components was received by participants, and fidelity was 100 %. Participants were satisfied with the WHS program (mean score 7.6). Contextual factors that facilitated implementation were among others societal developments and management support. Factors that formed barriers were program novelty and delayed follow-up. Conclusion The WHS program was well received by participants. Not all participants were offered the same number of program components, and not all components were performed according to protocol. Deviation from protocol is an indication of program failure and may affect program effectiveness.



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Shrinking lung syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter collaborative study of 15 new cases and a review of the 155 cases in the literature focusing on treatment response and long-term outcomes

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Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Loïc Duron, Fleur Cohen-Aubart, Elisabeth Diot, Raphaël Borie, Sébastien Abad, Christophe Richez, Christopher Banse, Olivier Vittecoq, David Saadoun, Julien Haroche, Zahir Amoura
IntroductionShrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare respiratory manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), characterized by dyspnea, chest pain, elevated hemidiaphragm and a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests. Here, we report 15 new observations of SLS during SLE and provide a systematic literature review. We studied the clinical, biological, functional and morphologic characteristics, the treatments used and their efficacy.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were all patients with SLE defined by the American College of Rheumatology criteria Hochberg (1997) , associated with a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests. The exclusion criteria were all differential diagnoses of restrictive patterns, including obesity and pulmonary fibrosis. The patients were recruited from local databases through chest physicians, rheumatologists and internists. The data for the literature review were extracted from the Medline database using "shrinking lung syndrome" and "lupus" as key words.ResultsAll 15 new cases were women with a median age at SLS onset of 27years old (range 17–67). All of them complained of dyspnea and all but one of chest pain. The antibodies were similar to those found in SLE, although the anti-SS-A was positive in 10 of 13 cases. Thoracic imaging showed elevated hemidiaphragm (12/15) and/or basal atelectasia (8/15). All of the patients had an isolated restrictive pattern on PFT, with a median decrease >50% of lung volume. All of the patients were treated, using corticosteroids (11/15), immunosuppressive drugs (8/15), beta-mimetics (2/15), physiotherapy (3/15) and/or colchicine (1/15). Improvement was described in 9 of 12 patients and stability in 3 of 12. We extracted 155 cases of SLE-associated SLS from the Medline database. The clinical, biological and functional parameters were similar to our cases. Clinical improvement was described in 48 of 52 cases (94%) and PFT improvement in 36 of 47 cases. Worsening occurred in 4 cases.ConclusionSLS is a rare SLE manifestation. Pain and parietal inflammation seem to play important pathogenic roles. Steroids and antalgics are the most commonly used therapies with good responses. There is no proof of efficacy with immunosuppressive drugs for this entity. Rituximab can be discussed after failure of corticosteroids, as well as antalgics, theophylline and beta-mimetics.



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Pregnancy in patients with autoimmune disease: A reality in 2016

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Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): A. Tincani, F. Dall'Ara, M.G. Lazzaroni, R. Reggia, L. Andreoli
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are chronic systemic conditions often affecting young women during their reproductive years, so that pregnancy is a major issue in their management. For a long time pregnancy has been discouraged in these women, mainly for two reasons: gestation could aggravate maternal disease and, vice versa, the disease could negatively influence the gestational outcome. The great improvement in the approach to pregnancy done in the past few decades has allowed a progressively increasing number of affected women to fulfill their family plan. Women should be informed about potential risks related to their disease, but they should also be reassured that a good pregnancy outcome is possible if conception occurs in a stable remission state, teratogenic medications have been properly withdrawn and "safe" drugs have been mantained to prevent disease flare. A brief excursus regarding the main issues regarding SLE/APS, Systemic Sclerosis and Systemic Vasculitis is provided, in the attempt to delineate the main risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome, the onset of maternal complications and the role played by a close multi-specialistic monitoring.



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The Skin in Autoimmune Diseases – Unmet Needs

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Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): A. Kuhn, A. Landmann, G. Bonsmann
Treatment of skin manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and dermatomyositis (DM) is based on the results of only few randomized controlled trials. The first-line treatment for disfiguring and widespread cutaneous involvement in SLE is antimalarials, but some patients are therapy-resistant. Recently, the monoclonal antibody belimumab was approved for SLE as an adjunct therapy for patients with autoantibody-positive disease who despite standard therapy show high disease activity, intolerance of other treatments, or an unacceptably high need for corticosteroids. However, a validated skin score has not been used to confirm the efficacy of belimumab on mucocutaneous manifestations. In SSc, another multi-systemic progressive disease, involvement of the lung, kidney, and the heart is frequently treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressives, but therapeutic modalities for cutaneous lesions, such as skin sclerosis and digital ulcers, are limited. In the past years, treatment with the endothelin-receptor antagonist bosentan has been proven to reduce the occurrence of new digital ulcers in SSc patients but has no or limited effect on healing of digital ulcers. DM is an idiopathic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the muscles and skin, which is treated with immunosuppressives. Corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for muscle involvement in DM, but skin lesions often flare by reduction or discontinuation. In summary, there is a high unmet need for new therapeutic strategies focusing on skin involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases. Therefore, innovative designs of randomized controlled trials with validated skin scores are warranted to develop new therapies for patients with cutaneous manifestations.



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The clinical presentation and therapy of diseases related to Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)

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Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Maria Weiner, Mårten Segelmark
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are a family of autoantibodies that reacts with proteins predominantly expressed in cytoplasmic granules of polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs). ANCA was initially detected using indirect immunofluorescence, allowing for different patterns such as p-ANCA (perinuclear) and c-ANCA (cytoplasmic) to be distinguished. Today it is common to detect the antibodies by immunochemical assays such as ELISA using purified proteins as antigens. The strongest association with ANCA is found in the pauci-immune small vessel vasculitides granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). There are compelling evidence that ANCA contribute to the pathogenesis in these conditions. ANCA also occur in 30–40% of patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and anti-GBM disease, but is uncommon in other forms of vasculitis. ANCA with different specificities have been described with varying frequencies in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, endocarditis, chronic infections and hematopoietic malignancies. ANCA can also develop as an adverse event during pharmacological treatment. These entities are treated quite differently, with therapies ranging from immunosuppressive agents over antibiotics to simply removing the causative drug. A positive ANCA test thus requires a careful diagnostic work-up.



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Does inflammatory bowel disease coexist with systemic lupus erythematosus?

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Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Dana Ben-Ami Shor, Shani Dahan, Doron Comaneshter, Arnon D. Cohen, Howard Amital
BackgroundThe data regarding the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is mostly composed of case reports and case series indicating an infrequent association.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between IBD and SLE.MethodsPatients with SLE were compared with age- and sex-matched controls regarding the prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in a case–control study. Chi-square and t-tests were used for univariate analysis and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. The study was performed utilizing the medical database of Clalit Health Services.ResultsThe study included 5018 patients with SLE and 25,090 age- and sex-matched controls. The prevalence of UC was significantly higher in patients with SLE than in controls in a univariate analysis (0.4% and 0.2%, respectively; P<0.017). However, in a multivariate logistic regression model SLE was not associated with UC (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.99–2.815, p<0.052). The prevalence of CD was higher in patients with SLE than in controls in a univariate analysis (0.7% and 0.3%, respectively; p<0.001). A multivariate logistic regression model confirmed this finding and corroborated that SLE was associated with comorbid CD (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.46–3.4, p<0.001).ConclusionsPatients with SLE have a greater prevalence of CD than matched controls. The distinction of IBD from SLE gastrointestinal involvement can be challenging as clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and radiographic findings may appear similar between the two diseases. Therefore, physicians treating patients with rather IBD or SLE should consider this potential association.



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Happy Family Kitchen II: a cluster randomized controlled trial of a community-based positive psychology family intervention for subjective happiness and health-related quality of life in Hong Kong

Most positive psychology interventions conducted in the West have been focused on the individual. Family relationships are highly valued in the Chinese collectivist culture, and it is of interest to know wheth...

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Randomized controlled trials: who fails run-in?

Early identification of participants at risk of run-in failure (RIF) may present opportunities to improve trial efficiency and generalizability.

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Hepatitis C – Assessment to Treatment Trial (HepCATT) in primary care: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Public Health England (PHE) estimates that there are upwards of 160,000 individuals in England and Wales with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but until now only around 100,000 laboratory diagnoses h...

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Models and impact of patient and public involvement in studies carried out by the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London: findings from ten case studies

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in studies carried out by the UK Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit (MRC CTU) at University College London varies by research type and setting. We developed a se...

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Cognitive behavioral therapy program for cannabis use cessation in first-episode psychosis patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

The high rate of cannabis use among patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP), as well as the associated negative impact on illness course and treatment outcomes, underlines the need for effective interventi...

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Pulmonary anti-inflammatory effects and spasmolytic properties of Costa Rican noni juice (Morinda citrifolia L.)

Publication date: 4 November 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 192
Author(s): Emilie Dussossoy, Florence Bichon, Emilie Bony, Karine Portet, Pierre Brat, Fabrice Vaillant, Alain Michel, Patrick Poucheret
Ethnopharmacological relevanceMorinda citrifolia L. (Noni) is a medicinal plant used in Polynesia for many properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antineoplastic effects. Recent studies showed that noni juice have anti-oxidant and acute anti-inflammatory activities likely due to polyphenols, iridoids and vitamin C content. The present study was undertaken to evaluate chronic anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic effects of noni juice.Materials and methodsTherefore, we evaluated the effect of oral or intraperitoneal administrations of noni juice in vivo on the lung inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized Brown Norway rat (with prednisolone 10mg/kg intraperitoneously as reference compound) and the ex vivo effect of noni juice on BaCl2 (calcium signal) or methacholine (cholinergic signal) induced spasms in jejunum segments.ResultsWe found that noni juice (intraperitoneously 2.17mL/kg and orally 4.55mL/kg) reduced the inflammation in OVA-sensitized Brown Norway rat with regard to the decreased number of inflammatory cells in lung (macrophages minus 20–26%, lymphocytes minus 58–34%, eosinophils minus 53–30%, neutrophils minus 70–28% respectively). Noni juice demonstrated a dose-dependent NO scavenging effect up to 8.1nmol of nitrites for 50µL of noni juice. In addition noni juice inhibited (up to 90%) calcium and cholinergic induced spasms on the jejunum segments model with a rightward shift of the concentration response curve.ConclusionWe describe for the first time that noni juice demonstrate (1) a chronic anti-inflammatory activity on sensitized lungs along with (2) a spasmolytic effect integrating a calcium channel blocker activity component.

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Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (fruit) in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice

Publication date: 4 November 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 192
Author(s): Yanyan Zhang, Fu Feng, Ting Chen, Zhongwen Li, Qingwu W. Shen
Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe fruit of Forsythia suspense (Thunb.) Vahl, a well-known Chinese Materia Medica, has been traditionally used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetes and some other diseases, but the rational for the usage of this plant is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of the fruit of F. suspensa using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.Materials and methodsCrude methanol extract of F. suspense fruit was fractionated with different solvents and the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was selected for in vivo studies based on the in vitro α-amylase and HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A) inhibiting activities. For in vivo study, diabetes mellitus was induced in mice with STZ. Diabetic mice were orally administrated with 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight of EAF for 4 weeks. Mouse body weight, blood glucose, glucose tolerance, biochemical parameters and gene expression related to pancreas and liver function were analyzed after EAF administration.ResultsAfter 4 weeks of EAF intervention, a significant decrease in blood glucose, triglyceride, creatinine total cholesterol, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and hepatic lipid (triglycerides and cholesterol) content as well as a significant increase in body weight, insulin secretion and glucose tolerance was observed in EAF treated diabetic mice. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that EAF antagonized STZ-induced alteration of the expression of rate-limiting enzymes (glucokinase and phosphorenolpyruvate carboxykinase) in liver and insulin secretion related genes insulin-1, insulin-2 and duodenal homeobox factor-1 in pancreas.ConclusionThe ethyl acetate extract of Forsythia suspense (Thunb.) Vahl fruit has potency to develop an antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic agent for the treatment of diabetes mellitus via modulation of oxidative stress, the hepatic glucose metabolism and pancreatic insulin secretion.

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Zhikang Capsule ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis by inhibition of inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway

Publication date: 4 November 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 192
Author(s): Liang Fei, Keshu Xu
Ethnopharmacological relevanceZhikang Capsule (ZKC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) modified from classic formulas Qi-Li-San (an ancient formula dating to Qing Dynasty) and Fu-Jin-Sheng-Ji-San (written into The Golden Mirror of Medicine). ZKC contains 14 kinds of materials and has been widely used for the clinical therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) for a long time. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of ZKC are still unclear.Aim of the studyTo determine the protective effect of ZKC on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and explore the underlying mechanisms.Materials and methodsC57BL/6 mice were fed with 3% DSS in drinking water for one week to induce experimental colitis. They were randomly assigned to six groups according to the treatment conditions. The histological changes of colon tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-12) and anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-4 and IL-10) was detected by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assays (ELISAs). The production of MPO, SOD, MDA, NO, and caspase-3 was assessed by biochemical assay kits. The expression of iNOS, ICAM-1, and NF-ΚB was evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining. The levels of TLR4, MyD88, and TRAF6 were determined by western blot.ResultsHistologic analysis exhibited that ZKC alleviated the inflammation, loss of goblet cells, and submucosal edema induced by DSS. ZKC significantly suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoted the anti-inflammatory mediators. The antioxidation of ZKC was indicated by increased activity of SOD and reduced production of MDA, NO, and iNOS in ZKC-treated mice. Furthermore, ZKC repressed the colonic expression of caspase-3 and the activity of the MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway.ConclusionsThis research demonstrated the protective effect of ZKC on DSS-induced colitis. For the first time, we identified four therapeutic mechanisms of ZKC, including effective inhibition of the inflammatory responses, significant alleviation of intestinal epithelium apoptosis, considerable prevention of oxidative stress, and selective down-regulation of the MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway. With high therapeutic effects and low toxic effects, ZKC exhibits great superiority over western medicines in IBD treatment.

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Barrier protective effects of 2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone on lipopolysaccharides-stimulated inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Publication date: 4 November 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 192
Author(s): Yi Joong Chong, Nazmi Firdaus Musa, Chean Hui Ng, Khozirah Shaari, Daud Ahmad Israf, Chau Ling Tham
Pharmocological relevance2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone (tHGA), is a phloroglucinol compound found naturally in Melicope ptelefolia. Melicope ptelefolia has been used traditionally for centuries as natural remedy for wound infections and inflammatory diseases.Aim of the studyEndothelial barrier dysfunction is a pathological hallmark of many diseases and can be caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possible barrier protective effects of tHGA upon LPS-stimulated inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).Materials and methodsHUVECs were pretreated with tHGA prior to LPS stimulation, where inflammatory parameters including permeability, monocyte adhesion and migration, and release of pro-inflammatory mediators were examined. Additionally, the effect of tHGA on F-actin rearrangement and adhesion protein expression of LPS-stimulated HUVECs was evaluated.ResultsIt was found that pretreatment with tHGA inhibited monocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration, reduced endothelial hyperpermeability and secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Additionally, tHGA inhibited cytoskeletal rearrangement and adhesion protein expression on LPS-stimulated HUVECs.ConclusionAs the regulation of endothelial barrier dysfunction can be one of the therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of inflammation, tHGA may be able to preserve vascular barrier integrity of endothelial cells following LPS-stimulated dysfunction, thereby endorsing its potential usefulness in vascular inflammatory diseases.

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Effect of β-sitosterol against methyl nitrosourea-induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino rats

The present study was in quested to study the effects of β-sitosterol on methyl nitrosourea (MNU) induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino wistar rats.

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Protective effect of fermented Cyclopia intermedia against UVB-induced damage in HaCaT human keratinocytes

The fermented leaves and stems of Cyclopia intermedia are used to brew honeybush tea, a herbal tea indigenous to South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of fermented honeybush ex...

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Formula PSORI-CM01 eliminates psoriasis by inhibiting the expression of keratinocyte cyclin B2

Psoriasis is a chronically recurrent inflammatory skin disease, modern medicine could achieve good therapeutic effect, but these treatments led to recurrence of the psoriasis, more severe symptoms due to damag...

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Using auriculotherapy for osteoarthritic knee among elders: a double-blinded randomised feasibility study

Osteoarthritic knee (OA knee) is a common condition in the elderly. Exploration of non-invasive complementary therapies for OA knee is warranted given the limitations of pharmacologic therapies. Auriculotherap...

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Glycoside rich fraction from Spondias pinnata bark ameliorate iron overload induced oxidative stress and hepatic damage in Swiss albino mice

Iron in the overloaded condition in liver promotes the overproduction of free radicals that lead to oxidative stress and ultimately hepatic damage. The present study was designed to evaluate the ameliorating p...

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Streptomyces castaneus sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from the rhizosphere of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn

Abstract

During an investigation of microbial diversity in medicinal herbs, a novel actinomycete, strain NEAU-QHHV11T was isolated from the rhizosphere of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn collected from Xianglu Mountain in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have typical characteristics of the genus Streptomyces. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence also indicated that strain NEAU-QHHV11T belongs to the genus Streptomyces and was most closely related to Streptomyces graminilatus NBRC 108882T (98.7 % sequence similarity) and Streptomyces turgidiscabies NBRC 16080T (98.7 % sequence similarity). The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that strain NEAU-QHHV11T could be distinguished from its close phylogenetic relatives. Thus, strain NEAU-QHHV11T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces castaneus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-QHHV11T (=CGMCC 4.7235T = DSM 100520T).



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Predictive model for recovery of visual field after surgery of pituitary adenoma

Abstract

Visual field defect is a major indication for surgery of pituitary adenoma, but visual outcome after surgery is difficult to predict. We developed a nomogram that predicts postoperative restoration of visual field defects in patients with pituitary adenoma. This study was a retrospective cohort investigation of patients who were treated for pituitary adenoma between January 2009 and December 2013. We enrolled 111 eyes of 57 patients who completed one ophthalmological evaluation preoperatively and at least two evaluations within 6 months after surgery. Serial changes in visual fields and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to select prognostic variables, and a nomogram to predict restoration of visual field defects was constructed. Visual field defects continuously improved until 3 months after surgery. However, average, superior, and inferior RNFL thickness continuously decreased until 6 months after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that worse preoperative visual field defect (p = 0.018), high MRI compression grade (p = 0.009), and inferior RNFL thinning (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with worse visual outcome. The nomogram that predicts the visual restoration showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84. In conclusion, we developed a nomogram that predicted the restoration of visual field defects after removal of pituitary adenoma. This would allow tailored counseling of individual patients by precisely predicting visual recovery after surgery.



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Y-family DNA polymerase-independent gap-filling translesion synthesis across aristolochic acid-derived adenine adducts in mouse cells

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): Keiji Hashimoto, Radha Bonala, Francis Johnson, Arthur P. Grollman, Masaaki Moriya
Translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) operates when replicative polymerases are blocked by DNA lesions. To investigate the mechanism of mammalian TLS, we employed a plasmid bearing a single 7-(deoxyadenosine-N6-yl)-aristolactam I (dA-AL-I) adduct, which is generated by the human carcinogen, aristolochic acid I, and genetically engineered mouse embryonic fibroblasts. This lesion induces A to T transversions at a high frequency. The simultaneous knockouts of the Polh, Poli and Polk genes did not influence the TLS efficiency or the coding property of dA-AL-I, indicating that an unknown DNA polymerase(s) can efficiently catalyze the insertion of a nucleotide opposite the adduct and subsequent extension. Similarly, knockout of the Rev1 gene did not significantly affect TLS. However, knockout of the Rev3l gene, coding for the catalytic subunit of polζ, drastically suppressed TLS and abolished dA-AL-I to T transversions. The results support the idea that Rev1 is not essential for the cellular TLS functions of polζ in mammalian cells. Furthermore, the frequency of dA-AL-I to T transversion was affected by a sequence context, suggesting that TLS, at least in part, contributes to the formation of mutational hot and cold spots observed in aristolochic acid-induced cancers.



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Lingual Abscess in the Setting of Recent Periodontal Antibiotic Injections

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Joshua E. Lefler, Lawrence N. Masullo
BackgroundLingual abscess is a rare clinical entity, with posterior involvement being much less common than anterior involvement. Typical inciting events include trauma or direct inoculation to the area. The clinical diagnosis can be difficult, and early imaging and specialist consultation should be pursued to make a definitive diagnosis and to prevent patient deterioration.Case ReportWe present a case of posterior lingual abscess in a 62-year-old man after he received antibiotic injections to the lower molars for periodontal disease.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Lingual abscess is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose clinically. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to acute airway compromise and increased morbidity.



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Bilateral Quadriceps Femoris Tendon Rupture in a Patient With Chronic Renal Insufficiency: A Case Report

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Chris H.L. Lim, Kara J. Landon, Gar M. Chan
BackgroundSimultaneous bilateral quadriceps femoris tendon rupture is a relatively rare occurrence. As such, patients frequently experience a delay in receiving an accurate diagnosis. It is often associated with significant morbidity and loss of function. We report a case of simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures in a patient with chronic renal insufficiency.Case ReportA 46-year-old white man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) via ambulance, reporting sudden onset of bilateral lower limb weakness. He had a medical history of renal insufficiency due to immunoglobulin-A-induced glomerulopathy, with secondary hyperparathyroidism and gout. Examination of his lower limbs revealed significant swelling in his distal thighs anteriorly and suprapatellar defects at the insertion of the quadriceps tendon. No other palpable deficits were identified. The patella was in a normal position and there was minimal tenderness on palpation. He had complete loss of active knee extension. Bilateral patella reflexes were absent. Lower-limb sensation was intact bilaterally and no other neurovascular deficits were elicited. Thompson test was negative and the rest of the clinical examination was unremarkable.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?The inability to walk is a common ED presentation. The differential diagnosis is vast and includes but is not limited to: spinal cord injury, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myopathies, and even malingering. This case report details an uncommon cause for a common ED presentation. Furthermore, this case illustrates the importance of a detailed clinical history and physical examination, which narrowed the differential diagnosis and ultimately led to the clinical diagnosis. Knowledge of the patient's past medical history combined with simple imaging modalities permitted a prompt clinical diagnosis of an uncommon condition, which facilitated early operative management.



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Pyuria and Urine Cultures in Patients with Acute Renal Colic

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Marc Dorfman, Shu B. Chan, Kevin Hayek, Collin Hill
BackgroundRenal colic caused by stone(s) is common in the emergency department. Often, urinalysis reveals white blood cells, but it is unknown how frequently pyuria is sterile or infectious.ObjectivesWe sought to determine the incidence of pyuria in patients with renal colic and to correlate the incidence with a positive urine culture.MethodsA 1-year retrospective review of adult patients with renal colic presenting to three community emergency departments was performed. Patients without confirmed renal stone(s) or completed urinalysis were excluded. Hematuria is defined as ≥5 red blood cells per high power field (RBC/HPF) and pyuria as >10 white blood cells per high power field (WBC/HPF). A positive urine culture is defined as >100,000 colony forming units per milliliter. Student's t-test, chi square, or Fisher's exact tests were performed as appropriate, with significance set at 0.05.ResultsThere were 339 patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 14.2% of these patients had associated pyuria. There were 153 (45.1%) urine cultures performed, and 16 (10.5%) were positive. Patients with pyuria were more likely to have a positive urine culture (36.4% vs. 3.3%, respectively; p < 0.001). The percentage of positive urine cultures increased (p < 0.001) with increasing pyuria from 9.1% (10–20 WBC/HPF) to 60.0% (>50 WBC/HPF). Positive cultures also increased (p < 0.001) with increased leukocyte esterase observed on macroscopic samples, from 1.6% (small or less leukocyte esterase) to 77.8% (large-volume leukocyte esterase).ConclusionPyuria was found in 14.2% of patients with renal colic. Patients with pyuria had 36.4% positive cultures compared to 3.3% of patients without pyuria. The degree of pyuria or leukocyte esterase was significantly associated with the risk of a positive culture. Urine cultures are recommended for all patients with renal colic and pyuria.



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Gas-forming Iliopsoas Abscess: A Klebsiella Pneumoniae–Mediated Invasive Syndrome

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Shun-Ping Cheng, Wei-Wen Chang, Yu-Tzu Tsao




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Safely Managing Acute Osteoarthritis in the Emergency Department: An Evidence-Based Review

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Scott E. Young, Jason D. Bothwell, Ryan M. Walsh
BackgroundJoint pain caused by acute osteoarthritis (OA) is a common finding in the emergency department. Patients with OA often have debilitating pain that limits their function and ability to complete their activities of daily living. In addition, OA has been associated with a high percentage of arthritis-related hospital admissions and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Safely managing OA symptoms in these patients can present many challenges to the emergency provider.ObjectivesWe review the risks and benefits of available treatment options for acute OA-related pain in the emergency department. In addition, evidence-based recommendations will be made for safely managing pain and disability associated with OA in patients with comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, renal insufficiency, and risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding.DiscussionCommonly used treatments for OA include acetaminophen, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids, each with varying degrees of efficacy and risk depending on the patient's underlying comorbidities. Effective alternative therapies, such as topical preparations, intra-articular corticosteroid injections, bracing, and rehabilitation are likely underused in this setting.ConclusionsEmergency providers should be aware of the risks and benefits of all treatment options available for acute OA pain, including oral medications, topical preparations, corticosteroid injections, bracing, and physical therapy.



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Endotracheal Intubation for Toxicologic Exposures: A Retrospective Review of Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) Cases

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Gillian A. Beauchamp, Robert G. Hendrickson, Benjamin W. Hatten
BackgroundEndotracheal intubation remains a cornerstone of early resuscitation of the poisoned patient, but little is known about which substances are associated with intubation.ObjectivesOur objective was to describe patient exposures to substances reported to the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) that were managed with intubation between 2010 and 2014.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of cases managed with endotracheal intubation in the ACMT ToxIC Registry from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2014. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patient exposures.ResultsA total of 2724 exposures to substances were managed with endotracheal intubation. Intubated patients were 52% male and 82% adults. For all ages taken together, the most common known single-substance exposures managed with intubation were sedative hypnotics (9.8%), antidepressants (8.7%), and opioids (8.0%). The most common single ingestions associated with intubation in various age groups were: opioids (<2 years old), alpha-2 agonists (2–6 years old), antidepressants (7–18 years old), sedative-hypnotics (19–65 years old), and cardiac medications (>65 years old). Multiple substances were involved in 29.0% of exposures. Decontamination and elimination processes were used in 12.8% of patients.ConclusionsThe most common substances involved in single- and multiple-substance exposures managed with intubation varied by age group. Most patients were managed with supportive care. Knowledge of substances commonly involved in exposures managed with intubation may inform triage and resource planning in the emergency department resuscitation of critically ill poisoned patients.



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