Nystagmus in patients with unilateral acute otitis media complicated by serous labyrinthitis.

Nystagmus in patients with unilateral acute otitis media complicated by serous labyrinthitis.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 21;:1-5

Authors: Kim CH, Yang YS, Im D, Shin JE

Abstract
Conclusion The patients with serous labyrinthitis caused by acute otitis media (AOM) exhibited various patterns of nystagmus in which direction-fixed irritative-type nystagmus was the most common pattern. Differential effects on inner ear function by toxic or inflammatory mediators may be responsible for the various manifestation of nystagmus. Objective This study aimed to investigate nystagmus patterns in patients with serous labyrinthitis, and discuss possible mechanisms. Methods From October 2011 to March 2014, 13 consecutive patients with serous labyrinthitis were included. Eye movements of the patients were serially examined using video-nystagmography, and patterns of nystagmus were investigated. Results The most commonly observed pattern was direction-fixed nystagmus (nine of 13 patients). Of these, eight showed irritative-type, and one showed paretic-type. Direction of nystagmus, although the intensity gradually decreased, was not changed during the course of treatment. One patient showed direction-changing spontaneous nystagmus, which changed into paretic-type direction-fixed nystagmus 1 day after myringotomy. Three patients exhibited persistent direction-changing positional nystagmus in a supine head-roll test. Of them, two showed apogeotropic and one showed geotropic type. In all 13 patients, vertigo and hearing loss were improved after the treatment.

PMID: 26797398 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Meaning of self-management from the perspective of individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury, their caregivers, and acute care and rehabilitation managers: an opportunity for improved care delivery

The trend of decreasing length of stay in rehabilitation facilities has led to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) entering the community with unmet needs and fewer self-care skills to prevent secondary ...

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The production of nominal and verbal inflection in an agglutinative language: evidence from Hungarian.

Related Articles

The production of nominal and verbal inflection in an agglutinative language: evidence from Hungarian.

PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0119003

Authors: Nemeth D, Janacsek K, Turi Z, Lukacs A, Peckham D, Szanka S, Gazso D, Lovassy N, Ullman MT

Abstract
The contrast between regular and irregular inflectional morphology has been useful in investigating the functional and neural architecture of language. However, most studies have examined the regular/irregular distinction in non-agglutinative Indo-European languages (primarily English) with relatively simple morphology. Additionally, the majority of research has focused on verbal rather than nominal inflectional morphology. The present study attempts to address these gaps by introducing both plural and past tense production tasks in Hungarian, an agglutinative non-Indo-European language with complex morphology. Here we report results on these tasks from healthy Hungarian native-speaking adults, in whom we examine regular and irregular nominal and verbal inflection in a within-subjects design. Regular and irregular nouns and verbs were stem on frequency, word length, and phonological structure, and both accuracy and response times were acquired. The results revealed that the regular/irregular contrast yields similar patterns in Hungarian, for both nominal and verbal inflection, as in previous studies of non-agglutinative Indo-European languages: the production of irregular inflected forms was both less accurate and slower than of regular forms, both for plural and past-tense inflection. The results replicate and extend previous findings to an agglutinative language with complex morphology. Together with previous studies, the evidence suggests that the regular/irregular distinction yields a basic behavioral pattern that holds across language families and linguistic typologies. Finally, the study sets the stage for further research examining the neurocognitive substrates of regular and irregular morphology in an agglutinative non-Indo-European language.

PMID: 25769039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Gadolinium-enhanced inner ear magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of delayed endolymphatic hydrops, including a bilateral case.

Gadolinium-enhanced inner ear magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of delayed endolymphatic hydrops, including a bilateral case.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 22;:1-5

Authors: Fukushima M, Oya R, Akazawa H, Tsuruta Y, Inohara H

Abstract
Conclusion The data suggests that gadolinium-enhanced inner ear MR imaging is useful for diagnosis of delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) because it is independent of inner ear function, and the size of the affected endolymphatic space is clearly enlarged. Objective This study was performed to semi-quantitatively evaluate the endolymphatic space in patients with all types of DEH using gadolinium-enhanced inner ear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Patients and methods Seven patients (age range = 21-77 years; five female, two male) with ipsilateral DEH (n = 5), contralateral DEH (n = 1), and bilateral DEH (n = 1). All patients underwent 3T MR imaging 4 h after intravenous injection of gadolinium. Software was used to determine the size of the endolymphatic space. Pure tone audiometry and caloric testing using an electronystagmogram were carried out. Results One side of the endolymphatic space was dominantly extended in patients with ipsilateral DEH, and both sides of the space were extended in patients with contralateral and bilateral DEH. In patients with ipsilateral DEH, the volume ratio of endolymph to vestibule was 2.5-4.3-times that in the unaffected ear. The volume ratio of endolymph to vestibule was nearly equal in patients with contralateral and bilateral DEH.

PMID: 26799493 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Nystagmus in patients with unilateral acute otitis media complicated by serous labyrinthitis.

Nystagmus in patients with unilateral acute otitis media complicated by serous labyrinthitis.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 21;:1-5

Authors: Kim CH, Yang YS, Im D, Shin JE

Abstract
Conclusion The patients with serous labyrinthitis caused by acute otitis media (AOM) exhibited various patterns of nystagmus in which direction-fixed irritative-type nystagmus was the most common pattern. Differential effects on inner ear function by toxic or inflammatory mediators may be responsible for the various manifestation of nystagmus. Objective This study aimed to investigate nystagmus patterns in patients with serous labyrinthitis, and discuss possible mechanisms. Methods From October 2011 to March 2014, 13 consecutive patients with serous labyrinthitis were included. Eye movements of the patients were serially examined using video-nystagmography, and patterns of nystagmus were investigated. Results The most commonly observed pattern was direction-fixed nystagmus (nine of 13 patients). Of these, eight showed irritative-type, and one showed paretic-type. Direction of nystagmus, although the intensity gradually decreased, was not changed during the course of treatment. One patient showed direction-changing spontaneous nystagmus, which changed into paretic-type direction-fixed nystagmus 1 day after myringotomy. Three patients exhibited persistent direction-changing positional nystagmus in a supine head-roll test. Of them, two showed apogeotropic and one showed geotropic type. In all 13 patients, vertigo and hearing loss were improved after the treatment.

PMID: 26797398 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Assessment of the prophylactic speed of kill of Frontline Tri-Act(®) against ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) on dogs.

Assessment of the prophylactic speed of kill of Frontline Tri-Act(®) against ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) on dogs.

Parasite. 2016;23:2

Authors: Beugnet F, Halos L, Liebenberg J, Fourie J

Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess the speed of kill of a single topical treatment with a combination of fipronil and permethrin (Frontline Tri-Act(®)/Frontect(®)) against experimental infestations of Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs. In this parallel group designed, randomised, single centre, controlled efficacy study, 16 healthy adult dogs were allocated to two groups: 8 dogs were treated with the topical combination on Day 0 and the other 8 dogs served as untreated controls. Each dog was exposed in a crate to 100 I. ricinus (50 females, 50 males) and 50 R. sanguineus (25 males, 25 females) on Days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Ticks were counted in situ at 6 and 12 h after exposure and removed at 24 h after exposure. Frontline Tri-Act(®) was effective (≥90%) against both R. sanguineus and I. ricinus tick infestations at 6, 12 and 24 h after exposure, from 2 to 28 days after treatment. This is the first time that a topical ectoparasiticide has demonstrated a preventive killing effect against these two tick species in 6 h for a full month.

PMID: 26795064 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Buttock Lifting with Polypropylene Strips

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of gluteal suspension with polypropylene strips.

Patients and Methods

Ninety healthy female patients between the ages of 20 and 50 years (mean, 26 years), who wished to remodel their buttocks from December 2004 to February 2013 were studied retrospectively. All 90 patients were treated with 2 strips of polypropylene on each buttock using the following procedures: 27 (30 %) patients were suspended with polypropylene strips; 63 (70 %) patients were treated with tumescent liposuction in the sacral "V", lower back, supragluteal regions, and flanks to improve buttocks contour (aspirated volume of fat from 350 to 800 cc); 16 (18 %) patients underwent fat grafting in the subcutaneous and intramuscular layers (up to 300 cc in each buttock to increase volume); 5 (6 %) patients received implants to increase volume; and 4 (4.4 %) patients underwent removal and relocation of intramuscular gluteal implants to improve esthetics.

Results

Over an 8-year period, 90 female patients underwent gluteal suspension surgeries. Good esthetic results without complications were obtained in 75 of 90 (84 %) cases. Complications occurred in 15 of 90 (16.6 %) patients, including strip removal due to postoperative pain in 1 (1.1 %) patient, and seroma in both subgluteal sulci in 3 (3.3 %) patients.

Conclusion

The results of this study performed in 90 patients over 8 years showed that the suspension with polypropylene strips performed as a single procedure or in combination with other cosmetic methods helps to enhance and lift ptosed gluteal and paragluteal areas.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that the authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://ift.tt/18t7xNj.

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Body Mass Index and Stump Morphology Predict an Increased Incidence of Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Body Mass Index and Stump Morphology Predict an Increased Incidence of Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

World J Surg. 2016 Jan 21;

Authors: Fang CH, Chen QS, Yang J, Xiang F, Fang ZS, Zhu W

Abstract
BACKGROUND: A majority of factors associated with the occurrence of clinical relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) can only be identified intra- or postoperatively. There are no reports for assessing the morphological features of pancreatic stump and analyzing its influence on CR-POPF risk after PD preoperatively.
METHOD: A total of 90 patients underwent PD between April 2012 and May 2014 in our hospital were included. Preoperative computed tomographic (CT) images were imported into the Medical Image Three-Dimensional Visualization System (MI-3DVS) for acquiring the morphological features of pancreatic stump. The demographics, laboratory test and morphological features of pancreatic stump were recorded prospectively. The clinical course was evaluated focusing on the occurrence of pancreatic fistula as defined by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of CR-POPF.
RESULTS: CR-POPF occurred in 18 patients (14 grade B, 4 grade C). In univariate analysis, male gender (P = 0.026), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.3 kg/m(2) (P = 0.002), main pancreas duct diameter (MPDD) < 3.1 mm (P = 0.005), remnant pancreatic parenchymal volume (RPPV) > 27.8 mL (P < 0.001), and area of cut surface (AOCS) > 222.3 mm(2) (P < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of CR-POPF. In multivariate analysis, BMI ≥ 25.3 kg/m(2) (OR 12.238, 95 % CI 1.822-82.215, P = 0.010) and RPPV > 27.8 mL (OR 12.907, 95 % CI 1.602-104.004, P = 0.016) were the only independent risk factors associated with CR-POPF. A cut-off value of 27.8 mL for RPPV established based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which was the strongest single predictive factor for CR-POPF, with a sensitivity and specificity of 77.8 and 86.1 %, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of RPPV was 0.770 (95 % CI 0.629-0.911, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that CR-POPF is correlated with BMI and RRPV. MI-3DVS provides us a novel and convenient method for measuring the RPPV. Preoperative acquisition of RPPV and BMI may help the surgeons in fitting postoperative management to patient's individual risk after PD.

PMID: 26796886 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Cholecystectomy Causes Ultrasound Evidence of Increased Hepatic Steatosis.

Cholecystectomy Causes Ultrasound Evidence of Increased Hepatic Steatosis.

World J Surg. 2016 Jan 21;

Authors: Yun S, Choi D, Lee KG, Kim HJ, Kang BK, Kim H, Paik SS

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy might contribute to the development of hepatic steatosis through metabolic changes. The biologic alteration of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and the alteration of the metabolic activity of bile acid that follows cholecystectomy may contribute to hepatic steatosis. This prospective study was conducted to clarify the possibility of steatosis development after cholecystectomy.
METHODS: From October 2013 to July 2014, 82 consecutive patients with a presumptive diagnosis of gallbladder disease were cholecystectomized. Liver parenchymal steatosis was measured using ultrasound and the hepatic steatosis index.
RESULTS: In all 82 patients, the hepatic steatosis index was found to be significantly correlated with the US fatty liver grade (Spearman's correlation r (2) = 0.331, P < 0.001). A total of 62 patients were followed up for 3 months. Comparison with the initial grade showed that 12 (18.5 %) patients had worsened from normal to mild (n = 10), from mild to moderate (n = 1), and from mild to severe (n = 1). The other patients stayed at their initial grade except one patient who improved (from moderated to mild). Analysis of laboratory findings showed that white blood cell count, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase level, and total bilirubin level were decreased. However, serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly increased.
CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic steatosis significantly developed 3 months after cholecystectomy. Therefore, cholecystectomy might be considered a risk factor for hepatic steatosis, but the relationship should be confirmed with long-term follow-up from a large group of patients.

PMID: 26796885 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Patterns of Use and Short-Term Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Malignant Pheochromocytoma: A Population-Level Study: Reply.

Related Articles

Patterns of Use and Short-Term Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Malignant Pheochromocytoma: A Population-Level Study: Reply.

World J Surg. 2016 Jan 20;

Authors: Goffredo P, Adam MA, Sosa JA, Roman S

PMID: 26791742 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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head and neck; +116 new citations

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

head and neck

These pubmed results were generated on 2016/01/23

PubMed comprises more than 24 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

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Effects of aging and sarcopenia on tongue pressure and jaw-opening force.

Effects of aging and sarcopenia on tongue pressure and jaw-opening force.

Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2016 Jan 22;

Authors: Machida N, Tohara H, Hara K, Kumakura A, Wakasugi Y, Nakane A, Minakuchi S

Abstract
AIM: Aging and sarcopenia reduce not only body strength, but also the strength of swallowing muscles. We examined how aging and sarcopenia affect tongue pressure and jaw-opening force.
METHODS: A total of 97 older adults (97 men, mean age 78.5 ± 6.6 years; 100 women, mean age 77.8 ± 6.2 years) were enrolled. Classification of sarcopenia was based on the Criteria of Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. To investigate which variable between aging and sarcopenia was a significant independent variable on tongue pressure and jaw-opening force, multivariate linear regression analysis was carried out.
RESULTS: The mean tongue pressure was 26.3 ± 7.8 kPa in men and 24.6 ± 7.2 kPa in women. The mean jaw-opening force was 6.3 ± 1.6 kg in men and 5.2 ± 1.3 kg in women. Tongue pressure in men, aging and sarcopenia were significant independent variables, whereas only sarcopenia was a significant independent variable in women. Jaw-opening force in men and sarcopenia were significant independent variables, whereas neither aging nor sarcopenia were significant independent variables in women.
CONCLUSIONS: We found different characteristics in the effects of aging and sarcopenia based on site and sex. We suggested that aging decreased tongue pressure more than jaw-opening force, and affected men more than women. Sarcopenia affected tongue pressure and jaw-opening force, with the exception of jaw-opening force in women. Considering these characteristics is useful to predict the decline of swallowing function, and provide appropriate interventions preventing dysphagia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; ●●: ●●-●●.

PMID: 26800427 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Multicentered epidemiological study of factors associated with total bacterial count in the saliva of older people requiring nursing care.

Multicentered epidemiological study of factors associated with total bacterial count in the saliva of older people requiring nursing care.

Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2016 Jan 22;

Authors: Tohara T, Kikutani T, Tamura F, Yoshida M, Kuboki T

Abstract
AIM: To clarify whether the number of present teeth, independent of other well-known factors, was associated with the total bacterial count in the saliva of older people requiring care at nursing homes in a multicentered epidemiological survey.
METHOD: The participants were 618 older people (mean age 86.8 ± 6.9 years; 122 men, 496 women) residing in 14 nursing homes across Japan. The dependent variable was the participant's salivary bacterial count, and the independent variables were basic demographic data, oral conditions and activity of daily living (measured by Barthel Index). Statistical analysis was first carried out by Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis. Independent variables found to have a significant relationship to their salivary bacterial count by the univariate analyses were further examined by stepwise multivariate analysis.
RESULTS: The independent variables shown by univariate analysis to have a significant positive relationship with higher salivary bacterial count were presence of food residue (P = 0.001), absence of mouth dryness (P = 0.001), need of oral care assistance (P = 0.001), inability to keep the mouth opened (P = 0.009), inability to gargle (P = 0.002), denture use (P = 0.004), higher number of present teeth (P = 0.006) and lower Barthel Index (P = 0.001). Subsequent multivariate analysis identified presence of food residue (P = 0.031), higher number of present teeth (P = 0.043) and lower Barthel Index (P = 0.001) as independent associated factors for higher salivary bacterial count.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study found that presence of food residue, higher number of present teeth and decreased activity of daily living were significantly related to higher bacterial count in the saliva of older people requiring care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; ●●: ●●-●●.

PMID: 26800022 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Development and validation of a new quality of life scale for patients receiving home-based medical care: The Observational Study of Nagoya Elderly with Home Medical Care.

Development and validation of a new quality of life scale for patients receiving home-based medical care: The Observational Study of Nagoya Elderly with Home Medical Care.

Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2016 Jan 22;

Authors: Kamitani H, Umegaki H, Okamoto K, Kanda S, Asai A, Maeda K, Nomura H, Shimojima T, Suzuki Y, Ohshima H, Kuzuya M

Abstract
AIM: To develop and validate a scale that assesses quality of life in patients receiving home-based medical care.
METHODS: A new quality of life scale was developed and evaluated in four phases: (i) item generation; (ii) first field study with a 14-item questionnaire; (iii) preliminary validation study, to reduce the number of items to four; and (iv) second field study comprising 40 patients, to evaluate the validity of the final version. Participants were requested to answer both the final version of the scale and the Short Form-8, to enable identification of any relationship between the two.
RESULTS: Items were generated after discussions with doctors and care managers, and 14 items were selected for the draft version. In the preliminary validation study, 10 items were deleted, based on the results of statistical analysis of the data from the first field study. A psychometric analysis showed that the final four-item questionnaire had internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.7), and a significant association with the Short Form-8.
CONCLUSIONS: We created the first quality of life scale for patients receiving home-based medical care. The scale's internal consistency was confirmed, as well as its external validity. This scale can be used independently of factors such as a patient's age, sex, level of independence in the presence of dementia or disability, swallowing function, hearing ability and communication ability, and can be used with ease in routine clinical practice. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; ●●: ●●-●●.

PMID: 26799368 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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High Resolution Manometry Analysis of a Patient With Dysphagia After Occiput-C3/4 Posterior Fusion Operation.

High Resolution Manometry Analysis of a Patient With Dysphagia After Occiput-C3/4 Posterior Fusion Operation.

Ann Rehabil Med. 2015 Dec;39(6):1028-32

Authors: Oh Y, Lee ST, Ryu JS

Abstract
Many reports of changes in cervical alignment after posterior occipitocervical (O-C) fusion causing dysphagia are available. The clinical course can range from mild discomfort to severe aspiration. However, the underlying pathogenesis is not well known. We report an 80-year-old female with videofluoroscopic swallowing study evidence of aspiration that developed after occiput-C3/4 posterior fusion. Pharyngeal pressure was analyzed using high resolution manometry (HRM). Impaired upper esophageal sphincter opening along with diminished peristalsis and pharyngeal pressure gradient were revealed by HRM to be the main characteristics in such patients. The patient fully recovered after a revision operation for cervical angle correction. Distinct pressure patterns behind reversible dysphagia caused by a change in cervical alignment were confirmed using HRM analysis.

PMID: 26798619 [PubMed]

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Relationship Between Tongue Base Region Pressures and Vallecular Clearance.

Relationship Between Tongue Base Region Pressures and Vallecular Clearance.

Dysphagia. 2016 Jan 21;

Authors: Knigge MA, Thibeault S

Abstract
Tongue base pressures have been thought to provide primary bolus clearance through the pharynx during swallowing. The relationship between bolus driving pressures and residue remaining in the valleculae after the swallow has not been defined. Thirty-seven dysphagic patients who were evaluated with both videofluoroscopy (VFSS) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) were identified within the University of Wisconsin Voice and Swallowing Outcomes database. Patients were categorized according to binary ratings of presence or absence of vallecular stasis as well as incomplete or complete tongue retraction on VFSS. Tongue base region pressures measured with HRM during saline swallows of 1 and 10 ml volumes were compared to ratings of vallecular stasis or tongue base retraction. No significant difference could be identified among mean peak HRM pressures when compared to presence or absence of vallecular stasis (1 ml saline: p = .1886; 10 ml saline: p = .7354). When categorized according to complete or incomplete tongue retraction, mean peak HRM pressures were significantly greater in the complete tongue retraction group as compared to incomplete tongue retraction (1 ml saline: p = .0223; 10 ml saline: p = .0100). Findings suggest there are multiple factors that lead to reduced vallecular clearance. In the absence of HRM measures, judging complete or incomplete tongue retraction on VFSS may be a more valid gauge of tongue base region pressures than vallecular clearance when planning dysphagia treatment.

PMID: 26796743 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Objective Evaluation Tool for Texture-Modified Food (OET-TMF): Development of the Tool and Validation.

Objective Evaluation Tool for Texture-Modified Food (OET-TMF): Development of the Tool and Validation.

Dysphagia. 2016 Jan 21;

Authors: Calleja-Fernández A, Pintor-de-la-Maza B, Vidal-Casariego A, Cano-Rodríguez I, Ballesteros-Pomar MD

Abstract
Texture-modified diets (TMDs) should fulfil nutritional goals, guarantee homogenous texture, and meet food safety regulations. The food industry has created texture-modified food (TMF) that meets the TMD requirements of quality and safety for inpatients. To design and develop a tool that allows the objective selection of foodstuffs for TMDs that ensures nutritional requirements and swallowing safety of inpatients in order to improve their quality of life, especially regarding their food satisfaction. An evaluation tool was designed to objectively determine the adequacy of food included in the TMD menus of a hospital. The "Objective Evaluation Tool for Texture-Modified Food" (OET-TMF) consists of seven items that evaluate the food's nutritional quality (energy and protein input), presence of allergens, texture and viscosity, cooking, storage type, useful life, and patient acceptance. The total score ranged from 0 to 64 and was divided into four categories: high quality, good quality, medium quality, and low quality. Studying four different commercial TMFs contributed to the validation of the tool. All the evaluated products scored between high and good regarding quality. There was a tendency (p = 0.077) towards higher consumption and a higher overall quality of the product obtained with the OET-TMF. The product that scored highest with the tool was the best accepted; the product with the lowest score had the highest rate of refusal. The OET-TMF allows for the objective discrimination of the quality of TMF. In addition, it shows a certain relationship between the observed and assessed quality intake.

PMID: 26796742 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Clinical Features, Manometry, Timed Barium Esophagram, and Treatment Outcomes of Patients With Functional and Anatomic Esophago-gastic Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Related Articles

Clinical Features, Manometry, Timed Barium Esophagram, and Treatment Outcomes of Patients With Functional and Anatomic Esophago-gastic Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016 Jan 11;

Authors: Clayton SB, Patel R, Richter JE

Abstract
Little is known about the clinical features, radiology and manometry findings, and outcomes of treatment of patients with functional and mechanical esophago-gastic junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). Between November 2011 and February 2015, a total of 1443 HRMs were reviewed and 49 patients (3.4%) met the manometric criteria for EGJOO. Then, we performed a retrospective chart review, collecting data from manometric studies, timed barium esophagram findings (TBE), endoscopic reports, and clinical records. Twenty-seven patients had functional EGJOO and 22 patients had an anatomic esophageal obstruction. Common causes of anatomic EGJOO included strictures (36% of patients) and hiatal hernias (31% of patients). There were no differences between groups in manometric or radiographic metrics. Each group had increased basal lower esophageal sphincter and intra-bolus pressures, compared to individuals without EGJOO, and most had abnormal findings in TBE analysis. Two patients with functional EGJOO progressed to type 3 achalasia. We conclude that patients diagnosed with EGJOO based on manometry findings can have anatomic obstruction or functional EGJOO; HRM and TBE do not distinguish between disease causes.

PMID: 26792374 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Dysphagia in the high-risk infant: potential factors and mechanisms.

Related Articles

Dysphagia in the high-risk infant: potential factors and mechanisms.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jan 20;

Authors: Jadcherla S

Abstract
Neonatal dysphagia, or abnormalities of swallowing, represent a major global problem, and consequences of dysfunctional feeding patterns carry over into infancy and toddler age groups. Growth, development, and independent feeding skills are all delayed among high-risk infants. Such a group comprises premature birth, low-birth-weight, congenital anomalies, perinatal asphyxia, postsurgical, and sepsis categories. The conflict between pathophysiologic and pragmatic feeding strategies remains a major conundrum and is largely due to a lack of validated diagnostic approaches amid heterogeneity of the patient phenotype. Thus, well-tested feeding management strategies that can be generalizable are lacking. Furthermore, the aerodigestive symptoms and signs, potential risk factors, and contributory etiologies remain nonspecific. This article presents mechanistic evidence related to the pathophysiologic basis of neonatal dysphagia as well as potential opportunities to improve feeding abilities and long-term development.

PMID: 26791178 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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[Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's dysplasia].

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[Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's dysplasia].

Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2015 Oct;140(20):1533-6

Authors: Pech O

Abstract
The new guideline for reflux disease and Barrett's oesophagus offers some news in diagnosis and therapy. Especially in the endoscopic treatment of early neoplasia in Barrett's oesophagus the combination of endoscopic resection and ablation (e. g. radiofrequency ablation) has now been established.

PMID: 26445259 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic features of three subtypes of achalasia, classified using high-resolution manometry.

Related Articles

Clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic features of three subtypes of achalasia, classified using high-resolution manometry.

Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2015 May-Jun;21(3):152-7

Authors: Khan MQ, AlQaraawi A, Al-Sohaibani F, Al-Kahtani K, Al-Ashgar HI

Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: High-resolution manometry (HRM) has improved the accuracy of manometry in detecting achalasia and determining its subtypes. However, the correlation of achalasia subtypes with clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic findings has not been assessed. We aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical, endoscopic, and fluoroscopy findings associated with three subtypes of achalasia using HRM.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective clinical data, HRM, endoscopy, and radiologic findings were obtained from the medical records of untreated achalasia patients.
RESULTS: From 2011 to 2013, 374 patients underwent HRM. Fifty-two patients (14%) were diagnosed with achalasia, but only 32 (8.5%) of these patients had not received treatment and were therefore included in this study. The endoscopy results were normal in 28% of the patients, and a barium swallow was inconclusive in 31% of the achalasia patients. Ten patients (31%) were classified as having type I achalasia, 17 (53%) were classified as type II, and 5 (16%) were classified as type III. Among the three subtypes, type I patients were on average the youngest and had the longest history of dysphagia, mildest chest pain, most significant weight loss, and most dilated esophagus with residual food. Chest pain was most common in type III patients, and frequently had normal fluoroscopic and endoscopic results.
CONCLUSION: The clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic findings were not significantly different between patients with type I and type II untreated achalasia. Type III patients had the most severe symptoms and were the most difficult to diagnose based on varied clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic findings.

PMID: 26021774 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Comparative Study Between Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy Versus Pneumatic Dilatation for Treatment of Early Achalasia: A Prospective Randomized Study.

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Comparative Study Between Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy Versus Pneumatic Dilatation for Treatment of Early Achalasia: A Prospective Randomized Study.

J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2015 Jun;25(6):460-4

Authors: Hamdy E, El Nakeeb A, El Hanfy E, El Hemaly M, Salah T, Hamed H, El Hak NG

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is an incurable primary motor disorder of the esophagus. The best treatment modality for achalasia is still controversial. This study compared the short- and intermediate-term outcome between endoscopic pneumatic dilatation (EPD) versus laparoscopic esophageal myotomy (LEM) for the management of adult patients with early-stage achalasia.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled study of adult patients (20-50 years old) who presented with early-stage achalasia (esophageal diameter of <3.5 cm on contrast esophagography). Patients were classified into two groups according to the method of management: Group A patients were treated with LEM, whereas Group B patients were treated with EPD. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and then 1 year.
RESULTS: In total, 50 patients were managed for a manometrically confirmed diagnosis of achalasia. The median age of presentation was 31.5 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.4:1. Both groups were comparable regarding patient demographics and preoperative severity of the condition. The rate of symptoms relief was 76% in EPD compared with 96% in LEM (P=.04). There was a significant lowering of lower esophageal sphincter in the LEM group (P=.0001). Perforation of the esophagus occurred in 8% of the patients during EPD, whereas mucosal tears occurred in 4% of the patients during LEM. Reflux symptoms developed in 28% and 16% of the patients in the EPD and LEM groups, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: LEM was more effective clinically and manometrically for patients with early-stage achalasia than EPD. There was no significant difference between the two procedures regarding complications.

PMID: 25951417 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Diagnostic Yield and Clinical Implications of Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

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Diagnostic Yield and Clinical Implications of Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2015 Jun;25(6):465-9

Authors: Praveenraj P, Gomes RM, Kumar S, Senthilnathan P, Parathasarathi R, Rajapandian S, Palanivelu C

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy in patients undergoing bariatric surgery is controversial. It is recommended routinely by some authors to detect benign or malignant pathology that mostly remains asymptomatic. Others recommend selective use, suggesting not much impact on surgical management of detected pathology, especially in asymptomatic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and impact of pathological findings on routine UGI endoscopy before bariatric surgery in a cohort of morbidly obese Indian patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed preoperative screening UGI endoscopy reports of 283 patients who underwent bariatric surgery from February 2012 to August 2014. Data were collected on clinical information, UGI endoscopic findings, Helicobacter pylori testing, and management.
RESULTS: Ten patients gave a history of gastroesophageal reflux, and the rest had no specific UGI complaints. Fifty-four had no abnormal findings. One hundred ninety-six had a lax lower esophageal hiatus, hiatal hernias of <5 cm, Grade I-II esophagitis, or mild to moderate gastritis or duodenitis that did not have an impact on surgery. Thirty-one had severe erosive gastritis or duodenitis, or polyposis that delayed surgery for treatment and review of biopsies. A large hiatal hernia >5 cm changed surgical plan to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from a sleeve gastrectomy in 2 cases. None had varices or malignancy.
CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative UGI endoscopy yielded a high proportion of endoscopic abnormalities even in asymptomatic patients. Surgery was delayed to treat severe mucosal lesions and to investigate polypoidal findings in the majority. A change in surgical approach and surveillance for malignancy was needed in a few cases.

PMID: 25942627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Per-oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia. Are results comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy?

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Per-oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia. Are results comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy?

Scand J Gastroenterol. 2015 May;50(5):505-12

Authors: Kumagai K, Tsai JA, Thorell A, Lundell L, Håkanson B

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has recently been introduced as a minimal invasive alternative to conventional treatment for achalasia. This study aimed to clarify the feasibility and the short-term clinical efficacy of POEM as compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM).
METHODS: Treatment outcomes were prospectively recorded and compared between the procedures in a nonrandomized fashion. Reduction rate (RR) in timed barium esophagogram (TBE) was calculated at 1, 2 and 5 min after barium ingestion as: RR = 1- postoperative barium height/preoperative barium height. Risk factors for treatment failure defined as the proportion of patients with RR <0.5 (1 min) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) after POEM were analyzed.
RESULTS: Forty-two consecutive patients who underwent POEM were compared to 41 patients who had a LHM during the immediate time period prior to the introduction of POEM. Ninety percent of the cases reported complete symptom relief after POEM. The percentage of esophageal emptying and RR in TBE improved dramatically by both procedures without significant difference. A longer operation time (odds ratio [OR] 32.80, 95%CI 2.99-359.82, p = 0.004) and younger age (OR 26.81, 95%CI 2.09-344.03, p = 0.012) were the independent predictors of treatment failure after POEM. GER was observed in seven patients where previous dilatation (OR 8.59, 95%CI 1.16-63.45, p = 0.035) and higher body mass index (OR 8.69, 95%CI 1.13-66.63, p = 0.037) were the independent predictors for symptomatic GER after POEM.
CONCLUSION: POEM seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for achalasia in the short-term perspective; an effect well comparable to LHM.

PMID: 25712228 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Dementia manifests in everyday life.

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Dementia manifests in everyday life.

Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. 2014;51(2):126-7

Authors: Arai H

PMID: 24858112 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Treatment of comminuted patellar fracture with the nitinol patellar concentrator.

Treatment of comminuted patellar fracture with the nitinol patellar concentrator.

Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol. 2016 Jan 21;:1-5

Authors: Zhao QM, Yang HL, Wang L, Liu ZT, Gu XF

Abstract
Aim To evaluate the clinical effect of the nitinol (NiTi)-patellar concentrator (NT-PC) for the treatment of comminuted patellar fractures. Material and methods A total of 32 patients with acute comminuted patellar fracture accepted open reduction and internal fixation with the NT-PC, and the curative effects were evaluated using the Böstman clinical grading scale. Results All fractures were anatomically reduced by surgery and all cases were followed-up for six to 18 months. The mean score of patients according to the Böstman clinical grading scale was 25.6, with 29 of 32 (90.7%) patients achieving excellent or good results. Two patients had traumatic arthritis, one had slippage of the NT-PC, and all patients received pharmacotherapy. Conclusions The application of the NT-PC is a satisfactory approach to the treatment of comminuted patellar fractures.

PMID: 26796538 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Molecular Mechanisms Regulating the Dendritic Development of Newborn Olfactory Bulb Interneurons in a Sensory Experience-Dependent Manner.

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Molecular Mechanisms Regulating the Dendritic Development of Newborn Olfactory Bulb Interneurons in a Sensory Experience-Dependent Manner.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:514

Authors: Yoshihara S, Takahashi H, Tsuboi A

Abstract
Inhibitory interneurons in the olfactory bulb are generated continuously throughout life in the subventricular zone and differentiate into periglomerular and granule cells. Neural circuits that undergo reorganization by newborn olfactory bulb interneurons are necessary for odor detection, odor discrimination, olfactory memory, and innate olfactory responses. Although sensory experience has been shown to regulate development in a variety of species and in various structures, including the retina, cortex, and hippocampus, little is known about how sensory experience regulates the dendritic development of newborn olfactory bulb interneurons. Recent studies revealed that the 5T4 oncofetal trophoblast glycoprotein and the neuronal Per/Arnt/Sim domain protein 4 (Npas4) transcription factor regulate dendritic branching and dendritic spine formation, respectively, in olfactory bulb interneurons. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms that underlie the sensory input-dependent development of newborn interneurons and the formation of functional neural circuitry in the olfactory bulb.

PMID: 26793053 [PubMed]

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Huntington's Disease as Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Altered Chromatin Regulation, Coding, and Non-Coding RNA Transcription.

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Huntington's Disease as Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Altered Chromatin Regulation, Coding, and Non-Coding RNA Transcription.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:509

Authors: Kerschbamer E, Biagioli M

PMID: 26793052 [PubMed]

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Clinical Value of the Assessment of Changes in MEP Duration with Voluntary Contraction.

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Clinical Value of the Assessment of Changes in MEP Duration with Voluntary Contraction.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:505

Authors: Brum M, Cabib C, Valls-Solé J

Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) gives rise to muscle responses, known as motor evoked potentials (MEP), through activation of the motor pathways. Voluntary contraction causes facilitation of MEPs, which consists of shortening MEP latency, increasing MEP amplitude and widening MEP duration. While an increase in excitability of alpha motorneurons and the corticospinal tract can easily explain latency shortening and amplitude increase, other mechanisms have to be accounted for to explain the increase in duration. We measured the increase in duration of the MEP during contraction with respect to rest in a group of healthy volunteers and retrospectively assessed this parameter in patients who were examined in a standardized fashion during the past 5 years. We included 25 healthy subjects, 21 patients with multiple sclerosis, 33 patients with acute stroke, 5 patients with hereditary spastic paraparesis, and 5 patients with signs suggesting psychogenic paresis. We found already significant differences among groups in the MEP duration at rest, patients with MS had a significantly longer duration, and patients with stroke had significantly shorter duration, than the other two groups. The increase in MEP duration during voluntary contraction was different in patients and in healthy subjects. It was significantly shorter in MS and significantly longer in stroke patients. It was absent in the five patients with suspected psychogenic weakness. In patients with HSP, an abnormally increase in duration occurred only in leg muscles. Our results suggest that the increase in duration of the MEP during contraction may reveal the contribution of propriospinal interneurons to the activation of alpha motorneurons. This mechanism may be altered in some diseases and, therefore, the assessment proposed in this work may have clinical applicability for the differential diagnosis of weakness.

PMID: 26793051 [PubMed]

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Direct Regulation of Aromatase B Expression by 17β-Estradiol and Dopamine D1 Receptor Agonist in Adult Radial Glial Cells.

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Direct Regulation of Aromatase B Expression by 17β-Estradiol and Dopamine D1 Receptor Agonist in Adult Radial Glial Cells.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:504

Authors: Xing L, Esau C, Trudeau VL

Abstract
Aromatase cytochrome P450arom (cyp19) is the only enzyme that has the ability to convert androgens into estrogens. Estrogens, which are produced locally in the vertebrate brain play many fundamental roles in neuroendocrine functions, reproductive functions, socio-sexual behaviors, and neurogenesis. Radial glial cells (RGCs) are neuronal progenitor cells that are abundant in fish brains and are the exclusive site of aromatase B expression and neuroestrogen synthesis. Using a novel in vitro RGC culture preparation we studied the regulation of aromatase B by 17β-estradiol (E2) and dopamine (DA). We have established that activation of the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) by SKF 38393 up-regulates aromatase B gene expression most likely through the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). This up-regulation can be enhanced by low concentration of E2 (100 nM) through increasing the expression of D1R and the level of p-CREB protein. However, a high concentration of E2 (1 μM) and D1R agonist together failed to up-regulate aromatase B, potentially due to attenuation of esr2b expression and p-CREB levels. Furthermore, we found the up-regulation of aromatase B by E2 and DA both requires the involvement of esr1 and esr2a. The combined effect of E2 and DA agonist indicates that aromatase B in the adult teleost brain is under tight control by both steroids and neurotransmitters to precisely regulate neuroestrogen levels.

PMID: 26793050 [PubMed]

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Turning On Lights to Stop Neurodegeneration: The Potential of Near Infrared Light Therapy in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.

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Turning On Lights to Stop Neurodegeneration: The Potential of Near Infrared Light Therapy in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:500

Authors: Johnstone DM, Moro C, Stone J, Benabid AL, Mitrofanis J

Abstract
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are the two most common neurodegenerative disorders. They develop after a progressive death of many neurons in the brain. Although therapies are available to treat the signs and symptoms of both diseases, the progression of neuronal death remains relentless, and it has proved difficult to slow or stop. Hence, there is a need to develop neuroprotective or disease-modifying treatments that stabilize this degeneration. Red to infrared light therapy (λ = 600-1070 nm), and in particular light in the near infrared (NIr) range, is emerging as a safe and effective therapy that is capable of arresting neuronal death. Previous studies have used NIr to treat tissue stressed by hypoxia, toxic insult, genetic mutation and mitochondrial dysfunction with much success. Here we propose NIr therapy as a neuroprotective or disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients.

PMID: 26793049 [PubMed]

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Gliotransmitter Release from Astrocytes: Functional, Developmental, and Pathological Implications in the Brain.

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Gliotransmitter Release from Astrocytes: Functional, Developmental, and Pathological Implications in the Brain.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:499

Authors: Harada K, Kamiya T, Tsuboi T

Abstract
Astrocytes comprise a large population of cells in the brain and are important partners to neighboring neurons, vascular cells, and other glial cells. Astrocytes not only form a scaffold for other cells, but also extend foot processes around the capillaries to maintain the blood-brain barrier. Thus, environmental chemicals that exist in the blood stream could have potentially harmful effects on the physiological function of astrocytes. Although astrocytes are not electrically excitable, they have been shown to function as active participants in the development of neural circuits and synaptic activity. Astrocytes respond to neurotransmitters and contribute to synaptic information processing by releasing chemical transmitters called "gliotransmitters." State-of-the-art optical imaging techniques enable us to clarify how neurotransmitters elicit the release of various gliotransmitters, including glutamate, D-serine, and ATP. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that the disruption of gliotransmission results in neuronal dysfunction and abnormal behaviors in animal models. In this review, we focus on the latest technical approaches to clarify the molecular mechanisms of gliotransmitter exocytosis, and discuss the possibility that exposure to environmental chemicals could alter gliotransmission and cause neurodevelopmental disorders.

PMID: 26793048 [PubMed]

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Neuroplastic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Painful Symptoms Reduction in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Phase II Randomized, Double Blind, Sham Controlled Trial.

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Neuroplastic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Painful Symptoms Reduction in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Phase II Randomized, Double Blind, Sham Controlled Trial.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:498

Authors: Brietzke AP, Rozisky JR, Dussan-Sarria JA, Deitos A, Laste G, Hoppe PF, Muller S, Torres IL, Alvares-da-Silva MR, de Amorim RF, Fregni F, Caumo W

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Pegylated Interferon Alpha (Peg-IFN) in combination with other drugs is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) and is related to severe painful symptoms. The aim of this study was access the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in controlling the painful symptoms related to Peg-IFN side effects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase II double-blind trial, twenty eight (n = 28) HCV subjects were randomized to receive either 5 consecutive days of active tDCS (n = 14) or sham (n = 14) during 5 consecutive days with anodal stimulation over the primary motor cortex region using 2 mA for 20 min. The primary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) pain and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels. Secondary outcomes were the pressure-pain threshold (PPT), the Brazilian Profile of Chronic Pain: Screen (B-PCP:S), and drug analgesics use.
RESULTS: tDCS reduced the VAS scores (P < 0.003), with a mean pain drop of 56% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, tDCS was able to enhance BDNF levels (p < 0.01). The mean increase was 37.48% in the active group. Finally, tDCS raised PPT (p < 0.001) and reduced the B-PCP:S scores and analgesic use (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Five sessions of tDCS were effective in reducing the painful symptoms in HCV patients undergoing Peg-IFN treatment. These findings support the efficacy of tDCS as a promising therapeutic tool to improve the tolerance of the side effects related to the use of Peg-IFN. Future larger studies (phase III and IV trials) are needed to confirm the clinical use of the therapeutic effects of tDCS in such condition.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Human Health Regulator for Research with the approval number CAAE 07802012.0.0000.5327.

PMID: 26793047 [PubMed]

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From Autism to Eating Disorders and More: The Role of Oxytocin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

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From Autism to Eating Disorders and More: The Role of Oxytocin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:497

Authors: Romano A, Tempesta B, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Gaetani S

Abstract
Oxytocin (oxy) is a pituitary neuropeptide hormone synthesized from the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei within the hypothalamus. Like other neuropeptides, oxy can modulate a wide range of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator activities. Additionally, through the neurohypophysis, oxy is secreted into the systemic circulation to act as a hormone, thereby influencing several body functions. Oxy plays a pivotal role in parturition, milk let-down and maternal behavior and has been demonstrated to be important in the formation of pair bonding between mother and infants as well as in mating pairs. Furthermore, oxy has been proven to play a key role in the regulation of several behaviors associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, including social interactions, social memory response to social stimuli, decision-making in the context of social interactions, feeding behavior, emotional reactivity, etc. An increasing body of evidence suggests that deregulations of the oxytocinergic system might be involved in the pathophysiology of certain neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism, eating disorders, schizophrenia, mood, and anxiety disorders. The potential use of oxy in these mental health disorders is attracting growing interest since numerous beneficial properties are ascribed to this neuropeptide. The present manuscript will review the existing findings on the role played by oxy in a variety of distinct physiological and behavioral functions (Figure 1) and on its role and impact in different psychiatric disorders. The aim of this review is to highlight the need of further investigations on this target that might contribute to the development of novel more efficacious therapies. Figure 1Oxytocin regulatory control of different and complex processes.

PMID: 26793046 [PubMed]

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Mild White Matter Changes in Un-medicated Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Patients and Their Unaffected Siblings.

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Mild White Matter Changes in Un-medicated Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Patients and Their Unaffected Siblings.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:495

Authors: Fan S, van den Heuvel OA, Cath DC, van der Werf YD, de Wit SJ, de Vries FE, Veltman DJ, Pouwels PJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder with moderate genetic influences and white matter abnormalities in frontal-striatal and limbic regions. Inconsistencies in reported white matter results from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies can be explained, at least partly, by medication use and between-group differences in disease profile and stage. We used a family design aiming to establish whether white matter abnormalities, if present in un-medicated OCD patients, also exist in their unaffected siblings.
METHOD: Forty-four OCD patients, un-medicated for at least the past 4 weeks, 15 of their unaffected siblings, and 37 healthy controls (HC) underwent DTI using a 3-Tesla MRI-scanner. Data analysis was done using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and mean diffusivity (MD) values were compared within seven skeletonised regions of interest (ROIs), i.e., corpus callosum, bilateral cingulum bundle, bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculus/frontal-occipital fasciculus (ILF/FOF) and bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF).
RESULTS: Un-medicated OCD patients, compared with HC, had significantly lower FA in the left cingulum bundle. FA was trend-significantly lower in all other ROIs, except for the corpus callosum. Significant three-group differences in FA (and in RD at trend-significant level) were observed in the left cingulum bundle, with the unaffected siblings representing an intermediate group between OCD patients and HC.
CONCLUSIONS: OCD patients showed lower FA in the left cingulum bundle, partly driven by trend-significantly higher values in RD. Since the unaffected siblings were found to be an intermediate group between OCD patients and HC, this white matter alteration may be considered an endophenotype for OCD.

PMID: 26793045 [PubMed]

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Doublecortin (DCX) is not Essential for Survival and Differentiation of Newborn Neurons in the Adult Mouse Dentate Gyrus.

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Doublecortin (DCX) is not Essential for Survival and Differentiation of Newborn Neurons in the Adult Mouse Dentate Gyrus.

Front Neurosci. 2015;9:494

Authors: Dhaliwal J, Xi Y, Bruel-Jungerman E, Germain J, Francis F, Lagace DC

Abstract
In the adult brain, expression of the microtubule-associated protein Doublecortin (DCX) is associated with neural progenitor cells (NPCs) that give rise to new neurons in the dentate gyrus. Many studies quantify the number of DCX-expressing cells as a proxy for the level of adult neurogenesis, yet no study has determined the effect of removing DCX from adult hippocampal NPCs. Here, we use a retroviral and inducible mouse transgenic approach to either knockdown or knockout DCX from adult NPCs in the dentate gyrus and examine how this affects cell survival and neuronal maturation. Our results demonstrate that shRNA-mediated knockdown of DCX or Cre-mediated recombination in floxed DCX mice does not alter hippocampal neurogenesis and does not change the neuronal fate of the NPCs. Together these findings show that the survival and maturation of adult-generated hippocampal neurons does not require DCX.

PMID: 26793044 [PubMed]

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Angiogenesis inhibitor; +30 new citations

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

Angiogenesis inhibitor

These pubmed results were generated on 2016/01/23

PubMed comprises more than 24 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

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Long-term cancer risk after hysterectomy on benign indications: population-based cohort study.

Long-term cancer risk after hysterectomy on benign indications: population-based cohort study.

Int J Cancer. 2016 Jan 21;

Authors: Altman D, Yin L, Falconer H

Abstract
Hysterectomy on benign indications is associated with an increased risk for adverse health effects. However, little is known about the association between hysterectomy and subsequent cancer occurrence later in life. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of hysterectomy on the incidence of cancer. In this population-based cohort study, we used data on 111595 hysterectomized and 5379843 non-hysterectomized women from nationwide Swedish health care registers including the Inpatient Register, the Cancer Register and the Cause of Death Register in-between 1973-2009. Hysterectomy with or without concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) performed on benign indications was considered as exposure and incidence of primary cancers was used as outcome meassure. Rare primary cancers (<100 cases for the two groups combined) were excluded from analysis. A marginal risk reduction for any cancer was observed for women with previous hysterectomy and for those with hysterectomy and concurrent BSO (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91-0.95 and HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.96 respectively). Compared to non-hysterectomized women, significant risks were observed for thyroid cancer (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.45-2.14). For both hysterectomy, and hysterectomy with BSO, an association with brain cancer was observed (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.32-1.65 and HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.15-1.83 respectively). Hysterectomy, with or without BSO, was not associated with breast, lung or gastrointestinal cancer. We conclude that hysterectomy on benign indications is associated with an increased risk for thyroid and brain cancer later in life. Further research efforts are needed to identify patient groups at risk of malignancy following a hysterectomy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 26800386 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Early and late vulval cancer recurrences: Are they different?

Early and late vulval cancer recurrences: Are they different?

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2016 Jan 22;:1-4

Authors: Ragupathy K, Grandidge L, Strelley K, Wang H, Tidy J

Abstract
Vulval cancers are rare, but after primary treatment, known to recur with a high frequency (30%). Clinico-pathological predictors of recurrence have been established to a great extent. However, there is paucity of literature on predictors of early versus late recurrence. We sought to identify such predictors through a retrospective study of vulval cancer recurrences in a single cancer centre over 11 years. Age of women, depth of invasion/site of primary tumour and presence of background VIN/lichen sclerosus do not appear to affect timing of recurrence. However, vulval cancers that recur after 2 years of primary tumour recognition are more likely to be well-differentiated tumours, have undergone radical surgery and have had a closest disease-free margin >1 cm. Late recurrences are entirely local rather than distant metastases and this translates into a better survival as shown in our study (40 months median survival in the early group versus 112 in the late recurrence group).

PMID: 26800292 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Going beyond "Basaloid neoplasm": Fine needle aspiration cytology of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland.

Going beyond "Basaloid neoplasm": Fine needle aspiration cytology of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland.

Diagn Cytopathol. 2016 Jan 22;

Authors: Molnar SL, Zarka MA, De Las Casas LE

Abstract
Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare salivary gland malignancy with variable cytologic findings. Its rarity, variable morphologic findings, and similarities with more common salivary gland entities make it a difficult cytologic diagnosis. As the name signifies, the key feature of this tumor is presence of an epithelial and myoepithelial component. However, when one of these two components is scant on the fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears, it may be overlooked. We present a case from a 62 year-old female who presented to the clinic with a parotid nodule and episodes of sharp, throbbing pain. A fine needle aspiration was performed which revealed a highly cellular specimen comprised primarily of aggregates of cells with small, round nuclei and scant to absent cytoplasm. Abundant hyaline stromal material was also noted. The case was signed out as basaloid neoplasm with a recommendation for surgical resection. The subsequent resection specimen revealed EMC. By reviewing the FNA specimen following the surgical resection of the tumor, we were able to utilize the benefit of hindsight to more clearly identify the subtle, biphasic components of the tumor. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID: 26798976 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Primary Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple.

Primary Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple.

Case Rep Pathol. 2015;2015:327487

Authors: Pendse AA, O'Connor SM

Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common cutaneous cancers; however, primary squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple is extremely rare. Among the few reported cases, the majority have occurred in older women with rare cases seen in younger women and male patients. Our patient presented with an exophytic mass of the right nipple while pregnant. A superficial biopsy was reviewed at an outside institution and then at our institution and diagnosed as squamous papilloma and then as hyperkeratosis of the nipple, respectively. The subsequent excisional biopsy revealed multiple nests of tumor cells extending into the dermis with associated chronic inflammatory infiltrate, and the lesion was diagnosed as a primary invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple. Following that, a wide local excision of the excision site and sampling of the regional lymph nodes were negative for carcinoma. Due to the rarity of this diagnosis, it is not known whether prognosis and response to therapy differ from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma at other sites. Therefore, risk stratification and therapy have been based on those for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID: 26798535 [PubMed]

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Cowden Syndrome and Concomitant Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Presentation of Two Cases.

Cowden Syndrome and Concomitant Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Presentation of Two Cases.

Case Rep Med. 2015;2015:265786

Authors: Langer SW, Ringholm L, Dali CI, Petersen RH, Rasmussen ÅK, Gerdes AM, Federspiel B, Knigge UP

Abstract
Cowden Syndrome is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disorder. Patients with Cowden Syndrome are at increased risk of various benign and malignant neoplasms in breast, endometrium, thyroid, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary system. Neuroendocrine tumors are ubiquitous neoplasms that may occur anywhere in the human body. Bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumors include four different histological subtypes, among these, typical and atypical pulmonary carcinoids. No association between Cowden Syndrome and neuroendocrine tumors has previously been described. We present two cases of Cowden Syndrome that were diagnosed with pulmonary carcinoids.

PMID: 26798346 [PubMed]

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Galectin-9: An anticancer molecule for gallbladder carcinoma.

Galectin-9: An anticancer molecule for gallbladder carcinoma.

Int J Oncol. 2016 Jan 19;

Authors: Tadokoro T, Morishita A, Fujihara S, Iwama H, Niki T, Fujita K, Akashi E, Mimura S, Oura K, Sakamoto T, Nomura T, Tani J, Miyoshi H, Yoneyama H, Himoto T, Hirashima M, Masaki T

Abstract
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common and aggressive type of biliary tract cancer. There are various histological types of GBC, and the vast majority of GBC cases are adenocarcinomas. Squamous and adenosquamous carcinomas are rare GBC subtypes that are traditionally considered to be more aggressive and to be associated with a poorer prognosis than adenocarcinoma. Galectin-9 (Gal-9), a tandem-repeat-type galectin, has been reported to induce apoptosis-mediated elimination of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and hematologic malignancies. Therefore, we investigated the antitumor effects of Gal-9 on GBC in vitro and in vivo. In our in vitro experiments, Gal-9 suppressed cell proliferation in various GBC cell lines but not in the OCUG-1 cell line, which represents a poorly differentiated type of adenosquamous carcinoma. Gal-9 induced the apoptosis of Gal-9-sensitive GBC cells by increasing the levels of caspase-cleaved keratin 18 and phosphorylated p53. However, Gal-9 did not affect the expression of various cell cycle-related proteins. In addition, Gal-9 suppressed tumor growth by implanted human GBC cells in a xenograft model. Furthermore, Gal-9 induced the phosphorylation of the Ephrin type-B receptor, and the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile was markedly altered by Gal-9. Based on these results, various miRNAs might contribute to the suppression of tumor growth. Our data reveal that Gal-9 suppresses the growth of GBC, possibly by inducing apoptosis and altering miRNA expression. Thus, Gal-9 might serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of GBC.

PMID: 26797414 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Myeloid Cell Nuclear Differentiation Antigen (MNDA) Expression Distinguishes Extramedullary Presentations of Myeloid Leukemia From Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm.

Myeloid Cell Nuclear Differentiation Antigen (MNDA) Expression Distinguishes Extramedullary Presentations of Myeloid Leukemia From Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm.

Am J Surg Pathol. 2016 Jan 19;

Authors: Johnson RC, Kim J, Natkunam Y, Sundram U, Freud AG, Gammon B, Cascio MJ

Abstract
Myeloid neoplasms constitute one of the most common malignancies in adults. In most cases these proliferations initially manifest in the blood and marrow; however, extramedullary involvement may precede blood or marrow involvement in a subset of cases, making a definitive diagnosis challenging by morphologic and immunohistochemical assessment alone. Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare, aggressive entity that frequently presents in extramedullary sites and can show morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap with myeloid neoplasms. Given that BPDCN and myeloid neoplasms may both initially present in extramedullary sites and that novel targeted therapies may be developed that exploit the unique molecular signature of BPDCN, new immunophenotypic markers that can reliably separate myeloid neoplasms from BPDCN are desirable. We evaluated the utility of myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA) expression in a series of extramedullary myeloid leukemias (EMLs) and BPDCN. Forty biopsies containing EML and 19 biopsies containing BPDCN were studied by MNDA immunohistochemistry. The majority of myeloid neoplasms showed nuclear expression of MNDA (65%). In contrast, all cases of BPDCN lacked MNDA expression. These findings show that MNDA is expressed in the majority of EMLs and support the inclusion of MNDA immunohistochemistry in the diagnostic evaluation of blastic hematopoietic infiltrates, particularly when the differential diagnosis is between myeloid leukemia and BPDCN.

PMID: 26796502 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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[Osteoradionecrosis of the sternoclavicular joint].

[Osteoradionecrosis of the sternoclavicular joint].

HNO. 2016 Jan 21;

Authors: Schnurbein G, Wagner J, Todt I, Ernst A, Seidl RO

Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Osteoradionecrosis is a rare, but feared, late complication after radiotherapy of the head and neck region. Its localization to the sternoclavicular joint has rarely been described so far.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data are from a retrospective study that included all patients admitted to the authors' clinic with osteoradionecrosis of the sternoclavicular joint during the last 5 years. Therapy and outcome were evaluated and compared to the established literature.
RESULTS: Over the past 5 years, 2 patients have been treated for pronounced osteoradionecrosis of the sternoclavicular joint. Both patients had received postoperative radiotherapy for tumors of the neck and chest, and presented with lesions involving the clavicle and the sternum. After eliminating the suspicion of recurrent cancer, both radiologic imaging and histopathologic evaluation confirmed an infection. Aggressive debridement with partial claviculectomy, partial sternectomy, and reconstruction using a pectoralis flap lead to the patients' recovery.
CONCLUSION: Osteoradionecrosis does not only affect bone, but also the surrounding soft tissue. Due to the changes associated with previous radiotherapy, osteoradionecrosis should always be treated with radical debridement of the infected area, followed by flap reconstruction using unaffected tissue. The prognosis for the patient is then good.

PMID: 26795738 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Skeletal stigmata as keys to access to the composite and ancient gorlin-goltz syndrome history: The Egypt, Pompeii and Herculaneum lessons.

Skeletal stigmata as keys to access to the composite and ancient gorlin-goltz syndrome history: The Egypt, Pompeii and Herculaneum lessons.

Gene. 2016 Jan 12;

Authors: Ponti G, Pellacani G, Tomasi A, Sammaria G, Manfredini M

Abstract
There are several genetic diseases with a wide spectrum of congenital bone stigmata in association to cutaneous and visceral benign and malignant neoplasms. Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, also named nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, is an autosomal dominant systemic disease with almost complete penetrance and high intra-familial phenotypic variability, caused by germline mutations of the gene PTCH1. The syndrome is characterized by unusual skeletal changes and high predisposition to the development of multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts tumors and other visceral tumors. The Gorlin syndrome, clinically defined as distinct syndrome in 1963, existed during Dynastic Egyptian times, as revealed by a costellation of skeletal findings compatible with the syndrome in mummies dating back to three thousands years ago and, most likely, in the ancient population of Pompeii. These paleogenetic and historical evidences, together with the clinical and biomolecular modern evidences, confirm the quite benign behavior of the syndrome and the critical value of the multiple and synchronous skeletal anomalies in the recognition of these rare and complex genetic disease.

PMID: 26794802 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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DDAH1 deficiency promotes intracellular oxidative stress and cell apoptosis via a miR-21-dependent pathway in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Publication date: Available online 21 January 2016
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Chenyang Zhao, Tianhe Li, Bingxing Han, Wenhui Yue, Linlin Shi, Hongyun Wang, Yuting Guo, Zhongbing Lu
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, is degraded by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1). Emerging evidence suggests that plasma ADMA accumulation, DDAH1 activity/expression reduction, and microRNA-21 (miR-21) upregulation are linked to disease pathology, but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present study, we assessed the potential role of the ADMA–DDAH1–miR-21 pathway in the regulation of the cellular redox state and apoptosis using wild-type (WT) and DDAH1-knockout (KO) immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). DDAH1 deficiency significantly increased ADMA levels, enhanced cellular oxidative stress, and rendered cells more vulnerable to apoptosis induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) or A23187. However, treatment with exogenous ADMA (1–80μM) for 24h or for a prolonged period (10μM, 10 passages) in WT MEFs had no marked effect on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis sensitivity. Interestingly, miR-21 expression was significantly increased, by 4 fold, in DDAH1^-/- MEFs, and the induction of miR-21 by DDAH1 deficiency was dependent on oxidative stress and NF-κB activation. Inhibition of DDAH1 activity by PD 404182 also increased miR-21 expression. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-21 with a lentiviral vector in DDAH1^-/- MEFs significantly upregulated SOD2 expression and the attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by tBHP or A23187. Taken together, our results suggest that DDAH1 not only acts as an enzyme degrading ADMA but also controls cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis via a miR-21-dependent pathway.

Graphical abstract

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“Cold training” affects rat liver responses to continuous cold exposure

Publication date: Available online 22 January 2016
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Paola Venditti, Gaetana Napolitano, Daniela Barone, Sergio Di Meo
Continuous exposure of homeothermic animals to low environmental temperatures elicits physiological adaptations necessary for animal survival, which are associated to higher generation of pro-oxidants in thermogenic tissues. It is not known whether intermittent cold exposure (cold training) is able to affect tissue responses to continuous cold exposure. Therefore, we investigated whether rat liver responses to continuous cold exposure of 2 days are modified by cold training (1hour daily for 5day per week for 3 consecutive weeks). Continuous cold increased liver oxidative metabolism by increasing tissue content of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial aerobic capacity. Cold training did not affect such parameters, but attenuated or prevented the changes elicited by continuous cold exposure. Two-day cold exposure increased lipid hydroperoxide and protein-bound carbonyl levels in homogenates and mitochondria, whereas cold training decreased such effects although it decreased only homogenate protein damage in control rats. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes GPX and GR and H2O2 production were increased by continuous cold exposure. Despite the increase in GPX and GR activities, livers from cold-exposed rats showed increased susceptibility to in vitro oxidative challenge. Such cold effects were decreased by cold training, which in control rats reduced only H2O2 production and susceptibility to stress. The changes of PGC-1, NRF-1, and NRF-2 expression levels were consistent with those induced by cold exposure and cold training in mitochondrial protein content and antioxidant enzyme activities. However, the mechanisms by which cold training attenuates the effects of the continuous cold exposure remain to be elucidated.



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Finger-vein authentication based on deformation-tolerant feature-point matching

Abstract

A novel method for finger-vein authentication based on feature-point matching is proposed and evaluated. A finger-vein image captured by infrared light contains artifacts such as irregular shading and vein posture deformation that can degrade accuracy of finger-vein authentication. Therefore, a method is proposed for extracting features from vein patterns and for matching feature points that is robust against irregular shading and vein deformation. In the proposed method, curvature of image-intensity profiles is used for feature point extraction because such image profiles are a robust feature against irregular shading. To increase the number of feature points, these points are extracted from any positions where vein shape is non-linear. Moreover, a finger-shape model and non-rigid registration method are proposed. Both the model and the registration method correct a deformation caused by the finger-posture change. It is experimentally shown that the proposed method achieves more robust matching than conventional methods. Furthermore, experiments on finger-vein identification show that the proposed method provides higher identification accuracy than conventional methods.

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Interaction between left ventricular twist mechanics and arterial haemodynamics during localised, non-metabolic hyperaemia with and without blood flow restriction

Whether left ventricular twist and untwisting rate (LV twist mechanics) respond to localised, peripheral, non-metabolic changes in arterial haemodynamics within an individual's normal afterload-range is presently unknown. Furthermore, previous studies indicate that LV twist mechanics may override the provision of cardiac output, but this hypothesis has not been examined purposefully. Therefore, we acutely altered local peripheral arterial haemodynamics in eleven healthy humans (Women/men: n = 3/8; age: 26±5 years) by bilateral arm heating (BAH). Ultrasonography was used to examine arterial haemodynamics, LV twist mechanics and the twist-to-shortening ratio (TSR). To further determine the arterial function-dependent contribution of LV twist mechanics to cardiac output, partial blood flow restriction to the arms was applied during BAH (BAH_BFR). BAH increased arm skin temperatures (Δ+6.4±0.9°C, P<0.0001) but not core temperature (-0.0±0.1°C, P>0.05), concomitant to increases in brachial artery blood flow (Δ 212±77 mL, P<0.0001), cardiac output (Δ 495±487 L min⁻¹, P<0.05), LV twist mechanics (Δ 15.2±5.2 degrees, P<0.05) and TSR (Δ 3.3±1.3, P<0.05) but maintained carotid artery blood flow (Δ 18±147 mL, P>0.05). Subsequently, BAH_BFR reduced all parameters to pre-heating levels, except for TSR and heart rate which remained at BAH levels. In conclusion, LV twist mechanics responded to local peripheral arterial haemodynamics within the normal afterload-range in part independent of TSR and heart rate. The findings suggest that LV twist mechanics may be more closely associated with intrinsic sensing of excessive pressure-stress rather than being associated with the delivery of adequate cardiac output.

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