Thyroid storm in a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Syed Yaseen Naqvi, Jeffrey J Luebbert, Stephen G Rosen<br />Dec 15, 2015; 2015:201521256-201521256<br />case-report

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Measurement of Scattering Nonlinearities from a Single Plasmonic Nanoparticle

Saturable and reverse saturable scattering were discovered in isolated plasmonic particles and adopted as a novel non-bleaching contrast method in super-resolution microscopy. Here the experimental procedures of detecting and extracting nonlinear scattering are explained in detail, as well as how to enhance resolution with the aid of saturated excitation microscopy.

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The better, the bigger: The effect of graded positive performance feedback on the reward positivity

Publication date: Available online 3 January 2016
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Romy Frömer, Birgit Stürmer, Werner Sommer
In this study on skill acquisition in a computerized throwing task, we examined the effect of graded correct-related performance feedback on the reward positivity of the event-related brain potential (ERP). Theories of reinforcement learning predict effects of reward magnitude and expectancy on the reward prediction error. The later is supposed to be reflected in reward positivity, a fronto-central ERP component. A sample of 68 participants learned to throw at a beamer-projected target disk while performance accuracy, displayed as the place of impact of the projectile on the target, served as graded feedback. Effects of performance accuracy in successful trials, hit frequency, and preceding trial performance on reward positivity were analyzed simultaneously on a trial-by-trial basis by means of linear mixed models. In accord with previous findings, reward positivity increased with feedback about more accurate performance. This relationship was not linear, but cubic, with larger impact of feedback towards the end of the accuracy distribution. In line with being a measure of expectancy, the reward positivity decreased with increasing hit frequency and was larger after unsuccessful trials. The effect of hit frequency was more pronounced following successful trials. These results indicate a fast trial-by-trial adaptation of expectation. The results confirm predictions of reinforcement learning theory and extend previous findings on reward magnitude to the area of complex, goal directed skill acquisition.



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Antityphoid properties and toxicity evaluation of Harungana madagascariensis Lam (Hypericaceae) aqueous leaf extract

Publication date: 17 February 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 179
Author(s): Fabrice Kengni, Siméon P.C. Fodouop, Donald S. Tala, Merline N. Djimeli, Charles Fokunang, Donatien Gatsing
ContextHarungana madagascariensis Lam is commonly used in Cameroonian folk medicine for the treatment of malaria and typhoid fever.ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic potentials of H. madagascariensis aqueous leaf extract for the treatment of salmonellosis (e.g. typhoid fever, gastroenteritis).Materials and methodsA Salmonella Typhimurium-infected rat model was used. The faeces of these rats were analysed for viable Salmonella Typhimurium before and after infection, and during the treatment period. The physiological, biochemical and histopathological markers of possible side effects of the extract were also studied using standard methods and kits.Results and discussionThe in vivo antisalmonellal study revealed that this extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced the number of viable Salmonella Typhimurium recovered from faeces, and could stop salmonellosis after 10 days of treatment for male and female rats, with non-toxic doses. However, the biochemical and histological analyses revealed that at relatively high-doses (≥100mg/kg for females and 200mg/kg for males) the extract could induce liver damage, as illustrated by a rise of serum transaminases (ALT and AST), significant inflammation of the parenchyma and portal vein, as well as cell necrosis. There were also increases in cholesterol levels in both sexes. No significant unwanted side effect of the extract was observed on the kidney, as shown by both serum and urinary creatinine, and urinary protein levels.ConclusionThe results obtained showed that H. madagascariensis has a promising antisalmonellal effect and, therefore, the potential to provide an effective treatment against salmonellosis, including typhoid fever.

Graphical abstract

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Mosla scabra flavonoids ameliorate the influenza A virus-induced lung injury and water transport abnormality via the inhibition of PRR and AQP signaling pathways in mice

Publication date: 17 February 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 179
Author(s): Chen-Huan Yu, Wen-Ying Yu, Jie Fang, Huan-Huan Zhang, Yue Ma, Bing Yu, Fang Wu, Xiao-Ning Wu
Ethnopharmacrological relevanceMosla scabra (Thunb.) C.Y. Wu and H.W. Li has been used as a traditional medicinal herb for centuries in East Asian countries. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In folk medicine, it is used as a remedy for the treatment of pulmonary diseases, such as fever, cold, cough, pulmonary edema and emphysema.Aim of the studyThis study was to investigate the protective mechanism of total flavonoids from M. scabra (MF) in influenza A virus (IAV)-infected mice.Materials and methodsThe mice were infected with IAV and then were treated daily with MF for five days. At the end of the experiment, the levels of inflammatory-related cytokines (IFN-α, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) were determined by ELISA. Pathological changes of lung tissue were examined by H&E staining. The protein expressions of AQP5, p-p38, caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 were detected by western blot analysis while the gene expressions of key effectors in AQP5 and PRRs signaling pathways were detected by real-time Fluorescence Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RFQ-PCR) analysis.ResultsThe results showed that treatment with MF at doses of 120–360mg/kg for five days to IAV-infected mice significantly attenuated IAV-induced pulmonary injury and decreased the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β, but increased IFN-α levels. MF treatment could up-regulate the mRNA expressions of TLR-7, RIG-1, TRAF6, Bcl-2, Bax, VIPR1, PKCα and AQP5 and down-regulate caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 protein expression.ConclusionTreatment with MF could significantly alleviate IAV-induced pulmonary inflammation, apoptosis and water transport abnormality, which was probably through the regulation of TLR7, RIG-1 and AQP5 signaling pathway.

Graphical abstract

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Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) inhibits lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide production in macrophages by suppressing NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways

Publication date: 17 February 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 179
Author(s): Nongluk Kunworarath, Nuchanart Rangkadilok, Tawit Suriyo, Apinya Thiantanawat, Jutamaad Satayavivad
Ethnopharmacological relevanceFlower, seed, and fruit of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) have been used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) serving as a common herb in relief of swelling which can be applied in cases of inflammatory diseases. However, the scientific evidence related to their effects on inflammation especially the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of longan need to be clarified.Aim of the studyTo evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the various parts of longan including flower, seed, and pulp. The mechanisms and molecular targets involved in their effects were also investigated.Materials and methodsDifferent longan extracts were analyzed for their bioactive compounds and evaluated for anti-inflammation. Corilagin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid were detected using HPLC-DAD. In vitro anti-inflammatory effect of longan extracts and their polysaccharides were examined by analyzing nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Expression of the proteins that involved in NO production was detected by Western blot.ResultsFlower extract contained the highest amounts of total phenolics, total flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, corilagin and ellagic acid when compared to seed and pulp extracts. The extracts of different longan parts inhibited LPS-induced NO production with different potency. The highest potency for the inhibition of NO production was shown with flower extract follow by seed and pulp (IC50=128.2, 1127.4, and 1260.2μgmL⁻¹, respectively). The mechanisms of this anti-NO production were associated with their NO scavenging effect and their decreasing the expression and catalytic activity of an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, these longan extracts suppressed LPS-induced degradation of IκBα and activation of NF-κB, activator protein-1 (AP-1), Akt, and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs).ConclusionThese results suggest that the longan extracts possess anti-inflammatory property. Therefore, longan could provide potential dietary supplement for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases.

Graphical abstract

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Neuroprotective effects of ginseng protein on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the hippocampus of D-galactose/AlCl3 inducing rats model of Alzheimer’s disease

Publication date: 17 February 2016
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 179
Author(s): Hongyan Li, Tingguo Kang, Bin Qi, Liang Kong, Yanan Jiao, Yang Cao, Jianghua Zhang, Jingxian Yang
Ethnopharmacological relevanceAlzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, with progressive memory loss, cognitive deterioration, and behavioral disorders. Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is widely used in China to treat various kinds of nervous system disorders. The study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of ginseng protein (GP) on Alzheimer's disease and its correlation with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to understand the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of ginseng.Material and methodsThe AD rat model was established by intraperitoneally injecting D-galactose [60mg/(kgd)] followed by intragastrically administering AlCl3 [40mg/(kgd)] for 90 days. From day 60, the GP groups were intragastrically administered with GP 0.05 or 0.1g/kg twice daily for 30 days. The ethology of rats was tested by Morris water maze test. The content of Aβ1-42 and p-tau in the hippocampus of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of mRNAs and proteins of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), Bcl-2, and Bax in the hippocampus was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay.ResultsGP was found to significantly improve the memory ability of AD rats and prolong the times of crossing the platform and the percentage of residence time in the original platform quadrant of spatial probe test. GP also reduced the content of Aβ1-42 and p-tau and improved the mRNA and protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2/Bax in the hippocampus.ConclusionsGP could improve the memory ability and reduce the content of Aβ1-42 and p-tau in AD rats. The anti-AD effects of GP were in part mediated by PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation.

Graphical abstract

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TWiV 370: Ten out of 15

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Kathy Spindler

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Metastatic Chordoma: A Diagnostic Challenge on Fine Needle Aspiration

Chordomas are primary low grade malignant tumors of bone that usually arise within both ends of axial skeleton. The Notochord is a midline, ectoderm-derived structure that defines the phylum of chordates. Chordomas may pose difficult diagnostic challenges when encountered in secondary locations, such as lungs or other parenchymatous organs. We report the cytologic findings of a metastatic chordoma sampled through CT-scan guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lower lobe lung nodule in a 54-year-old man diagnosed with recurrent chordoma involving the lumber spine and paraspinal region.

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Comment on “Retained Placenta Accreta Mimicking Choriocarcinoma”

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Examining Implementation of Tobacco Control Policy at the District Level: A Case Study Analysis from a High Burden State in India

Introduction. While extensive scientific evidence exists on the tobacco epidemic, a lack of understanding of both policies and their appropriate way of implementation continues to hinder effective tobacco control. This is especially so in the developing countries such as India. The present study aims to understand current implementation practices and the challenges faced in mainstreaming tobacco control policy and program. Methods. We chose a qualitative study design to conduct the case analysis. A total of 42 in-depth interviews were undertaken with seven district officials in six districts of Andhra Pradesh. A conceptual framework was developed by applying grounded theory for analysis. Analysis was undertaken using case analysis approach. Results and Discussion. Our study revealed that most program managers were unfamiliar with the comprehensive tobacco control policy. Respondents have an ambiguous opinion regarding integration of tobacco control program into existing health and development programs. Respondents perceive lack of resources, low prioritization of tobacco control, and lack of monitoring and evaluation of smoke-free laws as limiting factors affecting implementation of tobacco control policy. Conclusion. The findings of this study highlighted the need for a systematic, organized action plan for effective implementation of tobacco control policy and program.

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Shrub control by browsing: Targeting adult plants

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Acta Oecologica, Volume 70
Author(s): Laíse da Silveira Pontes, Danièle Magda, Benoît Gleizes, Cyril Agreil
Reconciling the well known benefits of shrubs for forage with environmental goals, whilst preventing their dominance, is a major challenge in rangeland management. Browsing may be an economical solution for shrubby rangelands as herbivore browsing has been shown to control juvenile shrub growth. Less convincing results have been obtained for adult plants, and long-term experiments are required to investigate the cumulative effects on adult plants. We therefore assessed the impact of different levels of browsing intensity on key demographic parameters for a major dominant shrub species (broom, Cytisus scoparius), focusing on adult plants. We assigned individual broom plants to one of three age classes: 3–5 years (young adults); 5–7 years (adults); and 7–9 years (mature adults). These plants were then left untouched or had 50% or 90% of their total edible stem biomass removed in simulated low-intensity and high-intensity browsing treatments, respectively. Morphological, survival and fecundity data were collected over a period of four years. Browsing affected the morphology of individual plants, promoting changes in subsequent regrowth, and decreasing seed production. The heavily browsed plants were 17% shorter, 32% narrower, and their twigs were 28% shorter. Light browsing seemed to control the growth of young adult plants more effectively than that of older plants. Reproductive output was considerably lower than for control plants after light browsing, and almost 100% lower after heavy browsing. High-intensity browsing had a major effect on survival causing high levels of plant mortality. We conclude that suitable browsing practices could be used to modify adult shrub demography in the management of shrub dominance and forage value.



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Habitat fragmentation influences nestling growth in Mediterranean blue and great tits

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Acta Oecologica, Volume 70
Author(s): Javier Bueno-Enciso, Esperanza S. Ferrer, Rafael Barrientos, Eva Serrano-Davies, Juan José Sanz
In patchy forest areas, the size of the forest patch where birds breed has a strong influence on their breeding success. However, the proximate effects contributing to lowering the breeding success in small forest patches remain unclear; and a shortage of crucial resources in those forest patches has been suggested to account in some degree for this failure. With the aim to further investigate this issue, we have monitored the breeding cycle of blue and great tits in three 'large' forest patches (ranging between 26.5 and 29.6 ha) and twelve 'small' forest patches (ranging between 1.1 and 2.1 ha) in a Mediterranean area in central Spain, during three years (2011–2013). We also recorded the nestling diet inside the nest-boxes with the aid of handy-cams. Only males significantly differed between forest patch size categories; being on average younger and with better body condition in small patches for great and blue tits respectively. Reproductive traits did not vary between forest patch size categories, but the body condition of blue tit nestlings and the size of great tit nestlings did, being significantly better and larger respectively in large forest patches. The recruitment rate of blue tit nestlings was also higher in large patches. Regarding nestling diet, blue tits did not differ but great tits did, delivering a larger amount of caterpillars in large forest patches. Most variation in the reproductive traits occurred between years, probably due to annual differences in environmental conditions. This study suggests that food supply could be limiting the breeding success of birds above all in small patches, but also in large patches under particular environmental conditions.



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Indirect facilitation becomes stronger with seedling age in a degraded seasonally dry forest

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Acta Oecologica, Volume 70
Author(s): Romina C. Torres, Daniel Renison
In seasonally dry forests direct facilitation by woody species due to amelioration of harsh abiotic conditions could be important during germination and early establishment of tree seedlings, and under some species but not others. Recent research suggests that at later stages facilitation by woody species may be indirect due to protection of saplings from herbivores, implying that under absence of herbivores reforestation programs may plant saplings in unprotected open sites. We used the native tree Lithraea molleoides from central Argentina as a model species to test this hypothesis. We performed a seeding and planting experiment simulating early and late establishment respectively, which included 234 study plots situated in herbaceous, shrub and tree patches of differing species composition and under two herbivore treatments (grazed and ungrazed) and replicated at three sites. Seedling counts averaged 0.82% of the sown seeds after 6 months, were highest under shrubs and lowest in open patches, and were influenced by woody species composition only in tree patches (all P values < 0.05). At seedling stages we detected no influence of herbivory (P = 0.4) nor of indirect facilitation due to herbivory (herbivory × patch type P = 0.7). Survival of planted saplings was 53% after 3 years and over winter dieback affected 76% of the saplings. At sapling stages we found an increasing importance of indirect facilitation through protection from herbivores, as we recorded the highest sapling survival and growth at tree and shrub patches and the lowest in open patches (all P values < 0.001), and a negative effect of livestock (P < 0.001) mainly on the open patches (herbivory × patch type P = 0.07 and P = 0.001 for survival and growth, respectively). We found no significant influence of woody species composition on sapling survival and growth (all P values > 0.05). We conclude that direct facilitation is involved at all studied stages while indirect facilitation becomes increasingly important at the sapling stage.



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Magnetic Metal–Organic Frameworks for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Capture and Remote Trigger Release

Magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF) composites show highly efficient CO₂ desorption capacities upon their exposure to an alternating magnetic field, demonstrating a magnetic induction swing strategy for potentially low energy regeneration of MOF adsorbents.

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Evaluation of Singer's Voice Quality by Means of Visual Pattern Recognition

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Paweł Forczmański
The article presents a description of the algorithm of singing voice quality assessment that uses selected methods from the field of digital image processing and recognition. It adopts the assumption that an audio signal with recorded vocal exercise can be converted into a visual representation, and processed further, as an image. Presented approach is based on generating a sound spectrogram of a sample in the form of a rectangular matrix, objective improvement of its visual quality based on local changes in brightness and contrast, and scaling to a fixed size. Then, it uses a two-step approach: the construction of a representative database of reference samples and the identification of test samples. The process of building the database uses two-dimensional linear discriminant analysis. Then, the recognition operation is carried out in a reduced feature space that has been obtained by two-dimensional Karhunen-Loeve projection. Classification is done by a variant of Support Vector Machines approach. As it is shown, the results are very encouraging and are competitive to the most powerful state-of-the-art methods.



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The Effect of Moving Window on Acoustic Analysis

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Min Shu, Jack J. Jiang, Malachi Willey
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the moving window method on acoustic measures and discrimination ability between normal and disordered voices.MethodsFifty-three normal voices and 50 disordered voices were recruited. Three selection methods, the moving window method, the mid-vowel method, and the whole vowel method, were applied to each raw audio signal to determine the most stable segment of each signal. Acoustic parameters such as percent jitter, percent shimmer, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and correlation dimension (D2) were calculated. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the stability of these segments across different methods. An artificial neural network was used for estimating how well disordered voices were discriminated from normal ones.ResultsSegments selected using the moving window method were more stable than those selected using the other two methods, meaning lower perturbation and nonlinear dynamic measurements as well as higher SNR and CPP values. The discrimination accuracy rate for the moving window method was 91.90 ± 8.73%, whereas the mid-vowel method and the whole vowel method were 72.34 ± 12.94% and 70.34 ± 5.24%, respectively.ConclusionThe moving window method is capable of providing a more stable audio segment and can discriminate disordered voices from normal ones more effectively.



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Effect of Voice Onset Type on Vocal Attack Time

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Ben C. Watson, R.J. Baken, Rick M. Roark
Vocal attack time (VAT) is the time lag between the growth of sound pressure (SP) and electroglottographic (EGG) signals at vocal initiation. The characteristics of voice initiation are associated with issues of vocal hygiene, efficiency, and quality. Vocal onsets have commonly been qualitatively characterized into three types: hard, simultaneous, and breathy. This study examines the effect of voice onset type on VAT values in normal speakers. SP and EGG recordings were obtained for 55 female and 57 male subjects while producing multiple tokens of three tasks (sustained /ɑ/ and "always" as unaspirated onsets, and "hallways" as an aspirated onset). Results revealed a significant effect of onset type on VAT, with the mean VAT for the "hallways" (aspirated) task greater than the mean VAT for the sustained /ɑ/ and "always" (unaspirated) tasks. There was no significant VAT difference between the sustained /ɑ/ and "always" tasks. Findings confirm the sensitivity of the VAT measure to vocal onset type and suggest its potential application as an objective and quantitative clinical measure of the type of vocal onset.



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Vocal Qualities in Music Theater Voice: Perceptions of Expert Pedagogues

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Tracy Bourne, Dianna Kenny
Objectives/HypothesisTo gather qualitative descriptions of music theater vocal qualities including belt, legit, and mix from expert pedagogues to better define this voice type.Study DesignThis is a prospective, semistructured interview.MethodsTwelve expert teachers from United States, United Kingdom, Asia, and Australia were interviewed by Skype and asked to identify characteristics of music theater vocal qualities including vocal production, physiology, esthetics, pitch range, and pedagogical techniques. Responses were compared with published studies on music theater voice.ResultsBelt and legit were generally described as distinct sounds with differing physiological and technical requirements. Teachers were concerned that belt should be taught "safely" to minimize vocal health risks. There was consensus between teachers and published research on the physiology of the glottis and vocal tract; however, teachers were not in agreement about breathing techniques. Neither were teachers in agreement about the meaning of "mix." Most participants described belt as heavily weighted, thick folds, thyroarytenoid-dominant, or chest register; however, there was no consensus on an appropriate term. Belt substyles were named and generally categorized by weightedness or tone color. Descriptions of male belt were less clear than for female belt.ConclusionsThis survey provides an overview of expert pedagogical perspectives on the characteristics of belt, legit, and mix qualities in the music theater voice. Although teacher responses are generally in agreement with published research, there are still many controversial issues and gaps in knowledge and understanding of this vocal technique. Breathing techniques, vocal range, mix, male belt, and vocal registers require continuing investigation so that we can learn more about efficient and healthy vocal function in music theater singing.



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Relationship Between Subglottal Pressure and Sound Pressure Level in Untrained Voices

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Staffan Björklund, Johan Sundberg
ObjectivesSubglottal pressure (Ps) is strongly correlated with sound pressure level (SPL) and is easy to measure by means of commonly available equipment. The SPL/Ps ratio is strongly dependent on the efficiency of the phonatory apparatus and should be of great relevance to clinical practice. However, published normative data are still missing.MethodThe subjects produced sequences of the syllable [pæ], and Ps was measured as the oral pressure during the [p] occlusion. The Ps to SPL relationship was determined at four pitches produced by 16 female and 15 male healthy voices and analyzed by means of regression analysis. Average correlation between Ps and SPL, average SPL produced with a Ps of 10 cm H2O, and average SPL increase produced by a doubling of Ps were calculated for the female and for the male subjects. The significance of sex and pitch conditions was analyzed by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsPitch was found to be an insignificant condition. The average correlation between Ps and SPL was 0.83 and did not differ significantly between the female and male subjects. In female and male subjects, Ps = 10 cm H2O produced 78.1 dB and 80.0 dB SPL at 0.3 m, and a doubling of Ps generated 11.1 dB and 9.3 dB increase of SPL. Both these gender differences were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe relationship between Ps and SPL can be reliably established from series of repetitions of the syllable [pæ] produced with a continuously changing degree of vocal loudness. Male subjects produce slightly higher SPL for a given pressure than female subjects but gain less for a doubling of Ps. As these relationships appear to be affected by phonation type, it seems possible that in the future, the method can be used for documenting degree of phonatory hypofunction and hyperfunction.



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Formant Frequencies and Bandwidths in Relation to Clinical Variables in an Obstructive Sleep Apnea Population

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Ana Montero Benavides, José Luis Blanco Murillo, Rubén Fernández Pozo, Fernando Espinoza Cuadros, Doroteo Torre Toledano, José D. Alcázar-Ramírez, Luis A. Hernández Gómez
ObjectivesWe investigated whether differences in formants and their bandwidths, previously reported comparing small sample population of healthy individuals and patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are detected on a larger population representative of a clinical practice scenario. We examine possible indirect or mediated effects of clinical variables, which may shed some light on the connection between speech and OSA.Study DesignIn a retrospective study, 241 male subjects suspected to suffer from OSA were examined. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was obtained for every subject using overnight polysomnography. Furthermore, the clinical variables usually reported as predictors of OSA, body mass index (BMI), cervical perimeter, height, weight, and age, were collected. Voice samples of sustained phonations of the vowels /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, and /u/ were recorded.MethodsFormant frequencies F1, F2, and F3 and bandwidths BW1, BW2, and BW3 of the sustained vowels were determined using spectrographic analysis. Correlations among AHI, clinical parameters, and formants and bandwidths were determined.ResultsCorrelations between AHI and clinical variables were stronger than those between AHI and voice features. AHI only correlates poorly with BW2 of /a/ and BW3 of /e/. A number of further weak but significant correlations have been detected between voice and clinical variables. Most of them were for height and age, with two higher values for age and F2 of /o/ and F2 of /u/. Only few very weak correlations were detected between voice and BMI, weight and cervical perimeter, wich are the clinical variables more correlated with AHI.ConclusionsNo significant correlations were detected between AHI and formant frequencies and bandwidths. Correlations between voice and other clinical factors characterizing OSA are weak but highlight the importance of considering indirect or mediated effects of such clinical variables in any research on speech and OSA.



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The Flow and Pressure Relationships in Different Tubes Commonly Used for Semi-occluded Vocal Tract Exercises

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Pedro Amarante Andrade, Greta Wistbacka, Hans Larsson, Maria Södersten, Britta Hammarberg, Susanna Simberg, Jan G. Švec, Svante Granqvist
This experimental study investigated the back pressure (Pback) versus flow (U) relationship for 10 different tubes commonly used for semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, that is, eight straws of different lengths and diameters, a resonance tube, and a silicone tube similar to a Lax Vox tube. All tubes were assessed with the free end in air. The resonance tube and silicone tube were further assessed with the free end under water at the depths from 1 to 7 cm in steps of 1 cm. The results showed that relative changes in the diameter of straws affect Pback considerably more compared with the same amount of relative change in length. Additionally, once tubes are submerged into water, Pback needs to overcome the pressure generated by the water depth before flow can start. Under this condition, only a small increase in Pback was observed as the flow was increased. Therefore, the wider tubes submerged into water produced an almost constant Pback determined by the water depth, whereas the thinner straws in air produced relatively large changes to Pback as flow was changed. These differences may be taken advantage of when customizing exercises for different users and diagnoses and optimizing the therapy outcome.



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Describing Speech Usage in Daily Activities in Typical Adults

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Laine Anderson, Carolyn R. Baylor, Tanya L. Eadie, Kathryn M. Yorkston
Objectives"Speech usage" refers to what people want or need to do with their speech to meet communication demands in life roles. The purpose of this study was to contribute to validation of the Levels of Speech Usage scale by providing descriptive data from a sample of adults without communication disorders, comparing this scale to a published Occupational Voice Demands scale and examining predictors of speech usage levels.Study designThis is a survey design.MethodsAdults aged ≥25 years without reported communication disorders were recruited nationally to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included the Levels of Speech Usage scale, questions about relevant occupational and nonoccupational activities (eg, socializing, hobbies, childcare, and so forth), and demographic information. Participants were also categorized according to Koufman and Isaacson occupational voice demands scale.ResultsA total of 276 participants completed the questionnaires. People who worked for pay tended to report higher levels of speech usage than those who do not work for pay. Regression analyses showed employment to be the major contributor to speech usage; however, considerable variance left unaccounted for suggests that determinants of speech usage and the relationship between speech usage, employment, and other life activities are not yet fully defined.ConclusionsThe Levels of Speech Usage may be a viable instrument to systematically rate speech usage because it captures both occupational and nonoccupational speech demands. These data from a sample of typical adults may provide a reference to help in interpreting the impact of communication disorders on speech usage patterns.



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Vocal Characteristics of Elderly Women Engaged in Aerobics in Private Institutions of Salvador, Bahia

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Famiely Colman Machado de Machado, Carla Aparecida Cielo, Marcus Miranda Lessa, Luiz Henrique Fonseca Barbosa
PurposeTo characterize the voice of elderly people engaged in aerobics.MethodsCollection of phonation /a:/ from 58 elderly people engaged in aerobics for perceptual voice analysis (RASATI scale) and computed acoustics (Multi Dimensional Voice Program Advanced, software of Kay Pentax®, that analyzes up to 33 measures, proposing normal ranges according to sex). The Spearman correlation test was used, with significance level of 5%.ResultsThe association between auditory-perceptual assessment of voice and acoustic parameters was not statistically significant but showed less vocal quality deviations. The association between acoustic measures and age was only statistically significant result for the measurement of fundamental frequency (f0) and maximum f0 (fhi). There was no correlation between time of aerobics and acoustic measures, but there was correlation of those measurements with age. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between f0 and fhi with minimal roughness and standard deviation of f0 with hoarseness, breathiness, and asthenia; jitter and shimmer measures with hoarseness, breathiness, and asthenia; noise measurements with hoarseness, breathiness, and harshness; measures of breaking voice hoarseness and breathiness; measures of voiceless segments with hoarseness and asthenia; measures of subharmonic with hoarseness; and measures of vocal tremor with breathiness, asthenia, and instability. There was a significant negative correlation between minimum f0 with breathiness; jitter measures with tension; and soft phonation index with roughness and instability.ConclusionsElderly women engaged in aerobics showed mostly normal voice, with most values of acoustic measures within normal and positive correlations between perceptual and auditory vocals and acoustic aspects that suggest instability, noise, and vocal tremor.



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Vocal Effects in Military Students Submitted to an Intense Recruit Training: A Pilot Study

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Camila Lima Nascimento, Ana Carolina Constantini, Lúcia Figueiredo Mourão
ObjectivesThis study aims at evaluating the vocal parameters of military officers before and after an Intense Recruit Training (IRT), consisting of a 48-hour exercise protocol involving high vocal demand combined with physical effort, lower body hydration levels, and fewer hours of sleep.Study DesignEighty-three young male military officers (aged between 18 and 22 years) were recorded on three occasions: before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the IRT.MethodsMaximum phonation times (MPTs) using vocalization of the vowel /a/, the fricative consonants /s/ and /z/, and connected speech samples were collected. A number of acoustic parameters were analyzed: mean fundamental frequency, mean intensity, jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio, spectral emphasis (acoustic correlate of vocal effort), H1−H2 (difference between the amplitude of the first and the second harmonic), and the frequency and intensity ranges. For the immediate effects, statistical analyses were conducted using a paired sample t test (P = 0.05) to compare two moments: before and after the IRT. For the long-lasting effect, statistical analyses were conducted using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (P = 0.05) to compare between all three moments (before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the IRT).ResultsThe MPTs of /a/, /s/, and /z/, the acoustic parameters as spectral emphasis, and the mean of intensity showed statistically significant changes between the data from before and immediately after training took place. The MPT of /a/ and the intensity range showed statistically significant changes between the measurements taken immediately after training and the ones taken 2 weeks after training; there were significant differences in the comparisons between the three groups of data acquired.ConclusionsSome of the acoustic parameters were able to identify changes in the vocal conditions of the military students as consequence of high intensity voice and physical military training. The changes in the vocal intensity and MPT parameters seem to be related to general fatigue and lower hydration. The absence of impact in some parameters, specially 2 weeks after the IRT, may reveal that the students' voice is getting used to the military activities.



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Working Conditions and Workplace Barriers to Vocal Health in Primary School Teachers

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Caitriona Munier, Rory Farrell
ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify the working conditions and workplace barriers to vocal health in primary school teachers. The relationship between working conditions and voice is analyzed.Study designThis is a survey study in 42 randomized schools from a restricted geographical area.MethodsAn 85-item questionnaire was administered to 550 primary school teachers in 42 schools in Dublin. It was designed to obtain information on demographics, vocal use patterns, vocal health, work organization, working conditions, and teacher's perceptions of the conditions in teaching that might cause a voice problem. The relationship between voice and overstretched work demands, and voice and class size, was examined. A chi-squared test was run to test the null hypothesis that the variables overstretched work demands and voice and class size and voice are independent. Subjects were given the opportunity to give their opinion on their working conditions and on the availability of advice and support within the workplace. A final question sought their opinion on what should be included in a voice care program.ResultsA 55% response rate was obtained (n = 304). It was found with 96.52% confidence that the variables overstretched work demands and voice are related. Likewise, it was found that the variables class size and voice are related with 99.97% confidence.ConclusionsThere are workplace barriers to vocal health. The working conditions of primary school teachers need to be fully adapted to promote vocal health. Changes by education and health policy makers are needed to achieve this goal. There is a need for future research which focuses on the working conditions of teachers.



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Objective and Subjective Aspects of Voice in Pregnancy

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Ziya Saltürk, Tolgar Lütfi Kumral, Güler Bekiten, Yavuz Atar, Enes Ataç, İmran Aydoğdu, Güven Yıldırım, Aydın Kılıç, Yavuz Uyar
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate vocal changes in pregnancy according to trimesters both objectively and subjectively.MethodsFifty pregnant women and 15 nonpregnant women were included in the study. Eighteen of the 50 pregnant women were in the first trimester, 17 in the second trimester, and 15 in the third trimester of their pregnancies. The fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonics ratio (NHR), and minimum and maximum pitch were determined during acoustic voice analysis. Laryngologic examination was evaluated via reflux finding score (RFS). Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI-10) was used for subjective analysis.ResultsMaximum phonation time (MPT), VHI-10, and RFS were the parameters that differed significantly. MPT was significantly shorter in the third trimester. Acoustic analysis revealed that F0, jitter, shimmer, NHR, and minimum and maximum pitch values were not significantly different in any groups. RFS was higher in the first and third trimesters than the second trimester and control groups. VHI-10 scores were significantly higher in the third trimester.ConclusionsOur results showed that MPT is decreased during the third trimester, although acoustic parameters did not differ. VHI-10 results deteriorated in the third trimester significantly.



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Descriptive Epidemiology of Voice Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Quality of Life Burden

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Nelson Roy, Kristine Tanner, Ray M. Merrill, Charisse Wright, Karla L. Miller, Katherine A. Kendall
ObjectivesRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease which may adversely affect phonatory function. This study aimed to establish the prevalence, risks, and quality of life effects of voice disorders in RA.Study DesignThis is a cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiology study.MethodsOne hundred individuals with RA underwent a telephone interview to determine the frequency, severity, risks associated with, and quality of life burden of voice disorders. The results were analyzed using summary statistics, frequencies, chi-square tests, regression analysis, and risk ratios (P < 0.05).ResultsThirty-five percent of participants with RA reported a current voice disorder which was chronic and long-standing in most cases. The prevalence of a current voice disorder did not significantly differ across age, sex, medication use, voice use patterns, medical history, or RA severity. These chronic voice disorders produced significant adverse effects on both voice-related quality of life and short form 36 health-related quality of life scales. Specific voice symptoms such as "voice-related discomfort" and "chronic throat dryness" contributed disproportionately to the quality of life burden. Of those participants with a voice disorder, only 37% had ever sought professional help to improve their voice.ConclusionsThese results indicate that voice disorders are common in RA and produce significant adverse effects on quality of life. Further research is necessary to better understand the origin of these disorders and their potential response to treatment.



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Is Menstrual Dysphonia Associated With Greater Disability and Lower Quality of Life?

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Maria Rosaria Barillari, Umberto Volpe, Nadia Innaro, Umberto Barillari
ObjectivesThe aim of the present study had been to examine the relationships between menstrual dysphonia and measures of psychosocial distress, in a sample of female professional voice users.Design and MethodsThis is a prospective study of 52 consecutive professional voice users, aged 18–40 years, affected by transient dysphonia related to the menstrual cycle and recruited in the Division of Phoniatrics and Audiology of the Second University of Naples, from April 2011 to September 2014. The following evaluation protocol was used: videoendoscopy, the GIRBAS scale, the Voice Handicap Index, and the determination of sexual hormonal plasma levels both during the menstrual and the luteal phase of the cycle. Furthermore, we measured, in all patients, the levels of perceived disability and quality of life during and after the dysphonia episodes by means of the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life and the Sheehan disability scale.ResultsLaryngoscopic evaluation revealed that only minor morphologic changes were present during the first days of the follicular phase, usually returning to normal morphology after the menstrual period was over. However, we found that dysphonia episodes of varying degree were present in most evaluated subjects; women with a moderate degree of dysphonia also had a lower quality of life and greater overall disability, during menses.ConclusionsDespite minimal morphologic signs of laryngeal pathology, menstrual dysphonia might represent a disease which is frequent among female professional voice users, which in turn is associated with a certain degree of disability and lower quality of life during premenstrual and menstrual phases.



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In-Office Excision En Masse of a Vocal Process Granuloma Using the Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate Laser

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1
Author(s): Marco A. Mascarella, Jonathan Young
BackgroundIn-office laryngeal surgery is taking on a more commonplace role in the treatment of laryngeal disorders. The potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser has been a resourceful adjunct to the management of patients with mucosal lesions of the vocal cords. However, a paucity of data exists for its use in postintubation granulomas treated in-office.Clinical CaseA 43-year-old female presented with voice hoarseness and found to have a large obstructing postintubation granuloma which was treated by in-office KTP laser and en masse excision.ConclusionsWe report the successful case of a patient receiving in-office treatment for a large vocal process granuloma using the KTP laser with en masse excision. The combined use of the KTP laser and forceps in-office can be valuable to the surgical management of vocal process granulomas, given their numerous recurrences. New avenues in office-based surgical management of laryngeal disorders can offer accessibility and decreased morbidity to patients.



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Mitochondrial content is central to nuclear gene expression: Profound implications for human health

We review a recent paper in Genome Research by Guantes et al. showing that nuclear gene expression is influenced by the bioenergetic status of the mitochondria. The amount of energy that mitochondria make available for gene expression varies considerably. It depends on: the energetic demands of the tissue; the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutant load; the number of mitochondria; stressors present in the cell. Hence, when failing mitochondria place the cell in energy crisis there are major effects on gene expression affecting the risk of degenerative diseases, cancer and ageing. In 2015 the UK parliament approved a change in the regulation of IVF techniques, allowing "Mitochondrial replacement therapy" to become a reproductive choice for women at risk of transmitting mitochondrial disease to their children. This is the first time that this technique will be available. Therefore understanding the interaction between mitochondria and the nucleus has never been more important.

The amount of energy that mitochondria can generate affects gene expression by influencing protein production at several stages. Cells with the highest mitochondrial content have energy available to activate chromatin, gene transcription, differential alternative splicing of mRNA transcripts, and ribosome biogenesis. This increases protein synthesis and heterogeneity.

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Information for Readers

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1





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Editorial Board

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1





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Calendar

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1





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Calendar Listings

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1





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Table of Contents

Publication date: January 2016
Source:Journal of Voice, Volume 30, Issue 1





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Addressing Peritoneal Dialysis: In Vitro PD Models, In Vivo Rodent PD Model, Clinical Biobanks, and Underutilization of PD

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Metachronous Occurrence of Granular Cell Tumor in Breast Skin and Scalp: Diagnostic Challenging Differentiating Benign from Malignant and a Literature Review

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a Schwann cell related benign neoplasm of soft tissue. GCT is an uncommon entity that occurs in a wide variety of body sites, but it is generally presented in the skin, oral cavity, superficial soft tissue, and respiratory and digestive tracts. Most of the GCTs are benign but clinically and radiologically these may mimic malignancy. Histopathological diagnosis is gold standard for establishing the true nature of the lesion. GCT is most commonly solitary but in about 10% of cases can be multifocal, usually involving various skin and soft tissue sites versus involving various internal sites. Therefore, these can involve skin and soft tissue or submucosa and viscera. GCT is usually benign; however, local recurrence is common due to incomplete removal. Malignant cases are rarely reported in 1-2% of cases. In this study, we report clinical and histopathological findings of a 36-year-old woman with metachronous GCT in breast and scalp. The clinical features raise the question of whether these are metachronous benign GCTs or whether this is establishment of malignant behavior. The aim of this report is to present the histopathological and clinical features of GCT and the diagnostic challenge of differentiating benign from malignant GCT.

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Systematic review of correlates and determinants of physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis

Publication date: Available online 2 January 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): René Streber, Stefan Peters, Klaus Pfeifer
ObjectiveTo review the current evidence regarding correlates and determinants of physical activity (PA) in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).Data SourcesPubmed and Scopus (1980 to January 2015) and reference lists of eligible studies.Study SelectionEligible studies (i) include adults with MS, (ii) have a cross-sectional or prospective observational design or (iii) examine the effect of a theory-based intervention trial on PA including a mediation analysis, (iv) apply a quantitative assessment of PA and correlates or proposed mediators and (v) are published in English or German.Data ExtractionTwo reviewers independently evaluated the risk of bias, extracted data and categorized variables according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).Data SynthesisConsistency and the direction of associations were evaluated with a semi-quantitative approach. Fifty-six publications with data from observational studies and two interventional studies provided evidence for 86 different variables. Consistent correlates of PA were the disability level, walking limitations in particular, PA-related self-efficacy and self-regulation constructs as well as employment status and educational level. One interventional study provided evidence for a causal relationship between self-regulation and PA. However, 59 of 86 of all investigated variables in observational studies are based on one or two study findings, and the majority of results stem from cross-sectional designs.ConclusionsBeside the importance of the general disability level and walking limitations, the results highlight the importance of personal factors, such as PA-related self-efficacy, self-regulatory constructs and sociodemographic factors. Limitations and implications of the current review are discussed. Research that is more rigorous is needed to better understand what affects PA in pwMS.



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Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Salvia fruticosa: An HPLC Determination of Phenolic Contents

Objectives. Salvia fruticosa Mill. (S. fruticosa) is widely used in folk medicine. Accordingly, the present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of S. fruticosa, and to determine the phenolic constituents of its extracts. Methods. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl assay. Total phenolic contents were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, and high-performance liquid chromatography was performed to identify phenolic constituents. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema was determined plethysmographically. Key Findings. Different plant extracts demonstrated strong radical scavenging activity, where the ethyl acetate extract had the highest value in the roots and the lowest in the aerial parts. This antioxidant activity was correlated to the total phenolic content of different extracts, where rutin and luteolin were the most abundant constituents. Interestingly, both the roots and aerial parts revealed a significant anti-inflammatory activity comparable to diclofenac. Conclusions. This study is the first to demonstrate pharmacologic evidence of the potential anti-inflammatory activity of S. fruticosa. This activity may partly be due to the radical scavenging effects of its polyphenolic contents. These findings warrant the popular use of the East Mediterranean sage and highlight the potential of its active constituents in the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Ethnomedical Knowledge of Plants Used for the Treatment of Tuberculosis in Johor, Malaysia

This study documented ethnomedical knowledge of plants used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and its related symptoms as practiced by the Jakun community of Kampung Peta, situated in Endau Rompin Johor National Park, Johor, Malaysia. Eight key informants were selected by snowball sampling technique and data about medicinal plants were collected by semistructured interviews, participatory observations, and focus group. Qualitative analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis. There were 23 species of plants (22 genera, 20 families) documented and herbarium specimens were deposited at the UTHM Herbarium. Dipterocarpus sublamellatus was recorded for the first time with ethnomedical uses while other species were previously reported. The qualitative approach employed in this study demonstrates the emic perspective in terms of perceptions on traditional herbal medicine, transfer of knowledge, significant taboos related with medicinal plants, and their conservation efforts. Local and biomedical terminology in treatment of TB showed substantial correspondence. The outcomes obtained in the study are worth being further investigated for conservation strategies and are worthy of verifying their ethnomedical claims scientifically.

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Atypical location of the hypoglossal nerve and its implications: a case report

Abstract

Introduction

Successful surgery in the neck is dependent on reliable anatomical relationships between nerves, vessels, and muscles. These landmarks and planes are also essential to avoiding undue morbidity and mortality. Anatomic variants of the hypoglossal nerve are rare, and their incidences are unknown.

Methods

We describe a case of a hypoglossal nerve found coursing superficial to the internal jugular vein in a 52-year-old woman treated with bilateral selective neck dissection for metastatic thyroid malignancy.

Results

The vulnerable nerve was protected, and she maintained excellent speech and swallow function post-operatively.

Conclusions

The variant course of the nerve may pose higher risk for injury in neck surgery. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of aberrant anatomy in this region and exercise extra caution to avoid nerve injury.

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Anatomical and histological study to determine the border of sole skin

Abstract

Purpose

Transfer of a free skin graft from the submalleolar or plantar instep area to the palmoplantar area and finger defects is widely performed; however, the sites and the border of plantar skin have yet to be examined in detail. The aim of this study was to determine the border of sole skin.

Methods

Twelve paraformaldehyde-fixed cadavers were examined. Skin specimens were harvested from an area from the top of the medial malleolus extending to the top of the lateral malleolus of the right foot. The paraffin-embedded skin specimens were analyzed using histological (hematoxylin and eosin, Fontana-Masson, and elastica van Gieson stains) and immunohistochemical (cytokeratin 9) techniques.

Results

CK9-positive cells were present at the points between 21 and 78 % of the intermalleolar distance measured from the tops of the medial and lateral malleoli. The melanin index abruptly changed at the points 25 ± 7.1 and 75 ± 4.2 %. The skin thickness and amount of elastic fibers changed greatly at the points between 20 and 30 % and between 70 and 80 % of the intermalleolar distance.

Conclusions

Submalleolar skin is quite different from sole skin. The border of sole skin lies at the points between 20 and 25 % of the intermalleolar distance from the medial malleolus, which macroscopically corresponds to the border of skin maceration. It would be better to use the submalleolar area for grafts for the dorsum of the fingers or toes, and the plantar instep area for the ventral areas of the fingers or toes.

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Galanin microinjection into the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter produces paradigm-dependent anxiolytic effects

Publication date: Available online 2 January 2016
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): F.R.C. Soares, G.P. Silote, A.F. Almeida-Santos, D.C. Aguiar, L.C. Schenberg, V. Beijamini
Galanin is a peptide that is present in the central nervous system in mammals, including rodents and humans. The actions of galanin are mediated by three types of metabotropic receptors: GAL1, GAL2, and GAL3. GAL1 and GAL3 increase K⁺ efflux, and GAL2 increases intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. The distribution of galanin and its receptors suggests its involvement in fear and/or anxiety. The periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) is a key mediator of defensive behaviors that is both targeted by galaninergic projections and supplied with GAL1 receptors and, less markedly, GAL2 receptors. We examined the effects of galanin microinjections in the dorsal PAG (dPAG) on the performance of rats in different models of anxiety. Male Wistar rats (n=7–12) were implanted with guide cannulae in the dPAG. They received microinjections of either galanin (0.3, 1.0, and 3.0nmol) or vehicle and were tested in the Vogel conflict test (VCT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and elevated T-maze (ETM). Rats that were tested in the ETM were further evaluated for exploratory activity in the open field test (OFT). Galanin microinjections had no effects on anxiety-like behavior in the EPM or VCT or exploratory activity in the EPM or OFT. In the ETM, however, microinjections of 3nmol galanin impaired learned anxiety (i.e., avoidance of the open arms) without changing unconditioned fear (i.e., escape from the open arms). The present data suggest that galanin transmission in the dPAG inhibits the acquisition of anxiety-like responses in the ETM.



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Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of Anthraquinone-2-Carboxylic Acid

Anthraquinone compounds are one of the abundant polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. However, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and molecular mechanisms of anthraquinones have not been fully elucidated. We investigated the activity of anthraquinones using acute inflammatory and nociceptive experimental conditions. Anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (9,10-dihydro-9,10-dioxo-2-anthracenecarboxylic acid, AQCA), one of the major anthraquinones identified from Brazilian taheebo, ameliorated various inflammatory and algesic symptoms in EtOH/HCl- and acetylsalicylic acid- (ASA-) induced gastritis, arachidonic acid-induced edema, and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing without displaying toxic profiles in body and organ weight, gastric irritation, or serum parameters. In addition, AQCA suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 in stomach tissues and lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated RAW264.7 cells. According to reporter gene assay and immunoblotting analyses, AQCA inhibited activation of the nuclear factor- (NF-) κB and activator protein- (AP-) 1 pathways by suppression of upstream signaling involving interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK1), p38, Src, and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). Our data strongly suggest that anthraquinones such as AQCA act as potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive components in vivo, thus contributing to the immune regulatory role of fruits and herbs.

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Software Design Challenges in Time Series Prediction Systems Using Parallel Implementation of Artificial Neural Networks

Software development life cycle has been characterized by destructive disconnects between activities like planning, analysis, design, and programming. Particularly software developed with prediction based results is always a big challenge for designers. Time series data forecasting like currency exchange, stock prices, and weather report are some of the areas where an extensive research is going on for the last three decades. In the initial days, the problems with financial analysis and prediction were solved by statistical models and methods. For the last two decades, a large number of Artificial Neural Networks based learning models have been proposed to solve the problems of financial data and get accurate results in prediction of the future trends and prices. This paper addressed some architectural design related issues for performance improvement through vectorising the strengths of multivariate econometric time series models and Artificial Neural Networks. It provides an adaptive approach for predicting exchange rates and it can be called hybrid methodology for predicting exchange rates. This framework is tested for finding the accuracy and performance of parallel algorithms used.

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Erratum to “Need for Scientific Rigor in the Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Alternative Procedures”

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Post-traumatic bilateral epidural hygroma of posterior cranial fossa: case report and brief review of literature.

Post-traumatic bilateral epidural hygroma of posterior cranial fossa: case report and brief review of literature.

World Neurosurg. 2015 Dec 23;

Authors: Kumar J, Harsh V, Strickland BA, Sahay CB, Kumar A

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic posterior fossa epidural hygroma is a rare entity without a clear management established in the medical literature. We present one such case and review the literature relevant to this unusual entity. An attempt to outline the mechanism of formation and management of posterior cranial fossa epidural hygroma is also made.
CASE DESCRIPTION: Two-year old child presents after a rooftop fall injury with symptoms of headache, drowsiness, vomiting, and brief loss of consciousness. The left occipital region demonstrated swelling, found to have epidural hygroma via CT scan. After failing conservative management, surgical repair of the dura was performed. The child was discharged post-operative day eleven in stable condition with marked improvement in occipital swelling.
CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative to consider epidural hygroma in very small children presenting with occipital injury. Owing to loose adhesion of dura and internal cranial lamina layers in younger pediatric population, potential epidural space may be easily created due to injury and small breaches in meningeal integrity near the cisterna magna may favor CSF leak. During operation if water-tight repair of visible dural tear is performed, duro-periosteal hitching or vacuum drain placement may not be required.

PMID: 26723294 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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

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

Hear Res. 2015 Dec 24;

Authors: Vogler DP, Robertson D, Mulders WH

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

PMID: 26724754 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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ESWT is a force to be reckoned with.

ESWT is a force to be reckoned with.

Int J Surg. 2015 Dec;24(Pt B):113-114

Authors: Raveendran K

PMID: 26723524 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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