Medicine by Sfakianakis Alexandros: 01/30/16

Σάββατο 30 Ιανουαρίου 2016

Reports of perceptual distortion of the face are common in patients with different types of chronic oro-facial pain

Summary

Anecdotally, chronic oro-facial pain patients may perceive the painful face area as 'swollen'. Because there are no clinical signs, these self-reported 'illusions' may represent perceptual distortions and can be speculated to contribute to the maintenance of oro-facial pain. This descriptive study investigated whether chronic oro-facial pain patients experience perceptual distortions – a kind of body image disruption. Sixty patients were consecutively recruited to fill in questionnaires regarding i) pain experience, ii) self-reports of perceptual distortion and iii) psychological condition. Perceptual distortions were examined in the total group and in three diagnostic subgroups: i) painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PPTN), ii) painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or iii) persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP). A large proportion of oro-facial pain patients reported perceptual distortions of the face (55·0%). In the diagnostic subgroups, perceptual distortions were most pronounced in PPTN patients (81·5%) but with no significant group differences. In the total group of chronic oro-facial pain patients, the present pain intensity explained 16·9% of the variance in magnitude of the perceptual distortions (R² = 16·9, F(31) = 6·3, P = 0·017). This study demonstrates that many chronic oro-facial pain patients may experience perceptual distortions. Future studies may clarify the mechanisms underlying perceptual distortions, which may point towards new complementary strategies for the management of chronic oro-facial pain.

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"Int J Clin Exp Pathol"[jour]; +229 new citations

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"Int J Clin Exp Pathol"[jour]; +229 new citations

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

"Int J Clin Exp Pathol"[jour]

These pubmed results were generated on 2016/01/30

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Reduced germinal center follicular helper T cells but normal follicular regulatory T cells in the tonsils of a patient with a mutation in the PI3KR1 gene

Publication date: Available online 28 January 2016
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Roberta Di Fonte, Manuela Baronio, Alessandro Plebani, Vassilios Lougaris, Georgia Fousteri

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Cover_spine

Publication date: January–February 2016
Source:Cancer Genetics, Volume 209, Issues 1–2

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Editorial Board

Publication date: January–February 2016
Source:Cancer Genetics, Volume 209, Issues 1–2

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Publication date: January–February 2016
Source:Cancer Genetics, Volume 209, Issues 1–2

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Meta-analysis of the efficacy of lansoprazole and omeprazole for the treatment of H.pylori-associated duodenal ulcer.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of lansoprazole and omeprazole for the treatment of H.pylori-associated duodenal ulcer.

Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2015;7(3):158-64

Authors: Zeng Y, Ye Y, Liang D, Guo C, Li L

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic evaluation of the efficacy of lansoprazole and omeprazole for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcer.
METHODS: Online databases, including CHKD, VIP, China Info, the National Digital Library of China, Google Scholar, PubMed, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, and Wiley Online Library were searched for related studies. The quality of the studies was evaluated in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and relevant information was extracted from them. The studies were subjected to meta-analysis using RevMan5.3 software, and qualitative analysis was performed for studies, in which the data could not be merged.
RESULTS: A total of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, all of which presented the possibility of bias. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences between patients treated with lansoprazole combinations and omeprazole combinations in terms of DU healing rate (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.99~1.09, P = 0.93). There were significant differences between those treated by lansoprazole combination and omeprazole combination in terms of HP eradication rate (RR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01~1.18, P = 0.04), and there was no serious adverse reaction during the treatment process for both lansoprazole and omeprazole.
CONCLUSION: Lansoprazole and omeprazole exhibit similar efficacy in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori associated duodenal ulcers.

PMID: 26823965 [PubMed]

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Cross interaction of melanocortinergic and dopaminergic systems in neural modulation.

Cross interaction of melanocortinergic and dopaminergic systems in neural modulation.

Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2015;7(3):152-7

Authors: He ZG, Liu BW, Xiang HB

Abstract
Melanocortinergic and dopaminergic systems are widely distributed in the CNS and have been established as a crucial regulatory component in diverse physiological functions. The pharmacology of both melanocortinergic and dopaminergic systems including their individual receptors, signaling mechanisms, agonists and antagonists has been extensively studied. Several lines of evidence showed that there existed a cross interaction between the receptors of melanocortinergic and dopaminergic systems. The data available at present had expanded our understanding of melanocortinergic and dopaminergic system interaction in neural modulation, which will be main discussed in this paper.

PMID: 26823964 [PubMed]

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Effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive function in rats with Parkinson's disease.

Effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive function in rats with Parkinson's disease.

Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2015;7(3):145-51

Authors: Shen X, Xie YY, Chen C, Wang XP

Abstract
This study was designed to illustrate the effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive function in rats with Parkinson's disease (PD). The PD model was established by injecting 6-OHDA into the rat brain. Rats with PD were then subjected to electroacupuncture and levodopa treatment for 2 weeks. The level of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in rat brain homogenates was assessed, for the cerebral cholinergic system is a major chemical pathway consisting of cognitive functions. Immunohistochemistry was applied to observe ChAT expression in the rat hippocampus and corpus striatum. The effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive function were comprehensively assessed in PD rats using Y-maze test. Compared with model control group, electroacupuncture group were apparently improved in learning & memory abilities, and ChAT activity was elevated, and apoptosis was reduced in the rat hippocampus and corpus striatum. No significant differences in learning & memory abilities and ChAT activity were detected between electroacupuncture and levodopa groups. Electroacupuncture remarkably improved cognition in PD rats, and its mechanisms are possibly associated with protecting cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system and elevating ChAT activity, and also might suitable dosage of levodopa protect physiologically the cognitive function in PD rats.

PMID: 26823963 [PubMed]

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Chronic intermittent voluntary alcohol drinking induces hyperalgesia in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Chronic intermittent voluntary alcohol drinking induces hyperalgesia in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2015;7(3):136-44

Authors: Fu R, Gregor D, Peng Z, Li J, Bekker A, Ye J

Abstract
The mechanisms of hyperalgesia in alcoholics are not completely clear, and the development of animal models would therefore be necessary in investigating the underlying changes. Several studies including our own have demonstrated that the intermittent access to 20% ethanol two-bottle choice procedure (IA2BC) promotes escalation of drinking, and induces physical dependence in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat, one of the strains most commonly used in preclinical alcohol research. In this study, we investigated whether the IA2BC procedure could produce hyperalgesia in SD rats. We show here that, the SD rats in the IA2BC procedure significantly escalated their drinking within 8 weeks, which is consistent with other studies. Starting from 8 weeks of repeated chronic drinking, the mechanical and thermal sensitivity was significantly increased. During withdrawal, there were noticeable physical dependence signs, including tail stiffness and lower limb flexion, which started at 4 hours and lasted for more than 3 days after ethanol removal. Importantly, during withdrawal, the mechanical and thermal sensitivity was further increased, which started at 12 hours and lasted for more than seven days after ethanol removal. These results suggest that utilizing the SD rat under the IA2BC procedure could be a useful animal model with heuristic value for exploring the mechanisms underlying hyperalgesia induced by chronic alcohol abuse.

PMID: 26823962 [PubMed]

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Age-related attenuation of parasympathetic control of the heart in mice.

Age-related attenuation of parasympathetic control of the heart in mice.

Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2015;7(3):126-35

Authors: Freeling JL, Li Y

Abstract
The autonomic nervous system maintains homeostasis through the balance of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). Especially evident in the heart, maintenance of this balance is important for the control of heart rate, conduction, and contractility. It is known that aging, similar to various cardiovascular diseases, results in an increase in SNS activity and a decrease in PSNS activity, which may contribute to age-related cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. Intracardiac ganglia relay and integrate the PSNS signals to the heart. Therefore, this study investigated whether altered function of intracardiac ganglia is involved in age-related parasympathetic dysfunction and the potential role of the major cholinergic components of intracardiac ganglionic transmission in the process. This study utilized two age groups of mice, the younger mice at 1-2.5 months of age, and the older mice at 11-12 months of age. The results show that the older mice exhibit diminishment of both baroreflex sensitivity and response to rostral-severed vagal stimulation but preserved response to administration of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, bethanechol. Analysis of whole atrial lysate revealed significant diminishments in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the upper band of vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAchT). In contrast, the upper band of the high affinity choline transporter (CHT) was significantly upregulated in the older group. Further analysis showed that the soluble but not insoluble fraction of CHT protein is significantly increased in the older group. This implicates a potential reduction of acetylcholine synthesis and/or release and an improper compensatory change of CHT may be responsible for the PSNS dysfunction exhibited in this model.

PMID: 26823961 [PubMed]

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The PI3Kδ inhibitor idelalisib suppresses liver and lung cellular respiration.

The PI3Kδ inhibitor idelalisib suppresses liver and lung cellular respiration.

Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2015;7(3):115-25

Authors: Hammadi SA, Almarzooqi S, Abdul-Kader HM, Saraswathiamma D, Souid AK

Abstract
Idelalisib (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-delta) is approved for treatment of B-cell malignancies, with a Boxed Warning concerning potentially fatal hepatic, lung, and intestinal toxicities. The mechanisms of these tissue-specific adverse events have yet to be elucidated. This in vitro study investigated whether these effects could be attributed, at least in part, to altered cellular bioenergetics. A phosphorescence analyzer was used to measure cellular mitochondrial O2 consumption (kc , µM O2 min(-1) mg(-1)) in C57BL/6 mouse organs in the presence of 10 µM idelalisib or dimethyl-sulfoxide. Idelalisib significantly reduced the rate of cellular respiration in liver and lung fragments by 20% and 27%, respectively. Respiration in intestinal, thymic, and kidney fragments was unaffected. Idelalisib did not alter respiratory chain activities in mitochondria isolated from the liver and did not induce hepatocyte death. Thus, the drug mildly lowers liver and lung cellular respiration, an effect that may contribute to toxicities observed in these organs.

PMID: 26823960 [PubMed]

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Determinants of admission to inpatient rehabilitation among acute-care survivors of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: A prospective population-wide cohort study

Publication date: Available online 30 January 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): David Stock, Cassandra Cowie, Vincy Chan, Nora Cullen, Angela Colantonio
ObjectivesTo investigate demographic and acute care clinical determinants of admission to inpatient rehabilitation (IR) among hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) patients who survive the initial acute care episode.DesignPopulation-wide prospective cohort study using Canadian Institutes for Health Information administrative health data from Ontario, Canada. All patients who survived their HIBI acute care episode during the study period remained eligible for the outcome, admission to inpatient rehabilitation, for one year post acute care discharge.SettingOntario, Canada acute care.ParticipantsWe included all HIBI patients using International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision codes (ICD-10-CA) recorded at acute care admission who were 20 years or older (n=599) and discharged from acute care between 2002 and 2010 fiscal years, inclusive. Six were excluded from analyses due to missing data.InterventionsNot Applicable.Main Outcome MeasureAdmission to inpatient rehabilitationResultsOf HIBI survivors admitted to IR within one year of acute care discharge (n=169), the majority (56.2%) had an IR admitting diagnosis indicating "anoxic brain damage". Younger age, male sex, lower comorbidity burden, longer length of stay of preceding acute care episode and shorter duration in special care were most predictive of admission to IR in multivariable regression models. Females had an almost 2-fold lower incidence of admission to IR (Risk Ratio (RR): 0.62; 95% CI: 0.46-0.84).ConclusionOlder age, higher comorbidity burden, and shorter lengths of stay and delayed discharge from acute care are associated with lower incidence of IR admission for HIBI patients. That females are almost 2-fold less likely to receive rehabilitation requires further investigation.

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The effect of manual lymphatic drainage following total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Publication date: Available online 30 January 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Claude Pichonnaz, Jean-Philippe Bassin, Estelle Lécureux, Guillaume Christe, Damien Currat, Kamiar Aminian, Brigitte M. Jolles
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on knee swelling and the swelling's assumed consequences following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingPrimary care hospital.ParticipantsTwo groups of 30 patients were randomized before TKA surgery (65% ♀, age 70.7±8.8 y.o., weight 77.8±11.3 kg., size 1.64±0.08 m., BMI 29.9±4.1 kg·m⁻²)InterventionParticipants received either five treatments of MLD or a placebo, added to rehabilitation, in between the second (D2) and the seventh (D7) postsurgical days.Outcome MeasuresSwelling was measured by blinded evaluators before surgery, at D2, D7 and 3 months (3M) using bioimpedance spectroscopy and volume. Secondary outcomes were active and passive ROM, pain, knee function and gait parameters.ResultsAt D7 and 3M, no outcome was significantly different between groups, except for the knee passive flexion contracture at 3M which was smaller and less frequent in the MLD group (–2.6° [95%CI -5.0° to -0.21], P=0.04; absolute risk reduction 26.6% [95% CI 0.9 to 52.3%]; NNT = 4). Pain decreased between 5.8 and 8.2 mm on the VAS immediately after MLD, which was significant after four out of five MLD treatments.ConclusionThe MLD applied early following TKA surgery did not reduce swelling. It reduced pain immediately after treatment. Further studies, should investigate if the positive effect of MLD on knee extension is replicable.

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Manual Tactile Test Predicts Sensorimotor Control Capability of Hands for Patients with Peripheral Nerve Injury

Publication date: Available online 30 January 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Hsiu-Yun Hsu, Shyh-Jou Shieh, Ta-Shen Kuan, Hsiu-Ching Yang, Fong-Chin Su, Haw-Yen Chiu, Li-Chieh Kuo
ObjectiveTo comprehend the merits of a Manual Tactile Test (MTT) in assessing hand sensorimotor functions, this study explores the relationships among three subtests along with the precision pinch performances for patients with peripheral nerve injuries (PNI). In addition, to understand the accuracy of the MTT, this study also constructs the sensitivity and specificity of this test for PNI patients.DesignCase-control studies.SettingHospital and local community.ParticipantsTwenty-eight PNI patients were recruited, along with age-, gender-, and handedness-matched healthy controls.InterventionNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresThe Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM), moving and static two-point discrimination (2PD), roughness differentiation, stereognosis and barognosis subtests of the MTT, as well as precision pinch performance, were used to examine the sensory and sensorimotor status of the hand.ResultsThe worst results in all sensibility tests were found for the PNI patients (p<0.001) in comparison with the controls. Multiple linear regression analysis showed the MTT was a better indicator for predicting the sensorimotor capacity of the hands in the PNI patients (r²=0.189, p=0.003) than the traditional test (r²=0.088, p=0.051). The results of receiver operating characteristic curve estimation show that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.968 and 0.959 for the roughness differentiation and stereognosis subtests, respectively, and was 0.853 for the barognosis subtest, thus revealing the accuracy of the MTT in assessing sensorimotor status for PNI patients.ConclusionsThis study indicates that the MTT is highly accurate and a significant predictor of sensorimotor performance in the hands of PNI patients. The MTT could thus help clinicians obtain a better understanding of the sensorimotor and functional status of the hand with nerve injuries.

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Enhanced gefitinib-induced repression of the EGFR pathway by ATM kinase inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Summary

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase signaling pathways regulate cellular activities. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) repress the EGFR pathway constitutively activated by somatic EGFR gene mutations and have drastically improved the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, still there are some problems, including resistance, remain to be solved. Recently, the combination therapy with EGFR-TKIs and cytotoxic agents has been shown to improve the prognosis of NSCLC patients. To enhance the anti-cancer effects of EGFR-TKIs, we examined the crosstalk of the EGFR pathways with Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) signaling pathways. ATM is a key protein kinase in the DNA damage response and is known to phosphorylate Akt, an EGFR downstream factor. We found that the combination of an ATM inhibitor, KU55933, and an EGFR-TKI, gefitinib, resulted in synergistic cell growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines carrying the sensitive EGFR mutation. We also found that KU55933 enhanced the gefitinib-dependent repression of the phosphorylation of EGFR and/or its downstream factors. ATM inhibition may facilitate the gefitinib-dependent repression of the phosphorylation of EGFR and/or its downstream factors, to exert anti-cancer effects against NSCLC cells with the sensitive EGFR mutation.

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Drug screening and grouping by sensitivity with a panel of primary cultured cancer spheroids derived from endometrial cancer

Summary

Several molecular targeting drugs are being evaluated for endometrial cancer; selecting patients whose cancers are sensitive to these agents is of paramount importance. Previously, we developed the cancer tissue-originated spheroid method for primary cancer cells taken from patients' tumors as well as patient-derived xenografts. In this study, we successfully prepared and cultured cancer tissue-originated spheroids from endometrial cancers. Characteristics of the original tumors were well retained in cancer tissue-originated spheroids including morphology and expression of p53 or neuroendocrine markers. We screened 79 molecular targeting drugs using two cancer tissue-originated spheroid lines derived from endometrioid adenocarcinoma Grade 3 and serous adenocarcinoma. Among several hits, we focused on an mTORC1 inhibitor, everolimus and a survivin inhibitor, YM155. When sensitivity to everolimus or YM155 was assessed in 12 or 11 cancer tissue-originated spheroids, respectively, from different endometrial cancer patients, the sensitivity varied substantially. The cancer tissue-originated spheroids sensitive to everolimus showed remarkable suppression of proliferation. The phosphorylation status of the mTORC1 downstream molecules before and after everolimus treatment did not predict the effect of the drug. On the other hand, the cancer tissue-originated spheroids sensitive to YM155 showed remarkable cell death. The effect of YM155 was also confirmed in vivo. The histological type correlated with YM155 sensitivity; non-endometrioid adenocarcinomas were sensitive and endometrioid adenocarcinomas were resistant. Non-canonical autophagic cell death was the most likely cause of cell death in a sensitive cancer tissue-originated spheroid. Thus, sensitivity assays using cancer tissue-originated spheroid from endometrial cancers may be useful for screening drugs and finding biomarkers.

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Zero in the brain: a voxel-based lesion–symptom mapping study in right hemisphere damaged patients

Publication date: Available online 29 January 2016
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Silvia Benavides-Varela, Laura Passarini, Brian Butterworth, Giuseppe Rolma, Francesca Burgio, Marco Pitteri, Francesca Meneghello, Tim Shallice, Carlo Semenza
Transcoding numerals containing zero is more problematic than transcoding numbers formed by non-zero digits. However, it is currently unknown whether this is due to zeros requiring brain areas other than those traditionally associated with number representation. Here we hypothesize that transcoding zeros entails visuo-spatial and integrative processes typically associated with the right hemisphere. The investigation involved 22 right-brain-damaged patients and 20 healthy controls who completed tests of reading and writing Arabic numbers. As expected, the most significant deficit among patients involved a failure to cope with zeros. Moreover, a voxel-based lesion–symptom mapping analysis showed that the most common zero-errors were maximally associated to the right insula which was previously related to sensorimotor integration, attention, and response selection, yet for the first time linked to transcoding processes. Error categories involving other digits corresponded to the so-called Neglect errors, which however, constituted only about 10% of the total reading and 3% of the writing mistakes made by the patients. We argue that damage to the right hemisphere impairs the mechanism of parsing, and the ability to set-up empty-slot structures required for processing zeros in complex numbers; moreover, we suggest that the brain areas located in proximity to the right insula play a role in the integration of the information resulting from the temporary application of transcoding procedures.

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A two-level model of interindividual anatomo-functional variability of the brain and its implications for neurosurgery

Publication date: Available online 29 January 2016
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Hugues Duffau
The classical dogma of localizationism implicitly resulted in the principle of a similar brain functional anatomy between individuals, as for example the pars opercularis of the left "dominant" hemisphere corresponding to the speech area. This fixed "single brain" model led neurosurgeons to define a set of "eloquent" areas, for which injury would induce severe and persistent neurological worsening, making their surgical resections impossible. Therefore, numerous patients with a cerebral lesion justifying surgery were a priori not selected for resection and lost a chance to be treated. In fact, advances in brain mapping showed a considerable interindividual variability explained by a networking organization of the brain, in which one function is not underpinned by one specific region, but by interactions between dynamic large-scale delocalized sub-circuits. Indeed, using non-invasive neuroimaging, a variability of both structural and functional anatomy was demonstrated in healthy volunteers. Moreover, intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping of cortex and white matter tracts in awake patients who underwent surgery for tumor or epilepsy also showed an important anatomo-functional variability. However, a remarkable observation is that this variability is huge at the cortical level, while it is very low at the subcortical level. Based upon these intrasurgical findings, the goal of this review is to propose a two-level model of interindividual variability (high cortical variation, low subcortical variation), breaking with the traditional rigid workframe, and making neurosurgery in traditionnally presumed "eloquent" areas feasible without permanent deficits, on condition nonetheless to preserve the "invariant common core" of the brain.

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Reducing pain by moving? A commentary on Ferrè et al. 2013

Publication date: Available online 29 January 2016
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Lucian M. Macrea, Gianluca Macauda, Giovanni Bertolini, Dominik Straumann, Peter Brugger, Konrad Maurer, Antonella Palla, Bigna Lenggenhager

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Altered resting-state whole-brain functional networks of neonates with intrauterine growth restriction

Publication date: Available online 29 January 2016
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Dafnis Batalle, Emma Muñoz-Moreno, Cristian Tornador, Nuria Bargallo, Gustavo Deco, Elisenda Eixarch, Eduard Gratacos
The feasibility to use functional MRI (fMRI) during natural sleep to assess low-frequency basal brain activity fluctuations in human neonates has been demonstrated, although its potential to characterise pathologies of prenatal origin has not yet been exploited. In the present study, we used intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) as a model of altered neurodevelopment due to prenatal condition to show the suitability of brain networks to characterise functional brain organisation at neonatal age. Particularly, we analysed resting-state fMRI signal of 20 neonates with IUGR and 13 controls, obtaining whole-brain functional networks based on correlations of BOLD signal in 90 grey matter regions of an anatomical atlas (AAL). Characterisation of the networks obtained with graph theoretical features showed increased network infrastructure and raw efficiencies but reduced efficiency after normalisation, demonstrating hyper-connected but sub-optimally organised IUGR functional brain networks. Significant association of network features with neurobehavioral scores was also found. Further assessment of spatiotemporal dynamics displayed alterations into features associated to frontal, cingulate and lingual cortices. These findings show the capacity of functional brain networks to characterise brain reorganisation from an early age, and their potential to develop biomarkers of altered neurodevelopment.

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Irradiation with narrowband-ultraviolet B suppresses phorbol ester-induced up-regulation of H1 receptor mRNA in HeLa cells.

Irradiation with narrowband-ultraviolet B suppresses phorbol ester-induced up-regulation of H1 receptor mRNA in HeLa cells.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-5

Authors: Kitamura Y, Mizuguchi H, Okamoto K, Kitayama M, Fujii T, Fujioka A, Matsushita T, Mukai T, Kubo Y, Kubo N, Fukui H, Takeda N

Abstract
Conclusion These findings suggest that low dose irradiation with 310 nm NB-UVB specifically suppressed the up-regulation of H1R gene expression without inducing apoptosis and that UVB of shorter or longer wavelength than 310 nm NB-UVB had no such effects. Objective To develop a narrowband-ultraviolet B(NB-UVB) phototherapy for allergic rhinitis, this study investigated the effects of irradiation with NB-UVB at wavelength of 310 nm on phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced up-regulation of histamine H1 receptor (H1R) mRNA in HeLa cells. Methods The mRNA levels of H1R in HeLa cells were measured using real-time RT-PCR. Apoptosis were evaluated with DNA fragmentation assay. Results PMA induced a significant increase in H1R mRNA expression in HeLa cells. Irradiation with 305 nm UVB and 310 nm NB-UVB, but not with 315 nm UVB at doses of 200 and 300 mJ/cm(2) significantly suppressed PMA-induced up-regulation of H1R mRNA. At a dose of 200 mJ/cm(2), irradiation with 305 nm UVB, but not with 310 nm NB-UVB, induced apoptosis, although exposure of the cells to both 305 and 310 nm UVB induced apoptosis at a dose of 300 mJ/cm(2) after PMA treatment in HeLa cells. Conversely, irradiation with 315 nm UVB at doses of 200 and 300 mJ/cm(2) did not induce apoptosis.

PMID: 26824787 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Degeneration of stria vascularis in age-related hearing loss; a corrosion cast study in a mouse model.

Degeneration of stria vascularis in age-related hearing loss; a corrosion cast study in a mouse model.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-6

Authors: Carraro M, Harrison RV

Abstract
Conclusion With age, in a mouse model, degenerative changes to the capillaries of the stria vascularis are observed. These range from a narrowing of vessel lumen to complete degeneration of strial vessels. Other vascular beds in the cochlea are relatively unchanged with age. Strial capillaries at the cochlear base are significantly more affected than those in mid-apical turns. Objectives Previous work suggests that age-related hearing loss is associated with degenerative changes to cochlear vasculature; the term strial presbyacusis is often cited. This study reports on vascular changes observed in a murine model of presbyacusis, analyzed using corrosion cast techniques. Methods A novel corrosion cast technique was developed to compare cochlear vasculature in control mice (non-presbycusic, CD1) and old (> 6 months) C57BL/6 animals. ABR measures indicated a significant age-related threshold elevation in the C57BL/6 mice. Cochlear vascular casts were imaged using scanning electron microscopy, and vessel degeneration was quantified by measuring capillary diameters. Results Corrosion casts of cochlear vasculature in 6-12 month old C57BL/6 mice reveal significant degeneration of stria vascularis. Other capillary beds (spiral ligament and the spiral limbus) appear unchanged. Comparison of strial capillary diameters reveals significantly more damage in basal/lower-turn regions compared with the cochlear mid-turn.

PMID: 26824717 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Postural responses applied in a control model in cochlear implant users with pre-lingual hearing loss.

Postural responses applied in a control model in cochlear implant users with pre-lingual hearing loss.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-7

Authors: Suarez H, Ferreira E, Alonso R, Arocena S, San Roman C, Herrera T, Lapilover V

Abstract
Conclusions The assessment of postural responses (PR) based in a feedback control system model shows selective gains in different bands of frequencies adaptable with child development. Objective PR characterization of pre-lingual cochlear implant users (CIU) in different sensory conditions. Methods Total energy consumption of the body's center of pressure signal (ECCOP) and its distribution in three bands of frequencies: band 1 (0-0.1 Hz), band 2 (0.1-0.7 Hz), and band 3 (0.7-20 Hz) was measured in a sample of 18 CIU (8-16 years old) and in a control group (CG) (8-15 years old). They were assessed in a standing position on a force platform in two sensory conditions: 1 = Eyes open. 2 = Eyes closed and standing on foam. Results In condition 1, total ECCOP of PR and its proportion of energy consumption in the three bands of frequencies were similar between CIU and CG (p > 0.05). In condition 2, CIU have significantly higher ECCOP, mainly in high frequencies (bands 2 and 3) (p < 0.05). ECCOP values decreased with age also, mainly in bands 2 and 3. This behavior is interpreted in the control system model proposed as an adaptation process related with child development.

PMID: 26824633 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Estimating the benefit of a second bone anchored hearing implant in unilaterally implanted users with a testband.

Estimating the benefit of a second bone anchored hearing implant in unilaterally implanted users with a testband.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-6

Authors: Kompis M, Kurz A, Flynn M, Caversaccio M

Abstract
Conclusion Using a second bone anchored hearing implant (BAHI) mounted on a testband in unilaterally implanted BAHI users to test its potential advantage pre-operatively under-estimates the advantage of two BAHIs placed on two implants. Objectives To investigate how well speech understanding with a second BAHI mounted on a testband approaches the benefit of bilaterally implanted BAHIs. Method Prospective study with 16 BAHI users. Eight were implanted unilaterally (group A) and eight were implanted bilaterally (group B). Aided speech understanding was measured. Speech was presented from the front and noise came either from the left, right, or from the front in two conditions for group A (with one BAHI, and with two BAHIs, where the second device was mounted on a testband) and in three conditions for group B (same two conditions as group A, and in addition with both BAHIs mounted on implants). Results Speech understanding in noise improved with the additional device for noise from the side of the first BAHI (+0.7 to +2.1 dB) and decreased for noise from the other side (-1.8 dB to -3.9 dB). Improvements were highest (+2.1 dB, p = 0.016) and disadvantages were smallest (-1.8 dB, p = 0.047) with both BAHIs mounted on implants. Testbands yielded smaller advantages and higher disadvantages of the additional BAHI (average difference = -0.9 dB).

PMID: 26824519 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A novel mutation in PAX3 associated with Waardenburg syndrome type I in a Chinese family.

A novel mutation in PAX3 associated with Waardenburg syndrome type I in a Chinese family.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-7

Authors: Xiao Y, Luo J, Zhang F, Li J, Han Y, Zhang D, Wang M, Ma Y, Xu L, Bai X, Wang H

Abstract
Conclusion The novel compound heterozygous mutation in PAX3 was the key genetic reason for WS1 in this family, which was useful to the molecular diagnosis of WS1. Purpose Screening the pathogenic mutations in a four generation Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome type I (WS1). Methods WS1 was diagnosed in a 4-year-old boy according to the Waardenburg syndrome Consortium criteria. The detailed family history revealed four affected members in the family. Routine clinical, audiological examination, and ophthalmologic evaluation were performed on four affected and 10 healthy members in this family. The genetic analysis was conducted, including the targeted next-generation sequencing of 127 known deafness genes combined with Sanger sequencing, TA clone and bioinformatic analysis. Results A novel compound heterozygous mutation c.[169_170insC;172_174delAAG] (p.His57ProfsX55) was identified in PAX3, which was co-segregated with WS1 in the Chinese family. This mutation was absent in the unaffected family members and 200 ethnicity-matched controls. The phylogenetic analysis and three-dimensional (3D) modeling of Pax3 protein further confirmed that the novel compound heterozygous mutation was pathogenic.

PMID: 26824486 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The auditory phenotype of children harboring mutations in the prestin gene.

The auditory phenotype of children harboring mutations in the prestin gene.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-5

Authors: Matsunaga T, Morimoto N

Abstract
Conclusion Auditory phenotypes of two children harboring prestin gene mutations were congenital or pre-lingual onset, moderate to profound, slowly progressive or non-progressive, and audiograms with either flat configuration or prominently elevated thresholds at middle and high frequencies. Objectives Despite the essential role of the prestin gene in hearing, only one mutation in two families and a missense variant in a family had been reported previously before our study reporting another family. The purpose of this study was to characterize auditory phenotypes in children recently found to harbor novel mutations in the prestin gene. Methods The subjects were two sisters with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who were compound heterozygotes for c.209G > A (p.W70X) and c.390A > C (p.R130S) mutations in the prestin gene. Clinical history and auditory test results were collected and analyzed. Results Hearing loss was present from birth in the younger sister and occurred before 6 years of age in the elder sister. The degree of hearing loss was profound in the elder sister with little progression, and moderate in the younger sister with no progression. The audiogram of the elder sister showed prominently elevated thresholds at middle and high frequencies, while that of the younger sister demonstrated a flat configuration.

PMID: 26824437 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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En bloc temporal bone resections in squamous cell carcinoma of the ear. Technique, principles, and limits.

En bloc temporal bone resections in squamous cell carcinoma of the ear. Technique, principles, and limits.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-8

Authors: Mazzoni A, Zanoletti E, Marioni G, Martini A

Abstract
Conclusions En bloc resection should always be primarily considered in ear carcinoma, also in advanced tumors growing beyond the walls of the external auditory canal, because it achieves a full specimen for histopathological evaluation and allows a correlation between clinical, pathological features, and outcomes. Objective and methods Dismal outcome of surgical and radiotherapic therapies for advanced ear carcinoma required a critical discussion of the oncological principles of treatment. Our analysis involved preliminarily a detailed description of surgical technique including the contribution of modern skull base microsurgery. Results Evident limits in diagnostic protocols, surgical treatment and outcome evaluation modalities pointed to the need of a new approach towards an accurate definition of pre-operative tumor location, size, and behavior. En bloc resection achieved a specimen for a final pathological evaluation and an adjunctive piecemeal excision was necessary only whenever resection was not felt falling in safe, tumor-free tissue. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be considered in selected cases for adjuvant treatment.

PMID: 26824405 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Potential of laryngeal muscle regeneration using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived skeletal muscle cells.

Potential of laryngeal muscle regeneration using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived skeletal muscle cells.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-6

Authors: Dirja BT, Yoshie S, Ikeda M, Imaizumi M, Nakamura R, Otsuki K, Nomoto Y, Wada I, Hazama A, Omori K

Abstract
Conclusion Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells may be a new potential cell source for laryngeal muscle regeneration in the treatment of vocal fold atrophy after recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Objectives Unilateral vocal fold paralysis can lead to degeneration, atrophy, and loss of force of the thyroarytenoid muscle. At present, there are some treatments such as thyroplasty, arytenoid adduction, and vocal fold injection. However, such treatments cannot restore reduced mass of the thyroarytenoid muscle. iPS cells have been recognized as supplying a potential resource for cell transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the use of iPS cells for the regeneration of laryngeal muscle through the evaluation of both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods Skeletal muscle cells were generated from tdTomato-labeled iPS cells using embryoid body formation. Differentiation into skeletal muscle cells was analyzed by gene expression and immunocytochemistry. The tdTomato-labeled iPS cell-derived skeletal muscle cells were transplanted into the left atrophied thyroarytenoid muscle. To evaluate the engraftment of these cells after transplantation, immunohistochemistry was performed. Results The tdTomato-labeled iPS cells were successfully differentiated into skeletal muscle cells through an in vitro experiment. These cells survived in the atrophied thyroarytenoid muscle after transplantation.

PMID: 26824385 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Reduction of internal carotid artery intima-media thickness in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome after nasal surgery and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Reduction of internal carotid artery intima-media thickness in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome after nasal surgery and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-8

Authors: Peng Y, Zhang L, Hu D, Dai Y, Wang S, Liao H, Xiong Y

Abstract
Conclusion Multi-level surgeries for the nasal cavity and palate can reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea with major narrowing above the retropalatal airway and reduce the carotid intima-media thickness, which can provide cardiovascular benefits to patients. Objective To evaluate the outcomes of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by surgeries and the change of internal carotid artery intima-media thickness after surgeries. Subjects and methods Sixty-four patients with obstructive sleep apnea, narrowing at the nasal cavity, and retropalatal airways were enrolled in this study. Fifty-two patients underwent nasal surgery and modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Twelve patients who refused surgeries and continuous positive airway pressure treatment received only conservative treatment. All patients were evaluated within 1 month before and 6 months after treatment using polysomnography, upper airway endoscopy, and B mode ultrasound. Results The success rate was 61.5% (32/52 patients) in the surgery group. There were significant differences between the surgery group and non-surgery group 6 months after treatment in the apnea hypopnea index, minimum and mean oxygen saturation, blood pressure, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and internal Carotid intima-media thickness. The changes in the oxygen saturation and the apnea hypopnea index showed significant correlations with the changes in the intima-media thickness.

PMID: 26824298 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Fluid stimulation elicits hearing in the absence of air and bone conduction-An animal study.

Fluid stimulation elicits hearing in the absence of air and bone conduction-An animal study.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-3

Authors: Perez R, Adelman C, Sohmer H

Abstract
Conclusion Cochlea can be directly excited by fluid (soft-tissue) stimulation. Objective To determine whether there is no difference in auditory-nerve-brainstem evoked response (ABR) thresholds to fluid stimulation between normal and animal models of post radical-mastoidectomy, as seen in a previous human study. Background It has been shown in humans that hearing can be elicited with stimulation to fluid in the external auditory meatus (EAM), and radical-mastoidectomy cavity. These groups differed in age, initial hearing, and drilling exposure. To overcome this difference, experiments were conducted in sand-rats, first intact, and after inducing a radical-mastoidectomy. Methods The EAM of five sand-rats was filled with 0.3 ml saline. ABR thresholds were determined in response to vibratory stimulation by a clinical bone-vibrator with a plastic rod, applied to the saline in the EAM. Then the tympanic membrane was removed, and malleus dislocated (radical-mastoidectomy model). The cavity was filled with 0.45 ml saline and the ABR threshold was determined in response to vibratory stimulation to the cavity fluid. Results There was no difference in ABR fluid thresholds to EAM and mastoidectomy cavity stimulation. Air-conduction stimulation from the bone-vibrator was not involved (conductive loss due to fluid). Bone-conduction stimulation was not involved (large difference in acoustic impedance between fluid and bone).

PMID: 26824146 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Acute Symptomatic Basilar Artery Stenosis: MR Imaging Predictors of Early Neurologic Deterioration and Long-term Outcomes.

Acute Symptomatic Basilar Artery Stenosis: MR Imaging Predictors of Early Neurologic Deterioration and Long-term Outcomes.

Radiology. 2016 Jan 29;:151827

Authors: Lee WJ, Jung KH, Ryu YJ, Lee KJ, Lee ST, Chu K, Lee SK, Roh JK

Abstract
Purpose To determine clinical, laboratory, and radiologic factors associated with early neurologic deterioration (END) and long-term outcomes in patients with medically treated symptomatic basilar artery stenosis (BAS). Materials and Methods The study design was approved by the institutional review board. From a database of all consecutive patients with cerebrovascular ischemia, the authors retrospectively included 292 patients with medically treated symptomatic BAS with at least 70% stenosis of the basilar artery. The authors evaluated various clinical factors, including National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, fibrinogen level, and radiologic factors, including diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-based posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS), hyperintense basilar artery at fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging (FLAIR-hyperintense vessel [FHV]), and clot signs. The outcomes were defined as the development of END and with the 90-day modified Rankin Scale score (favorable score: 0-2). The authors performed a χ(2) test, followed by logistic regression analysis, to identify independent outcome predictors. Results The development of END was highly correlated with unfavorable 90-day modified Rankin Scale score (P < .001). The significant predictors for END were CRP level of at least 1.5 mg/dL (P < .001), NIHSS score of at least 4 (P = .002), pc-ASPECTS of 6 or less (P < .001), and proximal FHV (P = .022). Proximal FHV (P = .010), pc-ASPECTS of 6 or less (P = .002), brainstem involvement (P = .036), and NIHSS score of at least 4 (P < .001) were associated with an unfavorable 90-day modified Rankin Scale score. Neither aggressive medical treatment nor delayed intervention was associated with a favorable 90-day modified Rankin Scale score. Conclusion In medically treated symptomatic BAS, MR imaging parameters such as proximal basilar FHV and DW imaging-based pc-ASPECTS have independent prognostic values for END development and long-term outcomes. (©) RSNA, 2016.

PMID: 26824713 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Correlation between Dual-Energy and Perfusion CT in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Correlation between Dual-Energy and Perfusion CT in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Radiology. 2016 Jan 29;:151560

Authors: Gordic S, Puippe GD, Krauss B, Klotz E, Desbiolles L, Lesurtel M, Müllhaupt B, Pfammatter T, Alkadhi H

Abstract
Purpose To develop a dual-energy contrast media-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) protocol by using time-attenuation curves from previously acquired perfusion CT data and to evaluate prospectively the relationship between iodine enhancement metrics at dual-energy CT and perfusion CT parameters in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods Institutional review board and local ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. The retrospective part of this study included the development of a dual-energy CT contrast-enhanced protocol to evaluate peak arterial enhancement of HCC in the liver on the basis of time-attenuation curves from previously acquired perfusion CT data in 20 patients. The prospective part of the study consisted of an intraindividual comparison of dual-energy CT and perfusion CT data in another 20 consecutive patients with HCC. Iodine density and iodine ratio (iodine attenuation of the lesion divided by iodine attenuation in the aorta) from dual-energy CT and arterial perfusion (AP), portal venous perfusion, and total perfusion (TP) from perfusion CT were compared. Pearson R and linear correlation coefficients were calculated for AP and iodine density, AP and iodine ratio, TP and iodine density, and TP and iodine ratio. Results The dual-energy CT protocol consisted of bolus tracking in the abdominal aorta (threshold, 150 HU; scan delay, 9 seconds). The strongest intraindividual correlations in HCCs were found between iodine density and AP (r = 0.75, P = .0001). Moderate correlations were found between iodine ratio and AP (r = 0.50, P = .023) and between iodine density and TP (r = 0.56, P = .011). No further significant correlations were found. The volume CT dose index (11.4 mGy) and dose-length product (228.0 mGy · cm) of dual-energy CT was lower than those of the arterial phase of perfusion CT (36.1 mGy and 682.3 mGy · cm, respectively). Conclusion A contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT protocol developed by using time-attenuation curves from previously acquired perfusion CT data sets in patients with HCC could show good correlation between iodine density from dual-energy CT with AP from perfusion CT. (©) RSNA, 2016.

PMID: 26824712 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Long-term Therapeutic Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Subcapsular versus Nonsubcapsular Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Study.

Long-term Therapeutic Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Subcapsular versus Nonsubcapsular Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Study.

Radiology. 2016 Jan 29;:151243

Authors: Kang TW, Lim HK, Lee MW, Kim YS, Rhim H, Lee WJ, Paik YH, Kim MJ, Ahn JH

Abstract
Purpose To compare the long-term therapeutic outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in subcapsular versus nonsubcapsular locations by using propensity score matching. Materials and Methods RF ablation for subcapsular HCC is controversial because of a high risk of incomplete ablation or major complications. This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement for informed consent was waived. Between April 2006 and December 2011, 508 consecutive patients (396 men, 112 women; age range, 30-80 years) with a single HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0 or A) underwent ultrasonography-guided percutaneous RF ablation as a first-line treatment. The patients were divided into two groups according to tumor location: subcapsular (n = 227) and nonsubcapsular (n = 281). Subcapsular HCC was defined as an index tumor located within 0.1 cm of the liver capsule. The association of subcapsular location and therapeutic outcomes of RF ablation was evaluated, including (a) local tumor progression (LTP) by using a competing risk regression model and (b) overall survival (OS) by using a Cox proportional hazards model according to propensity score matched data. The major complication rates from both overall data and matched data were assessed. Results Matching yielded 163 matched pairs of patients. In the two matched groups, cumulative LTP rates were 18.8% and 20.9% at 3 and 5 years, respectively, in the subcapsular group and 13.2% and 16.0% in the nonsubcapsular group. Corresponding OS rates were 90.7% for 3 years and 83.2% for 5 years in the subcapsular group and 91.4% and 79.1%, respectively, in the nonsubcapsular group. Hazard ratios (HRs) for LTP (HR = 1.37, P = .244) and OS (HR = 0.86, P = .604) were not significantly different between the two matched groups. Additionally, differences in major complication rates were not significant between groups for the two sets of data (P > .05). Conclusion The differences in LTP, OS, and major complication rates of RF ablation for HCC were not significant between subcapsular and nonsubcapsular groups. (©) RSNA, 2016.

PMID: 26824711 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Focal Epilepsy: MR Imaging of Nonhemodynamic Field Effects by Using a Phase-cycled Stimulus-induced Rotary Saturation Approach with Spin-Lock Preparation.

Focal Epilepsy: MR Imaging of Nonhemodynamic Field Effects by Using a Phase-cycled Stimulus-induced Rotary Saturation Approach with Spin-Lock Preparation.

Radiology. 2016 Jan 29;:150368

Authors: Kiefer C, Abela E, Schindler K, Wiest R

Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether nonhemodynamic resonant saturation effects can be detected in patients with focal epilepsy by using a phase-cycled stimulus-induced rotary saturation (PC-SIRS) approach with spin-lock (SL) preparation and whether they colocalize with the seizure onset zone and surface interictal epileptiform discharges (IED). Materials and Methods The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and all subjects gave written informed consent. Eight patients with focal epilepsy undergoing presurgical surface and intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 3 T with a whole-brain PC-SIRS imaging sequence with alternating SL-on and SL-off and two-dimensional echo-planar readout. The power of the SL radiofrequency pulse was set to 120 Hz to sensitize the sequence to high gamma oscillations present in epileptogenic tissue. Phase cycling was applied to capture distributed current orientations. Voxel-wise subtraction of SL-off from SL-on images enabled the separation of T2* effects from rotary saturation effects. The topography of PC-SIRS effects was compared with the seizure onset zone at intracranial EEG and with surface IED-related potentials. Bayesian statistics were used to test whether prior PC-SIRS information could improve IED source reconstruction. Results Nonhemodynamic resonant saturation effects ipsilateral to the seizure onset zone were detected in six of eight patients (concordance rate, 0.75; 95% confidence interval: 0.40, 0.94) by means of the PC-SIRS technique. They were concordant with IED surface negativity in seven of eight patients (0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.51, 1.00). Including PC-SIRS as prior information improved the evidence of the standard EEG source models compared with the use of uninformed reconstructions (exceedance probability, 0.77 vs 0.12; Wilcoxon test of model evidence, P < .05). Nonhemodynamic resonant saturation effects resolved in patients with favorable postsurgical outcomes, but persisted in patients with postsurgical seizure recurrence. Conclusion Nonhemodynamic resonant saturation effects are detectable during interictal periods with the PC-SIRS approach in patients with epilepsy. The method may be useful for MR imaging-based detection of neuronal currents in a clinical environment. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID: 26824710 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Alteration of amiloride-sensitive salt taste nerve responses in aldosterone/NaCl-induced hypertensive rats

Publication date: Available online 29 January 2016
Source:Neuroscience Research
Author(s): Takashi Sakamoto, Akihiko Fujii, Naoko Saito, Hidehiko Kondo, Atsushi Ohuchi
Salt taste sensitivity is related to physiological condition, and declined in hypertensive patients. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying changes in salt taste sensitivity during the development of hypertension. This is largely due to lack of an appropriate animal model which shows the decline of salt taste sensitivity caused by hypertension. Previous studies have suggested that one of main causes of salt-sensitive hypertension is dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). To examine the involvement of RAAS in modulation of salt taste sensitivity, we utilized aldosterone/NaCl-treated rats as a well-established model of salt-sensitive hypertension caused by RAAS dysfunction. Amount of sodium intake in aldosterone/NaCl-treated rats was higher than that in control rats. In addition to behavioral changes, the amiloride-sensitive salt taste nerve responses in aldosterone/NaCl-treated rats were remarkably lower by approximately 90% than those in the other groups. Moreover, αENaC mRNA expression in the epithelium of circumvallate papillae was significantly low in aldosterone/NaCl-treated rats. Thus, RAAS modulates salt taste system as is case in hypertensive patients. This report is to our knowledge the first to describe an animal model with decline of amiloride-sensitive salt taste nerve responses by RAAS dysfunction-mediated salt-sensitive hypertension.

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Differential effects of suppressors on hazardous sound pressure levels generated by AR-15 rifles: Considerations for recreational shooters, law enforcement, and the military.

Differential effects of suppressors on hazardous sound pressure levels generated by AR-15 rifles: Considerations for recreational shooters, law enforcement, and the military.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jan 28;:1-13

Authors: Lobarinas E, Scott R, Spankovich C, Le Prell CG

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Firearm discharges produce hazardous levels of impulse noise that can lead to permanent hearing loss. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of suppression, ammunition, and barrel length on AR-15 rifles.
DESIGN: Sound levels were measured left/right of a user's head, and 1-m left of the muzzle, per MIL-STD-1474-D, under both unsuppressed and suppressed conditions.
STUDY SAMPLE: Nine commercially available AR-15 rifles and 14 suppressors were used.
RESULTS: Suppressors significantly decreased peak dB SPL at the 1-m location and the left ear location. However, under most rifle/ammunition conditions, levels remained above 140 dB peak SPL near a user's right ear. In a subset of conditions, subsonic ammunition produced values near or below 140 dB peak SPL. Overall suppression ranged from 7-32 dB across conditions.
CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that (1) suppressors reduce discharge levels to 140 dB peak SPL or below in only a subset of AR-15 conditions, (2) shorter barrel length and use of muzzle brake devices can substantially increase exposure level for the user, and (3) there are significant left/right ear sound pressure differences under suppressed conditions as a function of the AR-15 direct impingement design that must be considered during sound measurements to fully evaluate overall efficacy.

PMID: 26821935 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effects of low speed wind on the recognition/identification and pass-through communication tasks of auditory situation awareness afforded by military hearing protection/enhancement devices and tactical communication and protective systems.

Effects of low speed wind on the recognition/identification and pass-through communication tasks of auditory situation awareness afforded by military hearing protection/enhancement devices and tactical communication and protective systems.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jan 28;:1-9

Authors: Lee K, Casali JG

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of controlled low-speed wind-noise on the auditory situation awareness performance afforded by military hearing protection/enhancement devices (HPED) and tactical communication and protective systems (TCAPS).
DESIGN: Recognition/identification and pass-through communications tasks were separately conducted under three wind conditions (0, 5, and 10 mph). Subjects wore two in-ear-type TCAPS, one earmuff-type TCAPS, a Combat Arms Earplug in its 'open' or pass-through setting, and an EB-15LE™ electronic earplug. Devices with electronic gain systems were tested under two gain settings: 'unity' and 'max'. Testing without any device (open ear) was conducted as a control.
STUDY SAMPLE: Ten subjects were recruited from the student population at Virginia Tech. Audiometric requirements were 25 dBHL or better at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz in both ears.
RESULTS: Performance on the interaction of communication task-by-device was significantly different only in 0 mph wind speed. The between-device performance differences varied with azimuthal speaker locations.
CONCLUSIONS: It is evident from this study that stable (non-gusting) wind speeds up to 10 mph did not significantly degrade recognition/identification task performance and pass-through communication performance of the group of HPEDs and TCAPS tested. However, the various devices performed differently as the test sound signal speaker location was varied and it appears that physical as well as electronic features may have contributed to this directional result.

PMID: 26821823 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Differential effects of suppressors on hazardous sound pressure levels generated by AR-15 rifles: Considerations for recreational shooters, law enforcement, and the military.

Differential effects of suppressors on hazardous sound pressure levels generated by AR-15 rifles: Considerations for recreational shooters, law enforcement, and the military.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jan 28;:1-13

Authors: Lobarinas E, Scott R, Spankovich C, Le Prell CG

PMID: 26821935 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effects of low speed wind on the recognition/identification and pass-through communication tasks of auditory situation awareness afforded by military hearing protection/enhancement devices and tactical communication and protective systems.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jan 28;:1-9

Authors: Lee K, Casali JG

PMID: 26821823 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Subsite distribution of colon cancer from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Vol. X.

Subsite distribution of colon cancer from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Vol. X.

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2016 Feb;46(2):190

Authors: Saika K, Machii R

PMID: 26823479 [PubMed - in process]

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Malignancies in transplanted patients: Multidisciplinary evaluation and switch to mTOR inhibitors after kidney transplantation - experiences from a prospective, clinical, observational study.

Malignancies in transplanted patients: Multidisciplinary evaluation and switch to mTOR inhibitors after kidney transplantation - experiences from a prospective, clinical, observational study.

Acta Oncol. 2016 Jan 29;:1-8

Authors: Hellström VC, Enström Y, von Zur-Mühlen B, Hagberg H, Laurell A, Nyberg F, Bäckman L, Opelz G, Döhler B, Holmberg L, Tufveson G, Enblad G, Lorant T

Abstract
Background Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing malignancies. The objective of this prospective, observational, one-armed study was to study the feasibility to add a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor to the immunosuppressive regimen in transplanted patients with post-transplant malignancies. During the trial the need to improve identification of post-transplant malignancies and to reassure adequate oncological treatment of these patients became evident. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) evaluation of oncological and immunosuppressive treatments was implemented for all patients with malignancies after renal or combined renal and pancreas transplantation because of the trial. Material and methods At Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, a MDT consisting of transplant surgeons, nephrologists, oncologists and dermatologists evaluated 120 renal or combined renal and pancreas-transplanted recipients diagnosed with malignancies from September 2006 to July 2012. To identify all malignancies, the population was linked to the Regional Tumor Registry (RTR). We recorded to which extent a switch to mTOR inhibitors was possible and how often the originally planned oncological managements were adjusted. All patients were followed for three years. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02241564). Results In 76 of 120 patients (63%) a switch to mTOR inhibitors was possible. Immunosuppression was interrupted in seven patients (6%), reduced in three patients (2%) and remained unchanged in 34 of 120 patients (28%). Identification of post-transplant malignancies increased significantly after linkage to RTR (p = 0.015). The initially recommended oncological treatment was adjusted in 23 of 44 patients (52%) with solid or hematological malignancies; 36 of these patients (82%) were treated according to national guidelines. Conclusion In two thirds of the patients the immunosuppressive treatment could be changed to an mTOR inhibitor with anti-tumor effects in transplanted patients with post-transplant malignancies. The use of regional tumor registers considerably improved the identification of patients with post-transplant malignancies indicating that post-transplant malignancies might be timely underreported in transplant registers.

PMID: 26824275 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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HPV Involvement in Head and Neck Cancers: Comprehensive Assessment of Biomarkers in 3680 Patients.

HPV Involvement in Head and Neck Cancers: Comprehensive Assessment of Biomarkers in 3680 Patients.

J Natl Cancer Inst. 2016 Jun;108(6)

Authors: Castellsagué X, Alemany L, Quer M, Halec G, Quirós B, Tous S, Clavero O, Alòs L, Biegner T, Szafarowski T, Alejo M, Holzinger D, Cadena E, Claros E, Hall G, Laco J, Poljak M, Benevolo M, Kasamatsu E, Mehanna H, Ndiaye C, Guimerà N, Lloveras B, León X, Ruiz-Cabezas JC, Alvarado-Cabrero I, Kang CS, Oh JK, Garcia-Rojo M, Iljazovic E, Ajayi OF, Duarte F, Nessa A, Tinoco L, Duran-Padilla MA, Pirog EC, Viarheichyk H, Morales H, Costes V, Félix A, Germar MJ, Mena M, Ruacan A, Jain A, Mehrotra R, Goodman MT, Lombardi LE, Ferrera A, Malami S, Albanesi EI, Dabed P, Molina C, López-Revilla R, Mandys V, González ME, Velasco J, Bravo IG, Quint W, Pawlita M, Muñoz N, Sanjosé Sd, Xavier Bosch F, ICO International HPV in Head and Neck Cancer Study Group

Abstract
BACKGROUND: We conducted a large international study to estimate fractions of head and neck cancers (HNCs) attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV-AFs) using six HPV-related biomarkers of viral detection, transcription, and cellular transformation.
METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cancer tissues of the oral cavity (OC), pharynx, and larynx were collected from pathology archives in 29 countries. All samples were subject to histopathological evaluation, DNA quality control, and HPV-DNA detection. Samples containing HPV-DNA were further subject to HPV E6*I mRNA detection and to p16(INK4a), pRb, p53, and Cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry. Final estimates of HPV-AFs were based on HPV-DNA, HPV E6*I mRNA, and/or p16(INK4a) results.
RESULTS: A total of 3680 samples yielded valid results: 1374 pharyngeal, 1264 OC, and 1042 laryngeal cancers. HPV-AF estimates based on positivity for HPV-DNA, and for either HPV E6*I mRNA or p16(INK4a), were 22.4%, 4.4%, and 3.5% for cancers of the oropharynx, OC, and larynx, respectively, and 18.5%, 3.0%, and 1.5% when requiring simultaneous positivity for all three markers. HPV16 was largely the most common type. Estimates of HPV-AF in the oropharynx were highest in South America, Central and Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe, and lowest in Southern Europe. Women showed higher HPV-AFs than men for cancers of the oropharynx in Europe and for the larynx in Central-South America.
CONCLUSIONS: HPV contribution to HNCs is substantial but highly heterogeneous by cancer site, region, and sex. This study, the largest exploring HPV attribution in HNCs, confirms the important role of HPVs in oropharyngeal cancer and drastically downplays the previously reported involvement of HPVs in the other HNCs.

PMID: 26823521 [PubMed - in process]

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[Asbestos and respiratory diseases].

[Asbestos and respiratory diseases].

Presse Med. 2016 Jan 25;

Authors: Scherpereel A

Abstract
Previous occupational asbestos exposure (more rarely environmental or domestic exposure) may induce various pleural and/or pulmonary, benign or malignant diseases, sometimes with a very long latency for malignant mesothelioma (MM). Asbestos has been widely extracted and used in Western countries and in emerging or developing countries, resulting in a peak of MM incidence in France around 2020 and likely in a world pandemic of asbestos-induced diseases. These patients have mostly benign respiratory diseases (pleural plugs) but may also be diagnosed with lung cancer or malignant pleural mesothelioma, and have a global poor outcome. New therapeutic tools (targeted therapies, immunotherapy…) with first promising results are developed. However, it is crucial to obtain a full ban of asbestos use worldwide, and to do a regular follow-up of asbestos-exposed subjects, mostly if they are already diagnosed with benign respiratory diseases. Finally, new cancers (larynx and ovary) were recently added to the list of asbestos-induced tumors.

PMID: 26822071 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Fluctuating flow. Vibrato, tremolo, or upper airway oscillation.

Fluctuating flow. Vibrato, tremolo, or upper airway oscillation.

Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2015 Apr;12(4):613-5

Authors: Sowho MO, Wolfe E, Murano EZ, Kirkness JP

PMID: 25897745 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Curcumin ameliorates asthmatic airway inflammation by activating nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2/haem oxygenase (HO)-1 signalling pathway.

http:--media.wiley.com-assets-7315-19-Wi

Curcumin ameliorates asthmatic airway inflammation by activating nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2/haem oxygenase (HO)-1 signalling pathway.

Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2015 May;42(5):520-9

Authors: Liu L, Shang Y, Li M, Han X, Wang J, Wang J

Abstract
Previous studies have shown that curcumin alleviates asthma in vivo. However, the relationship between curcumin and the nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/haem oxygenase (HO)-1 pathway in asthma treatment remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms of curcumin involved in the amelioration of airway inflammation in a mouse asthma model. Curcumin was administrated to asthmatic mice, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected. Inflammatory cell infiltration was measured by Giemsa staining. Immunoglobulin E production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histological analyses were evaluated with haematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Airway hyperresponsiveness was examined by whole-body plethysmography. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, HO-1, nuclear factor-κB and inhibitory κB/p-inhibitory κB levels in lung tissues were detected by western blot, and Nrf2 activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels in the small interfering RNA-transfected cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Curcumin treatment significantly reduced immunoglobulin E production, attenuated inflammatory cell accumulation and goblet cell hyperplasia, and ameliorated mucus secretion and airway hyperresponsiveness. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 and HO-1 levels in lung tissues were significantly increased. Meanwhile, Nrf2 activity was enhanced. Nuclear factor-κB and p-inhibitory κB levels were elevated in the lung tissue of ovalbumin-challenged mice. Both were restored to normal levels after curcumin treatment. Haem oxygenase-1 and nuclear Nrf2 levels were enhanced in dose- and time-dependent manners in curcumin-treated RAW264.7 cells. Curcumin blocked lipopolysaccharide-upregulated expression of tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. After the cells were transfected with HO-1 or Nrf2 small interfering RNA, lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammation cytokine expression was significantly restored. In summary, curcumin might alleviate airway inflammation in asthma through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, potentially making it an effective drug in asthma treatment.

PMID: 25739561 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Causes and outcomes of new onset status epilepticus and predictors of refractoriness to therapy.

Causes and outcomes of new onset status epilepticus and predictors of refractoriness to therapy.

J Clin Neurosci. 2016 Jan 25;

Authors: Jayalakshmi S, Vooturi S, Sahu S, Yada PK, Mohandas S

Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the determinants of outcome in new onset refractory status epilepticus (SE). A retrospective analysis of patients with new onset SE admitted between May 2005 and October 2013 was performed. Regression analysis was used to determine factors that affect progression of new onset SE to refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and mortality. Among 114 patients with new onset SE, 52 patients progressed to RSE. Sixty seven (58.7%) were men. New onset RSE patients were younger than new onset SE patients (mean 35.9±standard deviation18.2 versus 28.7±20.2years; p=0.050). Cryptogenic aetiology was the most significant determinant of progression of new onset SE to RSE (Exp [β]=5.68; p=0.001). The overall mortality in the entire group was 23.7%, significantly higher in new onset RSE group (40.4% versus 9.7%; p<0.0001). New onset RSE patients with symptomatic and cryptogenic etiology did not differ for clinical characteristics and outcome. Acidosis was the strongest predictor of mortality in the entire cohort (Exp [β]=8.72; p=0.005). Nearly half of the patients with new onset SE progressed to RSE. While cryptogenic aetiology determined progression of new onset SE to RSE, acidosis was associated with mortality. The outcome was similar between symptomatic and cryptogenic new onset RSE.

PMID: 26822381 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Expression of molecular factors correlated with metastasis in small cell lung cancer and their significance.

Expression of molecular factors correlated with metastasis in small cell lung cancer and their significance.

Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2015;8(11):14676-84

Authors: Li XX, Li RJ, Zhao LJ, Liu NB, Wang P

Abstract
Distant metastasis continues to be a fatal threat to quality of life in patients with small cell lung caner (SCLC). The purpose of this work is to analyze the expressions of chemokine receptor four (CXCR4), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-β1), N-cadherin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in small cell lung caner (SCLC), and to explore their correlations with the prognosis and metastasis. Sixty-five consecutive patients with stage I-III SCLC who received operation in our hospital from Jan 2003 to Oct 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The expression of CXCR4 was found significantly correlated with bone metastasis (P = 0.004), and were marginally correlated with brain metastasis (P = 0.068) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.085). The expression of MMP-9 was significantly associated with pathological staging (P = 0.048). Univariate analysis suggested surgical approach, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with OS and PFS (P < 0.05), high expression of CXCR4 was significantly correlated with worse OS (P = 0.004) and PFS (P = 0.005). Multivariate analysis suggested surgical approach, TGF-β1, CXCR4 and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factor for PFS. In conclusion, High expression of CXCR4, MMP-9, TGF-β1 and VEGF were found in SCLC. High expression of MMP-9 was significantly associated with pathological staging, and high expression of CXCR4 was correlated with bone metastasis and also might correlate with brain metastasis. CXCR4 were independent prognostic factor for survival in SCLC and expanded samples should be further explored in the future.

PMID: 26823791 [PubMed - in process]

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Eosinophilic fasciitis and acute encephalopathy toxicity from pembrolizumab treatment of a patient with metastatic melanoma.

Eosinophilic fasciitis and acute encephalopathy toxicity from pembrolizumab treatment of a patient with metastatic melanoma.

Cancer Immunol Res. 2016 Jan 28;

Authors: Khoja L, Maurice C, Chappell M, MacMillan L, Al Habeeb AS, Al-Faraidy N, Butler MO, Rogalla P, Mason W, Joshua AM, Hogg D

Abstract
Anti-PD1 inhibitors have significant activity in metastatic melanoma. Responses often occur early and may be sustained. The optimal duration of treatment with these agents is unknown. Here we report the case of a 51-year-old woman treated with pembrolizumab, as part of the Keynote-001 trial, as first line treatment for metastatic disease. She experienced a complete response after 13.8 months of treatment with no adverse events. One month after the last drug infusion and 18 months from starting treatment, the patient presented with eosinophilic fasciitis. She then developed acute confusion and weakness, thought to be secondary to intracranial vasculitis. High dose steroids were initiated with resolution of the fasciitis. Aspirin was commenced for presumed vasculitis with resolution of the neurological symptoms. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of eosinophilic fasciitis or cerebral vasculitis due to anit-PD-1 agents. This case demonstrates that toxicity may occur in association with pembrolizumab treatment after a prolonged period of treatment without toxicity. Future trials should explore the optimal duration of treatment with pembrolizumab.

PMID: 26822024 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Σάββατο 30 Ιανουαρίου 2016

Summary

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