Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174
Τετάρτη 3 Φεβρουαρίου 2016
Pathogenesis and Diagnostic Approaches of Avian Infectious Bronchitis
Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the major economically important poultry diseases distributed worldwide. It is caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and affects both galliform and nongalliform birds. Its economic impact includes decreased egg production and poor egg quality in layers, stunted growth, poor carcass weight, and mortality in broiler chickens. Although primarily affecting the respiratory tract, IBV demonstrates a wide range of tissues tropism, including the renal and reproductive systems. Thus, disease outcome may be influenced by the organ or tissue involved as well as pathotypes or strain of the infecting virus. Knowledge on the epidemiology of the prevalent IBV strains in a particular region is therefore important to guide control and preventions. Meanwhile previous diagnostic methods such as serology and virus isolations are less sensitive and time consuming, respectively; current methods, such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and sequencing, offer highly sensitive, rapid, and accurate diagnostic results, thus enabling the genotyping of new viral strains within the shortest possible time. This review discusses aspects on pathogenesis and diagnostic methods for IBV infection.
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Aurora kinase targeting in lung cancer reduces KRAS-induced transformation
Abstract
Background
Activating mutations in KRAS are prevalent in lung cancer and have been causally linked to the oncogenic process. However, therapies targeted to oncogenic RAS have been ineffective to date and identification of KRAS targets that impinge on the oncogenic phenotype is warranted. Based on published studies showing that mitotic kinases Aurora A (AURKA) and B (AURKB) cooperate with oncogenic RAS to promote malignant transformation and that AURKA phosphorylates RAS effector pathway components, the aim of this study was to investigate whether AURKA and AURKB are KRAS targets in lung cancer and whether targeting these kinases might be therapeutically beneficial.
Methods
In order to determine whether oncogenic KRAS induces Aurora kinase expression, we used qPCR and western blotting in three different lung cell-based models of gain- or loss-of-function of KRAS. In order to determine the functional role of these kinases in KRAS-induced transformation, we generated KRAS-positive A549 and H358 cells with stable and inducible shRNA-mediated knockdown of AURKA or AURKB and evaluated transformation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. In order to validate AURKA and/or AURKB as therapeutically relevant KRAS targets in lung cancer, we treated A549 and H358 cells, as well as two different lung cell based models of gain-of-function of KRAS with a dual Aurora kinase inhibitor and performed functional in vitro assays.
Results
We determined that KRAS positively regulates AURKA and AURKB expression. Furthermore, in KRAS-positive H358 and A549 cell lines, inducible knockdown of AURKA or AURKB, as well as treatment with a dual AURKA/AURKB inhibitor, decreased growth, viability, proliferation, transformation, and induced apoptosis in vitro. In addition, inducible shRNA-mediated knockdown of AURKA in A549 cells decreased tumor growth in vivo. More importantly, dual pharmacological inhibiton of AURKA and AURKB reduced growth, viability, transformation, and induced apoptosis in vitro in an oncogenic KRAS-dependent manner, indicating that Aurora kinase inhibition therapy can specifically target KRAS-transformed cells.
Conclusions
Our results support our hypothesis that Aurora kinases are important KRAS targets in lung cancer and suggest Aurora kinase inhibition as a novel approach for KRAS-induced lung cancer therapy.
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Multicast Wi-Fi Raptor-enabled data carousel design: simulation and practical implementation
Multicast is an efficient way of transmitting the same set of data to multiple interested users. Unlike the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) cellular standards, for Wi-Fi, there is no standardised solution for reliable multicast data transmission. Multicast packets are delivered to multiple users as a broadcast service without support for automatic repeat request. Hence, multicast transmission often results in high packet loss. In order to improve the reliability of multicast delivery, a fixed low-speed (robust) transmission mode can be used. However, this results in the inefficient use of scarce and valuable radio bandwidth. This paper presents a reliable and efficient Wi-Fi multicast delivery solution for use in challenging outdoor environments. An application layer forward error correction (AL-FEC)-enabled data carousel is proposed to enhance reliability. For multicast transmission, we demonstrate that limitations in the Wi-Fi clients are a major source of packet loss, even in ideal channel conditions. Client limitations (particularly data rate limitations) were found to vary as a function of modulation and coding mode, Raptor code parameters and multicast server rate. Our initial Raptor-enabled carousel designs are based on computer simulations and lab-based trials. Analysis is then extended to field trials using a practical implementation of the recommended design. These trials were performed in central Bristol with parameters such as received signal level, packet loss traces and file download times recorded at the clients. Finally, we compare our site-specific simulated results against real-world measurements.
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The relationship between immigrant school composition, classmate support and involvement in physical fighting and bullying among adolescent immigrants and non-immigrants in 11 countries
Increasing numbers of migrant youth around the world mean growing numbers of heterogeneous school environments in many countries. Contradictory findings regarding the relationship between immigrant school composition (the percentage of immigrant versus non-immigrant students in a school) and adolescent peer violence necessitate further consideration. The current study examined the relationship between immigrant school composition and peer violence, considering classmate support as a potential moderator among 51,636 adolescents (50.1 % female) from 11 countries. The findings showed that a higher percentage of immigrant adolescents in a school was related to higher levels of physical fighting and bullying perpetration for both immigrant and non-immigrant adolescents and lower levels of victimization for immigrants. In environments of low classmate support, the positive relationship between immigrant school composition and fighting was stronger for non-immigrants than in environments with high classmate support. In environments of low classmate support, the negative relationship between immigrant school composition and fighting and bullying victimization was stronger for immigrant adolescents than in environments with high classmate support. In general, the contribution of immigrant school composition was modest in comparison to the contribution of classmate support. The findings emphasize that it is not just the number of immigrants in a class per se, but rather the environment in the classroom which influences levels of peer violence. The results highlight a need for school intervention programs encouraging positive relations in schools with immigrant populations.
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Mirtazapine added to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for treatment-resistant depression in primary care (MIR trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Background: People with depression are usually managed in primary care and antidepressants are often the first-line treatment, but only one third of patients respond fully to a single antidepressant. This paper describes the protocol for a randomised controlled trial (MIR) to investigate the extent to which the addition of the antidepressant mirtazapine is effective in reducing the symptoms of depression compared with placebo in patients who are still depressed after they have been treated with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) for at least 6 weeks in primary care.Methods/DesignMIR is a two-parallel group, multi-centre, pragmatic, placebo controlled, randomised trial with allocation at the level of the individual. Eligible participants are those who: are aged 18 years or older; are currently taking an SSRI/SNRI antidepressant (for at least 6 weeks at an adequate dose); score ≥14 on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II); have adhered to their medication; and meet ICD-10 criteria for depression (assessed using the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised version).Participants who give written, informed consent, will be randomised to receive either oral mirtazapine or matched placebo, starting at 15 mg daily for 2 weeks and increasing to 30 mg daily thereafter, for up to 12 months (to be taken in addition to their usual antidepressant). Participants, their GPs, and the research team will all be blind to the allocation. The primary outcome will be depression symptoms at 12 weeks post randomisation, measured as a continuous variable using the BDI-II.Secondary outcomes (measured at 12, 24 and 52 weeks) include: response (reduction in depressive symptoms (BDI-II score) of at least 50 % compared to baseline); remission of depression symptoms (BDI-II <10); change in anxiety symptoms; adverse effects; quality of life; adherence to antidepressant medication; health and social care use, time off work and cost-effectiveness. All outcomes will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.A qualitative study will explore patients' views and experiences of either taking two antidepressants, or an antidepressant and a placebo; and GPs' views on prescribing a second antidepressant in this patient group.DiscussionThe MIR trial will provide evidence on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of mirtazapine as an adjunct to SSRI/SNRI antidepressants for patients in primary care who have not responded to monotherapy.Trial registrationEudraCT Number: 2012-000090-23 (Registered January 2012); ISRCTN06653773 (Registered September 2012)
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Standardized letters of recommendation and successful match into otolaryngology
Objectives/Hypothesis
Historically, narrative letters of recommendation have been utilized in the selection of applicants for otolaryngology residency programs. In the last two application cycles, our specialty adopted a standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR). The intent was to decrease time burden for letter writers and to provide readers with an objective evaluation of applicants. The objective of this study was to determine attributes in the SLOR that correlate with matching into a residency program.
Study Design
We performed a retrospective study using SLOR, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step 1 scores, and matched outcomes of applicants who applied to our institution for the 2013 and 2014 match cycle.
Methods
We included the following variables from the SLOR in the statistical analysis to determine which ones were associated with matching: patient care, medical knowledge, communication skills, procedural skills, research, initiative and drive, commitment to otolaryngology, commitment to academic medicine, match potential, and USMLE1 scores.
Results
We identified 532 applicants and 963 SLOR. In successful applicants, scores for patient care, medical knowledge, communication skills, initiative and drive, and match potential were statistically higher (P < 0.05). Scores for professionalism, procedural skills, research, commitment to otolaryngology, commitment to academic medicine, and USMLE step 1 scores were not higher among successfully matched applicants.
Conclusion
Although SLOR can save time for letter writers and provide an objective description of applicants, the utility of individual domains within the SLOR is questionable. Additionally, it is concerning that applicants' professionalism and procedural skills are not correlated with matching in our specialty.
Level of Evidence
NA. Laryngoscope, 2016
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An Innovative Educational Program for International Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Pediatric Patients
Abstract
Pediatric patients and their families confront a difficult journey with hematopoietic cell transplantation. Understanding complex information, navigation, and coping with emotional, physical, and social changes in the patient, parents and family nucleus life could be quite challenging for all. In Spanish-speaking countries where transplant is emerging as an available treatment option, healthcare professionals encounter the lack or limited quality resources to educate pediatric patients and their families on a complex treatment process. Also, the level of literacy of each family varies widely, making transplant education very difficult to address in a simple and engaging way that could benefit all levels of literacy and foster well-being in the family as a whole, so they are prepared to make better informed decisions and decrease stress in all members. Super Sam versus the Marrow Monsters is a DVD resource made by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)/Be The Match® intended as an educational tool, to be shared with our U.S. network transplant centers to use when educating their pediatric patients. Hospital Angeles Lomas in the State of Mexico—member of the NMDP international network—has adopted the DVD with their pediatric audience, with very successful results, and demonstrates the benefits of expanding the initial intended use.
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Prostate Cancer Knowledge, Prevention, and Screening Behaviors in Jamaican Men
Abstract
Screening is the only effective method of reducing prostate cancer mortality. Several reports have documented poor prostate cancer awareness and screening practices in Jamaican men. The Jamaica Cancer Society provides the most organized and largest form of screening in Jamaica and hosts an annual mass screening clinic on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day in September. We sought to determine the knowledge and attitudes towards screening and risks and prevention of prostate cancer. The study represented a cross-sectional analysis of 55 men presenting for screening on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day, September 2014 in Kingston, Jamaica. Information on prostate cancer knowledge and attitudes towards screening was obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires (The Integrative Model of Prostate Cancer Disparity (PIPCaD). Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) were obtained from all patients. Mean PSA of participating men was 1.5 ± 1.48 ng/ml. Fifteen percent of men surveyed had a family history of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer knowledge was moderate, with at least 84 % of men responding correctly to 5 of 10 questions referring to prostate cancer risk and prevention. Most men had a favorable attitude towards screening. Starch formed the major portion of the diet in 68 % of men and 35 % of men engaged in no physical activity. Jamaican men surveyed have moderate prostate cancer knowledge and a positive attitude towards screening and prostate cancer prevention activities. However, the application of activities for potential prevention of modifiable risk factors is poor.
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Outcomes of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC) Compared with Non-TNBC: Does the Survival Vary for All Stages?
Abstract
Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and worse outcomes. In a study at a tertiary care breast unit in a developing country, clinico-pathological attributes and outcomes of patients with TNBC were compared with (c.w.) ER, PR, and/or HER2 expressing tumors (non-TNBC).
Patients and methods
Medical records of 1213 consecutive breast cancer patients managed during 2004–2010 were reviewed. An evaluable cohort of 705 patients with complete treatment and follow-up (median 36 months) information was thus identified. Patients were categorized per ER, PR & HER2 status into TNBC, and ER/PR+ and/or HER2+ groups. Clinico-pathological parameters, response to NACT, and OS & DFS were compared between TNBC and non-TNBC groups.
Results
TNBC patients (n = 249) comprised 35.3 % of the study cohort (n = 705), and were significantly younger than non-TNBC patients (mean age 49.1 ± 11.2y c.w. 51.8 ± 11.3, p = 0.02). The TNM stage at presentation was similar in the two groups (Stage I and II—37 % c.w. 44.3 %, Stage III—47.5 % c.w. 39.5 %, Stage IV—15.5 % c.w. 16.2 % in TNBC c.w. Non-TNBC; p = 0.09). Tumor size (5.7 ± 2.9 cm TNBC c.w. 5.4 ± 2.8 cm non-TNBC, p = 0.22) was similar but lymph nodal (cN) metastases were more frequent in TNBC (77.3 % c.w. 69.8 %; p = 0.03). TNBC had higher histologic grade (97.1 % gr II/III in TNBC c.w. 91.2 % non-TNBC, p = 0.01) and higher incidence of LVI (20.4 % in TNBC c.w. 13.5 %, p = 0.03). Patient groups received similar multi-disciplinary surgical, radiation, and systemic treatment. Comparable proportion of patients in 2 groups were treated with NACT (42 % c.w. 38 %), which resulted in pathological complete response (pCR) in 27.5 % TNBC patients c.w. 17.1 % non-TNBC patients (p = 0.04). Both OS (81.8 ± 4.52 c.w. 97.90 ± 3.87 months, p < 0.001) and DFS (89.2 ± 5.1 c.w. 113.8 ± 4.3 months, p < 0.001) were shorter in TNBC than non-TNBC group. On stage-wise comparison, OS differed significantly only in stage III (47.4 ± 5.3 months in TNBC c.w. 74.5 ± 4.4 in non-TNBC; p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed tumor stage and IHC subtyping into TNBC c.w. non-TNBC as most important factors predictive of survival.
Conclusions
TNBC occurred at younger age and exhibited aggressive pathology as compared to non-TNBC patients. Although patients with TNBC exhibited better chemo-sensitivity, they had worse DFS and OS compared to the non-TNBC patients. The survival of Stage III TNBC patients was significantly worse compared to non-TNBC group; while in stages I, II, and IV, survival were not significantly different.
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Methodologic quality assessment of red blood cell transfusion guidelines and the evidence base of more restrictive transfusion thresholds
BACKGROUND: Recent literature suggests that more restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices are equivalent or better than more liberal transfusion practices. The methodologic quality of guidelines recommending more restrictive transfusion thresholds and their underlying scientific evidence is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the quality of the development process of RBC transfusion guidelines and to investigate the underlying evidence of guidelines recommending a more restrictive hemoglobin (Hb) threshold. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Via systematic literature screening of relevant databases (NGC, GIN, Medline, and Embase), RBC transfusion guidelines recommending a more restrictive Hb level (<6, <7, or <8 g/dL) were included. Four assessors independently evaluated the methodologic quality by scoring the rigor of development domain (AGREE II checklist). The level of evidence served as a reference for the quality of the underlying evidence. RESULTS: The methodologic quality of 13 RBC transfusion guidelines was variable (18%-72%) but highest for those developed by Advancing Transfusion and Cellular Therapies Worldwide (72%), the Task Force of Advanced Bleeding Care in Trauma (70%), and the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement (61%). A Hb level of less than 7 g/dL (intensive care unit patients) or less than 8 g/dL (postoperative patients) were the only thresholds based on high-quality evidence. Only four of 32 recommendations had a high-quality evidence base. CONCLUSION: Methodologic quality should be guaranteed in future RBC transfusion guideline development to ensure that the best available evidence is captured when recommending restrictive transfusion strategies. More high-quality trials are needed to provide a stronger scientific basis for RBC transfusion guidelines that recommend more restrictive transfusion thresholds.
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Bronze Age moss fibre garments from Scotland – the jury’s out.
Harris, SM; Gleba,M., ; Bronze Age moss fibre garments from Scotland – the jury's out. Archaeological Textiles Review , 57
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Efficacy of laser-based irrigant activation methods in removing debris from simulated root canal irregularities
In root canal therapy, irrigating solutions are essential to assist in debridement and disinfection, but their spread and action is often restricted by canal anatomy. Hence, activation of irrigants is suggested to improve their distribution in the canal system, increasing irrigation effectiveness. Activation can be done with lasers, termed laser-activated irrigation (LAI). The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the efficacy of different irrigant activation methods in removing debris from simulated root canal irregularities. Twenty-five straight human canine roots were embedded in resin, split, and their canals prepared to a standardized shape. A groove was cut in the wall of each canal and filled with dentin debris. Canals were filled with sodium hypochlorite and six irrigant activation procedures were tested: conventional needle irrigation (CI), manual-dynamic irrigation with a tapered gutta percha cone (manual-dynamic irrigation (MDI)), passive ultrasonic irrigation, LAI with 2,940-nm erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser with a plain fiber tip inside the canal (Er-flat), LAI with Er:YAG laser with a conical tip held at the canal entrance (Er-PIPS), and LAI with a 980-nm diode laser moving the fiber inside the canal (diode). The amount of remaining debris in the groove was scored and compared among the groups using non-parametric tests. Conventional irrigation removed significantly less debris than all other groups. The Er:YAG with plain fiber tip was more efficient than MDI, CI, diode, and Er:YAG laser with PIPS tip in removing debris from simulated root canal irregularities.
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Diagnostic Value of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Radiation Encephalopathy Induced by Radiotherapy for Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
In this study, articles in English and Chinese were selected from available electronic databases prior to September 2014. The metabolic concentrations and patterns of N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), Choline (Cho), Creatine (Cr), NAA/Cr, NAA/Cho, and Cho/Cr ratios in radiotherapy-induced radiation encephalopathy by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were extracted. A meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively synthesize findings of these studies. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated using random or fixed effective models. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane test and statistics. The results indicated that a total of 4 researches involving 214 patients met inclusion criteria. Depending on methodologies of selected studies, control groups were referred to as healthy subjects. The combined analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in value of Cr between radiotherapy group and healthy control group (WMD = −1.483, 95% CI: −67.185–64.219, ). However, there were significant difference in values of NAA (WMD = −18.227, 95%CI: −36.317–−0.137, ), Cho (WMD = 38.003, 95%CI: 5.155–70.851, ), NAA/Cr (WMD = −1.175, 95%CI: −1.563–−0.787, ), NAA/Cho (WMD = −1.108, 95%CI: −2.003–0.213, ), and Cho/Cr (WMD = −0.773, 95%CI: 0.239–1.307, ). In conclusion, MRS can be regarded as an effective and feasible imaging test for radiotherapy-induced radiation encephalopathy in NPC patients.
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High glucose concentration induces endothelial cell proliferation by regulating cyclin-D2-related miR-98
Abstract
Cyclin D2 is involved in the pathology of vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the role of cyclin-D2-regulated miRNAs in endothelial cell proliferation of T2DM. Results showed that higher glucose concentration (4.5 g/l) significantly promoted the proliferation of rat aortic endothelial cells (RAOECs), and significantly increased the expression of cyclin D2 and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma 1 (p-RB1) in RAOECs compared with those under low glucose concentration. The cyclin D2-3′ untranslated region is targeted by miR-98, as demonstrated by miRNA analysis software. Western blot also confirmed that cyclin D2 and p-RB1 expression was regulated by miR-98. The results indicated that miR-98 treatment can induce RAOEC apoptosis. The suppression of RAOEC growth by miR-98 might be related to regulation of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase 9 expression. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR-98 decreased in 4.5 g/l glucose-treated cells compared with those treated by low glucose concentration. Similarly, the expression of miR-98 significantly decreased in aortas of established streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model compared with that in control rats; but cyclin D2 and p-RB1 levels remarkably increased in aortas of STZ-induced diabetic rats compared with those in healthy control rats. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that high glucose concentration induces cyclin D2 up-regulation and miR-98 down-regulation in the RAOECs. By regulating cyclin D2, miR-98 can inhibit human endothelial cell growth, thereby providing novel therapeutic targets for vascular complication of T2DM.
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Improvement of kidney redox states contributes to the beneficial effects of dietary pomegranate peel against barium chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats.
| Related Articles |
Improvement of kidney redox states contributes to the beneficial effects of dietary pomegranate peel against barium chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats.
Arch Physiol Biochem. 2016 Feb 2;:1-40
Authors: Elwej A, Ghorbel I, Marrekchi R, Boudawara O, Jamoussi K, Boudawara T, Zeghal N, Sefi M
Abstract
CONTEXT: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) is known to possess enormous antioxidant activity.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the protective effects of pomegranate peel against barium mediated renal damage.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were exposed during 21 days either to barium (67 ppm), barium+pomegranate peel (5% of diet) or to only pomegranate peel (5% of diet).
RESULTS: Exposure rats to barium provoked a significant increase of kidney MDA, AOPP and H2O2 levels. Creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels in plasma and urine were also modified. SOD, CAT, GPx activities, NPSH and GSH levels were decreased. Metallothioneins production was increased and their genes expressions were up-regulated. All these changes were improved by dietary pomegranate peel. Moreover, the distorted histo-architecture in kidney of barium group was alleviated by pomegranate peel.
CONCLUSION: Our data showed, for the first time, the protective effects of pomegranate peel against barium induced renal oxidative damage.
PMID: 26835741 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Quercetin modulated erythrocyte membrane sodium hydrogen exchanger during human aging: correlation with ATPase's.
| Related Articles |
Quercetin modulated erythrocyte membrane sodium hydrogen exchanger during human aging: correlation with ATPase's.
Arch Physiol Biochem. 2016 Feb 2;:1-26
Authors: Kumar P, Chand S, Maurya PK
Abstract
CONTENT: Quercetin uptake by erythrocytes is rapid. The sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE) is a secondary active transporter, regulating intracellular pH, Na(+) concentration, and cell volume.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to investigate NHE as a function of human age and effect of quercetin on its activity. The NHE activity was correlated with erythrocytes ATPases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed normal, healthy subjects of both sexes (20-82 years). NHE activity was estimated in terms of amiloride-sensitive H+-efflux from acid loaded cells.
RESULTS: A significant age dependent increase in NHE activity was observed during aging in humans. Concentration (10(-3)M to 10(-8)M) dependent in vitro treatment with quercetin causes inhibition of NHE activity. The Na(+)/K(+) -ATPase (r = 0.8882) and Ca(2+) -ATPase (r = 0.9540) activities positively correlated with it.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The present data show an additional mechanism where dietary flavonoids may exerts beneficial effect during aging.
PMID: 26835548 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Innate Immunity and Inflammation in NAFLD/NASH
Abstract
Inflammation and hepatocyte injury and death are the hallmarks of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a currently burgeoning public health problem. Innate immune activation is a key factor in triggering and amplifying hepatic inflammation in NAFLD/NASH. Thus, identification of the underlying mechanisms by which immune cells in the liver recognize cell damage signals or the presence of pathogens or pathogen-derived factors that activate them is relevant from a therapeutic perspective. In this review, we present new insights into the factors promoting the inflammatory response in NASH including sterile cell death processes resulting from lipotoxicity in hepatocytes as well as into the altered gut-liver axis function, which involves translocation of bacterial products into portal circulation as a result of gut leakiness. We further delineate the key immune cell types involved and how they recognize both damage-associated molecular patterns or pathogen-associated molecular patterns through binding of surface-expressed pattern recognition receptors, which initiate signaling cascades leading to injury amplification. The relevance of modulating these inflammatory signaling pathways as potential novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of NASH is summarized.
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Imagining the unseen: stability-based cuboid arrangements for scene understanding
Shao, T; Monszpart, A; Zheng, Y; Koo, B; Xu, W; Zhou, K; Mitra, NJ; (2014) Imagining the unseen: stability-based cuboid arrangements for scene understanding. ACM Transactions on Graphics , 33 (6) , Article 209. 10.1145/2661229.2661288 . Green open access
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Understanding interfacial water and its role in practical applications using molecular simulations
Striolo, A; (2014) Understanding interfacial water and its role in practical applications using molecular simulations. MRS Bulletin , 39 (12) pp. 1062-1067. 10.1557/mrs.2014.281 . Green open access
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Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology in the Light of Kant's Third Critique and Schelling's Real-Idealismus
Gardner, S; (2016) Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology in the Light of Kant's Third Critique and Schelling's Real-Idealismus. Continental Review (In press).
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Investigations into GABAB receptor surface stability and molecular interactions.
Fairfax, B.P.; (2004) Investigations into GABAB receptor surface stability and molecular interactions. Doctoral thesis, University of London. Green open access
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Transcendental Idealism at the Limit: On A. W. Moore's Criticism of Kant
Gardner, S; (2016) Transcendental Idealism at the Limit: On A. W. Moore's Criticism of Kant. Philosophical Topics (In press).
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Optimizing spatial pore-size and porosity distributions of adsorbents for enhanced adsorption and desorption performance
Ye, G; Duan, X; Zhu, K; Zhou, X; Coppens, M-O; Yuan, W; (2015) Optimizing spatial pore-size and porosity distributions of adsorbents for enhanced adsorption and desorption performance. Chemical Engineering Science , 132 pp. 108-117. 10.1016/j.ces.2015.04.024 .
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Fear in the Palestinian classroom: pedagogy, authoritarianism and transformation
Affouneh, S; Hargreaves, E; (2015) Fear in the Palestinian classroom: pedagogy, authoritarianism and transformation. Pedagogies: An International Journal , 10 (3) pp. 222-237. 10.1080/1554480X.2015.1009837 .
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Immigrants' performance, welfare and reception: An economic analysis for the UK.
Fabbri, F.; (2004) Immigrants' performance, welfare and reception: An economic analysis for the UK. Doctoral thesis, University of London. Green open access
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PET imaging of tumor glycolysis downstream of hexokinase through noninvasive measurement of pyruvate kinase M2
Witney, TH; James, ML; Shen, B; Chang, E; Pohling, C; Arksey, N; Hoehne, A; Witney, TH; James, ML; Shen, B; Chang, E; Pohling, C; Arksey, N; Hoehne, A; Shuhendler, A; Park, JH; Bodapati, D; Weber, J; Gowrishankar, G; Rao, J; Chin, FT; Gambhir, SS; - view fewer (2015) PET imaging of tumor glycolysis downstream of hexokinase through noninvasive measurement of pyruvate kinase M2. Science Translational Medicine , 7 (310) , Article 310ra169. 10.1126/scitranslmed.aac6117 .
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Bureaucratic Rationale and Use of an Academic Concept in Policy-Making: The Rise and Fall of the Regional Innovation System in South Korea
Sonn, JW; Kang, H; (2016) Bureaucratic Rationale and Use of an Academic Concept in Policy-Making: The Rise and Fall of the Regional Innovation System in South Korea. Regional Studies , 50 (3) pp. 1-13. 10.1080/00343404.2015.1052061 .
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Additive influences of maternal and paternal body mass index on weight status trajectories from childhood to mid-adulthood in the 1970 British cohort study
Costa, S; Johnson, W; Viner, RM; (2015) Additive influences of maternal and paternal body mass index on weight status trajectories from childhood to mid-adulthood in the 1970 British cohort study. Longitudinal and Life Course Studies , 6 (2) pp. 147-172. 10.14301/llcs.v6i2.301 . Green open access
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Comparison of nerve combing and percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.
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Comparison of nerve combing and percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 Jan 7;
Authors: Zhou X, Liu Y, Yue Z, Luan D, Zhang H, Han J
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) is a common pain disease in elderly people. Many methods have been used to alleviate the pain of patients, but few studies in the literature have compared the effect of nerve combing and percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the clinical outcome of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia after nerve combing (NC) and compare them with those obtained using percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF).
METHODS: The study included 105 idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia patients with similar symptom, age and underlying disease, which were divided into two groups. One group was treated by nerve combing (50 patients), the other by RF (55 cases). All patients were considered medical failures prior to the surgeries. A questionnaire was used to assess the long-term outcomes: pain relief, recurrence, complication and need for additional treatment.
RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up in both groups was 90 months. Satisfactory relief was noted in 41 patients (82%), 5 patients (10%) initially experienced pain relief, then recurred, and four patients (8%) were designated poor among the group NC. In the group RF, satisfactory relief was noted in 42 patients (76.4%). There were eight "pain free with recurrence patients (14.5%) and 5 poor cases (9.1%). No statistically significant differences existed in the outcomes between both groups (p>0.05). Postoperative morbidity included dysesthesia, diplopia, partial facial nerve palsy, hearing loss, tinnitus, cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis and mortality.
CONCLUSION: Nerve combing and RF are both satisfactory treatment strategies for patients with ITN. Because of the higher risk of sensory morbidity and surgical risk as open surgery, RF is preferred as the recommended procedure for patients with ITN.
PMID: 26832635 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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The relationship between tinnitus and vascular anomalies on temporal bone CT scan: a retrospective case control study.
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The relationship between tinnitus and vascular anomalies on temporal bone CT scan: a retrospective case control study.
Surg Radiol Anat. 2016 Jan 30;
Authors: Kizildag B, Bilal N, Yurttutan N, Sarica MA, Gungor G, Baykara M
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a common symptom in which etiology is unclear in a group of patients. Some of anatomic or vascular variations diagnosed on temporal bone computed tomography (CT) has been known to cause tinnitus particulary pulsatile form. Therefore significance of these anatomic variations has not been validated in patients with nonpulsatile tinnitus. The aim of this study is to ascertain several anatomic variations previously attributed to pulsatile tinnitus in nonpulsatile tinnitus patients. And secondly to assess the relationship between the amount of sigmoid sinus bulging and mastoid emissary vein (MEV), enlargement of those was not evaluated before in tinnitus patients.
METHODS: Retrospectively, temporal bone CT scans of 70 patients with an existing complaint of tinnitus with unexplained etiology were enrolled. As a control group, 70 patients were selected from paranasal sinus CT scans without any otological or clinical findings.
RESULTS: The type of tinnitus was subjective and nonpulsatile in the overall group. The diameters of enlarged MEV on the left side were significantly higher in the tinnitus group. Carotid canal dehiscence and high riding jugular bulb were significantly higher in the tinnitus patients. Petrous bone pneumatization was significantly lower in the tinnitus patients than in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: In patients who complained of subjective nonpulsatile tinnitus with unknown etiology, some temporal bone vascular variations, including high riding jugular bulb, dehiscent carotid canal, left-sided MEV enlargement, and petrous bone pneumatization, seemed to have an association with tinnitus. Further studies comparing all these entities between pulsatile and nonpulsatile groups and healthy controls should be undertaken.
PMID: 26831324 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Association between sleep quality and psychiatric disorders in patients with subjective tinnitus in China.
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Association between sleep quality and psychiatric disorders in patients with subjective tinnitus in China.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 Jan 30;
Authors: Xu Y, Yao J, Zhang Z, Wang W
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the relationship between quality of sleep and psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression in patients with subjective tinnitus. Early intervention is associated with improved therapeutic outcomes. We used Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) in 543 patients [224 male (41.3 %); 319 female (58.7 %)] with subjective tinnitus enrolled in the ENT outpatient clinic from 2013 to 2015. Tinnitus characteristics and hearing status were recorded. A binary step-wise logistic regression analysis was performed. Two hundred cases (36.8 %) including 65 men (32.5 %) and 135 women (67.5 %) were diagnosed with sleep disorders. The PSQI score was the highest in patients with anxiety plus depression. Prolonged sleep latency and daytime dysfunction were positively associated with anxiety and depression. Increased sleep latency score was associated with 1.521- and 1.667-fold increased risk of anxiety and depression. Increase in the daytime dysfunction score was associated with 1.941- and 1.477-fold increases in the risk of anxiety and depression, respectively. Psychiatric and sleep disorders are highly prevalent in patients with subjective tinnitus. The most severe sleep impairment was found in patients with anxiety plus depression, resulting from prolonged sleep latency and severe daytime dysfunction. Acute duration, young people, hearing loss, impaired sleep, and severity of tinnitus were the major risk factors for tinnitus accompanied with anxiety symptoms. Severity of tinnitus and sleep impairment appeared to be the major risk factors of tinnitus accompanied with depression symptoms.
PMID: 26831120 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Graph theoretical analysis of brain connectivity in phantom sound perception.
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Graph theoretical analysis of brain connectivity in phantom sound perception.
Sci Rep. 2016;6:19683
Authors: Mohan A, De Ridder D, Vanneste S
Abstract
Tinnitus is a phantom sound commonly thought of to be produced by the brain related to auditory deafferentation. The current study applies concepts from graph theory to investigate the differences in lagged phase functional connectivity using the average resting state EEG of 311 tinnitus patients and 256 healthy controls. The primary finding of the study was a significant increase in connectivity in beta and gamma oscillations and a significant reduction in connectivity in the lower frequencies for the tinnitus group. There also seems to be parallel processing of long-distance information between delta, theta, alpha1 and gamma frequency bands that is significantly stronger in the tinnitus group. While the network reorganizes into a more regular topology in the low frequency carrier oscillations, development of a more random topology is witnessed in the high frequency oscillations. In summary, tinnitus can be regarded as a maladaptive 'disconnection' syndrome, which tries to both stabilize into a regular topology and broadcast the presence of a deafferentation-based bottom-up prediction error as a result of a top-down prediction.
PMID: 26830446 [PubMed - in process]
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Corrigendum.
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Corrigendum.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb;154(2):400
Authors:
Abstract
Thompson GP, Sladen DP, Hughes Borst BJ, Still OL. Accuracy of a tablet audiometer for measuring behavioral hearing thresholds in a clinical population. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;153:838-842. (Original DOI: 10.1177/0194599815593737).
PMID: 26833651 [PubMed - in process]
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Response to "A Beacon of Emotional Resilience in a Storm of Mistreatment?".
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Response to "A Beacon of Emotional Resilience in a Storm of Mistreatment?".
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb;154(2):398-9
Authors: McMains KC
PMID: 26833650 [PubMed - in process]
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A Beacon of Emotional Resilience in a Storm of Mistreatment?
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A Beacon of Emotional Resilience in a Storm of Mistreatment?
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb;154(2):397-8
Authors: Bynum WE, Durning SJ
PMID: 26833649 [PubMed - in process]
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Response to "Parathyroid Surgery: Getting It Right the First Time": Parathyroid Surgery: Primum Non Nocere.
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Response to "Parathyroid Surgery: Getting It Right the First Time": Parathyroid Surgery: Primum Non Nocere.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb;154(2):397
Authors: Kuhel WI, Kutler DI, Cohen M, Heineman T
PMID: 26833648 [PubMed - in process]
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Parathyroid Surgery: Getting It Right the First Time.
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Parathyroid Surgery: Getting It Right the First Time.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb;154(2):396
Authors: Terris DJ, Stack BC
PMID: 26833647 [PubMed - in process]
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Plain Language Summary: Otitis Media with Effusion.
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Plain Language Summary: Otitis Media with Effusion.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb;154(2):215-25
Authors: O'Connor SS, Coggins R, Gagnon L, Rosenfeld RM, Shin JJ, Walsh SA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This plain language summary serves as an overview in explaining otitis media with effusion (pronounced Oh-TIE-tis ME-dee-uh with Ef-YOO-zhun), abbreviated "OME" and often called "ear fluid." The summary applies to children aged 2 months through 12 years with OME and is based on the 2015 "Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion (Update)." The evidence-based guideline includes research to support more effective diagnosis and treatment of OME in children. The guideline was developed as a quality improvement opportunity for managing OME by creating clear recommendations to use in medical practice.
PMID: 26833646 [PubMed - in process]
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Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion Executive Summary (Update).
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Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion Executive Summary (Update).
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb;154(2):201-14
Authors: Rosenfeld RM, Shin JJ, Schwartz SR, Coggins R, Gagnon L, Hackell JM, Hoelting D, Hunter LL, Kummer AW, Payne SC, Poe DS, Veling M, Vila PM, Walsh SA, Corrigan MD
Abstract
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has published a supplement to this issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery featuring the updated "Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion." To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 18 recommendations developed emphasize diagnostic accuracy, identification of children who are most susceptible to developmental sequelae from otitis media with effusion, and education of clinicians and patients regarding the favorable natural history of most otitis media with effusion and the lack of efficacy for medical therapy (eg, steroids, antihistamines, decongestants). An updated guideline is needed due to new clinical trials, new systematic reviews, and the lack of consumer participation in the initial guideline development group.
PMID: 26833645 [PubMed - in process]
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Association between statin use and cardiovascular mortality at the population level: an ecologic study
Background: We assessed the contribution of statin use to the decline in cardiovascular mortality for The Netherlands over the period 1994-2010. Methods: We combined aggregated mortality data from Statistics Netherlands with dispensing data from a representative drug dispensing database. We estimated mortality as if prevalence of statin use had remained at its observed 1994 levels throughout the period 1994-2010 for acute myocardial infarction, other ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease using Poisson models adjusted for various confounders. Results: We estimated that keeping prevalence of statin use at observed 1994 levels would have resulted in 6.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.9, 7.8), 1.6 (95% CI = 0.8, 2.6), and 3.4 (95% CI = 2.2, 4.6) more acute myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular deaths per 10,000 person-years, respectively. Conclusion: The findings indicate that statin therapy was associated with decreasing national cardiovascular mortality rates in the period 1994 to 2010.
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Highlights from the Current Issue: February 2016.
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Highlights from the Current Issue: February 2016.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb;154(2):197-8
Authors: Krouse JH
PMID: 26833644 [PubMed - in process]
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Estimating direct effects in cohort and case-control studies
Estimating the effect of an exposure on an outcome, other than through some given mediator, requires adjustment for all risk factors of the mediator that are also associated with the outcome. When these risk factors are themselves affected by the exposure, then standard regression methods do not apply. In this article, I review methods for accommodating this and discuss their limitations for estimating the controlled direct effect (ie, the exposure effect when controlling the mediator at a specified level uniformly in the population). In addition, I propose a powerful and easy-to-apply alternative that uses G-estimation in structural nested models to address these limitations both for cohort and case-control studies.
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3B. Personal history: Have you ever had excessive shortness of breath or fatigue with exercise beyond what is expected for your level of fitness?
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3B. Personal history: Have you ever had excessive shortness of breath or fatigue with exercise beyond what is expected for your level of fitness?
Curr Sports Med Rep. 2015 May-Jun;14(3):259-60
Authors: Kenny JE, Ruoss S
PMID: 25968868 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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